Help me decide on an aircraft!

[BostonJeremy77]

Hey all,

It's time to get another aircraft that is NOT an airliner. Here are the choices that I am considering and my thoughts... Let me know what you think would be the best choice!

1. Thranda PC-12. It looks really good in YouTube videos. I think they put out some good stuff. I DO have a PC-12 by Carenado in MSFS 2024, but I haven't even flown it. Considering the platform and who developed it, I don't think I can hope for good fidelity. Maybe I will give it a spin right now. I think I remember reading it that it doesn't even pressurize correctly. Plus, this one is on sale!

2. Thranda/Just Flight Duchess. I do have a couple of pistons, but that one looks really good and I really want to support Thranda and JF - I specifically want to purchase this at the JF store. I need JF to understand they are NOT making a mistake working on XP12 products and there IS a market for it, so I am leaning towards the PC-12 but still purchasing at JF store. 

3. TorqueSim Turbine Islander - I do have the Thranda piston one, and I had a hard time deciding between that and Torquesim, so maybe Torquesim's turbine would be a nice one to have. I also have a BlackBox piston Islander in MSFS, but... it's not the same. 

4. X-Aviation Mitsubishi MU-2... I do have that one in MSFS by iniBuilds but it's really not great. 

5. iniBuilds A350 for MSFS2024. Eh. I want it, but I think it can wait. There are still bugs to work out, I believe, and I am kinda looking for more XP12 stuff right now. 

[mjrhealth]

Mu2 is really nice plane. Supposed to be an update for it. But always quiet over there. Maybe onevday we will see it. Mu2 also as in real life tends to roll on takeoff so always keeps you on your toes.

[jcomm]

Get the mu2! 

It is getting an update to fine tune some performance details, but it's a joy to operate.

I have considered the BN Islander myself. Maybe one of my next purchases.

Ah, an that A350 for MSFS 2024 is really nice too. My goto ailiner in MSFS right now, which actually triggered the install of the A300-600 and Beluga I had in my inibuilds account, for xp12. The A300 is now my goto ailiner in xp12 😁

[GoranM]

Can't go wrong with Torquesim and Tom Kyler (Islander and MU2, respectively).  

Tom Kyler is a genius, who does something unheard of.  He makes the 3D, textures, flight model and he does all his own coding.  And he's more than capable of doing it all with an incredible level of competency.  

Coop and Steaven (Torquesim) are also extremely talented.  

[Bulva]

+1 MU2

[alexcolka]

MU2 and PC12, great twin and single turboprops! Can't go wrong with both, you won't regret it.

[BostonJeremy77]

Thank you! It looks like I may just have to get both MU2 and PC12... Some turboprop flying awaits!

[jcomm]

Enjoy @BostonJeremy77, and please give feedback!

[UrgentSiesta]

14 hours ago, BostonJeremy77 said:

Hey all,

It's time to get another aircraft that is NOT an airliner. Here are the choices that I am considering and my thoughts... Let me know what you think would be the best choice!

1. Thranda PC-12. It looks really good in YouTube videos. I think they put out some good stuff. I DO have a PC-12 by Carenado in MSFS 2024, but I haven't even flown it. Considering the platform and who developed it, I don't think I can hope for good fidelity. Maybe I will give it a spin right now. I think I remember reading it that it doesn't even pressurize correctly. Plus, this one is on sale!

2. Thranda/Just Flight Duchess. I do have a couple of pistons, but that one looks really good and I really want to support Thranda and JF - I specifically want to purchase this at the JF store. I need JF to understand they are NOT making a mistake working on XP12 products and there IS a market for it, so I am leaning towards the PC-12 but still purchasing at JF store. 

3. TorqueSim Turbine Islander - I do have the Thranda piston one, and I had a hard time deciding between that and Torquesim, so maybe Torquesim's turbine would be a nice one to have. I also have a BlackBox piston Islander in MSFS, but... it's not the same. 

4. X-Aviation Mitsubishi MU-2... I do have that one in MSFS by iniBuilds but it's really not great. 

5. iniBuilds A350 for MSFS2024. Eh. I want it, but I think it can wait. There are still bugs to work out, I believe, and I am kinda looking for more XP12 stuff right now. 

For non-Airliners here's how I've spent my money and have been most satisfied:

AFL King Air 350 for turboprops

---(note that the Hot Start TBM is still not available for XP v12, and it will definitely be on this list whenever they release it). Ahem: @goran, this is the perfect excuse for my monthly/weekly plea to you for your v12 TBM! 😁

SimCoders Marchetti

---a little long in the tooth in re graphics, but that just melts away as soon as it starts down the runway 🙂 )

Just Flight Piper Arrow with SimCoders REP

---so "simple" and yet so in-depth and satisfying. Thranda / JF remastered it for v12, and when paired with REP, it's fantastic!

TorqueSim CitationJet 525

---I call it the "Goldilocks" aircraft - Just Right in so many ways, almost as fast as an airliner, almost as simple as the Piper Arrow to operate, VERY easy to hand fly, and as far as jets go, I think only the King Air can beat it for short runway operations.

---my one nit pick with it is the lack of ambient occlusion in the cockpit footwells - waaay too bright down there!

///

I think Thranda does a good job in general, but tbh I simply prefer the extra fidelity that comes with SimCoders REP. Unfortunately, that means I don't often fly their C208, and I PRAY that they will work out a deal with SimCoders for the new Kodiak and PC-12 (I still fly the old v11 Kodiak since, with REP, it still works with XP v12).

FWIW, here's why I personally haven't purchased the others on your list:

Thranda PC-12: primarily no REP, but perhaps when on sale later this year.

Just Flight Duchess: the JF Piper Arrow III with REP & SC Marchetti are extremely satisfying, AND for twin piston action I have the Baron with REP (the sounds alone are AMAZING!)

TorqueSim Turbine Islander: AFL King Air 350 for twin turbines, and Islander is fixed gear (i'm "petty" that way 😉 ).

XA MU-2: AFL King Air, tho I am frequently tempted by this one...

iniBuilds A350: For widebody long haulers in MSFS v2024, I have the very nice iB A300 Premium native-for-v2024 version. Nice enough that I simply have no temptation to go for the A350, especially considering the Default A400M & C-17 are very nice long-haulers that aren't afraid to get their feet dirty.

Edited Wednesday at 11:30 PM by UrgentSiesta

[GoranM]

2 hours ago, UrgentSiesta said:

Ahem: @goran, this is the perfect excuse for my monthly/weekly plea to you for your v12 TBM! 😁

All I can say is progress is being made. We’re getting there. 

[jcomm]

7 hours ago, UrgentSiesta said:

For non-Airliners here's how I've spent my money and have been most satisfied:

AFL King Air 350 for turboprops

---(note that the Hot Start TBM is still not available for XP v12, and it will definitely be on this list whenever they release it). Ahem: @goran, this is the perfect excuse for my monthly/weekly plea to you for your v12 TBM! 😁

SimCoders Marchetti

---a little long in the tooth in re graphics, but that just melts away as soon as it starts down the runway 🙂 )

Just Flight Piper Arrow with SimCoders REP

---so "simple" and yet so in-depth and satisfying. Thranda / JF remastered it for v12, and when paired with REP, it's fantastic!

TorqueSim CitationJet 525

---I call it the "Goldilocks" aircraft - Just Right in so many ways, almost as fast as an airliner, almost as simple as the Piper Arrow to operate, VERY easy to hand fly, and as far as jets go, I think only the King Air can beat it for short runway operations.

---my one nit pick with it is the lack of ambient occlusion in the cockpit footwells - waaay too bright down there!

///

I think Thranda does a good job in general, but tbh I simply prefer the extra fidelity that comes with SimCoders REP. Unfortunately, that means I don't often fly their C208, and I PRAY that they will work out a deal with SimCoders for the new Kodiak and PC-12 (I still fly the old v11 Kodiak since, with REP, it still works with XP v12).

FWIW, here's why I personally haven't purchased the others on your list:

Thranda PC-12: primarily no REP, but perhaps when on sale later this year.

Just Flight Duchess: the JF Piper Arrow III with REP & SC Marchetti are extremely satisfying, AND for twin piston action I have the Baron with REP (the sounds alone are AMAZING!)

TorqueSim Turbine Islander: AFL King Air 350 for twin turbines, and Islander is fixed gear (i'm "petty" that way 😉 ).

XA MU-2: AFL King Air, tho I am frequently tempted by this one...

iniBuilds A350: For widebody long haulers in MSFS v2024, I have the very nice iB A300 Premium native-for-v2024 version. Nice enough that I simply have no temptation to go for the A350, especially considering the Default A400M & C-17 are very nice long-haulers that aren't afraid to get their feet dirty.

Excellent "review" and hints !

Thanks @UrgentSiesta 👍

[mjrhealth]

There is also a freeware king air done by real pilots

https://forums.x-plane.org/files/file/89178-king-air-c90b-evo-g1000-blackhawk/?page=17&tab=comments#comment-414955

[BostonJeremy77]

8 hours ago, mjrhealth said:

There is also a freeware king air done by real pilots

https://forums.x-plane.org/files/file/89178-king-air-c90b-evo-g1000-blackhawk/?page=17&tab=comments#comment-414955

Nice! Just got that! Will fly it later today. Thank you!

 

[Bjoern]

21 hours ago, UrgentSiesta said:

Just Flight Piper Arrow with SimCoders REP

---so "simple" and yet so in-depth and satisfying. Thranda / JF remastered it for v12, and when paired with REP, it's fantastic!

While I would probably own one in real life and like it and while the virtual rendition is A+ in all aspects, I just despise the interior design with all of its 1970s styling and panel layout. And without the adjustable wastegate sponsored by REP, the performance is anything but useless. Certainly no comparison to the SF-260, which is pretty much perfect in all areas (maybe except being a baking oven in summer because of its canopy).

 

12 hours ago, mjrhealth said:

There is also a freeware king air done by real pilots

https://forums.x-plane.org/files/file/89178-king-air-c90b-evo-g1000-blackhawk/?page=17&tab=comments#comment-414955

Wholeheartedly recommended! If one can live with the small cabin of the C90 series, this is the King Air for X-Plane 12.

[UrgentSiesta]

25 minutes ago, Bjoern said:

While I would probably own one in real life and like it and while the virtual rendition is A+ in all aspects, I just despise the interior design with all of its 1970s styling and panel layout. And without the adjustable wastegate sponsored by REP, the performance is anything but useless. Certainly no comparison to the SF-260, which is pretty much perfect in all areas (maybe except being a baking oven in summer because of its canopy).

Ugh...agree 100% on the interior design; especially that Red interior!

I ran into some bug in the Turbo v11 + REP flying in v12 where the landing gear don't visually retract, so I've kinda shelved that one for the new v12 Arrow III + REP. Same "ugly" 1970's style, now higher detail! 😁

The Marchetti is (still) phenomenal, and boy what I wouldn't give to have time in a real one! And I bet the canopy bake isn't much worse than riding a motorcycle with all the protective gear 😎