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Feb 26, 2010
Feb 19, 2010
Aerosoft - Piper Cheyenne PA31
This is a review for the Aerosoft Piper Cheyenne, or the PA31-T. This twin turboprop aircraft was made by Piper in the 1960's as the Cheyenne and quickly became Piper's best-selling and most comfortable plane. Piper later came out with the IA, II, and IIXL models. It has a ceiling of 31,000 feet and cruise near 250 knots! It also uses some of the newest avionics in it's time, including weather radar, a non-visual GPS, and TCAS. I'm sure Aerosoft will have to work hard to meet the real-world standards. Let's see how the software came out.
Exterior Model:
The exterior model comes with a large amount of detail. Both the cargo and passenger entries can be opened and the steps are detailed down to the cable which pulls it up. The pitch of the propellers is modeled when the engines are off, which is a very nice touch. Also, the plane comes with 12 different textures in total and comes with the tail-number built in with a few different international tailsigns. The only problem which I found with this is that if you are American you will find a very limited choice on what to use if you want the US callsign (i.e. N at the front), but that is not really a problem. Also seen on the bottom and top are the multitudes of bumps and sticks coming from the weather, TCAS, and radio antennas. This was a nice addition as it is not really modeled in the default aircraft. One very nice touch to the aircraft that I really enjoyed are the wheel chocks and cones that appear when the engines are off and you are on the ground. They seem to give it that nice feel of realism. Also, when connected to the APU and stopped, a gray box appears with a wire going to the airplane, which is the power unit. These pieces of detail really add to the aircraft in a good way.
This section receives a 10 of 10
This section receives a 10 of 10
This section receives a 10 of 10
This section receives a 7 of 10
Frame Rates
While flying in the virtual cockpit, the memory leak in FSX is greatly exaggerated. I have 4gbs of RAM, and still get it sometimes! However, if you never get the message "Your computer has run out of virtual memory...", then this should not be a problem for you. Though, I'll admit, it is more intensive than the default aircraft, it may be worth the 5-10 FPS loss. After all, this is quite a beautiful aircraft .
This section receives a 7.5 of 10
Overall, this is the best payware I've ever flown. It earns a 44 out of 50 (88%). And in no way am I advertising for any company. I would highly recommend buying the product.
Thanks for Reading!
Exterior Model:
The exterior model comes with a large amount of detail. Both the cargo and passenger entries can be opened and the steps are detailed down to the cable which pulls it up. The pitch of the propellers is modeled when the engines are off, which is a very nice touch. Also, the plane comes with 12 different textures in total and comes with the tail-number built in with a few different international tailsigns. The only problem which I found with this is that if you are American you will find a very limited choice on what to use if you want the US callsign (i.e. N at the front), but that is not really a problem. Also seen on the bottom and top are the multitudes of bumps and sticks coming from the weather, TCAS, and radio antennas. This was a nice addition as it is not really modeled in the default aircraft. One very nice touch to the aircraft that I really enjoyed are the wheel chocks and cones that appear when the engines are off and you are on the ground. They seem to give it that nice feel of realism. Also, when connected to the APU and stopped, a gray box appears with a wire going to the airplane, which is the power unit. These pieces of detail really add to the aircraft in a good way.
This section receives a 10 of 10
Flight Characteristics:
I found the flight characteristics of this airplane to be seemingly very realistic, and found the stalling speeds to be near close enough, rotation is approximately at 80 knots and slow flight is also realistically modeled. The aircraft, at cruising speed, is just responsive enough while not overdoing it. To put the controls in perspective, I found them to be approximately a cross between the default King Air 350 and the Beechcraft Baron 58. One other thing that I enjoyed is that when raising the throttles, the torque will go up quickly and you must be careful not to cross the redline on the gauges. Other than a few things, you should find the aircraft somewhat easy to fly if you are experienced in twin engine turboprops. Learning will also come quickly to an experienced twin-prop pilot, once he learns that the airplane has a significantly larger amount of power. It does seem to be a very forgiving airplane.
This section receives a 10 of 10
Cockpit/Virtual Cockpit
One thing that is very enjoyable about the 2D cockpit is that it is full of hotspots to click on and bring up new panels, without any key combination's. For example, click on the upper part of the screen and the overhead panel will come up, click on the lower part and an IFR panel will be shown. Also, you can access the copilot 2D cockpit and use the "Cabin Comfort Control", complete with Dehumidifier and windshield wipers. Also, the plane comes with multiple cabin views. Here, you can see the No Smoking and Seat-Belt signs illuminate and you can even fold up the tray tables. In fact, the cabin is quite luxurious . No detail was spared with modeling every gauge. There is a multitude of engine gauges on the right side, along with very realistic standard instruments. Another interesting aspect to control is the pressurization, which comes in the form of about three gauges, depending on which model you look at. This section receives a 10 of 10
Sound
Sound is modeled well, though a few things were left out which I would liked to have seen. For example, there is no rolling sound during high-speed taxi, and flap sound is minimal. Other than this though, turboprops are basically a nice loud hum, as it should be. Also, there are very realistic cockpit sounds. One glitch that I noticed was that the door opening sound may keep repeating itself sometimes, though it is probably fixable.This section receives a 7 of 10
Frame Rates
While flying in the virtual cockpit, the memory leak in FSX is greatly exaggerated. I have 4gbs of RAM, and still get it sometimes! However, if you never get the message "Your computer has run out of virtual memory...", then this should not be a problem for you. Though, I'll admit, it is more intensive than the default aircraft, it may be worth the 5-10 FPS loss. After all, this is quite a beautiful aircraft .
This section receives a 7.5 of 10
Overall, this is the best payware I've ever flown. It earns a 44 out of 50 (88%). And in no way am I advertising for any company. I would highly recommend buying the product.
Thanks for Reading!
Flight1 Software - Level-D 767-300ER
The third installment of my reviews will cover the Level-D Simulations Boeing 767-300ER commercial jetliner. This aircraft, made by Level-D Simulations, which is part of the Flight1 company, is created for both FS2004 and FSX, and is available for about 45 USD depending on which online store you get it from. Here's a bit of history on the aircraft:
The first 767 entered service in Sept. 8, 1982, since then 767 have flown more than 7.7 million flights, and carried millions of passengers. Passenger versions of the 767 can carry between 181 and 375 passengers, and have a range of 5,200 to 6,590 nautical miles. The first air carrier to buy the -300ER (Extended Range) version was American Airlines. The 767 was also the first airliner to have a two-man flight deck. The purchased download from Flight1 comes with a configuration and fuel manager, along with a repaint manager, three versions of the aircraft with different engines (P&W, RR, and GE) and 5 different missions. The manual, combined with the multiple training missions, proves to be a highly helpful package for beginners to FMC's and people who are a bit intimidated by the extensive overhead panel.
I've had this aircraft for about 2 months now, and have read the accompanying manual which I purchased separately. Through the flight time I've acquired I believe I can make a fair judgement of the plane.
Here goes:
Exterior Model:
The exterior model of the plane seems to have found the perfect balance between good-looks and frame-rates. One (Yes, just one, to all of the FSX users out there) door can be opened and jetways in FSX are able to connect to it. New repaints can be downloaded at Level-D's website and come in two different versions; DTX3, which is more FPS-friendly and loads faster, and "Regular", which is somewhat better looking than the DXT3, although I don't notice the difference comparatively. More repaints can also be downloaded off of AVSIM and other FS add-on websites. I was pleased at the overall look of the aircraft just because of details like little stains on the winglets and defined cuts on the underside, a functioning APU inlet, and the windshield wipers are just plain cool. Even the RAT is deployed when activated and spins based on airspeed!
Here is where the Level-D really earns it's value. It is by far the most complex and flyable virtual flight-deck I have seen. The Learning curve is high for the panel but once you get it, you will be addicted to it. Autopilot has Autoland capability, LNAV and VNAV, etc. No detail was spared creating the panel, the IRS, electrical, hydraulics, cabin temperature, and much more can be altered. Virtual FA's will even call the flight deck if it gets too warm. The only shortcoming in the virtual cockpit is that the overhead panel's buttons etc. are not 3D but flat objects. Not much of a problem though if you don't mind that.
And of course there is the FMC. If there is one thing you buy the aircraft for, make it for the FMC. Coming to this plane, I had never even used an FMC before but figured it out and it is really a blast to use. It even has offset and runway slope calculations, which as far as I know, no other payware FMC has.
This section receives a 10 out of 10
Flight Characteristics:
I'm not a real-world 767 pilot, (yet...) so the ability of me to judge exactly how realistic it is would be hard for me. However, I can say that I read an article written by a pilot of the aircraft and he basically said the aircraft goes where you want it to go. Well let me tell you it is awesome to hand-fly this thing. The general procedure is to take it up to 1500 AGL manually, then activate autopilot, but I usually take it up to 4000 just because it's fun to fly B). The feeling of power when you are in control of almost 40,000 pounds of thrust is nothing short of awesome. Also, the product has been tested out by 767 pilots and approved. All of the dynamics are based completely on the real-world model.
This section receives a 10 out of 10
Sounds:
Another great aspect of the aircraft is the soundset. One great part of it is that you get recordings of Flight Attendants, ground crew, co-pilot, and captain who interact. For example, when connecting external power, you talk to ground crew and request them to connect it. The sound of the engines are perfect. Very nice sound of air rushing through them, very different from the default jets. I'm not so sure about the sound of the gear, maybe a bit too loud of a sound but I really can't tell. I also enjoy all of the EICAS warning sounds, along with the GPWS standard callouts.
This section receives a 9 out of 10
Framerates:
Surprisingly, I haven't seen any decrease in FPS through the whole time I've been flying! I don't see any problems yet, in my personal experience.
This section receives a 10 out of 10
Fin:
In conclusion, this aircraft is definitely worth the money if you are looking for the most advanced payware at the best value.
It gets a 47 out of 50, thats a 94%!
Since, I've gotten it, it has quickly become my favorite aircraft in the Virtual Hangar and "Flyability" is huge.
P.S. If you are a Windows Vista user, always run the configuration and repaint manager as administrator, otherwise they won't work. See ya next time! :-)
The first 767 entered service in Sept. 8, 1982, since then 767 have flown more than 7.7 million flights, and carried millions of passengers. Passenger versions of the 767 can carry between 181 and 375 passengers, and have a range of 5,200 to 6,590 nautical miles. The first air carrier to buy the -300ER (Extended Range) version was American Airlines. The 767 was also the first airliner to have a two-man flight deck. The purchased download from Flight1 comes with a configuration and fuel manager, along with a repaint manager, three versions of the aircraft with different engines (P&W, RR, and GE) and 5 different missions. The manual, combined with the multiple training missions, proves to be a highly helpful package for beginners to FMC's and people who are a bit intimidated by the extensive overhead panel.
I've had this aircraft for about 2 months now, and have read the accompanying manual which I purchased separately. Through the flight time I've acquired I believe I can make a fair judgement of the plane.
Here goes:
Exterior Model:
The exterior model of the plane seems to have found the perfect balance between good-looks and frame-rates. One (Yes, just one, to all of the FSX users out there) door can be opened and jetways in FSX are able to connect to it. New repaints can be downloaded at Level-D's website and come in two different versions; DTX3, which is more FPS-friendly and loads faster, and "Regular", which is somewhat better looking than the DXT3, although I don't notice the difference comparatively. More repaints can also be downloaded off of AVSIM and other FS add-on websites. I was pleased at the overall look of the aircraft just because of details like little stains on the winglets and defined cuts on the underside, a functioning APU inlet, and the windshield wipers are just plain cool. Even the RAT is deployed when activated and spins based on airspeed!
This section receives 8 out of 10
Cockpit/Virtual-Cockpit:Here is where the Level-D really earns it's value. It is by far the most complex and flyable virtual flight-deck I have seen. The Learning curve is high for the panel but once you get it, you will be addicted to it. Autopilot has Autoland capability, LNAV and VNAV, etc. No detail was spared creating the panel, the IRS, electrical, hydraulics, cabin temperature, and much more can be altered. Virtual FA's will even call the flight deck if it gets too warm. The only shortcoming in the virtual cockpit is that the overhead panel's buttons etc. are not 3D but flat objects. Not much of a problem though if you don't mind that.
And of course there is the FMC. If there is one thing you buy the aircraft for, make it for the FMC. Coming to this plane, I had never even used an FMC before but figured it out and it is really a blast to use. It even has offset and runway slope calculations, which as far as I know, no other payware FMC has.
This section receives a 10 out of 10
Flight Characteristics:
I'm not a real-world 767 pilot, (yet...) so the ability of me to judge exactly how realistic it is would be hard for me. However, I can say that I read an article written by a pilot of the aircraft and he basically said the aircraft goes where you want it to go. Well let me tell you it is awesome to hand-fly this thing. The general procedure is to take it up to 1500 AGL manually, then activate autopilot, but I usually take it up to 4000 just because it's fun to fly B). The feeling of power when you are in control of almost 40,000 pounds of thrust is nothing short of awesome. Also, the product has been tested out by 767 pilots and approved. All of the dynamics are based completely on the real-world model.
This section receives a 10 out of 10
Sounds:
Another great aspect of the aircraft is the soundset. One great part of it is that you get recordings of Flight Attendants, ground crew, co-pilot, and captain who interact. For example, when connecting external power, you talk to ground crew and request them to connect it. The sound of the engines are perfect. Very nice sound of air rushing through them, very different from the default jets. I'm not so sure about the sound of the gear, maybe a bit too loud of a sound but I really can't tell. I also enjoy all of the EICAS warning sounds, along with the GPWS standard callouts.
This section receives a 9 out of 10
Framerates:
Surprisingly, I haven't seen any decrease in FPS through the whole time I've been flying! I don't see any problems yet, in my personal experience.
This section receives a 10 out of 10
Fin:
In conclusion, this aircraft is definitely worth the money if you are looking for the most advanced payware at the best value.
It gets a 47 out of 50, thats a 94%!
Since, I've gotten it, it has quickly become my favorite aircraft in the Virtual Hangar and "Flyability" is huge.
P.S. If you are a Windows Vista user, always run the configuration and repaint manager as administrator, otherwise they won't work. See ya next time! :-)
Sep 7, 2009
Wilco/FeelThere Boeing 777-300ER
The Boeing 777 is one of the most advanced jetliners out there, with a fully glass cockpit and two of the most powerful jet engines. It can carry over 400 passengers and is the largest twin-jet in the world. It is also renowned for it's fuel efficiency on long hauls. Let's see how well this amazing aircraft is modeled by Wilco Publishers. (Specifically, the airplane is modeled after the 777-300ER.)
Exterior Model:
The exterior model is overall very nice. Two doors can be opened, including the main cargo doors and passenger door. The gear animations are very impressive, some of the best seen in many payware models. No detail in the gear is spared, even the individual spokes of the wheels can be seen. Gear droop is also modeled. The 777 is known for being unique in that it both the fuselage and engine are fully circular. This is shown. Flaps, airbrakes, and slat animations are also modeled very well, and with full flaps the interior of the wing can be seen as in reality. Flaps also extend at a realistic speed and the individual sections can be noticed moving seperately. Overall, absolutely no detail was spared in the modeling of the exterior.
This section receives a 10 of 10
Flight Characteristics:
The flight characteristics of the plane seem to handle realistically as a large jet like the 777 would. I was happy to see that flight computers were not changing my every input to something else. Rather, inputs, even when direct and quick, are received well. Rotation at takeoff is smooth at approximately 170kts. Stall speeds also are modeled well and the 'spin/stall' glitch which often happens in FSX did not result. The GPWS and TCAS, along with other on-board computers, were quick to alert me at the smallest mistake.
This section receives a 9 of 10
Cockpit/Virtual Cockpit:
The cockpit and virtual cockpit are complete with an FMC, overhead panel, weather radar, TCAS, EICAS screens, and fully glass instruments. The EICAS screen has multiple warnings, all the way from door openings to overspeed. Graphics are nice and well modeled. There is no passenger cabin behind the virtual cabin. The unfortunate thing which I noticed was that the overhead panel does not have a huge amount of complexity to it like some of the PMDG models.
This section receives a 7 of 10
Sound:
The sound is modeled well. It is just perfect, not too loud but not quite a quiet hum. The GPWS adds a lot to the flight experience. Also, there are multiple alert sounds which are a nice addition.
This section recieves a 10 of 10
Frame Rates:
I was very happy to see that absolutely no FPS loss was experienced during the flights. This is surprising due to the high quality of the graphics and the amount of processes things like the weather radar take up.
This section recieves a 10 of 10
This aircraft also comes with optional downloads of about 10 liveries, including Delta, Aeroflot, and British Airways.
Overall, it earns 45/50. This aircraft is worth the money to anyone who loves heavy jets.
Exterior Model:
The exterior model is overall very nice. Two doors can be opened, including the main cargo doors and passenger door. The gear animations are very impressive, some of the best seen in many payware models. No detail in the gear is spared, even the individual spokes of the wheels can be seen. Gear droop is also modeled. The 777 is known for being unique in that it both the fuselage and engine are fully circular. This is shown. Flaps, airbrakes, and slat animations are also modeled very well, and with full flaps the interior of the wing can be seen as in reality. Flaps also extend at a realistic speed and the individual sections can be noticed moving seperately. Overall, absolutely no detail was spared in the modeling of the exterior.
This section receives a 10 of 10
Flight Characteristics:
The flight characteristics of the plane seem to handle realistically as a large jet like the 777 would. I was happy to see that flight computers were not changing my every input to something else. Rather, inputs, even when direct and quick, are received well. Rotation at takeoff is smooth at approximately 170kts. Stall speeds also are modeled well and the 'spin/stall' glitch which often happens in FSX did not result. The GPWS and TCAS, along with other on-board computers, were quick to alert me at the smallest mistake.
This section receives a 9 of 10
Cockpit/Virtual Cockpit:
The cockpit and virtual cockpit are complete with an FMC, overhead panel, weather radar, TCAS, EICAS screens, and fully glass instruments. The EICAS screen has multiple warnings, all the way from door openings to overspeed. Graphics are nice and well modeled. There is no passenger cabin behind the virtual cabin. The unfortunate thing which I noticed was that the overhead panel does not have a huge amount of complexity to it like some of the PMDG models.
This section receives a 7 of 10
Sound:
The sound is modeled well. It is just perfect, not too loud but not quite a quiet hum. The GPWS adds a lot to the flight experience. Also, there are multiple alert sounds which are a nice addition.
This section recieves a 10 of 10
Frame Rates:
I was very happy to see that absolutely no FPS loss was experienced during the flights. This is surprising due to the high quality of the graphics and the amount of processes things like the weather radar take up.
This section recieves a 10 of 10
This aircraft also comes with optional downloads of about 10 liveries, including Delta, Aeroflot, and British Airways.
Overall, it earns 45/50. This aircraft is worth the money to anyone who loves heavy jets.
Welcome to Pawyare Reviews!
Welcome to the our new blog, paywarereviews.com. Our goal here is to create a series of high-quality reviews of payware add-on products for Microsoft Flight Simulator X, so that you can be better informed when you buy a product. Currently, we have 3 reviews ready to start up. However, as we get more products to test out, we will get more reviews. All of the reviews are organized into 5 sections, with each section having 10 points each. We also give a percentage rating.
Once again, welcome! Expect a few to come out today.
Once again, welcome! Expect a few to come out today.
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