Hi all, I am considering purchasing the RealAir SF260 for use in instrument training, primarily because of its smooth gauges. However, there is no POH available. While this is not a deal-breaker, it's certainly nice. Can anyone recommend a spot where I can download a POH that can be used with the Realair SF260? Further, can anyone recommend any other available aircraft (FSX) or add-ons that feature smooth gauges? I am looking into the RealityXP gauges (I currently use their 430) but am not quite sure how I'd get them into other aircraft I'm using. Any help is greatly appreciated!Thanks,Andrew

If you wann go with twins, the realair Beech duke or its turbine version is the way to go. Super smooth gauges and realair´s typical don´t-worry-It´ll-work-mentality. Both perfect planes with no bugs at all.

Thanks Steffen- I love those twins- beautiful aircraft! - but will be supplementing RW training, so am looking for smaller aircraft a lot closer to the performance of the ones I actually fly. Note that I'd probably be flying that SF260 pitifully slow ;) cheersAndrew

The SF260 has a laminer flow wing section, so the performance relationship to your RW training planes may not be as close as you think.

Andrew, do you know yet which aircraft you will be training in?The SF260 is a great add-on for your hangar - no question. Still for simulating your real-world exercises I’d first explore the best add-on available in your type.…with an emphasis on matching speeds and cockpit layout.You'll want to use the actual POH you have for your lessons. Gauges smoothness is inherent to all 3D gauges...so it's fairly common these days.Even quality 2D gauges perform well enough for exercises - especially if you turn off the eye candy elsewhere.RXP does offer excellent smooth 2D add-on flight gauges.Danny

Hi guys - I think I'll mostly be flying a Diamond DA-20 C1 for training I think, with a mix of Warrior IIs in there as well. That said, I'd be surprised if I found any add-ons whose flight really closely feels like what I fly. I'd be happy with smooth gauges, and though I love the SF260, I think I may be better served with the realityxp stuff at this time. It's my understanding that the RXP stuff works in VCs. I do have add-ons for the Diamond and Warriors, but neither is that great. Cheers,Andrew

Hi guys - I think I'll mostly be flying a Diamond DA-20 C1 for training I think, with a mix of Warrior IIs in there as well. That said, I'd be surprised if I found any add-ons whose flight really closely feels like what I fly. I'd be happy with smooth gauges, and though I love the SF260, I think I may be better served with the realityxp stuff at this time. It's my understanding that the RXP stuff works in VCs. I do have add-ons for the Diamond and Warriors, but neither is that great. Cheers,Andrew

HelloWhilst not a DA-20 C1, this is one of the nicest GA planes available.http://en.shop.aerosoft.com/eshop.php?action=article_detail&s_supplier_aid=11388

HelloWhilst not a DA-20 C1, this is one of the nicest GA planes available.http://en.shop.aeros...plier_aid=11388

That plane is beautiful. I do wish it had a refund policy though. It does not work nicely with my system and seems to fall apart if I sneeze. OP: I don't know if it satisfies your other requirements, but if you're looking for those smooth gauges and slower flying be sure to check out the Scout package. You could also find a plane that flies nicely and then insert the RealityXP T- and N-line gauges.

Thanks guys - Mad Dog - Yes, I've seen that Diamond - wish they had a C1 though. What do you mean by it "falls apart" ? What kind of trouble have you had? Timmer - The Scout (the whole package in fact) is beautiful, and would be OK but is limited to a single VOR. I need two.. I am most likely going to go with the RealityXP stuff and simply use in stock 172. I have add-ons for a different Diamond (Eclipse) as well as Warrior IIs, though the flight models are not great. I still like the idea of the SF260 as well... cheersAndrew

I do my traffic pattern practice on the 172. I use the RealAir air file they offer for free. There's another modified air file that works also that is slightly better than the default flight model. Definitely not a bad choice.

We also use the Real Air 172 for training students on the PCs at our flying club. Can also highly recommend their SF260 although the flying characteristics are alot different to basic training aircraft as yellowjack mentioned above. The JustFlight Flying Club X PA-28 is also excellent with authentic handling qualities.

The newest Carenado stuff has 3d guages, take a look at their website, they also offer RXP integration. The baytower Vans has 3d guages, but no RXP integration(yet)

Timmer - That's good news... I couldn't find the .air files on their site - can you tell me where to find those? SQUAWKIDENT/PingPong: I'll have a closer look a the JustFlight and Carenado stuff as well. At quick glance, the Carenado A36 looks amazing - can I replace that electronic display with steam, though? [edit] Nope, can't replace electronics. Oh well. thanksAndrew

The stock C172 looks really nice with Reality XP gauges... so if that matchesyour plane, that would work nicely. Generally speaking, the newer VCs tend to have 3d gauges which cannot be replaced, but are smooth - the older airplanes have 2d gauges where you can retrofit the Reality XP gauges. Personal favorite in the latter category is the Carenado f33 Bonanza.... but then you end up with an HSI rather that a Gyro gauge, so again it depends on what you have in your RW aircraft.

RealAir 172 - http://library.avsim.net/esearch.php?FileName=ras172_fs9.zip&Cookie=1 It's for FS9, but should work in FSX.