Most difficult aircraft to learn how to operate?

[Matt Sdeel]

I'm wondering which aircraft has the highest learning curve in all MSFS assuming the user is completely new to MSFS (but knows how to fly DCS' A-10C). Thank you.

 

[Bartul]

I'd go for dc-6 providing you do everything without the help of that automatic copilot?

But I also have problems with a310 and Acro Vulcan, sooo..🥴

[Bobsk8]

Just now, Bartul said:

I'd go for dc-6 providing you do everything without the help of that automatic copilot?

But I also have problems with a310 and Acro Vulcan, sooo..🥴

I agree, and the DC6 has a sketchy autopilot and GPS behavior which makes it even more difficult. 

[sd_flyer]

It depends what kind of complexity you are looking for . Often complexity defined by one's flying background. After all al airplane made for pilot not for PhD in aeronautical science. If you like analog and old   I think PMDG DC-6 is complex enough in terms of engine managing, fuel transfer.  There are also some GA with tear and water like A2A Comanche, Black Square line up including Duke, Miviz Cessna 310..Modern airliners also can be challenging so 737 line up by PMDG. A320 by Fenix, MD-80 Leonardo and etc Old school Just Flight Friendship, BAE 146.

[Gazzareth]

49 minutes ago, sd_flyer said:

It depends what kind of complexity you are looking for . Often complexity defined by one's flying background. After all al airplane made for pilot not for PhD in aeronautical science. If you like analog and old   I think PMDG DC-6 is complex enough in terms of engine managing, fuel transfer.  There are also some GA with tear and water like A2A Comanche, Black Square line up including Duke, Miviz Cessna 310..Modern airliners also can be challenging so 737 line up by PMDG. A320 by Fenix, MD-80 Leonardo and etc Old school Just Flight Friendship, BAE 146.

I'm mostly into modern aircraft although likes of the 737 & 320 are getting nearly second nature, from what I have I would say that the BAE146 is probably the hardest to learn / get used to, because there is more you need to do in terms of systems, plus the navigation is (even with the UNS1) more involved as you are in full control of speed / vertical path etc.

 

G 

[bennyboy75]

Any aircraft without a lot of automation will always be a handful in the sim - the Fokker F28, BAe 146 and DC6 are good examples. Even the 737 NG has a significantly higher workload than an A320 so if you want an easy life then grab the Fenix!

[MikeH99]

Planes without auto throttle.

GA I found Black Square King Air more hands on.

[Fielder]

25 minutes ago, bennyboy75 said:

Any aircraft without a lot of automation will always be a handful in the sim - the Fokker F28, BAe 146 and DC6 are good examples. Even the 737 NG has a significantly higher workload than an A320 so if you want an easy life then grab the Fenix!

[Sky_Pilot071]

I'm just assuming that it would be some version of the Concord.

The least would be (besides the G3000) the HJET IMO.

sp

Edited May 26 by Sky_Pilot071

[MikeH99]

1 hour ago, bennyboy75 said:

Even the 737 NG has a significantly higher workload than an A320 so if you want an easy life then grab the Fenix!

Well in the Fenix you have to turn the packs off 20s before take off and turn them back on 10s apart. It's not that easy for some!

Edited May 26 by MikeH99

[JBDB-MD80]

44 minutes ago, Fielder said:

Leonardo MD-82 makes them both look easy.

[martinboehme]

If you're coming from the A-10, then anything else should be easy.

"What, no weapons systems to learn and no one is going to be shooting at me? You mean I just have to fly this thing from point A to point B and that's it? And someone will serve me dinner?" 😉 

[odourboy]

20 minutes ago, JBDB-MD80 said:

Leonardo MD-82 makes them both look easy.

I'm in this camp. The Leonardo has several idiosyncrasies that I find make it a bit of a bear to fly right.

But compared to a complex DCS aircraft with the offensive and defensive combat systems, these are all easier IMHO.

[History]

1. Simskunkworks TF-104.

Starting up is very easy (even more simple than the FSX version). But once you are entering the landing phase that's when the horror begins. Keep the engine RPM above 83%, 90% is preferred when your fuel is more than 40%. Approaching the runway with 200-225 kts is not uncommon.

2. FlyingIrons BF-109. This time, the horror lies in the takeoff phase.
 

Edited May 27 by History

[Bdub22]

Maddog MD-82. It also took me longer than I expected to get the ATR down. As someone else mentioned, the BS King Air is a neat plane that takes some reading.