The best long-haul A/C

[Guest dpiedrahita]

I'm looking for a nice long-haul aircraft for FS9 and would like some feedback from you all. Here is what I currently own and my thoughts:PSS 777: I "lost" my 777 in their collapse months ago when I reinstalled FS9; even using the backup procedures outlined in the PSS forum below I can't get it to work, but frankly I don't much care because I thought it was a bit of a half-done work. The flight model seemed terrible, the FMC lacked some funcionality, and it was hard on frames. Perhaps I got a bad install and I've considered getting it from JF, but can't bring myself to do it.Level-D: Hands down without question this is THE best aircraft available for FS9. It's just not used on some really long or higher volume routes.RFP: Fantastic aircraft but range limited.Unless I'm missing something that leaves either the PMDG 744 or the Wilco Abus V2. Since I've got no interest in paying what PMDG wants, I guess I'm stuck considering Wilco. I could get the entire Vol 2 which includes FS9 and FSX models and the FS2Crew package for what I'd pay for just the passenger version of the FS9 PMDG 744. I'm held back by the feedback I hear about the plane(s). It's either bad (customer service or buggy plane) or a "yeah, but" type of mediocre feedback. Is there somewhere I can read about these "bugs" that seem to plague the A/C? I'd like to first know what they are and then make my own informed decision on whether they'd bother me or not. Maybe this is a "should I buy the Wilco Vol 2" thread, but I'd really like your feedback on if I'm missing something or if I should reconsider. Maybe PMDG needs to lower their price... Thanks all and happy simming!

[ESzczesniak 128]

I understand the price scaring people away, but the PMDG 747 really is without equal. While the Level-D 767-300 does give it a lot of competition, I think you'll find the argument favors the PMDG 747 as the best FS9 aircraft. Minus the ACARS uplinks through the FMC, the entire thing is really fully functional. The flight dynamics are so dead on that you if you can get a real world flight status log and load up active sky weather for the same date/time, you'll end up hitting the same points essentially minute by minute. The visual models are stunning and the list goes on.I can't speak for the Wilco Scarebus V2, but the A320 series does not have what the PMDG 747 does. The graphics are subpar and the systems modeling doesn't even come close. Perhaps some of this has been improved for V2.I know your original post has kind of already said that you won't by the PMDG 747, but I would seriously reconsider. It is truly without equal. As another note, I bought my copy of the 747 6 months ago or so, so maybe the price is no longer valid--but I found the DVD version online for about $40. On the expensive side certainly, but far from completely unreasonable. I know on the PMDG website it is something on the order of $70-90 which is quickly running away.With all that said, the 767 is actually used on quite a few transatlantic routes. Not sure how long your idea of a long haul is, but this might get you there.

[greeneg 0]

I don't know what you consider to be short vs long range, but the 747-200's range is listed at about 6500nm and I wouldn't regard that exactly as a commuter aircraft.....Ed GreenKCLT

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[Guest dpiedrahita]

Hmm, maybe I need a better memory, Ed. Going from memory I thought the 747-200 was like 5200nm. I ought to do a couple moreI just did EWR-Mumbai India last week. I'd consider that a long haul and would look for something with a range greater than 7000nm. From what I understand the 744 is about 7700. You're certainly right that the 767 is used on transatlantic routes, and I was actually going to say I wanted something like a JFK to Heathrow until I looked up the flights and saw that Delta flies a 763 on that route! If you still remember where you got the PMDG 744 for $40 US I'll buy it in a heartbeat at that price!

[Guest over and out]

Get an SR-71 Blackbird (there are a few out there), you can fly far and fast. or a Concord (also at least 2 companies make them).Or Alpha Sims C-5,these are all very affordable,But ultimately get the PMDG 747-

[rservice 4]

The Leveld 767 model which is -ER has as a typical route Los Angeles to Frankfurt which is transcontinental plus transatlantic and costs less than the PMDG 747.I don't know how much of a long haul you're looking for.I have the Leveld 767,the PMDG 747-400 and 400F as well as the PSS-777 and love them all.Personally, I tend to enjoy take offs and landings more than extended trips although I have done some but usually leave the aircraft on autopilot and the computer "unattended" for some time. I usually like to set up the relevant aircraft with a max. gross weight and enjoy landing with a max. landing weight and possibly nasty weather with crosswinds to challenge my skills, but to each his own.I hope you can find an aircraft you like and can afford. Certainly the US dollar versus the Euro has taken a beating in recent times, so you have to look out for bargains.Too bad you lost the PSS-777. I'm not sure what Just Flight charges for it. Good luck!!Ron

[Guest Shalomar]

What about the freeware IFly 744 available here on Avsim? Just grab service pack 3, it includes 1 and two... I also grabbed the sid/stars and repaints package, and I'm happy.The Ifly 747 may not be up to the level of the PMDG, but a lot more systems are modeled than the default; it has a fully functional VC and a 300 page manual.If the PMDG FSX 744 was compatible with Shared Cockpit I would buy it in a heartbeat. The Ifly isn't compatible with shared cockpit either, but the price is terrific!!!:-)Best Regards, Donald T. :-wave

[Johan_Dees 84]

At least the RFP747 gives you something to do!No FMC, and you have to manage the fuel tanks.JohanA LITTLE LESS CONVERSATION, AND A LITTLE MORE ACTION PLEASE..http://www.jdserver.mine.nu/johan

[MarkRey 16]

>I understand the price scaring people away, but the PMDG 747>really is without equal. While the Level-D 767-300 does give>it a lot of competition, I think you'll find the argument>favors the PMDG 747 as the best FS9 aircraft. Now hang on just one moment there, just hang on :-jumpy I've always found the opposite to be true, and if hard pressed to choose I'm in that camp, the 767 is otherworldly as a package.regards,Mark

[FLEX1978 373]

It's like saying which is better, A Lamborghini or Ferrari. For me the LVLD is slightly better due to being more home cockpit friendly. Both are 100% on systems the PMDG 747 VC is visualy a lot better but thats due to the LVLD being older (I think?)Rob

[Guest dpiedrahita]

Well I think the back and forth debate of PMDG 747 vs. LDS 767 could go on for hours, but for me what really sets it apart is the cost. It's not a matter of being ABLE to afford it, but rather CHOOSING to afford it. To fly the PMDG in both FS9 and FSX for the passenger versions only it's $179.41. The -400F for FS9 would bump that up to $226 and some change. The Level-D to fly in FS9 and FSX is $55. That's a difference of $124.41! Can ANYONE REEEAALLLY tell me that the PMDG is worth that kind of money?... This is off of PMDGs website. Now to be fair, I noticed you can get the QOS from Aerosoft for $60, but that is STILL only the FS9 passenger version and I'm not sure if it's the most updated one.Can anyone else contribute some thoughts on the Wilco Airbus Vol. 2? What are these bugs? What does the FMC lack in modeling compared to the PMDG or Level-D? I do appreciate the thoughts from all of you!

[ESzczesniak 128]

>>Now hang on just one moment there, just hang on :-jumpy I've>always found the opposite to be true, and if hard pressed to>choose I'm in that camp, the 767 is otherworldly as a>package.>>regards,>MarkI do agree it's a very close competition. Whatever does set the LDS and the PMDG apart is small. I've generally just found the consensus to be that the PMDG has a slight edge.Personally though I fly the LDS more if for no other reason that I like it's routes more. Truth is 4-5 hours of cruise is getting a bit long to me, but the 8-12+ hours typical of a 747 route is just too long for me to do on a regular basis.

[FLEX1978 373]

'Can ANYONE REEEAALLLY tell me that the PMDG is worth that kind of money?' 100% I spend $200 in a few hours drinking in Central London with my mates every Friday and Saturday. This Aircraft has been on my drive for years and I'm still learning. We could go on for days about what the 767 and 747 have compared to Wilco. The Wilco bus cant even predict fuel or arrival times properly and that should be a basic thing to model. I even Beta tested the wilco A330 I'm not going to get started on that.Rob

[Krister 51]

I'm happy to haul cargo with the PMDG 747-400F on 2-3 hour routes which is not uncommon in real world. Personally I prefer the 747-400 since it has far better VC and I have more EICAS pages to fiddle around with. :) Both airplanes are fantastic add-ons that no serious flight simmer should be without.

[Guest Shalomar]

I meant to say the IFly has a fully functional FMC... but the VC is nice too!:-)Best Regards, Donald T. :-wave