DreamFleet/Flight1 Cessna 310 - 7 Charlie Mike

By Nigel C. Martin (19 July 2004)

don't know about you but I love to attempt to master the latest offerings found commercially and freeware. Normally they are 'lightish' and fast or heavy. Quite frankly the smaller 'private' aircraft I tend to stay away from, with a couple of notable exceptions.

It was however with glee I noticed the Cessna 310. I have fond memories of a few hours spent in the 310 up in the clouds some years ago.

So, with a build up like that, on the computer it goes. Installation was straightforward and painless, especially if you use Autorun. If not seek out the Setup.exe file on the CD.

This pack does not come with a hard copy manual but it does have documentation accessible via Adobe Acrobat. (Adobe Acrobat is included on the CD if you do not have this installed.) Accessing this is vital, as you will need to refer to this document to get the best from the many options available.

Before I tell you a little more about the aircraft within FS2004 I would like to expand a little about the history, which is fascinating.

After the war, Cessna wanted to design a light twin aircraft with a seating capacity of 4 or 6 passengers. Like any 'classic' there were many reasons which justly gave the 310 longevity and increased performance.

The 310 took to the skies in January 1953. Along with its revolutionary smooth lines this new twin had innovative features such as engine exhaust thrust augmenter tubes and storage for all fuel in the wing tip tanks. If you could afford it one could have gift wrapped and delivered to you back in 1954!

Plenty of upgrades rapidly followed. The 310C of 1959 had more powerful 195 KW (260 hp) 10-470-D engines. The 310D of 1969 featured swept back vertical tail surfaces. An extra cabin window was added to the 310F. A further development of the 310F was turbocharged engines. This was replaced by the Turbo 310. After further mods the range culminated in the 310R and T310R identifiable by their lengthened noses. Production ceased in 1980.

There were also several military variations to the 310. These had the designation of L-27A and L-27B.

The total production of the 310 families was 6013 of which 575 were 310's and 196 for the military.

I think you would agree that this offering from Cessna possessed the looks of an aircraft far advanced of its creation. I believe one Spitfire test pilot said, and I paraphrase, "if it looks right, it will fly right". OK, the 310 is obviously not in the same league, but you get my drift.

Installation poses no problem, as mentioned above, to anyone who can switch a computer on. Once on the HD access the steed by selecting the aircraft menu, select the 310 and presto, there it is.

A mention of the 'manual'. You will note there is very little hard copy in the plastic case, however you will find a document on the CD which accessible via Adobe Acrobat. Once selected from the CD, the document has a very comprehensive Operations Manual, Checklists and Performance Charts.

The usual warning, make sure your print cartridge is full as there are well over 150 pages to print off, all very well presented. I printed the entire document; pop the result into a file and refer to it as you wish. Actually, I find this form of documentation the most useful, because of the ease of referring to the detail in easily read text i.e., A4. I am sure this is done through sheer cost saving, but works well.

That said, not everybody wants to run a 'novel' off on their printer, so a version with only the key points ought to be made available. A minor point really, because as I stated the document presented in this format is highly detailed and comprehensive. And yes, you must read it before taking to the skies because you will need the info within the manual.

So, at last the aircraft. Well, after you have gone to the aircraft menu and selected the Cessna 310 (with color schemes to chose from) and selected the airport of your fancy, you will be dropped into the left front seat, and immediately you will appreciate the quality of the overall cabin. On close scrutiny will reveal a 'lived in look' which I believe has a realistic element, especially around the top of the cockpit panel and window frames. I am not saying 'out of factory' look is bad but in my personal view this is more believable on this type and age of aircraft.

Using the 'hat' key on my joystick a quick tour around the cabin reveals more delights, namely a very swish leather interior with an opening and closing flight bag on the co-pilot's seat. Great, when you want storage you can never find it can you? Now you have your very own flight bag!

You will also note each of the four seats have a pair of headphones positioned over the backrests so no bored passengers! The interior is a delight; great views out of the aircraft, subtle but effective.

OK, the business end, the cockpit. Oh yes very nice, some highly detailed instruments beautifully rendered and of the period (FS2004 default GPS is included). After you have marveled at the panel you will start to realise one or two of the instruments are a little hard to read. Especially the GPS.

The 'front end' instruments i.e. the ILS, DME, COM's, etc. are very well represented and seem to function seamlessly. Despite my limited use, they demonstrate a tangible believable effect.

Well this is where your reference to the manual will be of use because the cockpit panel in 2D provides you with 'hot spots' that position you into the co-pilot's seat and with another press of a button provides you with a 'easy to land' view. Nice touch, and works very well. I question the 'landing' view as the normal view is accurate and very manageable, in terms of out of cockpit view, but I guess the facility may be of use. When selecting the views on offer you will note the readability of a couple of instruments (as mentioned above) is now perfect.

The cockpit has the usual 2D options but the 3D all functioning option is very impressive. The high-resolution digital graphics are clear to see. Seek out the working sun visors, how cool is that?

So my friends, to the exterior, does the detail hold up? Yup, as mentioned previously you are given two color schemes, one authentic blue and a green option. While these are great if you feel creative, you have a 'Text-o-Matic' program provided so you create new color schemes to your heart's content, somewhat cheaper than a re-spray! I guess I have saved myself $10,000 already! How tasteful are my color schemes? Well that's debatable!

While we are on the additional program bit, you are also given a Config-o-Matic facility that allows you to alter the all up weight and other numerous options such as 2D views and panel lighting color. The default is very natty green. As we are talking about lighting, the night time or low light conditions display some lovely effects both from an exterior and interior perspective. If there was a grumble, the landing light beam could have had a more of a diffused edge, which in my humble opinion would have added to the realism.

It may have been my fault but the landing light did not illuminate the tarmac in the default cockpit view but once selected another view option it appeared.

The door flung open, a quick clamber off the wing and have a look around the steed. Take time to have a good look at the detail of which plenty is on offer such as opening luggage doors positioned on the rear of the engines nacelles, (with luggage, how thoughtful--I wonder if they packed my tooth brush?). Some fabulous staining detail to the underside of the wings and the wheel/olio legs, prop and engine intake exude detail, as well as the customary aerial array.

You will also see a representation of a pilot which works, and adds to the overall look; some lovely head animation.

When selected the anti-collision beacons show nicely presented high vis strobe lights; great sequence, not all flashing at once! Did they have strobes or rotating beacons? Oh well, a little pedantic, the lighting looks great; must have had a mod to strobes.

On the runway lined up, flaps extended, select full throttle, levelly sound effects of the engines and ambient noise. V1, rotate, gentle climb, positive rate of climb, gear up, pop out and have a look at the gear, the sequence is very realistic and great detail.

The underside of the flaps has also been the subject of detail. Nice.

Up up and away, decent height settle into the cruise, if you are IFR or VFR or kick-in the auto-pilot the instruments behave well, predictably and accurately. Adjustment of the key instruments are a 'doddle' no issues here.

Click here to buy the CD version from PC Aviator
I have been in many twins and I have to say the 'feel' is great, I especially like the sink rate and handling on final and flare to touch down. Oh yes and the droning in the cruise full throttle and idle sound effects of the engines are excellent. The start sequence is also worthy of note. I have a real problem with some programs where they do not provide an adequate rudder effect, (I am using RF2.4 Freedom Cordless joy stick). I did experience rudder input but perhaps not to the extent I would expect while airborne.

The aircraft responds well to trim and all the usual control surface inputs.

Conclusion

Well I have enjoyed this offering at £19.99 ($29.99 U.S.) offers you a chance of flying this classic Cessna twin, with elements and detail that in the main is only found in a 'paid for' product. Because of the clarity of the instruments, attention to detail, and accurate flight dynamics, I am going to use this baby for IFR training. I did not experience any frame rate issues at all, all very smooth. Amazingly the other day I was at a local airfield called Goodwood Sussex England and saw a 310, I had forgotten how large this aircraft was, but it still had real appeal.

Had it not been for the additional program additions, which offers the 'pilot' other options of color scheme or alters the flight characteristics, simulating differing all up weights, the purchase may have been more difficult to justify. But clearly, the developers, DreamFlight (www.dreamfleet2000.com) and Flight1 (www.flight1.com) have listened to the "If you want my money, I want detail and value" cry. These developers have understood it, and provided that little bit extra. Well done!

Foot Note

I mentioned freeware at the beginning of the review; I believe the commercial developers are bringing to the table some real beauties, and worthy of the price tag. After all, if it was not for this commercial sector the advancement of our Flight Simulator world would suffer an extreme lack of choice and technical advancement we have come to expect, so I am sure you will agree supporting these developers is a crucial part of the rich tapestry of products.

That said, I am continuously amazed at the freeware offerings on dedicated sites. I have recently downloaded a Jet Provost and Vickers Varsity and Glouster Meteor, all being complete in every detail. If you want an example of excellence (my own opinion!) and being freeware take a look at Rick Piper's site. Another worthy contender for Classic English 'heavies' is David Maltby.

Program tested on:
Athlon 2600 CPU
NVIDIA 128 Graphics Accelerator Card
510 DDR ram (33)
Nigel. C. Martin
nigel@dbv-northeast.co.uk

Download and buy Charlie Mike right now!

[ Back | Home | Main Menu | Logout | Help ]