Are there any decent simulations of direct-drive geared turboprops in MFS yet? They're not natively simulated so you can't have an accurate Dart or TPE331 without a fair chunk of fancy third party code, but it's important as it really changes how you fly the aircraft. Will be interesting to see what JF do with the F27 since it's Dart engined (along with the Viscount and HS748 mentioned in this thread)

For those unfamiliar with this engine design: engine and prop operate at 95-100% rpm ALL flight, changes in thrust are achieved by adjusting propeller pitch and a governor alters fuel flow to maintain commanded 95-100% rpm (the closest flight simulator analogue are the turbine helicopters). Reductions in RPM and use of bleed air increase EGT so care must be taken not to melt the engine! Most cannot be started with a feathered propeller and must have fully fine pitch for engine start. The Dart also has water methanol injection and fuel trimmers.

Edited April 9, 20242 yr by ckyliu

I'm 65 now, so I'm going back a few years. Dad flew as flight crew with BEA from Glasgow and  plied his trade mostly in Scotland. With enormous pride I remember once that we flew from Glasgow to Inverness one evening. We flew over John Browns Shipyard in Clydebank, where they were building the QE2 and finally when we took off it was dark and on our way we were greeted by the Northern Lights, which I saw from the cockpit at the invitation of the Captain. I remember stepping very gingerly over the controls and panels, avoiding the rudder pedals to take up the co-pilots position. I've just worked out that I must have been about 8 at the time. That was in the Vickers Viscount in BEA's distinct livery. Red wings, white fuselage and blue stripe running along the portholes. There was a red and white square logo on the tail. How's that for instant recall ! It made such an impression on me. I would dearly love to be able to "fly" the plane myself in Microsoft's Flight Simulator 2024