FlightSim.Com Reviews: ASA Airline Panels

Alaska Simulated Aircraft Airline Panels

By FlightSim.Com Staff (5 Sept 1997)

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Note: click on any of the pictures to view a full size version of the same image.

ith the abundance of readily available FSFW95 panels on the net, you may not think any commercial panels are worth the money. Well, in many cases I'd have to agree. The quality of freeware panels is increasing, however they're mostly in 800x600 mode. I hate 800x600 panels. On my small monitor they are hard to read and everything is just too tiny. My 30 year old eyes are not deceiving me. I just don't like 800x600 panels. And I do enjoy hitting 'tab' for more gauges. It gives me more to do in the limited functionality of FSFW95 panels.

When I saw the quality, workmanship, accuracy and scaled details of the Alaska Simulated Aircraft Panels for FSFW95 - I almost fell off my chair. All the gauges, printing and details are the sharpest I have ever seen on any flight sim panel. Better than the default panels and these panels do add some additional items that I have not seen other panel makers implement.

You get a 747-400 panel, and Airbus A320 panel and Airbus A340 panel. There is a 2 engine verison of the 747 panel if you want to make this useable for any 2 engine jet aircraft as well. A nice touch!

You have a VSI on the 747-400 panel. You also get a labeled flaps position indicator for the 747 and A320. You also get with a 'shift-tab' a great piece that shows a "master throttle" position with a realistic spoiler knob with position markings. This pop up piece is used when the engine gauges CRT is on and you would otherwise loose the visible throttle levers and their position. The throttle positions show a percentage of power or "fullness" that closely represents the N1 fan speed used in jets for power settings. This is a great feature and makes flying easier.

NIGHT LIGHTING

The night lighting of the panels is outstanding. It looks like small post lights are indeed on. As you can see from the screen shots I took - these are crisp and "eye friendly" to the max. And in 640x480 mode, everything is larger and makes you feel as if you're seeing the panel from your captain's seat - not the doorway to the cockpit like in 800x600 panels!

Installation is a breeze. For any person who's used to putting in FSFW95 panels - these are refreshingly simple to get running. Just make sure your "stretch panel with window" option is ON for these.

CONCLUSION

Well, I need not say more. The pictures show it all. At less than $15 per panel - you'll feel like you're in a new FSFW95 airliner environment. I must mention ASA makes a Piper Cub photoreal panel also, as well as a variety of superb looking general aviation aircraft - that look too good for FS5 and FSFW95!

From the deep wilderness woods of Alaska .... come the most realistic Airbus and Boeing panels you've ever seen!

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