What is the best Amphibious / Float plane out there, payware or freeware?Thanks!Barry

Ther are 2 as far as I am concerned, both by Bill Lyons:1. The Grumman G-21 Goose2. Sikorsky S-43The problem is that the Bill Lyons site has been taken down for the summer, so you won't be able to get these $12.50 aircraft until September. I guarantee, it will be worth the wait. http://windrfters.com/

FSD Pilatus PorterRealAir ScoutAerosoft Beaver

Bill has the best float dynamics, better turning ratios, and more realistc torque on water (since MS dropped the ball on this one). I agree with the Goose, also his latest tri pacer on floats is awesome.Try the freeware Maule it is nice also.Another is the PC-6 Porter from FSD, amazing detail.Then there is the Aerosoft beaver, a classic.Regards, MichaelKDFWhttp://www.calvirair.com/mcpics/mcdcvabanner.jpgCalVirAir International

Hi Barry,No need to wait to see if a developer changes his mind in the fall or not Barry.You can find Mikko Maliniemi's FREEWARE Maule over at FsNordic. 27998 downloads and counting. Their description lists the following: Description: A complete Maule M-7-260 all-in-one package for FS2004. Package contains six different model variants, including three different tail dragger versions, wheel-ski version, tricycle and amphibian versions. Also included are two sound sets, two panel variants and clickable virtual cockpit.Maule Located Here, Full Package, 60.3mbhttp://www.fsnordic.net/Click on File Library on left, then flight simulator, thenaircraft, then general aviation, should be 1st in that list.There are plenty of repaints in float and other configurations here at avsim.Repaints for Maule at Avsim:http://library.avsim.net/search.php?CatID=...&Go=Change+ViewThe Maule is a wonderful FREEWARE package, and I hope you give it a try.As far as payware, I bought the FSD Pilatus PC-6 Porter, which can be located over at FSD. The porter has an awesome Panel, outstanding performance, and I definitely recommend the STOL on this aircraft. It comes with floats as well, and there are many repaints available at FSD or here at Avsim. I also prefer the 2d panel on this one.FSD Porter info here:http://fsd-international.com/projects/porter.htmRegards,JoeGrab My FREEWARE Voice recognition Profiles here:[a href=http://library.avsim.net/esearch.php?CatID=fs2004misc&DLID=58334]Cessna 172 Voice Profile[/a][a href=http://library.avsim.net/esearch.php?CatID=fs2004misc&DLID=60740]FSD Avanti Voice Profile[/a].You will need the main FREEWARE Flight Assistant program to use it, get it here:[a href=http://library.avsim.net/esearch.php?CatID=genutils&DLID=39661]Flight Assistant 2.2[/a]

Hi Barry,I concur with the Bill Lyons recommendation, but I'd add that every package he offers contains a float version. That includes his Tiger Moth, Ryan ST, Piper Cub, Waco, Globe Swift, Stinson Reliant, Piper Apache, Sikorsky S-43, Grumman Goose, Travel Air, Challenger II, Luscombe, and Piper Tri-Pacer. (The first five were modeled for FS2002 and are therefore now offered as freeware. They fly great in FS2004, though the Globe Swift requires max trim plus additional back pressure when landing. At one time, all five were in AVSIM's library, but some were lost when the library crashed a while back. They can, however, all be found at Flightsim.) The remainder are all payware, but as noted above, you'll have to wait for Bill to get back from his summer vacation before you can purchase.John Woodward's Lake Turbo Renegade 270 and Republic Seabee are first rate, and both are in AVSIM's library.Like all of their products, RealAir's Scout is absolutely wonderful to fly. Payware, and worth every penny.For something different, Jean-Marie Mermaz did a very nice float version of his great Bell 47 helicopter, and it's also in AVSIM's library.Best,Ken

And I have to add my vote for Aerosoft's Beaver. Can't beat its payload for bush flying.Thomas

I'll add to the Bill Lyon's vote. The Goose is the best payware aircraft package I've purchased. Besides the aircraft, the included flights and scenery are top notch. BRADKGRKhttp://www.hifisim.com/images/asv_proud_supporter.jpg

>Hi Barry,>>I concur with the Bill Lyons recommendation, but I'd add that>every package he offers contains a float version. That>includes his Tiger Moth, Ryan ST, Piper Cub, Waco, Globe>Swift, Stinson Reliant, Piper Apache, Sikorsky S-43, Grumman>Goose, Travel Air, Challenger II, Luscombe, and Piper>Tri-Pacer. (The first five were modeled for FS2002 and are>therefore now offered as freeware. The Stinson is now available as freeware as well at The Old Hangar: http://www.theoldhangar.com/special.htm

Thanks for the tip on the Stinson! I just grabbed it.Jim

>I'll add to the Bill Lyon's vote. The Goose is the best>payware aircraft package I've purchased. Besides the aircraft,>the included flights and scenery are top notch. >>BRAD>KGRKI'm not disagreeing with the assessment so far but would like to add: the Aviat Husky. A very nice package with Land, Float and Tundra versions. :Dhttp://www.hifisim.com/images/asv_proud_supporter.jpg