I have been bad-mouthing G2 for months after having nothing but issues with getting the add-on disks to install. I finally returned the whole package and tried AFPD...

Other than delayed shipping of the product, my initial reaction to the new AFPD installation has been mostly positive. I received it on Friday and have been playing with it on and off all weekend.

Here are my initial impressions…

Flight characteristics seem to be equal to G2. I am by no means an expert pilot. The main reason I purchased a sim was to improve. I did well with G2 on basic pattern flying and did just as well on the new AFPD. I am concerned with some comments on how AFPD handles wind simulation, but have not yet experimented with that so I have no opinion (G2 did well in the area).

I had no issues installing the program. It worked just fine on my Sony Vaio with the NV 5200 FX video card. I get decent FPS on this card and very little flicker.

The program interfaced perfectly with my Hitec Eclipse 7 radio. Calibration was simple and after a weekend of flying, no recalibration has been needed.

I am concerned with the cabling that was included – it appears to be a little on the cheap side. I plan on doing some reinforcement work on the connections once I can get Ikarus to verify that these improvements will not void the cable warrantee…I am still waiting for an answer on that one.

The manual is very well done. Complete and easy to read…

I have not yet installed the “latest patch” – Looking at what the patch corrects, I don’t really see a need as of yet and I am worried that the installation may cause more issues that it corrects. Anyone out there that thinks I am missing a key issue by not installing the patch, please let me know.

I played with installing some of the user-defined aircraft out there – very simple procedure and worked fine every time I did an installation. Well done there!! I sure wish someone would design an installation for the Hanger 9 Ultra Stick line – I would be willing to help finance that effort if some expert wanted to do it.

So, after about 6 hours on the sim clock, I am happy with my purchase – there is always some room for improvement, but my initial impressions of AFPD (from a rookie pilot) are very positive.

My initial impression of AFPD was good also. After having spent considerable time w/it I kind of have mixed feelings about it. Just fly the stock Giles and tell me if it feels realistic to you, to me it feels like its filled w/helium or like your flying in mud. You can land it fully stopped, it just sets down nicely -that can't be realistic? The planes have no ground turning capability till rudder starts steering. And lets not even get into the horrible 3D sceneries, I cant use them (they look so bad) I can only use the photosceneries.

I am trying to decide which sim to keep (G3 or AFPD) and I still can't decide.

Hi,
Try doing a x-wind take off/landing even in moderate winds. You'll be very disapointed!
However, I agree with most of your post, the installation was no problem as well as installing different models. I wish there was more photo scenery, flying at the default field with the sun in my eyes is a pain.
Jon

I believe there are three or four photo sceneries in AFPD.

I like my Aerofly Pro Deluxe very much. The one thing that really bugs me is Hamerhead stalls and Tailslides are just not there. I may not have something set right???? I hope a patch or fix will come along for at least a couple of the planes used. My favorite plane is the Extra 330. Capt,n

The Giles on AFPD is not a good plane to base your experience on. It does fly too light. The Roland Matt Extra flies much better. Also several of the OMP downloadable planes fly vey well. Regarding the ground steering, some planes have a steerable tail wheel while others do not. Most of the planes do and they work fine for me. Hope that helps....

I didn't know you've flown a 40% Composite Giles before meatball boy. How are things in the Midwest these days? Did the pizza get any thinner?

I'm not a big fan of any Giles...the swept back wings just don't work for me on a scale aerobat...just my opinion though...I know a lot of guys like the way they look.

It was 78 degrees here today cheesesteak lover....how about in PA? Unfortunately stuck in meetings all day so don't get jealous

Oh, another tip for AFPD, if you don't like the sun in your eyes, turn off the "backlight" on the graphics drop down menu. Of course I thought everyone liked realism....I know the sun gets in my way at the real flyin field....then again, if you fly your 3D nice and low...that sun won't even be in your field of view.....

Keep 'em both, pfiddy! Who says you can't have two? I was going to give AFPD a shot, but now the new computer beckons. After using the two extensively, which one made you a better flyer? I think I know the answer! ;-}

Charles

Aviti:

The Giles I've flown are much too pattern-like for my tastes. That's just my opinion. Which doesn't mean squat.

Charles

r1derbike - I agree although I have only flown the Giles on AFPD. I have always figured the Giles to be more pattern like as its wings are shaped like a pattern plane...swept back. I prefer the double taper or the Edge wing shape where the leading edge is straight and the trailing edge is tapered.