AVSIM Commercial Avionic Package Review Reality XP Flight Line Avionics Package for FS2002

UPS Aviation Technologies is recognized as one of the leading providers of avionics packages for commercial aircraft. They also offers packages that allow general aviation pilots to have this same level of technology in their cockpits. Reality XP has brought this outstanding package to the flight simulation community.

The GL50 GPS

This packages contains four separate units: the FL15M Audio Panel, GL50 GPS, FL30 Nav/Comm, and the FL70 Transponder unit. All of the components are very accurate in form and function to the real equipment. I started this review using version 1.10 but before finishing Version 1.20 was released. The new version adds 29 more features and fixed all the problems I had with the earlier version. The only thing I still have problems with is occasional crashes but, with all the stuff I've accumulated in FS2002 it's hard to say that is it is caused by Reality XP.

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I'll start with the GL50 GPS unit. Reality XP includes a program that searches FS2002's navigation database and builds a separate database for the GPS to use. Loading flight plans is very simple. Turn on the GPS and watch it go through the diagnostic routine. It will give you information such as what version of the navigational database and date it was created. I also like the personal touch with the message of who the software is registered to. Now click on the Nav button and then scroll on the far lower right to select the flight plan you wish to use. Reality XP uses the standard FS2002 flight plan format. Jean-Luc Dupiot, President of Reality XP, expains the reason for this approach: "Although some would have liked to be able to directly enter a flight plan in the GPS, the preferred way for our customers is to use extended flight planning tools in the PC world such as FSNav and then to directly load / activate the generated flight plans in the GPS. This approach is more powerful than the inherent limitations of any GPS: turning knobs and pressing keys to enter a flight plan."

This process has its limitations. Only the first 63 flight plans located in your /myflts directory can be used and it has a maximum of 255 waypoints per flight plan. Once loaded and activated you will be able to get a huge amount of information. Version 1.2 allows flight plans to be edited on the fly. The GPS also now displays airspace classes, airport runways, and several other features. If the display gets to cluttered it can easily be corrected by turning off different features.

Reality XP Avionics panel set up for KDAG departure

The Map button brings up the moving map shown in the picture. I'm currently on the ground at Barstow-Daggett Municipal (KDAG). My first waypoint is JEFFY intersection. It is at a bearing of 255° and 90.0 NM away. Once airborne it will also display the ground speed in knots that I'm closing on the intersection. The map is scalable from 5 NM to 250 NM. There are many other functions available. These are all covered in the extensive 109 page manual that comes with it. If you are interested in the package I would suggest you go to Reality XP's site and download the user manual and demo versions before purchasing.

The FL15M Audio Selector Panel

Below the GPS is the FL15M Audio Selector Panel. This unit allows you to select from many audio inputs. It also includes marker indicator lamps for Outer, Middle, and Inner markers used during approaches to many airports. The FL15M also includes the Aural Warning System that gives you audible warnings when certain systems fail. These includes EGT or CHT, fuel flow or level, oil pressure or temperature, volt/amp, rpm, and manifold pressure.

FL30 Navigation and Communications

The FL30 is capable of more than 760 channels for VHF Communications and 200 channels for VOR and Localizers. It's very simple to operate. To change a frequency you must select which radio to tune using the Com / Nav Buttons. Dial in the frequency and use the double arrow to load it. SYS is used to access system settings and OBS to change the Heading. The unit can also save up to 250 communication frequencies using a four letter identifier.

The FL70 Mode C Transponder

The last unit is the FL70 Mode C Transponder. It displays your current squawk code, barometric altitude display, and altitude hold. You can quickly switch between an IFR squawk code and VFR using the VFR button. The SBY button places the radio in standby.

EZ Config

Version 1.2 also adds a great new application called EZ Config. This stand-alone program will search FS2002's aircraft directory. Click on the plane to add the package to and click "Install Flight Line Avionics." That's it! I added the package to my two favorite general aviations aircraft. The FSD Commander 115TC and the Flight One Cessna 421C Golden Eagle. Both installed flawlessly. Reality XP adds a small thumbnail in the upper left corner. The entire package is accessible with one mouse click.

Test System -Intel Pentium-4 1.7Ghz. -Windows XP Home Ed. -512Mb RDRam -64MB NVIDIA GeForce3 -Microsoft Sidewinder -Dell 19" Flat Screen Monitor Flying Time: 15 hours over 10 days

In summary

Reality XP has done an excellent job of recreating one of the best avionics packages available to the General Aviation pilot. For those of you that continue to seek ways to make your simulation environment as real as it can get this is a great addition to any panel.

This package is far too complex to for me to go over every feature in this review. If you are interested in this package, please download the user manual before purchasing. The $34.95 USD price is a bit steep but since this is a package you can us in just about any aircraft I think you will find you get more than your money worth.

• Ease of installation
• Included documentation
• Attention to detail
• Technical support