PIPER CHEROKEE ARROW III (PA 28R-201) by Warren Baier
Version 1.0
Introduction
This aircraft was created for all those aviation enthusiasts (including real world pilots) who enjoy the magic associated with being around and flying light aircraft. In developing this package I have tried to produce an aircraft that looks right and flies right and which will allow the enthusiast to take full advantage of the great scenery and other features that come with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2002. Piper's Cherokee Arrow is a good looking airplane - I hope I have done it justice. If, like me, you will probably never be fortunate enough to own and fly a real one, I hope that you really enjoy owning and flying this one - I had great fun making it!
PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO VOTE FOR THE ARROW [arrow_3.zip] AT SurClaro! (http://www.SurClaro/cgi/kds/main/vote-dev.htm)
Flight Simulator version compatibility
This aircraft has been designed for and tested in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2002 Professional Version. Unfortunately I have not had time to test it in the Standard Version but I do hope that it is compatible (I have modified the panel for FS2002 Standard and included this as a separate file - see installation section below).
Model Reference Sources and Other Notes
The Arrow was designed in Gmax (Discreet) using scale plans obtained from a Cherokee Arrow manual. Photographs were taken of a real Cherokee Arrow based at Whangarei airport New Zealand to assist with detail work. I tried to get the panel and virtual cockpit to resemble the real one but some artistic license has been used. The paint schemes on the aircraft are my own design. I was not able to compile original engine sounds (hopefully someone else will) so I have had to use the sounds of the default Cessna 182. The aircraft flight dynamics are the result of modifying the default Mooney .air file to reflect the Arrow's fuselage dimensions, airfoil dimensions, areas, angles and positions plus all the other values relating to moments of inertia, weight, centre of gravity and control surface areas. Adjustments to numerous other parameters were made in order to achieve realistic handling and to ensure accurate performance relating to maximum speed, stall speeds, rate of climb and fuel consumption. I will not pretend to have everything correct as this is a task for the expert and hopefully someone will take up the challenge of generating a better .air file.
Features
This aircraft has all the standard features associated with the FS2002 default aircraft except for reflections. I was not satisfied with the texture quality after adding the alpha channels. I will be working on this and will hopefully be able to upload a patch. I have introduced some additional features on the model, which I hope you enjoy:
The pilot's head turns with the nose wheel (yes, pilots do look around!)
The pilot and passenger bounce up and down when taxiing on an uneven surface (take it easy!)
The baggage compartment has an opening door (careful with that weight and balance!)
The engine cowl cover opens exposing the engine compartment (be sure to check the oil!)
Installation
FS2002 Professional
Unzip the file arrow_3.zip into a temporary directory. Copy the gauges in the gauges directory into your fs2002 gauges directory. Copy the arrow_3 directory into your fs2002 aircraft directory.
FS2002 Standard
Unzip the file arrow_3.zip into a temporary directory. Copy the gauges in the gauges directory into your fs2002 gauges directory. Copy the arrow_3 directory into your fs2002 aircraft directory. Then replace the panel.cfg file in the arrow_3's panel directory with the panel_std.cfg file in the unzipped directory. Then rename this file panel.cfg.
Operational Notes
To get the most from this airplane you need to ensure that your joystick sensitivities are not set too high. Ensure that you have the aircraft realism setting on maximum. You also need to fly the Arrow like you would a real one paying particular attention to adjusting elevator trim as the aircraft changes from one mode of flight to another. Also try to use the correct propeller pitch setting for the particular situation. You will notice that at cruise or faster speeds the Arrow flies with a slight nose down pitch - this is how the real one flies. Quantity of fuel carried and its associated weight are also important. It is important to adjust the fuel mixture setting. Finally, you need to experiment with the aircraft texture settings in the display options.
You will need to know the following keystrokes in order to operate certain features:
Cabin door shift+E
Baggage compartment door shift+E then 2 (be quick)
Engine cowling cover /
Credits and Thanks
Although I have invested approximately 2 months of my time on this package I could not have done it all myself and I want to give credit and thanks to a number of organisations and some people whose assistance was really fantastic and much appreciated:
[Please note that the model is entirely my work except for the pilot figures and propeller which are modified default Microsoft. The textures are modified default Microsoft PA28-180 to suit the aircraft. All gauges listed in the panel.cfg files are included in the FS2002 package except for the magnetic compass which is a default FS2000 gauge and the throttle quadrant gauge has been taken from Rien Cornelissen's Public Domain Piper panel.]
Piper Aircraft For the real Piper Cherokee Arrow
Microsoft For FS2002
Discreet For making Gmax available with Microsoft FS2002
Northland District Aero Club For giving me access to a real Cherokee Arrow
Chris and Felix For their help with Gmax
Schorsch Fischer For providing the aircraft plans
Mikko Maliniemi For allowing me to modify and use his Cessna panel bitmap
Jim Turner, Ray Pennington For allowing me to use their flight yoke bitmap
Brad Disher For input on the flight dynamics
My Dad For the flight dynamics and test flying the Arrow
Feedback
This is my first attempt at FS aircraft design and I have found it both challenging and rewarding. I had to teach myself (with a lot of help from some terrific guys on the web!) how to use Gmax from scratch as well as a number of other programs, so I have learned a great deal. Gmax is a really good tool with very few restrictions and the quality of the end product is really only limited by time and file size.
I would appreciate any comments or suggestions you may have with regard to improvement. This applies to the visual model, textures, panels, sounds and flight dynamics. I would really like to get feedback from pilots who have flown a real Cherokee Arrow III, especially with regard to improving the flight dynamics. Please send your comments to piper_arrow_3@hotmail.com
Since making the Flightsim community aware of this release I have been inundated with requests to make various aircraft. I would really like to oblige but unfortunately I am in my final school year in 2002 with the result that my free time is going to be severely limited. For that reason I will be grateful if you do not make any requests in that regard.
Future Projects
As one always tries to go one better, it is my intention to use the knowledge I have gained with this project to produce more very carefully selected aircraft. If you get a lot of pleasure from this package and you feel you would like to support me in producing more hopefully even better QUALITY FREEWARE DOWNLOADS any donations will be most welcome.
Use of and Permission to alter files
This package is FREEWARE and can be freely distributed provided that this takes place without monetary gain and I am given credit for the original design. As use has been made of propriety files all necessary caution with regard to copyright infringement should be taken.
You are free to make any modifications you wish. I only ask that you first request my permission if you intend to release your changes for general use.
Disclaimer
Although care has been taken in the preparation of these files and no problems have been found during testing, I cannot be held responsible for any software conflicts or other problems users may experience.
Please also refer to the included legal_stuff.txt file.
ENJOY YOUR FLIGHTS!
WARREN BAIER (piper_arrow_3@hotmail.com)
WHANGAREI
NEW ZEALAND
