This model and air file were created to represent the Piper Aztec. The Aztec is a very stable, reliable piston twin, that has been a favorite of twin pilots for many years. This particular version is modeled after a 1966 version of the aircraft.
This version also incorporates some gauge and sound files that are only found in the PRO version of FS2002, however, if you choose to do so, you may use different sounds, and and different panel and use the plane in FS2002 Standard, however, I have not tested it in that version of the sim, so I make no garantees that it will work.
ABOUT THIS PLANE:
I used Abacus FSDS to create the aircraft, and though there are some flaws, I will be learning more as I go and updating. Please understand this, as you will probably find a few flaws here and there.
This plane has been optimized (to the best of my ability at this time) to fly as close to an Aztec as I can make it. I have never flown an Aztec, but I had three actual Aztec pilots test flying this aircraft, and pointing things out. The end result, in our opinions, is a very "life-like" aircraft, both visually and handling wise. I have tried to capture the "feeling" of the Aztec as much as my ability will allow.
The Virtual Cockpit does not feature working gauges at this time, but does represent a very close portrayal of actual view lines from inside the aircraft. Unfortunately, my modeling capabilities are still somewhat "un-refined" so the interior of the aircraft is still rather crude. However, my main focus was to get a visually pleasing aircraft as viewed from the outside, and to create an air file that was realistic.
I hope you enjoy this aircraft.
ABOUT THE PANEL:
The panel bitmap is a hand-draw recreation from an actual photo. The gauge layout is similar to the real thing, but due to the limitation of views, and space, I have taken some liberties in placing gauges.
Most gauges used in this panel are default Microsoft Gauges, however, there are a few gauges that are freeware. I have re-named them so as not to overwrite any existing gauges, because I have changed the background lighting.
Gauge Credits are as listed:
FB Guages:
Trim and Stall gauges
RCS Panels......( I think, but am not sure):
Manifold Pressure, RPM, Throttle Quadrant
UNKNOWN:
Airspeed (bitmap modified be Fred Choate), Fuel Flow, Suction Gauges
Thanks to all the gauge designers! I have not a clue when it comes to that, so I depend on you guys!
KNOWN ISSUES:
The only real noticable thing I can think of worth mentioning, is that the sounds (default Baron) make use of the Flaps and Gear sounds. In the Aztec, the gear and the flaps are hydraulic, and do not make the electrical sound you hear.
The Fuel Selector will show a CENTER tank, but there is no tank available in that position, so the aircraft will quit if you select it. There are 4 tanks in this plane, and all are wing mounted.
There are likely more issues, some I know about, and some I don't, but the overall model is pretty good (In my opinion) .
TESTING: Testing was done on a medium speed computer with default scenery. The realistic settings were set at about 2/3 of full, where they seem to work the best for most aircraft.
WEIGHT AND BALANCE GUIDELINES:
Open the "aircraft.cfg" file using Notepad. This will allow you to manually edit the Weight and Balance Section without using FS EDIT.
Once you have the aircraft.cfg open, scroll down until you find the WEIGHT AND BALANCE section. You will see that the Maximum Take Off Weight is listed, as well as the empty weight of this aircraft. You will also see an entry that tells you how much you can load on the airplane to stay within limits. You, as the pilot, will have to decide how to load the aircraft, and take into consideration how much fuel to use, and the weight of the fuel. I have also noted how much weight you can load using a full fuel load.
Now, you will have 6 stations to load. I have placed a pilot in by default, with a weight of 170 pounds. This will tend to make the plane want to turn slightly to the left if no other weight is added, and is corrected by adding a touch of rudder trim. The rest of the stations are listed as to where they are situated in the aircraft. You can add weight by changing the very first number after the station identification.....for example, you will see: (in this model, I have made the stations include both left and right side seats in the same value)
station_load.3=0, -2.25, 0.0, 1.9 //mid section passengers or cargo
To add weight, change the "0" to your weight value. So to load a two passengers of 170 pounds each in that section, your entry would look like this:
station_load.3=340, -2.25, 0.0, 1.9 //mid section passengers or cargo
Keep in mind that the heavier you load the plane, the more runway you will need to take off, and the harder it will be to get airborne.
Also remember to figure in the weight of the fuel. This plane uses 144 gallons of fuel. There are 4 fuel tanks, mounted in the wings.
You can edit the weight and balance during flight, by editing the aircraft.cfg, and then saving it. Then use the "Select Aircraft" menu to re-select your aircraft.
I hope I have covered the basics here. You may want to make a back-up copy of the aircraft.cfg file before making any changes to it, just in case. Now, install the aircaft and have fun!
INSTALL:
To install this aircraft, extract into your main FS2002 folder, and everything should fall into place (use folder names on your zip utility).
AIRCRAFT CREDITS:
Thanks to Dave Eckart for his tutorials on using FSDS, and to all the folks who offer advice in the creation process.
Thanks to Steven Grant for use of his pilot clothes bitmaps, and face bitmaps.
SPECIAL THANKS:
I want to thank Don Moser, Glenn Davy, and Larry Smith for the help they gave me in fine tuning the air file on this aircraft. Also, Larry Smith supplied the checklist and reference text used in the model. They put alot of time in test flying the plane, and sending detailed reports back to me. THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH........as I would not have been able to get the air file as good as it is with out your help.
COPYRIGHT AND NOTICES:
This file may be uploaded to websites as long as it is offered FREE OF CHARGE to ALL. It is freeware, and may not be included with any compilation that makes any money. It is intended to be used for the entertainment purposes of flight simulation, and does not intend to reflect actual flight dynamics, nor any actual aircraft.
This file was tested using FS2002 PRO version and worked fine. I make no insurances that it will work perfectly on your system, and take no responsibility for any harm that might occur from this file (which there should be none).
MODEL, AIR FILE, PANEL, TEXTURES are all copyright Fred Choate, and may not be used in other projects without permission.
