I am being a little generous with a 4 star review because I feel confident SkySim will update it with more refinements soon. There are loads of complaints about this plane that mostly are valid however one in particular is not. The APU can indeed be turned off. It only requires a right click on the APU start/stop switch to stop the APU.
Other issues folks complain about such as non functioning test switches, incorrectly labeled switches, etc are valid for sure. The greatest shortcomings are the audio effects being really really bad. I can tolerate the poor audio but for the price here it must be corrected and improved soon.
The aircraft flies quite nicely and to the best of my knowledge seems to be a believable flight model.
The texturing is good and doesn’t disappoint me. Although there are some areas where certain textures are less than desirable. Mostly these are small areas you’d have to zoom into quite a bit to notice. There is a nicely modeled cabin which shows the seatbelt and smoking signs lit or off as appropriate but not a lot of bells and whistles. The doors all work including the rear stairs. It’s all looking pretty good. There’s not much ground candy other than chocks. For the price I had expected a bit more visual extras like loaders and whatnot. Nope.
Simbrief also isn’t working yet, for me at least.
The package that includes 4 variants is a good value.
However the fact that each variant is not refined to the level it is priced at is a disappointment even for a V1 release. How did they not notice the switches and terrible audio?
What we are actually getting here is an unfinished work in progress, which should’ve been noted so as not to shock people expecting a fully refined and finished $50 product. That should make this at best a 3 star rating, but again I have faith that SkySim is fully aware of the issues and working to correct them. I mean they have to right?
So as is today issues and all buy if you really want a DC9 and share my optimism for updates to come soon. If not then go with your gut.
Pricey for what it is, the developer forgot to add logo lights which is a big negative unless you plan on only flying in daylight, the chocks apparently are only for show because I started the engines and the aircraft lurched right into the terminal. exterior looks ok but the cockpit needs refinement and hopefully this project in the making wont be abandoned as is.
I am surprised. Positively surprised. After seeing a lot of negative comments about this add-on, I have to say that I have not regretted the purchase. Sure, this DC-9 still needs updates and improvements. It is far from perfect. And the price is certainly a bit too high, especially compared to premium manufacturers like PMDG or Fenix. For now. Because this DC-9 has potential. The developer (SKYSIMULATIONS) has created an excellent MD-11. I expect something similar with this product over time. Then the price would be justified. Finally, there is a DC-9 in the virtual flying world. By the way: If you buy the MSFS 2024 version from SIMMARKET, you currently get the MSFS 2020 version for free. This puts the purchase price into perspective.
Mir sind für fast 60,00 Euro die Texturen zu glatt, keine Nieten, keine Gebrauchsspuren, wie eine Freeware. Als wenn das Teil grade aus der Fabrikhalle kommt.
Die zwei Höhenruder-Trimmungen kann man vor dem Start zwar bewegen, gehen aber sofort wieder in Null-Stellung zurück. Somit hebt der Flieger (anders damals in FSX) gar nicht erst ab.
Für mich unfliegbar. Schade, hatte mich gefreut....
As a longtime fan of SKYSIMULATIONS and their previous DC-9 addons, I was eagerly anticipating this latest release, and it did not disappoint in several areas. The aircraft is beautifully modeled, with high-quality textures that provide an almost photorealistic virtual cockpit, capturing that nostalgic, weathered look remarkably well. Entering the passenger cabin was a delightful surprise; it evoked fond memories of my childhood experiences on the DC-9.
However, there are notable areas for improvement. The absence of a GPS system is a significant drawback, especially considering that many retrofitted DC-9s operated with GPS during the 1990s and early 2000s. While I can navigate using traditional methods, incorporating a GPS as a secondary navigation aid would greatly enhance the flying experience, especially for online platforms like VATSIM.
The implementation of paperwork features is commendable, though I encountered a bug with overlapping click spots. Specifically, the controls for adjusting passenger numbers in the front cabin conflict with the cockpit crew adjustment. Additionally, the documentation provided is somewhat lacking in detail. While I am familiar with the DC-9 operations, many users may not be, and it would be beneficial to include more comprehensive guidance on startup procedures, hydraulic systems, cabin pressurization, and fuel management. I am happy to assist with relevant pages from the aircraft's operation manual if that would help.
Startup procedures went smoothly, but I faced an issue when attempting to turn off the APU; the master switch would not move to the OFF position. Clarification on this would be appreciated. Moreover, the cockpit camera positioning could use some reorganization. Gaining a clear view of the steam gauges and operating them proved challenging, particularly when setting ADF frequencies and adjusting hydraulic pressure switches. An update to include more modern radios and a TCAS system would also be greatly welcomed.
The takeoff was executed well, and manual flying felt manageable. While I cannot comment on the flight dynamics from a real pilot's perspective, the experience was satisfactory overall. The autopilot functioned adequately, though I encountered minor hiccups, such as an unintentional steep descent when adjusting the vertical speed. Maintaining altitude at FL220 required frequent corrections, and I noticed that the ALT HOLD button was unresponsive during my flight.
On a positive note, the cockpit sounds are exceptional, capturing the essence of the DC-9 experience with realistic engine and cockpit sounds. My love for this aircraft may influence my perspective, but I genuinely believe this addon has the potential to become one of the best simulations of classic jets available, provided it undergoes further refinement. Consequently, I rate it 4 stars.