Hello, I have been drooling over Carenado's web page and glowing reviews for a while now and have decided to take the plunge and buy. But as I was researching the 182 package (the standard and long range one), i discovered that it uses an older style autopilot that, while is appropriate for the time I'm sure, is totally foriegn to a novice like me. So I have a few queastions;1 What are the capabilities of the 300A? It seems to be a one axis system, so does that mean that it will only do lateral navigation? I know these beauties are meant to be hand flown but once I'm at alititude and on course during longer flights it would be nice to have the option for an AP that will hold course and altitude. 2 Do any of the cessna aircraft that Carendo sells have a "dual axis" system? (I hope I am using that term correctly, I mean one that will control course and altitude)3 Do you guys have any suggestions as to which plane I should get (I also really liked the mooney, but is it "too much" for a novice pilot to handle?)4 Is there any way to look over the documentation for the aircraft before deciding to purchase them? (I think a lot of my questions would be answered that way)Thank you so much for your attention!Sincerely, Future Customer!!

The AP indeed only does lateral navigation, but it's very easy to put the default FSX AP into the plane (as a popup but also in the VC, if you want to), which will give you all you need. For a while I have flown with the default AP as a sort of backup popup because I like the look of the Carenado AP more (it fits so nicely in the VC) and I don't use the altitude option all the time, but whenever I did need or want to hold the alt by AP, I just opened the default AP popup and enabled ALT. I don't know any other Carenado Cessna's but I think most if not all use the same AP (Carenado likes to use the same gauges in different aircraft).If you want a complete aircraft (with everything you might ever need) I'd get the Bonanza (although that one has low wings of course). It's the newest one and so it also has the best looks etc. It's a pity it was released as a beta, but there are a few patches and you can change some setting by editing xml files. The GPS in the VC still isn't completely functional though (and probably never will be...).

Ok im seriously considering the FSX mooney, it looks awesome and has recieved great reviews. But I'm the kind that likes thoruogh, pretty manuals, does this aircraft have that? Thanks

Ok im seriously considering the FSX mooney, it looks awesome and has recieved great reviews. But I'm the kind that likes thoruogh, pretty manuals, does this aircraft have that? Thanks

The Mooney is a good choice.. It has the autopilot you are looking for and comes with a lot of documentation.More importantly, the cockpit is very nicely done and you can replace the GPS with a Reality XP GNS 530if you so desire. It handles well and is fast... good step up from the C172..