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I have in the past had a go with some rescue programs, which in fairness, have been entertaining to a degree, but, as the basic platform has improved ie FSX (especially the helicopter handling dynamics) I had a hop, skip and a jump when Just Flight very recently released a trial Rescue Mission Pack from the forthcoming full Rescue Pilot Mission Pack product. (See more details here; this demo will soon be available to download from the Just Flight site.) I have spent hours flying the scenario provided, and love it!
Nice touch from the outset, is a 'walk' to the waiting helicopter, (use the throttle to walk/run forward and the joystick left and right) the co-pilot giving you a quick brief, confirming that the helicopter is the best aircraft to use in this case. He then confirms he will be handling the coms. As you walk out you will notice a couple of other rescue aircraft parked. The Super King Air engines are running. Not only are the other aircraft in the rescue fleet shown in great detail, but the surrounding buildings are of equal detail and quality. You will also notice an accurate fuel tanker on the move. As you 'walk' up to the 'helo' you will find yourself sitting in the cockpit. (After accepting the mission by pressing a command when prompted). Take off, and you have the option of easy navaid visual data via the use of a subtle compass with a location bug in view, which will lead you to the designated destination in this case. There are also, not so subtle, green arrows rotating over the RTA or incident.
In this case a RTA (Road Traffic Collision) requiring a medevac, pick up made, you are given permission to fly off to hospital. When reaching the indicated pointer, the hospital comes into view (make sure the graphics slider is set to high in options.) The hospital is shown in great detail (after my graphic slider was set to high quality) with the heliport clearly in view. Land, off load the patients to two medics with stretchers, with a verbal confirmation the job has been done, and two patients suddenly appearing on the stretchers, you can return to the base. As you are flying, there are some very real and authentic ATC to add to the feel. You will be requested to fly downwind, note the arrows guiding you the overhead joining position, you will then be given landing permission.
Upon landing there are some massive demo banners on all four corners of the landing pad (a tad unnecessary). But it will not dilute from the fun. Remember, this is a playable demo. The final program promises to be real and serious fun, with many different levels and rescue subjects, and aircraft to fly. I will be queuing up for this release! I will see you there! In fact I will first in the queue. If this playable demo is the quality standard of the full Mission Pack, it will, I am sure, become the benchmark of quality for all others to aspire.
More on the final product post release. You will be able to download and experience the demo for yourself very soon. Check the Just Flight website regularly for information.
System Used For Preview
AMD 64X 2 Duel Core Processor 3800+ See you later with the full review... Onwards and upwards...
Nigel C. Martin  Copyright © 2007 by FlightSim.Com. All Rights Reserved. |
ow own up, who has
landed on a fictitious hastily prepared landing site adjacent to a
major incident which requires immediate medevac evacuation, or a ship
requiring an urgent medevac lift to a hospital? Or, rescued a climber
requiring an emergency evacuation off a slope?
