By: Anthony 'Shepherd' Underwood and Rob Scott
Date: 2004-07-18
Just Flight has brought the latest Concorde add on to the Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004, the title being Concorde Professional Limited Edition. From the package you get just that right away professionalism, from the 160 page thick manual to help bring you up to speed to the DVD feature with Captain David Rowland and Senior Engineer Roger Bricknell taking you on a trip from London to New York.
Release Date: Released.
The recommended system requirements are:
- Windows XP/200O only
- 160 MB hard rive
- 512 MB RAM
- 64Mb video card
- DVD
- Direct X 8.1 or higher
For this review I have called on Master Pilot Rob Scott. His ability to fly and break down the depths of this add-on is far greater than my own. Thanks Rob for the hard work and help.
If you want an add-on that is possibly the most complex ever designed for FS2004, then this is the package for you. If, however, you want a straight out of the box, strap in and away you go package, I suggest looking for something else.
The first time I attempted to fly this bird I loaded up the tutorial flight notes on the screen and tried to fly the flight by switching between screens for each part of the flight. After over 3 hours and the engines still not running, I decided that this was the wrong option to have taken! I found it a lot easier to print off the required manuals and tutorial notes, read through them away from the cockpit and then try the tutorial flight again, and this worked flawlessly. The manuals are available for download from the PSS site (www.phoenix-simulation.co.uk), but if you prefer to buy the boxed version from Just Flight (www.justflight.com), the product comes with a large printed manual with all the information (and more) that you need.
The limited edition boxed version comes with a 3-hour DVD of a flight from Heathrow to JFK covering everything from the pre-flight inspection to de-boarding the passengers at JFK. Before I start writing about the aircraft itself, I will warn you that this package cannot be mastered in one session; it will require hours and hours of practice before you become proficient in flying Concorde. I’ve had this add-on since it was first released and I am still using the tutorial notes to get the engines up and running, although there is an option in the config editor to start a flight with the engine running, I think this detracts from some of the enjoyment of the product.
The boxed version comes with 4 liveries to choose from. These being new and old Air France and British Airways schemes, but there are more available for download from the PSS site and you can design your own livery using the paint kit. You have the option of flying with or without a VC, so users with a lower-end system will still be able to fly her. I constantly achieved 30fps on my mid-range system with all the sliders maxed out.
Once pushback is complete and the engines are running, it’s time to get clearance and taxi out to the active runway. Ground handling during the taxi is very nice, although I find it easier to taxi from the VC with a view scale of 0.59, but just keep an eye on the speed, you can easily find the plane running away at 30+ kts if you’re not careful.
Once take-off clearance is received and the take-off checks are complete it’s time to open the throttles and soar away into the sky. I love the sound of the engines, and having had the privilege to see the real Concorde fly in and out of my home airport (Leeds Bradford EGNM) for many years, I can testify that the engine sounds are realistic at take-off and landing. Rotation is nice and smooth if you get your numbers correct. The only criticism I have of the boxed version is the lack of a take-off speeds chart (or at least I haven’t found one yet), so I find myself guessing take-off speeds based on what I know from previous flights).
Unless the weather is really bad, I will fly by hand up to around 8000 feet before I engage the autopilot and auto-throttle. Flying by hand is a joy, very responsive without being jerky. The autopilot itself is very good too. On capturing an altitude or heading it gives you a smooth leveling off/straightening unlike some autopilots on other packages. The auto-throttle is nice too. You dial in a speed you want, and it will acquire it and stick to it.
During the flight you have the option of letting the VFE (Virtual Flight Engineer) control the fuel transfer, or you can do it yourself. I’m still learning how to do it myself at the moment so fly using the VFE. This keeps the plane nice and balanced through all aspects of flight.
On descent you will need to keep an eye on how far you are from your destination and manage your speed accordingly. Sometimes you can be left with a hurried and messy approach if your speeds are too fast. If you get this right, then landing and approach is great. The autopilot intercepts and sticks to the localizer and glide slope like glue. I find landing easier using the VC as it gives me a better view of the runway. Using the 2D cockpit you find yourself just staring up into the sky and waiting for the impact of landing. I’ve not landed the plane using a full auto-land yet. I will disconnect the AP and AT about 2miles from touchdown and fly the remainder by hand. Providing you have selected the correct Vref, landing is lovely and smooth and once the reverses kick in, the plane comes to a nice steady stop.
I could go on for hours about how good this package is, but I think it’s better that you find out for yourself. At first you may think you’ll never be able to fly her well, as did I, but with lots of patience, time and practice you will reap the rewards of this fantastic add-on. I don’t have the time for the long haul trips to New York, but it’s just as enjoyable flying medium routes around your home. I fly mostly from England to Europe and have experienced no loss of enjoyment; this is possibly one of the best packages I have ever bought for FS.
Thanks Rob, an outstanding job and very much appreciated.
Concorde Professional is set to bring the professional simulator flyer the realism they seek in their flying. The details and realism placed into the flight model, cockpit detail and design is a credit to Just Flights dedication to all things flying. As a add on for those who fly in virtual airlines, they will find the challenge greater as they fly this line from London to New York.