Piper PA-24 Comanche: Difference between revisions

Jump to navigation Jump to search
Categories, convert HTML to Wiki syntax.
m (Robot: Removing from Category:Aircraft TODO)
(Categories, convert HTML to Wiki syntax.)
Line 82: Line 82:
=== Landing ===
=== Landing ===
Landing check list on panel.
Landing check list on panel.


== Airplane of the Week/Month ==
== Airplane of the Week/Month ==
The Piper Comanche was reviewed as 'Airplane of the Week/Month' on May 31, 2011 as follows:
The Piper Comanche was reviewed as 'Airplane of the Week/Month' on May 31, 2011 as follows:


 
'''Model'''
<b>Model</b>


The Piper PA-24 Comanche has a nicely modelled and textured cockpits down to useful checklists printed on the main panel.  
The Piper PA-24 Comanche has a nicely modelled and textured cockpits down to useful checklists printed on the main panel.  
Line 101: Line 98:
The exterior model is perhaps a bit simple by today's standards, some surfaces look a bit too uniform and lack detail, but the different light switches in the cockpit are all functional for the external model, and the cockpit and baggage doors have opening animations.  
The exterior model is perhaps a bit simple by today's standards, some surfaces look a bit too uniform and lack detail, but the different light switches in the cockpit are all functional for the external model, and the cockpit and baggage doors have opening animations.  


<b>Flight characteristics</b>
'''Flight characteristics'''


The PA-24 is a nice alternative to the C-172p - it is an easy to fly single engine plane with slightly more sophistication (it has a retractable gear and a variable pitch propeller). The FDM doesn't feel especially spectacular, but it certainly behaves in a plausible way for the plane (I have not done checks against actual performance data though). The basic relations between trim, elevator, engine power and flaps certainly work out nicely and the turn characteristics seem reasonable.
The PA-24 is a nice alternative to the C-172p - it is an easy to fly single engine plane with slightly more sophistication (it has a retractable gear and a variable pitch propeller). The FDM doesn't feel especially spectacular, but it certainly behaves in a plausible way for the plane (I have not done checks against actual performance data though). The basic relations between trim, elevator, engine power and flaps certainly work out nicely and the turn characteristics seem reasonable.
Line 111: Line 108:
All in all, the PA-24 is not a spectacular plane in any single characteristic, but mostly a solid piece of work and a nice plane to enjoy the scenery and to learn how to deal with a variable pitch propeller, and as such it is worth some attention.
All in all, the PA-24 is not a spectacular plane in any single characteristic, but mostly a solid piece of work and a nice plane to enjoy the scenery and to learn how to deal with a variable pitch propeller, and as such it is worth some attention.


<b>My personal wishlist</b>
'''My personal wishlist'''


The engine behaviour at high altitude should certainly be clarified. Also, it would be nice to improve texturing of the interior away from the main panel - this is currently very simple, and to revisit the exterior model.   
The engine behaviour at high altitude should certainly be clarified. Also, it would be nice to improve texturing of the interior away from the main panel - this is currently very simple, and to revisit the exterior model.   


<b>Things to experience</b>
'''Things to experience'''


The Comanche is the only plane I am aware of which comes with two different versions of the autopilot, the Century CIIB and the CIII which can be selected at startup - so you can try both and compare.
The Comanche is the only plane I am aware of which comes with two different versions of the autopilot, the Century CIIB and the CIII which can be selected at startup - so you can try both and compare.
Line 121: Line 118:
{{Piper}}
{{Piper}}


[[Category:Aircraft]]
[[Category:Civil utility aircraft]]
[[Category:Civilian aircraft]]
[[Category:Low wing aircraft]]
[[Category:Propeller aircraft]]
[[Category:Single-engine aircraft]]

Navigation menu