Hello all! I have been out of the sim for a couple months dealing with a busy time at school but I have had a lot more time the past 2 weeks. Anyway, I am starting PPL training very soon and need a good 172 for fsx. I have heard about the F1, but it looks graphically horrendous and not quite like the panel I will be training on. I was wondering if anyone could recommend another good current-ish 172 for fsx. I know of the Carenado, which I am favoring right now, but I don't like the vintage panel so I was wondering if anyone had a mod for the vc (not the 2d panel) that would add a GPS and some other goodies. I also know of the RealAir, but I really cannot wait for it to be released unless it is for sure in the next 2 months. Thanks guys!

 

John in the SEA area

Hi John,

 

Just to add to your list of upcoming C172 releases, an A2A 172 is in the works, you can see a screenshot here on their Facebook page:

 

For the release of that one or the RealAir, only they know. Could be a month or two, could be a year or two. Talk to your instructor about it as well before you start using FS to supplement your training, there is a bit of a chance of some negative transfer of learning, and they should be able to give you a good description on what they would prefer you to use it for.

There is no other 172 available right now aside from the Flight1 and Carenado models. They are both very dated. A2A Simulations and RealAir Simulations are both coming out with 172s that will no doubt be amazing in every way, but you will probably have to wait a few months for those to come out (nobody has announced any release dates as of yet.)

 

In my opinion the default FSX 172 is actually not that bad especially when combined with A2A's Accu-feel.

Thanks for the responses! Thanks for the A2A info Kyle, I didn't know they were working on one. I have used fsx for years and really enjoy it. So far, I plan on using it mainly for the systems and general flight characteristic training. The default isn't too bad, it just doesn't perform in the FDE department for me. What do you guys think would be my best option?

What do you guys think would be my best option?

 

In terms of right now, probably stick with the default or go with the Carenado 172, which is an N model if memory serves. I don't have that one so can't vouch for it. But, there is an Unofficial Carenado Support Forum here at AvSim which I'm sure you could find some more information on it.

 

Carenado link: http://www.carenado....ortal/index.php

 

Forum link: http://forum.avsim.n...-support-forum/

 

When those do get released, it'll be a tossup who's to get. They are both great developers, so it may be a tough choice. For me personally, it will depend on the model they produce. If by some off-chance they aren't communicating and made the exact same model as eachother, life will be tough (and/or wallet will be lighter). It's all yet to be announced, and obviously you'll probably want to get something similar to what you will be flying in your training, when they do come out. If you're planning on using a Nav III it might be a while til that one comes about, not sure how keen RealAir or A2A are on the G1000.

Hi John,

 

Good for you, going for a PPL! You at least have some choices when it comes to FSX aircraft... I earned my PPL in a Socata TB9 (that's it in my avatar, above, just after my final certification flight) and TB9's for FSX are few and far between.

 

I'm now flying a C172SP and I think the stock 172 is actually pretty good once you replace its flight model with a more accurate one. I'm using the freeware Real Air flight model (built for FS2004, but works fine in FSX). It's in the Avsim library, look for 'ras172_fs9.zip'.

 

My experience in using FSX as part of my PPL training is mixed. Don't expect FSX to teach you how to make a perfect landing or how to do a proper "turn round a point"... there are just too many visual and other cues that aren't in FSX (not to mention little things like physics). Areas where FSX was helpful to me include:

 

Instrument layout familiarization -- You don't want to be searching all over the panel looking for the airspeed indicator when on final. Make sure your FSX plane's instruments are in the right place! Take a photo of the panel in your school's trainer to be sure.

 

Basic pattern procedures -- By-the-numbers pattern work (RPMs in different parts of the pattern, when to turn Base and Final, flap posiitions, etc.) Have your instructor draw out on a piece of paper what you should do at different points in the pattern, and practice at home. You may need to do some improvisation here -- FSX doesn't have a carb heat control, and setting carb heat is an important step if your plane isn't fuel injected.

 

GPS procedures -- Find out what model GPS will be in your trainer, and try to find an addon for FSX that represents the same model. More than likely, you'll need to go payware to get a good GPS.

 

Radio Navigation (VORs, etc.) -- You can do this in FSX!

 

Cross-country training -- The big day will come when you must do your first solo cross-country flight. For me, that was a bigger deal than my first solo takeoff & landing! Being able to practice-fly your cross-country in FSX can be a great confidence builder, but you'll need good photoscenery covering your planned route. Some of the 'landmarks' shown on aeronatical charts can be pretty darned hard to see from the air. Better to discover that at home, then when you're in the middle off your cross-country! I still use FSX and photoscenery as part of my flight planning whenever I'm going to fly somewhere I've never been before.

 

Finally, some books you might want to consider:

 

- Microsoft Flight Simulator X For Pilots: Real World Training (by Jeff Van West and Kevin Lane-Cummings)

- Microsoft Flight Simulator As a Training Aid (by Bruce Williams)

I'm now flying a C172SP and I think the stock 172 is actually pretty good once you replace its flight model with a more accurate one. I'm using the freeware Real Air flight model (built for FS2004, but works fine in FSX). It's in the Avsim library, look for 'ras172_fs9.zip'.

 

I always figured that the Real Air modification for FS2004 was a good one, but it wasn't all that important for FSX, as the default model contained some improvements. IMO, for basic pattern & cross country, the stock 172 does okay. Controls work correctly, it balloons with flap extension, and requires leaning at higher altitudes. As far as RealAir goes, their aircraft have always been some of my favorites.

 

edit: P.S. -- the stock 172 also drifts to the left on the takeoff roll, as well as initial climb...........as long as auto rudder is off.

 

L.Adamson

Thanks for the responses! Thanks for the A2A info Kyle, I didn't know they were working on one. I have used fsx for years and really enjoy it. So far, I plan on using it mainly for the systems and general flight characteristic training. The default isn't too bad, it just doesn't perform in the FDE department for me. What do you guys think would be my best option?

 

For the FDE you want either Alexander Metzger's 160HP version or Realair's 180HP version... Depending on what engine you fly in real life.

 

PM me if you can't find these with a google search.

Bill's advice is very good.

 

The default 172 is very good. You would never get the feel of the real 172 in any sim aircraft in FSX. Try to fly the 172 looking outside rather than the instruments...for your real world flying you need to do your basic flying looking outside and remembering to use that rudder pedals a whole lot.

 

 

But for remembering procedures and chair flying requirements, the fsx default 172 is very good

I always figured that the Real Air modification for FS2004 was a good one, but it wasn't all that important for FSX, as the default model contained some improvements. IMO, for basic pattern & cross country, the stock 172 does okay. Controls work correctly, it balloons with flap extension, and requires leaning at higher altitudes. As far as RealAir goes, their aircraft have always been some of my favorites.

 

edit: P.S. -- the stock 172 also drifts to the left on the takeoff roll, as well as initial climb...........as long as auto rudder is off.

 

L.Adamson

 

 

I agree. The stock FSX C172 is quite good even without the RealAir FM.

Okay thanks for all the responses guys.

 

@Ryan: I will have the 180 HP version so I will download that.

 

@Bill: Thanks for the books, I actually have both and find them immensly useful!

 

After all of your guys' helpful input, I think I will go with the default. Does anyone know of a panel (vc) mod for a GPS530 for that aircraft? Thanks for all the help.

I have over 100 hours in the C172 and would agree that (prior to the realease of the RA and A2A new products), the default C172 is really quite good - given the limitations of FSX (menioned above).

 

FSX is not the idea tool o use for yoir PPL, but excellent for learing IFR. The key for doing the PPL and using FSX to practice on is to be able to mentally separate the real thing from the sim.

 

Good luck with your training. Bruce.

Okay thanks for all the responses guys.

 

@Ryan: I will have the 180 HP version so I will download that.

 

@Bill: Thanks for the books, I actually have both and find them immensly useful!

 

After all of your guys' helpful input, I think I will go with the default. Does anyone know of a panel (vc) mod for a GPS530 for that aircraft? Thanks for all the help.

 

I suggest the RealityXP package:

http://www.reality-xp.com/flightsim/gns530/index.html

 

I suggest the RealityXP package:

http://www.reality-x...s530/index.html

 

Yeah I was thinking about getting those too, but they are really pricey. Correct me if I am wrong, but you can install those in the vc with no issues and they will fit into the default 172 as well as any future A2A or RA models?

Reality XP GNS 530 does not work too well in the default 172 panel due to unremovable '3D' knobs.