Eaglesoft development group has made what is the nicest high-performance single on the market, and tuned it just for FSX! The Columbia 400 was designed shortly after the Cirrus SR20, as the Lancair ES kit plane. Then, the Lancair evolved into the Columbia 300, a certified composite, high-performance single, made in Bend, Oregon. The Columbia 300 became a more powerful 350, then a new model, the Columbia 400, a twin-turbocharged six-cylinder, Continental engine. Then, in 2007 Columbia Aircraft was liquidated and bought for $24 million by Cessna. The models became the Cessna Corvallis, and Corvallis TT, respectively. In 2011, the Cessna 350 or Corvallis program ceased, leaving only the Cessna 400 or Corvallis TT.
This model is greatly similar to the real Columbia/Cessna. Seeing the real thing at AOPA Summit 2010 gives me that right to say it. The Avidyne flight deck is nice, though not as intuitive or resourceful as the G1000. Eaglesoft got the unmistakable lines of the Columbia 400 just right, and the engine sounds great. The two gullwing doors open, and so does the cargo hold. You can see luggage inside the cargo hold, and while the menu is open, see it on the tarmac ready to load. There are options for tie downs, pitot covers, and intake covers, as well as chocks, a pilot, and sunglasses on the pilot. A thorough package indeed. There is one version of this aircraft that is a Lancair ES; the others are Columbia 400's.
The Columbia 400 by Eaglesoft captures all the unique shapes, contours, and feel of the Cessna / Columbia 400. The scimitar propeller fits in perfectly, as well as the gullwing doors opening, and the Avidyne flight deck to boot. With dual Garmin 430 WAAS units, the HPS systems aren't anything to argue about, but again, take more skill than the G1000, respectively. When flying, though, if you're not used to trimming, get used to it! The aircraft is stable, but trim is an important thing to have, especially since the controls work so well, and need little movement for aircraft movement. This isn't aerobatic, but you can do a roll or two, and it turns quickly.
The interior is well done. All the features are in their places, and all do the right things. The leather looks correctly modeled, matching the stitching pattern of the production model. The fuel selector is a nice knob on the center console, however all models Columbia and Lancair have a Lancair logo on the wood, a mistake. The Avidyne system does its job, but you're waiting 2-3 minute for the AHRS system to warm up, and the system to align itself, before embarking, it's not ready to go instantly. The dual Garmin 430's are easy to use, but the S-Tec autopilot is a bit fussy, but you'll get a hang of it. You can hear a slight difference in sound when the door seals are inflated, a nice touch; altogether a nice package. Eaglesoft has said there will be a Cessna version soon, with G1000, but that's 2nd-3rd quarter 2011.
The distinct features of the Columbia 400 are displayed precisely, the engine sounds great, the speed brakes work like a charm, and the gullwing door are nice to enjoy while on the ground. The flaps work great, and lift is noticeable. Nice features such as tie downs, pitot and intake covers, chocks, and baggage on the ground make it a nice, realistic aircraft. Sometimes, shadows will get mixed up, but nothing too weird or disappointing.
This is a fixed gear single. It can cruise at 235 knots at 85% at an altitude on 25,000 MSL. It has a max takeoff weight of 3,600 lbs and has, with full fuel, only 430 pounds of useful load for passengers and baggage, not your ideal setup. Its power comes from a Continental TSIO-550-C flat 6 engine with 310 horsepower. Climbs at 1500 ft/min, and has a max operating altitude of 25,000 feet. Wingspan of 36 feet 1 inch, length of 25 feet 2 inches, and has a max range of about 1000 nm. It takes considerable amount of runway to takeoff, and a good amount to land, more than a Baron, and short strips aren't an everyday occurrence. With only one engine, however cruising at higher altitudes with speed is recommended, in case of an engine failure.
Eaglesoft has made a nice package for the Columbia 400. It performs as it should, looks as it should, and is a nice model at a good price. It isn't a replacement for a Baron, considering your weights, takeoff performance, but will cruise faster, and higher, as long as you don't need a lot of gear. Overall, a nice package and a good buy.
High quality textures, great engine sound, realistic dynamics, medium difficulty in flight.
Quite a bit of runway needed, mixed up shadows occasionally, fussy autopilot.
Pictures and critical test conducted at Princess Juliana Airport TNCM.
Peter Carlson
petersnoopy@sbcglobal.net
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