This model is based on the Piper Chieftain. The model is not intended to be an exact replica of the Piper Chieftain, although visually, it looks pretty decent. I have used bits and pieces from differnt spec sheets to create this model.
IMPORTANT: I am not a professional developer. I do this as a hobby, and for the enjoyment of flight simulation. This file comes with NO guarantee, implied or otherwise. Most all of my creations are created to run on my computer first, therefore, they are not hugely graphic, and incredibly detailed like some files that are offered at other sites. My files are intended for use for the average to low-end systems, and are not huge in size. They will work wonderfully on the more powerful systems, but are geared so that even those with low end systems can use them.
About this model:
First of all.......this model is not perfect, far from it actually. I realize that there are probably many short comings on this model, but for general flight simulation, it is pretty decent. The flight dynamics seem to be good and stable, and the aircraft seems to fly pretty well (considering I have never been in a Chieftain before, and all data was based on info from the web, and from a few actual pilots)
About the Panel:
This panel was created using an actual photo from a chieftain. I have placed some gauges in "non-realistic" locations for use within the sim.
About the Flight Dynamics:
I tried to get the flight dynamics as close as possible on this aircraft. Certainly, there are flaws, but for the most part, I believe the aircraft fly's much like a real chieftain. I did have trouble with the stall characteristics however. The nose will go down before the horn blows.
ENJOY!
KNOWN ISSUES:
The biggest issue that I know about, is the wieght and balance. For some reason, I can't get the sim to show the proper loading of the aircraft. If you load it the way it should be loaded, the CG indicator in the sim will still show the CG being on the nose of the aircraft. I tried several things to correct this, but was unable too........
However, the plane seems to fly correctly when loaded, so I didn't think this was a serious issue.
I also have had trouble getting a stall warning.
The engines are not counter rotating at this time.
There is no VC in this model, however, I am working on one. I am not the best modeler, and was not satisfied with my ability for a flyable VC for this aircraft. I did place a VC section in the panel.cfg, so that gauges will show when viewing from spot view, but there is no model for viewing from VC mode.
There also may be a few texture anomalys as well, and I will try to correct them for the next release.
At this time, I feel the aircraft fly's pretty well.
INSTALL:
extract to your FS2004 folder, and the files should be created right where they need to go. It will create two seperate folders. One for the Montana Air Livery (used by my virtual airline), and the other for a more classic paint scheme. The GAUGES will be in the PANEL folder, as to not overwrite any you may have already. If you have trouble seeing gauges, simply move them to your main GAUGE directory.
All gauges are default, except for the a few gauges I have found here and there......I am sorry but I have no documents to the creaters of those gauges, but if you are one of the gauge designers, I give you all the credit you deserve.
Model and bitmaps including the panel are copyright Fred Choate.
Air file and aircraft.cfg are by Fred Choate, based on Microsoft templates
The pilot figure is that of Dave Eckerts, with a few mods by me.
The prop and seats are by Brian Gladden I believe.
THIS PACKAGE IS OFFERED AS FREEWARE, AND IS NOT TO BE PLACED ON ANY CD OR OTHERWISE USED TO PROFIT.
Fred Choate
Montana Air
http://www.flightsimnetwork.com/montair
mt_air@hotmail.com
