Looks like Part 2 of the PC Pilot interview with A2A is now available for free here: https://www.key.aero/article/a2a-simulations-interview-0 ... Looking forward to the advancements in their already-great accusim technology, which they say will advance in both the avionics and aerodynamics areas.

Some highlights:

Scott kindly agreed to talk exclusively to PC Pilot about their current GA project: a Piper Comanche 250. Among other things, Scott also takes us through the process of producing a new product and we also get his thoughts on the latest version of Microsoft Flight Simulator.

PC Pilot: Has the latest version of Microsoft Flight Simulator presented any particular challenges for you?
Scott Gentile: Mostly it’s what anyone would expect from a new platform. Not only does it come with growing pains but we also have to dial into a new way of making aircraft. Now that we have worked through and overcome most of the hurdles, development is enjoyable, just as it was for the previous Microsoft Flight Simulator X.

PC Pilot: Can you take us through the process of producing an add-on for Microsoft Flight Simulator – including research, external 3D modelling, flight modelling, systems modelling and sound engineering?
Scott Gentile: The very first step for us is to put the aircraft through a rigorous test flight regime after studying the aircraft operating handbook and maintenance manuals. Physically, we build the internal components and systems from the inside out. Visually we take videos, pictures and scans for our 3D artists. Sonically, we record every sound the aircraft can produce, from switches to the engine starter, to the sound of the fuselage as it passes through the wind.
We then design how we want the customer to interact with the aircraft. When it’s ready, it passes to our beta test team who are like intelligent attack dogs. After some time getting mauled, we complete the manual and release it to the public. It doesn’t end there, however. We listen to each piece of feedback from our community that includes a lot of real-world pilots and do our best to stand by them.

PC Pilot: What effect, if any, has the release of the latest iteration of Microsoft Flight Simulator had on your business?
Scott Gentile: It’s inspiring to see where Microsoft has taken things with their real-world planet and lighting. Flying an Accu-Sim aircraft through this environment is something simmers could only dream about, until now. From a business point of view, it is pretty much the same concept as it always was: make an aeroplane we want to fly ourselves and hopefully others will feel the same way we do.

PC Pilot: One of the innovative and unique features that A2A is well-known for is Accu-Sim. Do you have plans to develop this technology further?
Scott Gentile: We have developed the Lycoming 540 engine deeper this time around. Being a six-cylinder engine, it behaves like six engines in one. Power is now truly derived from the combustion that takes place in each of these cylinders. And you can see it with the new JPI 830 engine monitor, which is the nerve centre in my Comanche. I can see exactly what is going on in terms of each cylinder head temperature and exhaust gas temps. And with a properly simulated engine, all of these behaviours act as they do in reality. We have also deepened our aerodynamics engine along with the avionics. The new gauges are like windows to the soul of the aircraft. Our customers will know this is new technology the moment they turn the engine on and furthermore after they take-off.

PC Pilot: Similarly, from a wider perspective, since the forming of A2A, what do you think have been the major developments within the flight simulation industry?
Scott Gentile: No question, the Microsoft Flight Simulator real-world planet and lighting.

Edited August 21, 20223 yr by lwt1971

1 hour ago, lwt1971 said:

Looks like Part 2 of the PC Pilot interview with A2A is now available for free here

Er...

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18 minutes ago, tup61 said:

Er...

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Ya weird..  I couldn't access it a couple of times either, but then now on refresh or trying again in a new browser tab it opens.

Edited August 21, 20223 yr by lwt1971

I hope they put that JPI into the Bonanza. 

2 hours ago, fakeflyer737 said:

I hope they put that JPI into the Bonanza. 

I agree.  I was estatic to finally see something a little more than standard analogue gauges. In the light single I fly we have the dual G5's, GNS and GTX 345 with CGR30P engine monitor.  And it's not nearly as fancy as a Comanche.