Due to such a sturdy construction, reliability and nice handling, the Cessna 172 is one of the most used aircraft for training purposes around the world. The N model, produced between 1977 and 1980, is a good example of this.
This add-on offers three variants: The stock one, with fairings on the wheels and on tundra tires. These variants are not just aesthetic representations of the same aircraft, performances vary according to dozens of actual pilot’s opinion and explanations, and can be used with each of the eight available liveries (including a white one for repainters); giving 24 possible combinations.
The base model was made as a virtual replica of a training aircraft from a flying school, and was tested by a certified Cessna 172 pilot. This product was intended to perform, from an average simmer up to a real pilot, VFR/IFR practices on FSX or P3D worlds.
This C172N “Improved Edition” focuses on refining systems programming as well as modeling and performance details. Also it includes some additional features for better experience, some of which comes from user preferences.
External and interior model
- Highly accurate and optimized modeling for good performance; every visible part on interior and exterior are modeled on detail
- Elevator angle is affected by trimming setting due to prop wash or the free airstream; the yoke feeds back due to this action as well
- Almost every moving part or mechanism is animated. Engine vibration is simulated, as well as flexible items like antennas and static dischargers
- Texturing are applied depending on the relevance of the point of view, providing the user with a nice environment while keeps a friendly Frame Rate even in modest hardware
- Ambience reflections, bumps, damages, dirt and sun reflect effects are applied by everywhere
- Any door, previously open, will close due to the force of prop wash or the free airstream from frontal wind even if the aircraft is stopped
- The cabin can be full of occupants, depending on the individual payload station weight setting. Pilot arms are animated with the pilot´s yoke and all characters have natural animations on heads and eyelids. Pilot´s headset is optional as well
- Several cameras are included for external inspection or just for an alternative point of view for your enjoyment
- Custom 3D lights in all positions for a better visual experience. The landing and taxi light includes a spotlight effect that is stronger in low visibility days or nights
- Propeller damage is simulated whenever it hits the ground
Virtual cockpit
- Warm fully 3D ambience is experimented on the cockpit by the use of a right balance between shadows and lights, relaxing colors tone, precise and detailed model, and two different upholstery works
- Interior illumination is “real”, no texturing night-bright is used apart of gauges, in an attempt to offer a nice feeling. For easiest access in darkness, two custom keys combination are included on the cockpit view
- Full 3D gauges in two different avionics which offers:
- Sound panel Garmin GMA 340
- Custom GPS Garmin GNS 430 or Bendix/King KX 155 TSO radio 1
- Bendix/King KX 155 TSO radio 2
- Transponder Garmin GTX 330
- Empty or Collins ADF 650 TSO receiver (and NDB finder)
- Empty or Bendix/King DME receiver
- Optional dynamic precipitation drops on windshield and windows. Wings project “precipitation shadow” on lateral windows when you stay immobile under the rain
- Four interior cameras are included. In order: Pilot, avionics zoom, front passenger and rear-right passenger
- The pilot´s yoke is removable for accessing light switches and the fully functional breakers. Besides pilot´s headset can be put-on/off
- Almost everything you can see in the cockpit is functional and/or animated. Doors and handlers, switches, buttons, sunshields, windows, pilot´s yoke lock, levers, yokes cord and so on
- 2D panels are included for setup the aircraft, read checklists, check cabin temp, extinguish fire, aircraft tow tool and more
- Every mouse action could be useful over several buttons, switches, levers or animated objects; giving the user more flexibility and/or accuracy for dealing with the many cockpit functions
- Custom key combination to reset the engine and DATCON counters. It also let save its records when saving the flight
Paint schemesThis model includes seven liveries and a white-paint, useful for those which like to make its own designs. Here are:
- G-GNRT Blue strips based on 1980 Cessna factory scheme, UK
- N907WA Flight school scheme, USA
- N905WA Flight school scheme, USA
- EC-BLT Fictional scheme, Spain
- D-EXEC Fictional scheme, Germany
- C-FCXV Fictional scheme, Canada
- N403CP Fictional scheme, USA
Systems and additional features
- Engine combustion with more realistic performance and failures are simulated based on carburetor icing, soiled spark plugs, engine condition or even water ingestion
- The engine can burn or fails permanently due to abuse. The fire can be extinguish in flight with the proper procedure or on ground using a fire extinguisher
- Stall horn system is realistically replicated; as in the actual aircraft you can fly indefinitely with the stall warning sound
- Engine smoke and fire effect is included. As well the engine fire emits a sound to warn the pilot
- Custom sounds for switches, avionics buttons, engine, wheel roll, stall horn and doors
- Complex electrical system with functional breakers affecting each system
- Cabin temperature system is included. Conditions like cabin seal (doors, windows, Heat lever and Air lever positions), engine hot, external temp, airstream produced by the propeller and the external free airstream will affect the cabin temperature
Minimum system requirements
- FSX SP1/SP2/Acceleration, FSX: Steam Edition or P3D v1/v2/v3/v4
- 760 MB hard drive space