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A72-500 SeriesPublisher: CarenadoReview Author: Alex DickinsonSuggested Price: $44.95/images/fsc/wbicons/store-buy-now-button.png /images/reviews/carea725/t/carenado-a72-6.jpg /images/reviews/carea725/t/carenado-a72-7.jpgIntroductionHere is another aircraft in theextensive line of offerings from Carenado, but this time it's thelong- awaited ATR72-500 joining our virtual hangars. Until quiterecently, there had been a degree of frustration within the flightsimcommunity over the fact that there had not been a well-modelled ATRavailable for the FSX/P3D market. Thankfully this frustrationdissipated when Carenado released the smallerATR42not that long ago. Capitalising on this model, it wasn't too longafterwards that Carenado released the larger ATR 72-500. Since thenthe impact that this aircraft has had would be something I woulddescribe as extensive. For a good few weeks after its release, socialmedia groups were alight about this particular aircraft, so already itappears to be a popular choice with consumers. /images/reviews/carea725/t/carenado-a72-28.jpg /images/reviews/carea725/t/carenado-a72-9.jpgThe ATR72-500 is an elongated version of the original ATR aircraftwhich entered service in 1997. Despite production ending in 2011,it is still a popular commuter aircraft on short domesticroutes. Having had the opportunity to work on the ATR in real life Ican tell you that the airframe is known for being difficult to balancein terms of weight, as well as being very loud. LiveriesWhen it comes to liveries, Carenado as always, do not skimp, asthey provide a wide selection with this package: Aer Lingus (Stobart Air) AurignyAviancaBinterFlybeIberia Regional Jet Airways SASTurkish Air force /images/reviews/carea725/t/carenado-a72-10.jpg /images/reviews/carea725/t/carenado-a72-11.jpgCockpit And AvionicsAs far as I can tell, when it came to the avionics, they were allvery accurate. I do like the mix of electronic screens and steamgauges as it reminded me of the cockpit layout on one of my favoriteaircraft, the Boeing 757. Overall the cockpit is nicely done andaccurately modelled with lots of overall system functionality. Only afew switches are non-functional, but nothing that I felt took awayfrom the overall experience. In regards to the overhead panel, I feltit had a simple but user-friendly type of design, similar to that ofthe autopilot. The FMC fitted, was the same generic model used on mostof Carenado's aircraft. Yet again, this was very easy to use, but Ifelt that this FMC lacked the detail required of an FMS unit and wasreally only good for plotting a route for the aircraft. Cockpit lighting is also very good, and includes the usual panel,dome, and background effects. There were switches for each of these,but unfortunately, whilst there was instrument lighting, there was noswitch to have this as the only lighting option. For someone who usesthis method a lot, I found this slightly disappointing. /images/reviews/carea725/t/carenado-a72-12.jpg /images/reviews/carea725/t/carenado-a72-13.jpgExterior And Interior ModellingAs always, Carenado never fails to impress when it comes toaircraft modelling, and the ATR72-500 being reviewed here is noexception. The exterior as well as the interior, benefit from the samesharp eye for detail that Carenado are renowned for; meaning thateverything is accurately placed and well presented. No detail itseems, is too small. Whether it's the landing gear or the stitches onthe seats, it's all present, and done well! Exterior LightingI have to say, that since coming to P3D, I really love thebeautiful shadow textures you can achieve in the sim, and whilst itmay seem small, it adds greatly to the authenticity. With that said,my expectations were for the model to incorporate this feature, and Iwas right, the cockpit does itself include shadow textures that aredefinitely noticeable. /images/reviews/carea725/t/carenado-a72-14.jpg /images/reviews/carea725/t/carenado-a72-15.jpgHowever, my frustration became apparent when I noticed that none ofthe additional lighting effects found in the latest version of the simwere being utilized for the exterior of the aircraft. The result wasthat they lacked brightness during the day, and apart from the landinglights, there was a distinct lack of reflective textures. SoundThe sounds found on the model of the Carenado ATR72-500 are easilyone of its best features. The two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW100 enginesare most impressive, as they are really loud (close up painful), butthere is just something I love about them. As well as the engines,there are numerous sounds for switches and knobs, and along with theengines, the whole thing sounds like a symphony of horsepower - sucha delight! /images/reviews/carea725/t/carenado-a72-16.jpg /images/reviews/carea725/t/carenado-a72-17.jpgAdditional FeaturesAdditional features include the usual static elements, plus a coldand dark state for a procedural start-up, but unfortunately there wereno options of opening or closing individual doors. The one includeddoor command opened all three, which was a shame, as I would haveliked to have seen individual options for all three. Another area I found issue with, was the lack of a GPU (groundpower unit), and I'm not alone in this, as many people have, as Iunderstand, commented on this fact. It seems that Carenado rely on anoption from FSUIPC which enables the battery to maintain a constantcharge, which for someone who enjoys simulating realism to thefullest, is rather annoying. /images/reviews/carea725/t/carenado-a72-18.jpg /images/reviews/carea725/t/carenado-a72-19.jpgTo compensate for the lack of a GPU, Carenado have included a'Hotel mode'. This mode is a way of starting the engine so you can getAC power, but with the use of a prop brake, i.e. the propeller willnot turn. This is a nice feature to add, but unfortunately it'sunrealistic as it is not often used at airports where ground powerunits are readily available. Like I mentioned, I'm not alone in myfeelings regarding the GPU, so a future patch addressing this issuewould be most welcome! Weight And BalanceAs previously mentioned in the introduction, the aircraft isnotorious for being difficult to accurately balance, and as such, as adispatcher, I had to receive special training in which to work withthis aircraft. On one occasion, I remember being told that on somesituations, all that was needed to take the aircraft out of trim, wasa passenger moving a single row. I was further told, that if the abovedid happen, the aircraft would require more runway to takeoff, andthat there had actually been instances where there had almost been anaccident as a result. /images/reviews/carea725/t/carenado-a72-20.jpg /images/reviews/carea725/t/carenado-a72-21.jpgBeing interested in this sort of thing, I was keen to try this out,especially as Carenado had stated that their ATR72-500 has "Realbehaviour compared to the real airplane. Real weight and balance."Unfortunately though, I was unable to test this situation out, asCarenado hadn't included individual seat rows with this particularmodel. Instead they had used sections, such as total passengerweight, and total rear baggage. /images/reviews/carea725/t/carenado-a72-fuel_and_balance.jpgThe upshot of this, was that I was not able to adjust the trim(balance) as necessary so as to test this in an accuratemanner. Something I did notice however when piloting the ATR near itsMTOW, was that the aircraft was very difficult to pitch up. It'sentirely possible that this may be an example of the aircraft beingout of trim, and why I think it highlights the importance of whyCarenado in my opinion, should have included a custom fuel and weighttool. /images/reviews/carea725/t/carenado-a72-22.jpg /images/reviews/carea725/t/carenado-a72-23.jpgHandlingWhen it came to how the model handled, I would describe theaircraft as being semi-realistic, as it flew similar to that of theDash 8. I would describe both aircraft's handling characteristics asbeing sluggish and having a natural bank at slow speeds. However, onthe ATR72-500 I would say that the handling is different to othertypes of aircraft I usually fly, but it will not take you long to getuse to her. Once learned, I loved every moment of flying it, as shewas very smooth and responsive. My only disappointment came whenextending the gear, flaps and changing the weight, as I would saythere was little to no effect on the handling at all in flight. On theground however, there was a noticeable difference. PerformanceI experienced no issues at all in regards to lag, spikes or loss offrames with this aircaft, which was most impressive. Usually I wouldexperience at least a loss of 3 FPS with Carenado aircraft, but withthis particular model, I had no problems at all. /images/reviews/carea725/t/carenado-a72-24.jpg /images/reviews/carea725/t/carenado-a72-25.jpgConclusionThis brings me to my conclusion, and if I'm honest, it's adifficult one to sum up. I really like this model and enjoy flying it,but I cannot help but say the experience is somewhat subdued becauseof the issues I have discussed above. As it stands I would say thatthe Carenado ATR72 is definitely a good addition to your hangar if youare an ATR fan, just don't expect it to be perfect. /images/reviews/carea725/t/carenado-a72-26.jpg /images/reviews/carea725/t/carenado-a72-27.jpg/images/reviews/carea725/CAR-900-a72-500-series.jpgAlex Dickinson Purchase Carenado - A72-500 Series for FSX/P3D
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/images/notams/notams19/care0724/care0724.jpgSpecial FeaturesFull FSX, FSX: Steam, P3D v4.4 (and up) compatible Full PBR (Physically Based Rendering) textures and materials (P3D v4.4 and up) Flight1 GTN 750 and Reality XP GTN 750* integration Updatable database - AIRAC cycle 1601 (January 2016) included VR ready Real start up procedures Real A72 engine sounds, aural warnings and sound systems Real flight dynamics Cold and dark start option Takeoff run and landing real rolling movement effect Custom brakes sounds on taxi and landing run /images/notams/notams19/care0724/a72-1.jpg /images/notams/notams19/care0724/a72-2.jpgFeaturesOriginal autopilot installed HD quality textures (4096 x 4096) Customizable panel for controlling windows transparency, instrument reflections and static elements such as wheel chocks Real behavior compared to the real airplane Real weight and balance Tested by real pilots Realistic night lights effects on panel and cockpitNOTE: This aircraft does not have a 2D panel. *Flight1 GTN 750 and Reality XP GTN 750 are sold separately. /images/notams/notams19/care0724/a72-3.jpg /images/notams/notams19/care0724/a72-4.jpgIncluded In The Package12 HD liveries 1 HD Carenado and blank livery A72 Emergency Procedures PDF A72 Normal Procedures PDF A72 Performance Tables PDF A72 Reference PDF A72 Autopilot PDF FMS SCN 801 PDF Recommended Settings (FSX and P3D v4) PDFPurchase Carenado - A72 500 Series For FSX/P3D
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/images/notams/notams19/care0708.jpgCarenado A72 500 Series P3D/FSX Extended Pack version 1.2 released. 5 new liveries added to the packageNew cockpit interior color (blue-gray)1 house livery addedImproved wingflex animationNew EHSI graphics Source Product Page