BluePrint Sim - Cleveland-Hopkins International Airport For FSX

By David Pickett (30 May 2007)

The airport came as a .zip file and came with an installer; a very good idea to allow ease of install and makes the add-on more user friendly. The install was simple and I quickly had it up and running.

Next stop was the scenery library in FSX I located the folder and FSX did the rest. I then started a free flight with a Baron aircraft. Upon loading there was no sign of any airport, I thought it might suddenly appear but it didn't so I checked the graphic settings. It seems, after trial and error, that your FSX settings need to be scenery level on little more than default. This allows the Gmax buildings to function. Of course this wasn't an add-on problem so you can't blame BluePrint for it.

Once I had changed the settings I started another flight with the Airbus A321 white. I selected gate A4. Upon loading I saw the airport. It is beautifully made with individual numbers above the gates. As with normal FSX scenery there are the usual vehicles and ramps. The textures used by BluePrint are amazing and the level of detail is very good with color changes as you look around the buildings making buildings look like buildings not model projects made to resemble buildings.

On taxiing I found some of the marker lines to be pixilated only in cockpit view. As I turned the corner I saw the main building of the airport. The trees are well made and the custom Gmax models really do stand out from the ordinary flightsim ones. This adds to the sense that you are at a real airport.

Also BluePrint has made the NASA facility as well and it is located on the edge of the airport; this is a welcome addition.

The picture shows the terminal building. My graphics settings are low to mid and yet the quality is very good. Although a few frame rates are lost the result is very good so it's worth it. The glass textures are very nice and the terminal buildings are laid out well and the textures fit into the structures.

The picture shows some of the D section area. The colors are realistic and look good within the airport.

On the taxiways and runways new lights are added with great ground textures. There are new lines painted as well making for a great experience; the new lights will look great at night.

BluePrint has also added light racks to the ends of runways; this is a great thing to see out of an aircraft and they are really well made and show texture.

This add-on for FSX provides a much more realistic simulation than standard FSX airport scenery. This is a great buy for anyone wanting to see what an airport looks like in real life and adds loads of realism. The models are very well made and look realistic, everything that you would expect in an airport is made in this add-on. Buildings look natural and the parking slots are all laid out well. Everything is in the right place and BluePrint has been very accurate in reproducing exact lengths and spots.

The pictures show an overview of the airport although the front of the ultra light is in the way. Every part of the airport has been touched in some way by BluePrint. This is amazing and little details are made and the airport is superb.

BluePrint has worked hard to get this add-on just right, and they have done it. The Cleveland-Hopkins International Airport add-on is great and is a must buy as long as you can compromise a few frames although only 2 or 3. Although at time of writing I haven't got FSX SP1 I think that this airport will work with it although check it out to make sure before you buy. This add-on is a great buy and I recommend it to anyone.

Good luck to BluePrint with more add-ons.

David Pickett
www.davidsflight.info

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Learn More Here (FS2004 version)