Since HotStart have completely de-prioritized their TBM, this alternative is quite interesting and I've been following it for awhile.

Definitely something to evaluate as it's clearly a high quality addon 🙂 👍

https://forums.x-plane.org/forums/topic/330066-piper-m500-pa-46-500/?page=7

 

"Here's a feature list overview:

• High-end flight dynamics: Professional-level detail and accuracy. X-Aerodynamics produces flight models and aircraft packages for use in real-world flight-training and many other real-world applications.

• Detailed and accurate 3D model: Meticulously crafted with attention to detail and accuracy to the real aircraft.

• Integrated G1000 Avionics: Implementation of the X-Plane 12 X1000 EFIS, featuring specific M500 systems integration, advanced autopilot modes, and realistic display layouts.

• Maintenance system: Optional owner maintenance as well as wear & tear on certain components.

• Detailed Electrical System: Modeled buses, battery limitations, and generator/starter logic.

• Custom Electronic flight bag: For flight planning, aircraft configuration, and more.

• Custom sounds (FMOD).

• Custom fuel loading logic and fuel flow.

• Persistent state functionality (system status saved between flights).

• Configurable options for ground equipment and passengers.

• Multiple liveries in full PBR.

• Animated doors, access panels, and more.

• Ground equipment and covers.

• Custom backup EFIS.

• Various custom-coded functions to better represent M500 systems.

• Skunkcrafts Updater support.

• Avitab support.

• 2k textures for low-VRAM users.

  A paint-kit will be made available in this forum in the coming days to make repaints as easy as possible.

• $45.90

  I know that will seem high to some folks, but with the level of features we have and the high-fidelity on multiple levels, it is necessary. And believe me, even multiplied by the number of anticipated sales, it is a steal compared to the rate you would have to pay to commission this work. I know this as a fact, as individual / commercial contracts is where the majority of my X-Plane work is these days!

  While it is impossible to please everyone, we sincerely hope there will be many that appreciate the features, accuracy, and realism we have worked hard to pull together into this new release!"

 

And for those wondering why this aircraft is IRL interesting:

https://piperowner.org/piper-m600-a-technological-triumph-of-power-speed-and-safety/

I don't find this addon high quality as of yet. I immediately noticed pretty bad sound transition after the fuel is introduced during engine startup, and most importantly, engine startup is not right, NG stabilizes too fast (also acknowledged by RL pilots). If you look into how HotStart TBM engine is starting, you will immediately notice a difference. Also, the addon uses default G1000 suite, which lacks few pages from real M600. Of course, it's up to M600 dev to introduce these pages, as of course, G1000 dev team can't make it universal for all aircraft types.

Those are only the things I've noticed by watching the feature list, videos and screenshots. Is it worth 45 bucks? Maybe, but not yet.

2 hours ago, Pe11e said:

I don't find this addon high quality as of yet. I immediately noticed pretty bad sound transition after the fuel is introduced during engine startup, and most importantly, engine startup is not right, NG stabilizes too fast (also acknowledged by RL pilots). If you look into how HotStart TBM engine is starting, you will immediately notice a difference. Also, the addon uses default G1000 suite, which lacks few pages from real M600. Of course, it's up to M600 dev to introduce these pages, as of course, G1000 dev team can't make it universal for all aircraft types.

Those are only the things I've noticed by watching the feature list, videos and screenshots. Is it worth 45 bucks? Maybe, but not yet.

I wonder when 2 tears of your life is worth less than $45 or is it longer

5 hours ago, Pe11e said:

I don't find this addon high quality as of yet. I immediately noticed pretty bad sound transition after the fuel is introduced during engine startup, and most importantly, engine startup is not right, NG stabilizes too fast (also acknowledged by RL pilots). If you look into how HotStart TBM engine is starting, you will immediately notice a difference. Also, the addon uses default G1000 suite, which lacks few pages from real M600. Of course, it's up to M600 dev to introduce these pages, as of course, G1000 dev team can't make it universal for all aircraft types.

Those are only the things I've noticed by watching the feature list, videos and screenshots. Is it worth 45 bucks? Maybe, but not yet.

Yep. 👍

This is why I rarely buy immediately, and generally wait for the first 30%-off sale.

Now, in re vs the HotStart, well…the HotStart is 50% MORE expensive AND (STILL) isn’t available for XP12, despite the devs continually kicking the can down the road.

Exactly the reason I haven’t bothered to buy the CL650. 👎

im perfectly happy to keep flying the AFL 350, for which I paid $35. 🤙

Edited May 14May 14 by UrgentSiesta

3 hours ago, mjrhealth said:

I wonder when 2 tears of your life is worth less than $45 or is it longer

The FSR500 (and “soon” the FSR 600) mean you can have your cake and eat it, too. For $35 MSRP or less when on sale.

Edited May 14May 14 by UrgentSiesta

I am following the thread over on the org site and I see all developers are reacting quickly to any feedback, I expect this to become an excellent quality aircraft that will really shine once 12.5 with the new flight model is released.

By the way it is an M500 not M600 like the title says. (G1000 vs G3000)

I largely agree with the opinions so far - The flight model is excellent but the rest of the plane doesn't justify the price yet.

A $45 aircraft without a pilot model is hopefully not going to be a new standard.

Edited May 14May 14 by Bjoern

13 hours ago, peroni said:

By the way it is an M500 not M600 like the title says. (G1000 vs G3000)

good catch! I’m getting wires crossed with the pending M600 for msfs. 🤙

13 hours ago, Bjoern said:

A $45 aircraft without a pilot model is hopefully not going to be a new standard.

Agree.

The devs on the forum have stated that avatars are scheduled for after the first few patches are released.