Prepar3D Updates to Version 1.4

Prepar3D is Microsoft’s FSX under a new owner, Lockheed Martin.  Continuing on with the flight simulation tradition, Lockheed Martin has put its own twist on this new version of FSX.  While it is missing some of the more mainstream aircraft like the Boeing 737, just the fact that Lockheed Martin is continuing development of the platform is a huge win for the flight sim community.

Mooney’s Acclaim joins Prepar3D thanks to Lionheart Creations

This latest release shows their continued development, improvements include:

• fixes for stutters or performance issues
• Dialogs now remember their previous position
• Various UI enhancements including the removal of the “apply” button
• Added two new aircraft: Mooney Acclaim by Lionheart Creations, and the T-6 Texan II by IRIS
• Fort Rucker area scenery expansion
• Dozens of legacy scenery and database issues

Upgrading from a previous version (like 1.3) requires the user to download nearly 10G of data, conduct a full uninstall and then reinstall the program.  With this being 2012, such an upgrade procedure is cumbersome, but then Lockheed Martin is new to the consumer flight simulator market.  There is saying, “good things come to those who wait”, so patience is the key.

Beechcraft T-6 Texan II by IRIS in Prepar3d v1.4

I took both the Mooney and the Texan out for a spin around the Fort Rucker area to check out the new scenery.   I have to compliment Lockheed Martin on these additions.  The Mooney feels true to its brand, fast, sleek and forgiving.  While I am not a huge fan Texan II in the real world, I did enjoy flying this model.  It has gobs or power and is super fun to toss around.   I even managed to crash on landing as I came in a bit too fast and lost control.  Way cool!

The Hanchey Army Heliport (KHEY) is a cool addition to Prepar3D

Flying around Fort Rucker, I learned to appreciate the subtleties of the scenery.  I landed at the Hanchey Auxiliary on the north end of the base and was surprised to see a tank hiding in the trees and a well placed Humvee next to the control tower.   I felt like I landed at the real base and was about to get annihilated by a tank.  There are three other areas to check out, the  Hanchey Army Heliport, Knox Army Heliport, and the Cairns Army Field. All of which are nicely done with a great level of detail.

I really like the direction Lockheed Martin is going with Prepar3D.  By leveraging the flight sim community for “default” add-ons and adding some scenery, the future of Prepar3D is bright.   I can’t wait to see what future releases bring.  In the meantime, its time to start porting over my favorite MSFS aircraft!

New X-Plane Directory Published

The MS Flight Simulator Directory I created to help virtual pilots find some of the more popular aircraft for FS9/FSX was such a hit, I decided to compile one for X-Plane. (You can my gibberish below and go right to the directory here if you must.)

X-Plane, like FS9/FSX, represents a blank canvas for virtual pilots to create their own reality (hence: A Reality of My Own).  Unfortunately, out of the box, X-Plane doesn’t offer much in the way of scenic eye candy while on approach to the runways.

Even with a host of included aircraft, X-Plane doesn’t have an all inclusive virtual hangar.  With talented designers out there that recreate their favorite aircraft in great detail, there is always something new to load, fly, and explore.

< Click here to visit the X-Plane Directory >

So, head on over and take a look at some of my favorites.  If you have any suggestions for the content of the page, please leave a comment or send me a tweet (@MyFlightSim).

Cheers! Happy Flying!

AROMO!

Cessa 172N For X-Plane

The Cessna 172 is a very familiar sight at many airports.  There is at least one or two in every flight school’s fleet and just about every pilot flew one as a student.   Flying the 172 is like a blast from the past and reminds me frequently of those tough lessens learned.

With Carenado’s entry into the X-Plane marketplace, it was only a matter of time that their FSX model made its way to the other side.  And, it just did.  Welcome the latest release from Carenado, the Cessna 172N model.

Carenado's Latest X-Plane model: Cessna 172N

Available with wheels, floats and skis, the model can be wrapped in one of four liveries depending on you preference of era (modern vs classic vs somewhere in between).   In addition, the package includes a lively sound set and some awesome animations including a pilot and suspension.

Suspension and Brake Detail

I had the chance to take the 172N faring model out for a quick touch and go at Oceano Airport (L52).  One of the first things I noticed was the throaty, deep rumble of the engine, which immediately brought back some interesting memories of doing run-ups as a student.

The second thing I noticed was the shine / reflection on the “glass” of the cockpit and exterior of the fuselage. Details like this bring a sense of realism to the simulator.  Walking around the outside, other details emerge, like the suspension detail of the front wheel and the brake pads on the main gear.

< Check out the X-Plane Directory for other great add-ons >

 

Moving inside, the usual detailed cockpit is all there.  Having spent time in a real 172, I immediately felt right at home and familiar.  Panning around with my joystick, I can see the cockpit from all angles and sure enough, it looks like a Cessna 172 interior.

The Camera Pop-up

One feature that really, really stood out to me was the quick reference “cameras” pop-up.  If you click the indentation where the N-number place would normally be, up pops a little click-able placard that gives you different views.  Included are options to enable skis and farings on the exterior as well switch interior views including Co-Pilot view, Nav and Switches, Fuel, and my favorite, “View From Rear.”

The "View From Rear" will surely entertain.

The “View From Rear” makes me appreciate how my grandmother felt during while recording (with an 8mm camera) my grandfather performing aerobatic maneuvers in a Piper while he was a test pilot.   I spent a few minutes flying from this view and quickly became air sick.

<check out my review of the Carenado Piper Saratoga SP for X-Plane>

Upon taking off, those throaty sounds gave me a very real feeling.  As I pushed the throttles forward, the deep bass in the sound (enhanced by my sub-woofer) started vibrating my desk and I could feel it in my joystick.  It really did feel real there for a bit.  Sweet! Talk about bringing back memories as a student pilot!

The model with floats.

So, what is there to not like about Carenado’s Cessna 172N for X-Plane? Not much.  It seems to be a little heavy on the frame rates compared to the Mooney they offer, but it is not as bad as the Saratoga (which kills my video card every time).   The included liveries don’t excite me much, but I am sure painters will take care of that issue shortly!

Lifting off on another X-Plane flight.

Would I recommend paying the $25.95 for this model?  Hell YES!  The package that you get is very complete and rivals payware costing twice as much.   With three models (including skis), a great set of sounds, multiple views and the awesome X-Plane community to support you, how could you go wrong with this purchase?

So, quit reading and go get! Start reliving those tense moments as a student pilot!

Cheers!

<link to Cessna 172N by Carenado>

A Tampico Joins the X-Plane Club

X-Plane is an awesome alternative to MS Flight Simulator and is under constant development.  Seems that updates are frequent and with X-Plane 10 on the horizon, it has a very bright future.

And! It just got better, with the release of the TB9 Tampico by Pascal Nicolas. Manufactured by Socata, the TB9 is a single engine, light twin that can carry up to 4 passengers.  Popular as an instrument trainer, many students with advanced ratings may have spent quite a bit of time in one.

Ready for takeoff, the TB9 has an elegant shape

So, I was eager to give Pascal’s new model a test flight.  In this case, I flew it from Santa Maria (KSMX) to Santa Barbara (KSBA) on a day with varied weather conditions in X-Plane.  I wasn’t sure what to expect as the winds were quite gusty at Santa Maria and Santa Barbara had a fog warning.  Maybe I was getting more than I bargained for, but I pushed the throttles forward, felt the power come up and released the brakes.  Away we went…

Turning to head 120 for Gaviota (KSMX below)

I quickly noticed the gusty winds and how severe the TB9 responded to them.  Once we cleared 500 feet and began our turn toward Gaviota, I considered turning back, but ultimately decided to continue the flight and see how it goes.  There was a very strong tendency for a left bank and we hopped around as the winds gusted, but I kept the wings generally flat and the nose pointed slightly up to maintain climb.

Once at 3,000 feet, I came to predict the handling and settled into a routine to constant adjustment to correct for the winds insatiable appetite to throw us off course.  In fact, the handling, expansive view forward, and quiet interior was really starting to grow on me.  As a fan of the Mooney M20J, the TB9 was a reasonable cruiser at a lower price point (free vs $30 for Carenado’s model).

Turning over Gaviota toward Santa Barbara

As we approached Gaviota, we made a turn toward the east to Santa Barbara, staying north of the 101 freeway.  Despite the clear skies, I could see fog creeping in in the distance, so I knew the beautiful weather was limited.  Would I land in Santa Barbara before the fog hit the airport?

Approaching KSBA, runway 15R is ours

With little air traffic and the clear skies, I pushed the Tampico to its limit, cruising at 160 knots.  With the wind dissipated flying didn’t require constant correction and I could relax a bit and enjoy the expansive view of paradise. The Tampico was turning out to be a great little companion.

KSBA from the office, coming in a little high

With clearance from the tower to land on runway 15R, I reduced power and pulled the nose up to bleed off speed.  But then I realized that I am higher than I should be, so I reduced power again to slow enough to engage the flaps.  At that point, I can start a more rapid descent without losing control of airspeed.   This was going to be an interesting approach, but we beat the fog!

Turning to course, I was still quite high.  Nosing the aircraft down, cutting power, and keeping my fingers crossed, I dove for the numbers.  Tower noticed this and asked if I wanted to go around, to which I answered, “no, I got it.”

Arriving at KSBA, just before the fog rolled in

Before I knew it, I was on the runway.  Watching airspeed, altitude and the runway, I put down about 1/3 down the runway in a perfect stall.  The aircraft rolled out and we turned left at the end of the runway.

Taxiing the Tampico is a joy.  With great visibility and responsive controls, it easily goes where you want it.  However, imprecise control inputs will be rewarded with chaos.  Upon turning to the ramp, I over reacted and steered hard to the right while hitting the brakes, resulting in a spin on the taxiway.  Oops.

The detailed cockpit

Arriving at the ramp, I set the brake, cut fuel and open the doors. The sweet smell of ocean and aircraft exhaust was like cow manure to a cowboy.  With the wheels chalked, electrical systems off and my bladder emptied, I complete the post flight walk around.

The fog arrived as the Tampico preps for a rest.

Just in time too, the fog came barreling in, causing some VFR pilots to divert north to Santa Ynez.  We admire the fog as it enroaches on the hills above Santa Barbara and say good afternoon to the Tampico, the airport and a day’s successful test flight.

Cheers!

Aircraft: Socata TB9 Tampico for X-Plane (<download>)
Author: Pascal Nicolas
File Size: ~20mb

Scenery: Santa Barbara Municipal (<download>)
Scenery Author: Martin (aka Partnair)
File Size: ~ 10mb

A Saratoga Joins X-Plane

The weather at Renton Municipal Airport was less than favorable.  With blowing wind at 19 knots, heavy rain and limited visibility to 1,500 feet, I knew taking off now was going to be a challenge.  In reality, I could either sit on the runway, waiting for the weather to clear, playing with the ashtray and all the click-able knobs, or I could attempt a takeoff and see what Carenado‘s latest model for X-Plane could do in such poor weather conditions.  With white knuckles, I took off.

Carenado's Piper Saratoga leaving Renton field in dismal weather.

With such a strong crosswind, maximum deflection on the rudder pedals were required to keep this bird on the runway.  Forget about maintaining center line, keeping it on the runway was challenging enough.  Once airborne, the Piper Saratoga (PA-32R-301), took lightly to the skies, responding abruptly with every gust of wind.  I struggled to maintain visual reference outside the window, blurred by the driving rain, but scanned the instruments quickly to maintain climb rate and speed as much as possible.

As I moved the yoke around struggling to keep the aircraft pointed in the general direction of 350 degrees, I learned how forgiving the inputs were. I then realized that I was over controlling the aircraft and just let it settle in to with the wind.   The big problem was the driving rain… not only was it obnoxiously loud hitting the metal fuselage and windows, but it was making it difficult to maintain visual reference.

The goal was to fly directly north of Renton to Arlington field.   A very short flight, but long enough to get a taste of the Saratoga’s flight dynamics in X-Plane.  So, I started flying around rain cells using the weather map on my iPad (Carenado’s model doesn’t include one, but this is A Reality of My Own).  The nice thing about dodging rain is that it presents an excellent opportunity to put the Saratoga through its paces and mimic an acrobatic pilot.  I am happy to report that it handles quite nicely, predictably, and controlled.  It is certainly not a Mooney, but in a high banking turn, a predictable correction to the yoke brings the nose back to level.

On approach to Arlington, runway 11

The six person cabin is a great place to spend sometime, especially when it is raining outside.  The window curtains make you feel like you are visiting grandma’s house and there is that distinct aviation smell that really can’t be confused with that strange smell emanating from grandma.  Whether or not the curtains turn you on, Carenado did an excellent job delivering detail inside; the seats are nicely covered in fabric, the ashtrays open and close, the visor contains a quick reference guide, and the door actually opens when you click on the door handle.  Imagine that.

Deer on the runway! Quick, hand me my rifle!

More seriously though, passing Everett (KPAE) the weather cleared up and I firewalled the throttles.  With Arlington field in site, I made a shallow circle of the field from the south and prepared for landing on runway 11.  Unfortunately, the deer were out and force today and they tempted the hunter in me by running across the field on short final.  A distraction that would not deter me from a near perfect landing.

However, near perfect it was not.  I wasn’t paying attention to speed and stalled the aircraft about 8 feet from the surface. Ouch!  That was a hard touch down, but oh well, no one was bleeding.   Besides, after a flight through horrendous rain storms around Seattle, it was a good idea to make sure the passengers knew they were safely on the ground.

The Saratoga's classic lines.

In all seriousness folks, Carenado‘s Piper Saratoga for X-Plane 9 is a true gem.  It belongs in your virtual hanger along side their exquisite Mooney M20J.  The level of detail, both internally and externally, sets a new standard for realism. The flight dynamics are not scary and mimic the real thing (based on one flight in a real Saratoga).  The only improvement for Carenado is to somehow bring that unique aviation smell to our desktops.

Cheers!

Author: Carenado
Price: $25.95

PS… here is one more exterior detail shot… checkout them rivets!  The cool thing is that you watch the black antenna shake with aircraft movement!  Sweet!

Exterior detail, even on the white paint kit, is impressive.

Carenado’s Mooney in X-Plane

Finally got a chance to take the Mooney M20J by Carenado out for a spin in X-Plane 9.  This model for FS9 and FSX is one of my favorite of all times not only because it is a Mooney Aircraft, but because Carenado is one of the top modellers in the add-on flight simulator market.

The M20J in X-Plane is a pilot's virtual dream!

So, what can I say about the M20J in X-Plane?  One word…  speechless.  This model is impeccably executed from the eye candy right down to the realism.  This model takes the best of FSX and combines it with the best of X-Plane for a breathe-taking virtual pilot experience.

Go get it… the $25 you will pay is worth every moment of joy flying.

Aircraft: Mooney M20J
Author: Carenado
Cost: $24.95
Purchase Link: X-Plane Store

X-Plane’s Santa Barbara

For the past few months, I have been a proud owner of X-Plane, the “alternative” flight simulator.   With the demise of the Microsoft Flight Simulator Development team,  I, like many other people, took advantage of discounted pricing and purchased X-Plane.   While it takes a little getting used and a fair amount of configuration, X-Plane offers a competitive package to the MSFS products.  But this post isn’t about comparing MSFS to X-Plane.

No, in fact, this post is about me showing my delight to finally have my hometown airport available for X-Plane.  Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (KSBA) has been beautifully modeled by Partnair and is available for download at x-plane.org.

Approaching Santa Barbara over Summerland

While not as detailed as Al Wheeler’s Central Coast Scenery of the MSFS products, it is far better than the empty default scenery in X-Plane.  There are things like rows of trailers parked in the short-term parking lot and some detail around the tower is missing, but the big pieces are there!  The tower, the antique passenger terminal, the T-hangers, and the runways (of course!).   I hope that with future development, this scenery can be improved upon.

Baron at SBA's passenger terminal.

Who knows, maybe someday this scenery will include the new terminal which is currently under construction.  The two story, modern building provides a much needed update to the crammed, inhospitable terminal of today.

No matter what, updates or not, this scenery has made me revisit the X-Plane simulator.  I am looking forward to spend many more hours flying its alternative skies and making countless approaches into Santa Barbara… after all, this is X-Plane’s Santa Barbara.

Cheers!

Note: The Beechcraft Baron 58 is by Alcala-Sim and is available for X-Plane 9.x at this link.