What are your thoughts on Majestic Softwares Dash8-300? I plan on getting the 50 euro version but couldn't find a Horizon Air repaint? Anyway, how is the Virtual Cockpit? framerates? gauge refresh rate? etc?I plan on getting one more addon after a nice few paychecks.Thanks!

Hello,Just a sim pilot here so please keep that in mind - I fly this sim a lot - it is the most fun I have with this type of A/C - what I call communter transportation. I use it in Europe where I am trying to learn to fly a lot more. I have a lot of addon scenery and a lot of support addons also - I run two computers most of the time and the support items are on the #2 machine (RC4.1, Active Sky, etc).Frame rates are pegged on my machine (Ath64 3500+ with a gig of ram and two display cards)at 25 - 2D rate is 24 and VC is about 16 in busy airports like EDDF.I find this really engrossing - it seems a lot is modeled - I startup cold and dark and can get this bird going from scratch. I use the SEA Checklist Mgr and learned to get going from the PSS Dash 8 startup. I also have the PSS version and it is fine too - but I like the Majestic version better - more is modeled.It seems to fly fine for me - just a sim pilot here but it does give me a lot to think about in bad weather and night flights and landings. I also have a rather big GOFLLIGHT setup and if you have throttles as an addon, you must set them for Engine 3 and 4 NOT 1 and 2. Don't know why but it works fine as 3/4!Gauges seem to work fine for me - use the VC a lot (in all of my A/C).Well, thats about all I can add - happy flying and cheers,Ron SagelNEAR KCHS

Big Al,The MajesticSoftware DH3-Q300 is an outstanding piece of work, mainly for its replication of its real world counterpart with regards to performance and handling characteristics. The FMS is still a work in progress and should be completed with the release of the next patch ( there has not been a time frame posted as yet.)If you are heavily into aircraft systems, then the PRo edition would more probably suit your needs. If not, the pilot edition will do you fine. One of the big difference between both modules is basically the remote failure station. Have a look at the MajesticSoftware website www.majesticsoftware.com for any further questions, or feel free to post on the forum.The FPS both in the 2D and 3D cockpits is great, I get a solid 25FPS in 2D and 16 - 20 FPS in 3D. I do have all sliders maxed out and I do use Ultimate Traffic for AI, along with many add-on airports without any impact on frames.At this time there is not a Horizon repaint, but I am sure someone will do one in time.As far as the mapping of the engines mentioned in a earlier post, that is correct. The engines are mapped to ENG 3 & 4 due to programming involved for the ECU(Engine Control Unit). I hope this may answer some of your questions, or feel free to post on the forum.Kroswynd

The graphics quality is pretty primitive for an add-on in this price range...looks like something from the FS98 era. The FMC has been "on the way" for some time now.I have the Fanda freeware Dash-8. The Majestik panel is an extension/improvement on the Fanda panel...the systems detail is better than average and the sounds are uniquely good. Flight dynamics on the Fanda were fairly good, although it had a few oddities.When I put it alongside the Flight1 ATR and compare, I find the Majestik add-on to be pretty high-priced for what you get. RegardsBob ScottATP IMEL Gulfstream II-III-IV-V L-300Santiago de Chile

Why not buy the perfectly functional and serviceable Dash8 from PSS? Great graphics, thorough documentation, and it won't cost you an arm and a leg. Graphics on the majestic bird look like something carried over from FS98 - plus I'm always a bit suspicious when I see developer advertise a thin 70 page manual as a "feature".ricardo

I love it!:-kewlIt's the only FS turboprop which successfully represents the beta range (ground reverse/neutral pitch) of the pitch/power envelope.I have some right-seat time in a Cessna Conquest and the beta range has never been portrayed correctly in FS.I too got a bit of sticker shock when I purchased it a few months ago, but now it's the only turboprop I fly just because the dynamics are spot on!True, the panel graphics are lacking in respects but the aircraft has some cool features that make up for that big time!IMHO, if you're a die hard turboprop guy it's the best, but if you're looking for visual goodies F1's ATR is great, as is the dated PSS Dash-8.Hope this helps!

I agree on the PSS dash 8 for a few reasons but not all. This is by no means a "BASHMENT", just an opinion1. The FMS is probably one that is very well represented in comparison to the Majestic Dash (at this time).2. The Cockpit is very well represented grahically as well (one of the true selling points of this PS model)3. The documentation was well put together, based on performance specs granted by a reputable source.However, when it comes to "TRUE" Systems functionality there is no comparison. PSS would have had a Class 1 product if they had gone a few steps further to implement logic behind more of the systems available on the Dash 8.The original PSS Dash was originally designed for FS2002, and never seemed to work as well in FS2004 with the updated patch. The PSS Dash, has never truly represented proper Torque, PROP and ITT settings, especially during the climb phase. Also, the sounds had or still have alot to be desired in comparison the MJC dash 8. However, it is a very well rounded addon for the casual simmer who wants to get a well rounded turbo prop, which would not require much of a learning curve while learning to fly it. The MJC Dash 8 is more geared to the simmer who wants more of a challenge while flying a turboprop. All systems are implemented in all version of the MJC Dash 8, but only some systems can be failed by the remote station in the pilot edition versus the Pro edition. The Airline edition has all the bells and whistles, which even includes FDR readouts based on flights performed during supplemental exercises.I agree that the MJC Dash 8 manual does require a complete rework, which is in the works by one of the "Beta Team" members.The panel also could do with a rework as far as the bitmaps are concerned. The guages however, have been completely reworked for better visual clarity in comparison to the freeware version which was designed for FS2002. Kroswynd

I'm not complaining about either, outside I rarely look at anyway, usually too busy flying the thing, inside the VC is where I'm at, and this really does somehow feel right. Don't get me wrong my stick time in real planes is severely limited, but sometimes a plane in FS just feels right, and this is one of them. It does take some getting used to but that is because of the way it's modelled.It's a fine piece of work and at least I can fly it, something I seem to have great difficulty in doing with the older PSS model, which IMHO seems to go all to quickly between overspeed in the cruise to a stall when trying to land. I'm not saying the MJC version is easy to fly, just feels better and seems to be more controllable. It has great systems modelling in the pilot version which I bought, would have thought about the Pro version but didn't need the instructor station, apart from which there didn't seem to be much (if any) difference between the 2 variations.