NZFF

http://www.alabeo.com/index.php?accion=product&correl=99

This is the type of aircraft I earned my real-world complex endorsement on.
I also used the same type for part of my instrument training as well (switching back and forth between an RG and a regular 172 with a better GPS).

The precise aircraft was actually painted up for me a year or so ago by Adamski for the Carenado 182RG...here:
http://aussiex.org/forum/index.php?/files/...182rgii-n6113v/

Hopefully I can ask someone to maybe take a new attempt at it now that the proper aircraft model is out. (Adamski's repaint is fantastic too...)

Interested to find out Alabeo is spinoff from Carenado group, and have there AG C188 ... don't think i need a another Cessna .. all topped up in that department

SeanTK wrote:

QUOTE (SeanTK @ Jan 23 2014,12:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

http://www.alabeo.com/index.php?accion=product&correl=99

This is the type of aircraft I earned my real-world complex endorsement on.
I also used the same type for part of my instrument training as well (switching back and forth between an RG and a regular 172 with a better GPS).

The precise aircraft was actually painted up for me a year or so ago by Adamski for the Carenado 182RG...here:
http://aussiex.org/forum/index.php?/files/...182rgii-n6113v/

Hopefully I can ask someone to maybe take a new attempt at it now that the proper aircraft model is out. (Adamski's repaint is fantastic too...)

How do you think this Cutlass compares to its real world counterpart in terms of handling and quirks?

Also, Auckland Aero Club has just purchased one of these, I like the fact it's a retractable undercarriage.

Looking good .... not to fussed about dynamics , as long as it looks good.
I wonder why they chose this one and not the strut less model .
Flew in one once (Air Safaris ) from memory ..... very nice indeed.

Marty, the strutless model is the 177 Cardinal which is not related to the 172 apart from been a Cessna

Naki wrote:

QUOTE (Naki @ Jan 23 2014,7:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Marty, the strutless model is the 177 Cardinal which is not related to the 172 apart from been a Cessna

Doh ..... thanks Naki man.

I've been flying one a bit recently, will be nice to see how this compares to the real thing.

FlyingKiwi wrote:

QUOTE (FlyingKiwi @ Jan 24 2014,10:14 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I've been flying one a bit recently, will be nice to see how this compares to the real thing.

Of course, Leo. Only one way to find out. Would be interested to hear your thoughts.

Kelvinr wrote:

QUOTE (Kelvinr @ Jan 24 2014,3:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Of course, Leo. Only one way to find out. Would be interested to hear your thoughts.

Wonder if he could try a belly landing for us then .....

Hiya folks,

Hope you've all had a great Xmas & New Years Break. Alabeo dropped the Cutlass release announcement into my email as well and am looking forward to hearing from anyone who purchases it (will wait a little while until the wallet... urmm... refills a bit )

Curious to know how it compares to real world 180 hp retractables: ie the earlier 180 hp Piper Arrow... or the underperforming Beech Sierra... probably not fair to compare it to the Mooneys with the same grunt. It seemed to get quite a bit of criticism from the likes of FLYING mag and students who referred to it as the Cessna "Gutless" . On paper anyways, it seems to be just fine: a retractable 172 Skyhawk!???

With the gear down I've found it doesn't climb particularly well - I would say worse than a regular 172. Once the gear is up it's a lot better, and it cruises at a good 130kt on the same fuel burn as a later model 172 so I think it's a worthwhile aircraft. To be honest I suspect the constant speed prop makes as least as much difference to the performance as the retractable gear does. From an owner's point of view there's a lot more mechanically which can go wrong with it which is I guess a mark against it.

I think "gutless" is a bit unfair - I would put it ahead of a Cherokee 180 or Tobago for takeoff performance, the Tobago in particular can be a bit scary on a short runway.

I don't have this aircraft yet, but I was informed that they just released a patch for it:

http://www.alabeo.com/index.php?accion=update