wanted recommendation for freeware (or inexpensive)GA airplane for flying to Aspen CO

[vonBobo]

I like the idea of flying without a mask, but I don't need operational pressure controls.

I'm still learning the 172, and I don't want to make a huge jump in landing speed.

 

Suggestions?

Thanks all!

[mrzippy]

Your flying to Aspen....From where?? How far?? I fly a twin-engine Cessna Skymaster. it only has a 2D cockpit but flies nicely. You speak in "Tongues"! What is flying without a mask and operational pressure controls??? :confused:

[ViperPilot2]

Depending on where you're originating from, and some judicious planning with the Sectional, you can fly to KASE in the 172. It'll be a slow climb, and you're pretty much at the edge of Coffin Corner with airspeed.

 

With a 10-15 knot increase in Landing Speed, a Bonanza would fit the bill nicely. She'll have the stones to cross the Divide easily, and your overall trip will go much faster.

 

I'm sure more will chime in with their recommendations...

 

And... unless you're simulating O2 deprivation in front of the monitor (I hope not), the Sim doesn't model the lack of Cabin Pressure.

 

NO HOLDING YOUR BREATH WHILE SIMMING! :p

[tvieno]

The Beech Twin Bonanza by Eric Dantes is a nice freeware plane. It has both a VC and 2D panel.

[vonBobo]

Ha! Thanks for the laughs guys.

 

Flying in from Kansas City, short hop.

About the 02... in my fantasy world of flying, I want to fly into aspen with something that folks would naturally see there, and I dont fancy the idea of having to wear a mask when I get to the mountains, even though its all in my head.

 

Im thinking along the lines of a 210 (pretending ive got the p version), but I dont really want to spend the cash for the carenado version. But I also enjoy virtual cockpits, so maybe I will jusy have to pony up the money.

 

Any other suggestions? Maybe something sleek with a nice view, and wont cost me $30?

 

Thanks!

[lnuss]

How about the default C-182? Aspen isn't all that high, though the terrain surrounding it is, and the C-182 is certainly a good enough aircraft for that trip. As Viper says, you can, with care, even use the C-172. A Super Cub would be good, too, though a tad slow for the trip you contemplate.

[vonBobo]

How about the default C-182?.

 

Do you mean the 208?

[vonBobo]

The Beech Twin Bonanza by Eric Dantes is a nice freeware plane. It has both a VC and 2D panel.

 

Nice plane.

 

Through the props, the landscape disappears. Is there a fix for that?

 

Thanks!

[ViperPilot2]

Do you mean the 208?

 

Not the 208 Caravan, but the 182 Skylane. Bigger mill than the 172, and also has a constant speed prop instead of a fixed pitch like the 172. Carenado makes the definitive Skylane, and it's cheaper than the 210. They're common at KASE too, so no worries there.

 

Like Larry said; you could fly a Super Cub to Aspen. Just like in the real world, it's both pilotage and knowing the airplane that makes the difference.

 

[jandjfrench]

Hi VonB,

So you won't feel quite so much like a poor relation I recommend this freeware:

 

 

 

 

It's the Ryan Navion B (Ryan_Navion_B_V1.0.zip) available at SOH. Very nicely modeled.

 

Jim F.

[mrzippy]

Nice plane.

 

Through the props, the landscape disappears. Is there a fix for that?

 

Thanks!

 

Yes there is!

 

VC view of scenery through the spinning props

 

 

 

I replaced the file in the Texture folder called prop.bmp. Changed it from this:

 

To this using a file from my P-3 Orion.

[lnuss]

Do you mean the 208?

 

No, I mean C-182, but I forgot it's not included in FSX. Mine's from FS9.

[pandersonpc]

How about the freeware Cessna 310Q by Robert Richardson?

There are some vey nice repaints out there for it.

[HillBillyJim]

May I suggest Tim Conrad's PC-6?

[vonBobo]

Yes there is!

 

Thanks!

[vonBobo]

I've downloaded them all and really impressed on first sight. Thanks for the suggestions everyone.

 

About the PC-6, what are the initial settings for final approach? RPM, speed, descent, flaps?

 

Thanks!

[ViperPilot2]

I'd be interested in knowing the Route you plan to take, just to compare with what I usually plan out. I spend the majority of my time in FS cruising up and down the Front Range corridor, picking my way through various valleys, dales and hills figuring out routes to the mid mountain airports; Kremmling, Granby, Leadville, Eagle, etc. and beyond.

 

Maybe I'll see you cutting across the Denver Class C sometime!

 

Peace,

 

Alan :pilot:

[vonBobo]

I want to fly in over the range and drop in as I don't have the experience, or know where to find the routes... That's why I was wanting a pressurized cabin. This is a more of a "real life" flight for me. This is extremely embarrasing, but I'm taking the wife and I want her to be comfortable. :)

 

Do you post any of your routes online? I'm sure the bush flying community has a lot of resources available? I'm interested in that type of flying too, can you share some links?

 

Thanks!

[mrzippy]

I just did the hard part of your flight from Kansas City to Aspen. This was Denver to Aspen over the mountains. I used the default Baron and it handled it just fine. If you REALLY want the experience of a "pressurized cabin", that can be accomplished with most of the good payware aircraft. Lots of work and maintenance required with those besides setting the cabin pressure and bleed air.

 

First shot is about 20 minutes after takeoff from KDEN at 14,000 feet.

 

This is my approach into Aspen with the river gorge next to the airport.

[Ragtopjohnny]

Flysimware's Velocity XL RG is a real keeper. Just browse the screen shot section under my screen name and you can see the shots of her I make. She's my personal aircraft now for FSX, I love it that much.