Hi,Just wanted to do my first flight with the DC-3, and I found it almost impossible to taxi correctly. I used differential brakes and differentiated throttles to do the turns, but surely there's an easier way?Also, what are typical takeoff and landing speeds (range is fine, I know it depends upon weight and weather etc)?Thanks!Chris

Hi Chris,Typical takeoff... 48", 2700 rpm, flaps up, 85 knotsReduce to 42", 2550 rpm after takeoffShort final... 25", 2050 rpm, flaps full, 85 knotsTouch down on the mains first, tail slightly lowTaxiing... primarily with differential braking. Make sure your tail wheel isn't locked. Also, keep it slow and take it easy.If you really want to enjoy flying the DC-3, get MAAM's version. It's worth much more than the asking price. I just can't say enough good things about it. (While you're there, take a look at their B-25... it's a winner, too!)And for more information about the DC-3 (real world and sim versions) than you could possibly hope for, go to this site:http://www.douglasdc3.com/Best,Ken

Hi ChrisFor everything you ever wanted to know about the DC-3, have a look at www.dc3airways.com or www.douglasdc3.com. Or both!DC-3s are an acquired art to taxi, for sure, and MS has modelled the default reasonably well in that respect. There are a number of 'fixes' possible to make the steering easier by enabling rudder/nosewheel-type input on the ground, but they are unrealistic. If it would make life more comfortable to have such a facility, however, post again and I'll dig out the modification.Take off speed in normal conditions will be in the range of 85 knots .... do not rotate, just pull back gently and let the aircraft fly herself off the runway. Set MAP and RPM to achieve a climb rate of approx. 105 knots at 500' p.m. This will be something in the range of 35-36"MAP and 23-2500RPM (although the default is a little overpowered on climb). Approach speed on final is about the same, full flaps, controlling descent by power and trim at no more than 300' p.m. no less than 2000RPM, 25"MAP. Reduce to 20"MAP over the fence, touching down at 75-80 knots with slight flare (but don't let the tailwheel touch before the main wheels! As roll speed reduces, pull back gently to bring the tail down, use brakes sparingly unless short-field.If you'd like to try some modified air dynamics for the DC-3, have a look at my and Dave Bitzer's work at www.swiremariners.com/dc3FS9.html . All file links are back to Avsim, of course! Hope this helps a little,Mark "Dark Moment" BeaumontVP Fleet, DC-3 AirwaysTeam Member, MAAM-SIM[a href=http://www.swiremariners.com/cathayhk.html" target="_blank]http://www.paxship.com/maamlogo2.jpg[/a]

What Ken said about MAAM. GREAT SHIP!

just to say you really NEED the Beaumont/Bitzer modifications.the day those were released were certainly not a "Dark Moment" :-hahdo be sure to visit the above mentioned sites also,they contain a lot of information on the gooney bird.cheersJP.