s a long time fan of the large twin jets, I have for quite some time struggled to find an adequate panel that would not only provide a high level of realism, but also a great deal of functionality. With the advent of FS2000, many panel designers were left having to learn a whole new format with which to design. Thus, many panel designers kept making the panels for FS98. Until now. I came across Nikolay Poriazov's excellent 767 panel one day, and decided to give it a try.
A very complex looking 767 / 757 panel with overhead console as well.
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The panel features 5 different displays, all common with the real 767. They include: A throttle stack with a retouched FPDA pushback gauge, all radios and trim switches, a fully functional upper panel with available GPU (ground power unit), a fully functional APU, with a realistic startup sequence and realistic sound, upper / lower air conditioning switches with realistic sound, oil pump switches and warning lights, realistic engine ignition, ice warnings, and de-icing switches. The panel also features a retouched GPS window that changes the gray GPS unit to a tan colored one to match the panel. A switchable interactive checklist can be alternated
with the lower MFD. For example, the before TO checklist calls for flaps 10*. This will remain red until that command has been completed in which case it will turn green. Once again, bringing a feature of the real cockpit into the panel. The fifth and final display is the main panel window itself. The upper panel features engine start switches, (also beneath the fuel switches on the throttle quadrant.) Light controls, BATT and GEN controls, (these can also be found on the upper panel,) NO SMKG / SEATBELT signs with realistic sounds, autobrake, panel toggle switches, and a whole lot more…
It's not very often that I get to try a panel as good as this one. It combines awesome realism, great functionality, good looks, and best of all, it's free! As far as frame rates go, I had no problem. Averaging about 15-20 fps. Combined with Kyle Duncan's excellent
Air Canada 767-300, this has been the most realistic flightsim experience outside of FLY!
Very nice indeed. The layout looks very close to the real thing.
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Although it may be realistic, there are a few things that I find distract from the panel. For example, the NAV 1 radio beside the autopilot is not supposed to be there. Yes, it provides for functionality, but the other is just a mouse click away. Also, a few of the annunciators don't work, but FS2000 can only go so far. There is also a strange bug in the panel that will shut down the #2 engine if the pilot looks at ANY other direction except forward. I have contacted the author however, and he is currently working on a fix for the problem.
If you are in need of a realistic panel for any heavy twin jet, but especially the 767, look no further. As a benchmark for other panel designers, this panel gives us all what we are looking for. This panel combines the best of every world, and yet it's free. I would certainly pay money for this panel. It's well worth every penny. I believe that a panel like this was a long time in coming, and now it's here.
In closing, I would like to encourage all of you to download this panel. It is chock-full of realism, and makes you feel like you are actually in the cockpit. If any real 767 pilots have tried this panel, please E-mail me and let me know your thoughts.
Likes:
- Good Design
- Great to look at
- Very realistic
- More working switches than you can shake a stick at
Dislikes:
- Some gauges out of place
- Strange panel bug
- Loading time can be tedious if flying at night
For its high level of realism, and for only having a few flaws, I rate this panel 94 out of 100 points.
E-mail
Nick Holinski
Download
the 767 panel
A very complex looking 767 / 757 panel with overhead console as well.
Very nice indeed. The layout looks very close to the real thing.