Scenery Review: LZIB - Bratislava International Airport by Chudoba Design   By Michael Hayward   Introduction Bratislava International is Slovakia's primary airport, serving the capital alongside the surrounding regions of Ružinov, Vrakuňa, and Ivanka pri Dunaji. It also serves as a convenient alternative for Austria's Vienna Airport, which is merely a short coach ride away. Opened in 1951, it replaced the nearby Vajnory Airport, located just 3 km away. Initially, it had a quiet start due to Vienna's proximity, but it gained popularity in the 1990s with the arrival of low-cost airlines. The airport is named after Milan Rastislav Štefánik, a prominent figure in Slovakia's World War I council. Chudoba Design, a relatively small developer focused on European scenery, creates airports with considerable care and detail. Despite their competitive pricing, which reflects the smaller scale of the airports they develop, they consistently deliver quality sceneries.  In this review, we will examine Bratislava International Airport in detail, especially how it compares to the real thing, considering my personal experience flying through here last year.     Installation Upon purchase, you receive a serial key and a link to the download server. To begin, select the desired scenery, in this case, Bratislava M. R. Štefánik Airport. Enter your serial key and click 'download'. The first time you install, a user license agreement will appear. It's worth giving this a quick read, and if you're satisfied, click 'continue' to start the download. Once downloaded, simply drag and drop the scenery file into your 'Custom Scenery' folder and X-Plane’s scenery manager will handle the rest. An additional feature of this add-on is the inclusion of a scenery library, which we will explore in more detail later.   Taxiways and Runway Chudoba Design has enhanced the scenery with an ortho map, adding high-quality ground textures that closely match the actual airport. The texture detail is split into two levels: high-resolution within the immediate vicinity of the airport and lower-resolution as you move closer to the main boundary. It's important to note that the included photographic tile focuses exclusively on the airport area and does not extend to the surrounding environment. As such, for the purposes of this review, I am using simHeaven’s X-World Europe along with my own Ortho4XP tile to complement the scenery.   Bratislava International features two intersecting runways, with taxiways leading from each to the terminal area. Despite its expansion over the years, Bratislava remains a relatively compact airport, making navigation relatively simple.      The airport has undergone considerable growth, as evidenced by the remnants of a former taxiway that once spanned the entire airport but is now discontinued and partially removed. The predominant surface material is concrete, notable for its square grid pattern across the taxiways and runways. This concrete is typically pre-formed into slabs before installation to enhance drying and durability. Taxi and ground markings are distinctly visible and easy to interpret, aiding navigation throughout the airport     Near the gates, the concrete shows significant weathering; it is darker and marked by liquid stains and tyre tracks, bearing witness to decades of use. This distinction in wear provides visual cues to the airport's development, indicating which areas are older and which have been more recently updated, particularly towards the cargo facilities where newer, brighter, and cleaner taxiways are found.     Structures and Facilities Bratislava boasts a single main terminal complemented by hangars and a modest DHL cargo building to its east. These structures are well designed and closely resemble their real-life counterparts within X-Plane.      The terminal comprises of two distinct sections: the first is a newer, larger building with a curved roof; the second is the older non-Schengen area, which is positioned at a lower level and connected to the newer structure. Regrettably, the interior of the terminal is not modelled, which is disappointing, though the opportunity to view inside from airside is limited. However, this does not detract from the overall quality of the scenery. The windows feature dark, reflective glass with steel frames securing the panes.  Bump mapping and Physically Based Rendering (PBR) techniques add reflections and shine to polished metal surfaces at the main terminal and depth to the walls and roofs of adjoining buildings. This has all been done to ensure the terminal's appearance is optimized with minimal processing power and it works well.     The main cargo area is equipped with modern facilities, including new buildings and hangars, while the majority of services outside the terminal consist of older structures dating back to the Czechoslovak era, characterised by grey concrete blocks and warehouses. This includes the original control tower, now overshadowed by a newer tower constructed in the 1990s. This contrast highlights the airport's historical evolution, with various areas developed and renovated from the Soviet era up until Slovakia joined the EU in 2004.     Around the airport, ground service and support vehicles are scattered across gates and stationed in their designated areas. Textures vary between 4K and 1K resolution and are allocated based on building size to optimize detail without going over the top. The benefit to this is that it preserves hard drive space and lowers GPU VRAM usage. Static aircraft, including a fleet of Austrian CRJs and a couple of former government TU-154s, are strategically placed around the airport, adding realism and life to the scenery.      Other Structures and the Surrounding Area In front of the terminal, you'll find the main car park, bus stop, and forecourt area, all interconnected by a network of roads that weave around the terminal and hangars. These roads lead to a traffic circle directing traffic towards the city centre and are lined with trees and bushes, which all look rather pretty. Having walked these roads last year, I enjoyed using the free cam feature to explore the same area, albeit virtually.     Night Lighting  The airport is well-equipped for night operations with simple yet effective lighting. Runways and taxiways are outlined with blue edge lighting and green centrelines, while the main terminal is illuminated by spotlights. These features ensure safe and easy navigation throughout the airport during nighttime.       Chudoba Design Library Chudoba Design includes a common library in all its airport sceneries. This pack contains hundreds of small buildings, vehicles, and clutter scattered around the airport, enhancing the realism and depth of the scenery. This inclusion is a trend among developers aimed at supporting their sceneries and providing additional models for users to place throughout the X-Plane world, though these are presumably not intended for use outside of their products. Similar to the terminal, these elements employ a mix of 4K and 1K texture resolutions, delivering high detail tailored to the size and scale of each model.      Opinion and Closing Remarks Overall, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my virtual flights to and from Bratislava International. Reflecting on my real journey through Bratislava last year, I was delighted to explore all areas of this airport in X-Plane. Chudoba Design, while not the largest developer for X-Plane, offers an impressive range of quality sceneries at competitive prices, making their products particularly appealing for those looking to enhance their Eastern European airport collection.     The use of both high and lower-resolution textures throughout the airport strikes a perfect balance, enhancing visual quality without compromising performance. Although the full terminal interior isn’t available, this doesn’t detract from the overall experience. In fact, because of the positioning of airside buildings and bridges, the interior view wouldn’t be particularly visible anyway. This careful attention to detail and performance is really impressive. For those seeking a cost-effective hub for low-cost carriers, Chudoba Design’s Bratislava International is a strong option worth considering!   ______________________________________     LZIB - Bratislava International Airport by Chudoba Design is available from the Org store here:   LZIB - Bratislava International Airport Priced at US$12.49   Features: PBR Textures Custom Models Optimized for best performance X-Plane 12 Ready Requirements: X-Plane 12 or X-Plane 11 Windows, Mac, or Linux 4 GB VRAM Minimum - 8 GB VRAM Recommended Reviewers System: Windows 10 Professional AMD Ryzen 5 3600 Processor 32GB RAM Palit GeForce RTX™ 3080 GamingPro   Scenery Review by Michael Hayward  31st May 2024 Copyright©2024: X-Plane Reviews     (Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copying of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions)       

NEWS! - Aircraft Released : Beechcraft Bonanza G36 by PAE     The Beechcraft Bonanza is one of my most loved aircraft (Carenado F33A), but how about a G1000 infused Bonanza. The Beechcraft Bonanza G36 is the G1000 variant of the popular Bonanza A36. It started production in 2005, and this model is meant to simulate the 2020 version. As a side note PAE are going to release a F33A version in the future (plus a Analog version of the G36).   PAE Addons already have a record in creating excellent Freeware aircraft, now here is their first Payware release...   Powered by a custom Laminar Research default X-Plane 12 G1000 avionics system, this release is a modern take on an old but well loved aircraft.   Features... X-Plane G1000 enhanced to show Annunciators in the PFD and custom Start up sequence Working Circuit Breakers Animated Doors VR Compatible PBR Materials Custom Sounds Rain / Defroster on the Windshields Avitab Integration - Tablet to Enable and Disable The Plane has been tested and it matches the POH performance numbers for the LOP settings.  Included in the Package 3 Liveries Performance Charts 3D Paint Kit Optional - IO-550N - Turbo Normalized Version for the performance Optional - With Tip Tanks - for managing the really long trips         This is an X-Plane 12 aircraft only, and not available for X-Plane 11.   Images are courtesy of PAE Addons ___________________________     Yes!  The Beechcraft Bonanza G36 by PAE is NOW available from the X-Plane.Org Store here : Beechcraft Bonanza G36 Price is US$29.95 Your Price: US$19.99 You Save:$10.00(33%)   Requirements X-Plane 12 Windows, Mac or Linux 8 GB+ VRAM Current version : 1.0 (May 28 2024) ___________________________   News by Stephen Dutton 30th May 2024 Copyright©2024: X-Plane Reviews   (Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions) All Rights Reserved  

NEWS! - Aircraft Upgraded : K-1200 K-MAX XP12 by STMA     The Kaman K-MAX (company designation K-1200) is a helicopter with intermeshing rotors (synchropter) designed and produced by the American manufacturer Kaman Aircraft.   Developed during the 1980s and 1990s, the K-MAX builds on the work of the German aeronautical engineer Anton Flettner. Performing its maiden flight on December 23, 1991, it was specially designed to optimally perform external cargo load operations and is capable of lifting payloads in excess of 6,000 pounds (2,700 kg), which is greater than the helicopter's empty weight and almost twice as much as the competing Bell 205 despite sharing a similar engine. Being a synchropter, it has greater efficiency in comparison to conventional rotor technology. In addition to airlifting external loads, specialised configurations for aerial firefighting and casualty evacuation have been developed. It was produced for both military and civilian operators.   Shade Tree Micro Aviation (STMA) released back in 2012 their version of the interesting synchropter, the K-12000 K-Max. This is the upgraded X-Plane 12 version, but the older X-Plane 11 version is still available.   Details Made for precise heavy lifting, the Kaman KMAX helicopter works around the world in precision lift operations involving logging in mountainous terrain, firefighting in remote areas, construction in mountainous and urban settings and resupply in remote regions.    The intermeshing synchrotor design maximizes lift capability while keeping the noise level much less than other helicopters.   The STMA KMAX for XP12 goes to  a new standard with Garmin G530 navigation capability, full IFR cockpit, new lighting features, rain and reflective windscreens, an improved external load console, and a set of new slung load objects specifically designed for the KMAX and XP12 slung load modeling.    In our previous models we included a specific Bambi bucket version and a tanker version. XP12’s new slung load modeling obviates the need for a special Bambi version and the Isolair company has ceased production of KMAX tanker add-ons so we now offer a configurable single model with long line you can adjust in PlaneMaker to fit your skill levels.   In development we review the most appealing liveries and include them with the model. The cockpit is now fully animated with 3D instruments and improved lighting for all conditions.   Also included is the KMAX operations manual and full cockpit documentation in active touch region labels to be able to quickly master startup and shutdown. VR operations are also included if you have that capability.   If you are new to XP helicopters or thinking about learning helicopter flight, the KMAX with its counter-rotating rotors makes it the simplest helicopter to learn vertical flight. There is no yaw to counteract as you increase or decrease collective and the KMAX has plenty of power to get you wherever you want to go. If you are an “old head” XP helicopter type then the KMAX and its load assortment will be a great addition to your fleet.     The initial production run of the K-MAX ran between 1991 and 2003, at which point the line was shuttered after the completion of 38 helicopters due to low customer demand. During June 2015, Kaman announced that it was restarting production following the receipt of ten commercial orders for the K-MAX.[1] During May 2017, the first flight of a K-MAX built on the restarted production line took place; two months later, the first new-build aircraft since 2003 was delivered to a customer based in China. However, in January 2023, amid a downturn in demand, Kaman announced its intention to shutter production of the K-MAX once again.   Images are courtesy of Shade Tree Micro Aviation ___________________________     Yes!  The K-1200 K-MAX XP12 by Shade Tree Micro Aviation is NOW available from the X-Plane.Org Store here : K-1200 K-MAX XP12 Price is US$29.95   Requirements X-Plane 12 Windows , Mac or Linux 8 GB+ VRAM Recommended  Current version : 12.1 (May 22 2024) ___________________________   News by Stephen Dutton 25th May 2024 Copyright©2024: X-Plane Reviews   (Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions) All Rights Reserved  

Aircraft Review: vFlyteAir Cherokee 140 for X-Plane 12   By Pete Allnutt Introduction First introduced in the early 1960s, the Piper PA-28 Series has become a familiar sight in general aviation. Originating as a more economical alternative to the Piper PA-24, the series started with the Cherokee and eventually expanded to include the Archer. Known for its robust single-engine setup, unpressurized cabin, and fixed tricycle landing gear, the PA-28 has been a reliable choice for pilots who value practicality and reliability over aesthetic complexity. This review focuses on the Cherokee 140, a model celebrated for its straightforward handling and classic design. vFlyteAir's latest version for X-Plane 12 has been thoughtfully modelled to balance historical accuracy with selected modern enhancements. This rendition not only boosts the aircraft's features but also preserves the timeless appeal that has made it a favourite among pilots for generations.   vFlyteAir’s updated Cherokee includes three instrument panel options to cater to different flying preferences. The default setup features a modern Aspen E5 PFD/MFD instrument combined with a Bendix/King KFC 230 touch-screen autopilot for those who enjoy contemporary avionics. For traditionalists, there's an option with a conventional HSI, and for the purists, a basic VFR panel is available that strips back to essentials, perfect for sharpening basic VFR navigation skills.     Purchase and Installation The PA-28-140 Cherokee is available for purchase at the X-plane.org store for $29.95. After purchasing, you will receive an order confirmation via email that includes a link to download the aircraft. The download consists of a 590MB file that needs to be unzipped, either into a folder of your choice, or directly into your X-Plane 12 Aircraft folder.  Upon first launch, you will be prompted to enter an Activation Code, which is also sent to your email. It’s advisable to keep this code noted, although it can be retrieved from your account on the Store if needed. Included in the package is a documents folder containing four PDF files, including a POH (Pilot’s Operating Handbook), providing detailed operational support. These documents are extremely well written, offering some of the best guidance and information I’ve encountered with an X-Plane product.     Updates for the Cherokee are managed via the Skunkcrafts Updater, a stand-alone application increasingly used by developers across X-Plane. While the updater simplifies keeping purchases up to date, it required me to re-authenticate my purchase after installation, a step that, in my opinion, could be more streamlined. Although updates are promptly available, a more detailed changelog in the form of a readme file would help show what changes have been made.       Exterior Model The Cherokee is equipped with a selection of twelve high-definition liveries, which includes a Paint Kit for enthusiasts who enjoy customizing their aircraft’s appearance. Each livery boasts top-quality finishes, with wonderful attention to detail that becomes even more apparent upon close inspection. The aircraft features fully implemented Physically Based Rendering (PBR) textures that support realistic 3D rain and ice effects, enhancing both the visual clarity and realism.     Each livery boasts top-quality finishes, with meticulous attention to detail that becomes even more apparent upon close inspection. The aircraft features fully implemented Physically Based Rendering (PBR) textures that support realistic 3D rain and ice effects, enhancing both the visual clarity and realism. The cockpit door and the small window for the pilot feature animations that not only function smoothly but are also easy to operate.      Additionally, external features such as chokes and wheel spats can be accessed and controlled through a pop-up menu system, indicated by the Piper logo near the bottom left of the screen.     The Piper pop-up menu offers a guided walk-around function, allowing pilots to inspect fuel and oil levels before a flight, ensuring a thorough pre-flight check.      Another option on the pop-up menu is the ability to choose between a male or female pilot, and to show or hide passengers, depending on weight selection.     Cockpit and Functionality vFlyteAir has supplied three distinct, fully inactive cockpit configurations for different flying preferences. The first option, the Glass Panel, is centred around the Aspen E5 multi-function display, with a dedicated guide provided by vFlyteAir for navigating this modern system. It is paired with the standard X-Plane Garmin G430, though it can be replaced with the RealityXP GNS430 or GTN650 for those who have these upgrades.     The second option features an Analog Panel, replacing the E5 with traditional analogue gauges, supported by either a G430 or the optional RealityXP systems.     The final option focuses on VFR flying, featuring the basic "six-pack" alongside an audio panel, COM1/NAV1, and a transponder, but without an autopilot. This setup is ideal for pilots focusing on fundamental flying skills.   Each option features high-definition textures that add to the realism, with panels that can vibrate to simulate engine effects if enabled via the pop-up menu. However, a minor disappointment is the static nature of the key fob; having it animated could have significantly enhanced the vibrational effects. Additionally, the needles on the gauges show little to no wobble, which detracts slightly from the realism.   Switching between cockpit panels can be done easily, either on the ground or mid-flight, via the Piper pop-up menu. The menu also allows you to show or hide gauge glass and window glass to adjust for clarity and reduce reflections based on varying lighting conditions.     Handling As I am not a real-world pilot, my evaluation of the Cherokee 140’s handling is based on my passion for virtual flight and my extensive experience in flight simulators, both civil and military. In my experience, vFlyteAir’s Cherokee 140 ranks as one of the most straightforward aircraft to pilot within X-Plane. Lacking excessive power, it behaves quite docilely during takeoff, making it an excellent choice for novice pilots.   vFlyteAir has incorporated a "Realistic Engine Start" feature, which requires different procedures based on the engine temperature and environmental conditions and which adds an additional layer of complexity to pre-flight preparations. The Piper pop-up menu includes a checklist tab that provides comprehensive guidance for managing all aspects of the flight, including a dedicated checklist for the Realistic Engine Start procedure.     During cruise, the aircraft moves at a leisurely pace of just over 100 knots, and it can comfortably stall at speeds below 50 knots with full flaps engaged. Trimming the plane is manageable, which is particularly beneficial for those flying with the VFR-only cockpit or who prefer manual control over using the autopilot.     The Cherokee is notably forgiving as it is almost impossible to stall in a traditional sense. Instead, it gently sinks until the nose drops and speed is naturally regained. This aircraft is not designed for aerobatic manoeuvres, focusing on stable and predictable flight characteristics.     Night Lighting The cockpit lighting proves effective at night, especially the instruments, enhancing visibility during low-light conditions. While the switches are less illuminated, the separate brightness controls for the instruments, panel, and radio stack offer customization options. This feature, however, might be viewed as a drawback for pilots who prefer more uniform lighting across the cockpit. Additionally, the exterior lighting of the aircraft is well executed, casting a realistic glow that significantly enhances night flying.      Sounds vFlyteAir's Cherokee utilizes the FMOD 2 sound engine, which is used to excellent effect. Notably, the engine sounds avoid the common pitfall of recognizable looping, creating a more immersive auditory environment. The transition of sounds when moving from inside to outside the aircraft or opening the cabin door is particularly impressive, with each action resulting in a realistic change in volume and direction. In the cockpit, the switches and knobs provide crisp and distinct audible feedback.      Performance Throughout my testing of vFlyteAir’s Cherokee, I experienced no performance issues, and observed consistently high frame rates with no noticeable lags or spikes, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience. To give you a clearer picture of my testing environment, X-Plane 12 is installed on an Intel i9 10900K, 32GB of RAM, and an NVIDIA MSI RTX 3090 Suprim X graphics card, all running on Windows 11 Home 64-bit.     Conclusion Among the numerous PA-28 variants available for X-Plane 12, vFlyteAir's Cherokee distinguishes itself with its exceptional blend of versatility, realism, and user accessibility. Equipped with a range of detailed liveries and customizable cockpit setups, the Cherokee offers a forgiving flight model that appeals to both novice and experienced pilots alike. The realistic sounds and comprehensive documentation further enhance the flying experience, making it as educational as it is enjoyable.   In summing up, the Cherokee 140 by vFlyteAir comes highly recommended. It stands out as an enjoyable and rewarding little flyer, and one which would make an excellent addition to any X-Plane user's hangar.   ________________________     Cherokee 140 for X-Plane 12 by vFlyteAir is now available from the X-Plane.Org Store here:   Cherokee 140 for X-Plane 12 by vFlyteAir Priced at US$29.95   Features: Rebuilt and re-engineered for X-Plane 12 Pop-up interactive Options menu, dynamic Load Manager menu and Check Lists menu Three selectable instrument panel configurations ("glass" panel, analog panel and traditional "trainer" panel) Automatic integrated support for the optional RealityXP GTN 650 plugin or the RealityXP GNS430 plugin Guided, interactive pre-flight walk-around inspection with pop-up check lists. Visually check your fuel and oil levels! Remove wheel chocks and cowl plugs during the walk-around. Selectable pilot gender - copilot will be the opposite gender of the pilot Gauge glass and window glass can be hidden Custom shake and vibration effects - airframe and control surfaces shake when engine is running, when approaching a stall condition and upon touch-down Realistic engine start - if turned ON, requires pilot to follow the Cherokee 140 POH procedures for cold and hot engine startup Passengers can be hidden during flight if desired Automatic support for optional AviTab plugin Selectable wheel pants - if installed, the wheel pants reduce drag slightly Start From Cold & Dark option available on the Options menu Optional transparent yokes - if turned ON, the pilot and copilot yokes appear as see-through for a better view of the instrument panel Custom Tow Bar option - use the Tow Bar to push/pull and turn the airplane into your hanger! Quick Livery Change - quickly select a new livery from the Options menu Dynamic Load Manager menu allows the pilot to select pilot and passengers weights and add or remove fuel. A dynamic Center of Gravity chart shows your current loading. Optional Rear Seat - on the Load Manager menu, click on the rear bench seat to install it and to add a rear passenger Check Lists Menu allows the pilot to view the Piper PA28-140 check lists for all normal phases of flight Pop-up versions of the Aspen E5, Bendix/King KFC 230 autopilot and the AXP 340 transponder available by clicking on the instruments FMOD 2 Sound Effects - spatial 3D sounds and Doppler effects have been re-produced for compatibility with X-Plane 12 PBR textures - re-produced for X-Plane 12 compatibility Full high-resolution textures for all interior and exterior objects 3D Rain and Ice effects Full support for Virtual Reality 12 different liveries included - instrument panel tail number placard is updated with each livery change New updated Paint Kit available Updates are automated using the Skunkcrafts Auto-Updater (available here for free). Requirements X-Plane 12  (not for XP11) Windows, mac, or Linux 8 GB+ VRAM Recommended Version 12.0 (February 9th 2024) Review System Specifications Intel i9 10900K – 32GB RAM - NVidia MSI RTX 3090 Suprim X – Windows 10 Home 64 Bit __________________________________ Aircraft Review by Peter Allnutt 24th May 2024 Copyright©2024: X-Plane Reviews   (Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions.      

NEWS! - Scenery Released : KSJC - San Jose International Airport by ShortFinal Design       ShortFinal Design has spent most of the last few years just updating previous sceneries and projects to X-Plane 12. But here is a completely new scenery from one of the most talented, if not one of the best scenery developers in the X-Plane Simulator. This time around the choice is KSJC - San Jose International Airport, in California USA. And a complimentary scenery to SFDs spectacular SFO-San Francisco masterpiece.   San José Mineta International Airport, officially known as Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport, is a city-owned public airport in San Jose, California. Located 3 miles (4.8 km) northwest of Downtown San Jose, the airport serves both the city and the Santa Clara Valley region of the greater San Francisco Bay Area. It is named after San Jose native Norman Mineta, former United States Secretary of Transportation and United States Secretary of Commerce, who also served as Mayor of San Jose and as a San Jose City Councilman.   San Jose Airport offers flights to a variety of domestic destinations as well as international routes to Tokyo and Mexico. In addition to airline flights, San Jose airport also has a sizeable presence of corporate and general aviation, with two fixed-base operators as well as several corporate aviation tenants.   High-Definition Airport Accurate airport layout (as of 2024) Detailed models for all buildings with baked ambient occlusion Terminals with fully modeled interiors Detailed general aviation area with several hangar interiors PBR materials on objects and ground Custom dynamic night lighting Custom high resolution pavement textures and markings High resolution photo scenery (30cm/px) Compatible with any mesh scenery Surrounding buildings including the PayPal Park stadium 3D vegetation Fully Animated Airport Animated cars and buses Animated passengers and workers Custom animated airport vehicles with PBR materials and FMOD sounds Detailed animated jetways with SAM integration Various user-controlled hangar doors (SAM plugin required) ATC network included for AI traffic addons     This KSJC an extremely highly detailed scenery at a very low value price...  in other words you get a lot of quality work for your money!   This scenery is not available for X-Plane 11, it is X-Plane 12 Only. Download is 1.2 GB   Designed by ShortFinal Design Support forum for ShortFinal Design ___________________________     Yes! KSJC - San Jose International Airport by ShortFinal Designs is now Available from the X-Plane.Org Store here :   KSJC - San Jose International Airport Price Is US$22.95   Requirements X-Plane 12 (not for XP11) Windows, Mac or Linux 8 GB+ VRAM Recommended Download Size: 1.2 GB Version 1.0 (May 22nd 2024)   Note the Living Scenery Tech plugin is required for this scenery. ____________________________   NEWS! by Stephen Dutton 23rd May 2024 Copyright©2024: X-Plane Reviews   (Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions)  

NEWS! - Aircraft Updated : Aeros-2 Ultralight Trike v3 by vSkyLabs     vSkyLabs have updated their excellent Aeros-2 Ultralight Trike to v3. Although given an update to work in X-Plane 12 back in September 2020. This is in reality the extensive update for the Aeros-2 to the new X-Plane 12 configuration.   The Aeros-2 is a Ukrainian ultralight trike, designed and produced by Aeros of Kyiv. The aircraft is supplied as a complete ready-to-fly aircraft or as kit for amateur construction. In the United States the design is marketed as the Venture and Velocity.   Developed from the earlier Aeros-1, the Aeros-2 features a cable-braced hang glider-style high-wing, weight-shift controls, a two-seats-in-tandem open cockpit, tricycle landing gear and a single engine in pusher configuration. The aircraft is made from square tubing, with its wing covered in Dacron sailcloth. Its 10 m (32.8 ft) span wing is supported by a single tube-type kingpost and uses an "A" frame control bar. The occupants are housed in streamlined fibreglass cockpit fairing. Engines available include the twin cylinder, two-stroke, liquid-cooled 64 hp (48 kW) Rotax 582 and the four cylinder four-stroke 80 hp (60 kW) Rotax 912UL and 100 hp (75 kW) 912ULS.   Version 3.0 (May 22nd 2024) Includes: Flight dynamics - Major update release: Complete redesign of the wing-tilt/weight shifting system to fall in line with the latest X-Plane 12 aerodynamics and physics capabilities. 'wind-force' on the control bar is being simulated more accurately. Rotax 503 simulation tuneups. Landing gears and ground operations tuneups. Wing trim is now set to virtually pull/push the control-bar (keep in mind that trim direction is opposite, as the wing tilts down when pressing the trim-down assignment, resulting in reduction of AOA, and vice versa). Fine tuning for engine parameters following the latest X-Plane 12 engine simulation physics. Systems: New dual-system altimeter. Fuel tank gauge re-wired, re-calibrated. Sounds: New multi-layer Rotax 503 sounds. New open-cockpit wind buffet and wind flow sounds. Various all-around enhancements. Interaction: Improved Key switch command for VR and 2-d manipulators. Improved 'headless' pilot interaction; head is hidden when the virtual camera is within close proximity to the pilot's head position. Graphics: PBR normals tuneup to fall in line with latest X-Plane 12 rendering updates. Prop-disc animation tuneups.     VSKYLABS development for X-Plane approved by 'Aeros Ltd' company (however, it is an independent VSKYLABS project, not affiliated and/or endorsed with/by 'Aeros Ltd.') High end simulation of the Aeros-2 Ultralight Trike, powered by a Rotax 503 50 hp engine. Designed with the focus on control and handling characteristics, excellent for basic and advanced hang glider trike training / conversion from fixed wing aircraft. Real-Physics, incorporating weight shifting and wing simulation of a hang-glider trike. Additional passenger which can be removed, to simulate light vs heavy trike operations. Rescue system (Ballistic Magnum 450 system). Unique trike flying aspects are being simulated: stalls, slips, spins and tumbling.   This project is part of the VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot' series, designed specifically for use with X-Plane cutting edge Experimental Flight Model.   Images are courtesy of vSkyLabs...  the Aeros-2 is available for both X-Plane 12 and X-Plane 11, however the XP11 version does not have the effects and features that is available in X-Plane 12. ___________________________     Yes! Aeros-2 Ultralight v3.0 by vSkyLabs is NOW available from the X-Plane.Org Store here : Aeros-2 Ultralight v3.0  Price is US$24.00 On sale: US$24.00 US$16.80 you Save:US$7.20(30%)   Requirements X-Plane 12 or X-Plane 11 Windows, Mac or Linux 8GB+ VRAM Recommended Current version: 3.0 (May 22 2024) ___________________________   News by Stephen Dutton 23rd May 2024 Copyright©2024: X-Plane Reviews   (Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions) All Rights Reserved        

NEWS! - Scenery Released : YSSY Sydney International by Fly Tampa     If you are an long haul pilot in Simulation, then there are certain ports required to fulfill your network needs. London of course, New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Frankfurt, Hong Kong and Singapore...  one of the most important is YSSY Sydney, it has THAT bridge and Opera House as a focal point. TaiModels released a decent YSSY Sydney only a few years ago, but TaiModels are also very internal scenery focused, and the external features were sadly missing, most notable in the massive Port Botany that is positioned adjoining the airport.   Fly Tampa are back in X-Plane! It was debatable this time, because their massive Fly Tampa Amsterdam EHAM was not very well received, as being too heavy on framerate, it made the expansive scenery not very usable, no matter how much power you had. But here we are with their version of YSSY Sydney, and being Fly Tampa it is extremely good (framerate is very good as well)....  with Port Botany also part of the package.   Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport ( YSSY) or Sydney Airport — is an international airport in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, located 8 km (5 mi) south of the Sydney central business district, in the suburb of Mascot. It is the primary airport serving Sydney and is a primary hub for Qantas (jetbase), as well as a secondary hub for Virgin Australia and Jetstar, and is also a focus city for Air New Zealand.   Features Fully Custom rendition of the Kingsford Smith Airport Custom mesh Custom night lighting SAM and LST integration Custom Mesh (with patch for Ortho4XP users) Airport modeled with PBR materials  Sloped airport terrain  Dynamic lighting, animated Jetways and much more!     This brand new released version of Sydney Airport from Fly Tampa includes many features such as a fully custom rendition of Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport, custom mesh, custom night lighting, SAM and LST integration, provided Ortho4XP patch and quality objects. It is noted as X-Plane 12 only, with the custom effects. ______________________________   The YSSY - Sydney International Airport by Fly Tampa is NOW available! from the X-Plane.Org Store   FlyTampa Sydney Priced at US$28.00   Requirements X-Plane 12 (not for XP11) Windows or Mac or Linux 8GB VRAM Recommended Current version : 1.0 (May 20, 2024) ___________________________   NEWS! by Stephen Dutton 21st May 2024 Copyright©2024: X-Plane Reviews   (Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions) All Rights Reserved  

NEWS! - Scenery Released : LFMQ - Le Castellet, France by FSX3D     Mention Le Castellet in France to most people and it probably wouldn't glean anything. Mention it to any motorsports fan, and their eyes will quickly light up, "That's the F1 Circuit Paul Ricard", a very famous test track for all things in motorsport. There has been a few races here as well by the Formula One circus, but the Paul Ricard glory days are long gone, it's all dayglow in perspective today, weird images that mask the runoff areas.   LFMQ is right beside the track, but a very few of the Laurence Stroll's of the world can afford the outrageous landing fees, but you can have all this for only under $15. This is another FSX3D transfer scenery to X-Plane 12...  a very nice to have.   Le Castellet Airport, also known by the ICAO code LFMQ, is located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, in the Var department, in the south of France. The LFMQ airport is positioned directly by the famous F1 Circuit Paul Ricard, making it a popular destination for motorsport enthusiasts and participants in events held at the circuit.   Main Runway: The airport has a single asphalt runway (13/31) measuring 1,750 meters long and 30 meters wide,  capable of accommodating a variety of aircraft from small passenger planes to private jets.   Taxiways and Aprons: Taxiways and parking areas (aprons) are well equipped  to facilitate the movement of aircraft and parking of private jets. Services include, International VIP airport with premier facilities,FBO services, high security, IFR procedure available 24h a day, Business centre, helicopter shuttle and hangars, Parking / hangar accommodation up to Gulfstream 650 and BBJ, Helicopter shuttle - 35 minutes from St. Tropez and 45 minutes from Monaco, Customs are also on request 24h.   Features included in the scenery:     Ultra detailed car parks, taxiways and track     PBR on all objects     Ambient occlusion (Objects and ground)     Wet track effects     Dynamic lighting     Compatibility Ortho4XP     Compatibility AutoOrtho     HD photorealistic ground textures     Noted as....  Business aviation’s gateway to "The French Riviera".   Le Castellet very well value priced below $15 US dollars at only US$14.99. This scenery is only available in the X-Plane 12 option at 467Mb in size.   Also Corsica, Gap-Tallard and Hautes-Alpes are all finally getting a lot of X-Plane 12 attention via these FSX3D excellent releases...  check them all out now.   Images are courtesy of FSX3D _______________________________     LFMQ - Le Castellet, France by FSX3D is now available from the X-Plane.Org Store here: LFMQ - Le Castellet, France Price is US$14.99   Requirements X-Plane 12 Windows, Mac or Linux 8 GB VRAM Minimum Download Size: 467 MB Current version : 1.0 (April 17th 2024) ___________________________   News! by Stephen Dutton 19th May 2024 Copyright©2024: X-Plane Reviews   (Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions) All Rights Reserved    

Thanks for the review, just purchased it thanks to your review. I admit that X-Trident planes never disappoints.    By the way, I think it is time that we should press the helicopters developers to start and expose their plane information, through Datarefs, for SAR mission to be created by 3rd parties. I already contacted X-Trident few months back, and I'm happy that he did not will consider that, but as MS2024 is looming, we need more options  and  I think that sites like this one is another platform to push this request since everyone will benefit from it.   Cheers

NEWS! - Aircraft Updated : Rotate McDonnell Douglas MD-11 v1.09     Rotate have released v1.09 for the McDonnell Douglas MD-11. Earlier in a noted "beta" release for testing, this now the formal release with a load of great improvements added to this fabulous authentic Simulation.   First it tests support for Apple Silicon architecture, which has become a more restless problem for developers than first realised, developers are getting on top of the problems, but Silicon is certainly not of the same configuration of the older Intel based processors.   Another big new feature is the "pop up" instrument displays are now available. Rotate aircraft (MD88/MD11) have always had fixed displays/screens.     Now you can "popout" the instrument panels including the MCDU units. It was always hard to programme with their position relative to the MAP display (PLAN MODE)...  You still have to use the MCDU for inputs, but it saves you from flicking back and forth between the MAP display and MCDU. Yes all the popouts are scalable in size and can be used in Home Cockpits in the usable Window configuration.      And YES I really "loved" the new feature. Lighting has also had a bit of a revision, fine tuning you can all it. The lighting was always really good in the MD11, but it feels now more natural, Softer? but it looks excellent.     Windows are now more cleaner, clearer... I personally found them a bit "Too" clean, clear... I would like the option for dirty windows as my preference, or the dirtier the better.     There has been attention on the landing roll. The MD11 has one of the fastest landing speeds of any aircraft, so this aspect point is important. Here several areas on the approach phase have been tuned. Including AP1/AP2 annunciator in (the) FMA during dual land mode has been fixed, FMS SPD deceleration select/preselect now have safeguards during approach, FMC now does calculated IAS values for deceleration configurations. The MS speed target was rising above the approach speed below 100AGL in some cases...   and finally the landing roll brakes have better deceleration. All are aimed to the approach and landing phase sequences.   The v1.09 changelog is the usual lengthy output from Rotate, mostly nips and tucks to this of one of the very the highly specialised Simulations for the X-Plane 12 Simulator...   - Added pop up windows for screen displays. - Implemented MIN PROF field in STAR page for RNAV procedures. - Implement FMS SPD deceleration select/preselect safeguards during approach. - Show FMC calculated IAS values for deceleration configurations. - Improved VNAV descent prediction during non-clean configuration. - Improved VOR interception accuracy. - Tuned landing roll brakes deceleration. - Added VERT ALERT annunciation in FMA when approacing T/D. - Filter airports displayed by runway length. - Reset CLB/ACCEL FMC fields. - HDG SEL (pull) must allow edition of the heading target until <3º difference. - Pushing FMS SPD (with no wheel change) resets to ECON. - Added warning and logging for route loading process. - Improved LED lighting of LCD displays. - Inhibit DEFINED WAYPOINTS deletion when used in the flight plan. - TCAS TA Only mode should be engaged automatically on ground and below 1000AGL. - Improved manipulation of ELF switch. - Reorder SID/STAR listing after applying filters. - Reset ADG with maintenance button. - Reduced dirt on windshield texture. - Fixed FMS SPD indication glitch during climb at cross-over altitude. - Fixed a problem with navaid selection with duplicate names. - Fixed AFS pitch limits during SOP. - Fixed a problem when transitioning from PROF to ALT HLD/SOP during descent. - Fixed navaid DESELECT for ILS navaids. - Fixed APPR/ILS guidance response when signal is not available. - Fixed HDG turn direction problem when crossing 0. - Fixed HDG bug reset after being hidden. - Fixed AP1/AP2 annunciator in FMA during dual land. - Fixed a bug in bank limit during non curved transition. - Fixed FMS SPD target rising above approach speed below 100AGL in some cases. - Fixed draw order of flight director bars in PFD. - Fixed Aircraft floating over the runway during autoland in XP11. - Fixed DME only stations not showing correct data in ND. - Fixed ATS too responsive during cruise. - Fixed compatibility problems with A Pilot's Life and other plugins. - Fixed N2 going over red arc during TO in high altitude airports. - Fixed bug in FPA discreet stepper when going down. - Fixed problem in "fix all failures" function. - Fixed a bug in landing gear disagree lights. - Fixed a typo in stby airspeed indication. - Fixed a bug in logic of CRZ and CLB thrust mode auto-selection. - Fixed A-ICE ALL ON shown along with all other A-ICE alerts. - Fixed reverser indication color during deployment on air. - Fixed engine fire handles annuciators. - Upgraded to newer Aerosoft database.         The update v1.09 now also available to download from the Skunkcraft Updater, or use your X-Plane.OrgStore account and download the latest version in v1.09. Support Forum at X-Plane.org or http://support.rotatesim.com/ _____________________     Yes! the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 v1.09 by Rotate is currently available from the X-Plane.Org Store here : Rotate MD-11 Price is US$83.95   The feature list is HUGE, so if you want to read it, then open the text file. Feature List.txtUnavailable Requirements X-Plane 12 or X-Plane 11 Windows 8 or  Mac OSX 10.12 or newer (M Processors supported) , Linux Ubuntu 64b 18.04 or newer 8 GB+ VRAM recommended Current version: 1.09 (May 16th 2024)   You can download this updated v3.0 Updater free here; SkunkCrafts Updater Standalone client   Full download v1.09 changelog is here;   Changelog v1.09.rtf ________________   NEWS! by Stephen Dutton 17th May 2024 Copyright©2024: X-Plane Reviews   Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions) All Right Reserved.  

Aircraft Review - Pilatus PC-6 Turbo Porter - DGS Series XP12 by Thranda Design   In June 2020. Thranda Design released the X-Plane 11 version of the utility Swiss aircraft, the Pilatus PC-6 Turbo Porter. The aircraft was a more modern replacement for the long-established DHC-2 Beaver in the highly competitive utility role.   The first PC-6 version came with a 254 kW (340 shp) pistoned-engine, it first flew in 1959. But it was when an early turboprop powerplant version that became available for the PC-6 with the Garrett Air Research TPE 331, that the aircraft really came then into it's own class. But the TPE 331 installation didn't last long either, as in May 1996 with the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A engine performed its own maiden flight and the PT6A really then cemented the Porter's reputation and as a direct replacement for the DHC-2, the Beaver's production ended just two years later.   A rugged utility design the PC-6 is...     The aircraft and the excellent modeling was extremely good in X-Plane 11, even if the XP11 world was flat compared to the realism of XP12. The conversion to XP12 keeps the dynamics of the earlier aircraft, but now places it in the highly developed world of X-Plane 12 ULTRA hi-res PBR realism, it stands out, brilliantly in the world it richly deserved.   Design wise there is not much difference, but the XP12 version comes with the newly created PBR textures, are all 8K now as well (four times the resolution), so the detail is far more highlighted, even extremely so. Admire the perfected riveting, the panel construction, ribs...   all so very good.     Rugged landing gear is intricately done, all the struts and built in dampers are beautifully realised, gotta love those tyres, also available are the bigger Tundra sizes as well. Daniel Klaue is one of the most prominent X-Plane developers so you are going to get nothing more that the very best, and certainly that is the case here.     In the XP11 review I admired the wing profile, it's worth repeating again here...  as it is an almost perfect sculpture.     A lot of the glass areas are just flat, but the main windscreen is a complex, convexed shape and has a large helicopter feel...  here again with all the glass it is highly realistic, and you can have the tint on or have clear glass.       Cabin The cabin has a two-abreast layout in six seats, in the same check blue trim as XP11. Still very modern, and looks more towards the higher quality in XP12. Side doors can be left open in flight if required, but that would scare the bejesus out of anyone actually sitting in there, unless you were going for a parachute jump. Seat backs can be moved forward, and any, or all of the seats can be removed.     The aluminium wall panels and riveting is still worth admiring, it looks and feels very realistic, note the parachute rail above.     Cockpit The PC-6's cockpit is very basic in a utilitarian way, with just metal frames with all the controls or instruments added or bolted on...   note the very rudimentary window air blower, it is basically a pipe with holes drilled in it?     Still the quality of the instrument panel is absolutely first rate, it comes with lovely authentic instruments.   The prominent forward metal frame bar also creates a shelf, and items like the quadrant and flap switch/rudder trim, clock (right) and Interrupt and the alternate trims are bolted directly on to the frame...   note the loop wire park brake, it is really basic.     ...    three levers control "Prop", Throttle "Power" and Mixture "Idle" which has a safety gate. The lever to the panel push-pull rod is expertly crafted and has excellent realistic animation. T shaped throttle lever looks like a twin throttle handle but it isn't, but does carve out a working handle feel. Lower Flap selections are UP (0 degrees), TO (28 degrees) and LND (35 degrees).     Rudder pedals are as basic as the ones you use with your simulator, it is just a simple moving bar and the extra pedals for brakes. The air and heat piping is visible and again something you would buy from your hardware store.   Lovely simple control stick, with a PTT (Push to Talk) button front and has a trigger switch behind. Front seats are encased in a bucket style frame, and those hanging seat belts are still awfully well done.   _________   Instrument Panel The instrument panel in this PC-6 is unique as it can be configured to your own personal preferences in the menu, a unique feature by Thranda, but first we will look at the default layout of the panel.     The Porter is a strictly one pilot operation, rarely does it have two aviators flying, but the stick and rudder controls are provided in the second seat. So all the instrumentation is to the left and set around the pilot's eyes. Clear and concise, most instruments are quite large and really well done here.   Standard Six covers Airspeed Indicator (knots), Artificial Horizon and the Attitude Indicator on the top row. Below is a ADF/VOR pointer, Heading Dial and Backup Attitude Indicator. Third row has a Vertical Speed Indicator, Turn Coordinator and Fuel Gauge (litres), far left lower is a Radar Altitude Dial.   A note about the two Altitude Indicators in that the top row version only moves per hundred feet in a click, which I really like, unlike the backup standard clock dial version.     Avionics package includes both the GNS 530 and the GNS 430 GPS units, a Garmin GTX327 transponder and bottom is a Garmin GNA 340 radio set.   Centre panel left has four dials with two small top and two larger lower to cover the engine performance with (small) Prop RPM speed x 100 and gas generator RPM or Ng %, and below below (large) are the Torque psi and ITT or "Inter Turbine Temperature" gauge.     Right side instrument panel has a few more engine readouts, these include the Indicators for the oil temperature, pressure, and fuel pressure which are combined into a single gauge...     ...  below is a ammeter and an voltmeter, the PC-6 utilises a 28V electrical system. A single 24V battery is installed to provide power for engine starting and as a secondary source for DC power. A 300-amp starter generator provides normal power at 28 volts. Far right is a suction gauge (Vacuum). Centre right panel is a Hobbs counter and a lovely Whisky Compass centre screen.   There are two wing tanks of 170 US gallons each (643.5 liters, 1147.5 lbs, or 520.5 kg) of total of usable Jet-A fuel. These wing tanks gravity-feed into a small 2.9 gallon collector tank located behind the cabin rear bulkhead, which feeds the engine. The twin fuel tank gauges are lower right, in compliment with the total fuel gauge at the lower SS position. Dials are really well done and look really nice. All lower circuit breakers are active. The electrical switchgear are set out in two rows, top external lighting and lower Master (Power), Generator and various other generic electrical power switches.     There is a panel each end of the instrument panel. To the right is a De-Ice system with ampere gauge. Left is the optional external fuel tank panel...     ...   each under-wing optional external tank holds an additional 49 gallons (185.5 liters, 330.7 lbs, or 150 kg) of usable fuel. The external tanks are really well done, but also makes the Pilatus look very military.   Notable is the ADF panel sitting down between the two front seats, very hard to use in a simulator way, but again well done. At each of the end of the shelf, there are airvents which are fully animated for movement and flow.     Menu - Tablet Biggest difference between the earlier PC-6 Porter in this updated XP12 version is a new menu...  well sort of? The side Arrow window tab is still there, and it still does the same pop-up menu, but it is now in the shape of a iPad - Tablet.     There is a reason for this change...  the same iPad/Tablet can also be used as a Tablet in the aircraft. There is a brown circular patch on the window, if you press the hotspot, then the IPad/Tablet will appear, and the same tablet is also attached to the right hand side window. The iPad/Tablet can be adjusted, but not too far in movement as the window's glass gets in the way.     The original seven menu selections have now been almost doubled to 13 selections, the side menu is also gone and they have all been replaced by square icons;   Aircraft Options, Weight & Balance, INSTR Options, Panel Editor, Static Liveries, DYNAFEEL, Log Book, Checklist, Ground Handling, Dynamic Liveries, Flight Computer, Equipment and AviTab...   at the bottom is a "Brightness" slider. Missing from the earlier menu is the "Camera" selection?     Notable is that the screen tablet is set in a "Window" frame, and these window popups can be moved around the screen and also scaled in size...       Aircraft Options This page menu is also changed from the earlier "General" selection, but the options and the layout stays the same, the layout is still as highly detailed and as very comprehensive as before in the General tab.     Three selections cover group items, but any one item via "Click Spots" can be individually selected or hidden via the aircraft graphic.   "ALL COVERS" will select engine inlet/outlet covers and pitot cover, "ALL TIE-DOWNS" for propeller and wing tie-downs and "ALL DOORS" for both cockpit doors, both cabin sliding doors and the twin engine cover doors, and open the forward panels and it exposes inside a lovely recreated PT6A-27 turboprop, flat-rated to 550 SHP (47.3 psi at 2000 RPM) as this is the Pilatus PC-6 B2/H4 version represented. The Engine can be set into two modes...  SIMPLIFIED or REALISTIC     In Simplified mode the engine will automatically limit the engine to remain below the maximum torque of 47.3 psi. In Realistic mode it will be up to the pilot to avoid exceeding the engine limitations. The propeller gearbox or propeller shaft can break if the torque limit is exceeded by a certain margin, resulting in engine failure and smoke in the cabin (the smoke can be cleared by pulling the firewall air shutoff control closed). There is also a very nice GPU (Ground Power Unit) and an Electric Tug on the rear tailwheel, that is controlled via your joystick.   There is the selection of a SIMPLIFIED or REALISTIC tailwheel actions. in Simplified mode the tailwheel is standard X-Plane rudder connected yaw in a range of +- 30 degrees, In Realistic mode it functions as in the real aircraft. There is a section in the manual relating to steering in the freewheeling mode.     Other Aircraft Options menu selections cover; Window and Instrument Panel Reflections on/off, Startup Running on/off, External Fuel Tanks show/hide, Chocks and brakes on/off. All EXT - External Lights can be switched on and off as can ALL INT - Internal lights. The lights can also be accessed on the aircraft graphic including the extending and retraction of the end of the wing landing/taxi lights, this action can be a bit fiddly and slow but clever. The lights on the PC-6 are now all LED.   Weight & Balance The PC-6 has the same intricate great "Weight and Balance" menu as earlier. In both Lbs and Kgs, which can be selected via the toggle...     ...  Fuel can be added, and you can also use the twin-external tanks if they are then shown, and both are adjustable in the menu as well.     Pilot, passengers and cargo can all be set for their individual weights (scroll), and the CofG (Centre of Gravity) parameters are all shown on a graph and with a marker on the aircraft of it's physical CofG, when done you can save the configuration and later reload it.   As noted you can show/hide any of the rear seats, by pressing the X by the seat. Add in weights to the two front seats will also add in the Pilot (Dan) and his lovely female Co-Pilot. But adding in cargo (weight) will not put anything in there rear, unlike on some Thranda aircraft.     INSTR Options A new menu item is your "Instrument Option" menu page.     There are four options available; GPS #1 Popup (GNS 530), GPS #2 Popup (GNS 430), STEC 55 "Fifty Five X" Autopilot Popup, and there is also the option to change the Baro Units from mb to inhg.       Panel Editor "Panel" is now "Panel Editor"...  part of the Thranda "Dynamic Generation Series", also re-authored for XP12. More about the DGS Series     The Thranda PC-6 Porter can be highly customised in two areas to suit your taste. First in Dynamic Panel, as there is no default instrument setup, as you can customise the panel to suit your own flying preferences. In the new iPad/Tablet configuration the screen space is now far larger than the old "Panel" Menu. This is good, because as some of the small access zones before tended to overlap each over, so you always found yourself adjusting (scrolling) the wrong item.   Top row of options are 4 different panel backgrounds, Default Grey, White, Black and Blue. (Note all options can be mouse scrolled)     There are also Five Panel "Presets". For most selections you have to save (overwrite) the preset you want, then reload the aircraft to get the panel configuration you want?     Alpine Avionics Evolution Part of the options available is the EFD 1000 which is a self-contained multifunction digital display that is divided into a Primary Flight Display (PFD) in the top half, and an Electric Horizontal Situation Indicator (EHSI) in the lower half. As EDF 1000 systems go it is not highly featured system, with the GPSS, MAP,  360 and Menu functions all not simulated, but the display does pop-out...  It works of course with the S-TEC Autopilot.     Laminar Research G1000 Also part of the options is the duel screen Laminar Research G1000 GNS system, both the PFD and MFD/MAP pop-out for convenience.     The RealityXP GNS 530W/430W or GTN 750/650 Touch 3D bezels are also available if you have these optional addons.     The "Dynamic" in the panel is another featured DGS. Besides having different custom panel configurations, you can also customise the instrument panel by selecting "ENABLE 3D PANEL EDIT MODE". This will highlight the available instruments you can change in green.     Selecting an instrument via the "INDIV INST" (Individual Instrument) and "ACTIVE INSTRUMENT" it will highlight the instrument you want to say, move to another place or adjust the position on the Instrument Panel...     ...  or hide the instrument completely to make space, say you don't want the Autopilot? then simply delete it.     You can also add in tools and instrument features, like the "Switch Panel", or the Aspen EFD 1000, or the Reality XP bezels.     You have access to all of the 44 individual instruments and avionic units...  and basically you can also start with a completely blank panel and then create your own unique or personal instrument layout...  and can have up to, or can save 14 different panel layouts (presets) ...   so for absolute layout choice it is crazy!   Static Liveries This was earlier called "Painted Liveries", now named just Static Liveries. There are only eight provided liveries, down from 16 earlier choices.   But they are the best of the bunch. Thranda is the Default. The earlier twin white of the liveries that were noted as "DynamicLiveryResources" and "ZZTEMPLATELIVERY" liveries are now missing? as the DGS system has be refined, it is now more smoother and the long wait pause times have been reduced.     There is a white "Blank_Livery" available (in the Documentation) as a template to add in more Static Liveries.   DYNAFEEL   "DynaFeel" is a system that dynamically adjusts the rate at which the controls deflect, in Pitch, Roll and Yaw. It is based on airspeed and how much the control's are deflected. This means the controls will feel light and responsive at low speeds and with some small deflections, but will get progressively heavier as the airspeed increases.   Logbook This is one feature adopted from the JustFlight Menu. This Icon will just show the X-Plane Logbook window.     Checklist New to the Thranda PC-6 is Checklist.     A 36 page checklist is very comprehensive set in the iPad/Tablet. Navigation is via the lower left/right arrows, or you can scroll the pages via the centre box bottom. The Checklist will also pop-out into a scalable window, to make the list available anywhere in the cockpit....  You tick off the list one-by-one (green), but there is no default to clear the list in one click?     Ground Handling This Ground Handling Icon is also new. This option just views the X-Plane default "Ground Handling" window. if you prefer that tool over the Thranda electric tug.       Dynamic Liveries Earlier we saw the available "Static Liveries". Here you can actually design your own livery and save the livery.     You have a menu to select on the right that can colour a certain part of the aircraft, like the Roof, Wing, Tail or Wing tips. Select which one you want and then adjust (scroll) the RGB colours for that area. Other options include changing the Registration of the aircraft and putting the "PC-6" logo on the tail. It looks hard but you can easily design a very nice livery in about twenty minutes...     To help there is already 31 liveries already completed to choose from, or to adjust the finer details of any of the presets to your liking.     ...  when done you can "Save" (Add) the livery and then "APPLY" it to the aircraft. When you apply the livery the screen will then freeze for a few minutes, and go a bit weird?  The results are however excellent.     A note...  if the created livery does not appear correctly? Then go to the Static Liveries and select "Apply", then go back to the created Dynamic Livery and do it again, this time it should create the livery you wanted.   A feature is the (Quick) selection of Dirt via percentage selections you can adjust the amount of Dirt, Scratches and Dirt Int on the aircraft (0%-255%) and apply it instantly. So you can have either a pristine or a very grubby aircraft with just a twirl of the numbers. Also changes can can be made to the Metal or Rough surfaces, this can be applied to any of the liveries. Note you can apply the same Dirt and Scratches onto any of the Static Liveries directly via that menu.     As noted before. the DGS system is far smoother in this new layout, it is also far easier to use as well with the larger scalable panel.   Flight Computer Another new feature from the JustFlight menu. This shows you your current aircraft data including; OAT, GS (Ground Speed), Endurance, Range, NMPG/SMPG, Altitude, TAS (speed), Fuel Flow, Fuel Used, Headwind (knts) and Crosswind (Knts). Both units in Metric or Imperial are also available.... and you can reset the fuel burn.     Equipment Under the "Equipment" Icon you have several items as external options, these items were originally under the MISC tab     There are Five Equipment options. Top is the Regular or Tundra (large) Tyre option.     A set of Skis.     Mud Flaps can be used with either the Regular or Tundra tyred settings.     Forward passenger window can be either sizes in Small or Large.     And the optional twin wing tanks.     AviTab AviTab is a PDF viewer, Airport info, METAR info and ILS frequencies information tool, it also has a moving map that supports online maps and offline maps, Navigraph integration in that you can link your Navigraph account and see the charts right in the cockpit. In the PC-6 the Avitab is available in both the 3D tablet and a scalable pop-out window.   _____________   Lighting The lighting on the PC-6 is very utilitarian both externally and internally. Note the images here are from the X-Plane v12.1.0 beta, which is a huge improvement over the earlier X-Plane 12 lighting. There are two underwing Landing/Taxi lights, Red beacons top and lower fuselage (selectable) or you can have bright white Strobes, and the three standard Navigation lights.     Instrument Panel is lit by a simple red light on the roof. And there are two sidewall mounted cabin lights for the rear.     Amphibian Most Thranda X-Plane 12 releases now include both the wheeled version and also the Amphibian variant.     There is no "Float" version here, only the Amphibian variant, but very good it is. The aircraft looks excellent in the air, but you have to be aware of the extra weight in takeoff and manoeuvring, the so called "pendulum" effect.   Float design is the usual excellent Thranda thorough design and detailing, hull shape is excellent.     Rudders are raised and lowered by a lever right forward side of the pilot's seat, or do as I do in using a keyboard command     Excellent retractable gear is also very realistic, gear control is by the additional panel set on the beam in the centre panel.     The performance on water is again absolutely first rate, water craft have come a long way in better realism since the introduction of X-Plane 12, here you are seeing the latest incarnation with the v12.1.0 water...  it's now just perfectly brilliant.     The "Equipment" Menu is also different in the Amphibian version. There is all new menu order, from top; Water Rudder (retracted/extended). Ladder Left, Ladder Right, Windows (Small/Big), Wing Tanks (Disabled/Enabled) and Docking Hold.   We will look at "Docking Hold" first. This is the same tool as earlier noted as the "Slew" feature.   Docking Hold mode allows you to manually move the aircraft around in a disconnected X-Plane space. It functions by temporarily overriding the various aerodynamic and physical forces on the X-Plane settings, it is to allow the user to reposition the plane as desired. This feature is however highly touchy and it is used mostly only really with the Amphibian/Floats option in docking the aircraft to say a pier or marina. But it works extremely well.     The optional Left and Right ladders are connected to the wings.       Both the Menu options of the same "Static LIveries, and "Dynamic Liveries" are also available for the Amphibian, with the floats being colour matched to the fuselage.     Flying the XP12 PC-6 Porter First you have to understand the unique attraction to the PC-6 Porter. It is as they say a "Seat of the Pants" aircraft. True pilot's love the Porter because of the feel and reaction the aircraft has under their control. So if you need to get into an impossible remote landing strip then in most cases it will be with a Porter...  short, rough even steep gradients are all challenges that the PC-6 can take on with it's incredible STOL - Short Takeoff and Landing capabilities. But also remember that in front of you is a massive PT6A-27 turboprop, flat- rated to 550 shp, turning a large Hartzell 4-bladed constant speed propeller. It is like having a powerful V8 engine attached to a Go-Kart, and in your case a monster of an engine attached to the light frame that you are sitting in...  so the PC-6 is unique in the way you handle it, or fly it... overall you can see the immense attraction to pilots it has.   So put on the power, and you get a serious "whoa!" in that PT6A-27 t will pull you left off the runway quick smart...  even if you are ready for the pull, so slow power on to start, then build up the speed.     Rudder action is however very good (considering the petit size), so you can easily straighten up the line, only 30 knts and the tail is off the ground...  70 knts and your flying. Use only one stage of the flaps (28º) and your flying even earlier, as the STOL effect is very good.      The PC-6 has a rate of climb of 1,010 ft/min, or a 1,000fpm. But it can easily out-climb that rate at the limit, and still gain speed. Service ceiling is 8,197 m (26,893 ft).     Thranda do note the engine limits for the PC-6, and to certainly the need not to exceed the parameters, as that would be easy with the power you have available, but now in the air and at your altitude it is time to trim the Porter. The electric trim is on the joystick and very easy to use (I have a keyboard trim setup), the trim display is left top on the instrument panel (arrowed).     The PC-6 is super easy to trim via the vertical and a couple of flicks left of the rudder trim should have you easily flying hands off stick neutral, in fact you don't need an autopilot as the Porter will fly trimmed straight into the horizon very easily... one note though is there is no rudder trim, so the aircraft has a tendency to pull left under power, which you have to manually correct.     I don't have any qualms at all in recommending the PC-6 as a "Pilot's" pilot aircraft, a bush plane that is easy to fly. For a novice flier, this is also a great starter aircraft, "Seat of the pants" sort of thing, you feel the Porter as much as fly it.   Sounds have been re-authored in FMOD, capturing the subtleties of the PT6 engine and its very dynamic 4-bladed prop, with a lot more authentic wind noise and background sounds.   Maximum speed is 232 km/h (144 mph, 125 kn) Vno, Vne: 151 knots or cruise at 213 km/h (132 mph, 115 kn). Range is 730 km (450 mi, 390 nmi) with maximum payload and Ferry range is around 1,612 km (1,002 mi, 870 nmi) with maximum internal and those twin-underwing fuel tanks.   I checked out the banking again, and yes you still need that stick back-pressure to turn cleanly, but the stick feedback is very, very good, in fact the handling overall is quite superb. So the flight dynamics have also been extensively overhauled for both for the land and the amphibian version, and to closely match XP12's new dynamics.     You can even adjust your altitude just by reducing the power, pull the throttle back and down you go, too steep then you can climb back just as quickly by pushing the throttle back up to counter the fall, and all without moving the stick...     .. at the right height flare off the nose down attitude to rub off the speed...    when the speed is around 80 knts and a good 15 knts into the white zone you can drop the flaps to 28º, this effect will then drag the speed down to the approach speed of 60 knts, lovely is fact there is no flap lift, or unbalance as the aircraft slows down, you feel the lift but not that secondary sinking feeling with less power...  and it is all smooth as.     I will note that with the no backlit instruments...  in some lighting conditions the X-Plane 12 heavy shadows can make them hard to read, it is a very dark panel.   Drop the flap to the full 36º and your speed will rub off to 55 knts, you are still flying well at this speed, but any less power and then you will lose height. Stall speed is only slightly below your approach speed at 96 km/h (60 mph, 52 knts), and you have a red light on the panel if you exceed this low speed.     The trick is to go as low to the low speed warning without lighting the red light, it is the perfect landing speed as you will also wind down slowly to the runway.     Only a slight flare is needed, it's a taildragger after all....   and your down!     Yes flying the Porter was easy, but let us not get too cocky here as this aircraft is not for absolute total amateurs, skills were needed to do the right procedure, right speed at the right place to get that extremely exciting landing, but if you are good at flying like this, then the Porter will reward you back a thousand times over...   as the PC-6 is brilliant to fly.   _______________________________ Summary One of the most versatile and even a workhorse background utility aircraft, the Swiss built Pilatus PC-6 Porter is on of the most coveted pilot dream machines for its basic but powerful design, extremely flexible for its amazing STOL capabilities this is one of the most rugged and the best get in and then out of remote areas fixed-wing aircraft available.   Daniel Klaue needs no introduction if you have been in X-Plane for a period of time, certainly one of the most innovative and one of the most talented developers out there that is highly regarded within the Simulator.   This is a Dan Klaue aircraft and so you expect tons of ideas and clever features and certainly the PC-6 Porter does not disappoint in that department. Modeling and detail is absolutely first rate, this is an excellent Porter aircraft with a lovely design and high quality.    For  X-Plane 12 the PC-6 has had a very comprehensive overhaul, including all new authored textures in 8k (four times the higher resolution than before) it shows of course, but without the framerate hit. The EFB: Electronic Flight Bag, or the Thranda Tablet is all new, with now 13 options (up from seven before), and all the pop-out windows are scalable. Flying Dynamics are also completely revised for XP12, as is the better LED lighting. Advanced FMOD (2)-based sound system has also been extensively overhauled for XP12, and all of course recorded from a real PC-6 and it's PT6 engine,   The innovative menu system "Dynamic Generation Series", in you can create your own instrument panel layout or layouts as up to 14 different layouts of 44 instruments and avionics can be saved with 6 default layouts including a Aspen EFD 1000 with S-Tec 55x autopilot, and the panel is also RealityXP GNS 530W/430W or GTN 750/650 Touch with 3D bezels ready. A huge selection of 32 liveries is still complimented with a feature to create your own colour scheme and livery, then you can save them as well. The feature list is huge, and the excellent Amphibian variant is now part of the package. This aircraft is X-Plane 12 only, but the X-Plane 11 version is still available.   Simply a pilot's aircraft to fly and love, the Pilatus PC-6 Porter is extremely responsive to your inputs, but that is why you love this aircraft, skills are required to get the very best out of the machine as it is a powerful taildragger, but even the most early cadet pilots will still love it.   That huge feature list and a great value price, all now in X-Plane 12, so this is the perfect PC-6 Porter you always dreamed of, and what more can you ask for! _______________________________   Yes! the Pilatus PC-6 Turbo Porter - DGS Series XP12 by Thranda Design is NOW available from the X-Plane.Org Store here :    Pilatus PC-6 Turbo Porter - DGS Series XP12 Price is US$34.95 Retail Price:$44.95- you Save:$10.00(22%)   Requirements X-Plane 12 (not for XP11) Windows, Mac or Linux 8 GB VRAM Recommended Download Size: 4.1 GB Current version  1.0 (May 4th 2024) _______________________________________________________________________   Installation and documents: Download is 4.05Gb and the aircraft is deposited in the "General Aviation" X-Plane folder. Installation key is required on start up and is supplied with the purchased download file. Full installation is 4.94Gb   Documents supplied are: Blank_Livery_For_Painting ChangeLog.txt Thranda PC6 Documentation v1_2.pdf Thranda PC6 Expansion Pack Manual.pdf Thranda PC6 Manual XP12.pdf Thranda PC6 Performance Charts MASTER XP12.pdf Thranda Pilatus PC6 Graphics Settings XP11.pdf Thranda Pilatus PC6 Graphics Settings XP12.pdf Thranda Pilatus PC6 Joystick Settings.pdf X-Plane G430 Manual.pdf X-Plane G530 Manual.pdf   A Blank Livery (PNG) of four files are provided for painting. Checklists, setting and loads of Performance graphs are provided in the various manuals _____________________   Review System Specifications:  Windows  - 12th Gen IS1700 Core i7 12700K 12 Core 3.60 GHz CPU - 64bit -32 Gb single 1067 Mhz DDR4 2133 - PNY GeForce RTX 3080 10GB XLR8 - Samsung 970 EVO+ 2TB SSD Software:   - Windows 11 Pro - X-Plane Version 12.05r1 (note, during the review X-Plane v12.1.0 was released, and features in the update are noted and shown in this review) Plugins: JustFlight-Traffic (X-Plane.OrgStore) US$52.99 : Global SFD plugin US$30.00 : RK Apps XPRealistic v2 - US$34.99 Scenery or Aircraft - PAWG - Wrangell Airport, Alaska by NorthernSkyStudio-PAWG (X-Plane.OrgStore) - US$29.95 _____________________   Aircraft Review by Stephen Dutton  16th May 2024 Copyright©2024 : X-Plane Reviews     (Disclaimer. All images and text in this preview are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions)