Well, not quite a new one, I mean fresh new, but certainly the first one that really seems to go about each & every detail I can think about **and** flawlessly!To be honest I would never expect such a performance from an MSFS add-on I have long quited flying - LAGO MadDog.I bought and upgraded to v1.51 some months ago when it was released, more than a year after the fs2004 release. I liked it but since I also own the MadMax md-80 I seldom used it. Then Flight1/Coolsky released their maddog (eighties version) and I really loved it, and still do when I am in the mood for flying non-FMS/INS aircraft...Last week I found that a new upgrade for LAGO's MadDog had been released and I decided to give it a try. It was version 1.51e (e as in "enhanced"). Installed it over a original fresh install of v1.51 and started noticing the many positive aspects about it, from flight dynamics to various systems added/corrected. I was astonished! But then only two days later, and now yesterday too, LAGO's MadDog team released two additional patches to correct yet a few details.Overall I consider the *NEW* MadDog the best md-80 add-on I have used so far with MSFS. Everything is there, including flawless autoland & rollout to the max published autoland x-wind component! But there are many many new features, and if you own the aircraft it'll cost you nothing!!! If you don't I would strongly suggest considering it for you next fleet acquisition...Today I was surprised with yet another feature that is almost unique to MSFS add-ons: dead engine turbine N1 & N2 rpms from windmiling! Yes, I was trying out a few circuits around my home LPPT and switched off one of the engines (BTW: great asymmetric thrust effects too!!!). Started monitoring N1 and N2 on the failled engine trying to conclude that after all my ELITE Jet is still the only one to modell windmilling but there it was... As I increased IAS diving to gain speed the N1 & N2 readings were consistently increasing. As I climbed and started loosing IAS, N1 & N2 dropped, and so on... There are additional panels too!Go get it if you didn't yet. Best place to start your search will be at:http://www.flythemaddog.com/(you need an account to visit this forum)

I've been considering buying the Flight1 Super 80, but the Lago version sounds pretty good too. I was wondering about how difficult it is to learn to operate. I've never used an FMS in all the years I've been flightsimming, so I'm a bit intimidated by that as well.KP

Hi J.C.,yes, I fully second that, that's one of the most pleasant Addons out there. Great 'being there' atmosphere, lots of system details (nice to observe e.g. the APU Load Meter during setup) and good AP behaviour.Quite nice, it doesn't descend to accelerate in the climb phase in IAS Mode, that's a no-no in the real plane. From what I read, the two competitors MDMax and Flight1 don't have that consistent AP behaviour.An Austrian Airlines MD Pilot reviewed all three in the German Flightxpress magazine and came to a similar conclusion. And that was even before 1.51E. Mike

It is really not that difficult. The included manuals are very good and explain each and every step with detail, from initial cockpit preparation, passenger boarding and cargo loading to all phases of flight.The FMS can have it's flightlans automaticaly generated by FSBuild, as well as other well known planning software.Overall this model is the best among those alternatives I know, and I own them all.LAGO is already working on v2 for FSX!These days when I switch on MSFS I do it for this MadDog, Fellthere's ERJ and PIC737, PMDG's 744, Project Tupolev Tu-154, DODOSIM's Bell206 and any of the RealAir fleet members (looking forward for what Rob has already announced - the Duchess!!!).

Thanks for the info, JC. I've been wanting an MD-80 for awhile and I may get this one.KP

Absolutely, 100% agree. The Leonardo MD80 is now at a level that puts it in the same category as the PMDG747 and the LDS767 IMHO. I am very pleased that the developers have chosen to continue with this bird considering the complete lack of support from the distributor. They also have a version 2 in the works.

What are the fixes with build 3 of the 1.51E. It doesn't say on the site. Did they fix the TCAS issue, the crash issue, and how about the Navdata issue. Just like to know before I install over a working version.

If you go to the Forum it does indeed give you a list of fixes.Here is the changelog:NEW FEATURES------------------- after overhead panel and related systems- new electrical system modelled- IVAP interaction for IVAO users: SQUAWK code depending on ground sensing, it will automatically go on C mode when airborne and in STBY mode when landed as it works on the real MD. It's also now possible to ident via the radio panel instead of IVAP interfaceFMS---------- new FMS codeFIXES------------ improved flare - all FMS issues reported by users- improved flight dynamics- autopilot values and volumes altered when switching full screen/windowed mode issues solved- EDP fuel flow/used now in lbs if lbs selected via the load/setup manager- radio and lower pedestal on the same window- other small changes and improvements

have had this in the hangar for quite a while. Disappointed with the lack of repaints. Also does anyone have a tutorial. Quite different from all the Boeing and Airbus payaware I have flown for so long.Thanks