Payware long haul aircraft

[captainherc]

I know its been asked before, but there is to much to search and I do not have the time. I am currently enjoying flying the Project Airbus A320(ANZ colours) around on the IVAO tours. Am now looking at doing their longhaul tour so need a B747, B777.Will proudly fly ANZ colours , so must have their repaint option. I have to go for Boeings as the A300 series look ugly in my eyes. Money is no object so going payware. Need to be fairly realistic outside and inside. Functioning as much as possible but not too complicated so an average guy with limited computer skills can fly. Setting the A/C up for flight is half the fun (an ex CPL so love to flight plan etc). Any help to point me in the right direction would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Alex]

The quintessential 747 is the PMDG one, although it's not cheap; an alternative is the freeware iFly 747. The freeware Meljet 777 is good, Wilco also do a payware one (and PSS...).

Alex

[Mattnz]

747 definately the PMDG 747. I don't have it, but apparantly it is very good. Only major barrier is the cost - 55euros, but if money is no object, then go for it!

Otherwise, I would recommend the Level D Simulations 763. Not too expensive (US$39.95 for fs9), and performs very well. I plan on using it for the IVAO LongHaul Tour (If I ever get around to flying it)

Edit: Alex beat me to it lol

[AlisterC]

The question really is, how complicated do you want it? Do you know how to use an FMC? I would call an FMC and fully modelled systems complicated if you are a novice when it comes to Boeing cockpits. PMDG 744 and PSS 777 you will get full functionality, but it will be quite a steep learning curve! You could get the Overland series of aircraft. They have nice enough cockpits, virtual cockpits, good flight models, and Air NZ repaints and the package includes B777 and B747. Plus, you need not learn how to fly the real aircraft in order to operate them. It also has the advantage of coming with a fleet of other payware quality planes for the same price.

[benwynn]

PSS IMO is alot easier to learn than PMDG- So id go for that if I were you- But Level D really tops it off IMO

[Charl]

I'd agree with all of the above, and add my 2c: I bought the Overland series after some humming and hawing, and find they are great looking all-rounders, you can jump in and fly fairly quickly as the systems are quite uncomplicated.
And as Albatross has said, you get all the airliners you ever wanted, in one package.

[victor_alpha_charlie]

QUOTE (Charl @ Jan 6 2008, 08:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I'd agree with all of the above, and add my 2c: I bought the Overland series after some humming and hawing, and find they are great looking all-rounders, you can jump in and fly fairly quickly as the systems are quite uncomplicated.
And as Albatross has said, you get all the airliners you ever wanted, in one package.

I can second the Overland pack. Comes with Airbuses too if you ever change your mind

[LMerraine]

I've got the leveld 767 and think its awesome, it's not too hard to jump in and fly, will still get into a lot of smaller airports around the town than a 747 - not sure what the stoppping distance is of a 777. Plus it's got good options ahead - fully operational if you want to build a home cockpit around it - fscrew etc etc etc.

Never tried the 747 from PMDG - but going on what their 737 was like - I would say it's pretty good as well.

I would still go with the 767 though.

[Jimmy]

The 767 has the range you require for the tour, and is great to fly. I would say you would be better to start with the 767, 757 or 777, the 747 isn't alot more complicated, but the twins are a bit easier to keep ahead of.

If you are looking for one aircraft, I would say the 747. Especialy with your interest in the preflight bussiness, the PMDG manual provides the most extensive array of performance charts I have ever come across, especialy in terms of fuel planning, there are all the fuel planning charts you should need for the 747, would keep you quite busy. There is a distinctive lack of perforamce charts with other products.

You won't have much trouble with the PMDG 747, its still nothing on learning to operate the Concord. Read the manual, even if you don't read it in detail, then take it for a flight, refer to the manual, and it won't take long. A week and you would be able to start your the tour.

The 767, 757 and 777 all have the range, but you might like something a bit more complicated, that will take the entire tour to learn to fly it well, the 747 will keep you a bit more entertained.

Thanks
James

[captainherc]

Thanks for the replies. You have helped narrow it down some what. PMDG 747 or LevelD 767. Am reading reviews on both at mo so will let you know which on soon. Still like 747 as never been a 767 guy, but this from (passengers point view).A goood friend of mine who I flew with was a 767 1st off for a few years b4 swapping to A320,s so should be able to et help for the FMC on the 767. Something to ponder. Big decesions to make. Thanks again for your input.

[NZ255]

QUOTE (captainherc @ Jan 8 2008, 09:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks for the replies. You have helped narrow it down some what. PMDG 747 or LevelD 767. Am reading reviews on both at mo so will let you know which on soon. Still like 747 as never been a 767 guy, but this from (passengers point view).A goood friend of mine who I flew with was a 767 1st off for a few years b4 swapping to A320,s so should be able to et help for the FMC on the 767. Something to ponder. Big decesions to make. Thanks again for your input.

All Boeing FMC's work relativity similar, I think? Could be wrong though.

Nick

[Jimmy]

They are, at least with these products, transistioning between the differant aircraft should be no problem at all, some will have things others don't, but useing differant ones shouldn't be to difficult, some parts are almost identical.

Thanks
James