Due to such a sturdy construction, reliability and nice handling, the Cessna 172 is one of the most used aircraft for training purposes around the world. The N model, produced between 1977 and 1980, is a good example of this.
This version offers three variants: The stock one, with fairings on the wheels and on Tundra tires. These variants are not just aesthetics representations of the same aircraft, performances vary according to dozens of actual pilot’s opinion and explanations, and can be used with each of the eight available liveries (including a white one for repinters); giving 24 possible combinations.
The base model was made as a virtual replica of a training aircraft from a Flying School, and was tested by a certified Cessna 172 pilot. This product was intended to perform, from an average simmer up to a real pilot, VFR/IFR practices on FSX or P3D worlds.
This C172N “Improved Edition” focuses on refining systems programming as well as modeling and performance details. Also it includes some additional features for better experience, some of which comes from user preferences.
External and interior model
Highly accurate and optimized modeling for good performance; every visible part on interior and exterior are modeled on detail
Elevator angle is affected by trimming setting due to prop wash or the free airstream; the yoke feedbacks due to this action as well
Almost every moving part or mechanism is animated. Engine vibration is simulated, as well as flexible items like antennas and static dischargers
Texturing are applied depending on the relevance of the point of view, providing the user with a nice environment while keeps a friendly Frame Rate even in modest hardware
Ambience reflections, bumps, damages, dirt and sun reflect effects are applied by everywhere
Any door, previously open, will close due to the force of prop wash or the free airstream from frontal wind even if the aircraft is stopped
The cabin can be full of occupants, depending on the individual payload station weight setting. Pilot arms are animated with the pilot´s yoke and all characters have natural animations on heads and eyelids. Pilot´s headset is optional as well
Several cameras are included for external inspection or just for an alternative point of view for your enjoyment
Custom 3D lights in all positions for a better visual experience. The landing and taxi light includes a spotlight effect that is stronger in low visibility days or nights
Propeller damage is simulated whenever it hits the ground
Virtual cockpit
Warm fully 3D ambience is experimented on the cockpit by the use of a right balance between shadows and lights, relaxing colors tone, precise and detailed model, and two different upholstery works
Interior illumination is “real”, no texturing night-bright is used apart of gauges, in an attempt to offer a nice feeling. For easiest access in darkness, two custom keys combination are included on the cockpit view
Full 3D gauges in two different avionics which offers:
- Sound panel Garmin GMA 340
- Custom GPS Garmin GNS 430 or Bendix/King KX 155 TSO radio 1
- Bendix/King KX 155 TSO radio 2
- Transponder Garmin GTX 330
- Empty or Collins ADF 650 TSO receiver (and NDB finder)
- Empty or Bendix/King DME receiver
Optional dynamic precipitation drops on windshield and windows. Wings project “precipitation shadow” on lateral windows when you stay immobile under the rain
Four interior cameras are included. In order: Pilot, avionics zoom, front passenger and rear-right passenger
The pilot´s yoke is removable for accessing light switches and the fully functional breakers. Besides pilot´s headset can be put-on/off
Almost everything you can see in the cockpit is functional and/or animated. Doors and handlers, switches, buttons, sunshields, windows, pilot´s yoke lock, levers, yokes cord and so
2D panels are included for setup the aircraft, read checklists, check cabin temp, extinguish fire, aircraft tow tool and more
Every mouse action could be useful over several buttons, switches, levers or animated objects; giving the user more flexibility and/or accuracy for dealing with the many cockpit functions
Custom key combination to reset the engine and DATCON counters. It also let save its records when saving the flight
Paint schemes
This model includes seven liveries and a white-paint, useful for those which like to make its own designs. Here are:
G-GNRT Blue strips based on 1980 Cessna factory scheme, UK
N907WA Flight school scheme, USA
N905WA Flight school scheme, USA
EC-BLT Fictional scheme, Spain
D-EXEC Fictional scheme, Germany
C-FCXV Fictional scheme, Canada
N403CP Fictional scheme, USA
Systems and additional features
Engine combustion with more realistic performance and failures are simulated based on carburetor icing, soiled spark plugs, engine condition or even water ingestion
The engine can burn or fails permanently due to abuse. The fire can be extinguish in flight with the proper procedure or on ground using a fire extinguisher
Stall horn system is realistically replicated; as in the actual aircraft you can fly indefinitely with the stall warning sound
Engine smoke and fire effect is included. As well the engine fire emits a sound to warn the pilot
Custom sounds for switches, avionics buttons, engine, wheel roll, stall horn and doors
Complex electrical system with functional breakers affecting each system
Cabin temperature system is included. Conditions like cabin seal (doors, windows, Heat lever and Air lever positions), engine hot, external temp, airstream produced by the propeller and the external free airstream will affect the cabin temperature
This is a really fantastic airplane that deserves a lot of priase. As another reviewer said, this airplane is a real gem and he's right, it really is. I think the developer's goal here was to create a study level Cessna 172N that is buget friendly and easy on frame rates and he truly has succeeded.
PROS
- Lots of features
- Can choose from bare wheeled version, good for landing on unpaved strips and the version with wheel farings/skirts.
- Good number of interesting looking liveries
- 3D gauges
- All C172N systems are modeled, even the whole electrical system and circut brakers.
- Engine management is fully modeled just like A2A planes. You can flood the engine, foul the spark plugs, cause the engine to break or even start it on fire in certain conditions.
- Flight model is very precise, better than Carenado Cessna's, it flys just like the real thing making the plane a real joy to fly.
-I can verify it works just fine in P3Dv5.4
CONS
- Texture work could be better.
- Modeling of the gauges looks basic even though they are 3D.
- Engine sounds are low quality. It's well worth it to get a C172N sound package (there's one or two you can find on this site), make sure to get one that's for the Lycombing O-320 engine. Earlier C172's like this one use the O-320 while newer C172's use the O-360.
In my opinion the cons of this airplane are very minor when you consider all of the features it offers and the super low price. The whole line of Aeroproyecto C172N's are fine addtions to add to your virtual hanger.
This Cessna 172 series by Aeroproyecto are really nice. Lots of details that other developers leave off. Two panel configurations. Great value for the money.
After having such a nice experience with this developers C172N Float package I just had to have the more common version we see in the skies every day around the world. It’s no surprise to me that the same love for the C172N Floats would be found in this pack. Again it just feels right. I get that feeling of realism here that so many others just don’t deliver, and I’m including the Carenado 172s. While these aren’t as flashy as a Carenado product, they are definitely just as good all around and even a bit better considering that sim flight satisfaction feeling one gets when controlling a virtual plane. You know, like when a plane just seems to behave like you you think the real world one does and you get lost in the sim enjoying flying it. No quirky distractions or unusual behaviors. This is just one of those lesser known gems that needs to be shoved into the light and get into more flight simmers hands.
No complaints. Highly recommended!
PS though it doesn’t say so in the product description it IS FSX Steam compatible. I’m using it with my FSX Steam and it’s perfect. In fact ALL of Aeroproyecto planes are FSX Steam compatible. I have confirmed this with the developer directly as well before I made the purchase.
I bought this product as it is the only C172N available for P3DV5 and I'm a 172N pilot. Great quality aicraft. I was incredibly suprised with the addon. Great handling and performance, almost like the real bird, nice customization options and many clickable details. Only negative aspect I found was the textures resolution being 1024x1024. An upgrade to 2048 or even 4096 would make this addon one of the best GA aircraft currently in the market.
Love it. Good value for money. Aeroproyecto has modelled this C172 beautifully inside and out with excellent system and flight dynamic modelling. I have done some repaints for this C172 and it is quite easy to paint with beautifully detailed texture sheets and the bump and specular mapping are just perfect making this aircraft look amazing in P3Dv4. Well done Aeroproyecto, your C172 is a gem !
Hi
i buyed this addon plane few days ago now, and i have flown few hours now.
Everything works fine and i love this plane. Thank you for AeroProyecto to make this cessna for FS.
This plane is alright, not what I expected - nothing fancy. My complaints for this are strobes are not realistic, doesn't seem nimble enough to have real flight dynamics, pretty much like default FSX C172 with upgraded panel and damage mod. I personally don't think it's worth the money asked, but I had to try it anyway as a payware collector. I know that these planes are not designed over night and many hours of work went into this, but I think there is definitely room for updates with more paints as well. I already own Flight1, Carenado, A2A's Cessna 172 and this does not compare.
James Henson