THE FLIGHT

EXPERIENCE FULL-SIZED AIRBUS A320 AND 737NG SIMULATORS

Flight Simulation - Your complete guide www.Key.Aero

Battle of NEW
SERIES
!
Normandy
IL-2 Sturmovik brings the air war to life

DCS: Black
Shark 3
Exclusive
Interview
Osprey MV-22B
Half helicopter, half aeroplane!

Microsoft Flight Simulator

UK £6.60

40th Anniversary Edition

The New Aircraft
#144 March/April 2023

AV-8B Harrier II
For Microsoft Flight Simulator
 The world is
an amazing place.
Discover it.
 EDITORIAL

PCPilot
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Flight Simulation – Your Complete Guide www.Key.Aero/pcpilot

The Battle of Normandy

H
ello and a very warm brand-new series focusing on the both the aircraft and scenery, have a full and detailed review
welcome to another latest addition to the ‘IL-2 Great followed by a detailed appraisal of the Microsoft Flight Simulator
exciting issue of PC Pilot. Battles Series’: IL-2 Sturmovik: of the individual aircraft, from 40th Anniversary Edition. But we
In this edition, we have quite a Battle of Normandy (code-named both a flying and aerial combat don’t stop there… We have also
wide variety of subject matter ‘Operation Overlord’). As with the perspective. Finally, we will be reviewed four of the aircraft that
that will hopefully cater for all previous releases in this series, examining the missions and were included with this release:
tastes when it comes to flight Battle of Normandy is an accurate tours of duty that come with this the Airbus A310, the Hughes H-4
simulation. For combat flight simulation of this famous battle package. Along the way, we will Hercules ‘Spruce Goose’, the Bell
simmers, we have the start of a from the perspective of the air war be providing hints and tips that 407 helicopter and the DG-100
between the combatants. In this will hopefully enhance your overall Neo Glider.
series we will be exploring every experience. These are just some of the
aspect of the simulation, starting Staying with combat simulation, highlights that you will find in this
with an overview of the general we have an exclusive interview edition of PC Pilot.
concept, design and content, with Eagle Dynamics who talk to So, whatever your taste in flight
then taking a detailed look at us about the work being done on simulation, we hope you find
the graphical representation of its highly anticipated module – something for you.
DCS: Black Shark 3. Happy flight simming!
For civil flight simmers, we Derek Davis
Editor
[email protected]

EDITORIAL EDITORIAL CONTACT Distributed by: Seymour Distribution Ltd, We are unable to guarantee the bonafides of
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www.Key.Aero #144 PC PILOT / 3

Contents
Regulars
03 Editorial
Features
54 Flight Experience - Flying’
06 News
full-sized Airbus A320 and
Boeing 737NG simulators
10 Comms
For many aviation enthusiasts, the term
‘flight simulator’ conjures up images
of desktop PCs and joysticks but this
Reviews virtual pastime is now being taken to the
14 Microsoft Flight Simulator - next level, as Airliner World’s Craig West
40th Anniversary Edition discovered.
40 years old! Doesn’t time fly?
58 Flying Floatplanes in MFS
18 iniBuilds’ Airbus A310 Float bases in the Pacific
Is this the best default aircraft ever Northwest region of the
made?
USA and Canada
22 Asobo/BlueMesh H-4 Hercules Join us as we discover the world of
Spruce Goose floatplanes in Microsoft Flight Simulator.
Bringing an iconic aircraft back to life In this feature, we travel to the rugged
Pacific Northwest region of the USA and
26 Nemeth Designs’ Bell 407 Canada and explore some of the world's
A feature-rich helo for Microsoft Flight most challenging floatplane bases.
Simulator
62 Flight Adventure - The de
30 Asobo’s DG-100 Neo Glider Havilland DHC-2 Beaver
Time to soar! In this flight adventure, we explore one of
the most impressive and perhaps iconic
34 Miltech Simulations’ MV-22B bush planes of all time: the de Havilland
Osprey DHC-2 Beaver. Join us as we fly in the
A hybrid helicopter and fixed-wing
backcountry to appreciate just how suited AOA Simulations'
turboprop aircraft
to the role it is. 42 T-6A Texan II
38 DC Designs’ AV-8B Harrier II
A jump jet for Microsoft Flight
Simulator

42 AOA Simulations' T-6A Texan II

The most advanced military training
aircraft in the world

46 Orbx’s Dublin City Pack

The Emerald Isle's crown jewel

50 Aerosoft’s Offshore
Landmarks: North Sea
A unique package for Microsoft Flight
Simulator

Interviews
76 DCS: Black Shark 3 -
Return of the Ka-50 attack
helicopter
We invited Eagle Dynamics’ project
manager, Andrey Chizh, to talk to us
about the work being done on the third
iteration of their highly popular DCS:
Black Shark series. 38 DC Design’s AV-8B Harrier II

4 / PC PILOT #144 www.Key.Aero

 Next Month
The next issue of
PC Pilot (#145) will
be on sale in UK shops
on April 20.

IL-2 Sturmovik:
Battle of Normandy 70
70 IL-2 Sturmovik: Battle of
Normandy
Welcome to a new series on the latest
addition to the 'IL-2 Great Battles Series' -
IL-2 Sturmovik: Battle of Normandy. In this
series, we will be exploring every aspect
of the simulation, from the basic layout of
the menu to the graphical representation
of the aircraft and scenery, as well as the
missions on offer and the different ways
you can play this simulation.

80 Flight sim airports - Part 4:

Aerosoft’s EBBR Brussels
Miltech Simulations’ MV-22B Osprey 34 Airport
This time, we travel to Brussels Airport
in Belgium. With flights to more than
200 destinations, it is one of the busiest
airports in Europe. So, let's see how it
compares with other airports in Microsoft
Flight Simulator.

Tutorials
66 Back to Basics - Using
the VOR continued…
In our previous lesson, we left
off overhead Mangalore VOR
station. We now continue on our
planned route to Albury when some
unexpected ATC requirements test
our understanding of VOR intercepts,
before we put it all together to make
22 Asobo/BlueMesh H-4 Hercules Spruce Goose a simple VOR approach.

www.Key.Aero #144 PC PILOT / 5

 NEWS

Concorde takes flight

in X-Plane 12

Colimata has released Concorde FXP

version 3 for X-Plane 12. Highlights include
a realistic 3D model with PBR effects and
optional 4K or 2K textures. The Olympus
593 engines are modelled in detail with

DCS: A-7 Corsair II animations such as ramps, spill doors,

primary and secondary nozzles and engine
cowl doors. It also sports a custom sound

development update set with voice inputs from the co-pilot, flight
engineer and captain.
The flight deck has fully functional
FlyingIron Simulations has released a status the controls are now working in harmony crew stations with automatic or manual
report on the upcoming A-7 Corsair II for with the AFCS, respecting defined authority fuel trimming, custom lighting and
DCS World. Lead programmer at FlyingIron limits and behaviour." functional systems, including a CIVA
Simulations, Daniel Kassabian, explained that Work has continued throughout the year Inertial Navigation System. It also sports
the 3D modelling was completed last year with to develop the cockpit and the underlying a working autopilot and an extensive
both the external and internal models remade targeting and weapon delivery systems, user interface with features such as
from scratch, adding significantly more detail such as the correct pylon release cues route loading, flight preparation, aircraft
while also optimising performance. and logic. The culmination of this has been management and checklists. Other details
The A-7 flight model has also undergone the development and integration of CCIP include rain effects on the windscreen,
extensive rework using a new Computational and CCRP weapon release modes, which operational passenger and cargo doors, a
Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis technique, draw heavily from various sensors and 3D cabin and ground equipment such as
which allows CFD data to be gathered in a targeting systems before making real-time tankers, catering vehicles and a pushback
fraction of the time compared to traditional calculations to determine an impact point. truck.
modelling techniques. Daniel explained: "CFD The navigation systems received some The flight model has a standard or pro
is an enormously time-intensive process development time, such as the Inertial setting; the latter featuring realistic take-
and almost always requires constant model Navigation System (INS), tactical computers off and landing characteristics, a realistic
tuning and tweaking to collect valid results. and the waypoint system. Progress has subsonic and supersonic flight model and
Furthermore, this new workflow has provided also been made with integrating data from accurate thrust simulation. The package is
an efficient way to study the effects of the navigation systems into the aircraft's available on https://x-plane.org for $59.95
airframe damage on the flight dynamics, an avionics. This year will see further detailing (£53 approx).
aspect that is often modelled with simple of the INS, the Inertial Measurement Unit
approximations due to data limitations." (IMS) and the development of the Doppler
He continued: "The focus has also been Radar. iniScene updates
on fine-tuning the Control Augmentation
System (CAS). CAS is only one part of the
The A-7's key avionics are in various
stages of completion. The Projected Map
Heathrow
A-7's Automatic Flight Control Systems Display (PMD) is functioning with current
(AFCS), which is used not only to enhance work focused on integrating navigational
flight stability but also for the autopilot. CAS data from the tactical computer. The
and AFCS have a strong interconnection Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) has been
with the control surfaces and have required on the back burner for some time due to
a complete rewrite of all the control surface limitations in the documentation. However,
models. This was completed last year, and the necessary documents have now been
obtained and the focus is now on developing The latest rendition of London Heathrow
the RWR fully. from iniScene for Microsoft Flight Simulator
The codebase is also being refined with a introduces several updates to bring the
more realistic flow of information. The aim is package in line with the actual airport in its
to mimic data-flow as it occurs in the actual current state as well as adding new features
A-7, with the avionics depending on other and technological improvements.
systems and prone to failure and accuracy Highlights include various revisions to the
limitations. This will allow failures, errors and control tower and airport terminals such
inaccuracies to be simulated as they can as interior modelling, the addition of static
occur in the real aircraft." people and improved jetways. Other details
Daniel concluded: "To summarise the include overhauled ground polygons to match
state of the A-7, most systems have the current airport layout, improved apron
been developed and integrated to at markings and airport-wide optimisation of
least a basic extent. The focus is now on all assets. Heathrow V3 is available on the
expanding the advanced functions and the iniBuilds website for £17.99 at https://store.
interconnections between each system." inibuilds.com.

6 / PC PILOT #144 www.Key.Aero

 Contact us Visit us Follow us
[email protected] www.Key.Aero/pcpilot facebook.com/pcpilot

737 MAX8 ready for take-off DCS World:

2023 and beyond
Eagle Dynamics released a rather enticing
video (https://youtu.be/a55UgA28w-Q)
showcasing some of its upcoming projects.
In the accompanying press release, the
company said: "2022 was an outstanding
year for DCS, which saw the introduction of
new modules including DCS: AH-64D, DCS:
Black Shark 3, DCS: MB-339, DCS: Mirage
F1, DCS: South Atlantic Map, as well as
many exciting campaigns. This is in addition
to several impressive community-created
aircraft mods.
2023 is a truly exciting year, with the
introduction of eagerly awaited modules
including the DCS: F-4E by Heatblur,
DCS: F-15E by RAZBAM, DCS: OH-58D
Kiowa Warrior from Polychop, DCS: F4U-
1D Corsair by Magnitude 3, DCS: C-130J
by the Airplane Simulation Company,
new Mirage F1 versions by Aerges, DCS:
Normandy 2.0 map by Ugra Media, the
iFly, in partnership with Flight One Software, also modelled using advanced rendering DCS: Sinai Map by OnReTech and more!
has released the 737 MAX8 for Prepar3D v5. techniques in Prepar3D v5. "With close to half of our team working
According to the development team, the Other highlights include accurate fuel, on core engine improvements, 2023 is
package is iFly’s most advanced study-level electrical, hydraulic and pressurisation also looking great, with the introduction
simulation for the home market, created with systems and a detailed failure model. It also of multi-threading, DLSS/NIS, Vulkan API,
input from 737 MAX pilots and technical comes with virtual-reality support, dynamic enhanced weather, the dynamic campaign
advisors. The MAX is designed to take full cockpit lighting and a 3D passenger cabin engine, and much more."
advantage of the Prepar3D v5 platform to with interactive seatbelt and no-smoking The future looks very exciting for DCS
maximise the level of detail and performance. signs. World and rest assured, PC Pilot will be
It sports a realistic and functional 3D cockpit Extensive aircraft configurations are covering those future developments.
and exterior model with high-definition available via an Electronic Flight Bag (EFB),
textures and PBR effects throughout. Various including different engine ratings, the ability
animations include control surfaces, working to configure the aircraft to match actual
APU doors, wing flex and a custom soundset airline equipment, view charts (Navigraph
recorded from a real aircraft. subscription required) and calculate aircraft
The captain’s and first officer’s positions performance values. The iFly Jets Advanced
are fully simulated with high-definition Series - The 737-MAX8 for Prepar3D is
displays and FMCs with full LNAV and available on the Flight1 website for $69.95
VNAV functionality. A collimated HUD is (£57 approx) - www.flight1.com.

Please visit
www.flight1.com
www. .com
for more information
SHOP • MANAGE • CONNECT DOWNLOAD THE FLIGHT1 AGENT
FOR MSFS
P3D V5 P3D V4/
5

NOW AVAILABLE FSHUD – AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL

iFly Jets Advanced Series – 737 MAX Real-World ATC Procedures + 8 Voices

www.Key.Aero #144 PC PILOT / 7

 NEWS

Memphis for Microsoft

Flight Simulator
Developed by BMWorld and AmSim, this
package for Microsoft Flight Simulator is
an accurate rendition of the actual airport,
sporting high-resolution textures with
custom ground markings and details such
as dirt and weathering.
Other highlights include interior modelling
for the terminal, animated jetways with
airline codes assigned to each parking
location and a landside area with custom
buildings to match the real airport.
Memphis International Airport is home to
the FedEx Express global hub with routes
to destinations across the continental
United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle

Falcon BMS 4.37 released

Benchmark Simulations has announced that and wingtip trail optimisation.
East, Asia and South America. The 164th
Airlift Wing of the Tennessee Air National
Guard is also stationed at the airport,
Falcon BMS 4.37 is now available. The update Other parts of the simulator have also been operating C-17 Globemaster III transport
sports several new features and improvements, improved, such as various texture fixes for aircraft. The package is available on
including virtual reality support and a new theatre assets and the terrain, updates to OrbxDirect for AUD$32.90 (£18 approx) -
user interface. Various aircraft improvements the sound system and the weather engine. https://orbxdirect.com.
include an updated Electronic Countermeasure Performance improvements include CPU
(ECM) panel for the F-16, Combat Arms and memory optimisation as well as Crash to
Training and Maintenance (CATM) simulation Desktop (CTD) fixes. Finally, documentation
fire and working mirrors in the cockpit. changes include new F-16 checklists,
There are also several work-in-progress updated training manuals and navigation
improvements on the F-15C cockpit systems charts. New ECM/Suppression of Enemy Air
and flight model, as well as various visual fixes Defences (SEAD) training missions have also
such as improved afterburner effects, contrails been added.

Buffalo Niagara
Airport for X-Plane
Scenery developer, iniScene has
announced KBUF Buffalo Niagara Airport
for X-Plane 11 and 12 is now available.
Developed in collaboration with Xometry,
this airport features hand-made ground
polygons with custom texture sets for
the runways, aprons and taxiways with
custom taxiway signs. It also comes
with detailed models of the airport
buildings, including interior modelling
for the terminal. Other highlights include
ground equipment at each gate along with
animated jetways with real-world logos
and decals.
E-Jets 175 enters Early Access Moreover, the landside area is a true-to-
life recreation of the actual airport with
Designed by FlightSim Studio, this package airline pilots. All the systems are custom- high-definition ground decals, signposts,
is a detailed recreation of the E-Jets 175, coded based on an aircraft manual, including vegetation and parking barriers. Buffalo
featuring both the long and short winglet the electrical system, Auxiliary Power Unit Niagara Airport is available on the
versions. The aircraft is designed to take (APU), hydraulics, ice protection and air iniBuilds website for £16.99 at https://
advantage of native Microsoft Flight Simulator conditioning, while the cockpit sports realistic store.inibuilds.com.
(MFS) technologies such as Physically flight management and auto flight systems
Based Rendering (PBR) effects and visual along with accurately modelled avionics.
aircraft icing. Other details include seven Other features include interactive checklists,
high-resolution liveries, a custom sound-set native MFS route integration and online
recorded from the real aircraft and dynamic documentation such as tutorials, autopilot
lighting. and Multifunction Control and Display Unit
The flight dynamics features correct weight (MCDU) guides. The package is available on
and balance characteristics and performance Aerosoft’s online store for €40.29 (£35 approx)
data developed with the help of real-world at www.aerosoft.com.

8 / PC PILOT #144 www.Key.Aero

 COMMS

Abnormal and Emergency situations

Dear PC Pilot programs for teaching my students at all Initial courses (5 days) were 4-5 hours of
I have been a reader of PC Pilot for many levels of pilot certificates. I am dedicated to class in the morning, with the simulator in the
years and consider it to be one of the best using PC simulation as it is a fantastic tool for afternoon; recurrent (3 days) with simulator in
aviation magazines I have read. I have been learning to fly, staying current and learning the morning and classroom in the afternoon.
a pilot since 1976 and a flight instructor since about weather, flight planning and ATC among Crew Resource Management/Single-pilot
1985. I have airline transport, commercial and many other items. One of the areas that flight Resource Management (CRM/SRM) was a
flight instructor/instrument/multi-engine and simulation is particularly adept is abnormal major factor in the courses. I can attest to
advanced ground-instrument certificates. I and emergency training. At FSI, our training the value of simulator training in saving lives
have over 15,000 hours teaching in aircraft and was primarily abnormal and emergency and improving pilot skills. When I train pilots,
simulators. Most of my teaching has been in scenarios in VFR and IFR conditions. my primary use of PC simulators is to have
general aviation aircraft but I have taught in a Every item listed in the aircraft POH/AFM pilots experience such situations safely in a
Boeing 737-400/500 simulator. I was a ground, Emergency Section would be experienced simulation first. Hopefully, they will never have
simulator and flight instructor, as well as a by the pilot during training. Such training was an actual situation but when they do, they
program manager for FlightSafety International very exacting and strenuous for the pilots. will be much better prepared. While PC flying
(FSI), Cessna Centre, Wichita, Kansas, for 10 Sessions were two hours for single pilot and is fun and seeing new places in the world
years. I’m a teacher in the Professional Pilot four hours for multi-crew in the simulator. exciting, the real value of simulator training
Program. Typically, a pilot would experience 15-20 is for situations when things do not go as
I started with Microsoft Flight Simulator failures during the session. There would be a anticipated.
when it first came out. I also have been ground school covering that particular aircraft PC Pilot has several sections dealing with
using X-Plane for many years. I use these type systems, operations and performance. various aspects of simulator flying. However,
there is not a section addressing the type
of training that simulators are truly unique
at: abnormal and emergency situations.
As described above, this type of training is
incredibly valuable and can only be learned in
a simulator. Whether motion or non-motion,
the learning that a pilot receives in a simulator
dealing with emergencies is a game changer.
Yours sincerely,
Michael Townsend

PC Pilot
Hi Michael,
Thanks for getting in touch and for your
excellent idea which I find very interesting
and think would be of great interest to
our readers. It would also complement
our Back to Basics series written by Peter
Stark. So, we will certainly give this due
consideration and endeavour to include
articles on this topic in the near future.
Cheers,
Derek

10 / PC PILOT #144 www.Key.Aero

 Contact us Visit us Follow us
[email protected] www.Key.Aero/pcpilot facebook.com/pcpilot

Joystick extensions
Dear PC Pilot
I have long bemoaned the fact that flight PC Pilot
simulators are often lacking the correct Hi Wayne,
hardware. Flying a World War Two fighter with Thanks for your email. In answer to
a desk-mounted stick less than a foot high your question, the only product that
is hardly realistic, since much less effort is we have come across that would suit
needed to move it than would be the case with your requirement was designed for the
those found in real aircraft where they were Thrustmaster Warthog joystick and
2ft or 2.5ft high. This increased throw distance extended the length of the stick. We
would require using arm and shoulder muscles ran a feature on this product in Issue
instead of a flick of the wrist, which would 99 of PC Pilot, back in August 2015. It
increase immersion by inducing more fatigue was designed to improve the precision
during gameplay. So, do you know if anyone of the stick and was simply called the
makes a long joystick that could be floor- ‘Extension Mod’. These were a series of
mounted and have a USB connection? metal tubes which screwed into the base
Kind regards, of the joystick unit and the length could be
Wayne Hinton increased by adding more of these tubes.
The extension was available in three
sizes: 80mm, 100mm and 120mm,
which also included an extension cable.
Having done a search on the internet, I
have discovered there are now several
different companies that sell this type of
product. Just type in the words ‘warthog
extension’ in Google and a number of
vendors will appear.
I hope that’s been of help.
Cheers,
Derek

VR headsets PC Pilot
Hi Dave,
Thanks for your email and for subscribing
Dear PC Pilot and VR and am looking for some direction, to PC Pilot. In response, we did a VR
I’m a new subscriber to your magazine so I don’t want to waste my money. Is that headset round-up in Issue 120 of PC Pilot,
and love it so far. I’m a retired Navy pilot possible? back in 2019. However, new products
who flies for JetBlue now and I was Thanks! have been released since then, so an
wondering if you’d do a deep comparison Kind regards, updated comparison is probably due.
of VR headsets. I’m just getting into DCS Dave Schmaldienst In the meantime, here's a link to the
digital version of Issue 120, containing
the article, on Pocketmags:
https://pocketmags.com/
onlinereader/179416
Let me know if you need any further
help or advice.
Cheers, Derek

South West Flight

Simulator Group
(SWFS)
Dear PC Pilot
We are based at Ipplepen Village Hall,
Devon TQ12 5SB and hold monthly
meetings on Sundays 9.30am to 3pm.
You can find full details about SWFSG
at http://swfsg.blogspot.co.uk/. Next
meetings: March 26, April 16 and May 21.
Kind regards, Rory O'Neill

www.Key.Aero #144 PC PILOT / 11

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From the Editor
PC Pilot is the premier magazine dedicated to the exciting and ever-changing world of flight simulation. Flight
simulation is a wide and diverse subject that encompasses many disciplines, technologies and users - from
beginners to seasoned veterans.
With that in mind, PC Pilot is packed with articles which cater for all levels of experience and expertise, while
its writers include real-world pilots and aviation professionals who provide expert advice and opinion on all
subjects related to this exciting hobby.
So, whether you’re new to flight simulation or are returning to the hobby, you’ll find something in PC Pilot for you.
Don’t miss out on this great subscription offer!

Derek Davis - Editor

To order online, or for overseas offers, please visit:

shop.keypublishing.com/pcpsubs
Or call +44 (0)1780 480404 - quoting PCP0323
Terms and conditions: Quoted rates are for UK subscriptions only, paying by Annual Direct Debit. Quoted savings based on those rates versus
purchasing individual print and digital issues. Standard one-year print subscription prices: UK - £29.99, EU - £34.99, USA - £37.99, ROW - £40.99.
Closing date: 31st March, 2023.

058/23
 REVIEW MICROSOFT FLIGHT SIMULATOR 40TH ANNIVERSARY

14 / PC PILOT #144 www.Key.Aero

 Pilot PCPilot
CLASSIC
AWARD

Microsoft
Flight 40th
Anniversary
Edition

Simulator
40 years old! - Doesn’t time fly?
Bring back Meigs Field (KCGX)
C
an you believe it? Microsoft’s Flight
Simulator is 40 years old. And like many You all asked and Asobo finally answered,
of you reading this article, I was there Meigs Field is back along with three other iconic
at the very beginning. Looking on the bright airports. Sadly, the real Meigs Field, (which was
side, I’m also still around to moan about it. closed on the night of March 31, 2003) couldn’t
But we’re not going there in this article, let’s be restored. They could however restore the
instead look at the goodies they’ve lavished Flight Simulator version for us all to enjoy once
on us in this latest instalment. The list is quite again. That approach over Lake Michigan on a
extensive and includes some long called- damp winter’s night can be quite challenging,
for features and the developers have also with water at both ends of the runway and a
sprinkled in a few surprises to sweeten the pot. propensity for having mist rising from the lake.
The modelling here is outstanding for such
Where to begin? a small airport, particularly within the terminal
Each Microsoft Flight Simulator (MFS) update which is an extraordinary example of 3D design.
Above: One of my more successful
provides similar features and improvements Normally if you try to enter the buildings with
landings on the Needles Lighthouse but this time the sheer volume is almost the drone, you’ll be propelled onto the roof.
helipad. overwhelming. You have seven new classic Consequently, my screenshots are usually
Below: One of the old adventures brought aircraft, two helicopters, two sailplanes and a taken from an external perspective but in
back was the flight to Mount Rushmore.
Below right: Along with the introduction
true-to-life airliner in this update. However, there this case, with a little ingenuity I managed to
of gliders, there are glider tutorials. are plenty more additions to focus on, so let’s manoeuvre the drone inside to take them.
start with one of my favourites, the new airports.
Princess Juliana Saint
Maarten (TNCM)
Maho (commonly called Sunset Beach) sits at the
end of Runway 10 at Princess Juliana Airport on
the island of Saint Maarten. It is located literally
a few metres from the Caribbean Sea and is one
of the most photographed spots in the world.

www.Key.Aero #144 PC PILOT / 15

 REVIEW MICROSOFT FLIGHT SIMULATOR 40TH ANNIVERSARY

Kai Tak Airport

is open for
business
once more.

I had the pleasure of visiting there in 2016 and many YouTube videos, where all types of aircraft with air bridges and static aircraft that always
sat with my wife at the famous Sunset Bar and were depicted at ridiculously low level, while add that element of activity to the scene.
Grill. We enjoyed a cold drink, while watching navigating their way through the skyscrapers of
a variety of aircraft literally skimming the beach Kowloon on approach to Runway 13. Of course, First flight airport: Kitty Hawk
on to the runway. It’s quite an amazing sight like Meigs Field the airport no longer exists. It Now we come to the last new airport in
and is equally surprising to see people standing was closed in 1998 and the ICAO code was this update, which is not so much about
against the perimeter fence, directly in the jet transferred to Chek Lap Kok just 19 miles away. the airport. It’s one of the new activities
blast of aircraft taking off... how crazy is that? Asobo has reintroduced Kai Tak, which based on the first flight of the Wright Flyer
The rendition of the airport, the surrounding means we can have another go at that aircraft by Wilber Wright in 1903, which
areas and in fact the whole island is superb. Not challenging approach without endangering took place at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.
forgetting that this is a freebie, it’s as good as any civilians or trashing any aircraft. The famous In this scenario you get to fly the aircraft from
commercial product, so I wasn’t surprised to find checkerboard on Kowloon Tsai Hill is back a catapult launch, in an attempt to complete
that FlyTampa was responsible for the modelling. in place as are the sequenced flashing the same flight or even better it if you can.
The terminal is a perfect replica of the real one, lights that guide you on to the approach, There’s a stopwatch and gauge that monitors
including the internal modelling, where you’ll see (occasionally referred to as the ‘rabbit’). the ground covered attached to a wing spar
nicely scaled components that don’t look heavy Originally Kai Tak was depicted in MFS for you to check how you did. There’s not
and unrealistic. I managed to enter with the as the remains of a runway, covered with a lot more to see here, other than a visitor’s
drone, which means either FlyTampa has found commercial buildings, sporting facilities and centre with a dedication plaque and a car
a way around the collision problem or there’s various construction sites. Now it’s back to park alongside some generic buildings.
some inconsistency in where it takes effect. its former glory, as a busy hub of aviation
with all the additional elements associated Heliports
Hong Kong Kai Tak (VHHX) with such a location. Also, the massive Although this release only includes three
This is another of the airports that featured in terminal complex is resurrected, complete airport updates, Asobo has compensated

System setup Attempting to

land on the
Minimum System Requirements Burj Al Arab,
OS Windows 10 v18362.0 or higher hotel in Dubai.

Software Microsoft Flight Simulator (Standard,

Deluxe or Premium Deluxe)
Processor Intel i5-8400 / AMD Ryzen 5 1500X
Memory 16GB
Graphics card NVIDIA GTX 970 / AMD Radeon RX
590
Video memory 4GB
Review system
Processor Intel i7 9700K 3.60GHz processor
with Corsair liquid cooler
RAM 32 GB DDR4 3200MHz
Graphics card Gigabyte GTX 1080Ti,
11GB GDDR5 video card
Hard Drive 1 x 1TB Crucial NVMe M.2 SSD
1 x 6TB Samsung hard drive
Display 32-inch 4K iiyama monitor

16 / PC PILOT #144 www.Key.Aero

somewhat by adding 14 new heliports. These
are liberally dotted around the world in some
unusual places such as (OBAR) at the top of
the Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai and (WMMT)
on top of the Menara Telekom Tower in Kuala
Lumpur, Malaysia. One of the most challenging
is (EGLT) the Needles Lighthouse, located on
the extreme west coast of the Isle of Wight A view of the
in the UK. Naturally, you’ll find some in more glider’s cockpit.
traditional locations as well, such as (EGLW)
on the Thames, in Battersea, London. The famous flight
by Wilbur Wright
is commemorated
Old features with a plaque.
The sub-heading above is not a mistake,
Microsoft really has brought back a number
of adventures and challenges from previous
versions of the franchise. Of course, these will
benefit from more up-to-date aircraft and far
more realistic scenery. I don’t believe that helps
with the difficulty level of the challenges, which
still require a certain degree of proficiency and
concentration. If you had some old favourites,
this will give you a chance to try them again.
They include the Grand Canyon Scenic Tour,
1st US Airmail Route, Rome-Naples Airline
Run, Alaskan Floatplane Pilot and more.
monitors is the way to go. It’s long been a Performance updates
New features feature available in all the other platforms but Obviously, your PC’s performance (to some
One of the most requested features provided not MFS until now. It’s also independently extent) dictates the reality of your flights.
in this update is the introduction of gliders; in adjustable, both in terms of resolution, zoom, So, it’s almost a given that we simmers try
fact, there are two: the DG Aviation LS8-18 pitch and yaw, or lateral, vertical and roll to keep pace with the development of PC
and DG-1001E neo. Asobo has also added offset as it’s described in the interface. hardware, which as I’m sure you all know
three different tow methods, just like those This means you don’t get the distorted effect can be an expensive pursuit. It’s good to see
found in the real world. They are highly detailed you see with systems that simply stretch a that Asobo are also aware and constantly
showing a winch wire that moves and behaves single image across all of your monitors. tweaking the code to increase those all-
like a real wire. When it’s released it drops The other quite useful feature is important frame rates. In fact, this update
realistically, supported by a small parachute. the Replay Tool, used to record and has gone further than previous ones with
The gliders are accompanied by seven replay a flight. It’s a bit awkward to support for new DLSS 3 (Deep Learning
tutorial missions designed to help those use compared to the commercial one Super Sampling) modes provided by NVIDIA.
who are new to gliding, together with currently on sale, (FlightControlReplay) Using the RTX 4 series of video cards, this
15 new handcrafted glider airports to but the MFS one is free and I’m sure (they say) can in many cases double your
fly from. They can be identified by a will profit from further development. frame rates. I understand the sim already
small green star on the name icon. Finally, the control option now includes has support for the earlier DLSS 2 modes.
In the general options you’ll also find five new profiles for many of the new flight
new experimental features, one of which controllers, including the Turtle Beach Conclusion
is multi-monitor support. Probably not VelocityOne Flight Stick I reviewed recently. In addition to the items I’ve mentioned, Asobo
such an important addition to everyone This will automatically apply settings for every has added literally hundreds of enhancements
but if you have a flight deck or would like a switch, button and lever on your controller, and equally as many bug fixes, along with random
more realistic external view, using multiple which can save quite a bit of setup time. issues that were reported by the community.
While some have said that MFS should not
Another old have been released until these items were
favourite, Meigs resolved, in my opinion we have had over two
Field is also
resurrected. years enjoyment from it, and if they had waited,
that’s what we would still be doing - waiting!
There’s no doubt they are getting on top
of it and when you consider the extras we
get with each of these updates, personally
I think they did the right thing.
By Joe Lavery

PC Pilot Verdict
At a glance: This 40th Anniversary Edition
update adds a huge range of new features and
fixes lots of bugs. There’s much more to do but
they’re getting there.
Publisher: Asobo / Microsoft
Website: https://news.xbox.com
Developers: Asobo
Content: Very good
Documentation: None
Performance: Very good
90
PC Pilot Score:

www.Key.Aero #144 PC PILOT / 17

 REVIEW MICROSOFT FLIGHT SIMULATOR 40TH ANNIVERSARY

iniBuilds’
Airbus A310
Is this the best default aircraft ever made?
ith the arrival of the Microsoft Flight Airbus will agree here). Asobo has done a aircraft, the A300-600R. Both the A300-

W Simulator (MFS) 40th Anniversary

Edition, I look back over everything
I've learned since I first discovered flight
lot to produce better quality default aircraft
but even the modern DA62 can have issues.
Then the 40th Anniversary Edition of MFS
600R and A310 offer a similar cockpit layout
and if you can fly one, you can pretty much
fly the other. iniBuilds announced earlier this
simulation in the mid-'80s. Sure, I can talk arrived and suddenly, there was an aircraft year that the A310 would be coming to MFS.
about the technical improvements, moving the 10-year-old me would have died for. Now it's here, I'm honestly excited to see how
from the wireframe Sears tower to where Ladies and gentlemen, it is my great pleasure this beautiful aircraft is going to slot into this
we are today. We've come a long way since to introduce you to the Airbus A310 - the gorgeous-looking sim.
Meigs field offered us the pinnacle of home- first truly complex airliner to be included as The Airbus A310 entered service in 1981
based flight but one truth has always followed a default aircraft in MFS. Well, don't just sit and was perfect for use on transatlantic
each successive edition of Microsoft's Flight there, let's get going. routes. It offered greater efficiency against the
Simulator: never fly the default aircraft. four-engined Boeing 747 and triple-engined
It's a known fact that default aircraft have Welcome to the future, Lockheed Tristar and Douglas DC-10. It also
historically been... let's say 'not good' in 80s style offered a two-man crew, removing the flight
comparison to third-party offerings. At best X-Plane pilots will already be familiar with the engineer position found in the original A300.
the simpler aircraft can behave somewhat Airbus A310. iniBuilds has had the A310 out From the introduction to the final model
oddly, at worst, the more complex aircraft for X-Plane 11 for quite some time, and while delivered, the A310 proved a moderate
are just plain odd (anyone who flew the FSX I haven't flown it, I have enjoyed its sister success, finally giving way to the A330. The

The A310 was popular for transatlantic routes,

offering savings on both fuel and crew for airlines.

18 / PC PILOT #144 www.Key.Aero

 Pilot PCPilot
CLASSIC
AWARD

last A310 was delivered in 1998 with a total of Night lighting is very
255 delivered in that time. Today, more than good and there are
50 remain flying. lots of little details
that only the lights
seem to pick up.
Comfortably complex
Jumping into the iniBuilds A310-300 is
a daunting task. If you're a novice pilot
expecting to just get airborne, you'll struggle.
Likewise, if you're a modern jet pilot who
knows your way around an A320, let's just say
the A310 cockpit is similar but different. I've
spent plenty of hours with the A300-600R and
I still make mistakes because I treat the A310
like an A320. Fortunately, there is a manual
provided to help ease the transition back into
the 1980s. That's a major plus, though it may
take a little digging into your MFS install to
find it. There's SimBrief integration as well
to make flight planning that little bit easier
along with ACARS (Aircraft Communication
Addressing and Reporting System) support.
Externally, a whole new model has been
produced for MFS and it's a beauty. You get a
beautiful white tail livery as well as a choice of
the usual MFS liveries including those classic
FSX ones. If you're looking for more real-world
liveries, you can download the iniManager
from iniBuilds. There, you will find plenty of
livery packs to choose from.
Moving inside you’ll find the A310’s cockpit

www.Key.Aero #144 PC PILOT / 19

 REVIEW MICROSOFT FLIGHT SIMULATOR 40TH ANNIVERSARY

The quality of the liveries is

fantastic, just look at the detail
in this Air Transat A310.

to be clean, if a little worn, which fits the is no longer updated and doesn't feature an enough if you can work an A320. Entering your
character of the A310 perfectly. aircraft profile for the A310. I'm guessing this is Vee speeds is fun, as you have to enter your V2
a sim bug rather than an A310 bug but it would speed in the window of the Flight Management
Flying the A310 be nice to not waste time planning a flight only Guidance System (FMGS) rather than in the
As you'd expect from this complex aircraft, for the nav log to be blank. FMC itself. The A310 is very quirky.
flying the old girl is….um…complex. This Back to the A310 itself. The heart of the A310 Once you're set, pushback is easily set up
complexity starts at the flight planning stage. is its EFB. Here you can set the aircraft weights and getting the aircraft moving is as you would
SimBrief users can skip this section, as they and the current state from 'cold and dark' to expect. On take-off the aircraft feels heavy and
will have their flight planning all sorted before 'ready for take-off'. You can also sort your rotation speed can be a little longer coming
they start the sim. If you don't have a SimBrief ground vehicles, doors and more as well as if you're heavy. It's important to set your trim
account, however, here is where you'll start to plan for pushback. These EFB setups are now correctly also or you'll find the A310 is all too
struggle. The built-in flight planner on the world so common within add-on aircraft that it's hard happy to sink back to the floor. (I had this
map is actually pretty good, allowing you to to imagine flying without them. happen while reviewing the A310 with the flu;
create a route complete with SIDs and STARs. Pre-flighting the A310 is familiar but not recommended).
Annoyingly, however, it doesn't transfer this different, especially if you're an A320 pilot. The autopilot is also different, with a standard
route on to your NAV log once you enter the It's worthwhile having the manual on hand setting being set PROF for the climb out and
cockpit, nor is it possible to call up this route or relying on the in-sim checklist to help so on. The PROF setting though will bust right
within the aircraft's Electronic Flight Bag (EFB). make sure you're on top of things. The FMC through your altitude constraints as you climb.
That meant I had to re-plan my flight using my feels very A320-like but the flight plan entry This is normal behaviour, as the PROF setting
old Aerosoft PPFX flight planner, which sadly procedure is a little different, although familiar will only follow those constraints on descent.

Above: The overhead panel will be familiar to A320 pilots,

yet very different.
Right: There's something a little sexy about this
1980s-era glass cockpit.

20 / PC PILOT #144 www.Key.Aero

Right: At the gate, the A310 is fully compatible with
GSX as well as having its own ground crews available
from the EFB.
Below: There’s a cabin on board should you wish to
stretch your virtual legs in flight.

Even then it's likely to screw them up. This has length and heading to use this but unlike impression because of that complexity. The
caught me out several times. Again, the A310 other calculators I've used, no database adds lack of an easy-to-find manual or even a
is not an A320, you actually have to do some these figures for you. Instead, you'll have to go tutorial makes this a scary aircraft to get to
of the work. hunting for charts to fully use this system. grips with. There is a full video tutorial available
Landing can also be a challenge and you’ll Finally, I had issues with my throttles. They on YouTube that was made by iniBuilds but if
need to keep ahead of the aircraft as you need to be calibrated outside of the main sim you don't know it's there it's a bit pointless.
approach. With full flaps and slats, she’s still and inside the aircraft’s EFB. As it was, my Looking at the aircraft itself, there's a lot
surprisingly nimble. throttles only really worked at around the 50% to love. The external model is great, and the
mark. Turns out that the sim reserved part of liveries are free and easy to install. SimBrief
Issues my throttle axis for a reverse thrust setting. integration is a bonus, and the cockpit
The A310 is not without its issues and Again, this is found in the manual or the environment is a joy to be in. Given this is now
annoyances. The one that really bothered me iniBuilds forum. a default aircraft, it's one of the best you'll find.
was when using the FMC. MFS will helpfully Turning to performance, the A310 will The A310 is complex, it will make you work for
hide your cursor if it doesn't move. Entering struggle a little at large airports such as a living, but you'll enjoy it, I promise.
a route can mean you need to scroll down Vienna or Frankfurt. Part of this is my ageing By Jessica Bannister-Pearce
a page for the next waypoint to work from. system, but nonetheless, flying in 1080p can
Because the mouse doesn't really move from see my frame rates drop into the teens at
the down button, the cursor hides, leaving you some airports. At quieter locations, things
PC Pilot Verdict
At a glance: The iniBuilds A310-300 is by far
clicking a mouse button that isn't activating improve dramatically, with a constant 30fps
the best default aircraft you'll find in any sim,
the FMC button you were using. So, every few for most conditions. but for new pilots this could be intimidating
seconds you need to shake the mouse to get without a proper tutorial.
the damn cursor back. Conclusion Price: Free with MFS
Finding the manual is a pain, with myself only It's a dream come true to have a sim where Website: www.inibuilds.com
finding it after visiting the iniBuilds forum for a there's such a complex airliner included as Flight Model: Excellent
separate issue and discovering that a manual standard. The A310 is a great rendition of Graphics: Excellent
actually exists. the classic aircraft, of that there's no doubt. Documentation: OK
Systems: Excellent
90
The take-off calculator was a little bit of a That said, however, if you're new to the flight
PC Pilot Score:
pain as well. You need to know the runway sim world the A310 may not make a great

Externally, the A310

has a whole new
model for MFS.

www.Key.Aero #144 PC PILOT / 21

 REVIEW MICROSOFT FLIGHT SIMULATOR 40TH ANNIVERSARY

H-4 Hercules
Asobo/BlueMesh

Spruce Goose
Bringing an iconic aircraft back to life
I
t’s been a while since Asobo presented 1947. It’s also one of a kind, being the only built, with the longest wingspan of 321ft;
us with any new aircraft but in this latest example ever produced. Even the name is a that was until April 2019 when the Scaled
40th Anniversary Edition of Microsoft misnomer as it was primarily built from birch, Composites Model 351 Stratolaunch first
Flight Simulator we get seven classics, two not spruce. flew with a span of 385ft. I must admit I had
helicopters, two sailplanes and an Airbus It was designed by Howard Hughes in no idea what the Model 351 Stratolaunch
A310-300. So, in this issue we’re having collaboration with ship builder Henry J was until I did some research for this article.
a closer look at some of them and my Kaiser, who later became known as the Apparently, it was built to carry (ALTO) air-
assignment is the 1947 Hughes H-4 Hercules, father of modern American shipbuilding. launch-to-orbit rockets, which were designed
also commonly known as the 'Spruce Goose' Originally the H-4 was built to transport war to propel small satellites into low Earth orbit.
or 'Flying Lumberyard'. materials and personnel to Britain because at Nevertheless, that first record still stands.
the time Allied shipping crossing the Atlantic Although it was built in 1947, the H-4
Spruce Goose history was taking heavy casualties from German Hercules remains in remarkably good
The aircraft is something of an oddity because U-Boats. However, due to Howard Hughes condition. After the war, it was kept in
it only ever made one flight, on November 2, insistence on perfection, Henry J Kaiser left flying condition by a full-time crew of 300
the project, the result being that it was not maintenance staff in a climate-controlled
completed until well after the war ended. hangar. Following the death of Howard
Consequently, the contract was cancelled, Hughes in 1976, the aircraft was acquired by
however Howard Hughes continued the Aero Club of Southern California, who
alone until it was finished. put it on public display next to the Queen
It’s still the largest Mary ship exhibit, in Long Beach, California.
flying boat ever That lasted until 1993 when ownership was

22 / PC PILOT #144 www.Key.Aero

transferred to the Evergreen Aviation & much detail but on closer inspection there System setup
Space Museum, located over 1,000 miles are plenty of these elements. For example,
away in McMinnville, Oregon. It’s now the framing around the lights and windows Minimum System Requirements
on display there, alongside more than 50 are surrounded by countersunk crosshead OS Windows 10 v18362.0 or higher
military and civilian aircraft, unmanned aerial screws and the lights have proper reflectors Software Microsoft Flight Simulator (Standard,
vehicles (drones) and spacecraft. and bulbs. Deluxe or Premium Deluxe PC/
When the aircraft is stationary on the Steam edition)
Microsoft/BlueMesh water, two very realistic tarpaulin-covered Processor Intel i5-8400 / AMD Ryzen 5 1500X
Spruce Goose anchor points appear beneath the floats,
Memory 16GB
The subject of this review, the Hughes H-4 which are secured by taut wire cables and
Hercules as depicted by Asobo/BlueMesh, webbing straps with hooks locked into Graphics card NVIDIA GTX 970 / AMD Radeon RX
is intended to introduce new users to aircraft hinged rings. In addition, all the external 590
they are possibly unfamiliar with. sensors are modelled, as well as the Video memory 4GB
As you stand alongside the H-4 (from a engine intakes and animated cowl flaps. Review system
realistic viewpoint) you get some idea of its The propellers are realistically weathered, Processor Intel i7 9700K 3.60GHz processor
gargantuan size. The fuselage stands over plus they have identification numbers and with Corsair liquid cooler
30ft high and the vertical stabiliser extends a colourful Hamilton maker’s logo attached
RAM 32GB DDR4 3200MHz
it by another 50ft to reach a little under to each blade. If you look along the length
80ft from the ground. Because the airframe of the fuselage or wings, you’ll see subtle Graphics card Gigabyte GTX 1080Ti, 11GB GDDR5
is so big and comparatively featureless, weathering on the paintwork. Also, there’s video card
at first glance it appears to be devoid of an equally subtle corrugated effect where Hard Drive 1 x 1TB Crucial NVMe M.2 SSD
the ribs and spars sit beneath the plywood 1 x 6TB Samsung hard drive
exterior skin. These details might not be Display 32-inch 4K iiyama monitor
immediately obvious, but they are certainly
there. possibly due to the size of the control wheels
and levers, plus the considerable width of
On board the cabin itself. It is nonetheless laid out in
At first glance, the cockpit looks not too a familiar pattern, where the controls and
dissimilar to the bridge of a ship. This is instruments are where you would expect to

Above: The cockpit is somewhat similar to a ship’s bridge. Top: Leaving Lake Iseo at the beginning of winter.

www.Key.Aero #144 PC PILOT / 23

 REVIEW MICROSOFT FLIGHT SIMULATOR 40TH ANNIVERSARY

at all, it’s a bit like pushing an elephant up

a hill. And if you want to make a tight turn...
you won’t! It gets there when it gets there. All
these comments are not a complaint by the
way; it’s exactly how I imagine the aircraft
would respond.
Of course, this benign performance is quite
useful in the air, because it stays on course
with very little attention and once trimmed
will hold altitude as well. However, landing is
something of a non-event. You simply skim
the top of the water while easing back on the
throttles, until it settles with barely a splash.
Don’t forget you have no brakes, so make
sure you have enough clear water in front
of the nose. Also be aware that it begins to
move as soon as you start your engines...
remember no brakes!
I noticed on the Microsoft Flight Simulator
forum that the developer BlueMesh has
Above: You need full power to get this baby out of the water. Below: Here we are at the hangar, where the aircraft
rested for so long. intimated that they are going to implement
some form of tie-down in a future update.
find them. The main difference is the addition white is quite remarkable. It includes detailed
of an engineer’s station behind the co-pilot’s passenger seating, a complex ladder Conclusion
seat and a radio operator’s position behind the arrangement leading to the roof light, then This is certainly an interesting aircraft to fly,
pilot’s, complete with Mr Hughes’ trademark the back wall is full of pipes, junction boxes mainly because of the history attached to it.
fedora hat! and wiring. There’s also what appears to If I’m honest I’m not sure how often I would
Not every switch, button or lever on the be a large water tank and doors each side fly it again, but that’s no deficiency on the
panels is functional but it is possible to of the fuselage. Once again there are other part of the Spruce Goose. I prefer an aircraft
complete a cold and dark startup from the little touches that in many cases would go with more modern instrumentation and fewer
engineer’s station. Unfortunately, it’s not unnoticed such as the extremely detailed gauges (if that makes sense). I guess we all
a particularly intuitive task because the Morse code key on the radio desk, the grotty have our favourites.
developers neglected to provide any sort yellow canvas bags full of life jackets dropped Nevertheless, it’s a good recreation of the
of instruction or documentation (in fact for near the exits and the small passenger door H-4 which looks and performs as I would
any of the aircraft). What they do provide is in a recess that can’t even be seen from the expect. It’s not really a complete product, but
a checklist of steps needed to complete the cockpit. There’s also a pair of polished steel it will cost you nothing and at that price it’s a
task and a clipboard to the left of the pilot drinks dispensers on the back of the electrical welcome addition to anyone’s hangar.
offering alternative one-click auto-start and cabinet. By Joe Lavery
auto-shutdown options.
If you decide to try the former, you will need In flight
to turn on tooltips and then note down the I think it’s fair to say there isn’t anyone alive PC Pilot Verdict
specific location of the levers, switches and today who has actually flown this aircraft and At a glance: The Spruce Goose presents a very
different form of flying, from a different era.
buttons, in the order they should be used. the biggest thing I’ve ever flown is a Norman
Publisher: Microsoft/Asobo
We are talking about eight engines here, so Islander. So, any comparisons on my part are Developers: Asobo/BlueMesh
naturally I chose the easy one-click option! purely guesswork. Yet for some reason when Price: Free with 40th Anniversary Edition
you’re flying the Spruce Goose, it seems about
Passenger comfort right! Content: Very good
The cabin behind the cockpit is an almost The controls feel heavy, and the aircraft Documentation: None
Performance: Very good
80
perfect replica of the real one, to the point lumbers its way into the sky. In fact, heaving
PC Pilot Score:
where a screenshot reduced to black and on the yoke doesn’t make much difference

24 / PC PILOT #144 www.Key.Aero

 REVIEW MICROSOFT FLIGHT SIMULATOR 40TH ANNIVERSARY

A
mong the impressive number of new
Microsoft/Nemeth Designs’ freeware aircraft and updates offered up
with the Microsoft Flight Simulator (MFS)
40th Anniversary package were a pair of two

BELL 407
quite different helicopters. Here we review the
Bell 407 and see how well MFS has adapted to
the rotary wing environment.

Bell aircraft
Bell Aircraft started life in 1935 and perhaps

helicopter
surprisingly, its first designs were for fixed-wing
fighters. It was another Bell aircraft – the X-1 –
which was the first aircraft to fly at supersonic
speeds. However, since 1941 they were also
developing helicopters with their piston-engine
Bell 47 becoming the very first helo approved
for civilian use. With some still flying today, it
A feature-rich helo for went on to set several world performance and
endurance records that still stand.
Microsoft Flight Simulator While Bell and its long-time associate
AgustaWestland have produced an impressive
range of rotary wing aircraft, perhaps one of the
most easily recognised models is the Bell 206
Jet Ranger. This group of two-bladed
utility helos was extremely

System
Requirements
Standard MFS
minimum requirements
apply, and the Bell
407 will not tax your
system.

26 / PC PILOT #144 www.Key.Aero

 Right: Overall, a very good quality
helicopter – and it’s free. The panel and gauges
Below: There is a lot of detail are accurately portrayed
throughout the model. and easy to find.

Overall, pilot
visibility is
excellent.

versatile, with a production run of over 7,300 being unable to get off the ground or control liveries. The immediately obvious features when
units. Inevitably, demand grew for something that the aircraft. This has undoubtedly led to many compared with the older B206 are the four
utilised more modern systems, materials and abandoning their attempts to learn how to fly rotor blades, high skids, and increased fuselage
construction methods. The result was the Bell 407 helicopters in MFS, but as we will read, the level length. The cockpit layout is very reminiscent of
whose significant advances included composite of satisfaction very much depends on the user’s the B206, and visibility is excellent even for those
four-bladed rotor and hub to provide a virtually knowledge of rotary-wing theory and making without head-tracking or VR utilities. The avionics
unlimited service life, increased range, visibility the effort to map switches and joysticks to take are solid with the default GPS, dual VOR, ADF,
and cabin room. The new engine also provided advantage of the features now offered in MFS. transponder etc, making it perfectly feasible for
higher maximum take-off weight at higher cross-country trips and short IFR flights.
temperatures and altitudes. The model continues Kickin’ the skids Sadly, as is the trend with MFS aircraft, there
to develop with further engine options, glass The package provides the 407 in eight civilian is no manual of any sort to get you started and
gauges and a military version based on the same
airframe now available.

Microsoft/Nemeth
Designs’ Bell 407
Since the release of MFS, rotary-wing
enthusiasts have been rather disappointed with
the development of suitable helicopter physics
and products. While some individual third-
party developers, such as HPG, have been
able to design some spectacular helicopters,
the freeware stable was hindered by the basic
MFS physics engine not being suitable. The
release of the Flight Simulator 40th Anniversary
package however has seen two helicopters This is not a
added to the default fleet as well as some poor paint
job but is the
significant background coding and helicopter- modelled
based options to make them flyable. icing that
appears on the
The MFS Bell 407 was designed by very airframe and
experienced helicopter add-on group Nemeth windscreens
Designs and so it was with some surprise in icing
conditions.
that reports started to emerge of many users

www.Key.Aero #144 PC PILOT / 27

 REVIEW

this too would have added to the grief of some

users. Fortunately, the generosity of many flight
sim community members means there is an
increasing number of online videos and tutorials.
That said, the 407 is not a particularly complex
aircraft and following the basic, logical steps,
combined with a little practice, will get you there.

Do your homework The 407 will allow you to

It is essential for any prospective 407 pilot, land almost anywhere.
whether new to helicopters or experienced,
to be aware that you can’t expect the 407 to Taking the time to set up the
behave nicely if you don’t first learn about controls correctly adds to
the enjoyment hugely and
the modification and upgrades to MFS to demonstrates the quality of the
accommodate helicopter flying. Before even underlying model.
attempting to startup and fly the 407, users
should first map their joystick to the new MFS
flight control parameters. For example, simply
using your stick mapped to throttle, pitch, roll
etc as you would with most fixed-wing aircraft
will almost certainly end in frustration. You must
first map some specific controls to get a good
start. These include ‘set cyclic longitudinal
axis’ and ‘increase rotor lateral trim’ etc. The
update includes several presets for common
joysticks but if starting from scratch, you’ll
need to remove around seven mapped ‘fixed-
wing’ parameters and replace them with around
10 that are specifically offered to make your
helicopter more user-friendly.
While having these new specific control apparent. By utilising the lateral and longitudinal near the ground and some soft cockpit and
commands may seem a little pointless, it is rotor trim mapping, you can effectively use cabin dome lights are also modelled. The panel
actually a clever way to tweak the default MFS your trim buttons on your joystick to relieve any lighting however defaults to full brightness
fixed-wing physics to make it better-suited control pressures and fly hands-off for periods when you load the 407, and at this setting, the
for the more bizarre world of helicopters. of time. You can also do the same to your ‘cosmic green’ gauges are simply unreadable.
To provide further assistance, pilots can rudder axis and this provides quite a realistic By trial and error, the trick appears to be to
activate the new pair of Piloting Assistance feel of the hydraulic controls. manually set the dimming switch to off or the
options such as Helicopters: Assisted Tail Despite these excellent features, there very lowest setting for night flight.
Rotor and Assisted Cyclic. All the above were are several doubtful aspects to the engine
carefully mapped and selected and the review performance, and it seems impossible to Conclusion
conducted with these features in place. So, if over-torque the engine which is a fairly major Keeping in mind this is a free add-on, the Bell
you’re having trouble flying the 407, they are a consideration when flying helicopters. This will 407 can be a heap of fun to fly, and it has
very good place to start. disappoint the more experienced rotary-wing a number of surprising and very welcome
pilot but conversely, probably delight the novice. features such as the lateral and longitudinal
Flight test Another annoyance, more than a bug of any trims, cyclic assists etc. The more I flew it, the
Engine start is quite logical, and Ctrl-E can be significance, is the extraordinarily long rotor more I enjoyed it. Hopefully those few bugs
used if you’re impatient. The big test however spool down time on engine shutdown. Also, the and inconsistencies will be remedied with a
is always your first take-off and hover taxi but rotor brake is not modelled, despite the animated future update as the potential for the model is
with the correctly mapped controls as above, brake control. On the flip side, it was noted that so great. Some users have taken things into
the 407 behaved quite nicely with no surprises full airframe icing is modelled with some very their own hands and there is a fix to most of the
and easily transitions to forward flight and back nice visual textures on both the airframe and annoyances available from major file libraries.
to the hover. You still need to constantly fly the windscreens when flying in icing conditions. Overall, a nice model that, provided you learn
helo with almost tiny but continuous control In addition to the regular aircraft night a little about rotary wing flight, you will be able
inputs – perfectly normal for a helicopter. Once lighting, the 407 also includes very powerful make a solid start to flying helicopters.
underway some very nice features become taxi and landing lights which are very welcome By Peter Stark

PC Pilot Verdict
At a Glance: Despite a few bugs on release,
the Bell 407 is a very good model with a lot of
appeal. It must be flown using the new MFS
joystick mapping and control features to get
maximum enjoyment.
Developer: Microsoft/Nemeth Designs
Price: Free inclusion with the MFS 40th
Anniversary package
Flight Model: Very good (if you follow control
mapping advice!)
Graphics: Very good
Documentation: Disappointingly,
there is none
Systems: Good
80
Above left: Oh, that cosmic green can make the gauges completely unreadable if not managed. PC Pilot Score:
Above right: The overhead panel is mostly functional and includes Force Trim and hydraulic system masters.

28 / PC PILOT #144 www.Key.Aero

FLIGHT SIM YEARBOOK

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 REVIEW MICROSOFT FLIGHT SIMULATOR 40TH ANNIVERSARY

Asobo’s
DG-100 Neo G
Time to soar!
gliding simulator that people agree most
closely matches the balance of movement and
physics that is so unique in soaring. The latest
Sim Update for MFS however puts soaring
front and centre for the first time since its
release.

A
s soon as Microsoft Flight Simulator direct impact on the weather, allowing soaring The Glaser Dirks DG100 was designed
(MFS) came out in 2020, gliders were flights like we’ve never seen in past versions. in the early 1970s, and across Europe it is
a hot topic within the flight simulation today still a well-used and much-loved club-
community. The way Asobo has managed to Introduction to gliders in MFS class option. With the latest sim update,
model dynamic weather in the latest flight sim Although native glider support in MFS is new Asobo has faithfully recreated the glider in
provides us with real-world weather systems to most simmers, there has been a small and the sim, complete with moving map, audible
we’d previously thought impossible to recreate loyal glider community for a while. Kinetic variometer and all associated functionality
in such high-fidelity but alongside the obvious Assistant is a SimConnect utility that provides you’d expect for successful soaring. The
impressive graphical quality, there’s a physical missing glider support to MFS, simulating update has also provided us with a range of
manifestation of the weather that offers the specific conditions and providing winch launch other customisable options within the menu
perfect opportunity for a simulator pilot to work support, towplane support, compatibility with system - the option to switch on and off
with winds, thermals, cloud layers and other freeware glider models and a comprehensive glider-suitable airports and choose between
more complex weather systems. For the first multiplayer mode. It’s the closest thing MFS a tow launch or a winch launch is welcome.
time, the landscape modelled in MFS has a has got to the likes of Condor, the popular Pleasingly there are also three different types

30 / PC PILOT #144 www.Key.Aero

Glider Above: Weather systems move impressively realistically
while soaring, so be sure to keep your wits about you.
Left: Excellent lift can often be found around buildings
and built-up areas - be sure to always have a landing
spot in mind though.
Below: The tow system still has some glitches but it's a
convincing first attempt out the box by Asobo.

of winches available, again faithfully recreated below the main panel. Priorities with soaring
and all with differing rope lengths. Asobo are clearly different from the word 'go' inside
has also provided some carefully modelled the cockpit - the focus is very much on speed
custom glider airports to increase the and energy conservation rather than how high
immersion, complete with parked gliders, cars you actually are. A big yellow lever operates
and other scenery items that give a pleasant the cable detachment and a blue lever to the
feel of a weekend pastoral club atmosphere. left of this works the very effective speed
brakes, a vital component of managing lift
Flight characteristics when coming into land.
Flight training is one of the biggest areas that Whether on a winch or via tow, the launch
has seen glider expansion in MFS. There are itself takes a little getting used to. I found
now a series of tutorials under ‘glider training’ the aerotow to be a little glitchy on some
that take the pilot through basic handling to of the glider-specific runways in the sim -
thermal identification and even ridge soaring. often stopping before the end of the runway.
Making full use of the new weather system and The winch itself operates nicely however
the latest update’s modified wind model, it’s and correct technique must be maintained
a credit to Asobo that this level of detail has to actively ‘fly’ the aircraft during this
been included. exhilarating stage of flying.
Once in the DG100, even most GA pilots, The joy with soaring and the DG100 in
let alone heavy metal long-haulers, will need the sim is that it openly welcomes trial
to orient themselves a little with the setup. and error - perhaps putting some of the
A GPS takes centre stage, with the airspeed ‘gamification’ back into MFS and making
indicator on the left and a very small altimeter full use of its weather and terrain systems

Above: A wing runner holds your glider's wings until it can generate sufficient lift on the ground roll.
Left: This is a very enjoyable way of spending time soaring over impressive scenery.

www.Key.Aero #144 PC PILOT / 31

 REVIEW MICROSOFT FLIGHT SIMULATOR 40TH ANNIVERSARY

Right: Custom scenery is included across some

gliding centres, which is a nice touch and adds to the
immersion.
Below: Keeping track of wind direction and where
thermals are likely to appear is vital to successful
soaring.

as you carefully search for bits of lift above weather, you’ll be as limited as glider pilots totally polished. There are still some glitches
hillsides (depending on the wind direction), are in the real world. So to master the art, with the tow planes, the gust modelling
open flat land that has had the sun on it all some of the custom or preset options in the is being improved with every update and
day or buildings and built-up areas. A word sim give you the best chance of finding some multiplayer support would be appreciated,
of warning, it’s unlikely you’ll get it right first altitude to lengthen your experience. The wind so there’s still time to expand this promising
time. The DG100 is a delightfully benign modelling over the terrain means you have to element of the sim. There is however the
aircraft in the air; the huge wing allowing it to keep a close eye on the wind direction and sheer basic pleasure of flight to be found
operate at a range of airspeeds and grabbing speed, making use of the upward trajectory flying the currently available models, and
at any available lift, but the art of soaring of wind on the prevailing side of any hills Asobo has a done a good job of bringing
can be cruel to a novice and I’d certainly or mountains. There’s a tutorial specifically an under-appreciated element of flight
recommend making use of the training and for ridge soaring but with the DG100’s simulation to the fore.
any available assists at first. I particularly manoeuvrability, finding areas of lift and By Jacob Little
enjoyed the ‘Show 3D Thermal’ option on speeding over ridgelines and across deep
the weather submenu of the in-game screen valleys is a real thrill. Coupled with a third-
- inserting small upward direction arrows party application such as FSRealistic, the PC Pilot Verdict
that will show you where to get the most lift. wind noise, g-forces and cockpit sounds can At a glance: The DG100 is a great aircraft to
strap yourself into if you’re looking to make the
The audible variometer can be turned on by also be enhanced and there’s a real elemental most of the graphical capability and impres-
twisting the top-left knob on the GPS screen, feel to soaring in this aircraft that I was not sive weather effects in MFS. There’s work to
which alerts you via a little speaker to the necessarily expecting. If you’re getting a little be done but this is a very enjoyable way of
rising and falling of the aircraft. I especially short of speed and altitude, Asobo has also spending time soaring over impressive scenery
liked the fact that this can be heard in the modelled the Front Electric Sustainer (FES) and understanding the basic fundamentals of
exterior view, ensuring you get the most out system - a small battery-powered propeller unpowered flight.
Developer: Asobo
of the scenery while panning around. that can be deployed quickly to provide just
enough power to head home. Flight Model: Good
Staying aloft Graphics: Average
At first, I would recommend customising the Conclusion Documentation: Excellent
Systems: Excellent
80
weather options in MFS to get the best thermal Out of the blocks, the DG100 and Asobo’s PC Pilot Score:
experience for practising. If you stick to real native soaring capability is impressive, if not

Managing the
environmental
physics in the
DG100 can take
a little bit of
getting used to.

32 / PC PILOT #144 www.Key.Aero

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 REVIEW MICROSOFT FLIGHT SIMULATOR 40TH ANNIVERSARY

Miltech Simulations’/Maryadi’s

MV-22B Osprey
A hybrid helicopter & fixed-wing turboprop aircraft

I
’ll start this article by admitting that Operation Eagle Claw - a failed extraction of as Iraq, Afghanistan and South Sudan as well
military tilt rotor aircraft are a little hostages from the US Embassy in Tehran. as deploying on humanitarian roles in Haiti and
outside my wheelhouse! I typically have It was post this event that the US military the Philippines. As of 2019, 375 V-22 Osprey
had some hand in testing or some real- sought an aircraft that could take-off and variants are operated by the US Armed Forces.
world experience with the aircraft type or land vertically but also had the ability for Japan’s Self-Defense Forces are the only
scenery location that I review for PC Pilot long-range high-speed cruise flight. other operator outside the USA , introducing
but time on type with the V-22 Osprey is A joint program was begun by Bell and a small fleet of the type to service in 2020.
exclusively reserved for the United States and Boeing Helicopters in the early 1980s to
Japanese defence forces in the real world. build what would become the Osprey - First impressions
with the first test flight undertaken in 1989. If you’ve seen the cross-franchise ‘Pelican’
Background The development process was lengthy and dropship from Halo that appeared as a free
The V-22 Osprey combines the best of two protracted, primarily due to the requirement for download in the Microsoft Flight Simulator
concepts, functioning as a hybrid between the aircraft to be capable of folding its wings (MFS) Marketplace last year, it really doesn’t
a tandem-rotor transport helicopter and a and rotors for confined stowage aboard ships. require much stretching of the imagination
conventional fixed-wing turboprop aircraft. The type has since seen service with the US to see where the design came from.
The design’s conceptualisation stemmed from Marines, Air Force and Navy in theatres such The fictional spaceship mimics the Osprey’s

34 / PC PILOT #144 www.Key.Aero

 Pilot PCPilot
CLASSIC
AWARD

pilots who have already mastered conventional

fixed or rotary-wing flight, with a transition
between vertical hovering and forward flight
requiring a whole new discipline of skills.
The add-on includes a detailed rendition of
the exterior and cockpit models with eight
handcrafted liveries to choose from. The
Blade Fold and Wing Stow (BFWS) system is
fully modelled and animated, with timing of
the mechanism’s actuation accurate to the
real aircraft. The doors and the rear ramp can
be controlled by switches on the overhead
panel and are also animated, although
unfortunately the cabin interior can only be
accessed from the showcase camera view.
The cockpit features five main screens
comprising a PFD and MFD for both pilots,
with information displays customisable via
several presets. Nestled between these
displays are two further screens, the smaller
being the standby digital instrument set
and the other being the Control Display
Unit, with softkeys running along each side
to select various configuration menus. The
majority of the options remain ‘INOP’ with
The Blade Fold and Wing the release build, with any flight plan data
Stow system in action.
you wish the autopilot to follow needing
capabilities but not it’s propulsion, with to be created through the MFS user
the actual V-22 equipped with two Rolls- interface prior to loading into the sim.
Royce T406 turboshaft engines, putting A custom-coded autopilot and autothrottle
out 6,000 shaft horsepower a side. These simulate typical heading, navigation, vertical
are each fitted with three-bladed propellers speeds and altitude control as well as
with a whopping 38ft (11.6m) diameter, including auto-hover capabilities and the
capable of lifting the aircraft vertically at deployment and retraction of Auto-Flaps.
a maximum take-off weight of 21,500kg Both the interior dome lighting and panel
and transitioning into a very impressive backlighting are customisable to suit and
top speed of 275 knots in level flight. the iconic blade tip lights can also be
Seeing the aircraft load into the sim for the selected between top and bottom which
first time was rather imposing, being able to gives the MV-22 a very futuristic feel, while
visualise the scale of the overall machine, remaining authentic to the real aircraft.
giant nacelles and oversized blades. Selecting Custom VTOL/STOL flight dynamics are
a remote stand at Reno Stead Airport and included, promising realistic behaviour of
seeing the size of the parked aircraft and the aircraft handling during movement of the
buildings around the Osprey certainly put it in engine nacelles. Simulation of the gearing
context as a serious piece of military hardware. system connecting both proprotors has also
Payload-wise, it can carry either 24 troops or been created, allowing for single-engine
6,000lb of cargo with a 430nm combat range. operations at reduced performance.
Vortex Ring State (VRS) flight modelling
Sim features has been included - the dangerous
The Microsoft Flight Simulator version of the aerodynamic stall condition that results in
MV-22 is a collaboration between the studios of an uncontrollable wobbly descent of the
Miltech Simulations and Maryadi and published aircraft at slow speed. The flight model also
by Orbx. The initial download is simulates realistic VRS recovery manoeuvres
670MB, expanding to 2.25GB once to get yourself out of trouble. By default,
installed. The release marks the a Flight Assist option has been built which
Review System first tiltrotor aircraft available for deactivates VRS for easier handling. This
Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 the platform and introduces option can be located and switched off in the
3700X a new challenge for virtual Control Display Unit (CDU) under the ACFT
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX
2070 SUPER 4095MB VRAM
RAM: 32GB DDR4 RAM
Hard drive: Samsung 970
EVO 500GB SSD

Above: Cruising over the Nevada

backcountry, with the blade tip LED
lights showing the huge scale of the rotor
blades.

Right: The unique outline of the V-22

Osprey sitting on the deck of the USS
America.

www.Key.Aero #144 PC PILOT / 35

 REVIEW MICROSOFT FLIGHT SIMULATOR 40TH ANNIVERSARY

Above: The Primary Flight Display, showing the nacelle

angle indicator in the upper-left corner.
Left: The cockpit of the Osprey - lots of green backlighting
giving the office an unmistakably military aesthetic.
Below: View from the pilot’s seat, showing the MFD with
a synthetic terrain display behind the compass rose.

(Aircraft) Init/MENU 3/Flight Reality menu. 87 to 92 degrees or 60 to 75 degrees AGL before reducing the throttles slowly
Powerplant overstress limitations are included respectively. Once airborne, one must gain to lower the aircraft on to the ground.
by default with the engines unable to sustain forward airspeed gradually, building up to STOL landings can also be made, flying
full throttle (above 98% power) for more than 60 130 knots for enough momentum for the on to the runway with nacelles left at
seconds continuously without causing damage. nacelles to be rotated fully forward. During an angle of 60 degrees. Maintain speed
this transition phase, lift being generated in between 50 to 80 knots, touching down on
Documentation the vertical axis will decrease significantly, the main landing gear first as you would a
A 16-page quick start guide, along with a more so lowering the nacelles too early can result conventional tricycle-wheeled aircraft.
detailed 53-page PDF manual can be found in a stall. Following the conversion corridor
within a sub-folder of the installation’s community (green arc) from the nacelle angle indicator Conclusion
folder. Miltech recommends that users study the on the PFD shows what nacelle ranges are The odd shape of the Osprey exudes raw power
aircraft manual prior to flying the aircraft, due to permitted based on your current airspeed and with its nose-down stance in the initial
the technicalities that make this aircraft unique. and requires a little bit of practice to get the acceleration phase, it certainly looks the part as
Most importantly, users will need to bind balance of forward speed and vertical speed an aggressive and intimidating machine of war.
commands for “Increase Cowl Flap 4” in order right in order to make a successful transition. Military aircraft don’t normally interest me
to move nacelles up (increase angle) and Once the propellers are level at 0 degrees, and nor do helicopters, however the novelty
“Decrease Cowl Flap 4” - to move nacelles the Osprey accelerates rapidly and suddenly appeal of the Osprey certainly captured my
down (decrease angle). As these adjustments feels and functions like a stable high- attention and I really enjoyed the challenge of
need to be made at the same time as power powered aeroplane. Autopilot use is only learning a new method of flying an aircraft.
is being manipulated and angle of attack is recommended in this mode, disengaging it Having the chance to master a new style
being changed, you ideally want to map these again prior to nacelle angle change for landing. of flying also breathes some fresh life into a
commands to buttons on your joystick or The Osprey performs well with a standard simulator that I typically enjoy for its relaxing
HOTAS so that you don’t need to go searching climb rate of 1,000fpm, up to an optimum nature. I recommend the V-22 Osprey for
for keyboard keys whilst concentrating cruise altitude of 17,000ft, with the ideal both military hardware aficionados as well
on the engine orientation transition. cruising airspeed listed as 180 KIAS in the as those curious to try something new.
manual. A standard descent rate of -1,000fpm Miltech also offers a complimentary
Operating philosophy at a maximum of 200 KIAS is recommended ‘Amphibious Ready Group’ add-on which
and performance (always descend in ‘APLN’ mode with includes spawnable hard deck naval vessels
Due to the large blade diameter, the Osprey nacelles at 0 degrees). Upon disengaging the around the world that was developed as a
cannot take off or land with the nacelles autopilot, aim to complete nacelle transition companion for their Osprey MV-22 and is
horizontal. Hydraulic power is required to initially around 5,000ft above your landing site, with available as a bundle from Orbx.
adjust the nacelles into a vertical orientation an airspeed between 50 and 170 knots. By Andrew Underwood
prior to lift-off, which can be achieved by The Conversion Corridor indicator will
powering on the APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) on limit nacelle angle to less than 75 degrees PC Pilot Verdict
the overhead panel which in turn pressurises until below 40 KCAS. Once nacelle angle At a glance: Half helicopter, half aeroplane. A
one of three hydraulic systems. The angle is >75 Degrees, be careful not to exceed a brand-new challenge for MFS pilots!
of the nacelle is depicted on the upper- rate of descent of more than -1,500fpm to Publisher and developer: Miltech Simulations
left corner of the primary flight display. prevent inducing Vortex Ring State. If VRS is and Maryadi
Engines are also started from the overhead encountered, the correct recovery technique Distributor: Orbx Central
panel by moving the ENG 1/2 control lever to the is to move the nacelle angle forward and gain Price: $59.05 AUD (£32 approx)
Website: https://orbxdirect.com/product/
START position, observing an RPM increase and airspeed to retain lift - if altitude permits. miltech-mv22b-osprey
Np stabilising between 70% and 72% before Once established in a hover at 200ft 3D Modelling: Good
moving the ENG 1/2 control lever to the FLY AGL, descent rate should be limited to no Graphics: Average
position. Ctrl + E does not work on this aircraft!
Take-off can either be achieved in VTOL
more than -400fpm. Move the nacelles
up to 90 degrees and establish a stable
Documentation: Excellent
Performance: Excellent
85
or STOL modes, with nacelles set between hover over the landing area at around 30ft PC Pilot Score:

36 / PC PILOT #144 www.Key.Aero

 REVIEW ADD-ON FOR MICROSOFT FLIGHT SIMULATOR

AV-8B Harri
DC Designs’

T
he Harrier is undoubtedly one of the (USMC) in the 1980s and it is also operated by animated control surfaces, compressor blades
more famous aircraft of the 20th century. the Spanish Navy and Italian Air Force. In total, and rotating engine exhaust nozzles. Other
It was designed in the late 1960s as more than 300 examples have been built and it details have also been faithfully recreated,
a multi-role Vertical/Short-Field Take-Off is planned to remain in service with the USMC from the tiniest readable placards to the
and Landing (V/STOL) ground-attack fighter until 2030. undercarriage and animated pilot figure.
capable of operating from small aircraft carriers The Harrier also takes advantage of native
and forward operating bases. It made history DC Design’s AV-8B Harrier II technologies in Microsoft Flight Simulator
during the Falkland Island conflict in the 1980s, So, for the first time, the AV-8B Harrier has (MFS), including scratched canopy and rain
where it achieved an impressive 23:9 kill ratio. been released for the current version of effects, wing condensation and heat blur
The AV-8B Harrier II is the second generation Microsoft Flight Simulator by well-known from the engine. Ground equipment includes
of the so-called jump jet. It was modernised by developer DC Designs. This offering of the engine intake plugs, wheel chocks and pitot
McDonnell Douglas to improve on the original AV-8B Harrier II includes three variants: the covers, which can be toggled on or off from
British design. This included new carbon AV-8B, AV-8B Plus and the Royal Air Force the cockpit.
fibre wings, a raised cockpit and various (RAF) GR9 along with 12 real-world liveries A variety of external stores can be loaded on
aerodynamic improvements. The number of covering the RAF, US Marines, Spanish Navy the aircraft, including fuel tanks for increased
hardpoints was also increased from five to and Italian Air Force. As with other DC Designs range, air-to-air or air-to-ground missiles such
seven, allowing it to carry a greater payload. aircraft, the package provides an authentic as AIM9 Sidewinders, Mavericks as well as
The AV-8B can be loaded with a variety of air- Harrier flying experience without the complexity a gun pod. However, the weapons are not
to-air and air-to-ground missiles along with of study-level simulators, so the focus is on available if the aircraft is purchased from the
external fuel tanks, giving it a maximum ferry ease of use and simplified procedures. MFS in-game Marketplace due to Microsoft’s
range of 1,800 nautical miles, while internal The exterior is made to an excellent standard terms and conditions. The weapons are
tanks provide a combat radius of 300nm. The with a detailed 3D model, high-definition available if the Harrier is purchased from Just
aircraft was adopted by the US Marine Corps Physically Based Rendering (PBR) textures, Flight or other third-party vendors.

A jump jet for

Microsoft Flight Simulator
The AV-8B can be loaded with external stores,
including AIM9 Sidewinders and Maverick missiles.

38 / PC PILOT #144 www.Key.Aero

 Pilot PCPilot
CLASSIC
AWARD

ier II
The Harrier features authentic internal and
external night lighting with navigation lights,
strobes and slime lights (used for formation
flying at night). The sounds have also been
nicely reproduced with various switch clicks
inside the cockpit, the high-pitched whine of
the Rolls-Royce Pegasus engine and even the
igniter clicks on start-up have been modelled.

Cockpit
Up front, the 3D cockpit is a good
representation of the real aircraft, although
the textures show little in the way of wear
and tear. The primary controls and systems
are modelled, such as the nozzle angle (set
using the prop axis assignment in MFS) and
the flaps can be set to Cruise, VSTOL or Auto
mode depending on aircraft configuration. An
autopilot and auto-trim system are also fitted;
Developed by Hawker
the latter engages above 240 knots to balance Siddeley in the 1960s, the
out the forces on the control stick. Harrier was the only truly
successful multi-role V/
The 3D instruments are smoothly animated STOL fighter of its era.
with custom-coded Multi-Function Displays

(MFDs) and a Head-Up Display (HUD). The System setup

HUD displays flight information such as speed, Minimum System Requirements
altitude and heading, etc as well as angle of
OS Windows 10
attack, Mach number, g-force and
Software Microsoft Flight Simulator Standard,
velocity vector, etc. Although the
Deluxe or Premium Deluxe edition
MFDs are somewhat simplified,
they provide enough detail to Processor Intel i5-4460/AMD Ryzen 3 1200
operate the Harrier within the (Intel i5-8400 / AMD Ryzen 5 1500X
MFS environment, with pages recommended)
displaying the status of the RAM 8GB (16GB recommended)
aircraft’s systems and flight planning Graphics card NVIDIA GTX 770/AMD Radeon RX
information, etc. Interactive checklists for all 570 (NVIDIA GTX 970/AMD Radeon
phases of flight are also included so you can RX 590 recommended)
follow procedures from start-up to shutdown. Sound Sound card, speakers or headset
Most of the switches in the cockpit are Peripherals Keyboard and mouse or compatible
clickable but some do not have a function game controller
assigned. However, overall the modelling and Hard drive space 1.6GB
functionality of the cockpit is a very good Review system
representation of the real Harrier.
Processor Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz
RAM 32GB DDR3
Documentation
The package comes with a 25-page quick- Graphics card NVIDIA GTX3060 12GB VRAM
start guide with a brief overview and history Hard Drive 512GB SSD

Above: The cockpit is an accurate rendition of the real

Harrier but with simplified systems.
Left: One of the greatest challenges you can take on is
attempting to land the Harrier on an aircraft carrier.

www.Key.Aero #144 PC PILOT / 39

 REVIEW ADD-ON FOR MICROSOFT FLIGHT SIMULATOR

Like the real aircraft, the airspeed is too low, the aircraft can drop
DC Designs’ Harrier
II can only hover out of the sky.
at weights below As with the take-off, the type of landing
21,000lb (9,500kg).
depends on the weight of the aircraft. It can
only perform a hover landing when it is below
21,000lb. Hover landings are made by using
a combination of thrust vectoring to manage
speed and power to control the rate of descent.
It takes a bit of practice but it is very satisfying
once you master the technique. At heavier
weights, a slow landing must be performed
by angling the nozzles gradually downwards
to around 60 degrees while increasing the
power to control forward speed and the rate of
descent until touchdown.

Conclusion
DC Designs has struck the right balance with
its AV-8B Harrier II. Visually, the aircraft is made
to an excellent standard with a detailed external
model and a functional cockpit. Although
the aircraft is not marketed as study-level, it
provides an authentic Harrier flying experience
without needing to commit to hours of study
before even getting off the ground.
The flight model is more forgiving compared
with study-level equivalents of the Harrier
and the V/STOL model in the DC Designs
version is more stable. However, I didn't feel it
of the Harrier and a more detailed description hover are not modelled. detracted from that unique Harrier experience.
of the cockpit layout and controls. The manual In the air, the handling is crisp and precise, The primary systems needed to fly the aircraft
also covers standard operating procedures which is what you would expect in a fighter jet. are modelled, so you still need to read the
and a section on how to perform V/STOL take- Combined with excellent manoeuvrability and manual and follow the correct procedures to
offs and landings. Overall, the manual does the powerful Pegasus engine, it really comes get the most out of this package. Overall, I
a good job of covering the basics and the into its own during aerobatic manoeuvres, found DC Designs' AV-8B Harrier to be a good
interactive in-sim checklists help with cockpit especially if you throw some thrust vectoring balance between ease of use and realism and
familiarisation by highlighting the location of into the equation. Thanks to the high seating thoroughly enjoyable to fly.
the controls and switches. Personally, I would position, the view from the cockpit is superb By Richard Benedikz
have liked to see instructions on operating the and with a cruise speed of 450 knots, it is an
Up Front Controller (UFC) and how to configure excellent aircraft for watching the scenery roll PC Pilot Verdict
the controls in MFS, which would be helpful by either at treetop level or at 35,000ft. At a glance: DC Designs’ Harrier is a good
for newcomers to flight simulation. Old hands While the Harrier can take-off and land like a balance between realism and functionality
should however have little difficulty in setting up conventional aircraft, the real challenge is V/ which provides an excellent insight into flying
the aircraft. STOL operations, which is what the Harrier is all the iconic jump jet.
about. In a hover, weight is critical. Like the real Developer: DC Designs
Flight test aircraft, DC Designs’ Harrier can only take-off Publisher: Just Flight
Price: £24.99
In the real world, the Harrier gained a reputation and land vertically at weights below 21,000lb.
Website: www.justflight.com
for being one of the more challenging aircraft to Above 21,000lb, the Harrier must take-off like a
Modelling: Authentic but simplified flight model
fly and only the top fighter pilots made the cut. conventional aircraft or perform a rolling short-
and systems.
DC Designs' Harrier is designed to be slightly field take-off by angling the nozzles at 45 to Graphics: Excellent detail, both inside and out.
less challenging than the real aircraft but still 60 degrees and use a mix of vectored thrust Performance: Very little impact on
provides an authentic Harrier flying experience and aerodynamic lift to get off the ground. frame rates.
with simplified yet accurate handling The exhaust nozzles are then gradually angled Documentation: Good overall,
characteristics and procedures. For example, horizontally as the airspeed builds until it is in but it could do with tutorials on
the avionics.
85
the more challenging aspects of the Harrier, normal flight. If you move the exhaust nozzles
PC Pilot Score:
such as its tendency to flip upside down in a from the vertical position too quickly or when

Above: The exterior is made to a good standard with

high-definition textures and animations such as rotating
engine exhaust nozzles.
Right: The AV-8B can carry 9,200lb (4,200kg) of
ordnance, including external fuel tanks, giving it a range
of 1,800 nautical miles.

40 / PC PILOT #144 www.Key.Aero

 REVIEW ADD-ON FOR X-PLANE

AOA Simulations’

T-6A Texan II
The most advanced
military training C
omplementing its existing range of
military aircraft, AOA Simulations has
released its T-6A Texan II for X-Plane 11
of its improvements include pressurisation,
extended airframe and engine life maintenance
intervals, rugged undercarriage, redesigned
which is arguably its most sophisticated release cockpit, active matrix LED gauges and
aircraft in the world to date. much more. So, despite the initial outward
appearance, the T-6A is a completely different
Beechcraft T-6A Texan II machine and considered by many to be the
The T-6A is a single-engine turboprop military most advanced military training aircraft in the
trainer that has been the primary training aircraft world today.
for both the United States Air Force (USAF) and
the United States Navy (USN) since it replaced AOA Simulations
the T-37B Tweet and T-34C Turbo Mentor Like many developer teams, AOA Simulations
respectively. evolved from personal experience in aviation
Some believe that the T-6A is simply a with company lead David Austin having flown
copy of the Pilatus PC-9 and while the Texan his father’s Piper Tri-Pacer from the age of
airframe was originally based on the PC-9, it is eight and having served in the USAF. Over
a vastly different aircraft with no common parts time, he was joined by Fabrice Kauffmann
whatsoever. In effect, the PC-9 was used as an and even though they have never met or even
engineering test bed aircraft where that model communicated verbally, have produced a
was flown by USAF and USN pilots, who in range of military aircraft for X-Plane that just
turn made recommendations on what features keep getting more and more sophisticated and
the new military trainer should have. Some realistic with every model. Their T-6A Texan
Above: A cockpit
designed to make
the transition to
other military aircraft
smoother.

42 / PC PILOT #144 www.Key.Aero

 Pilot PCPilot
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AWARD

II is the result of two years of work and fits in

perfectly with their range as a lead-in trainer.

Kickin’ the tyres

The AOA package is just a 380MB download
available from the X-Plane.org store (store.x-
plane.org). This seems modest when compared
to most current release products and the
Above: AOA Simulations has produced its best aircraft primary reason is that the package contains
yet with this near-perfect modern military trainer. just two liveries to get you started. Seventeen
Below: The slippery design demands a speed brake.
more free liveries from worldwide customers
and a paint kit are also available from the
X-Plane Store downloads portal. The package
also contains no fewer than 12 manuals, guides
and a tutorial to introduce you to the general
handling of the T-6A as well as the use of the
avionics suite that very closely simulates the
systems found on the real-world T-6A.
The aircraft loads with all the engine and
pitot covers etc in place and the canopy open
and ready for your inspection. Textures are,
of course, 4K PBR and that curved canopy
highlights the beautiful modelling. The cockpit
is pure military in layout and this was intended
by the real design team as the T-6A is used to
System Requirements
Software X-Plane 11
Graphic Card 4GB VRAM video card (8GB+
recomended)

All good
trainers feature
very robust
landing gear.

The T-6A Texan II is available

in USAF and USN variants.

www.Key.Aero #144 PC PILOT / 43

 REVIEW

train pilots right up to being ready to transition Despite all that

detail and customs
to jets. Avionics include a replication of the systems, frame
custom GPS system which slaves to the rates are excellent
Horizontal Situation Indicator (HSI). The GPS throughout.
database is also loaded with airfield, nav and
comms radio data for 100+ airbases where
the T-6A is flown worldwide. This allows you
to prepare and load a flight plan so you can
follow the needles for nav sorties.

Flight tests
As we all know, flight simulation enthusiasts
just can’t help refusing to read a manual before be expected to fly VFR, IFR and aerobatics. time, pulling the ejection handle on the seat
trying their first flight (go on – admit it!). In the Being a trainer, there is no autopilot and some pan will result in your rapid vertical exit from
case of this beautifully rendered aircraft, you attention is needed to maintain the numbers the aircraft. As well as aerobatics, a military
really should take a little time to at least read during cruise and when navigating. trainer must of course be capable of night
about mapping some aircraft features to your Having such a powerful turboprop engine flying. Gauge and panel lighting is up to this
controls. A short period of time invested now up front should mean heaps of torque to with variable brightness controls to suit the
will save you a lot of time later. For example, the battle with. So, a T-6A feature is the Trim Aid conditions and works very well with no loss of
Nose Wheel Steering (NWS) system is turned Device (TAD) where the amount of rudder gauge readability.
on and off while on the take-off and landing trim automatically changes with the amount Landings can be a challenge as the wings are
roll - not the time to put your eyes inside the of power you set. This makes the aircraft feel quite short with a high wing-loading. This means
cockpit. Other important mapping suggestions more like a jet and this again is fully modelled that you will want to manage your power and
include toggling the speed brakes and some in the AOA aircraft. Another nice addition is angle of attack well to land gently. As both USAF
cockpit and panel views. the ‘Roll to See’ plugin which moves your view and USN pilots train on the Texan and can use
Recognising that many pilots will still not read position to look into turns when taxiing and different circuit and landing techniques, the angle
the manual, there is a tutorial flight PDF which in the air. There is also a Target Track plugin of attack indicator is presented in both USAF
commences your flight with engines running that, when enabled via the Weapon and Target, and USN types depending on which aircraft
and focuses on some basic aircraft handling selects and maintains your view to where the model you choose. This is excellent preparation
and navigation. This is also time well spent as it selected AI aircraft is in the sky, even if you for naval aviators who learn the delicate art of
introduces slow speed flight and the use of the can’t see it. This is very useful when trying to angle of attack landings on carriers.
angle of attack indicators (see below). After a fly in formation with another aircraft which is a
couple of runs through the checklists (which are mainstay skill for military pilots. Conclusion
available as a PDF, via the Xchecklist plugin or While the pilot usually flies from the front One question is whether the Texan II will be
even the Radio Management Unit on your panel) seat, the rear (instructor’s) seat is also compatible with X-Plane 12. The answer is
it becomes second-nature. Perhaps the biggest fully modelled with all of the 380+ control yes. Like most other developers of recently
challenge is learning to use the GPS. There manipulators available. You can move between released products, there will be a free X-Plane
is fortunately a cheat, as you are also able to them with a single keyboard click and so for 12 upgrade available to all customers once the
access the X-Plane Garmin GPS1000 via a single an extra challenge you can opt to fly the same release version is available. Modelling a military
click and load your plans via that method. routines from the rear seat and appreciate the aircraft can be fraught with traps as they can
With 1,100hp, the take-offs are short and after challenges the instructor faces. be complex and run on custom aircraft systems
cleaning up and accelerating to your climb That large turboprop engine also allows for and avionics to suit their intended role. AOA
speed of 140-180 knots you can manage over some serious aerobatics and is pure joy in Simulations has a strong history of producing
3,000ft per minute with a climb to 18,000ft this aircraft. Not that you can be complacent military aircraft and its T-6A Texan II manages
taking as little as six minutes. The AOA model as g-stall is also modelled, so you must plan to get it all right. Technology aside, it is simply
flies very nicely with crisp control responses and and execute manoeuvres in some detail and fun to fly.
you really need this in a military trainer as you’ll skill to do well. Should you mess up at any By Peter Stark

Above: The simulation of active-matrix LED gauges gives

excellent readability in all conditions.

PC Pilot Verdict
At a Glance: A modern military trainer with a
balanced blend of price, features and systems.
Developer: AOA Simulations
Price: $40.00 (£32)
Websites: https://aoasimulations.mystrikingly.
com and x-plane.org
Flight Model: Excellent
Graphics: Excellent

Textures, resolution and

Documentation: Excellent
Systems: Very good 88
details are beautiful. PC Pilot Score:

44 / PC PILOT #144 www.Key.Aero

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 REVIEW ADD-ON FOR MICROSOFT FLIGHT SIMULATOR

Dublin City Pack

Orbx’s

The Emerald Isle's crown jewel

I
reland is just a short boat trip across the PBR textures and in this case, more than 60 Empire. Currently it’s the seat of the national
Irish Sea from West Wales. It is, I’m told, handcrafted points of interest. On top of that, parliament of Ireland, which is also known
a beautiful country, but is unfortunately, you have more accurate terraforming of the as the Oireachtas, a word not so easy to
somewhere I have yet to visit. city and its surrounding areas. Apparently, pronounce unless you speak Gaelic.
Most of us who live in the UK will the 3D modelling has also been optimised
undoubtedly know the history of the country, to provide better visuals without the familiar Orbx’s Landmarks
which is divided into two regions: the Republic penalty of degraded graphic performance. Dublin City Pack
of Ireland in the south and Northern Ireland Let’s see if this is the case… I started this simulated introduction to Ireland
which is part of the United Kingdom in the from the Newcastle Aerodrome, located 22
north. It is collectively classed as the second Dublin city miles south of Dublin on the east coast. (Not
most populous island in Europe, with a Dublin sits at the mouth of the River Liffey in to be confused with Newcastle International
population of just over seven million. the province of Leinster, Ireland. There’s been airport in the north of England). As this was a
This review is based on Dublin, the capital of a recorded settlement there since the seventh relatively short trip and one of discovery, what
the Republic of Ireland as depicted by Orbx in century, yet modern archaeology tells us that better way to explore the city than from the new
its Dublin City Pack. This is one of many such the area has actually been inhabited for over Guimbal Cabri G2 helicopter included in the
products from the company that highlights 6,000 years. In fact, during the 17th century, latest 40th Anniversary update? While I have
a city or region, adding higher resolution it was the second largest city in the British no experience of flying helicopters, I decided to

Dublin’s
massive
dockyards and
associated
container port.

46 / PC PILOT #144 www.Key.Aero

 Pilot PCPilot
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give it a try. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised to

find that it’s a rather nice little aircraft that’s not
too difficult to handle, particularly if you have
a joystick and pedals. Essentially, it’s throttle
for lift, yoke in the usual sense and rudder for
yaw. In fact, the latest 40th Anniversary update
includes some dedicated helicopter presets for
The Loopline
Bridge supports a number of popular joysticks and gamepads.
two railway Also, my colleague Peter Stark has explained
tracks with fully
animated trains.
the new controls and techniques needed to get
the best from these new craft in this very issue.
Lots of storage Leaving the Newcastle airfield (which is
tanks outside literally a field and nothing else), I followed
the Guinness
Brewery. the coast to Bray Harbour where I turned
inland to follow the M11 to the St Columcillies
Hospital. Here, the M11 becomes the N11
and continues on to the city. Along the way I
passed a number of recognisable buildings,
although they’re mostly unremarkable
structurally, they do serve, nonetheless, as
waypoints.
I tend not to display Points Of Interest (POIs),
because (for me) they detract from the realism
of the flight. I also feel it‘s more interesting to
stumble across or search for these handcrafted
structures and then perhaps turn to Google
Maps to identify them. This process also helps
to build a degree of background knowledge
that can be helpful if you ever happen to visit
System setup
the real city.
Minimum System Requirements In case you’re wondering, Dublin is not a
OS Windows 10 v18362.0 or higher photogrammetry city, so the buildings are a
Software Microsoft Flight Simulator (Standard, mixture of generic and hand-placed elements,
Deluxe or Premium Deluxe PC/Steam which in my opinion looks more realistic,
edition) particularly when flying at low level.
Processor Intel i5-8400 / AMD Ryzen 5 1500X
Memory 16GB Landmarks & points of interest
One of the most prominent features of Dublin
Graphics card NVIDIA GTX 970 / AMD Radeon RX 590
from the air is the massive dockyards and
Video memory 4GB associated container port, where there are
Review system literally thousands of containers, cranes and
Processer Intel i7 9700K 3.60GHz processor animated ships that constantly sail (quite
with Corsair liquid cooler. realistically) to and from the port.
RAM 32GB DDR4 3200MHz RAM Just across Dublin Bay is the Howth
Video Card Gigabyte GTX 1080Ti, 11GB GDDR5 Peninsular, which is the site of Howth Castle
video card and estate, which I understand has been the
Storage 1 x 1TB Crucial NVMe M.2 SSD, home of the same family for over 800 years.
1 x 6TB Samsung hard drive. The castle itself is quite a good likeness,
although the real one is not set within such a
Monitor 32-inch 4K iiyama monitor
heavily wooded area.
The Aviva Stadium is used for
international sporting events.

www.Key.Aero #144 PC PILOT / 47

 REVIEW

Although the outlying districts of Dublin

in terms of identifiable buildings are more
generic as you get closer to the centre, the
developers have sprinkled many more that
closely resemble their real-world counterparts.
For example, if you fly up the river Liffey from
the port, you’ll pass dozens of them. One
of the first is the Dublin Convention Centre
which stands alongside the equally impressive
Samuel Beckett Bridge. This features a single My approach
unsupported arch attached by cables, a into Dublin
flying the
design that allows the bridge to swing through Guimbal Cabri
90 degrees for the passage of river traffic. A G2 helicopter.
little further on you’ll find the Sean O'Casey
pedestrian bridge, which also has the ability to are firstly the Massive Aviva Stadium, used Conclusion
swing open for river traffic. for international sporting events and the So, to answer my question at the beginning
Next, we come to the impressive Custom occasional concert. Then, set next to the Royal of this review, yes the performance I got
House and visitor centre, a neoclassical Canal, is Ireland’s largest and national stadium, from my aging system was quite surprising,
building designed by James Gandon, which Croke Park, known as the historic home of particularly with the sheer volume of 3D
was completed in 1791. This stands adjacent all Gaelic sports. I also spotted Dublin Castle objects displayed on screen at the same time.
to the Loopline Bridge, made from a lattice which looks more like a conglomeration of It’s quite a testament to Asobo and of course
work of wrought iron. It supports two railway different-styled buildings, in different colours. the Orbx team, which is constantly working to
tracks with fully animated trains running in A quick check with Google confirmed that it’s get the best performance from the simulator,
both directions. In fact, the track terminates actually quite a good likeness. by optimising the code and graphic elements
at the Pearce Railway Station at one end and There are many other famous landmarks within the scenery.
at Connolly Street Station at the other, both dotted around the city, including several If I have to be critical, I would say that
of which are nicely modelled in the scenery. churches and cathedrals, some modelled on the ground textures at low level are quite
That said, the earlier very ornate part of the the real buildings and others more generic. blurred. Also, some of the hand-placed
Connolly Street station is missing. buildings seem to be perched on ground
Back along the river we come to the domed Dublin Airport that would, in reality, not support them.
Four Courts building, another classical design Although I started this trip from Newcastle However, in mitigation, I was looking at
that houses the main courts of Ireland. Not too Airfield you could of course fly directly from these points from ground-level, where
far from that is the massive Guinness storehouse Dublin International, situated just six miles north aircraft are not normally flying.
and brewery, with dozens of what I assume are of the city centre. This is not a handcrafted As you can probably tell, there’s a lot to
huge storage tanks for this popular beverage. airport but is nonetheless quite detailed and see in Dublin and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed
After climbing to 1,000ft, it’s easier to spot a fair representation, particularly when you the experience, if you decide to invest in this
some of the other landmarks situated around compare it to what we’ve come to accept as product, I hope you will too.
the city. Two that are immediately visible default airports in the past. By Joe Lavery

Above: Howth Peninsula is the site of Howth Castle and

its estate.
Right: Just across the river from Four Courts, is the
Church of the Immaculate Conception.
Below: You could start your trip at Dublin Airport.

PC Pilot Verdict
At a glance: Dublin City Pack offers a lot to
see, but is not too taxing on your system.
Publisher: Orbx
Price: Download £9.84
Website: https://orbxdirect.com/product/
landmarks-dublin-msfs
Developer: Orbx

Content: Very good

Documentation: None supplied
Performance: Very good 90
PC Pilot Score:

48 / PC PILOT #144 www.Key.Aero

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 REVIEW ADD-ON FOR MICROSOFT FLIGHT SIMULATOR

Aerosoft’s

Offshore
Landmarks:
North Sea

North Sea spans over 500,000 square miles

A unique package for MFS and touches the coastlines of not just Great
Britain but Belgium, The Netherlands, Denmark
and Norway. That's a vast amount of space to

T
he North Sea means a couple of things to bring something new and different to MFS - fill in. Nonetheless, Aerosoft has given it the old
to me. It's a punchline to a Billy Connolly it has filled the North Sea with things to see and college try. Looking at the world map, I suspect
joke I heard many years ago and a thing do. So, I’m intrigued: can Aerosoft find enough they may have succeeded. There are oil rigs,
I would often fly over on flights to Amsterdam. things for me to do in the North Sea? buoys, wind farms and more to discover. Add
That's about it. In flight sim terms, the North to that, ships… lots and lots of ships. It also
Sea is simply a body of water to pass over. It Let’s head north appears that the North Sea has 'wandered' a
exists in the same genre of scenery for me as You can get the North Sea scenery pack from little, with the Irish Sea getting objects placed
the wide-open plains of middle America or the either Marketplace or Aerosoft themselves and near Liverpool, the southern tip of Cornwall
snow-covered land of Siberia. It's an empty installation is easy. Once it's complete you’ll enjoying some love and the Channel getting a
space that deserves little if any of my sim time, find the world map filled with many things to fair bit of attention as well. I estimate that over
until now. see and explore. 75% of the coastline of Great Britain now has
Microsoft Flight Simulator (MFS) continues The world map surprised me. As the North something to see, all the way up to Norway and
to grow, with developers finding new and Sea barely registers in my day-to-day life, I all the way across to Rotterdam. Aerosoft says
fascinating uses for the sim. So, with the have never taken the time to think of the size of it has added over 380 new helipads, nearly 200
release of its Offshore Landmarks: North Sea it all. The North Sea to me is a sea on the coast new ICAO airports and more wind turbines than
pack, Aerosoft has found a very interesting way of Scotland and northeast England. In fact, the you can count. There are ships of all shapes

50 / PC PILOT #144 www.Key.Aero

 Pilot PCPilot
CLASSIC
AWARD

and sizes from tankers and ferries down to tiny

fishing vessels. In total, over a billion polygons
have been added to the sim, with little to no
negative effect.

Getting out there

I'll admit that this scenery pack terrifies me
slightly. Over 30-plus years, I’ve flown every
sim aircraft I could get my hands on and I've
mastered them all, except for helicopters. The
‘whirlybird’ continues to strike terror into my
heart. With the arrival of the Bell JetRanger in
MFS, a cold sweat has broken out once more.
The North Sea scenery pack is made for the
skywards ‘eggbeater’ and I have little choice
but to face my fears. The first and only flight
saw me depart Aberdeen for the oil fields to
the northwest. Twenty minutes later I had lost
control of the JetRanger and plummeted into
the North Sea as I tried to hover above a large
tanker. I next departed Aberdeen in the Cessna
337 for safety.
Truthfully, this is a scenery pack made with
helicopter pilots in mind. The vast majority of
the new airports included here are heliports
and there are more unlisted ones to find along
the way. Be warned, however, that flying the
JetRanger will mean long periods with little to
see, with a top speed of around 160kts. Flights
from Aberdeen out to the oilfields take time and
if you're looking to practice your heli landings,
maybe it's best to find a clutch of rigs that sit
close together.
For me, I would normally spend my time
high above the sea barely noticing much of
the scenery found down below. In the Cessna
for example, I struggled to find some of the

Above: Boats, compared to helicopters, are much easier

to manage, and Aerosoft has included this handy little
crew launch to bob around on the sea with.
Top: The North Wales coast in the background tells you
this pack covers so much more than just the North Sea.
Left: There are all kinds of support vessels to find and
land on, and the detail is incredibly impressive.
Main image: The North Sea pack is a helicopter pilot's
dream, or if you’re me, a nightmare. The helicopter
ended up in the North Sea 10 minutes later.

www.Key.Aero #144 PC PILOT / 51

 REVIEW ADD-ON FOR MICROSOFT FLIGHT SIMULATOR

Right: The world map should give you an overview of

what this pack adds, with the area from ‘The Wash’ to
Rotterdam - all but covered in things to see.
Below: Ever wondered how wind farms get built at sea?
Wonder no more.

points of interest from just 3,000ft just 10 miles databases, Aerosoft has built a complete of this is down to the great updated graphics
out. From higher up, the appeal of this pack picture of all ocean-bound vessels, wind farms, engine but also because if you're out at sea,
becomes a little limited. That's not to say fun oil rigs, buoys and more around the UK. I don't there's little around you to render other than
cannot be had here. While my helicopter flying know about the rest of you but that's incredibly the sea itself and the various rigs, ships and
skills are severely lacking, I discovered a great cool. It also means that the ships found are in wind farms within that area. The outcome of
way to get up close to the North Sea oil fields the correct shipping lanes. There are so many all of this is some of the nicest scenery assets
by flying the F/A 18 and enjoying a little scud tiny details here. I've ever seen, combined with an almost zero
running just above the deck. Now, that's what performance hit.
I call exciting. Even with a moderately swift Boating for pleasure?
piston aircraft, there's a lot of fun to be had in If helicopters aren't your thing and playing Conclusion
some areas, sweeping between the pylons of a chicken with huge tankers at Mach 1 is a little MFS continues to amaze me. The way
massive wind farm or seeing how close you can full-on for your liking, Aerosoft has included developers have found new and interesting
get to 'buzzing' a rig. your very own launch that allows you to take ways to make the world look a bit closer to the
Away from the scud-running antics above, this to the ocean and safely get up close to the real thing impresses me no end. Aerosoft has
pack provides a lot of sea traffic alongside the massive North Sea mega structures. You will done just that with the North Sea scenery pack.
oil rigs and wind farms but they don't move. not want to cast off too far from the main gas I would say that for airline pilots overflying the
Now, on reading this I'm sure many readers fields as the top speed of the boat is, let's say, UK and Northern Europe, this pack is not for
will find this puzzling. There's a good reason around the speed of smell. Like the helicopter you. If you're a pilot though who's arriving back
why, however - they don't need to. If you've though, the launch is best used in a crowded oil at Heathrow from Stockholm, Copenhagen
ever spotted a ship outside your window as you field where you can move between the multiple or Amsterdam, then your descent over the
pass overhead, there's no real way to discern rigs, ships and more. North Sea just got a little bit more realistic. For
how fast they're moving or indeed if at all. This is actually a great way to really appreciate GA pilots this add-on pack gives you another
Apart from perhaps the sign of a wake drawn how detailed and well-modelled this add-on reason to visit places like Norway, for example,
behind the vessel, a ship can look perfectly scenery pack is. Aerosoft actually talks about or to enjoy that quick hop from Dublin to
motionless from the air. Aerosoft has provided this in the manual itself, where it has added Liverpool. For all those pilots who enjoy the heli
the wake and I'm fine with that. It looks good a model of a ship with 1,000,000 polygons world, then this scenery is undoubtedly for you.
and is exactly how I've seen ships appear as to the sim and waited for the sim to grind to With literally tons to explore, this is a helicopter
I pass overhead. The other bonus of keeping a halt; it didn't. From there it upped the ante pilot's dream. Setting down on a platform, in
them static is that there's always something until it reached over 1,000,000,000, or one the middle of the North Sea in winter has to
to see as you pass overhead. The ships are billion polygons for everything and MFS just rank up there with flying the approach to Kai
not just placed randomly either. Using various swallowed it up as if it wasn't there. Now, much Tak in terms of challenge.
I wholeheartedly encourage you all to consider
On deck on this add-on, for the sheer scale of the scenery
an oil rig. area provided, for the challenge you'll enjoy
trying to discover it all and for the not-so-
incremental increase in immersion this pack
brings. Aerosoft has delivered a cracker here,
as long as you don't fly at 31,000ft.
By Jessica Bannister-Pearce

PC Pilot Verdict
At a glance: Aerosoft has cleverly found a way
to fill in the world with yet more detail, at little to
no performance cost. If you're a heli pilot this
pack is for you. If you're not a helicopter pilot,
this pack may be a bit difficult to justify owning.
Price: €17,13 (£15 approx)
Website: www.aerosoft.com
Graphics: Excellent
Documentation: Excellent
85
PC Pilot Score:

52 / PC PILOT #144 www.Key.Aero

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WWW.AEROSOFT.COM
 FEATURE THE FLIGHT EXPERIENCE

The simulators feature

full-scale flight decks
complete with 230°
wraparound screens.

54 / PC PILOT #144 www.Key.Aero

 The Flight
Experience
‘Flying’ full-sized Airbus A320 and 737NG simulators
A close-up
of the main
throttle levers
and trim
wheels of the
Airbus A320.

A close-up view
of the A320’s
side stick.

or many aviation enthusiasts, the term and the even more impressive St James’ Park

F ‘flight simulator’ conjures up images of

desktop PCs and joysticks but this virtual
pastime is now being taken to the next level, as
football stadium came into view.
Seeing my home city sprawled out beneath us
was an awe-inspiring sight but at the click of
Airliner World’s Craig West discovered. a mouse this could easily have been New York
or Las Vegas... because this wasn’t a regular
The flight experience 737. In fact, according to Lee Johnston, my
As I eased the two power levers forward, I co-pilot and owner of The Flight Experience
paused momentarily to let the N1 gauges centre in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, it is one of the
stabilise at 40%, before lifting my feet off the most realistic fixed-based simulators currently
brakes and setting take-off power. Behind available for private hire in the UK.
me, I could hear the roar from the engines as
the Boeing 737-800 lurched forward, quickly More than a game
gaining speed. I added a little right rudder Having recently relocated to its new home
to correct for the crosswind and keep the in the Newcastle Business Park, The Flight
accelerating jet on the centreline as the runway Experience lies just a short walk from the
lights flashed by. city centre. From the outside, it looks rather
We soon reached our pre-calculated V1 inconspicuous, with just a small sign on
speed of 128kts, the maximum at which the wall giving an indication of what goes
we could reject our take-off and, with on behind closed doors. However, inside is
everything proceeding as expected, we every wannabe pilot’s fantasy – full-sized
continued onwards. From this point on we Airbus A320 and 737NG simulators, including
were committed to fly. Another four knots of complete flight decks, 230° high-definition
airspeed put us at our rotation speed and I wrap-around screens (enveloping your entire
pulled back on the yoke, lifting the nose off eyeline) and enough fixtures and fittings to
the ground and coaxing the aircraft into the convince even the most sceptical of virtual
air. Suddenly, our 60-tonne jet was airborne, captains that they are indeed at the controls of
Newcastle’s Runway 25 fell away beneath a real airliner.
us, and our windscreen was filled with vivid Notably, this isn’t just an exercise in aesthetics.
yellows, oranges and golds as the last rays of Both the A320 and 737 simulators are high-
the day lit up the clouds in front of us. fidelity and use a combination of X-Plane and
We passed 1,500ft in the climb and I put the Lockheed Martin platforms, which, combined
737 into a left bank. A glance out of the left with ProSim software, provide accurately
cockpit window showed us to be passing over modelled aircraft systems (including failures)
the village of Throckley, where I was born. We and realistic flight handling characteristics.
continued our turn to pick up the River Tyne, Consequently, pulling and turning the yoke
easily visible in the fading light meandering gives the impression of genuine mass and
eastwards towards the North Sea, before the inertia – this isn’t a lightweight fighter, it’s a
spectacular Tyne bridge and its six neighbours, 60-tonne jet and it handles accordingly.

www.Key.Aero #144 PC PILOT / 55

 FEATURE

Furthermore, a failed engine doesn’t just

impact the handling but also affects the
related aircraft systems such as bleed air and
electrics.
The latter point was succinctly demonstrated
when Johnston simulated a bird strike while
sightseeing over Manhattan, taking out
an engine and cracking the windscreen,
necessitating some nifty flying and a tricky,
single-engined approach into nearby Newark.
The simulators are so accurate, The Flight
Experience is regularly used by current
commercial pilots to help prepare for annual
simulator check rides with their airlines, those
preparing for the flight test element of a job
assessment, or to practice some of the more
obscure processes and procedures such
aircrew wouldn’t otherwise be able to do while
flying ‘on the line’.
But does this level of fidelity otherwise
put these devices out of reach of the keen
amateur?
“Not at all,” explained Johnston. “All of our
instructors are commercial pilots, most of
whom currently fly either the 737 or A320
family of aircraft for UK airlines and one who is
a current, qualified training captain.
“They’re able to run complex profiles for
professionals but they’re also very keen to get
involved with our other customers, too.
“It’s a very different kind of ‘flying’ from
airline operations and we attract a real variety
of clientele with wildly varying skill levels.
Weekends tend to be younger audiences or
more casual ‘fliers’ who may not necessarily
have a huge amount of experience but want to
have a bit of fun in the simulators.
“Here, we’re not so concerned with systems
depth, but rather maximising flying time.
During weekdays we often have the more
hardcore virtual pilots or professionals
undergoing ‘sim prep’.”

Career change
Johnston’s background is in IT but he’s had
a keen interest in aviation since childhood: “I
couldn’t really afford to pursue it as a career
when I was younger but I eventually saved up
enough to do my private pilot’s licence in 2015. “All of our instructors are try something more in-depth, and we get people
I mixed with a lot of professional pilots during travelling from across Northern England and
my training and was eventually convinced to commercial pilots, most of Scotland to try our simulators. They’ll often tie this
make a go of it, so I got my class 1 medical and whom currently fly either in with another local attraction but we’re usually
completed my ATPL, CPL and IR rating just as the main reason for their visit to the region.
the pandemic kicked off.
the 737 or A320 family of “We’re also starting to see a lot of kids
“By that point aviation job opportunities were aircraft for UK airlines coming in who’ve ‘flown’ on the Xbox with
scarce and, with my IT business self-sufficient, and one who is a current, nothing more than a wireless controller. This
I started looking at other options and this is the is their first real experience of an aircraft flight
closest I can get without flying professionally.” qualified training captain.” deck and they already know what the switches
He acquired the business in March 2022 do and where they are – we’re adding a level
before relocating to the current site in late town – there’s a similar offering elsewhere in the of reality and tactility to something they’ve
summer and, while the facility is still a work- city. While Johnston considers the market to be otherwise only seen virtually.”
in-progress, there’s plenty of flying to be had: big enough to support multiple vendors, he’s To increase its customer base further, The
“We try to leave a couple of days a week also keen to expand his already geographically Flight Experience also offers a customisable
free so we can carry out essential work but diverse customer base. This has been aided fear of flying course. “The session lasts around
weekends typically average around 12-14 significantly by the recent arrival of Microsoft’s 90 minutes and is tailored to the individual to
bookings per day across both simulators and latest Flight Simulator, which can be played on a help alleviate their specific fears. It’s a very
during weekdays we only usually have one games console and does not necessarily need hands-on approach. We generally start with an
instructor on-site so they’ll cover around six any of the peripherals or hardware of older- informal chat and then move into the cockpit.
bookings across both simulators. Sessions are generation PC-based platforms. He explained: In some cases, we’ll simulate a take-off or
typically an hour in length.” “We get a lot of repeat business from those who landing, talking through the various stages of
The Flight Experience isn’t the only show in have tried a 30-minute sampler and then want to departure and arrival, replicating the various

56 / PC PILOT #144 www.Key.Aero

 Above: The A320 and 737
simulators are based on a
combination of X-Plane and
Lockheed Martin platforms, and
are driven by ProSim software.
Left: A view of the central pedestal
in the A320 showing the FMC
(Flight Management Computer)
and the Radio Tuning Panel.
Below: The hardware and software
replicate the actual aircraft as
closely as possible.

Above: The Flight Experience offers

customers the choice between
high-fidelity Airbus A320 and
Boeing 737NG simulators.
Right: The devices are so accurate
they are often used by professional
pilots for refresher training.

noises they’re likely to hear during a real flight, “Beyond that we’re hoping to upgrade Similarly, he’s hoping to delve into organised
such as undercarriage and flap retraction, to newer platforms such as X-Plane 12 or events such as WorldFlight, a seven-day round
and explaining what they are and why they’re Microsoft Flight Simulator to make the visuals the world virtual flight held annually to raise
happening. as realistic as possible,” Johnston explained. funds for charity and sponsored by simulation
“In other examples it can be explaining and “These make a massive difference, especially and real-world aviation enterprises. Johnston
demonstrating technical aspects of aircraft for our more casual fliers. We’re also looking and his team of instructors have come a long
operations to help them better understand at what else we can do to further enhance the way since acquiring The Flight Experience and
what’s going on.” experience. We get some seasoned simmers they are quickly reinforcing themselves as a
who want to do a full ‘cold and dark’ start, ‘must-visit’ for would-be pilots from the region
What next? programme the flight management system, and beyond.
The next major upgrade for the centre will be pushback from the gate and perform a full He concluded: “We’re just trying to be a
the addition of military simulators, due to be flight, ideally under the guidance of simulated little more professional in our offering and
installed imminently and combining the Digital air traffic controllers, so we’re investigating hopefully turn each session into a learning
Combat Simulator platform with virtual reality whether we can integrate online with a virtual experience for our customers.”
and a full-motion seat that helps replicate air traffic network such as VATSIM.” By Craig West
dogfighting. The team is also poised to deliver a special
For the airliner aficionados, the A320 and 737 Lapland experience over the festive period, Acknowledgement
simulators will also continue to receive attention offering children a 15-minute flight to the Sincere thanks to Lee Johnston and the team for
– much like real aircraft, they need maintaining ‘North Pole’ to meet Santa Claus before hosting our visit. You can find out more about the
and updating. The Airbus came in kit form from returning to Newcastle via a ‘magic’ tunnel.” centre and its simulators at: www.theflightexperience.
a single supplier, while the Boeing is a modular It marks a departure from Johnston’s co.uk. Please note that all accompanying images are
design but both are expected to benefit from preferred business model but will, he hopes, courtesy of the Flight Experience.
hardware and software upgrades. help raise the profile of The Flight Experience.

www.Key.Aero #144 PC PILOT / 57

 FEATURE FLYING FLOATPLANES IN MFS

Flying Floatplanes i
Float Bases in the Pacific Northwest Canada and USA
I
f you've been flying Microsoft Flight Simulator
(MFS) for a while, you have observed the
maturing of an amazing simulator. It’s
beautiful, detailed, flexible and expandable; I've
had so much fun despite the occasional bug.
With endless updates and improvements and
new aircraft, MFS has proven to be a solid
investment. If you also have cash to invest in
new airports and aircraft, even more so. There
are many styles and levels of engagement on
offer here, and one of the niche styles that has
continued to expand is the world of floatplanes,
low altitude flight and rugged VFR terrain.
To the delight of float pilots, Canada received
a major update in the Microsoft Flight
Simulator 40th Anniversary Edition, including
the DHC-2 Beaver - perhaps the most iconic
bush plane ever built. Its native home is the
wild Pacific Northwest, home to many of the
world's floatplanes. They are the dominant
mode of transport between the major coastal
communities. These aircraft carry tourists,
Above: A map of the major float bases in the Pacific Northwest of Canada and the USA. hunters, fishermen, miners and supplies around
Below: Here I'm in the DHC-2 Beaver about to leave Friday Harbor for points north. the region and also service the many native

58 / PC PILOT #144 www.Key.Aero

in MFS
communities. This northwest region spans two
countries, divided by an imaginary boundary
between British Columbia, Canada and
Washington in the USA.
In order to really enjoy the floatplanes and
amphibians on offer, one needs good bases.
The number of float bases has continued
to expand and they are clustered heavily
Above: Approaching Port Alberni shows off some of the most beautiful features of MFS with incredible reflections
in the northwestern region we will look at. and wide island vistas.
Vancouver, BC is the regional centre in the
Below: Here's the flight plan in LittleNavMap for Vancouver Harbour to CPW9 Port Hardy (with appreciation to its
north, and Seattle marks the centre in the designer Alex Barthel).
south. That area is large but it’s geographically
similar and floatplanes fly scheduled flights The 172 Skyhawk is an aircraft most pilots The Searey is a single-engine, two-seat flying
on the most common routes. This NW region know well. The float version has a little extra boat developed by the US aircraft manufacturer
alone probably has 40 float bases in MFS, horsepower and with the G1000 navigation is Progressive Aerodyne. It's a strutted high-wing
with approximately 15 of them are very easy. This aircraft has been present in Microsoft monoplane with fabric-covered wings and has a
active centres, with docks and buildings and Flight Simulator since the earliest days. wingspan of nine metres. The high-wing design,
sometimes lighting at the bases. The DHC-2 Beaver is the most classic large windscreen and side window provide an
bush plane imaginable, with many awards excellent view of the underlying landscape,
Floatplanes in MFS and records held. It is considered one of the great for touring around. (The Kodiak 100 series
And then there are the aircraft. All of those I’m greatest Canadian inventions of all time. It's a II is missing due to a mix-up with Simworks.)
about to list appear in two varieties: wheeled Short Take-off and Landing (STOL) aircraft and
and amphibious (both wheels and floats). can get into and out of very small water spaces. Float bases in MFS
We have some real beauties and they are A total of 1,698 Beavers were manufactured The majority of float bases in MFS are merely
these: 172 Skyhawk, de Havilland Beaver, de between 1947 and 1968 and 808 remain in water spawn points. There are freeware
Havilland Twin Otter, PC-6 Turbo Porter and active service. expansions that take this further by adding
the Searey Elite. The DHC-3 Otter was developed in 1965 as docks and lighting but there are also detailed
a larger variant of the Beaver and the Twin and beautiful float bases in the simulator, as
Otter was developed thereafter. It is also a well as third-party bases you can add as part
STOL aircraft and has proven especially useful of other airport expansions. Detailed bases
for Search And Rescue (SAR) missions. With already in the simulator include S60 Kenmore
a large passenger capacity, it has been very Air Harbor in Lake Washington. FSimStudios
successful as a commuter airliner and it can be CYVR expansion includes two seaplane
fitted with wheels, skis or floats and in the Arctic bases: CYHC Vancouver Harbour and CAM9
on 'tundra' tyres. Vancouver Seaplane Terminal at YVR.
The PC-6 Turbo Porter competes well with We have room to explore only a handful of
the Beaver as a single-engine STOL aircraft. bases today, which are: CYHC, CAM9, CAB4,
Another all-conditions aircraft, such as the S60 and W33. I will also show you how to use
Beaver and Otter, the Swiss-made Porter can LittleNavMap to display the water bases in
be fitted with skis, floats, wheels or tundra any region and show you a couple of simple
tyres. flight plans to begin to explore this region.

www.Key.Aero #144 PC PILOT / 59

 FEATURE FLYING FLOATPLANES IN MFS

Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island is a paradise for VFR float
pilots, with its many rivers, fjords and high
mountains. Beautiful and dangerous, navigating
even with a GPS has challenges. I've flown the
route to Gold River in the centre of the island
in all kinds of weather, as well as crossing the
Strait between the island and the mainland in
rough weather. If you set your sim for broken
clouds and heavy precipitation you will get a
sense of the challenges faced by float pilots in
this region. Vancouver gets approximately 65
inches of precipitation per year but places on
the island can double that.
I've flown in the DHC-2 in my days as a fishing
guide, then later for fun, to some of the remote
communities on the western coast of Vancouver
Island. Tofino and Ucluelet are popular
destinations for tourists, and even surfers like
these waters in the summer. The West Coast
trail attracts hikers from around the world with
its storm-tossed vistas and tortured trees.
Finally, good weather aircraft are also found in
this region, and the Searey Elite is amphibious
Above: Kenmore Air Harbor to Vancouver Harbour - here's our flight plan in LittleNavMap.
and compared to a Beaver or Otter, affordable.
Below: Here's the most common commercial aircraft on these routes – the de Havilland Twin Otter. A fun and nimble aircraft, it is not strictly a STOL
machine but with its low stall speed it can get
Vancouver Harbour to CPW9 coastal city. It’s slow enough for a nice tour and in and out of cramped spaces. Its great visibility
Port Hardy the autopilot features are easy to set and adjust. makes it a fun ride in the rugged terrain of the
Our first flight plan is CYHC Vancouver Harbour Pacific Northwest.
to CPW9 Port Hardy. This takes us through Kenmore Air Harbor to I also flew the along Fraser River inland to
some of the most beautiful scenery in the region Vancouver Harbour Harrison Mills, following the gold rush route
and it’s a major traffic route for floats. Next, we take the classic 172 on floats flying on this famous Canadian river. Beginning from
Just for fun we have a middle waypoint at out of Kenmore Air Harbor on Lake Washington. Vancouver, it's another easy destination with
Nanaimo, along another major floatplane route. This route will take us via Friday Harbor (W33) gorgeous vistas. Floats are a common sight in
We'll fly this first route with the DHC-2 Beaver. up into Canada at CYHC Vancouver Harbour. the Fraser Valley, just as they are common all
One of the fun things to vary flying these The image above shows our flight plan in around Washington State in the south.
coastal routes is weather. I spoke with a retired LittleNavMap. Incidentally, LittleNavMap will Flying floats in MFS is unlike any other
bush pilot about his history in the region. At 82 also display your real time traffic from MFS and simulator. The realism of lighting, the PBR
years old, he was remembering bad weather you can save flight plans in a variety of formats. textures and incredible clouds and weather, the
navigation in the early 60s. Bill had many hair- Friday Harbor is a great location for detailed satellite-mapped terrain all contribute
raising adventures and was lost more than once amphibians, as are Squamish, Nanaimo and to an exhilarating experience for the virtual
in the rain and fog. Victoria to the north. pilot. With many floatplanes on offer and new
Approaching Port Alberni with settings on CAM9 Vancouver Seaplane Terminal at YVR ones yet to appear, the VFR pilot who enjoys
Ultra shows off some of the most beautiful is a busy destination in the northwest region. being able to land anywhere now has more
features of MFS with incredible reflections and Passengers coming from distant places can opportunities than ever. Climb in and experience
wide island vistas. easily transfer to floats after landing at YVR, the Pacific Northwest of Canada and the USA in
I also flew the 172 Skyhawk out of Vancouver and then head to a variety of island or coastal the workhorses of the north.
Harbour as a fun way to tour this beautiful destinations. By Len ‘Flightdoc’ Hjalmarson

60 / PC PILOT #144 www.Key.Aero

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 FEATURE FLIGHT ADVENTURE

Flight
Adventure
The de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver
S
urprisingly, this series has never this sense, the DHC-2 Beaver is a true classic suit their bush plane types of operations and
explored one of the most impressive indeed! This high-wing, single piston engine, localities. Interestingly, the responses focused
and perhaps iconic bush planes of all propeller-driven monoplane was developed by on the same few design requests. The new
time. Let’s rectify that now as we fly the de de Havilland Canada (DHC) after the second aircraft had to have lots of power, short take-
Havilland DHC-2 Beaver in some back country world war period. That era saw a rapid shifting off and landing (STOL) capability, easily adapt
to appreciate just how suited to the role it is. of aircraft design towards the civil sector while to wheels, floats, skis or tundra tyres and have
using many new materials and construction full sized doors on both sides of the aircraft for
Born of a need techniques developed during the war years. easier loading.
We’ve stated before that one of the criteria of DHC took a different approach for the time Design engineers said that to incorporate
an aircraft being considered a true classic, and widely consulted potential Canadian users all these features would reduce cruise
is how well it is recognised at first glance. In about what features they wanted that would performance. One astute pilot reportedly came

Above: The Beaver’s panel looks simple, but pilots need

to be aware of the peculiarities of the aircraft’s systems.
Right: The DHC-2 Beaver is a workhorse and this
Thranda paint job confirms it.

62 / PC PILOT #144 www.Key.Aero

 The Beaver is made to operate in these rugged and mountainous terrain.

back to say that in the Canadian wilderness, predominantly taken using X-Plane 11, you can
you only needed to be faster than a dog sled easily replicate the actual, or very similar flights
to be a winner! The prototype first flew in below using any platform including FS2004,
August 1947 with the first customer receiving FSX, Prepar3D, X-Plane 11 or even X-Plane 12.
their shiny new Beaver just eight months later. In addition, Microsoft Flight Simulator’s (MFS)
40th Anniversary package includes a free
Spoilt for choice Blackbird Simulations (MilViz) Beaver. A list of
The DHC Beaver has been available across some alternatives for these different platforms,
all the major flight simulators for the past as well as scenery suggestions and basic
20 years, so pilots will have no trouble mud maps for the routes can be found in the
locating one for their specific platform. downloadable Pilot’s Notes in the downloads
While the accompanying screenshots were section for this issue at www.key.aero/article/
pc-pilot-issue-144-downloads.
Beaver Fact #1
The Beaver was originally intended to be powered Familiar country
by the British Gypsy Major engine supplied by DHC’s One of the beauties of bush flying in an aircraft
British parent company. Accordingly, the wings were such as the Beaver, is that you don’t always
made larger to accommodate the relatively low engine need much of an airstrip. You can just line up
performance. However, in the post war years, there on a reasonably clear patch of dirt (or river,
was a glut of cheap but much more powerful Wasp snow etc) and have a very good chance of
Junior radial engines. So, the final design had the nailing the take-offs and landings. Long-term
larger wings and the more powerful engine which readers of our Flight Adventures may recall
resulted in outstanding performance. Bella Coola/CYBD as the base for a series of
flights while highlighting the Agusta Bell AB412

On finals into
Machmell
Fisheries – all in
a day’s work for
a Beaver pilot.

www.Key.Aero #144 PC PILOT / 63

 FEATURE FLIGHT ADVENTURE

The powerful 450hp radial engine gives the

Beaver an edge over many competitors.

helicopter back in Issue 123. We return to this Bentinck Arm to your left. Turn to the left and hunters and campers into remote lakes for a
stunning part of the real and virtual world with follow this channel (~160°M) for 25nm where week or so of fishing, hunting or just to enjoy
our first bush flight taking some passengers the channel gives way to a narrow valley. the seclusion and quiet. So, our next flight
and supplies to the camp at Machmell Continue down this valley for another 10nm or takes us from Bella Coola to Knot Lakes - a
Fisheries. so where it opens out into the Owekino Lakes personal favourite. Load up your amphibious
Machmell Fisheries is a luxuriously long system. In another 10nm, the lake makes a Beaver with four passengers and 200kg
900m (3,000ft) long airstrip 165°M/49nm sudden and distinctive turn towards the west (440lb) of food, tents and fishing supplies
from Bella Coola and if the weather is clear, – and on the far shore is where we will find with 40-50% of fuel in the tanks.
it should be plain sailing. However, it is most Machmell Fisheries village and airstrip along You might want to consult the
likely you will encounter lots of low cloud, the edge of the Machmell River. downloadable chart as it makes the route
occasional showers and reduced visibility. The airstrip is quite long but very narrow description much easier to grasp. It’s not
Fortunately for us, the majority of the route and surrounded by large trees. MFS pilots, complex but there are a few features you
can be flown over several inlets and valleys in particular, will need to take great care and need to watch out for. After taking off, initially
at low altitude. Load a wheeled Beaver with might benefit by reducing the normally very track 055°M up the Bella Coola valley while
800kg (1,760lb) of passengers and supplies heavy vegetation density. Taxi around to the climbing to 5,500ft. You must pay attention
and around 30% fuel in the tanks. This will ‘hut’ and after dropping off your payload, ferry where the river forks approximately 20nm
give you a very generous three hours of flight the Beaver back to Bella Coola. east of the airport, being sure to bear right
time and still be 100kg (220lb) under max and take to right fork (southeast). As you
weight. Seaplane delivery pass Glacier Mountain on your left, turn left
After take-off from Bella Coola, track around Many remote lodges in Canada and Alaska use to track around 045°M to fly over Widgeon
255°M up the North Bentinck Arm for 15nm, float-equipped Beavers to fly in guests while and Junker Lakes on this high-altitude
which brings you to the fork of the South some charter companies will fly fishermen, plateau. If you miss this turn, you will find

Above: Built as strong as an ox and capable of carrying

that ox in its voluminous cabin.

Beaver Fact #2
Historically, de Havilland Canada had a tradition of
naming its aircraft after animals. Over the years
we have seen chipmunks, otters and caribou all
represented as well as the beaver. The beaver was Polar operators
can quickly add or
thought to be particularly apt as the animal was a hard remove skis as the
worker and this fitted the intended role of the DHC-2. seasons change.

64 / PC PILOT #144 www.Key.Aero

 Above: : Designed and built to be a perfect fit into its role
as an all-terrain workhorse. Left: On finals into Knot Lake
South. Operators will fly you in for fishing or camping
and pick you up a week later.

Beaver Fact #3
Designing an aircraft that operates in extreme climates
calls for some unique features. One is the inclusion
of the oil reservoir inside the cabin. This allows
the terrain rises up to meet you and you will consists of a very long, narrow northern
topping up of oil while mid-flight and without the need
have to turn back; 5,500ft is enough if you lake, and its southern half is separated by a
to remove engine cowlings etc which, in freezing
take the correct route. Widgeon and Junker restriction and a narrow stream about half
conditions is a potential safety risk. The floatplane
Lakes are large and if you like, you can break a mile long. You’ll know if you’ve gone too
undercarriage structure is also very versatile with
up your flight by landing on one and taking a far because the lakes stop appearing. Your
canoes able to be strapped to them for flights. Another
break on the shoreline. clients wish to alight on the northern end of
unusual but perfect feature for this type of flying is
As we continue across the plateau, it will the southern lake where they will get some
that both the flaps and ailerons lower for take-off and
soon fall away and you should turn right great views of the mountain ranges to the
landing. This improves the STOL performance quite
(south) down the valley and start your south. Once they are settled, you can return
dramatically and gives good roll handling at even very
shallow descent while following the river to Bella Coola via your preferred route.
low speeds.
over Rainbow and Elbow Lakes. Knot Lakes By Peter Stark

DHC-2 Beavers can be easily

configured with floats which
opens up accessibility to
remote lakes and rivers.

www.Key.Aero #144 PC PILOT / 65

 TUTORIAL BACK TO BASICS

Left top: Fig 1 - Transitioning from

overhead Mangalore to outbound on the
049° radial. Left: Fig 2 - Convention says
we should change from the outbound
VOR to the inbound VOR about halfway
between the two. Right: Emerging from
the clouds to be greeted by your runway
threshold is an exhilarating experience.

Back to
Basics
Using the VOR continued… Series 4 Lesson 6 By Peter Stark

66 / PC PILOT #144 www.Key.Aero

 Left: IFR flying opens up a whole new experience in flight
simulation with all major platforms featuring a solid C172
type model to develop your skills.
Below: Fig 3 - The Horizontal Situation Indicator takes
features of the VOR and places them on the directional
gyro. This increases spatial awareness and is often
slaved to the autopilot.

n our previous issue, we left you overhead

I Mangalore VOR station and we now continue

on our planned route to Albury when
some unexpected ATC requirements test our
understanding of VOR intercepts before we put
it all together to make a simple VOR approach.

Inward bound
You should now be flying outbound from the
Mangalore (MNG) VOR on the 049° radial.
Figure 1 recaps our passage over the VOR
and our attention now turns to the next VOR
station on our route – Albury/YMAY. Figure 2
shows that both Mangalore and Albury have
VOR stations so we must at some stage change
our navigation radio from one station to the
next. When? The temptation is to switch over
immediately and start using the VOR that lays
ahead, but convention says you switch over
around halfway unless you are having reception
problems with one of the stations.
You can simply use a quick calculation to
determine this changeover point. Mangalore
to Albury is around 99nm and if we are flying
along in our C172 at 105 knots TAS: 99nm /
105k = 0.94 hours (57 minutes). That makes
halfway around 28 minutes after we flew over
Mangalore. Easy peasy! So continue to track
outbound on the Mangalore 049° radial until
around 28 minutes after you passed overhead
before tuning your VOR to 115.6MHz and
check for the AY station ID ( .- -.- - ) to verify
you have tuned into the Albury VOR. You may
have to make a small change in heading to
continue to track directly to Albury.
But ATC has other plans for us and after a
few minutes we have now received instructions
to avoid slower traffic ahead. We are asked to
intercept the 025° radial inbound now instead;
Figure 4 indicates our approximate position
and what ATC is asking us to do. First, dial up
the 025° radial on your VOR gauge and the
Course Deviation Indicator (CDI) immediately
tells us that to intercept this radial, we need
to change our track to the right of our current
track. Using our favourite old rule of thumb,
let's plan for a 30° intercept by turning right

www.Key.Aero #144 PC PILOT / 67

 TUTORIAL BACK TO BASICS

Above: Fig 4 - ATC has intervened and asked us to intercept the 025° radial inbound to Albury.
Below: Fig 5 – Approach charts can be complex, so the time to learn them is on the ground before the flight.

Learn to be set up for the VOR approach early so

you can focus on instrument flying smoothly.

onto a heading of 055°M.

Simply hold your heading until the VOR CDI
shows you have intercepted that 025° radial
before turning left onto our inbound track of
025°. Of course, should the winds not be directly
on our nose or tail, we will expect to see some
track error creep in but you simply use the
double track error again to regain and maintain
your track - a bit easier than the humble NDB.

The VOR approach

After having successfully intercepted our new
inbound radial to Albury, we need to plan our
descent to make our approach and landing to
Runway 25. Just as with any other instrument
approach, we need to plan to arrive over
our Initial Approach Fix (IAF) at the altitude
published on the approach chart. Figure
5 is part of a typical VOR approach chart
and demonstrates how complex they can
be at first glance. To make your life simpler,
follow through the remainder of the tutorial
using Figure 6 which extracts the essential
information related to our specific flight. If you
wish, you can obtain full charts online or from
www.navigraph.com.
A review of our approach chart, using
exactly the same methods and logic we
explored when flying an NDB approach,
shows we can quickly identify that because
of the terrain. This VOR approach asks us to
fly overhead the Albury VOR station at 4,200ft
and to track outbound on the 047° radial.
Immediately we pass overhead the station,
start your stopwatch, turn right to track 047°
outbound, while starting a normal 500fpm

68 / PC PILOT #144 www.Key.Aero

descent at 90 knots. Turn the OBS to show that any areas of possible confusion or high 90 knots and multiplying that by five tells us
the 047° radial to ensure you track outbound workloads are identified and planned for. we should descend at 450ft per minute to
correctly until 8nm from the VOR. Once on the inbound radial, continue your maintain the correct glideslope.
How on earth do you do that while in cloud? descent to the minimum descent altitude When you become visual, you must fly a
Well, your typical C172 descent speed is 90 of 1,170ft which is the MDA taken from the visual circuit to your landing runway - 25. If
knots = 1.5nm/minute. 8nm / 90kts = .09 table in the approach chart that is read in you fly this approach well, you will have ample
hours, which if you multiply by 60, tells you to exactly the same way we learnt when flying time to slow, lower some flap and track to
fly for five minutes. That was why we started NDB approaches. Here’s a trick to use intercept the Runway 25 centre line. If you
our stopwatch overhead. So, after five minutes when descending during a VOR approach. aren't visual as you pass back overhead
outbound, do a standard right-hand turn to Almost all are designed to a standard 3.0° the VOR at 1,170ft, fly the missed approach
intercept the 239° radial inbound to the VOR glideslope. To maintain a 3° glideslope, you procedure as shown on the chart. That is,
while not descending below 3,200ft. There must descend at a rate that is dependent on start an immediate climb straight ahead to
is a lot to remember, and this is the reason your groundspeed; Groundspeed x 5 = Feet 3,400ft, continuing to track the 239° radial.
wise pilots plan their approach well ahead so Per Minute required. We are descending at Once established, you can turn back to
overhead the VOR and try again.
Fig 6 - Our simplified
approach chart makes
life a little easier the
How's the practice
first time around. coming along?
We've now introduced several of the main radio
navigation aids in use around the world and
you have hopefully developed the basic skills to
start using them. By continuing to practice in a
variety of weather and lighting conditions, you
will become very proficient and gain immense
satisfaction when the threshold appears on
the nose as you emerge from the 'soup'. Next
issue, we’ll see how a little Australian invention
made life even easier for IFR pilots – even
during VOR approaches.

Acknowledgements
Many thanks to Navigraph.com for access to the
YMAY VOR chart. The charts are available to the flight
simulation community via Navigraph Charts, https://
www.navigraph.com. (Not for airborne/operational use.)

www.Key.Aero #144 PC PILOT / 69

 FEATURE IL-2 STURMOVIK: BATTLE OF NORMANDY

Battle of NEW
SERIES

Normandy Bringing the air war to life

1C Game
Studios’
IL-2 Sturmovik

70 / PC PILOT #144 www.Key.Aero

 PCPilot PC
PLATINUM
AWARD

Left: The heart of this

W
elcome to a new series in which we
simulation is the Pilot
Career mode in which you will be exploring the latest addition to
enlist as a pilot and embark the highly popular and long-running
on a tour of duty.
franchise - IL-2 Sturmovik: Battle of Normandy.
Below: The Hawker
Typhoon Mk.1B played If I was to be asked what my most-played flight
a major part in simulations of all time were, I would have to say
the Battle of
Normandy, they would be: Red Baron, Falcon 3, Falcon 4
particularly in and IL-2 Sturmovik (in all its iterations).
the air-to- When the latter was first released, back in
ground
role. 2001, it took the combat flight simulation
community by storm with its excellent
graphics, superb flight and damage modelling,
challenging AI and its sandbox approach. It
also provided the ability to tinker with every
aspect of the simulation, including the level of
detail, the response curves of your controllers
and the convergence distance of your guns. In
addition, IL-2 Sturmovik was as exciting when
played single-player as it was multiplayer. In
short, this simulation had so much to offer the
combat flight simmer.

The IL-2 Great Battles Series

Its current incarnation, IL-2 Great Battles Series,
carries on that approach and tradition. As the
developer states: “The new IL-2 is true to the
ideas borne by the first title with an accurate
representation of aircraft and famous World War
Two battles.”
As the name implies, the new series focuses
on recreating specific well-known battles
and these have been released as separate
modules. Currently, they include Battle of
Stalingrad, Battle of Kuban, Battle of Moscow
and Battle of Bodenplatte, with the fifth
instalment being Battle of Normandy – the
subject of this series.

IL-2 Sturmovik: Battle

of Normandy
In our previous issue of PC Pilot, we ran an
in-depth interview with the developer 1C Game
Studios, in which we discussed the work that
had gone into the production of this highly
detailed module, as well as an overview of its
Allied flyable aircraft contents. In the coming issues we intend to
LaGG-3 Series 29 delve deeper into every aspect of 1C’s Battle of
La-5 Series 8 Normandy, including the underlying concept of
Yak-1 Series 69 the simulation, the basic layout and structure of
the menu, the graphical representation of the
P-51B-5 Mustang
aircraft and scenery, the missions on offer and
Spitfire Mk.XIV the different ways you can play this simulation.
Typhoon Mk.1B We will also provide tutorials on how to fly and
IL-2 Mod. 1942 fight in the various included aircraft. So, sit back
Mosquito F.B. Mk.VI Series 2 and relax; we hope you enjoy the ride.
Pe-2 Series 87
German flyable aircraft
Bf 109F-4
Bf 109G-2
Bf 109G-6 Late
Fw 190A-3
Fw 190A-6
Ju 87D-3
Me 410A-1
Ar 234B-2
He 111H-6
The AI is very good and reflects the level of experience
Ju 88C-6 chosen during setup: novice, average, veteran or ace.
On this occasion, it was an ace that got me…

www.Key.Aero #144 PC PILOT / 71

 FEATURE IL-2 STURMOVIK: BATTLE OF NORMANDY

Battle of Normandy carries

on the tradition of the IL-2
Sturmovik franchise by providing
the combat flight simmer with an
immersive experience.

What was the Battle Allied invasion of June 6, 1944. several ways to play, in either single-player or
of Normandy? As the developer 1C Games points out: “Both multiplayer modes. So, let’s start by seeing
Before we delve into the structure of this the preparation and execution of the invasion what’s on offer from the main menu. Starting
simulation, it is worth taking a moment to explain of Normandy had a large air component from the top, we have Quick Missions,
what the Battle of Normandy was, particularly and involved many airfields in the UK and in Scripted Campaigns, Pilot Career, Missions,
from the perspective of the air battle which France, especially after the Allies landed and Multiplayer, Flight Records and Settings. In
played a crucial role in this conflict. ‘Operation built many advanced landing grounds.” this article, we will be taking a detailed look at
Overlord’ was in fact the codename for the Battle So, IL-2 Sturmovik: Battle of Normandy Quick Missions and Pilot Career.
of Normandy, which in essence was the Allied explores and recreates the aerial struggle
invasion of occupied France and began on June between the Allied and German air forces Quick Missions
6, 1944 (D-Day). It has been asserted that the during this pivotal conflict as the Allies Quick Missions allows you to jump into a
invasion was launched and ultimately succeeded endeavour to use air power to secure the dogfight as quickly as possible and help you to
largely because Allied air superiority had been invasion beachhead and force a breakout settle into the simulation. On offer are a series
achieved over and around the invasion area. So, towards Paris and Germany itself. of ready-made setups which enable you to
IL-2 Sturmovik: Battle of Normandy recreates dogfight in a variety of situations and at different
the aerial engagements that took place between Main menu locations on the map (two maps are provided:
the US Army Air Force, Royal Air Force and the In this issue we will begin by exploring the Normandy, D-Day 1944 and Normandy,
Luftwaffe in the skies over the Normandy and general layout and structure of ‘Battle of Summer 1944), or you can freely fly around
Calais regions of France before and after the Normandy’. Right off the bat, you can choose without interference from other aircraft. It’s also
Quick missions allow you to jump into Another flyable aircraft is this North American
a dogfight as quickly as possible and P-51B-5 Mustang, seen here in the markings
help you to settle into the simulation. of Tuskegee airman Lee Archer.
Here we see the Focke Wulf Fw 190A-6.

72 / PC PILOT #144 www.Key.Aero

 PCPilot PC
PLATINUM
AWARD

a great section for honing both your flying and

aerial combat skills before you tackle the more
involved, objective-based single-player career
missions or the more challenging multiplayer
environment. Also note that if you own any of
the other Great Battles titles in the series, you
can also play quick missions with the aircraft
included in ‘Normandy’ over those other maps.
When you first enter a Quick Mission, you
are presented with several options from which
to choose. These include the type of aircraft
flown by you and your AI opponent and the
number of aircraft involved in the scenario,
which can be solo, 1v1 or 3v3. In a 3v3 setup,
you can choose the number of wingmen and
opponents and the number of waves that you
The main menu, showing the available
encounter. You can also select the altitude at options: Quick Missions, Scripted
which the dogfight begins: from the runway or Campaigns, Pilot Career, Missions,
pre-set altitudes up to 10,000m (32,800ft). Multiplayer, Flight Records and Settings.

Once you have selected your aircraft, you can Left: You can choose from a wide selection of authentic
also add some modifications. These include paint schemes.
the ordnance carried (such as bombs), the Below: In Career mode, you will receive periodic updates
on the battle via a newspaper called ‘The Royal Courier’.
type and quantity of ammunition, the type of
gunsight and engine used and even the grade
of fuel used. Regarding the gunsight, as with
previous IL-2 Sturmovik iterations, you can
dial in the convergence distance of your guns.
Finally, staying with the aircraft-related options,
you can choose from a wide selection of
authentic paint schemes.
And there’s more… You can also choose
the location of the scenario on the map, while
ground targets are also provided which can be
toggled on or off. The latter includes anti-aircraft
artillery, tanks, artillery, ships, trains and other
vehicles. Other options include the altitude at
which the dogfight takes place and the prevailing
weather. This latter option is quite detailed and
provides you with the ability to change the time
of day, the speed and direction of the wind, the
levels of turbulence and precipitation and the
type, variant and height of the cloud cover.

Advanced Quick Mission

Generator
Once you’ve had some experience with
the Quick Missions, the developer has also
provided a secondary mode called the
Advanced Quick Mission Generator, which is
a sub-section of Quick Missions. Essentially,
this is designed to provide you with more
Above: This shot shows the map of the Advanced Quick Mission Generator, designed to provide you with more
challenging, detailed, varied and objective-based missions.

In this shot we see

a close-up of the
instrument panel of
the P-51B-5 Mustang.

www.Key.Aero #144 PC PILOT / 73

 FEATURE

challenging, detailed, varied and objective-

based missions and is cleverly done.
When you launch the Quick Missions mode,
you will notice there are a number of round
symbols dotted around the map, each of
which contains the national insignia of the
three combatants: a roundel for the RAF, a star
for the USAAF and a cross for the Luftwaffe.
These represent airfields occupied by the
British, American and German air forces.
Clicking on an airfield gives you access to the
Advanced Quick Mission Generator. More
symbols then appear on the map, representing
potential targets along with the location of
various airfields – both Allied and German. The artwork used
Clicking on a target, a bridge for example, for the loading
screens is superb.
will draw a yellow line from your airfield to the
selected target and generate a mission that day basis. So far, I’ve noticed there have been newspaper called The Royal Courier.
is appropriate to the role/roles undertaken two missions a day to fly. During your tour of At the top of the Pilot Career page are a
by your chosen aircraft; in this case, ‘bomb duty, you can be decorated and rise in rank. series of tabs which give you access to the
bridge’. Alternatively, you can select a specific After becoming a commanding officer, you are following: Pilot Biographies, Unit HQ, Planning
mission type to fly from a drop-down list that given control of other pilots in your flight and Room, Headquarters (showing the overview of
appears in a dialogue box on the left. There are can alter elements of the mission, which we will the battle area and the location of the various
varied types of missions available which are expand upon in a future article. According to units) and World News (newspaper reports).
appropriate to your aircraft’s mission profile. the developer, the mission types change and There are many elements of this mode that
These include: intercept bombers, intercept represent the real missions that a particular have role-playing aspects and I have to say
attackers, intercept transports, intercept V-1, squadron was performing on a particular day. that an amazing level of detail has been
beachhead patrol, escort bombers, escort In addition, the frontline moves and the weather incorporated into the Pilot Career mode, all
attackers, attack column, attack artillery, train changes in accordance with the prevailing of which combine to create a truly immersive
hunt, attack airfield and V-1 site attack. historical weather, while ground forces can experience.
Once you accept a mission, you are then capture or lose airfields and squadrons can be
taken to a briefing screen which provides details rebased. Conclusion
on the route you will fly, as well as information The amount of work and research that has gone
on time of take-off, the weather, wind at Pilot Career mode: into Battle of Normandy is truly amazing and
ground level airfield altitude, target approach a more detailed look apparent at every level. As mentioned at the
altitude, primary objective and enemy forces. At his point, I thought it would be useful to beginning, Battle of Normandy carries on the
I’ve included this list to illustrate the level of provide a more detailed look at some of the approach and tradition of the IL-2 Sturmovik
detail the developer has included to make main features included in the Pilot Career mode. franchise, with attention to detail and by
your experience as authentic and immersive To begin with, you can fly for Great Britain, providing the combat flight simmer with an
as possible. This is an excellent sandbox to USA or Germany, choose the starting phase immersive experience.
explore and as the developer states: “No two and your unit plus filter phases and units by Although this article is not really a review
missions will be identical, guaranteeing hours aircraft. Once a unit has been chosen, the in the traditional sense, but more of an
upon hours of great sorties to fly!” map will zoom to your base’s location. Role- ongoing series, it would be remiss of me not
One other thing worth noting is that you can playing aspects include being able to choose to offer my opinion of the overall package.
also use the maps from other IL-2 Great War your pilot’s portrait, insert your name, date of So, for me Battle of Normandy is a must-
Series modules that you already have installed birth and biography. You can also choose to have flight simulation for every combat flight
on your PC. command your unit: ‘By appointment’, ‘From simmer, particularly fans of the IL-2 Sturmovik
the beginning’ or ‘Never’. franchise. Highly recommended!
Pilot Career mode The career you choose begins with an
The next available option and the heart of this excellent voice-over video which gives you Next issue
simulation is the Pilot Career mode in which you the background and context of the particular In the next issue, we will be exploring other
enlist as a pilot and embark on a tour of duty. campaign you have chosen. For example, the aspects of Battle of Normandy, including
The career mode allows you to join one of more introduction to the ‘Falaise Pocket’ campaign multiplayer, the scenery, the aircraft, the missions
than 100 historical American, British or German is atmospheric and sets the mood. You also and more. So, until next time, ‘check six!’
squadrons and complete missions on a day-to- receive periodic updates on the battle via a By Derek ‘Baron’ Davis

PC Pilot Verdict
At a glance: A worthy addition to the IL-2 Great
Battles Series!
Publisher and developer: 1C Game Studios
Price: £52.99 on Steam
Prices: On https://il2sturmovik.com/
$89.99 (£72 approx) - Premium Edition
$59.99 (£48 approx) - Standard Edition
Website: https://il2sturmovik.com/store/battle-
of-normandy/
3D Modelling: Excellent
Graphics: Excellent
Performance: Excellent
95
PC Pilot Score:
Left: Whenever you return to the main menu, you will
find the aircraft that you flew in your last mission in the
hangar; in this case Lee Archer’s P-51B Mustang.

74 / PC PILOT #144 www.Key.Aero

THE GLOBAL AIRLINE SCENE
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060/23
INTERVIEW DCS: BLACK SHARK 3

DCS
Black Shark 3
Return of the Ka-50 attack helicopter
B
ack in 2007, the Fighter Collection issued say that TFC/Eagle Dynamics has continued Andrey Chizh: This helicopter was created
the following press release about a new to live up to that initial promise of producing in the Kamov Design Bureau in the USSR
product: “The Fighter Collection and the aircraft “at an incredible level of detail.” back in the 1980s. A proprietary coaxial rotor
Eagle Dynamics (ED) development studio will So, when ED recently announced the was used, which was used by Kamov from
release the new benchmark in PC air combat development of DCS: Black Shark 3 (the third the founding of the company. The concept
simulation in 2008 with the release of ‘Digital iteration of their Ka-50 attack helicopter), of this aircraft was very revolutionary for its
Combat Simulator: Black Shark’. ‘DCS: Black I invited Project Manager, Andrey Chizh, time: a single-seat combat anti-tank helicopter
Shark’ is a simulation of the Russian Ka-50 attack to talk to us about the work being done with a high degree of targeting automation.
helicopter and will be the flagship title of the on this highly anticipated module. Unfortunately, this concept was ahead of
new ‘DCS’ series.” It went on to say: “Following its time and the capabilities of the targeting
the success of the ‘Flanker’ series and ‘Lock The Kamov Ka-50 systems in the USSR and Russian Federation,
On: Modern Air Combat’, TFC/Eagle Dynamics’ attack helicopter which did not allow the reduction of the
‘DCS’ will shift the focus to introducing one PC Pilot: Hi Andrey, thanks for taking part single-pilot workload to satisfy the military.
aircraft at a time at an incredible level of detail in this interview. For the benefit of those Nevertheless, the aircraft turned out to be
that is unmatched by any PC flight simulation.” unfamiliar with the Kamov Ka-50 "Black very interesting with quite a high performance
So, DCS: Black Shark heralded the start of Shark” helicopter, may I ask you to begin by and powerful weapons, including Vikhr anti-
the now highly respected DCS World franchise telling our readers a little about the Ka-50, tank missiles, which make it possible to
and since that announcement, I’m pleased to its history and its main military roles? destroy almost any armoured object on

76 / PC PILOT #144 www.Key.Aero

 The Kamov Ka-50
"Black Shark” is a
single-seat combat
anti-tank helicopter
with a high degree of
targeting automation.

the battlefield up to have wanted to implement into our model.

8-10km in range. Therefore, in 2019 we decided to make
PC Pilot: What the third updated version of the Black
would you say are the Shark with new features that expand the
Ka-50’s main attributes and gameplay and provide new functionality.
what makes it so unique Development has been carried out in stages
compared with other military since 2019. But here it is worth clarifying that
helicopters of its type and role? the peculiarity of our projects development
Andrey Chizh: The uniqueness sometimes makes us transfer budgets
of the Ka-50 is in the rotors of the from one project to another, depending
coaxial scheme, which allows for an increase on the priority. This also happened with
in efficiency by 10-15 per cent in relation to Black Shark 3 (BS3), which sometimes
the classical helicopter scheme due to the had to be postponed due to the need to
absence of power loss for the tail rotor drive. give way to higher priority projects.
This is the world's only single-seat combat anti- PC Pilot: What were your main
tank helicopter, which allows savings in respect objectives with Black Shark 3?
of the cockpit size, armour weight, etc. Moreover, Andrey Chizh: In the development of
the cockpit is equipped with an ejection seat, BS3, there were four main aims that
which is also unique in the rotary-wing world. we have successfully completed:
PC Pilot: How would you describe 1. A Missile Warning System for warning about
the Ka-50’s flying characteristics? the launch of missiles at a helicopter.
Andrey Chizh: The flight characteristics of 2. Air-to-Air Igla missiles.
the Ka-50 are quite high for a 10+ ton class 3. A realistic model of an Inertial Navigation
helicopter. The high power-to-weight ratio System has been developed.
gives the aircraft good agility. The absence 4. A new, more accurate and detailed 3D
of a tail rotor allows for high turn speeds helicopter model using modern technologies
to be achieved without fear of a vortex and materials.
ring being created around the tail rotor. PC Pilot: For the benefit of owners of
the previous version, what are the main
DCS: Black Shark 3 differences between Black Shark 2 and 3?
Above: The Ka-50’s high power-to-weight ratio gives Main objectives Andrey Chizh: The main differences are just
the aircraft good agility.
PC Pilot: Why did you decide to do a third those points with new features that I described
Below left: The 3D model of the helicopter is made version of your Black Shark module and how above, plus the fixing of a number of bugs
according to the current standards of recent DCS
modules and in many instances exceeds them. long has the project been in development? that have been discovered by users of BS2.
Andrey Chizh: Ever since the development In addition, some items from the wish list
Below right: ‘We modelled most of the internal
compartments of the Ka-50, which is most noticeable of the first version of the Black Shark, we that we have been collecting over the years
on the engine and transmission compartments.’ have had a number of features that we have been implemented, such as additional

www.Key.Aero #144 PC PILOT / 77

INTERVIEW DCS: BLACK SHARK 3

Right: An atmospheric night shot of

the Black Shark’s cockpit.
Below left: A view of BS3’s cockpit.
The original Black Shark was DCS’s
first high-fidelity aircraft with in-
depth systems modelling and a fully
clickable 3D cockpit.
Below right: A close-up of the ABRIS
screen – the on-board integrated
aviation radio-navigation system or
Advanced Moving Map System.

input commands that allow more flexibility in brilliance. In addition, IR [Infrared] textures lighting system in the DCS engine allows
working with joysticks and input devices, or, are now being added to all new aircraft to you to reveal all the nuances of the light-
for example, the introduction of gas dynamic display the thermal image of the aircraft. shadow pattern of the new models.
instability of engines - a dangerous feature of PC Pilot: The report also states: “A
real helicopters, when engines can swallow novel modelling of internal compartments, Ordnance & systems modelling
hot air from launching weapons and start engines, transmission and control elements PC Pilot: Has the Black Shark’s ordnance
surging or turn off altogether. This only happens is a first for a DCS module.” Can you been upgraded and if so in what respects?
at low speeds. The higher the speed, the expand on this by providing examples? Andrey Chizh: For the Ka-50, we have
less likely it is to get into these problems. Andrey Chizh: We modelled most of the developed a new Igla air-to-air missile based on
internal compartments of the Ka-50 with their the MANPADS anti-aircraft missile. There is a
Incorporating new technology structure and internal equipment. This is most new 3D model of the missile and launcher, with
PC Pilot: Your development report states: noticeable on the engine and transmission opening covers, which is animated as in reality.
“The model incorporates our latest technologies compartments, where all engine elements, The 3D model of the ATGM Vikhr missiles
and materials, which will bring the Black Shark main rotor heads, transmissions, etc are has been updated, which have become
3 to the current standards of recent DCS modelled. Of course, it is better to look at the more detailed and similar to the prototype.
modules and exceed it.” Can you expand screenshots than to try to describe in words. PC Pilot: When it comes to the internal
on this by providing us with more detail? Such a wealth of internal elements of systems, can you outline the improvements
Andrey Chizh: This applies both to the the model is a reserve for a future update that have been made in this area of the
internal structure of the project, which is of the helicopter damage model. simulation and also highlight any new
generally not visible to users and to a number We have provided a special keyboard command, elements that have been implemented?
of external elements. This is especially by which all hatches will be opened, and the user Andrey Chizh: The main feature in the
noticeable on our 3D model of the helicopter, will be able to see all of the interior of the Ka-50. internal systems of the helicopter is the
which is made according to our modern PC Pilot: From a graphical perspective, what physical simulation of the Inertial Navigation
standards; very detailed, using the latest improvements have been made compared to the System (INS). It was quite a huge and
technologies and materials. You can see previous version - both internally and externally? long development, since the physics of
that the new aircraft model looks almost like Andrey Chizh: The new detailed model, gyroscopic instruments requires high-level
the real thing, with the play of light on the using modern materials, is a completely mathematics and a lot of time for debugging.
surfaces, varying degrees of reflection and new look of the Ka-50. In addition, the new But as a result, we have got a nav system

78 / PC PILOT #144 www.Key.Aero

that is close to the real thing and has all development of the Ka-50 project, the flight much strain our brains solving tasks of
the features of the real INS with the need model was brought up to a pretty good modelling these processes in the simulator.
to align before the flight and ‘fix-taking’ the standard. In the new iteration, we have PC Pilot: Are there any features of Black
accumulated errors using the special fix introduced shaking during transition flight Shark 3 that you would like to highlight
points predefined in the DCS mission editor. and approaching maximum speed. We have or draw our readers’ attention to?
PC Pilot: Tell us about the new Missile also begun to simulate airflow to the tail from Andrey Chizh: In terms of gameplay, two of
Warning System (MWS) that has been the rotors. However, these improvements do our new features will be important for players:
implemented in Black Shark 3. not greatly affect the main characteristics a defence system that will allow you to survive
Andrey Chizh: MWS are very common in the of the aircraft, such as maximum speed and Igla missiles that will allow you to attack
world of modern combat helicopters. On the or manoeuvrability but rather the addition an enemy aircraft. These two features will give
Ka-50, this system was tested back in 2005 of small touches to the finished canvas. helicopter pilots more confidence in the world
and then went into production on the Ka-52. PC Pilot: In terms of the audio side of things, of modern aviation as they take on challenging
In addition to the previously existing laser have any improvements been made in this area? missions in intense multiplayer battles.
warning sensors in Black Shark 2 (BS2), we Andrey Chizh: The sounds of the helicopter PC Pilot: What element of Black
have modelled ultraviolet missile warning and weapons have been completely Shark 3 are you most proud of?
sensors that cover the space of 360 degrees redone, becoming more natural and are Andrey Chizh: Here it is worth starting
around the helicopter and give the heading to of high quality. It's a nice step forward with the fact that the Ka-50 itself is a matter
detected missiles. Depending on the operation in the game's ambient atmosphere. of pride for me and the entire ED studio.
mode of the Onboard Defence System, when a This was our first high-fidelity aircraft made
launch is detected, flares will be automatically Included missions in 2008 with in-depth systems modelling
dispensed from the threatened direction. PC Pilot: Will Black Shark 3 come with new and a fully clickable 3D cockpit. The
This system will significantly increase the missions (including training missions) to fly? Ka-50 was the progenitor of the entire
survivability of the aircraft in intense combat Andrey Chizh: In addition to the old training DCS line. In BS3 all our new features are
conditions in single and multiplayer. set of missions, we have included several very interesting and in demand, and here
PC Pilot: Your development report also new ones: on the air-to-air missiles, on the it’s hard for me to single out one thing.
mentions that the model of the Inertial defence system and on operating with a new PC Pilot: Will current owners of Black Shark
Navigation System (INS) in this new model of Inertial Navigation System. I hope they will 2 have to pay for Black Shark 3, or will they be
the Ka-50 is the most advanced in DCS and prove helpful to our pilots. In addition, we offered a special discounted upgrade price?
will be used in the development of new aircraft. have adapted and restored several interesting Andrey Chizh: Yes, there will be a special
Can you explain the differences between the old missions, loved by users. In the future, we discount for BS2 owners. They will only
simulation of the old and new INS systems? hope there will be an exciting game campaign. have to pay $20 (£17 approx) instead of
Andrey Chizh: Older aircraft by ED either the full price of $70 (£58 approx). The ED
did not have inertial navigation at all or it was Challenges & product highlights team hopes that Ka-50 3 will appeal to all
presented in a very basic form. The new INS PC Pilot: What have been the most fans of rotary wing aviation, from which
is a definite step forward in the development challenging aspects of this project? players will enjoy many flying hours.
of navigation systems in DCS, which will allow Andrey Chizh: All the new features PC Pilot: Andrey, thanks for taking part in
us to model avionics even closer to reality. presented certain challenges for the team this interview. We wish you and your team
during development and debugging but every success with Black Shark 3. DCS:
Flight and audio modelling the most difficult was the development of a Black Shark 3 is now available from the DCS
PC Pilot: Have the Black Shark’s flight model physical model of the inertial system. This World website: www.digitalcombatsimulator.
and flying characteristics been enhanced? system really required higher mathematics com/en/shop/modules/black_shark_3.
Andrey Chizh: In general, during the and physics from us. We had to pretty By Derek ‘Baron’ Davis

“We have provided a special keyboard command, by

which all hatches will be opened, and the user will be
able to see all of the interior of the Ka-50.”

www.Key.Aero #144 PC PILOT / 79

 FEATURE FLIGHT SIM AIRPORTS

n Part 1 of this series, we assessed Asobo’s

Flight sim airports - Part 4 I KSEA and found it wanting. Then in Part 2
we explored FlyTampa’s CYYZ in Toronto, a
beautiful product that made default airports pale
by comparison. In Part 3 we arrived at EGKK,
Aerosoft’s

EBBR
one of the major hubs for the UK. EGKK, Gatwick
Airport, fell between the first two airports, but was
generally a weak effort. Today we travel to Europe
for EBBR, near Brussels in Belgium. A major
European hub, in 2019 more than 26 million
passengers arrived or departed here.

Brussels
Airport-wide assessment
Much like CYYZ Pearson, EBBR shows us
what is possible when a dedicated team
utilizes all the new potential in Microsoft
Flight Simulator (MFS). Let’s tour this new
airport and then evaluate in light of the
categories we established at the start: Imaging,

Airport
Enhancements, and Realism.
I arrive at the gate and the detail is impressive.
As at CYYZ, the jetways are not quite clean,
showing the weathering we would expect to see.
The animation works perfectly, and the lights look
great at night. Jetway detail is slightly higher at
EBBR than at CYYZ – these are truly lifelike - and
include an operator on the inside of the jetway.
Lighting around the terminal is extremely well
done, with custom light stands giving off a warm
yellow glow. Moving vehicles abound, and they
are customized for this product in high detail.
The glass in the terminals looks real: reflective
and transparent. Signage is everywhere, and lit
Roof detail where appropriate. Sitting at the gate you will see
is similarly
accurate, such the vehicle doors in the terminal slide open and
as skylights, a service vehicle emerge. Elsewhere a couple of
ventilation, and workers are standing by a vehicle talking. And
other features.
while at the gate you see passengers moving

A panoramic view
of Brussels Airport.

80 / PC PILOT #144 www.Key.Aero

 Above: Here we see interior view of the Control Tower – with the inset showing the
external viewpoint. Below: A shot of the American Express jetway.

The amount of extra work that goes into these models is impressive. The roof interior
is fully detailed; the sweeping curve of the beams with their supports all in place.

Above: For comparison, here are the frame rates at the about inside the terminal. This is pretty close to proper glass tinting and transparency, and
gate at night for CYYZ (Toronto Pearson International)
by FlyTampa, EGKK (Gatwick Airport) from Origami complete immersion; I sometimes felt like I was watching the active terminal interior when at
Studios and EBBR Brussels Airport by Aerosoft. watching a movie. the gate increases your sense of being there.
The gate pavements, as they should, look
used. More attention was paid to the tarmac Interior detail
stains in the update to v 2.0. EBBR sees a lot Interior detail is becoming de rigueur. EBBR
of traffic and so these areas show it. Correct takes this to new levels, with moving escalators
path lines appear where they should, the and passengers going about their business.
no-traffic areas are marked in red and the I asked the designer about the addition of
vehicle pathways in white. The texturing is interiors and animations. Some might say these
really beautiful, and the line colours are soft, resources could go elsewhere.
never glaring or cartoony. “The goalpost keeps moving, much of what
we now take as a given were once seen as
Airport layout over-the-top, volumetric grass to give one
As we would expect, the layout of the airport example… I personally think we’ll continue to
is accurate to life. Comparing satellite imagery see features that were once ‘exotic’ become
with the in-game buildings and taxiways, they standard and brand-new features emerge…
are the right size and location. Roof detail is I would like to see even more busyness at
similarly accurate, such as skylights, ventilation, airports: that’s what I look for in a scenery, the
and other features. And edges look terrific, feeling of life like a real-world airport.”
round or square where they ought to be. The amount of extra work that goes into
Signage is here and stickers have been used these models is impressive. The roof interior
with effect, beyond the level of detail we saw is fully detailed, the sweeping curve of the
earlier at CYYZ. How shall we label thee? Let beams with their supports all in place. Not only
me count the ways. There are stickers on every that, but the signage detail we saw outside the
kind of equipment, brand labels and warning terminal continues inside. You can move inside
labels. No-go areas have signs, trash cans are the terminal, grab a coffee, and watch the gate
labelled, gates are labelled and lit. Objects and activity if you like. And passengers who are
static aircraft are plentiful and well placed. This seated are also animated, shuffling their feet or
sort of detail, so obvious at the real airports, is just breathing. This is a living airport now and
important for that sense of being there. not merely a set of gates.
And when the sun goes down, EBBR truly Still, there is more. The passenger areas
shines. Fully dynamic lighting all around, of the terminal are nicely modelled. Roads

www.Key.Aero #144 PC PILOT / 81

 FEATURE

in detail are here, along with the pavements

and trees and lanes. Signage is in place, and
vehicles appear to run along in their proper
lanes. Parking, hotels, controlled access and
underpasses – it’s all here. There is nothing to
break the immersion if you are in a drone view
or low and slow in your C172.

The GA side
Similarly, the GA side of the airport has not
been neglected. On one side of the runways
you will find some business action, and on Above: Across at 25R there is a complex network of taxiways and Runway 13 crosses 25R.
Below: Two views of the newly implemented VDGS (Visual Docking Guidance System).
the other side an expansive DHL terminal.
The same attention to detail is evident on this
side, with all the parking correctly marked
and signage and lines where they ought to
be. Plenty of working vehicles, baggage carts
and freight containers, and all the appropriate
signage and lines.
Finally, we get to the runways. 25L is a CAT
III – ILS approach, 10,535 feet in length; long
enough for the big birds. Typical for this work
from Aerosoft, the VASI lighting is in place and
lines and numbers appear where they should.
Colours and textures are also accurate; a detail
that isn’t always matched.
Across at 25R there is a complex network
of taxiways and Runway 13 crosses 25R. I
compared this section, including lines and
signage, with the satellite data, and again, the
reproduction is impressive. Even the paving
colours match unusually well. It’s nice to see
this accuracy out on the pavement.

The Visual Docking and adds one more layer of gate protocol to your sim, allowing a front row seat of airport action
Guidance System living airport experience. This VDGS tutorial on that isn’t simply hovering somewhere in space.
There are two still significant pieces to talk YouTube offers more detail www.youtube.com/ You can pan around, and if you de-couple the
about: the newly implemented VDGS (Visual watch?v=QOaon9_lsHc drone view from your aircraft (TAB key) then you
Docking Guidance System), and the control Will all this goodness bring your system to its can zoom instantly back to the tower view with
tower view. Unfortunately, there’s no room knees? I am running on full ULTRA graphics the INS key.
to mention the spotter platforms which were settings at 2560x1440. My system is an AMD
added in the recent update; but first, the VDGS. Ryzen 5900 with 16MB DDR4 at 3600MHz. Conclusion
This system includes a display panel at the The GPU is an EVGA RTX-3060 with 12 GB. At EBBR is impressive and immersive, showing
gate which has several indicators: distance to the gate at EBBR I am achieving 27fps; EGKK obsessive attention to detail in a vast area. It
complete parking, left/right alignment for parking was 28fps. surpasses even FlyTampa’s Pearson expansion,
relative to the jetway, docking speed guidance, and is good enough to make you forget its
and once docked, TOBT and flight number. It The Control Tower view virtual. So, let’s summarize.
requires a key combination to activate and then Finally, the Control Tower view. This new view
a pop-up menu allows the required inputs. There implementation is becoming a standard and will Imaging – texture quality, look and feel,
are some good tutorials available and a PDF appear again at NZAA (Auckland Airport) in our tarmac and gate details including lines and
manual to download from Aerosoft. It works well review of that product. It’s a fun addition to the tire marks, lighting and glass. Score: 9/10
Enhancements – Additional POIs or area
enhancement, working trams or trains,
new views like the Control Tower, improved
jetways, opening hangars, VDGS system.
Score: 10/10
Realism – Terminal interiors, animations
(usually people), signage in detail, static
aircraft and objects, gates and buildings
where they should be. Runways accurate.
The vehicle and passenger side of the
terminal properly modelled. Score: 9/10
Overall EBBR score: 9.5/10

That’s all for Round 4. Next time we will

look at NZAA Auckland Airport - Flightbeam
Studios’ offering for international fliers. But it’s
evident from this beginning that PC pilots have
a lot to look forward to as our list of expansion
Objects and static aircraft are plentiful and well placed. airports grows!
This sort of detail is important for that sense of being there. By Len ‘Flightdoc Hjalmarson

82 / PC PILOT #144 www.Key.Aero

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BOEING

COMET
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED 2019. CONTAINS MINOR UPDATES.

SUPERSONIC LEGEND
£8.99

22
ISBN 978-1-912205-66-0

9 781912 205660

YEARBOOK
FROM THE MAKER’S OF
CONCORDE 2022

THE WORLD’S FIRST JETLINER QUEEN OF

BRITAIN’S SKIES
Celebrating
half a century
of UK 747s

ANNIVERSARIES SPECIAL

70 Years INCLUDES
Of Jet Airliners
Transatlantic Travel
25 Years The First Jetliner To Cross The Pond
Since Final Every Airframe – Every Operator
BOEING 757
Comet Flight Details Of Every Comet Built A compilation
of previously

LONDON TO SUPERSONIC FROM THE

published

ALTERNATE AIRFORCE ONE material

NEW YORK FUTURE? COCKPIT

9 781802 824537

AIRLINER WORLD YEARBOOK 2022 £8.99

How the 757 serves the US President

ISBN 978-1-80282-453-7

£8.99
£8.99

22

In Under Boom’s Plans For A Pilot’s View Of

ISBN 978-1-80282-215-1

9 781802 822151

GLOBAL FLYING TECHNICAL Three Hours ‘Son Of Concorde’ The Superjet

GETAWAY TESTBED INSIGHTS DEATH OF BETTER FREIGHT ‘JUNGLE JET’
DE HAVILLAND COMET

AN ICON THAN NEVER FORGES AHEAD

22

Why the ‘Seattle Rocket’ changed The 757’s place in fighter Flight deck, engines and
the face of holiday travel jet development systems explained
IN UNIFORM Lifting the lid on transports
and Cold War spy planes IN CIVVIES Mainline and charter providers,
long and short haul routes
CELEBRATING A TRUE AVIATION ICON Can Ukraine rebuild its
bomb-blasted Antonov An-225?
Scrambling to meet the
emerging cargo demand
Embraer’s regional jet
revolutionary

BOEING 757 DE HAVILLAND CONCORDE - AIRLINER WORLD

This 116-page special provides COMET 70th SUPERSONIC YEARBOOK
a detailed insight into one of the Celebrates the Comet in all LEGEND (RE-ISSUE) This special covers key events that
shaped the airline industry in 2022.
its forms. Celebrating a true aviation icon.
world’s most familiar aircraft.

£8.99 inc FREE P&P* £8.99 inc FREE P&P* £8.99 inc FREE P&P* £8.99 inc FREE P&P*

HOW TO ORDER
(+44)1780 480404 shop.keypublishing.com/specials

Also available to download – search ‘Aviation Specials’

on Pocketmags.com or your native app store
*Prices correct at time of going to press. Free 2nd class P&P on all UK & BFPO orders. Overseas charges apply. Postage charges vary depending on total order value.

062/23
A NEW ERA FOR
FS TRAFFIC!

• 48 detailed aircraft models

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• Adds thousands of real-life commercial flight

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and even add brand-new third-party aircraft models
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• Frame-rate friendly even providing an improvement

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• Realistic sounds supplied

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