A question for FSX GA fliers

[AlisterC]

Ok guys, I’m really happy with FSX at present, and would like something very nice (and new) to fly in it. So, I'm looking for input here. Hit me up with some ideas.
I've been saving up my pocket money since my PC upgrade from Doug and I am looking for:

Ultra high quality aircraft – FSX only (payware)
Must be GA, no airliners allowed
No warbird/ military (no Accusim Spitfire for example - I'm looking for something suitable for all sorts of GA flying, including my "Air Hauler" business)

Single prop GA ok. I would prefer twin piston or turbine but if there is something amazing out there in single prop I need to hear about it too.

I imagine I am looking at Carenado, Real Air for this sort of question, but want to know what you think is best of the best. I'm not a huge fan of the look of the Duke from Realair, but the latest twins from Carenado look really nice. Leaning towards the Baron at this stage. But, what have I missed, or what do you think?
I would like my new plane to have autopilot, but I’m willing to be flexible on this.

Give me a few options if you have more than one suggestion.

Thanking you in advance,
Alister

[Naki]

Not that have of any of these (from what I have read on forums etc). I'm in the market for a twin eventually and this the list I have considered:

Realair Turbine Duke
Flight 1 Cessna Mustang (you need a very grunty PC though)
Carenado B-58 Baron
Carenado Cessna 340
Aerosoft Piper Cheyenne 1/11
..wait for the Carenado King Air C-90?...will probably be a goody

But I think if I went for a twin I would grab the Flight 1 BN Islander...I know its slow but it has character, the model looks superb, can haul a lot and comes with some nice NZ schemes

[Ian Warren]

Alister , you really need the C130 .. you can throw it into anywhere , any the speed .. take your family along .. and enjoy VLC

[Naki]

Ian!!!

Reverse a few numbers and get a 310...another one you might want to consider is the Milviz/Flight 1 Cessna 310R...its as good as anything from Careando if not better...the FDEs are suppose to be very realistic (made by an owner of a 310R) ..although the VC may not be as good as any of the later Carenado offerings:

http://www.flight1.com/products.asp?product=c310r

[Adamski]

QUOTE (Naki @ Apr 5 2011,3:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

But I think if I went for a twin I would grab the Flight 1 BN Islander...I know its slow but it has character, the model looks superb, can haul a lot and comes with some nice NZ schemes

It's not the *prettiest* aircraft in the hangar, but for some reason I really love it. The flight model feels good and the VC detail is superb. I'm not a great fan of glass cockpits (not in GA anyway). The Islander has a fairly basic GPS which takes a bit of getting used to but it's quite adequate.

Other candidates are the DHC-6 Twin Otter or DHC-2 Beaver (Aerosoft?) etc. ... depending on whether you want to "go bush" or more traditional GA. The Carenado C206 Stationair is a good one too, IMHO (and has a fair few NZ repaints). I have a few Carenado planes and they're all good, I think.

[Ian Warren]

, But But... Paul you can bring you kids , BQ , Boat , sleeping bags , cat and his food and a dog if you have one , you won't need the tent .... whoops forgot the Wife .... Hello Honey

[gojozoom]

Hi Alister,

I'm a GA-only-flightsim-addict, and bought/tried a lot of different pay-ware birdies out there. I fly cross-countries and bush flights most of the time.

Well, here is my "Best of" list:

1.) Carenado is really nice...good sounds, nice VC's and pretty good airfiles too. My favorite ones are the Cessna 182Q, and the good ol' Caravan. However, the Caravan can hit your FPS pretty hard because of the huge textures.
2.) The RealAir Scout is a perfect, quick bush plane. Superb configurable VC and awesome airfile. Whenever I fly it, I get an additional atmosphere which I really like.
3.) The Sibwings Saab Safir and Bird Dog. They are lovely. Detailed VC, nice soundsets (especially the Saab).
4.) I don't know anything about the A2A Spitfire, but their Cub is awesome!!! I fly the float version, land on local lakes and paddle around for fun. It's a bit slow for X-countries though....

I fly these ones only, and they provide m more than enough fun and enjoyment for my free time.

[Dontcopy]

IRIS Da-40 or Da-42 nice options, and are good for low level VFR flying

[husker]

My favourite 'goto' GA is the Carenado Mooney M20J with the hi-res interior/exterior freebie addon from FTX - right down to faded stickers on the glass.... sweet

[deeknow]

Some great suggestions already, well from everyone except Ian-Big-Iron-Warren
Definately take a look at Ant's Tecnam Sierra. I've got the Carenado C182Q and the DA40 and PC9 all of which I'd reccomend.

Plus I suggest you take a squiz at the FSD Piper Navajo, avail as an FSX model, sure externally it doesnt stack up to the likes of Carenado, but it has a great panel, a useful manual, lots of Kiwi connections and history, and its a good price

[AlisterC]

Guys, thanks so much for all the replies. I've had a good afternoon/ evening browsing websites at your suggestions. And it's given me quite a bit to think about. I could be interested in half a dozen of your suggestions! Plus there were quite a few suggested that I hadn't thought of so that was good.
Thanks heaps.
Currently I'm tossing around with a Carenado twin, and (I know I said no warbirds ) the Lotussim L39. I've been wanting that one for ages and Paul's signature in the first reply sent me over to their site, etc etc
But, I'm going to think it over for a few days, and see what I really feel like getting in a few days from now. I can't have them all so I need to make a decision I will be happy with in the long run.
Ian it won't be the C130, got the FS9 version so nothing to gain there
Everything from carenado is shiny and smooth, very tempting..
Not so much into the BN2, but nice looking model all the same. Sibwings is not someone I've really looked at before. Nice stuff!
Man, you guys make it hard to decide. That realair Scout looks a blast too.
Not so much a fan of the DA40 looks and yes the Cub is a bit low and slow for me
Aerosoft Beaver I have on FS9, and the twin otter is a bit too close to the airliner scale this time round.
See, look at all the options you threw up! Primo.
Thanks

[morrisman1]

QUOTE (Naki @ Apr 5 2011,2:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Not that have of any of these (from what I have read on forums etc). I'm in the market for a twin eventually and this the list I have considered:

Realair Turbine Duke
Flight 1 Cessna Mustang (you need a very grunty PC though)
Carenado B-58 Baron
Carenado Cessna 340
Aerosoft Piper Cheyenne 1/11
..wait for the Carenado King Air C-90?...will probably be a goody

But I think if I went for a twin I would grab the Flight 1 BN Islander...I know its slow but it has character, the model looks superb, can haul a lot and comes with some nice NZ schemes

Now you've got me bouncing in my seat with excitement!! I NEED that turbine duke. I've got the piston one and its a fantastic aircraft, real beaut to fly but I can imagine that the turbine one will be at least twice as good. Realair have a fantastic reputation for producing high quality products. Just have to convince myself that I don't need the money for anything else.

[Naki]

Alister, I can also vouch for the Sibwings stuff very nice...I am patiently waiting for their Pitts Special. The Sibwings Birddog and Ant's Tecnam and Tiger Moth are my favourite GA aircraft (if you can call the Birddog GA) - even more so than anything from Carenado I have ..but my overall favourite is the Lotus L-39...you can fly it as an ordinary GA aircraft ableit a fast one I didn't mention these before as I thought they didn't really meet your criteria.

Just checked out the price of the Islander....way too much!...I can get REX cheaper than that..might wait for a sale if I ever get the Islander....the Turbine Duke also looks tempting...hmm decisions

[AlisterC]

Paul as soon as I saw your signature banner today I went straight over to the lotussim site. And watched their video and was reminded the reasons I wanted to get their plane at some point.
So let's just say my criteria changed somewhat lol
I can do almost everything one of those other GA would do in the L39, expect carry a cargo payload. No big deal, I've got plenty of planes that can do that now. I think the L39 would be very cool for FSX. Anyway, still thinking about things. We'll see!

[Rotordude]

QUOTE (morrisman1 @ Apr 5 2011,11:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Now you've got me bouncing in my seat with excitement!! I NEED that turbine duke. I've got the piston one and its a fantastic aircraft, real beaut to fly but I can imagine that the turbine one will be at least twice as good. Realair have a fantastic reputation for producing high quality products. Just have to convince myself that I don't need the money for anything else.

She's a cracker, go for it

[Ian Warren]

QUOTE (deeknow @ Apr 5 2011,8:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Some great suggestions already, well from everyone except Ian-Big-Iron-Warren

Definately take a look at Ant's Tecnam Sierra.

Dean , Had to grab Anthony,s Tecnam .. needed a good break from that Big -Iron ..... jezzzz the plane is like a pusssy , you can plop it down anywhere

[morrisman1]

you're evil Pete, it's just like placing a chocolate cake on the table at weight watchers. The temptation is almost unbearable but I know I shouldn't yet

[Ian Warren]

chocolate land off the grrrr

[Olderndirt]

While you're at Carenado, take a look at the C185 whose FDE was tweaked by the same gent who did the MilViz 310. Nothing but raves about the turbine BE60. For low and slow, get a superCub from Flight Replicas - FDE once again by Bernt.

[AlisterC]

Thanks again. That Duke sure is getting good reviews from everyone, not just here either