NEWS! - Aircraft Updated : PAC CT/4E Airtrainer v3.0 by vSkyLabs     The little Pacific Aerospace Corporation CT/4 Airtrainer has already had two X-Plane 12 patches, the last one was v2.2a (15th February 2023), but here is the really official X-Plane 12 version in v3.0 of the aircraft, plus a few nice updates and touches to this extremely nice trainer aircraft.   The Pacific Aerospace Corporation CT/4 Airtrainer series is an all-metal-construction, single-engine, two-place side-by-side seating, fully aerobatic, piston-engined, basic training aircraft that is manufactured in Hamilton, New Zealand.   The X-Plane 11 PAC Airtrainer Review is here: Aircraft Review : PAC CT/4E Airtrainer Project by VSkyLabs   There are some interesting details in this v3.0 update...  the AEIO engine has been tuned, and the airfoils have been revised. PBR has been added to the External and Internal textures and there is better enhancement for VR (Virtual Reality). Finally the FMOD sound system has been updated to v2.   V3.0 Changelog Flight Dynamics: Inverted flight fuel-tank is now simulated (allows maximum 10 seconds of inverted flight/negative g). AEIO-540-L1B5 Engine tune-ups: Power tuneups including power gradients calibration. Fuel consumption curve update including cruise performance. Airfoils update. Graphics: PRB setup for interior and exterior models to fall in line with the latest X-Plane 12 rendering aspects. Various 3-d modeling enhancement for the interiors. Paint-kit update. Systems: 3-d HUD was added (optional feature). Sounds: New FMOD 2 sound pack. POH: Manual update rev.004. Added Lycoming O-540/I540 performance charts. Added 'Essentials' pdf file with assignments summary.           This project is part of the VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot' series, designed specifically for use with X-Plane cutting edge Experimental Flight Model.   Images are courtesy of vSkyLabs...  the PAC Airtrainer is availble for both X-Plane 12 and X-Plane 11, however the XP11 version does not have the effects and features that is available in X-Plane 12.   I really loved the quality of the PAC in X-Plane 11, so an update to X-Plane 12 quality would bring out even more of that exceptional realism!   The PAC CT/4 Airtrainer by vSkyLabs is now available to update from the X-Plane.OrgStore! Just log into your account and download v3.0 ___________________________     Yes! PAC CT/4 Airtrainer v3.0 by vSkyLabs is NOW available from the X-Plane.Org Store here : PAC CT/4 Airtrainer Price is US$32.95 On sale: US$32.95 US$23.07 you Save:US$9.88(30%)   Requirements X-Plane 12 or X-Plane 11 Windows, Mac or Linux  GB+ VRAM Recommended  Current version: 3.0 (May 6 2024) ___________________________   News by Stephen Dutton 7th May 2024 Copyright©2024: X-Plane Reviews   (Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions) All Rights Reserved  

NEWS - Aircraft Relesed : Pilatus PC-6 Turbo Porter - DGS Series XP12 by Thranda Design     Thranda Design have released their excellent Pilatus PC-6 Turbo Porter for X-Plane 12. The Pilatus PC-6 Porter is a single-engined STOL utility aircraft designed by Pilatus Aircraft of Switzerland. First flown in 1959, the PC-6 was produced at Pilatus Flugzeugwerke in Stans, Switzerland. It has been built in both piston engine- and turboprop-powered versions, and was produced under licence for a time by Fairchild Hiller in the United States. After 604 deliveries in 63 years, Pilatus ended production in 2022.   Originally released in X-Plane 11. The "Porter" has had an extensive overhaul and upgrade for X-Plane 12, including...   Re-authored textures in 8k (four times higher resolution than before.  One 8k texture = FOUR 4k textures!) Completely re-done normal maps, and largely re-authored albedo textures. Fully re-authored sounds in FMOD, capturing the subtleties of the PT6 engine and its very dynamic 4-bladed prop with a lot more nuance and detail than before. Completely overhauled flight dynamics, both for the land and the amphibian version, to most closely match XP12's new dynamics Systems matched to new XP12 standards. Overhauled existing dynamic livery, added dirt and scratches effects (configurable in real-time).  Now has "Modern" and "Classic" paint scheme layout. Re-authored lighting to take better advantage of XP12. EFB: Electronic Flight Bag, or the Thranda Tablet.  All the extra functionality of this plane has moved from the fly-out menu (v11 PC6) to the EFB.  Use it in 3D: you can move it from the pilot's side to the copilot's side, or disable it completely in 3D.  Mounted on a swivel, for convenient viewing angle. Use it as a 2D pop-up window, or pop the window out onto a secondary screen. Use it in VR in either mode. Control the brightness of the EFB in 3D or 2D Intuitively set up like an iPad with different apps, all documented in the included manual.   The PC-6 is part of Thranda's "Dynamic Generation Series", re-authored for XP12.  More about the DGS Series   Features Aircraft Options App: Option to run the engine in realistic mode or simplified mode. Control over chocks, tie-downs, and engine covers Control over the electric tug Window reflections on or off Instrument reflections on or off Startup running or cold and dark Control retractable landing lights via scroll wheel (independent left/right, Infinitely variable tilt, to use lights for both taxi and landing purposes.) Ground Power Unit (GPU) option External fuel tanks (under the wings) Steering options: realistic or simplified. Control over exterior and interior lights via a schematic of the plane. Control over doors and engine access Weight and Balance app Full control over aircraft's weight and balance. Control weights on a per-seat basis, or dial in the desired total, and the desired CoG directly. Hide seats, and replace weight with cargo. Control fuel quantities in the wing tanks by simply scrolling over the wing tank with the mouse. External fuel tanks can be enabled and disabled, and their weight independently controlled. Add weight to the copilot's seat, and the copilot shows up. Switch between Lbs and Kg. Preview weight and balance on a graph Load preset configurations, and save them to disc for later use. Instrument options app Call up pop-up windows for GNS430/530/Autopilot Switch between InHG and MB display in the Kollsmann window of the altimeter. Dynamic Panel app Move any instrument to any location on the panel, or even between pilot and copilot's seat.  Supports 3rd party RealityXP GTN750 instruments, also fully configurable  Save your own presets, and even share them with the community!  2 operating modes: Layout page and Individual Instrument page.  Move instruments around a virtual panel layout or use numerical entry for precision placement.  Also allows for control over instrument placement in 3D space, via special click spots that are made visible in edit mode. GNS430 and 530 can be swapped out, but a restart of the plane is required, as 430s and 530s are mutually exclusive in terms of compatibility.  Supports G1000 configurations.  Several preset panel configurations, showcasing different layouts and instrument equipment.  Choose between different panel backgrounds. Static Livery app Preview available liveries and tailnumbers by scrolling over the plane. Apply dirt and scratches dynamically Also supports 8 traditionally painted liveries, in all their full 8k glory! Compatible with custom liveries.  (Folder names should be named the same as the registration number, and the plugin picks that up as the livery's name.) DynaFeel app Dial in exactly how difficult you think the controls should be. This simulates different pilot's physique and strength. (Stronger pilots can put more pressure on controls, and hold full deflection at higher speeds). Log Book App Calls up Laminar's log book in a separate pop-up window. Log your flights and track your virtual adventures. Checklist App Very complete checklist, allowing for the ticking off of boxes of completed items. Navigate the many pages by using the scroll hotspot at the bottom of the checklist Pop up or pop out checklist app as a separate window Ground Handling App Call Laminar's default ground equipment, if you prefer that over the Thranda electric tug Opens up a separate pop-up window. Dynamic Livery app  Create "virtual" liveries, based on one common design layout, and assign any color to any available paint segment.  Now supports control over roughness and metalness  Add dirt and scratches to your dynamic livery, and save these settings along with your livery preset.  Quickly create preview of livery in real-time, using intuitive controls  Apply selected livery in real-time (Granted, with these huge textures, it may be a bit of a wait... but no external graphics software required!)  Option to include/hide manufacturer logo and "PC-6" sign  Option to change the tail number in real-time, or disable it altogether  Easily and quickly create dozens of paint schemes in-sim! Flight Computer App Easily visible data like OAT, Groundspeed, Endurance (HH, MM), Range, NMPG, altitude data, airspeed data, Fuel Flow, used fuel, headwind and crosswind component data. Pop up or pop out Flight Computer app as a separate window. Equipment App Tires: Choose between Tundra and regular-sized tires Skis: Enable or disable skis for snow ops Mud flaps: Enable or disable  Windows:  Choose between regular windows and massive windows in the sliding rear doors Wing tanks: control the loaded fuel weight in the "Weight and Balance" app.  Option to enable/disable wing tanks, with realistically simulated weight, momentum, rotational inertia, and drag characteristics AviTab App (optional) If AviTab (freeware plugin) is installed, it can be viewed inside the tablet, or as a pop-up window.   SkunkCrafts Updater Thranda recommends using the standalone SkunkCrafts Updater app, to stay up-to-date on the latest versions of the plane. Option to participate in Beta program, via check box in SkunkCrafts Updater Excellent ULTRA hi-res PBR realistic materials, featuring true-to-life plate deformation and to-the-rivet precision.    Flight dynamics and systems: The PC6 has quite a few very unique flight characteristics, including the ability to enter Beta mode in flight, and these are faithfully reproduced. (This allows for very steep descents.) The real PC6 is considered to be a real STOL workhorse, whose flight characteristics and excellent STOL capabilities are calibrated to maximum precision in the sim Details, such as the condition lever latch mechanism and a functional throttle gate add to the realism Sliding passenger doors respond to G-forces, so when returning from a parachute drop, while on a steep descent, the doors will roll shut. Over-torquing the engine will cause shaft damage, when in "realistic" mode. This can result in prop loss, cabin smoke, terrifying turbine shaft friction sounds, etc Smoke in engine can be brought under control by killing the "Firewall Air" via cabin lever Tie-downs and chocks actually keep the plane from moving, even in high winds Advanced FMOD-based sound system: High fidelity, multi-track sounds with smooth transitions Individual volume control over different aspects of the sound experience Different sounds for front of plane than for back of plane Panning around the plane in exterior view yields awesome 3D audio effects, including "blade slapping" sound when view is perpendicular to prop Prop pitch produces characteristic aerodynamic aural effects, especially during Beta and Reverse mode. Individual buttons and switches in the cockpit each have their own unique sound. Realistic electrical sounds, based on bus load and other factors (Sounds actually give you clues as to what's happening under the hood) Combustion roar sound typical for turboprop engines -recorded from real PT6 engine Outside wind intensity is affected by slip and AoA. (The more the surface area of the fuselage is hit by oncoming wind, the louder the sounds)   Support forum for the Pilatus PC-6 XP12   Images are courtesy of Thranda Design   he Thranda Design DHC-2 Beaver is now available from the X-Plane.OrgStore for X-Plane 12 only. _________________   Yes! the Pilatus PC-6 Turbo Porter - DGS Series XP12 by Thranda Design is NOW! available from the X-Plane.Org Store here :    Pilatus PC-6 Turbo Porter - DGS Series XP12 Price is US$44.95 Currently US$44.95 or $10.00(22%) Off   Requirements X-Plane 12 (not for XP11) Windows, Mac or Linux 8 GB VRAM Recommended Download Size: 4.1 GB Current version  1.0 (May 4th 2024) ________________   News by Stephen Dutton 5th May 2024 Copyright©2024: X-Plane Reviews   Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions) All Right Reserved.  

The elephant in the room is MSFS 2024. If Asobo get that right X-Plane is going to have a big problem. If nothing else Laminar need to get this next release out before MS suck all of the air out of the room.    Of course MSFS fans might be unhappy in having to shell out for a new game. Perhaps the new release will be heavy on game and not flight simulation. But then again some big performance improvements might start making MSFS 2024 look very attractive against Xplane.

Behind the Screen : April 2024   By of Easters past... it was a very quiet month this April 2024. X-Plane again played the game of each other waiting for the other. The worst was the extended X-Plane 12 development period, until the beta release in September 2022. Then things moved forward, if in only dribs and drabs. In fact X-Plane 12 wasn't actually of what you would call completely "usable" until v12.0.8 (rc-3).   Here we are again... in waiting. This time it is the newly numbered or categorised v12.1.0. This version was publicly given a performance at the FS Weekend in Lelystad, the Netherlands, then a week ago another windowshop was done at the "Fun and Sun Aerospace Expo" in Florida. All very nice. Of course the current simulator is usable, you can still fly your beloved dream machine anytime you want to, so what is the problem you ask?   The problem is that this latest v12.1.0 version is the most important since the release of X-Plane 12. In some ways more important in that it will finally bring all the threads together, and FINALLY fix problems that have gone on too long. Remember X-Plane 12 was 16 months late, v12.1.0 will be to date over five months late...   and yes I am going on about this again.   Easter is the big release month of the year. You would think Christmas was the biggie, but it's not from a sales perspective, not counting Black Friday (does X-Plane count as cyber Monday?). But the problem for Christmas is that if you have some saved cash to spend in this holiday period, it is not going selfishly to you now is it? You may get away with a great sale purchase on Black Friday, but honestly that spare cash is going to have to go towards lavishing presents on your loved ones and covering the costs of a thanksgiving turkey, or Christmas dinner. Worse is that any available free time is also in being wanted to be with your loved ones, extended family loved ones or stuck at the airport in waiting for the snow to clear.   Christmas is like that, as you simply have no time and absolutely no money for yourself.   Now Easter is perfect...  You have already worked your guts out hard for over three months, so are wanting a little reward for all your hard earned efforts. There is usually a nice sale on at the Store, but more importantly is that after Easter there are two perfectly clear weeks with no commitments, plus besides opening an Easter egg, you can selfishly hide away and fly to your heart's content, no commitments, pure unabated freedom...  two whole weeks of flying, and no guilt!   Although you will find something nice on the Store for this unconfined period, the really nice, nice thing to have is something new, even better is something really special to learn and fly. You can then spend all that time delving through manuals and learning those complex cockpit tasks to your heart's content, the most committed will even do a really long haul, a 12 hour crusade from one part of the world to the other...   So where is the problem?   Snazzy developers know this. So they are in wanting to put their bright shiny (usually expensive) new project right there on the Store for you to absorb, usually make it wanting in those precious few weeks leading up to the Easter holiday period. The only annoying thing is you are faced with is usually which of the biggest of the glittering projects are you going to purchase for those available spacious two weeks.   So what could go wrong? Top level developers usually get an advanced Alpha copy of the latest X-Plane version from Laminar Research. This is a two way talkfest to find mostly the hidden bugs and if the newly inserted simulator features will work correctly on the current aircraft. Here is a hint in the rain feature on aircraft windows. Originally it was Librain, then the rain was internally converted into the actual X-Plane Simulator. Laminar should do more of these outsourcing of ideas, for two reasons, it speeds up development and a lot of these third-party gizmos are very clever. To their credit Laminar have finally absorbed a few of the better ones with X-Plane 12.   So in the Alpha, you can see or test if the new feature works as required, the bonus is that the developer can then also incorporate the same feature on their incoming latest release. v12.1.0 has a lot of lighting changes, so it is a lot of work to refine all those lights to match the newer requirements of the coming version release.   But from the developers point of view, you can't release the new project with all the latest wizz-bang features built in, if the Version release is not released to the general user public.   You have a choice, put out the current model, then update later with the official release when finally out there. But that is releasing two different projects within weeks of each other, plus you can't take advantage in your marketing of those new features that will all be bright and sparkle on your aircraft (even scenery has a load of lighting effects)...  second choice is hold off for the v12.1.0 release, then put the project up for sale.   The ongoing delayed release then creates another problem? If every developer holds off for the imminent release, then they are all piling up together behind the V12.1.0 intergration...  so once that is implemented, then you get a rush too the store.   For most users you only have a set allowance of disposable funds, yes you might buy one top level aircraft ($70-$90) range, maybe even a lighter release ($30-$40) range, but if you have four or five big releases coming at you at the same time, your not going to, or be able to purchase them all. In most cases releases are staggered, usually two to three weeks apart so the market can absorb these disposable income funds. So the release date for a developer is extremely important to get right, for a maximum return on their work.   Even if Laminar Research release v12.1.0 in the next few weeks, then the developers have spread out their wares as well. We saw this with the over long X-Plane 12 release itself, and it took ages to sort out, mostly six months... but that was a different time and story.   So there is a queue building out there, but it does give developers a little more time to fine tune their project, make them better, and when they do arrive they will also have the latest X-Plane 12 v12.1.0 features available as well. And they are certainly worth waiting for. But that queue is a problem, go with the others put up the product on the store and compete hard for your disposable dollar, but in this aspect you will lose, certainly if FlightFactor releases the Boeing 777v2, everyone will want that. Your other choice is to wait, spread out the release date, and it is a better deal for you...  in the end. So at this point you have nothing, then you will be faced with everything all at once?   In looking at the now X-Plane 12 defined aircraft. You do get this highlighted quality that is head and shoulders above the last X-Plane versions, users have had some excellent and quality releases over the years, but nothing can even come close to what X-Plane 12 can really deliver to Simulation...  both the maturing of the X-Plane 12 Simulator, and the ever advancing quality from developers is colliding together to create amazing experiences, and many of those incredible experiences will be released in the next few months and over the Northern Summer.   It is a very exciting time to be in Simulation, but everything also depends totally on Laminar Research delivering the next step in v12.1.0, and soon? To drag on the release slowly again will cause a lot of headaches, even a few getting out of the simulation business, and you can't blame them at all. So as Astronaut Alan Shepard remarked... “I'm cooler than you are,” he barked. “Why don't you fix your little problem and light this candle?”.   See you all next Month   Stephen Dutton 3rd May 2024 Copyright©2024 X-Plane Reviews    

NEWS! - Private Beta Version : Boeing 777 v2 by FlightFactor     There is always an anticipation in X-Plane for the "Next Big Thing"...  but nothing comes even close to the expectations of FlightFactor's latest project in the Boeing 777 v2.   September 2012 was the release of the original Boeing 777 Worldliner from FlightFactor. It changed the X-Plane Simulator, not only in the quality for the time, and for the pioneering systems, but also mainly for the plugin based architecture (not the first as the J Rollon CRJ-200 debuted the first SASL plugin)...  but the FlightFactor B777 changed the features and immersion category completely, and in so created a whole new level of Simulation.   So here is the Pre-Release Alpha v2 of the B777 aircraft, and currently only available for a limited number invited members to do beta testing (all sold out), obviously NDA's will be enforced, and feedback is part of the invitation. We do get one thing, and that is a look at the feature list...   it is mind-boggling long and detailed, and Situation save feature is a big yes from me.   Flight model Proprietary flight model, within 2%-5% on standard certification tests. Developed and tested with real pilots. Weight and balance fully calculated from the basic weights, including cabin chair configuration, oil, filters, water, waste, etc 3D Modeling Accurate dimensions based on exterior drawings Very detailed exterior modeling with high resolution textures. Very high resolution 3D cockpit Very detailed passenger cabin graphics. Adjustable with different cabin configurations available in-sim. Additional graphic features: real working oxygen masks both in cockpit and cabin, dynamic window blinds that react to sunlight etc. Every door opens, every compartment can be walked into. Details such as escape ropes, crew rest compartment and operating engine cowling. Accurately simulated systems include but not limited to: Electrical, Hydraulic, Fuel, Air and other engineering systems GPS, VOR, DME, ADF, COM, ILS TCAS with TCAS version 7 functionality Classic STBY Instruments and ISFD Full set of working overhead Circuit Breakers ADIRU/SAARU Flight Control Systems with three Primary Flight Computers (PFC) with four Actuator Controls Electronics (ACE) with Normal, Secondary and Direct modes and more EFIS  with six LCD displays with four Graphics Generators(GG) in two AIMS cabinets with auto GG reconfiguration on failures logic with auto or manual source switching logic with all the synoptic pages, COMM pages and integrated checklist pages and more Two Flight Management Computers (FMC) Three Control Display Units (CDU) with Cabin Intercom pages for control of crew and ground communications Three Autopilot Flight Director Systems (AFDS) GPWS with all the modes the real plane has with look-ahead Peaks Terrain Alerting System with RAAS and more Weather radar with beams and ground clatter Two Electronic Flight Bugs (EFB) CPDLC Electronic MMEL Ground Services Working push-back truck - Fully controllable with your joystick. Passenger bus and stairs or optional gate configuration (passengers can be loaded from gate instead of bus). Fuel truck, de-Icing truck, GPU, ground-start units both visible and fully functional with airplane systems. Other ground equipment. Custom Sounds (Exclusive features) Fully proprietary sound system Hundreds of custom sounds recorded from the real aircraft. In-cockpit custom sounds. Switches with individual sounds. Many individual systems sound inside and outside. Airport environment sounds. Cabin sounds. 3D stereo sound system for engines. In flight cabin announcements. Interactive communication with the cabin crew (reporting misconfigurations and passenger comfort problems). Simulation Custom cockpit interaction system Adjustable modes for cockpit interaction, you chose what to use for clicks Different cockpit interaction modes, with mouse wheel and right button support In-cockpit tooltips from the manual - you click on the button and see portions of the manual on display Aural tooltips in FOs voice Copy/paste custom commands for cockpit building Every clickzone (>2K of them) has a custom command that can be set up. Options A very flexible architecture: You chose the set up Hundreds of options including avionics, set up, maintenance and difficulty level. Many additional options for sounds, cockpit interaction, effects etc.  Interactive Checklists, Procedures (Exclusive feature) Full electronic interactive checklists and procedures with automatic action detection. FO helps with procedures, callouts and more. A tutorial which shows the user what to do and when. Innovative crew interaction system (Exclusive feature) 4 voice characters for the crew Interaction with crew members using EFB or CDU3 (like the real plane) Preflight briefing using AI voices FO help in different phases of flight Procedures performed and notated by the FO FO reads checklists with the captain Voice control of the FO! Failure model Almost 1000 failures simulated. Failure scenarios, training scenarios, all the things needed for TR training. Ability to fix failure by following proper procedure. Persistent failure and maintenance system - Aircraft wear and misuse will carry over to your next flight.  Situation Save Ability to save the flight at any stage and continue from there Set up different cold and dark options Pre programmed situations for training Electronics Flight Bag EFB with Navigraph integration for chart viewing Airport moving map inside the EFB with a custom airport database just like the real thing Integration with SimBrief for planning Interactive navlog Weight and balance optimization and planning tool Many pilot tools like the real EFB Hundreds of options Special effects (Exclusive features) Multilayer dynamic reflections on all glass objects. Glow effects on screens XP weather enhancements like custom windshear.   A few more images are now also available     Requirements are interesting as to show what hardware is required.   X-Plane 12, X-Plane 11.50+ Windows 10+, Mac OS 10.15+ (Intel or Apple Silicon) or Linux 14.04 LTS or compatible 64 bit mode Disk Space: 5 GB X-Plane 12 Minimum: CPU: Intel Core i3, i5, i7, or i9 CPU with 4 or more cores, or AMD Ryzen 3, 5, 7 or 9, or equivalent RAM: 16 GB Video Card: a Vulkan 1.3-capable video card from NVIDIA or AMD with at least 6 GB VRAM   Recommended: CPU: Intel Core intel i5-12600K or Ryzen 5 3500 or better RAM: 32 GB Video Card: a DirectX 12-capable video card from NVIDIA or AMD with at least 8-12 GB VRAM (GeForce RTX 2070 or better, or similar from AMD) X-Plane 11: Minimum: CPU: Intel Core i3, i5, i7, or i9 CPU with at least 4 cores, or AMD equivalent RAM: 16 GB Video Card: a DirectX 11-capable video card from NVIDIA or AMD with at least 4 GB VRAM Recommended: CPU: Intel Core i5 8600k or Ryzen 5 3500 or better RAM: 32 GB Video Card: a DirectX 12-capable video card from NVIDIA or AMD with at least 8 GB VRAM (GeForce GTX 1070 or better, or similar from AMD)   The B777 v2 is available for both X-Plane 12 and X-Plane 11...  Price? well not the $9.999 price tag that is currently shown, as it is not the normal price. But my guess it will be under the US$100 mark.   Public Release? No answers there either, as it depends on the beta phase...  but start saving now! ___________________________   NEWS! by Stephen Dutton 3rd May 2024 Copyright©2024: X-Plane Reviews   (Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions) All Rights Reserved      

NEWS! - Gyroplane Released : NISUS Gyroplane by vSkyLabs     A what?     well a “Gyroplane” is what the Federal Aviation Administration calls a rotorcraft with an unpowered rotor, it can also be known as an "Autogyro", it's more commonly known name. The NISUS is a modern interpretation of the original gyrocopter idea (think of "Little Nellie" of James Bond fame), but this Slovakian aircraft has a full proper tail (rudders and elevator) at the rear.   So here is the NISUS aircraft for X-Plane 12, and the VSKYLABS NISUS Gyroplane core development-focus is in simulating the NISUS Gyroplane unique performance and flight handling characteristics. The simulated model demonstrates the real-world behavior of the NISUS Gyroplane with high precision. Flight dynamics simulation-to-real-world related differences also fall within very close margins.   The released version here is  the 'Comfort' variant, which is powered by the Rotax 915 iS (141 hp) engine. There is also the "Sport" and "Platinum" variants that may follow later.   Project Highlights: VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot' Project. Superb Flight dynamics: The VSKYLABS NISUS Gyroplane simulation is a highly engineered, robust Auto-gyro simulation model which makes use of X-Plane 12 sophisticated flight dynamics and physics simulation, extracting it to its limits. Simulated systems: The VSKYLABS NISUS Gyroplane features X-Plane 12 latest native features, systems and physics. This assures a 'high airworthiness' in X-Plane, throughout its update process. Some systems may be restricted to X-Plane default systems algorithms. General cockpit configuration: Equipped with a simplified NESIS III digital avionics package with a simplified emulation of the NESIS III engine-monitoring screen. Built-in AviTab compatibility is included, and the main NESIS display can be used for displaying the AviTab, in a toggle mechanism. 3-d HUD:  The optional 3-d HUD is optimized for VR (and 2-d mode as well), providing useful flight-data and accurate velocity-vector references. This allows beginner pilots a safe familiarization with the NISUS Gyroplane nose attitude during all phases of flight, and the expert pilots to focus on 'pushing the envelope' especially in STOL operations in X-Plane 12. 3D Pilot and passenger visualization for increased VR and 2-d  immersion (this feature is optional and can be toggled on/off). Perfect fit for beginner and expert pilots: The NISUS Gyroplane is a very stable, predictable and docile aircraft, a perfect fit for any beginner gyroplane pilot. Being flown by expert pilots, it can turn into a highly maneuverable, STOL capable aircraft. Multi-layer FMOD sound package. Autoupdater based on the SkunkCrafts autoupdater (XP12 only) - all updates are being pushed smoothly without the need to re-download the entire base package (base package will be updated every once in a while to minimize the gap).           This project is part of the VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot' series, designed specifically for use with X-Plane cutting edge Experimental Flight Model.   The development of the VSKYLABS Gyroplane NISUS simulation model for X-Plane was approved by JOKERTRIKE s r.o. However, it is an independent VSKYLABS development effort which is not affiliated with JOKERTRIKE s r.o.   Images are courtesy of vSkyLabs...  this Autoplane is also an X-Plane 12 aircraft only.   NISUS Gyroplane by vSkyLabs is now available from the X-Plane.OrgStore! ___________________________     Yes! NISUS Gyroplane XP12 by vSkyLabs is NOW available from the X-Plane.Org Store here : NISUS Gyroplane XP12 Price is US$29.00   Requirements X-Plane 12 (not for XP11) Windows, Mac and Linux 8 GB+ VRAM Recommended Current version: 1.0 (April 27th 2024) ___________________________   News by Stephen Dutton 29th April 2024 Copyright©2024: X-Plane Reviews   (Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions) All Rights Reserved    

NEWS! - Scenery Updated : Airport Newcastle by Aerosoft     This UK Newcastle Aerosoft scenery is a quiet update to X-Plane 12. In the scenery there is no change from the early X-Plane 11 version, just the added X-Plane 12 effects and features.However the X-Plane 12 list is quite substantial as listed here, and includes. Revised lighting Ground textures now including PBR reflections and normal maps Revised orthophoto, color optimized for XP12, including autumn/winter version and normal map Reworked vegetation placement (new volumetric grass) XP12 3D vegetation for forests, trees and bushes for seamless integration into the environment Weather effects for wet, snow and ice Full support for native XP12 seasons, with no other add-ons or plugins Reworked autogen and street placement Revised static aircrafts   Newcastle International Airport is situated in the area of Newcastle upon Tyne, England, about 6 miles north of the city centre. Newcastle International was rated the 11th busiest airport in the UK, and the second busiest in Northern England, with Manchester coming first, handling over 4.8 million passengers. IATA: NCL, ICAO: EGNT)   The airport is owned by seven local authorities: City of Newcastle, City of Sunderland, Durham County Council, Gateshead MBC, North Tyneside MBC, Northumberland County Council and South Tyneside MBC. Copenhagen Airport sold the stake in Newcastle to AMP Capital, which is an Australian based investment company.   Newcastle airport was opened on 26th July 1935, and was known back then as Woolsington Aerodrome – the airport was opened by Sir Phillip Cunliffe-Lister, Secretary of State for Air. At this time, the airport consisted of one clubhouse, one hangar, few workshops, a fuel garage and a single grass runway with a building cost of around £35,000.     Notable is that you have to use the "Aerosoft One" application to install (update) the Newcastle XP12 scenery...   Installation of Newcastle XP12  is done through Aerosoft one installer: Aerosoft One Universal After you have installed Aerosoft One, click on   ENTER PRODUCT KEY (under the Library Tab) Then enter the Serial Number provided in this order. This will give you the option to download the airport. Note the different X-Plane 11 and X-Plane 12 installations.   The earlier X-Plane 11 version is also included in the package, but without the XP12 effects __________________________     Yes! Newcastle XP12 XP by Aerosoft is now Available from the X-Plane.Org Store here :   Airport Newcastle XP Price Is US$19.99   Requirements: X-Plane 12 or X-Plane 11 Windows, Mac or Linux 8 GB+ VRAM Recommended Download size: 4.7 GB - Installation done via Aerosoft one and serial number  Version 1.0.0 XP12 (March 20th 2024 )  1.0.2 for XP11 ___________________________   News by Stephen Dutton 26th April 2024 Copyright©2024: X-Plane Reviews   (Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions) All Rights Reserved  

NEWS! - Scenery Released : RPLI - Laoag International Airport - Philippines by Airwil Sceneries     Midway through last year, Airwil Sceneries released a series of airport destinations in the Philippines, including Davao International Airport, RPVE - Boracay Caticlan Airport, RPSP - Bohol Panglao International Airport and RPMR - General Santos International Airport, now all four have been recently updated to X-Plane 12.   Here is another Filipino scenery to add into the collection...  RRPLI - Laoag International Airport.   Laoag International Airport is an airport serving the general area of Laoag, the capital city of the province of Ilocos Norte in the Philippines. It is the only airport in Ilocos Norte and is the northernmost international airport in the Philippines.   It has one 2,784-meter runway and is designated as a secondary/alternate international airport by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, a body of the Department of Transportation that is responsible for the operations of not only this airport but also of all other airports in the Philippines except for the major international airports.   The single terminal building serves both passenger and cargo traffic. As an international airport, it houses immigration desks for screening of arriving international passengers. It is also equipped with a carousel baggage at the reclaim area for passengers with checked-in items. The terminal previously had a combined capacity of 140 international and domestic passengers. It has since been expanded in 2021 to accommodate 200 international and 240 domestic passengers.   This scenery is available for both X-Plane 12 and X-Plane 11, both versions are included in the package.   Features: Moving airport ground servicing vehicles Numerous custom handcrafted objects/buildings Close to real life rendition of the Laoag International Airport Terminal Laoag Control Tower Cab (with interior modelling) Highly detailed landside (parking area) Custom ground paint textures Close to real life rendition of the airport's runway Filipino Houses Filipino Jeepneys Comes with free ortho imagery from ortho4xp for better realism Marginal's Autogate Jetway for X-Plane 11 (requires Marginal's Autogate Plugin installed     The low well below $10.00 price to the quality of these excellent Filipino sceneries, make for a great collection of all five... start collecting now!   Images are courtesy of Airwil Sceneries _______________________________   RPLI - Laoag International Airport XP12 XP11 - Philippines by Airwil Sceneries is NOW available! from the X-Plane.Org Store   RPLI - Laoag International Airport XP12 XP11 Priced at US$8.99   Requirements X-Plane 12 or X-Plane 11 Windows, Mac or Linux 8GB+ VRAM Recommended Download Size: 1.7 GB Current version : 2.0 (April 24th 2024) ___________________________   News by Stephen Dutton 26th April 2024 Copyright©2024: X-Plane Reviews   (Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions) All Rights Reserved    

NEWS! - Aircraft Update : SimSolutions Diamond DA-40NG updated to v1.2.2     SimSolutions have updated their delightful Diamond DA40NG to v1.2.2. The changes on this incremental .2 update are small (four in all), but interesting enough to note. First is the Skunkcrafts Updater, always a nice addition. That Mac OS crash has also been attended to. The fictional beacon light has been removed and some older settings have finally also been removed...   Version  1.2.2 (April 20th 2024) SkunksCraft Updater support  fix: CTD on macOS (#93) fix: remove fictional beacon light (#99)  fix: unused settings are still listed   The Diamond DA40 Diamond Star is an Austrian four-seat, single-engine, light aircraft constructed from composite materials. Built in both Austria and Canada, it was developed as a four-seat version of the earlier DA20 by Diamond Aircraft Industries. By the end of December 2020, 2,200 DA40s had been delivered, including 500 NG models.           Highlights include "Custom" FMOD Sounds by FTSim+ and AviTab integration (AviTab Plugin required), and also now available for all three OS Windows, Mac and Linux platforms. ________________     The Diamond DA40NG by SimSolutions is now available from the X-Plane.OrgStore!... Here:   Diamond DA40NG Price is US$24.99   Requirements X-Plane 12 or X-Plane 11 Windows, Mac  (OS 10.15 and higher . Silicon Processor supported ) and Linux (tested on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS) 8 GB+ VRAM Download Size: 340 MB Current version: 1.2.2 (April 20th 2024) ________________   NEWS! by Stephen Dutton 26th April 2024 Copyright©2024: X-Plane Reviews   Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions) All Right Reserved.  

Hi guys, just have to notify that I did an update 1.20 for Tallahassee, it will be uploaded at the upcoming weekend. So the update itself include's many improvements and fixes of issues described above. Attaching you a few images. Also a lot of ktlh store images will be remaked as well since I did too many changes in ground poly's and some other stuff..   Changelog - Significantly improved airport pavement textures and their specular pbr effects - Increased quality of grass and soil textures within the airport area - Added more custom apron mast's models - Added night light textures for terminal and tower windows, cargo facility logo's - Added missing rooftop attributes on general aviation terminal - Better ground traffic and airplane routes - Added some moving ground vehicles - Fixed bunch of minor mistakes     Thanks

Aircraft Review : Embraer E-190 by Flight Procedures Simulation   In July 2023, Flight Procedures Simulation released the Embraer E-195 for the X-Plane 12 Simulator. This aircraft although all new for X-Plane 12, also has a historical connection to the SSG Supercritical Simulations Group E-Jets version, but now called under another name in "Flight Procedures Simulation" (FPS), it is in many ways related to the same aircraft that was earlier released by SSG in X-Plane 11.   SSG had released both the E195 and the E190 variants of the Embraer E-Jet, so as the E195 is already available, then the smaller E190 was expected to follow...  here it is, and in many ways it is the same aircraft as the E195, but with a few new extra features added into the aircraft. Notable is that the same new features released in the E190, will also be cross-updated to the E195 if you own that aircraft.   Actually the E190 variant is the pick of the E-Jet Series, E 170 - E 175 - E 190 - E 195. As it has the best of both worlds, it has a high passenger load (114  seats) as in being slightly shorter (36.25 m (118 ft 11 in), but also comes with a longer range in 2,450 nmi (4,537 km; 2,820 mi) and being able to fly an extra 150 nm than the E195 (124 Seats). The E195 feels long, even tube like, but the E190 is the more better and proportioned aircraft.     One of the highlights of the E-195 by FPS, was the very good value price to features and quality, in being set in the mid-$50 price range. In other words you get a lot of quality aircraft for your money. The SSG/FPS also had great value to the featured systems provided, even right back to the early days, then there was a authentic FMS (Flight Management System) as part of the price...  most deliver the same now, but that is just to highlight the point of the early advanced features from SSG that other developers didn't provide.   The FPS E-190 is obviously almost identical to the earlier E-195, just a little shorter airframe. Both aircraft have been totally revised for X-plane 12. It shows in the quality of the modeling and detailing, that X-Plane 12 "shine" or aura is very evident.     Same nice tinted glass and reflections....  the detail is nice, landing light surrounds and lovely flared winglets are also well carved and designed. All wings have the more variable Wing Flex animation for more realism.     One area I thought on the E-195 that was clunky, were the internal mechanisms for the leading edge, still the same here sadly, so I disappointed it wasn't attended to...   it's just feels a generation behind the current formula of detail in these current intricate leading edge, flap and airbrake combos...  as which it is from the earlier SSG E-Jet Series.      Undercarriage is very well conceived with highly detailed strut body and pistons, all hydraulic lines are well detailed, as are the scissors....  The side strut, although well done, is still left hanging in the wheel bay with no upper connection, as again on the E-195...  this connection should have certainly been fixed by now (on both aircraft)...  worse it is so highly visible from many visual angles, certainly on the approach/landing.     Engines are the GE CF34-10E with 20,000 lbf (89 kN) thrust, compared to the 8E on the lower E-170/175 Series with only 14,200 lbf (63 kN), both engines are equipped with full authority digital engine control (FADEC). Engine pod detail is again excellent, great intake and the exhaust detailing is very well done.     External features include all opening doors, Passenger left forward and aft, right Forward Service door, two Baggage holds and rear Service door. There is a nice GPU (Ground Power Unit) and you have wheel chocks on all wheels.     Internal Cabin The E-Jet cabin for X-Plane 12 (E-195) was totally redone, or modernised. It's the same cabin here in the E-190, but it is a nice cabin with some really nice detailing. Seats are modern, as is the upper luggage bins are all also the new style with working Seatbelt/No Smoking signs and lit EXIT signs. Only niggle again are the differently set window shades from open to closed, still something I don't like?...  same also is you have these excellent seat-back screens with the Airline logo, a highlight is that the seat colours/logo can also change with different liveries.     Front and rear galleys are well done, but not overly meticulously detailed, a bonus for framerate.     Cockpit In the cockpit, you could be in the E-195...  It's exactly the same, great for your type rating!     Both pilot chairs were all new on the E-195, they came with better sheepskin covers and hard-back rears, sadly the armrests are still fixed. (another area I thought would be updated for the E-190). The rear bulkhead was also completely different, and so is the entrance/door, and a modeled (non-working) jump seat on the bulkhead. Overall all the cockpit fixtures and textures have been totally redone with the same colour. Note the nice stitching, and netting rear on the pilot seats.     EFB Tablet The Tablet EFB (Electronic Flight Bag) is also the same as the one in the E-195. One tablet each side for the Captain and First Officer and both are not changed in their detail.     The Tablet menu screen on the left side is a huge step forward and it is easy to use. When turned off you can then use it as an AviTab, via the button top right of the screen. (plugin required)     The Tablets can be added or removed on both the pilot's and the First Officer right side, but you have to select (On/Off) EFB or AviTab from only the left side tablet, but once the mode is selected it works on both as the tablets mirror each other.     There are ten icon options across the top of the tablet...  The first three options cover the GPU, Chocks and Cabin Lighting selections. The Circular arrows icon is the INIT page that has three options; "Unpowered Cold & Dark", "Powered at the Gate" and "Unpowered And Parked". You select the flight state, then press the green button left to activate that state....  it works well.     Fifth Icon is the External options page has two options...   "Doors" and "Pushback". You can open and close all six doors noted, but only from here in the Tablet and not manually. The Pushback mode is a bit limited...   There is only the option shown to pushback in reverse or forward, brakes have to be off to activate and there is a procedure to follow to turn.     Sixth icon is the Payload page...  here you can add in your Passenger, Cargo weights... It is a single entry (Payload) entered via the keys 1K/100/10 then you load the aircraft (or compute the load)...  you can change from Kgs to Lbs in the lower centre icon.     Seventh Icon is Fuel. Basically the same as the payload page, you enter your Block Fuel load, then on pressing Fuel/Defuel it will load/unload the aircraft, the page will also display your fuel trip prediction (but only when you have programmed the FMCU.   Eighth icon is the Takeoff Speeds. Here you select the Takeoff mode, or derated power setting (T01/T02/T03) then flap position. It will insert the current (airport) outside Temperature º and the set Gross Weight, then compute the V Speeds, CofG (Centre of Gravity) and Trim position ready to insert into the MCDU Takeoff page.     All three set up pages (Payload-Fuel-Takeoff Speeds) are extremely easy and fast to do, so setting up the aircraft isn't going to take ages if you just want to fly.   Ninth icon is the Sound page. Seven sliders cover three areas of Engines, Flight Deck and Environment, with a Master slider right.     Final and tenth icon is the Options page, divided into "View Options"; Hide Yoke Captain side, Hide Yoke First Officers side, Hide Outside Pilot Figures and Show F.O. Side Tablet. "System" Options include; Link Baro Instrument Settings and Pause 10 NM to TD, again the Weights from KG to Lbs can also be changed here.   Obviously the Tablet is a huge change from the fiddly X-Plane 11 window idea, far better for access and for setting up the aircraft...  it is simple but also well done to use and mirrors the E-195 tablet as well.   Systems Power on via the Battery power and the systems show the "Backup Mode". Only when you add in the direct power (GPU/APU/Engines) that you get the fully loaded system. Most of the Systems are a carbon-copy of the E-195 instrument layout and functionality, so a lot is repeated here as described in the E-195 Review.     The Embraer E-Jets systems use the Honeywell Primus "Epic", Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS) glass cockpit. It is very nicely done, the system CAS (Crew Alert System) messages, Aural warnings, Takeoff configuration warning, Stall protection system, Windshear detection and escape guidance, Non-normal operations are all represented. The SSG/PFP E-Jet basic systems has evolved over many years, improved and is now quite substantial, I was very impressed by the CAS warnings and alerts.     Five displays across, with outer main displays PFD (Primary Flight Display), MFD (Multi-Functional Display) and in the middle EICAS (Engine Indicating and Crew Alerting System), they all pop-out via the left corner screw, are scalable, also home cockpit ready.     The PFD displays information such as airspeed indicator, altitude indicator, ADI, HSI, vertical speed indicator, radio aids, autopilot, flight director and radio altitude data. In the event of a display failure, information will be automatically presented in the MFD. The display controller portion of the guidance panel allows the selection of PFD HSI formats, navigation sources, weather display, and bearing pointer selection.     The MFD presents map and plan navigation formats and various systems synoptic formats that are all selectable. The MFD provides redundancy to display both the PFD and EICAS formats based upon reversion. It also has the ability to display maintenance information. The MFD consists of menu softkeys, on the top and bottom of the screen, which are used to select formats and to control the various systems.   Note the lower screen "Vertical Profile Display", SSG was one of the first to include the feature on their aircraft, and it is very good here.   There are three option menus; Map, Plan and Systems...     And six system displays; Status, Flight Ctrl (Controls), Hydraulics, Fuel, Electrical, ECS and Anti-Ice.     The EICAS displays engine and system parameters such as flap, gear, spoilers and trim positions, total fuel quantity, APU and environmental information. The EICAS also displays warning, caution, advisory, and status messages. In case of failure in the EICAS display, its information may be presented in the MFD by appropriately setting the reversionary panel. An automatic mode de-clutters the EICAS after takeoff. De cluttering occurs 30 seconds after landing gear and flap/slat retraction.     The Advanced Advisory System CAS logic has more than 100 messages in logic, comprehensive, and I love the block alert system flashing it is very visually authentic.   Multifunction Control Display Unit (MCDU) The FPS E-190 uses the same FJCC UFMC by Javier Cortes, again the same as installed in the E-195. Also refined over the years, it is pretty solid now. Based on the EPIC Load 27 FMS it is easy to use and has also quite a lot of functionality built in... both left and right UFMC units are individual and can be used separately by both pilots.   The MCDU allows FMS control, radio tuning, PFD radio tuning display setup, manual engine rating selection, engine takeoff data set and avionics display setup and test.     There is also a UFMC pop-up, activated by the F8 key, there is no pop-up for the right hand display.     If you haven't used the FJCC FMS before, then you have to install the UFMC data (folder). This is stored in the X-Plane12/Custom Data folder...   FPS supplies a full AIRAC-2303 set of data, in the "Documentation" folder, and the full contents are all to be put in the said Custom Data folder...  notable is that if you use Navigaph or Aerosoft data, then a separate update link is required to this folder to update the monthly AIRAC. Note- If you already have the UFMC installed and updated to the current AIRAC, then there is no need to do this step.     Also notable is that the Flightplans for the E-190 are stored here as well, again if you use the Simbrief Downloader, an address link is required to direct the file to the right flightplan folder. The Flightplans also use a unique .ufmc lauguage, so you have to specific with the flightplan.     The colourful FMS Flightplan requires THE full insert of TAKEOFF REFERENCE DATA (3 pages). There is a reason for filling in the FMC data to the full extent as we shall see later, and it requires every i dotted and T crossed.     PERFORMANCE PLAN pages (5) show fuel predictions for each waypoint, CLIMB/CRUISE/DESENT/LANDING pages show full flight performance and detail, including vRef landing speeds...  PROG (Progress) page is highly detailed as well.     The flight system provides Full TOGA/VNAV/LNAV/RNAV/LOC/GS/Missed APPR functions. SPEEDS with CLIMB/CRZ/DESC come with a custom Autothrottle system. All speeds thoughout the flight phases can also be changed into the flight plan and on the performance pages.     Overhead OHP is the same/identical to the E-195, so there is no need to relearn anything...     X-Plane 12 brings a different feel into the cockpit, provides more feel and depth to the controls and instruments...  Centre console was also retextured, and still you have those lovely ceramic throttle levers, you can feel them, the smoothness of the surface, and the Auto-Throttle disconnect is built in...  works as well.     The lovely Ram Horn yokes are also still perfectly nice. They come with built in (working) Trim switches and a working PTT button.     Lighting First lighting impressions are excellent. You have a lot of adjustment via five knobs at each end of the glareshield, and three (MAIN PNL/OVHD PNL/PEDESTAL) knobs on the OHP, plus the standard DOME switch.     DOME lighting is very effective via two (bright) lights in the roof rear. Each pilot also get a MAP light which is also very good...     ...   so you can also tone everything down to just the instruments, or just to find a little down-light to see the console switch gear, perfect for night landings or takeoff phases...  its all very good, and have a very nice place to fly in at night as well.   If you remember the E195 cabin lighting was a bit unfinished, as in being only half way completed...  In the E190 it is done, but the light spreads don't match up to the light source on the fixed rear zone? A shame as it looks great.      You switch on the cabin lighting via the button on the Tablet, off and you get only the floor light strips. More so is that both galleys are connected to the cabin lighting, so all ON or OFF, they should be separated for better illumination. Another small annoyance is the red beacon still flashes in the cabin like on the E-195?     Externally it is very good. All lighting is the X-Plane 12 lighting, so it is more XP12 LED in feel...  notable is that the lighting will be updated in the next X-Plane 12.1.0. release by Laminar Research, so what is seen here could be even more refined.     Navigation, Strobes and beacons all look good, as does the Tail lighting. There are runway turnoff lights, three landing lights that covers both wing and nosewheel positions.     There are very effective Wing/Ice lights (here noted as "Inspection", which are great for cabin views at night.     Flying the Flight Procedures Simulation E-190 Yes we are in Brazil...  this flight is from SBGL (Galeao-Antonio Carlos Jobim In, Rio) to SBSV (Dep L E Magalhaes Intl, Salvador). Starting the E-Jet 190 is Simple Simon, no bleeds to worry about here, as the start is fully AUTO, once you have turned or selected each engine switch.     Then watch the ITT (N2) kick off and start the start procedure, which is very long here and takes around a minute per engine, as you hear all the separate processes come in and the fans starting to twirl, its all very, very good and very authentic in realism, as you see the full authority digital engine control (FADEC) in operation. Startup sounds are excellent, thankfully with those engines sounds with their many startup stages that are recorded from real GE CF34-10E engines. That explains the perfect if long start up procedure, as they are timed into the soundtrack of the real thing, and it is very good aurally to listen into the full startup experience. The adjustment of the sounds is excellent as well with the great sound control (tablet) to get the right external, internal feel.   The "Pushback" system is a little tricky until you work it out, devilish simple when you do...  Release the brakes activates the Pushback mode, then press the pushback option... the tricky part is having the tiller selection up, to steer the aircraft yaw (Joystick), if not you can't steer.     Select to Pushback in reverse, or when you are ready to pull forward, then use the other arrow...   centre selection is STOP.     Just using the park-brake will disable the pushback...  you will soon get to like it. Betterpushback is however not an option here as the plugin does not work with this built in system, and thankfully the old silly stick pushback on the X-Plane 11 version is gone, of which I really didn't like at all. Note that to switch the Tiller back to normal to steer with the Yaw.   On the E-195 I wasn't very happy with the touchy yaw steering (joystick), so I adjusted the yaw sensitivity way down to give me more leverage on my yaw axis. Here I found I had more rudder travel in the steering, so I didn't adjust the sensitivity this time around, but you do use a lot of rudder movement in the fine tuning of the centring, but now more evenly than using the sharper joystick (yaw).     So what is new compared to the E-195 on the E-190? Well the E-190 has a completely new LNAV/VNAV alghoritm, that is different from the earlier version. So the note made earlier on making sure the FMS input data is completely done and correct is important, as the E-190 will follow this data absolutely, certainly the VNAV profiles that are all shown in the "Vertical Profile Display".   Also new to the E-190 are the RNP departures (Required Navigation Performance). RNP is a family of navigation specifications under Performance Based Navigation (PBN) which permit the operation of aircraft along a precise flight path with a high level of accuracy and the ability to determine aircraft position with both accuracy and integrity. It is well worth studying the differences between RNP and RNAV procedures.   Before you start the takeoff roll...  you set the LNAV and VNAV modes ready.     Power up and put the throttles to the full (takeoff) position, now once moving and the PFD will show the system is active...   ...  it doesn't matter into regulating the thrust power, for as one you have set that in the FMCU, and so two, the FADEC system will keep the engine thrust within the limits or 92.0% (TO.1). The CF-34 wail is nicely heard in the cockpit, a totally different sound as it is in the cabin, but highly realistic, and all sounds are doppler and 3D.     There is a full "Custom Fly By Wire" system that provides flight protection limiting and control laws according with the FMS Protection System logic, again all very Airbus.      The flight model performance has also been revised from the E-195 to the E-190, and yes it handles even far better and it feels now very good. I found the E-190 more refined, certainly from the earlier E-195 climb, and this time with no engine surging...  "Thank you very much, I will take that one".     Once in the "Positive Climb", now select the AP (Autopilot) and both the LNAV and VNAV modes become active...  note the VNAV now goes into the FLCH (Flight Level Change) mode and then chases to your VNAV set altitude. (LNAV will follow the Flightplan route)     Even if you break the profile and level out at say 15,000ft. Just reclick the VNAV button for the aircraft to resume the profile.     When in the VNAV mode. The ALT (Altitude) will change from green to magenta, not only will the aircraft follow the vertical profile, but it will also select the Flightplan set speed (m.65) and adjust were required, like say TOC (Top of Climb). But you have to be aware of the Airspeed - Mach switchover point. You need to check the fightplan of the point it changes over from IAS to Mach, and to physically do the switch, or the VNAV speed gets confused on the wrong setting, same going back from Mach to IAS.     Note the excellent rate of turn indicator when in the "Bank" mode.     In X-Plane 12 the FPS E-190 looks amazing in the right lighting conditions, high in the FL330 cruise level, you are purring along, sounds are really good and authentic...   the FPS E-190 looks excellent against the real time cloud formations.     Max. speed / Ceiling Mach .82 @ 41,000 ft (12,000 m), Cruise Mach .78 (447 kn; 829 km/h)...  It is also a very nice feel on the E-190 flightdeck, and the great thing about flying in the cruise, is that you can just stop sometimes, just look at the world around you.           TOD (Top of Descent) and you watching the VNAV (PATH) to see if it will perform the action of going into the descent phase...  it does, but I found you still have to control the speed, if not the steep descent will runaway with the speed as the descent vertical speed is steep at around 2600 fpm?     The system will also alert you that you will also have to reset to the landing altitude (here 2,000ft), if not the system will recapture the altitude and not descend correctly...  so you will need to do this altitude reset before reaching the TOD point.     The initial descent angle I found a little too steep, but it levels off around the approach phase...     I like a descent speed of around 2200 fpm, but here like noted it is around 2600 fpm, so the cause of the excessive speed. But like I mentioned in controlling that speed, certainly if you have the correct velocity in the final approach turns, it IS important, as you will then have better control in the approach phase...     You can now use RNAV approaches (and their charts) with the FPS E-Jet Series, in so making for tighter arrival procedures. Autoland 1 and Autoland 2  and CAT I, CATII approaches are also now all available, but Autoland 2 is only active at FULL flap with the ILS APP selected.     Great immersion on the final approach phase, a good simulation is when everything is working together, sound, instruments, control feedback...  your in there!     The E-190 has a very low final approach speed (Full Flap) of 120 knts, 115 is the absolute minimum, or below the stall speed.     Disengage the Auto-Throttle at 500 ft and cruise into a slightly higher final flare. Spoilers activate automatically with pressure on the wheels, then retract again when the wheel speed is below 45 kts for at least 5 seconds. Reverser sounds are really excellent, as you can hear them roar from the cockpit, and they are very effective as well.     Autobraking was set to "Low" as I like a lot of foot braking control in the final landing phase, this aspect also worked very well, with a nice braking feel. Note the great view from the cabin of the spoiler rear internal detail.     Again rudder steering comes into action on the ground, don't touch the joystick yaw though... it is too touchy. And we are in Salvador.     Liveries There are a couple of liveries from the older X-Plane 11 batch, namely the Alitaila and Air France HOP!, KLM and LOT (Polish). Missing again however is the nice Dolomiti. Some new ones provided as well, Azul, British Airways and Breeze all part of the download pack...  more have also been added by FPS to the X-Plane.Org, these liveries include JAL, Lufthansa Regional, Alliance (Australia) and two Jet Blues   __________________   Summary This E-190 is the follow up aircraft from Flight Procedures Simulation (ex SSG Supercritical Simulations Group) of their released the Embraer E-195 for the X-Plane 12 Simulator in June 2023. SSG released both the E-195 and the E-190, so this release is the shorter, but the more potent in the E-Jet Series of the E-190.   The E-190 has a higher passenger load (114  seats) as in being slightly shorter (36.25 m (118 ft 11 in), but also comes with a longer range in 2,450 nmi (4,537 km; 2,820 mi) and being able to fly an extra 150 nm than the E195 (124 Seats). The E195 feels long, even tube like, but the E190 is the more better and proportioned aircraft.   In most cases there is not much difference at all between the E-195 release and this E-190. The Systems and cockpit layout is exactly the same between both, so that is great for your cross type rating. Obviously the cabin is shorter with less seats, but the E-195 updated cabin and those lovely (logo) seat back screens are also moved over. The cabin lighting has also been fixed, well sort of.   SSG provided one of the first and best E-Jet FMS systems, the same has had consistent updates over the years and is now very good and stable here. Notable is that study and a complete install of flight data is required for the use of the completely new LNAV/VNAV alghoritms behind the systems, it is again very good, but speed control is required on the descent. RNP departures and RNAV approaches are also now possible. Autoland 1 and Autoland 2  CAT I,CATII landings are also available.   Externally the modeling was again updated from the SSG version to X-Plane 12, and the aircraft looks and feels very good in X-Plane. But a few areas like the leading edge tracks and gear support are dated or not connected, these niggles were still passed over to the E-190 from the E-195. The Tablet and it's features are very good in not being over complicated, and the in-built pushback tool is really very clever.   The biggest benefit of these E-Jets in both the E-195 and this newer E-190 is the value price to the feature and quality ratio. You get a lot of aircraft for you money, and a great E-Jet as well with all the trimmings. If have purchased the E-195, you can also get the E-190 with US$10 off the price...  so another saving there. So the Flight Procedures Simulation E-190 like the E-195 are both a great investment all round. __________________   Yes! - the Embraer E-190 X-Plane 12 by Flight Procedures Simulation is NOW available from the X-Plane.Org Store here :   FPS Embraer E-190 Price is US$55.00   Requirements X-Plane 12 (not for XP11) Windows or  Mac (not compatible with Linux) 8GB + VRAM Minimum Download Size: 626 MB Current version : 1.0 (April 20th 2024)   Owners of the E195 by FPS can get the E190 for $10 off. Coupon can be found in the original E190 invoice   Designed by Flight Procedures Simulation (ex SSG) Support forum for the FPS 190   Download The FPS E-190 is a 626.00MB download with an installation size of 2.34Gb, in your X-Plane Aircraft folder, this is an X-Plane 12 aircraft only.   All updates are via the built-in Skunkcrafts Updater   Notable for new users, is you have to install the FJCC FMS data in the Custom Data folder, install instructions are provided and so is a more up to date current 2303 AIRAC data pack.   Documentation There is excellent full coverage documentation and installation details for the FPS E-190, including; AIRAC_2303_manual_install.zip Custom_Commands.txt FPS EMB 190_Checklist.txt FPS EMB 190 - Lights and Switches v1.0.pdf Installing the  FPS EMB 190.pdf FPSEmbraer_190_Changelog.txt Installing the  FPS EMB 190.pdf Normal_Procedures_EMB190.pdf _____________________   Review System Specifications:  Windows  - 12th Gen IS1700 Core i7 12700K 12 Core 3.60 GHz CPU - 64bit -32 Gb single 1067 Mhz DDR4 2133 - PNY GeForce RTX 3080 10GB XLR8 - Samsung 970 EVO+ 2TB SSD Software:   - Windows 11 Pro - X-Plane Version 12.05r1 Plugins: JustFlight-Traffic (X-Plane.OrgStore) US$52.99 : Global SFD plugin US$30.00 : RK Apps XPRealistic v2 - US$34.99 Scenery or Aircraft - SBGL- Rio de Janeiro International v2 by Globallart (X-Plane.OrgStore) - US$29.95 - SBSV - Salvador/Bahia International Airport by Globallart (X-Plane.OrgStore) - US$19.95   Review by Stephen Dutton 24th April 2024 Copyright©2024: X-Plane Reviews   (Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions) All Rights Reserved