Hello there!
This issue is chock full of amazing, free stuff: Xavion is now available to download for free in the iTunes App Store, an amazing WWII bomber freeware is included at the bottom, and we’re showing you how to use the built in systems failures in both X-Plane 10 Mobile & Desktop in 3 easy steps. This is one issue you won’t want to skip any part of!
Try Xavion App with X-Plane 10
You might already have heard of Xavion. It’s the answer to the question: How much can an iPad do to help you out in the cockpit?
The answer is: A LOT.
Available as a free download in the iTunes App Store, Xavion is an iPad app that is designed to run in a REAL plane, providing all the backup information possible. Xavion offers:
- a full moving map, and an FMS to let you enter any desired flight plan and see it on the map
- a complete Synthetic Vision System, with estimated airspeed, altitude and heading
- Sectional Charts, Low and High Enroute Instrument Charts, and Approach Plates (with the appropriate Seattle Avionics subscription)
- backup avionics, since an iPhone or iPad runs on an electrical system that is totally isolated form the aircraft electrical system
- a tiny little flight simulator inside of it, imagining a power-off glide to every airport within gliding range of the airplane. If you ever have an engine failure, then Xavion will show you the approach that offers the best safety margin as 3-D hoops in the sky that you just fly through to arrive at the runway!
And now, Xavion is FREE to use with X-Plane. So, if you are a pilot and want to try Xavion out in the sim at no charge, you can download it for free and use it with X-Plane all you like. This is professional-level flight training at NO cost. (Then, if you like it, you can buy a $19.99/month or $199.00/year subscription to use Xavion in a REAL airplane as well, getting all the benefits outlined above). And, as for X-Plane sim-pilots only… you can operate the simulator like real pilots operate a plane when they fly, using Xavion with X-Plane freely.
So, go to the App Store and download Xavion… and never fly without it!
Check out this article or the full Xavion manual for more information. Instructions on setting it up with X-Plane are also available online. Try setting up emergency system failures using the “Tips and Tricks” section below to test it out. It will respond as if you were actually in a real-world flight, letting you experience Xavion without leaving the ground!
Tips and Tricks
A great way to add variety to your flights or to practice emergency situations is to use the systems failures available in X-Plane 10 Mobile and Desktop. Practice a specific emergency drill by setting up a certain failure to happen immediately, or just increase the chance they will happen randomly for an unpleasant surprise sometime down the road. You can set them up in just three easy steps in either version of the simulator.
For Desktop Users
- Open the Equipment Failures screen from the Aircraft drop down menu. Every working part of an aircraft can be set to fail from this screen and its tabs.
- For a nasty surprise failure later on, check the “Allow random failures” box at the bottom of the screen. Reduce the time in the box to get your surprise sooner.
- To break a specific part right now, set its drop down menu option to “inoperative.” Note that these are specific to the aircraft you have loaded.
For an additional explanation of all the options in the System Failures window, see this section of desktop manual.
For Mobile Users
- Go to Freeflight and set up your flight’s location, weather, and time of day.
- Tap the engine icon for the failures screen. Here you can scroll up and down the list of available parts and tap one to break. The last five options set up an emergency situation.
- Tap “Could Fail” for a random chance the emergency will occur during a flight, or “Failed” for it to happen on your next flight. Note that these failures apply to all aircraft.
And you’re all set! Now when you fly in any X-Plane simulation you’ll be ready to test your mettle in emergency situations.
Featured Freeware
We’ve featured this aircraft on X-Plane.com before, but it’s so darn good it bears repeating: the Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress is one of the most realistic flight experiences available for X-Plane. This historic plane is optimized for X-Plane 10 with HD textures, custom sounds, and a detailed 3D cockpit.
The B-17 has an illustrious history and developed a reputation of almost mythic proportions during its use in World War II. It was retired from active service in 1968 and only 46 are known to still be intact. While most of the few remaining warbirds are on display, X-Plane’s own Austin Meyer got to ride in one of the airworthy ones last year.
Download the Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress from Khamsin Studios and take your own trip in this perfectly made WWII aircraft today.
P.S. Don’t forget to set your clocks forward this Sunday if you observe Daylight Savings time.
Happy flying!
– The X-Plane Team
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