Are the flight dynamics up there with the systems modelling?

 

Absolutely.  It's about the only turboprop in FSX that actually handles like a turboprop.  It's a challenge to hand fly and it took me a fair amount of practice to get the landings right, especially in poor weather conditions.  The challenge, however, is precisely what makes it such a rewarding aircraft.

 

 

 

Q400, at the risk of committing FS heresy i'd say it was probably the best simulated plane around currently.

 

I agree.  The flight dynamics and system depth is on par with the best of the best in any class.  The fact that Majestic has done this without dragging down frame rates puts the Q400 in a league of its own.

One tubeliner I also would check out is the Quality Wings 757. If you are wanting to eventually fly more complex systems heavy addons like PMDG and you want to stay in the Boeing family, the QW 757 is a good basic tubeliner to cut your teeth on. It has a P3Dv2 installer and works very well. It's an older model but still has nice VC and 2D panels. The sound is excellent. The FMS is basic but does almost everything you need for a normal flight. For $25 you get a nice addon with several variants. The 757 was always one of my favorite airliners.

 

If it's any consolation, on of the PMDG developers stated on a thread a few years ago that he recommends this addon to his friends who want to cut their teeth on an airliner before moving to a more advanced addon from PMDG.

 

Todd

I have some questions about both airlines and whether these addons are important, and HOW important.

 

FSUIPC (In terms of yoke response, Airbus has it's own yoke settings doesn't it?)

 

Accu-Feel (my guess is this isn't needed with the Q400 and probably screws it up)

 

Also something else I forgot. I have no rudder pedals. I currently use an X-Box360 controller.

 

I don't know if this is possible, but does any of the above allow you to taxi with the yoke, and switch to something else for rudder control on take-off? (in my case a 360 controller)

 

Or what about the "mode" switches on the Saitek Pro? Can I change the axis to something else with the mode switches? They seem to do nothing in P3D.

I program everything using FSUIPC. I use a Saitek yoke for the Q400 and a Logitech Extreme 3D Pro joystick for the Airbus (the joystick is only $30USD).  Get yourself a joystick as it will suit your needs much better than an Xbox controller for both aircraft. The joystick I use has a Z-axis that you can use for your rudder.  As for joysticks that give you the 'feel' for an Airbus sidestick, if you read enough forums it seems a lot of real world Airbus pilots like the Logitech Extreme 3D Pro or the Thrustmaster T16000.  The Thrustmaster gives you the option of left handed or right handed use, so if your really want that captain side sidestick feel, then the Thrustmaster is the one for you. However, it also costs around $50USD.

 

I don't have Accufeel so cannot offer an opinion on that.

 

Todd