Hello! I've decided to get a good GA for doing circuits and enjoying the scenery. My current best ideas are the realair legacy and the aerosoft katana. I think that the katana is ugly (fysically, not graphically) but has better damage (and even dirt!) system. Any help?

Both planes are superb IMO and would rank high on my list of fave GA's. However, they are completely different from a speed point of view. The Katana will get in the air in half the time, on a much shorter runway than the Lancair and cruise at half the speed. The Realair Lancair however, is my fave GA of all time. The flight dynamics, textures, sound and the sheer immersion factor are something quite superb. But if you're thinking of doing circuits and enjoying the scenery, maybe a slower AC would be better. Also you should consider the Sibwings Bird dog and the A2A Cub, both of course are highwing which allows better views of the scenery. Again they are both great aircraft, but in some respects I prefer the Birdog as it has a lot more umph and speed than the Cub, but then the Cub's flight dynamics are, to say the least, extremely realsitic. No doubt you will receive plenty of help and advice in this thread.

If you want the best GA aircraft, Realair is the way to go.

I agree on the Legacy, that's a really great aircraft.

If you want something slower to explore new scenery, the A2A Cub is probably the best thing.

 

Flo

Oh, that huge GA market. You've already named two outstanding planes, whereas I like the Katana a lot for her damage and 'nerdy things' simulation.

 

For really nice and even cheap GA experiences in FSX, Anthony's planes often get overlooked. That's a shame as they are coming with unique features and setups and decent graphics while being light on the framerate.

 

I always had a single concern on the great A2A Cub, which is her really slow speed. With the Katana and Anthony's planes, you are above that level while the Realair Legacy is a speed monster. :lol:

So what kind of GA plane are you looking for? fast or slow? Old or modern, or perhaps sporty?

 

My favorite overall GA plane is the RealAir Scout. It's quite slow, but not too slow (like the A2A Cub). It's also not too fast, and the high wings make it great for sight seeing. It's also extremely easy on the frames.

 

Another plane I really like is the Sibwings Bird Dog, mostly because of its great feel. It's simply a very ncie planbe to fly, and the old military style cockpit make sit feel rough and lived in.

 

Finally, I can really recommend the A2A Cub though, like CoolP said, it's a very slow plane. TThat said, it's one of the most intimate flying experiences I have on my FSX setup due to its AccuSim components, which really is great. Still, I don't fly it too often because of its slowness...

I agree that the A2A Cub is superb - very realistic - but it's a taildragger and so needs special skills to avoid embarrassing ground loops on landing :blush: So, if you want a bit more of a challenge, the Cub might suit you.

 

The Flight 1 Pilatus PC12 is a joy to fly in both FS9 and FSX, but she's a powerful turboprop and maybe not ideal for circuit training. On the other hand, if you're shelling out hard earned cash, you'll want the plane for more than circuits eventually! The same would proably apply to the Real Air Legacy although I've not flown it.

 

The Robin D400 from Lionheart is a standard training aircraft in Europe and lovely to fly in the circuit.

 

If you want something a little more out of the ordinary, why not try the Dart Kitten? Its freeware and available here for both FSX and FS9.

Thanks for the tip on the Dart Kitten. I didn't know that one. :smile:

 

I'll leave a special tip for the folks enjoying slow flights. I've found the Aerosoft Dimona to be pretty unique and well done. You can turn off the engine and try your gliding skills or just make use of every thermal plus the engine, as you like. They have prop physics and things and it's really fun to watch the long wings working.

 

The optics are close to the ones from the Katana and the framerate impact is close to non existent.

 

The same dev also offers true gliders, but my guess is that the engine in front keeps a certain level of flexibility instead of the task to have favourable winds and a skilled pilot.

I think that the legacy will be my next addition to my small growing fleet (ngx and getting the md-11 some day!) as my general general aviation aircraft (hahaha.). Thanks a lot!

This one looks great from Alabeo, the Waco YMF5 http://www.alabeo.co...oduct&correl=80 it would be great for flying circuits.

All good suggestions above, I would add the Baytower RV7 since nobody has mentioned It. I like the structural icing effects...

The milviz b55 is a winner also in my book. Such a great plane