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The days of the great propliners such as the DC-4, Lockheed L-1049 Super Connie, and the Boeing 337 are long gone. Today we live in a day of large jet powered aircraft and have moved from the glory days of aviation to the common place travel method we know as "air travel". However a few companies are realizing the opportunity for a more fuel efficient type of aircraft. This aircraft being both a jet and a prop. This aircraft is known as the ATR-72. Flight One has done an outstanding job giving this aircraft the detail and respect it deserves. I first got a taste of this plane way back when in the days of FS2004. I can say from the moment I learned how to use the FMS I was hooked and this became my favorite aircraft to fly. Flight One is a quiet company that has impressed me with every single aircraft I've bought from them including now the ATR-72, and previously the Super 80, Super 80Pro, and the Pilatus PC-12. Flight 1 truly believes in quality software for the masses. Knowing this I knew that this was going to be another top notch add-on from Flight 1.
Having the ATR-72 in FSX or any flight simulator for that matter is nothing short of a miracle. The FS developers have never considered adding a turboprop to the default fleet. As fuel prices in the real world of aviation increase a need for more fuel efficient aircraft such as the turboprops has been shown. Despite this matter Microsoft and other FS developers have overlooked this valuable aircraft type. There are freeware ATR-72's available for both FS2004 and FSX which do include virtual cockpits and cabins however no freeware gets near the quality of this add-on.
The Flight 1 ATR comes in a DVD case with a small manual titled "Preflight Briefing". For the ATR-72 being such a complex add-on, surprisingly it is virtually hassle free in installation. Three repaints are installed however there are many additional free repaints available from the ATR web site and a few more repaints are available on the CD, you must simply go to "My Computer", click your CR-ROM drive, and explore the CD. Installing the repaints is so very easy. Flight 1 has included a nifty tool known as "Text-O-Matic" where you can edit all aspects of the repaint from the exterior paint to the ATC call sign.
The minimum system requirements to run this are quoted as:
The little manual in the DVD case is 13 pages giving you basic information of installation and the aircraft and its systems. However once installed the aircraft comes with a 481 page orientation manual as well as a 5 page manual displaying how to use the config editor.
This aircraft comes with two other bits of software to enhance what you fly and how you fly. First being the Text-O-Matic which allows you to edit any aircraft of your choice. You can then select a template. Next you go through the variation and texture folder. Finally you edit the tail number and call sign. Second we have the ATR-72-500 configuration editor which allows you to modify passenger and cargo loads as well as fuel, giving you a choice of measurement. Next you get cockpit options such as start up settings, volume, etc. Next we have a really neat feature titled "interior"; this allows you to choose the color of the flight deck and the passenger cabin. You can also select panel resolution to get your best performance. Another neat feature is the placard which allows you to select any airline and display any name of your choosing by the main entrance of the cabin for the flight crew.
The complexity of this aircraft's system is surpassed only by its shear takeoff power. This aircraft, although a cross between an EFIS (Electronic Flights Information System) and a standard steam gauge cockpit, offers a lot for both the low and slow prop type and the high and fast jet type people. This aircraft comes with an FMS which is to say not as complex as a 747 but for a small regional airliner it gets the job done with 100% satisfaction. You can program a route with any waypoint, including SID/STARS as well as general flight data. A neat feature in the FMS is the ability to input flight data using your keyboard. As you can see below you must hit "CALL" in the lower left hand corner and you will be able to input anything using the keyboard.
The exterior quality of the aircraft is top notch. Most developers never come to the realization that it does sometimes rain. Flight 1 however has animated the window wipers on the exterior and interior. The curved prop blades give the ATR a sophisticated look as does the rounded gear well. Although I would like to see transparent cabin windows the night lighting in the passenger cabin makes up for it.
This add-on comes with a photorealistic 2D panel as well as three panel view options. You get captain's panel, center panel, and FO's panel. You also have a variety of sub-panels such as the overhead panel, the nav display, setting, throttle console, etc. However in FSX Microsoft stopped supporting side 2D views so if you look to the right or left while in the 2D panel you will only see the VC which is in great quality as well. The VC has many animations, most buttons and knobs clickable, incredible night lighting and a neat TCAS feature. All FMS pages are seen from the VC, which is a short point in many add-ons. The throttle console has a safeguard on the throttle so unless disengaged the throttles will only increase by about 5%. On the nav display settings sub-panel you can zoom in, change the map setting, display various flight info and select your bearing pointer sources. The virtual cabin comes with limited animation but nonetheless it's fantastic with incredible detail such as a seat just for the FA in the rear galley and a lavatory with a working toilet that actually makes a sound when flushed. The door between the cabin and the forwards baggage area is animated and can be opened. The downfall to the VC is the fact that the cockpit door does not open when unlocked.
For those that are more concerned about performance than eye candy there is an option to check and uncheck both the virtual cockpit and the virtual cabin and easily bring them back. This aircraft handles well on the ground and in the air in all types of weather. I was actually able to land this plane it 80 knot wind with gusts at 120+ knots as a direct crosswind (it was not easy!) but regardless she handles great in all situations.
If you are looking for a transition from props to jet, or are just looking to fly into smaller more rugged airports then this ATR is the right choice. The developers have proved through this aircraft and many others they've created that they do believe in the quality of their work. I recommend this aircraft for anyone who owns Flight Sim X, you will have tons of fun. Some of us (including me) are jet setters at heart but this plane is without a doubt an exception.
http://www.atraircraft.com/public/atr/html/
I am currently 18 years old. I am a C/AM in the Civil Air Patrol.
I am nearing the end of my PPL training and going all the way through
ATP. I will be applying to Embry-Riddle University and if accepted
will continue with my aeronautics and engineering degree. I also hope
to visit the moon. I do plan to apply for the astronaut candidacy
program after I graduate and start my aerospace career.
William Werrlein
concorde614@yahoo.com
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