Paul Golding is a renowned panel author. Case in point: his A310 panel for FS98. This panel was released about two years ago, and to this date, I still receive emails asking where they can get a copy of the panel. Paul has mentioned that an update is coming for this panel, so hang tight.

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The Real Aircraft

The McDonnell Douglas MD-80 entered airline service in October 1980. Four models, the MD-81, -82, -83, and -88, are capable of carrying 172 passengers. The MD-87 (the focus of this review), is a smaller version, capable of transporting 139 passengers. All the MD-80 series aircraft have the same wingspan. American Airlines is the largest operator, with 275 in service. Powered by two JT8D-217C engines rated at 20,000 lbs of thrust each, the MD-87 has a range of 2,374 nautical miles, and a service ceiling of 35,000 feet.

The Package Aircraft

Once again, Paul has taken two Project Freeware MD-87s and included them in the package. Visually, they are different but they fly the same. Ground handling is like most other jets of its size. A taxi speed of around 15 knots is comfortable and requires about 42% N1 to maintain this. This seems to be a problem inherent with most jet and turboprop aircraft that are developed for FS2000. Real aircraft don't need a constant application of thrust to keep moving. In fact, most people don't realize that even a fully loaded 747-400 will keep going once it starts rolling. But most aircraft that are being developed require a constant application of thrust.

Climb characteristics also seem to have a problem. Beyond FL260, the airspeed drops off dramatically. Reaching an optimal cruise altitude of FL310-FL330 takes a lot of patience and a lot of step climbs. I was only able to get the aircraft to just under FL300 fully loaded, with the specified cruise speed of Mach 0.76. Visually, the aircraft are painted very nicely and come with all the usual moving parts we have come to expect. It would have been nice to add some exhaust soot around the tail cone area for that extra touch of realism.

The panel, with the overhead panel displayed. Very similiar to the MD-90 Panel

The HUD overlay, first seen in the MD-90 Panel. Note the airspeed in relation to the engine settings

The real deal. Photograph courtesy Chris Coduto and Airliners.net

The Panel

Paul has some fantastic panels in his briefcase. His A310 and MD90 panels are in high demand. The MD-87 panel continues the tradition of good quality, visual realism. On first loadup, you're greeted by a semi-glass cockpit, one that is very similar to his MD90 panel. A redesigned set of gauges, such as the engine instruments and the attitude indicator will first catch your attention. But users familiar with the MD-90 panel will see things that are familiar to them, mainly the autopilot/autothrottle annunciator panel, and the glareshield. The panel brings nothing new in terms of innovation, or attempts to recreate any of the systems found on the aircraft. If you have used Paul's MD-90 panel, then there's nothing new with this panel—and although the panel looks fabulous, looks aren't everything. The panel just scratches the surface in terms of the depth of realism and functionality that can be achieved with FS2000.

I was hoping to see an advancement to the panels from Paul with this one. But again, the panel is simple and easy to use. About the only complicated task you will perform with this panel is getting the engines started. After that, there's nothing else to keep you busy unless you decide to navigate VOR to VOR. It's too bad because by adding some system functionality, this panel – and the others that Paul has to offer – would be real gems. Here's hoping that Paul adds on to these beautiful panels. You can get your panel, as well as check out the screenshots for the BAC1-11, and the 707 at Paul's website by clicking here.