FlightSim.Com Reviews: MD-83 Panel
REVIEWS

Eric Ernst's MD-83 Panel

by Mats Bristol (15 January 1999)

This is a highly accurate MD80 panel based on the -82/83 series as flown by American Airlines. Most of the gauges are custom built (or modified) to look as close to 100% accurate as possible.

Here is a list of features:

  1. EFIS system with Flight Director.
  2. EHSI has ARC and ROSE modes selectable my mouse.
  3. EPR gauges with selectable limit bugs.
  4. Stall and Overspeed warning lights.
  5. Accurate Autopilot layout with some modification for better functionality.
  6. Flight Mode Annunciator panel that displays the status of the Autopilot. This is not accurate for the MD83...that will come later.
  7. Fuel cutoff switches for easier engine starts.
  8. Throttle panel switches off by mouse click to reveal space for custom addons.
  9. Separate window struts/overhead panel selectable by mouse.
  10. Window struts designed to give you an "in-the-seat" perspective instead of the jumpseat. This is very close to the same view an MD83 Captain would have.
  11. Working fire panel: If you press the "Loops A" or "Loops B" test you will get a fire handle warning. This simulates an engine fire. You can then turn the fire handle by mouse click to shut off the engine and release the extinquishing agent. This gauge was programmed by Christian Koegler.

    FLIGHT DIRECTOR

    The flight director has two modes selectable by mouse.

    Heading/Altitude mode:

    This flight director now has a 100% accurate working heading command (vertical bar). It will tell you when and how much to bank the plane. All you do is keep the needle centered by banking the plane and you will always be on the assigned heading.

    The vertical bar shows you deviation from autopilot selected altitude. It does not command at this time but the designers are working on making this component command just like the HDG bar does.

    Nav mode: This mode gives you Localizer and Glideslope information. It displays the same thing as the scales outside the ADI do. It does not command you to do anything; this is being worked on as well.

    Conclusion

    Those people that like to have many gauges, lights and sounds in a very accurate jet airliner panel just gotta try this!

    By Mats Bristol
    tf51@online.no

    Download the MD-83 panel.



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