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lectra! is the newest release from the VIP Group featuring the famed turboprop airliner the Lockheed Electra. Now, this is not just a flightsim addon. This is a 2-CD multi-media documentary featuring movies, photographs and stories about the Electra as well.
In fact, I shouldn't really call this a flightsim addon at all. The main focus of this package is tailored to anyone interested in the Lockheed Electra, whether it's real pilots, sim pilots or aviation fans. Being an "all jet" type of guy, I approached this review with enthusiasm to learn about the recent past when roaring turboprops dominated the skies, and jets were still on paper. I wanted to see if my interest would get swayed a bit toward these aircraft and I must admit it has been. I know my father would like this CD and can't wait to show him.
The installation went fine. I liked the web interface where you will browse through a series of html style pages, clicking on pictures, links and menus to navigate through this extensive library. However, after the installation, I noticed many of the links didn't work. Eventually I saw a note mentioning that to view the videos and many slideshows you would have to open up folders yourself to view them. I don't know why they bothered to hook up a nice interface if it doesn't all work. Being an Explorer user anyway, I found manually clicking on pictures, slideshows and videos no big deal - but for those who wanted the entire interface to operate, you may be disapointed.
The good news is that the photos are spectacular! Breathtaking shots from inside, outside, looking outside, views from the ramp and other points of view are abundantly packed onto the CDs. The deep blue Alaskan sky against many a snow covered ramp made me want to be there. The image quality is top notch and by the time I viewed all the photos I could understand that any Electra historian or fan would gladly pay the price for this package just for the hundreds of full color images normally only seen in "coffee table books". If you liked the photos, you're going to love the videos. A great assortment of full videos that all in all runs to about 40 minutes is the highlight of the package. These are of equal quality to what I have seen on other VHS productions. The videos are taped from daily operations on Reeve Aleutian Airways and their routes from Anchorage to the many Aleutian Islands. The sounds and live cockpit video make for an exciting ride. Sitting, watching the videos on my new PIII 500 with a 21" monitor, I often grabbed for my yoke mounted on the desk. There were approaches to snow covered runways, ice covered "one way" airports and multiple crosswind departures and arrivals. There are scenes from snowy morning ramps, engine startups, ramp action and in-cabin views of cruise flight over the jagged snow covered peaks. Most of the footage was shot in late winter and early summer months when daylight returned. There is one scene of blowing snow across the tarmac that gave me shivering goosebumps despite the temperature in my flightsim office being 75F! The only downfall is some of the videos are cut right during the landing rollout. Now being an extreme fan of aviation, I must say this is terrible. I want to see the whole rollout at least! This was my only bone to pick with the videos. Other than that, the videos are really worth their weight!
There are some nice stories to be told by the author Bill Schulz. It tells of his travels to make this piece and about flying the Electra. Before we get to the Microsoft Flight Simulator addon section, I just want to say that you should get this product if you have any interest in flying in Alaska or experiencing turboprop airliners in action!
Now for the Flightsim addons. This is where, unfortunately, I "was" less than impressed with the package. The good news is that the aircraft look fantastic. The props and landing gear are smoothly animated. All parts look to scale and lots of accuracy was put into the visual design. However, the flight modeling at first, seemed poor to me. Now, when judging flight models on aircraft I don't know much about (like I said, I know jetliners), I tend to really give the benefit of the doubt because in my mind the creator of the flight models will know far more than I. In this case however, what I think we have are Learjet 45's in disguise. My first takeoff in one of the Electras was done at Anchorage. By the way, I must say I flew to ANC on an MD83 just for the purpose of this review.. I am a stickler for realism. Full power was slowly set and I enjoyed the smooth windup of the huge turboprops next to me. But something was wrong. I blew past 60kts in 4 seconds, 80kts 2 seconds later, 120kts 2 more seconds later. Hmm. I rotated and whammo... up up to 40 degrees...god help me! Speed was now 160 + and the VSI was winding up to over the dial! I trimmed her down and reduced power, hoping for some salvation. Nope. Speed roared right up to an eye popping 450kts on the gauge. I thought, this can't be. I was still accelerating at full power. At nearly 500kts I cut the power to idle. I was really disapointed at this time and just decided to land. Landing was fine, reversing on the runway was instantaneous. The inflight handling was touchy. I was flying the LearJet. Now, the last time I checked, I have never heard of any turboprop airliners flying like this. Another day I tried a different plane and took off from another airport. Same thing. This time, I looped it right on the departure. Effortless loop. Sigh. However, look below, the authors have provided me with some new information on how to fly these "within the envelope" I was looking for!
UPDATE 10-7-99
I have just spoken to both Mike Vidal and Bill Schulz. They know a lot about this flight model and I have learned too, that certain procedures must be followed to get the best feel of this airplane. I want to say that you all should fly this plane by the following numbers to experience a much better flight than I had. At full power you may be able to do unreal things like I did, but now I have to go back and fly this way. In retrospect, my grade for the airplane flight model will have to be changed, because what these two have told me really will affect how it flies. Thanks Mike and Bill!
FLYING THE ELECTRA:
The Lockheed Electra was the first turbo-prop built in the United States. After some rough times in its early life, this plane became one of the most dependable and high performing designs in history. It still flies today around the world, moving both passengers and cargo. It is a great airplane to fly, and to watch and listen to fly!
START-UP PROCEDURE: The L-188 is based on a jet model, so you have to approach the start-up as you would a jet. Make sure that your fuel settings are OK (flow is ON, quantity is set as needed): { Flow= CTL+SHFT+F4 }
Select engine number 4, and "start", then move to GEN. This will bring power on-board for the rest of the procedure, but won't have "started your props. Look out the window, you will hear sounds, but the props are still. Your generator is at work.
Turn on strobes, lights as needed.
Set radio and NAV frequencies and settings as needed.
If on an ATC flight, receive all relevant information.
Make sure all is clear, then START number 3,1,2 in that order. (4 is already running)
Verify that FAN and TURB RPM's are positive and at idle (approx 25%)
Verify that props are spinning (look out window).
MAV: NOTE:
The turbine temp gauge will actually reflect HP output of the engines since this is the way it was flown for real. Multiply the number displayed by 10 as HP is in thousands.
TAKE-OFF ROLL
Flaps at 2 notches
Trim slightly nose up
Throttle up smoothly to full throttle, FAN and TURB to 100% +
Rotate at 120 knots
Once established positve rate of climb, GEAR UP
At 1,000agl, flaps to clean.
CLIMB-OUT
Climb speed, 210 knots, trim to 8 degrees nose up, adjust FAN to get this.
CRUISE
Establish cruise altitude. FAN at 88, TURB 94 will give 354 knts.
Vary as needed.
DESCENT & MAINTAIN
Decsend at 250 knots, approx FAN 42, TURB, 68, adjust as needed for rate.
FAN at 65, TURB 83 will give approx 250 knot straight and level, trimmed.
APPROACH & LANDING
Approach is flown between 150 and 140 knots, full flaps on final.
Use FAN setting as needed to maintain glide slope and airspeed.
Flare at 15ft.
ROLL-OUT
Use prop-reverse and brakes as needed. Be smooth and easy.
SHUT-DOWN
Turn engines 2,1,3,4 off, in that order, then
Shut off fuel flow (CTL+SHFT+F1)
SOME GENERAL SPECS: (Courtesy of Jane's Aircraft, provided by Jorge Alsina)
Service Ceiling at 100,000lbs, 27,000 feet
Max speed: 448 mph (not knots!)
Best Economy Cruise Speed: 374 mph (not knots)
Normal Payload: 21,638 lbs
The scenery is basic but does match the real life counterparts. From the pictures and videos you'll see how similarly they are built and this was reassuring. I don't know of any freeware Aleutian Island scenery so I can't really compare it to anything I have seen. Overall, the scenery was of average quality with a few unique buildings and structures. Some weird things were found also, like lime green tankerships.
This is a split product. Great for the videos, pictures, and slide shows. The FS addons are worth having, as to date nothing else exists for these areas. I feel the scenery could be a little better and fancier, but then again, it does the job and slower machines will appreciate the simplicity. I must add that the sounds and wav files that come for the aircraft are GREAT! I must mention that approach plates are contained in the CD to use at each airport!
Individually, I'd rate the multi-media section (which is 90% of the entire 2 CD set) a 95, the FS98 scenery a 70, and the FS98 aircraft a 70. Given the new data, the aircraft may really be better than this, I can't tell yet and without a true turboprop base in FS98 - I may never know. The average "grade" I'd give to the entire package would then be a 78. Just for the multi-media experience of flying in a Lockheed Electra, you'll be getting your money's worth many times over! The FS add-ons really complete the entire package. You'll even be tempted to show anyone who happens to be in the room at the same time with a big "LOOK!".
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