I find it very strange that there has been no review of the Caranado Cessna Centurion on Avsim. Have I missed something or can someone from avsim let me know if there will be a review in the future of this fine aircraft?

I've not seen it reviewed either, and it is indeed a fine piece of work in every respect (well, maybe a tweak to the sound files would make it closer to perfect).Carenado doesn't usually get as much review time as other designers of aircraft on any of the sites- I'd like to see the word get out more about this team.Best,Joel

it's simply great, model, panels (2D,VC) are excellent. Just buy it !(no affiliation just a happy customer)Rob

I think AVSIM is behind in a lot of reviews - probably because of their conference coming up.

This is one of my favorite planes to fly. It is great.Ron

Certainly looks like a great looking download. Looks like they use photo realistic images for some of their panels??

So glad to see this post, 'cause I was going to buy my first payware GA these days (first payware a/c for that matter) and was deciding between DF Archer and Carenado's Centurion (can't afford both). At least on the screenshots (yeah, I know, they don't tell the whole story) Centurion looks much crisper and simply gorgeous. Some people remarked that flight model was pretty good too, product said that sounds could be better, but still no comprehensive review. It seems to me that Carenado's product's seem to be ignored by simming media, with the exception of one AVSIM review of the Bonanzas (new models for FS9 coming spring next year!) and an article or two in Computer Pilot and PC Pilot. Don't know the reasons for this, maybe except that Carenado don't make the situation better for potential users with their website that leaves a LOT to be desired.AVSIM being behind with reviews big time is another issue. For reviews I go to the "other" simmulation site, although some of their reviews seem to be more product overviews rather than reviews. Why don't we have more Andrew Herds?One more question, though. DF Archer comes with an excellent manual, as all DF/Flight1 products do. I don't expect anything of that magnitude from Carenado, but is the Centurion manual satisfactory at least? (Reviews of some of their old products mentioned that manuals were seriously lacking.)Thanks,Michal

Glad to see my post generated some similar responses!I can highly recommend the Cessna Centurion from Caranado as an excellent payware addon. The interior views are excellent with realistic photographic 2 and 3D views (with hotspots for FS2004 users). The flight model seems reasonably accurate (for a flight sim) and the sound is fine (sorry if this sounds a bit vague but the only Cessna I have flown in real-life was a 152 when I learnt to fly in the early 1990's and that engine sounded horrible!). I didn't have a problem with the manual for this aircraft - then again it doesn't have that many "bells and whistles" and the autopilot is (like in the real aircraft) pretty basic.I wanted a nice looking accurately flight-modelled add-on for my flights around the UK using VFR and UK2000 scenery. The high-wing design is excellent for screenshots and it is happy to tootle along at 85-90 kts so good for sightseeing! It isn't the best aircraft for short fields or farm strips but then you take advantage of your FS and simply switch to something like the Zenair 801 STOL for the landing (yes cheating I know;-)I hope AVSIM take the time to review this product ASAP. I don't read reviews on "other" FS sites - Flightsim.com had a habit of dressing up adverts as "product reviews" (remember the DELL FS PC review?) therefore lacking journalistic credibility in my opinion. I prefer the independent product reviews on AVSIM written by people with an interest in virtual flying, not revenue generation.Hope this helps with your payware addon purchase Michal.RegardsAdam

Carenado has taken the "eye candy" part of airplane design to a whole new level with the Centurion (at least for GA airfcraft). Simply put there is not another VC so beautifully and clearly rendered, and the inclusion of realistically tinted/reflective windows is the icing on the cake. You really feel like you're in a cockpit, not looking at someone's rendering of a cockpit.On the downside, this plane has totally spoiled me for any other excellent aircraft I have on my hard drive- they all look like a "model" in comparison, and those blank window panes between you and the outside world will never quite cut it once you try the Centurion.As to the flight model, it does seem very good and "bounces around" in turbulence more realistically than many others. Not being a real pilot, though, I can only say that I hear its "on the numbers" with the FS9 patch installed.Only minor complaints- the eyepoint needed some serious tweaking for my taste out-of-the box, but its now perfect. Also, the engine noise is lacking in my opinion. Manual is bare bones but there's lots of free stuff on the internet related to the real plane that you can download.Best,Joel

I have been looking for a Piper class to go to my collection. Any words on their Piper Dakota or Piper Archer II?

Not in the same category as the Centurion, they took a big jump up I feel. But not bad, either.

Theres always the Piper Archer II from dreamfleet - I believe that won an award.

I love the 210 as well but does anyone suffer a loss of FPS in the 2d View in FS9?It works well in FS2K2 and the VC view in FS9 is faster still but for some reason I suffer in the 2D panel view - still one of the best GA acft around IMHO.Scott

Thanks guys for the tips, you helped me make up my mind. I'll be buying the Centurion!And I guess we can address the AVSIM review issue on the Letters to the Editorial Staff forum here.Michal