I would like to have the Mooney Ovation, is there any feedback regarding the Alebo Mooney versus the Advanced Flight Modeling Mooney Ovation? Any thoughts as to which one is the best. At first blush I considered the Advanced Flight Modeling but am rather put off by early access, work in progress, updates coming out on a weekly basis etc. Alebo usually has beautiful modeling, 3D usually well done, but quite often flight modeling is somewhat suspect. Eeny Meeny Mini Moe, which is better I want to know!!

 

Hi @wb5okj, I only have time to check forums occasionally so just seen your post. I don't have the Alabeo Mooney, but I do have the AFM version.

I do have plenty of Carenado/Alabeo X Plane aircraft and I would say that universally they always look really good inside and out, generally fly OK and have all the major instruments but simplified system modelling. They normally come with copies of checklists, but very rarely a proper manual.

I bought the AFM a couple of months ago with some trepidation as early access is a concern, particularly if one is also a DCS World user ! I have to say I have not regretted my purchase and the AFM Ovation is one of my "got to" aircraft.

The AFM version has pretty detailed system modelling, for example the VSI lags behind much as a real one would, electrical systems are modelled in some detail including all the circuit breakers, the oxygen system is in place and a functional TKS system was recently added for icing situations. The external model looks good, the internal cockpit is OK but I would say most of the internal effort has gone into the instruments themselves. That said the developers are very responsive and push out regular updates (maybe once or twice a month) and the internal cockpit model has been highlighted as due for some serious work.

The early access bit really kicks in with the supporting menus, the load manager for example, where there are a lot of placeholders. However v2.1 has been promised this month with a lot of this filled out along with some other substantial improvements.

For the price you get 2 versions of the Ovation - II & III which are more or less the same base plane with analogue gauges (II) or the newish LR G1000 (III). Recently announced is a 3rd version in the package, the turbocharged Acclaim version adding 30 - 40 kts top speed all the way up to 25000ft. The dev team are promising hypoxia simulation at some point as well. The 2 current versions are modelled separately with different systems so this is more than the same plane with a G1000 slapped on. In fact the G1000 model looks to be getting some interesting tweaks as well.

You get some decent documentation as well, a POH explaining all the features, checklists and performance tables.

So overall you can probably tell I am and enthusiastic user, the developer is responsive, cranks out regular improvements at a steady rate and generally of some quality and right now the plane is fully usable. The "III" works completely in VR, the "II" almost and again the imminent update promises to get both to the same VT level. VR is not for everyone, but I only fly in VR now and this model is really good in terms of clarity and performance.

 

So if you want a model that looks great, ready to go & 100% finished with no messing about - the Alabeo is likely a good choice. If you want a model that is tuned to the nth degree with a detailed system, is usable now and probably 95% complete + a developer with a consistent track record of working on their product - the AFM is also a good choice. I have not hesitation recommending the AFM.

Any Alabeo Mooney users might be willing to chip in with their thoughts so you get a balanced view.

 

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Thanks for the very useful feedback Pippin. I to only fly in VR so that is very good news indeed. I will be getting the AFM ovation very soon, probably later today. 

So thanks to everyone for the feedback all of it was helpful, considerate and very useful in determining an outcome.  

 

Kicked over the traces, bit the bullet, pulled the trigger. Yes I bought the AFM Mooney. It is a fast airplane. Not as hard a plane to slow as I had thought though. LOL