Payware General Aviation Recommendations

[ESzczesniak 128]

I'm looking for advice on a good high fidelity general aviation aircraft. Nearly all of my flight simulator time has been with commerical airliners or military aircraft. So while I can turn to the like's of PMDG, A2A, LDS and VRS for these, I'm at the bottom the pile when it comes to general aviation aircraft manufactures. I'm looking for something to add some enjoyment to exploring the Orbx PNW/PFJ airports and scenary where 737's, F/A-18E and even the JS4100 are a bit large. I'm looking for something that is heavier on systems modeling (which are certainly much simpler than the above), but hopefully is nice to look at. I'd like something that is a bit more complicated than the Piper Cub (which I know A2A makes a fantastic simulation of). Hopefully a bit faster, complex aircraft (i.e., retracting landing gear, perhaps a variable pitch propellar), probably single engine (might consider a very small twin), and probably low wing, but still remains small enough to get in to all the small paved airports around (probably not looking to visit much in the way of grass/dirt strips). I know Carenado is often discussed and seems to be quite popular. Are these the guys to go with? What other suggestions do you have? Thanks for any advice.

[TedG 1]

If you are willing to go for a rather unique light twin....say hello to the Carenado C337 Skymaster.Go read Ray's recent review here on AVSIM.Not only is it a terrific plane-you also get great views from the cockpit to enjoy the scenery.I cannot get enough of it :(**edit**High wing placement means great visibility. And the retractable gear animation is startling on this plane. Watch your speed when doing it!**edit**You really are spoiled for choices though. See what else folks recommend and read some reviews/watch some vids.

[Virtualwombat 4]

+1 for the Skymaster. A high wing, in-line twin that allows good terrain visibility.Cheers,Noel.

[JoTayhen 6]

Take a look at: Diamond DA20 Katana (Aerosoft) Low & slow, nice visibility, systems to play with, good for Orbx sceneryQuest Kodiak (Lionheart) - great bush a/c, worth your inspection - I use it a lot in Orbx territoryOV-10 Bronco (Aerosoft) Note: don't get put off by the military look or the fact that it is a twin turbo. It's a great medium a/c with outstanding visibility, FDE and it is a good fit for Orbx scenery.Cessna T210M (Carenado)Beech Duke B60 twin turbine - outstanding a/c, loads of fun, able to get into all of the facilities you mention as your requirements and moreStart with these and listen to the other fellas. I'm sure you will get loads of suggestionsCheers,John

[Phantom88 3,287]

Ah,So many,many good onesFlight 1 MustangFlight 1 T182Tboth have great representations of the G1000

[Guest jahman]

The very nicely done Real Air's Beech Turbine Duke: Will get you in and out of the smallest airports, yet you can cruise at FL240 and 300 KTAS.There's a package deal that gets you a discount if you also gert the piston version.Cheers,- jahman.

[ryanbatc 12,836]

The very nicely done Real Air's Beech Turbine Duke: Will get you in and out of the smallest airports, yet you can cruise at FL240 and 300 KTAS.

^This

[mpw8679 428]

Turbine duke, also kinda forgotten lately is the Eaglesoft twin commance.

[N400QW 205]

Ummm, DA42 Twinstar. :(

[Phantom88 3,287]

Katana 4X-Very nice interactive light/Sport prop.http://www.aerosoft.com/cgi-local/us/iboshop.cgi?showd490!0,6021259830,11977

[tutmeister 707]

Anything from RealAir is awesome.

[Sekstifire 10]

Anything from RealAir is awesome.

This is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. They build great planes over at RealAir

[MrBenevolent 0]

I would add another +1 to both the Turbine Duke and the Lionheart Kodiak.The latter is just so easy to fly, it is one of my favourite low-and-slow planes as you really can just focus on the scenery for a change and let the plane get on with it.The Turbine Duke on the other hand is just about my all time favourite GA payware plane. It has a beautifully modelled VC, stunning exterior, exhilarating performance, the flight dynamics feel genuinely different from other planes and the systems modelling is immediately engaging and entertaining. A wonderful plane for beginners (which I am!) and experts alike.

[ESzczesniak 128]

Thanks all for the input. While there seem to be a lot of great aircraft out there, I like the Turbine Duke and the Skymaster. I think the Duke fits a bit more of what I'm looking for, but was curious if anyone could comment on the performance (not FPS, aircraft performance) of the Skymaster. What type of runway is needed for this. The Turbine Duke looks like it can get in and out of some very short fields and was wondering if the Skymaster was comparable here. If not, then that makes the decision a bit easier for me.

[Bert Pieke 7,584]

If not RealAir, then Carenado Bonanza or Baron..