For more information and instructions, please refer to the announcement topic:

https://forums.x-plane.org/forums/topic/345044-notice-skunkcrafts-support-discontinued/

Also new in v3.1.0

The VSKYLABS CT/4E Airtrainer v3.1.0 features the VSKYLABS Cockpit-Builders Assignment Layer.

Assign buttons, switches, levers, interactions via the X-Plane 12 assignment screen instead of the old convention 'sliders' assignment:

VSKYLABS CT/4E Airtrainer v3.0.1 was just released.

It is a *major update* release, which was focused on flight model refinements and other improvements.

The update closes the some of the flight envelope regimes gaps, following the extended CT/4E performance charts and figures. 

The extended CT/4E performance charts and figures are not included in the POH. The original references are being edited as a supplement for the project manual POH, and it will be injected into the project in a few days.

Here's v3.0.1 update log:
XP12 - v3.0.1 (13th May 2024):

Major Update - Aircraft Performance fine tuning:

• Propeller design tuneup to match the official Type Certificate data sheet for the CT/4E specs (Model CT/4E Airtrainer (Acrobatic Category). Approved 17/7/92.).
• Performance calibration to fall in line with the extended CT/4E performance charts:
  • Overall drag calibration to hit target speeds with higher accuracy.
  • Takeoff performance.
  • Landing performance.
  • Rate of climb.
  • Range (power and speeds).
  • Endurance.
  • Engine output and settings.
  • Fuel flow.
  • Max allowable aileron input vs speed range (official figures) is now incorporated into the flight model.

Bug fixes:

• Turn and Slip indicator XP12 dataref bug - fixed.
• Fuel-flow 'hump' when leaning the mixture at high pressure altitude was fixed.
• Engine data instrument arcs (red, yellow, green) are now accurate.

Interaction:

• Autopilot A/P light (in S-TEC panel) now indicates the status of the master AP switch.
• Flight initiation includes now:
  • If a flight is being restarted in-flight (when reloading an aircraft while it is already flying) - The rudder and aileron trims are set in 'flight mode', to allow comfortable flight initiation.
  • Stick HAT trim manipulators (the 3-d trim HAT switch) are now presented with arrows, for more intuitive operation with the mouse/touch controller). 

Also a flat spin?

I would like to assign a controller profile for the CT4E, but I can't find the plane in the list. All vskylabs products are installed in Aircraft\Vskylabs. In the aircraft menu the CT4E is listed under Military.

Regards

Andreas

The VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot': CT/4E Airtrainer v3.0 was just RELEASED!!!

The update is available via the updater. The store package was updated with the latest build.

Here is the release post:
https://forums.x-plane.org/index.php?/forums/topic/305457-vskylabs-test-pilot-ct4e-airtrainer-v30-released/

Here is the v3.0c update highlights (full update log exist in the project files):

XP12 - v3.0c (7th May 2024):

• Added PM-4000 audio-box to allow com1/com2 transmission selection along with com1/com2/nav1/nav2 audio selection.

XP12 - v3.0a (7th May 2024):
Minor tuneups - addresses none-toe brakes Joystick equipment:

• Reduced differential braking threshold sensitivity intended for increasing control during takeoff for users who are using twist-axis rudder equipment, with no toe-brakes (in this case, when exceeding a threshold, differential braking takes place, to allow use of brakes for steering, when there is no toe-brakes equipment).
• Idle RPM reduced from ~900 to ~800 RPM + Mildly reduced tire pressure, to allow more comfortable idle-rpm-taxi for users without toe-brakes equipment.

XP12 - v3.0 (6th May 2024):
(Major Update Release)

Flight Dynamics:

• Inverted flight fuel-tank is now simulated (allows maximum 10 seconds of inverted flight/negative g).
• AEIO-540-L1B5 Engine tune-ups:
• Power tuneups including power gradients calibration.
• Fuel consumption curve update including cruise performance.
• Airfoils update.

Graphics:

• PRB setup for interior and exterior models to fall in line with the latest X-Plane 12 rendering aspects.
• Various 3-d modeling enhancement for the interiors.
• Paint-kit update.

Systems:

• 3-d HUD was added (optional feature).

Sounds:

• New FMOD 2 sound pack.

POH:

• Manual update rev.004.
• Added Lycoming O-540/I540 performance charts.
• Added 'Essentials' pdf file with assignments summary.

Question: Is it possible to select one of the VORs to VOR2 ? I can tune and ident it, but I can't display it.. 

Observation: When I do a instrument check on taxi out the turn coordinator ball gets stuck far left or right even when a/c is again taxing straight. 

Regards

Jon

Hello all VSKYLABS Airtrainer CT/4E pilots!

A bunch of quick post-release updates have been injected to the project.

Current version is now v3.0e, available via updater and at the store.

In short, the update includes a few minor yet significant tune-ups:

Minor tuneups - addresses none-toe brakes Joystick equipment:

• Reduced differential braking threshold sensitivity intended for increasing control during takeoff for users who are using twist-axis rudder equipment, with no toe-brakes (in this case, when exceeding a threshold, differential braking takes place, to allow use of brakes for steering, when there is no toe-brakes equipment).
• Idle RPM reduced from ~900 to ~800 RPM + Mildly reduced tire pressure, to allow more comfortable idle-rpm-taxi for users without toe-brakes equipment.
• Mixture leaning causing fuel-flow positive 'hump' during the initial leaning process was fixed.
• 3-d animated toe-brakes incorporate animation for the simple parking brakes assignment ('b' / 'v').
• Additionally, the 3-d toe-brakes (upper section of each 3-d rudder-pedal in the virtual cockpit) indicates 'brakes are on' by switching to red-color. This addition was added for non-VR flying, where the parking brake locking mechanism ('T' handle on the pedestal panel) may be overridden by the default parking brakes 'b' / 'v' assignments.

The 1st two tune-ups above allows more comfortable yaw control during takeoff for users who are using simple Joystick setup with twisting axis for the rudder, where rudder input initiates differential braking (intentionally), in case of no toe-brakes.

The CT/4E taxi is usually done at idle RPM (800-900), and the speed is being managed by braking, not by throttling down. So the new tuneup allows easier taxi speed management for users who are not using toe-brakes hardware, having to use the 'b' or 'v' assignments instead, which is annoying... 

The other tuneups allows non-VR users to have visual feedback on their brakes status, in the case of using the default 'b' / 'v' keys. The visual feedback is red-markings which are shown when the brakes are applied (toe brakes an/or parking brakes). The 'T' handle on the pedestal panel is not a brakes lever. It is a locking lever, so when using the default brakes keys, it is (intentionally) overridden and won't be animated.

Taking advantage of this small update momentum, an audio-switch box was installed in the front panel, on the RH side. It allows to select transmission between COM1/COM2 and listening of COM1/COM2/NAV1/NAV2.

Enjoy your flight 😎

Download link for this dynamic checklist:  

  Enjoy and clear sky   🙂

In the real-world & VSKYLABS CT/4E:
Electrical trimming is provided for rudder and elevator. NOT for ailerons and elevator!!!

The trim system and setup in the CT/4E is a bit different than the common one;
The L/R trim switch (the HAT switch) on the stick, powers the *Rudder trim* (unlike the common aileron trim in most aircraft). There are also L/R rudder trim switches on the front panel, one in front of the left-seat, and the other in front of the right-seat.

The Rudder-trim is the CT/4E pilot's "best friend"! If you are used to fly a single engine GA aircraft, and hardly use a L/R trim control, in the Airtrainer - the L/R trim (which is the rudder trim) is essential for comfortable and stable flight. 

So make sure that you assign the L/R trim for Yaw rather than Roll. It is essential.

Specific trim is required for takeoff:
When loading the aircraft in cold-and dark, the yaw trim is set to zero (12 o'clock), as well as the elevator trim (9 o'clock).

• Take off checklist directs to set the Rudder trim to 2 o'clock (and the elevator to 10 o'clock). Failing to follow this, will highly affect the takeoff run stability.
• Then, during the climb, usually the rudder trim is set back to around zero (12 o'clock) or as desired (depending on speed and power).

Both actions above are part of the normal operation of the CT/4E and failing to follow it will result with the need to *fight* the aircraft.

Trim during flight:
Continuous trimming may be required, depending on the exact phase of flight. The CT/4E speed range varies widely (up to Vne), and the aircraft is powerful. Unlike non-aerobatic/GA aircraft (such as the C-172), where the speed and power range are much narrower and the trimming is subtle, in the Airtrainer, much higher *active* trimming is required through the phases of flight.

I was wondering, with the S-TEC autopilot settings, what Key assignment should I use for NAV activation? I have HDG and ALT assigned but can’t seem to find the NAV one.

Thanks in advance. It flies great by the way.

First off thank you very much for this release, been waiting for it for ages and I'm very impressed with the quality.

I just have a couple of questions,

Does any one know of a CSL file for the ct4 to be used on vatsim xpilot?

Is there a  xsaitekpanels.ini file.

Is the reality xp GTN 750 modelled or the gns530? I have hours in the real CT4B and I'm used to the gtn so would like to use that to keep up to date.

Do you recommend any acf settings to adjust for the B model?

I think this maybe a limitation of xplane but when spinning on a number of times it was unrecoverable on entry from even just a stall turn, when applying full rudder. is there anything i can check in xplane to ensure I have it set up right.

I have access to both the real B & E model if there is any extra data or details you like.

Thanks in advance.

Also thanks for making it easy to repaint!

Question- is anyone else seeing some marked instability- weaving back and forth- as takeoff speed is approached? I am aware of the limited nose wheel travel, but no technique I tried (slow acceleration like in a powerful taildragger, rapid acceleration to get rudder authority) other than maintaining a slight backward pressure seemed to help.  I adjusted the curve on my rudder pedals to be even more shallow, that also helped little but it was still a handful on takeoff.  After reading Stephen Dutton's review, where he experienced the same thing, I used his hack of toggling nose wheel steering on takeoff/landing.  Much better but still seemed touchy.  

Experimental flight model on, as directed, and all stability to 0, also per POH.

Is this an operator induced error, a matter of settings/curve/controls, or perhaps an area for evaluation and refinement?

Thanks for any input.

I really like the old school artificial horizon w/ the compass headings in the ct4e,... BUT was wondering if you ever considered having a glass panel option in the ct4e?

FWIW I also have been a long time fan of the "long EZ" and like in the v3 update w/ the g1000,... basically was wondering if you had considered doing something similar for the ct4e??

PS ever consider doing a VSKYLABS t34c ???

there is a version for sale in the "org" store

https://forums.x-plane.org/index.php?/forums/forum/127-t34-c-mentor/

but it is old and not not been updated,....

the reason I suggest doing a t34c is because it has a long history w/ the US military and NASA

https://www.nasa.gov/centers/armstrong/aircraft/T-34C/index.html

https://www.navair.navy.mil/product/T-34-Turbomentor

and the "turboprop" model you have for sale (i.e. the pond racer) although a very fun/interesting beast,... isn't at all realistic to IRL private pilot VFR/IFR familiarity training

Starting NOW!

All VSKYLABS products for X-Plane 12 are using the SkunkCrafts updater!

Please RE-DOWNLOAD your VSKYLABS products to be able to get future updates!

Something I noticed: the upper beacon is missing in external view in XP12b4 (night and day)
==> edit: lower beacon switch turns on upper beacon as well / upper beacon switch not working

Beside that: XP12 flight dynamics seem to cope with XP11 (as far as I can say)

System: Win10Pro / i7-9700K / GeForce RTX 3070 / 32GB RAM

Just returned to flying the airtrainer again and loved it, wondering why I took so long getting back to it.
During the time away from this great plane I got setup with Honeycomb controllers and after successfully assigning pretty much everything to those controllers, including the operation of the A/P, I am left wondering where (if anywhere) the set altitude is displayed.
Example: steady flight with HDG and ALT Hold active, now I dial in a higher altitude but this increase is not displayed anywhere ( or is it). Setting the VS to say 800ft/min eventually it gets there, but I can't see ahead of time what altitude it is climbing to.

Could you tell me if I am missing something or is that feature simply not available on the CT/4E?

Cheers

TinkerNZ

Update v1.0e was just injected into the project.

The update includes some required refinements to aircraft propeller design and overall drag characteristics to allow more accurate power vs airspeed gradient during cruise.

Am I missing something here or is this a bug?

TinkerNZ

Hope this assists anyone who had Fuel Selector problems.

TinkerNZ

This thread is dedicated to clear/solve things up on this matter, especially for users who wish to use hardware controls and switches, and of course for home-cockpit builders.

Starting with the Rudder Trim system in the CT/4  and how to properly assign it to your hardware:

Best recommended option is to assign the HAT switch for pitch/rudder trim. Just like in the real aircraft, and trim the rudder using the HAT switch on your Joystick. Assignment of the rudder trim is the default X-Plane Yaw trim left/right assignment.

Using the HAT switch (in the real-world CT/4 and in the VSKYLABS CT/4) will not initiate animation/movement on the independent front-panel switches themselves. This is not a bug, but a normal behavior. Using a front panel rudder trim switche will not initiate animation/movement on the other front panel switch as well. This is true in real-life and in the VSKYLABS CT/4.

For cockpit builders who wants to use a spring-loaded horizontal rocker switches for the rudder trim, make sure that the hardware switch mimics the real-aircraft switch (returns to the center when not being pushed to the sides). Then, assign the custom switch using the dataref system for custom slider#17 and #18 (LH RH accordingly), for the values of: 0= zero, 1=left 2=right.

Important note: The dataref system in X-Plane is not matching the assignment screen, with regards to the numbering (example: engine#1 in the assignment screen is engine[0] in the dataref system and so forward). So slider#17 in the assignment screen is slider[16] in the dataref system, and the slider#18 is slider[17] in the dataeref system.

Due to human error...initial version v1.0 was shipped with several unwanted "glitches"...

Glitches includes parking brakes interaction issues and couple of pre-v1.0 errors...(electrical system and couple of gauges).

All is set now and update was injected into the project a while ago.

Since the update includes minor fixes only, version designation updated to v1.0c...

Apologize for the inconvenience 👾🤖😎

Update log for v1.0c is available here, in the project main page: https://www.vskylabs.com/vsl-ct-4e-airtrainer/vsl-ct-4e-airtrainer-log#h.gqko25osdcme