I couldn't find another post on this new LSA release, but in case there is one, I'll apologise now before someone like Reader throws a handbag at me 😄

There are quite a few LSA addons for MSFS 2024 but the average quality level isn't great.  Also, many of the LSAs that we had in 2020 have not made the transition to 2024 due to lack of updates from the devs (eg. Orbx Blackwing; which still has the awful old Asobo G3X, AirFoilLabs Bristell B23; the same, and many others).

So for big time LSA flyers, a Got Friends release of a nice, modern tricycle LSA is quite a big deal 😎

I have just under 40 hours in the A32 Vixxen IRL and it's one of my favourite LSAs, so I was excited to pick the aircraft up and see how it's been modelled.  Early TL:DR; it's a fantastic package!!   It comes with both glass versions (G3X, G5 and GTNs) and an analogue version, with steam guages.  There are also versions with standard wheels and larger tundra wheels, giving 4 discrete models.   

The texturing and modelling is exactly what you'd expect from a later-release Got Friends product - exquisite.  They have also absolutely nailed the viewpoint that you get in the real A32, from the left seat.   You sit quite high above the panel compared to most aircraft and the left wing's inner integration into the cockpit is right in the upper left segment of your view - just as it is IRL. The texture and general quality of the cockpit is well above average for what we tend to see in LSAs in MSFS such as the VL3, Flight Design and the 3rd party offerings.  It reeks with quality.   There are options for the GTN 750 and the 650 (often missing from some 3rd party products, and far more likely to see in a LSA than a 750).  The G5 is depicted to a very high standard and is quite functional, for example, it can be set into MFD mode if desired.  The aircraft comes with the Garmin GFC 307 autopilot control head in the glass version.  Everything regarding the WT G3X has been set up perfectly (not always the case) meaning that VNAV descents can be performed properly, as well as the various GPS approaches (LPV, LNAV/VNAV, LNAV+V).

There are a number of lovely extra features that you don't get with most addons, such as:-   the friction lever can be used to adjust internal vibration, there is a feature to simulate using a headset (without having to go to the MSFS menu to enable the stock headset simulation), there is a 'notepad' where you can configure the aircraft and an optional secondary tablet, with the MS EFB on. There are also entry clickspots, which means that when you open the door from the outside, you don't just immediately get 'warped' into the plane.   This feature also means that you can taxi in the aircraft with the door open. (Not possible in addons where you get warped outside of the cockpit the moment you open the door).  The plane comes with the Rotax 912iS engine, which has been simulated correctly (not just the 912ULS engine without a choke!).   It has the lane functions, emergency power and the accurate momentary switch that you need to press before engaging the starter button, that flicks off after 3 seconds. 

I'll come on to an area that I'm personally not keen on now - the engine sounds.  The ambient and switch sounds are fantastic but the engine sounds do not match with my experience in the type.   It just doesn't sound enough like a Rotax to me!  There is a very notable prop component to the engine sound, which sounds good in the air, but not on the ground and idle or < 4000rpm.  It just sounds a little dull and flat at high RPMs, rather than the scream of the 5800rpm-spinning engine at full engine speed.    The headset simulation could also be a lot better - all it does is reduce the engine sound volume.   Better headset simulations (like A2A) reduce specific frequences such as the mid-range, leaving a satisfying if muted bass sound, and the crisp edge of the high frequencies.   To be honest, I have 'aliased' the sounds in my own copy of the aircraft with the default sounds from the Asobo DV20, which I still believe is the best rendition of a Rotax engine in the sim.  (The FSReborn Sirius TL-3000 is also a fantastic depiction of the Rotax).

Here is the real highlight - this is one of the most realistic-feeling aircraft in the sim to me.   It feels so so convincing next to the real aircraft.  Rotation, climb out, approach - everything feels absolutely spot on.    My favourite aspect of the FDE is how the aircraft behaves when the flaps are put out - just fantastic!   Non of the stock ballooning at correct speeds, that some models have.  It's like you can feel the aircraft losing forward speed and increasing in lift.   The best flaps I've come across in all my years of simming! 😄 

One last aspect I'm not keen on - the analogue version comes with a KAP140 autopilot (ever prevalent in MSFS aircraft, even  where you'd never see it in real life).   I could be wrong but I'd be surprised if a KAP140 was ever installed into a A32, given that it's a certified unit.    All A32 aircraft I have seen IRL either have the Garmin avionics and a GFC507/307, or the Dynon avionics with Dynon's excellent AP74 autopilot, or no autopilot at all.   The presence of the KAP140 just feels a little generic and unreaslistic.  If anyone can show me evidence of a KAP140 being fitted to a A32, I will gladly change this view! 

For me, the Got Friends A32 Vixxen takes the crown as the most realistic LSA / Ultralight / Microlight in the current sim.   (It takes the crown - in my opinion - from the excellent FSReborn Sirius TL-3000 ..... but only just!).

Edited October 25, 2025Oct 25 by JYW

Avangel likes it alot:

dd

Edited October 25, 2025Oct 25 by Sky_Pilot071

I picked it up on release day too.  I really want to try it in VR but haven't had time yet.

Honestly I've thought it to be really good - I'm mainly using the G3X + TDS GTN 750Xi - I love the sounds model/textures.  And it comes with a nice little grass strip in Ohio (5OI8).

Here's the link for the "Expansion" for TDS - I believe GotFriends is now integrating the TDS into all of their aircraft including their 2024 defaults such as Draco (I'm most excited for that one!)

https://www.got-friends.com/pages/enhancement-mods?srsltid=AfmBOoqAZaD8Skyno1vP_m1wZ7sHAiZCxl97PtVWDcforGTHVfX2QZZp

Thanks for the detailed review.  I was on the fence about picking it up (with the BlackSquare Baron/Bonanzas launching next week taking a chunk of my wallet), but definitely want to give this a try.  I didn't realize they were made in (sort of) my area.  

Back in days I actually was fortunate enough to meet  with designer of Aeroprakt. He was originally worked for Antonov and then went on his own with Aeroprakt venture.

I have flown in long time ago (dual) can't remember much. I actually picked it up from contrails. Can't comment on anything but landing feels very nice and realistic.

My only negative thing I wish GotFriend get a tablet integration with all option, I don't like to flick switches ton the panel o change avionics in the cockpit or headset on.

Thanks for taking the time to do that nice write up @JYW

I hired a Eurofox this summer for a  flight with an instructor which I believe is a similar sort of aircraft so been waiting for this to release.

I was flying the flyboys Rans S6S a lot earlier this year after my IRL LSA flight.

It's a very nice offering (as I would expect from Got Friends). Just one small question for those who have the plane: how do you get a co-pilot to show? According to the manual, there's suppose to be a click point on the co-pilot's seat belt buckle, but I can't find it. I've tried adding weight to the co-pilot position, but still can't find a click point.

Nothing major, and hardly a deal breaker for such fine add on, but I just wonder if I'm doing something wrong.

Thanks

Edited October 25, 2025Oct 25 by BBCM

One aspect of the Aeroprakt that is interesting is that it is one of the first truly native 2024 aircraft rather than 2024 compatible.

I am tempted as I am a bit of a fan of Got Friends and initial reports are predictably good. I won't buy though until it launches on the marketplace. Also I have just bought three new aircraft in the recent sale so they should keep me occupied for a while.

I do suspect that if I bought the Aeroprakt my other small aircraft probably wouldn't get much use.

5 hours ago, sd_flyer said:

My only negative thing I wish GotFriend get a tablet integration with all option, I don't like to flick switches ton the panel o change avionics in the cockpit or headset on.

This is the second complaint I have seen about this. I would agree that the avionics switch would be better in the notepad options as you don't want to be changing it mid flight but the headphone switch makes sense if they can't make a direct clickspot on a headphone model or socket as you could be taking the headphones on and off.

Go for it.

dd

7 hours ago, BBCM said:

Just one small question for those who have the plane: how do you get a co-pilot to show? According to the manual, there's suppose to be a click point on the co-pilot's seat belt buckle, but I can't find it. I've tried adding weight to the co-pilot position, but still can't find a click point.

I can't even get the pilot to show up. 

 

5 hours ago, bailout said:

My only negative thing I wish GotFriend get a tablet integration with all option, I don't like to flick switches ton the panel o change avionics in the cockpit or headset on.

Agreed, it is very 'game like' to have this as a switch on the panel rather than on a tablet. I hope they revisit this. 

16 hours ago, jon b said:

Thanks for taking the time to do that nice write up @JYW

I was flying the flyboys Rans S6S a lot earlier this year after my IRL LSA flight.

The Flyboy Rans S6S is in my top 3 LSAs for sure!

 

14 hours ago, BBCM said:

It's a very nice offering (as I would expect from Got Friends). Just one small question for those who have the plane: how do you get a co-pilot to show? 

I was baffled by that too.   I then noticed that in the manual it says something like  "MSFS2020 features", just above that seat buckle part.  (Then there's a "MSFS2024 features part").     I think the clicking of the co-pilot buckle to display the co-pilot is only on MSFS2020.

......and I suspect in MSFS2024, setting the weight in the co-pilot station in the EFB should display the copilot - but it doesn't seem to be working.

Knowing Got Friends, I'm sure there's be an early update, and no doubt a few others.

Edited October 26, 2025Oct 26 by JYW

If I use their Legacy Weight and Balance addon I can add the co-pilot but still not the pilot 🤔

Definitely an issue. 

Thanks @JYW for the elaborate review. Fantastic that it has been released! I instruct weekly in an Aeroprakt A-32 (PH-0B4, see my profile and cover photos), and I’m very curious to see how the virtual A-32 compares to the real thing. I have a few days off next week to try it out, I’m really looking forward to it! If only I would have known sooner about this development, I might have been able to test it before release 🙂

Edited October 26, 2025Oct 26 by Rimshot

10 hours ago, St Mawgan said:

Agreed, it is very 'game like' to have this as a switch on the panel rather than on a tablet. I hope they revisit this. 

Wasn't my quote you replied to. As I said I can see an argument that the avionics switch might fit better on the tablet but I think the headphones mode is better as a switch on the panel than in the tablet.

Also I struggle to understand how people can think having an extra switch on the panel is unrealistic or 'game' like whereas a tick box on a magic tablet is realistic? 😄

Edited October 26, 2025Oct 26 by bailout

1 minute ago, bailout said:

Also I struggle to understand how people can think having an extra switch on the panel is unrealistic or 'game' like whereas a tick box on a magic tablet is realistic?:D

Not realistic, just better, preferable.