Hello All -

 

I started flight simming way back in 2002 and was faithful daily flyer for over 5 years. Things changed in my life and I haven't flown since 2007.

 

I flew FS2004 and Phoenix's PSS A320 series. I loved this setup and miss it dearly.

 

I'm going to jump back into this leisure activity again. I've got a new respectable hardware setup but need some advice on software. I realize PSS doesn't work so hot on FSX so I'm wonder if there are any recommendations on a good replacement for the PSS models?

 

I loved the MCDU that PSS offered.

 

Any suggestions?

Welcome back to this beautiful hobby! ;-)

PSS is around again, and they have released an Airbus lately. (A319/320) They now call themselves Blackbox Simulations and their product is called Airbus Xtreme Prologue. It's actually a product in development which will get updates in a regular manner and is really flyable and has a quite good MCDU right now. You should take a look at this add on, it is in my opinion the best Airbus for FSX right now.

Other than that, there is the feelthere/Wilco Airbus series. It has its problems, but overall it is a quite stable and good product and you can get the whole Airbus series from A318 to A340-600.

Flight Sim Labs are currently working on an A320 which looks like it is going to be the realistic airbus we've been awaiting for FS, it is supposedly due for release in November/December of this year, so I'd keep an eye open for that one.

 

Al

Hello all I'm new here so go easy! ;)

I too have got back into Flight sims after a few years (I guess I am getting too old for shoot em ups!) and I am loving FSX along with REXHD, and some of the very many and fantastic add-ons which are available(just been using VOXatc and it's not too bad)

There is also the very popular AirbusX by aerosoft. It looks fantastic, and it is enjoyable to fly. But I would only use this for having fun with GPS routes.

There is also the very popular AirbusX by aerosoft. It looks fantastic, and it is enjoyable to fly. But I would only use this for having fun with GPS routes.

 

I agree, IMO a model that is often overlooked because of it's lack of a good FMC. However, if you want to have some fairly simple flying along with an absolutely superb VC and exterior model, then this bird takes some beating. Flying in the VC at night is an absolutely beautiful experience!

I guess the conclusion after those 5 years could be that the Airbus field regarding the modern FBW variants is still pretty thin on the ground. The old Wilco 'buseses' still act as the most stable and complete set, while this is a very relative statement.

 

Howard names the obvious winner in the optics and sounds chapter, while the FMC (MCDU) misses a lot, intentionally though. They wanted to keep it simple. And you are mainly flying the default FSX FBW rendition, although there is some user mod available.

The Blackbox is still learning to fly (figure of speech) and the only one believing that the FSL is arriving at the end of the year is Alan. :P Wait, I guess he's even planning on it. :o Did they actually give dates, Alan? They don't tend to do so. Don't quote that book again, I'm not believing. :lol:

 

Aerosoft is about to extend their 'basic' Airbus to a more detailed one, which would give you the Aerosoft Airbus Extended, the Blackbox (when 1.0) and the FSL as future candidates.Three to pick, when they've arrived in full.

 

So I hope those 5 years pausing where fun. You may, on the Airbus story, need (at least) some more months if you are up for a detailed rendition with the SIDs and STARs, managed modes and some systems. :Worried:

 

If you like the classic Airbuseses, the Simcheck A300 is cool. And if you're up for highly automated planes, the PMDG MD-11 is worth a look. Also, there are some nice Embraer planes from Feelthere with the fancy avionics.

Blackbox

 

Honestly, is this one good enough to get from point A to point B with FMC guidance and relatively complex systems?

You are asking the wrong guy, Ben. I don't run it yet. But I admit being interested, even with the startup issues in mind. However, I've got so used to waiting for an Airbus, maybe I can take some more. ^_^

 

For the folks looking for a stable and still detailed Airbus, the only ones are the Wilcos with all the downsides concerning their actual age involved. The Blackbox is available, but in some 0.5x to 1.0 state, same as on the Captain Sim 777. So buying those will surely mean realizing, noting and even accepting bugs and flaws.

 

This just means that, for the folks looking for at least a 1.0 version, the wait goes on. This involves myself.

 

I'd say, if the BB is an option, make sure to check the threads and the BB page before. I've read about people already being happy, but I've also read the opposite. So perhaps preferences are once again the main driving force.

Did they actually give dates, Alan?

 

We don't announce dates, no. But we did say in our

earlier this year to expect our A320-X towards the end of the year.

I think my understanding of not giving dates differs a bit, but I do hope that it all works out nicely since that's the kind of Airbus rendition I'm mainly looking for.

 

Otherwise, there's no doubt that a special kind of storm unleashes at times, regardless of the disclaimers involved. ^_^ This is just from noting on how the dev's wording only needs a few rounds of Chinese (forum) whispers to get communicated as the thing you've tried to avoid. Not a special FSL issue though.

I too got back into simming after 3 years (My core 2 Duo build for FSX let me down and I stopped simming).

 

And although I like Aerosoft in general. I can't get their Airbus to work in my Win 7 64 system and there is no returns policy. So be a little cautious with their Airbus.

 

Manny

And although I like Aerosoft in general. I can't get their Airbus to work in my Win 7 64 system and there is no returns policy. So be a little cautious with their Airbus.

I'd try approaching them via email and explain the situation. If the product doesn't work at all, that surely is awkward and perhaps there's a chance for a gesture of goodwill. I don't know, but I would ask them, especially when they can see that you've bought some more stuff.

 

Just stating that the lack of an official return policy doesn't mean that you can't ask, perhaps being a good customer with regular purchases.

The Aerosoft Airbus X is probably the most visually stunning Airbus, but it doesn't have a detailed FMC currently; however, they're releasing the Airbus Extended sometime this month, which will add the realistic FMC and other things people have been missing in the current Airbus X. I've never been much into Airbus AC, but I'm thinking about getting this one once it's out.

The Project Airbus A320 series is very nice (especially the special versions created by Francois Dorian).