I've had my mind on this aircraft for some time, and the ongoing sale at PC Aviatior has me really tempted.But one of my personal requirements is dynamic wing views (IOW passenger views out over the wings that show flap and control surface movement.)I read that the original release did not offer this, but a features list of a later update seemed to imply that the feature had been added, but did not say so directly. Can someone tell me for sure?Also, can anyone who really knows the airplane (Jim Campisi?) comment on the completeness/accuracy of the auto flight system? I'd like to learn the airplane begining to end -- but only on a model that very closely simulates the real thing.Thanks to all! ...Dave

I don't have the MD-80.... Wish I had the Commander, but that's another story :)Even if the MD-80 doesn't have dynamic wing views, Matthias Neusinger's freeware recorder.dll 1.2 beta lets you have them on any aircraft. Mike Stone has a ton of great aircraft, none with dynamic wing views. I've always been a big fan of the F-27 ever since I'd see the Hughes Airwest F-27's flying over our home a few decades ago. With the recorder, you can enjoy dynamic wing views from these classics, the MD-80, and any airliner in between. So I wouldn't let lack of wing views on any project, especially one with Flight1's rep, put you off on purchasing the project.-JohnAttached: Wing view of F-27http://forums.avsim.net/user_files/150150.jpg

I'm usually to busy in the cockpit to retire to the cabin and look at the wings...

Ya gotta get yourself a first officer Jeroen :)When I was a boy back in the 60's, one of the highlights of the flight was watching the pilot stroll through the cabin. Sorry I don't see that as much these days, cockpit security and all, but I have seen many times the pilot or first officer retiring to the cabin to look at the wings. The good news (for me) is in all cases they returned to the cockpit and got me back on the ground again.-John

During replay of an approach and landing is the time I like to leave the cockpit and retire to a wing view or two to watch the show from the passenger's viewpoint.

Wingviews were added to the MD-80 during one of the updates and are available in the VC model. Instructions for setting the views up are in the Official Product Support area of the Super80 forum consisting of a simple edit to the panel.cfg.Jim Karnhttp://s80.flight1.net/forums/forum_images/s80_banner.jpg

Many thanks for the answers.John - The recorder sounded great, but when I started to look into it I noticed that it captures a new image only every 8 seconds. The reason I want these views is because I do exactly what IsmetM says he does, and I'd like to see it at better than 8 fps.Jim - This kind of answers my question and now that you mentioned it I remember reading that it was added only in the VC model. But I'm one of those who really doesn't care for VC that much. Is there any hidden problem in flying 2D panels and then switching to 3D just when I need the wing view? Other than maybe drag on my frame rate from having the VC model loaded when I would not otherwise need it?Anyone on the auto flight system?My sincere thanks for y'alls help! ...Dave

"John - The recorder sounded great, but when I started to look into it I noticed that it captures a new image only every 8 seconds. The reason I want these views is because I do exactly what IsmetM says he does, and I'd like to see it at better than 8 fps."The recorder.dll is not a screen capture utility. The 1.2 beta serves two purposes--it can record flights of unlimited length, which can be replayed from any view and from any camera position. It doesn't record the flights as videos--it records the state data of the sim, so during playback many parameters replay as if you're flying the aircraft yourself. The maximum sample is every 1/8 second, not 8fps. The samples aren't indicative of fps--just how often state data is captured during recording. FPS is the same during playback as it was during your flight.The second part of the 1.2 beta are definable cameras for spot view and tower view. Those operate during regular flight and during recordings. What's great about the spot view is you can essentially set up spot view with this great tool from any position, and the view will move and bank in tandem with the aircraft as if you're on board.It's possible you have this tool confused with something else. All I can suggest is you give it a try.Here's a link:http://www.neusinger.net/recorder-John

Thanks John! I'm sold -- on both the recorder and the MD80 as this sounds like it will solve the problem (if there even is one).Not only that, but from your description it sounds like I may also be able to use this tool to help with another project I was working on a few weeks ago. That is to install a "camera" on the belly of the aircraft, aft of the main gear. Some (real) airlines have experimented with cameras on the nose gear with viewing available on the screens at each seat, which is quite phenominal to watch IMO. But moving the camera aft lets you see the gear retract after takeoff or give a very unusual view of a nice landing in replay mode. Really neat, but so far I've only been able to apply this to the HJG 707. And I also wanted to try a "camera" on top of the tail, but have not suceeded at all so far.Thanks again. Over to the PC Aviator site to order the MD80... ...Dave

Have fun with both.... To "mount" the camera just behind the main gear, make sure your default spot view settings are set to a distance of zero and an altitude of zero. When you enable the recorder spot view camera, it allows better part visibility on the external model of the aircraft. Now I am off to do the same thing--I never thought about placing a camera there during replay of a landing.Regards,John

this whole talk about being a passenger reminded me of something i used to do.. i would record a flight and then play it back while sitting in the cabin. pretty awesome. i was surprised at times how abrupt the flight was in comparison to how it looked from the cockpit. it's fun, and free :)

I probably didn't explain the VC/non-VC issue very well. The wingviews are only available in the model that has the VC. You do not have to be in the VC to see the wing views. You only need to be using the VC model to have them available to you.Jim Karnhttp://www.flight1.com/header_images/t4.gif