Easier versions of planes. (Don't fry me for asking)

[jslivoski]

I was wondering if there are easier versions or ways of making some freeware airplanes easier for kids (or me) to fly? For instance the B377 Stratocruiser where you have to set fuel mixtures, cowl flaps etc.... Is there a way to alter the config files so that all you need to do is taxi out to the runway and just take off and go flying without having to go through a list of steps? I realize that 'realistic' is the goal and I'm all for it, but not everyone, some kids (or me) aren't ready for it or at that level. In the old MSFS days there was even a 'land me' option. Just wondering, so please proceed with shredding me for asking.

[puttaround]

I don't think you should be shredded for asking, everyone uses FS for their own enjoyment and immersion.

[JSkorna]

Any of the Project Open Sky planes are easy to fly.

[Avechelice]

Hello,

If you (they) like also jet airliners you can use the Airbus family from project Airbus .. in combination with Ken Mitchell panel(s)
Good flying behavior and nothing (or so little) to set .. so easy flying from take off to landing

Regards.

[johnhinson]

The issues you mention aren't major - you can set FS to always use automixture and that side of things won't bother you. Use of the cowl flaps will not really make a huge difference and although they will normally start in the open position you can close them and forget about them without it making a lot of difference. Your engines will run a bit warmer and you will have slightly less drag on climb but I don't think in that model it will give you fatal results.

I'm not sure the 377 is the easiest to manage, though, its not the easiest to land and its easy to touch down like a kangaroo. I'd recommend the DC6 or 7 as an easier substitute.

No need to get the frying pan out. We don't get training courses for flying these planes.

John

[tgibson_new]

Hi,

For my planes (B377, DC-6/7, CV-240/340/440/580, F-27A, etc.), just do what you say - start up the engines and fly. I have no "punishments" in the panels, so nothing will happen if you exceed the normal limits. Just don't set the DC-6 panel's Notepad to "Damage" - leave it on "No Warn".

Hope this helps,

[Fozzer]

I fondly remember spending many, many hours learning how to fly aeroplanes in MS FS '98 using the Cessna 152/172 Trainers, and carried all that knowledge through to all the following Sims; FS 2000, FS 2002, FS 2004, and FSX, and on to my flights in real Aircraft.

There's nothing like going through all the training sessions, and reading all the literature available, Aircraft Owners Handbook, etc, before going any where near an aeroplane for a Solo flight.

I still use the C152 regularly to keep up to date!

Cessna 150/152 Trainer first.....Boeing 777 last...!

Paul....G-BPLF......!

[ViperPilot2]

Hey, it's a totally valid question so no rolling pin beatings for the OP!

Depends on what kind of flying you like, but I would think if you set some of the Realism settings down a tad, and picked something like a biplane (Stearman, Tiger Moth, Waco) those would pretty much be a "hop in and take off" sort of airplane. No flaps, cowl heat or FMC... just throttle, stick and rudder!

If it's for kids and you want a little action thrown in, you might want to think about the earlier MS Combat Sims like Combat Flight Simulator or CFS 2. With Easy settings, Auto Rudder and Rookie enemy pilots you and your kids can romp through the skies shooting up everything in sight with big brutes like the Corsair, Hellcat and Lightning!

Good Luck!

Alan

[pappy55]

For kids you could make a game of it for them..
Whoever passes the training course sections first gets a bag of sweets

I would keep the settings on realistic if you plan to learn realism.
Yes the learning curve is a bit steeper but its also shorter as you don't grow to rely on auto ruder ect

We live in the digital age now so there is plenty of material out there to help you. More than enough tutorials on YouTube
Example: (not my video)

[garryrussell]

Fraser McKay panels usually have a Rapid Start button that sets most things up ready to go

Still a few things here and there but there are inbuilt warnings and checklists to help.

Even complex aircraft like the CL-44 are easy to fly with his panels if you choose to use the RS function.