Overall I'm pleased with X-Plane 11 and there are many things I like about it. . .there are also some things I've noticed over time and learned from asking specific questions. For instance, one of the "side hobbies" for many of us in FSX (and P3D) is modifying the VC of our favorite airplanes. A simple task if you have FSPanel Studio. . .however in X-Plane, while it isn't impossible it is extremely difficult unless you have the source files for the airplane. It seems that in order to change anything in the VC you must work within the program that the airplane was built with (PlaneMaker, Sketchup, Blender, GMax, etc), and build whatever gauge or instrument you wish to add.
Freeware aircraft, especially those built with PlaneMaker are of lesser quality than freeware we have for FSX. The developers certainly should be congratulated on their efforts, but the fact is they aren't as well done or as detailed as those in FSX. Some freeware developers also work in Blender or GMax, but even those don't have the same details I see in FSX Freeware. I went looking for new airplanes yesterday and found 4 I liked and had flown in FSX over the years. None of them had a VC nor was there a pilot figure in the external view. Also, a few of those had parts missing despite being made for XP11. If you go to Payware the quality goes up considerably as you would expect. I should also say that not all freeware is of lower quality. I have found some that are nicely done, but I suggest you look them over closely either way.
Because X-Plane 11 is a true Simulator, you should be able to read your cockpit gauges, adjust them as necessary (manually) and know what the gauges are telling you. . .because while you can hover over the gauges to get information (this requires a box in the setup to be checked), it will only tell you what the gauge is and what it's for. . .it won't tell you any current information as you're flying.
If you wish to change aircraft while in flight. . .nope, can't do that. . .you must start a new flight and be aware that you should select the airport you wish to start from (I tried it yesterday and failed to setup the airport. . .it put me on Midway Island in the middle of the Pacific, lol).
Finally, if you thought FSX/P3D ATC was bad. . .wait till you try XP's version, lol
Most of this is known to anyone who has been flying X-Plane for any length of time, but I thought it was worth mentioning for anyone who might be considering moving to XP. Bottom line is (there's always a bottom line) it's a good Simulator that forces you to be a better pilot because the shortcuts we have in FSX aren't there (using the "B" and "D" keystrokes to reset altimeter and compass) and so you must work with ATC (to get your current Altimeter setting) and pay attention to Radio Freq changes (I think this can be done automatically if you are using ATC).
Enjoy!!
Freeware aircraft, especially those built with PlaneMaker are of lesser quality than freeware we have for FSX. The developers certainly should be congratulated on their efforts, but the fact is they aren't as well done or as detailed as those in FSX. Some freeware developers also work in Blender or GMax, but even those don't have the same details I see in FSX Freeware. I went looking for new airplanes yesterday and found 4 I liked and had flown in FSX over the years. None of them had a VC nor was there a pilot figure in the external view. Also, a few of those had parts missing despite being made for XP11. If you go to Payware the quality goes up considerably as you would expect. I should also say that not all freeware is of lower quality. I have found some that are nicely done, but I suggest you look them over closely either way.
Because X-Plane 11 is a true Simulator, you should be able to read your cockpit gauges, adjust them as necessary (manually) and know what the gauges are telling you. . .because while you can hover over the gauges to get information (this requires a box in the setup to be checked), it will only tell you what the gauge is and what it's for. . .it won't tell you any current information as you're flying.
If you wish to change aircraft while in flight. . .nope, can't do that. . .you must start a new flight and be aware that you should select the airport you wish to start from (I tried it yesterday and failed to setup the airport. . .it put me on Midway Island in the middle of the Pacific, lol).
Finally, if you thought FSX/P3D ATC was bad. . .wait till you try XP's version, lol
Most of this is known to anyone who has been flying X-Plane for any length of time, but I thought it was worth mentioning for anyone who might be considering moving to XP. Bottom line is (there's always a bottom line) it's a good Simulator that forces you to be a better pilot because the shortcuts we have in FSX aren't there (using the "B" and "D" keystrokes to reset altimeter and compass) and so you must work with ATC (to get your current Altimeter setting) and pay attention to Radio Freq changes (I think this can be done automatically if you are using ATC).
Enjoy!!
