X-Plane.Org Forum: PA28-181 Piper Archer III - X-Plane.Org Forum

21 April 2010 Beta 2.5

Last saved in XP v 940
- Added 360 deg photoreal 2D views from shots that I took.
Gives a much better sence of "being there" than the old ones.
- Minor flightmodel updates

See FORUM for details.

HISTORY

This aircraft is made for real PPL training purposes. The panel is a replica of LN-NEW
and LN-TFS that I fly in real. After making the panel, I wanted to make an aircraft that
performed like the real one. Lance Lobo was working on a -161 Warrier II at the time, and he kindly let
me use his exterior as a base for the -181 Archer. The performance is offcourse based on real acf data, airfoils etc.
It has been calibrated during a substantial testflight period involving several real in type pilots including
a former real piper testpilot and instructors. Also members of the XP community have been very
helpful during the public beta process. The acf now performs VERY close to the real one.
A couple of flights-schools that I know use the acf for training. If you know of any, it would be fun to know about it

FUTURE

There has been some change of plans. Scooter unfortunately had to pull out due to lack of time.
However, Tom Kyler has joined the team! We are working on what probably will be the most
advanced GA made in XP to date. It will use similar technology as the Falco and MU2 by Tom.
Fully animated 3D exterior, full 3D VC, manipulators, plugins etc etc.
We will soon start posting progress shots.

Monitor the FORUM for updates and project progress.

INSTRUCTIONS

This aircraft has a few "custom" features that others don't;

- It has a 1024 x 2048 WIDE 2D panel. This means you can fly the aircraft in
widescreen. Personally I fly it at 900x1440. You scroll with the arrow keys.
The panel is also full, meaning it goes all the way over to the instructor side so
you can fly it as an instructor. Will make a separate instructor version soon with
correct viewpoint and perspective.
- It has a custom NIGHT PANEL which takes advantage of the new lighting
system in v 9.30. Use the 3 knobs below the yoke to set the light the way you like it.
- It has a YOKE. You can toggle it ON/OFF by clicking on a hotspot
where you would expect it to be just below the HSI (compass rose)
- The aircraft has a complete 6 page CHECKLIST. You turn it ON by clicking
on the hotspot on the piece of paper in the left side of the glareshield/window.
You scroll up/down the pages with the small arrows below the paper.
To turn it OFF, just scroll the pages back to the start.
- If you click on the hotspot inside the main altimeter where the QNH
display is, a digital version will appear that has both mb and InHg.
This is so you can see exactly what you enter.
To deaktivate, click on the same place.
- If you click in the middle inside the HSI, there is a SHORTCUT link that takes you
directly to the area maps.
- If you see a HEADSET, it comes visible whenever the radio master switch is OFF
- If you see a SEATBELT on the left side, "put it on" by clicking on the small arrows on it.
(for checklist purposes)
- If you suddenly see ice on the windows, it's because the outside temp dropped below freezing
and you forgot to switch on the fan.
- If you see shadows moving across the panel, you are right. The acf has dynamic shadows
moving depending on aircraft heading - which way you turn.

MANUALS & CHECKLISTS

These are for real pilots and simmers who like to fly by the book;

POH Pilot Operating Handbook PA28-181
Engine Failure on Takeoff
Checklist
Engine Key Operations


Have fun

Morten