Real DA42 Pilot - Twin Star Review | COWS / Orbx DA42 | Full Flight | Microsoft Flight Simulator
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- čas přidán 15. 02. 2024
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In this video, we take a look at the COWS DA42 Twin Star, within Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS).
We'll make the most of the DA42's excellent visibility, taking the aircraft on a beautifully scenic flight from Sallanches Mont-Blanc aerodrome (LFHZ), over to Sion (LSGS).
Please note this video and all its contents / materials, is for entertainment / simulation purposes only.
PC Specs
ASUS Z790
Intel Core i9 13900K 5.8GHz
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090
64GB DDR4 3600MHz
Hardware
Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog
Saitek Pro Flight rudder pedals
HP Reverb WMR headset
TrackIR5
Earthquake Shell Shoxx transducer
Enjoy the flight! - Hry
As the working title G1000 doesn't support the "Red crosses" the engine indications dock to the left. As you turn on the master you can see the engine indications become live.
I assume you spawned on the runway, which starts the plane with everything warmed up to 80°C.
The low pressure deice indication is on a 2min timer, as the norm mode is also on a 2 min timer. The "deice press lo" indication actually popped up for a second or 2 before the system was turned off.
The slip indicator is a relic from FS02/FSX, it adds the forces from the rudder into the ball. You can see with synthetic vision that you are slipping to the left with full right rudder.
The slip howl is a good way to tell if you are slipping or not.
Also the real semi castoring nosewheel would be impossible to handle, especially when some people have 2000 dollar setups and some fly with keyboard.
In the beginning we had no intention of a tablet, but the plane has kinda blown up since release.
No ETA.
Hopefully that clears up the some of the points made.
If this plane had chocks and engine covers/plugs (maybe some other goodies on a tablet) that would be awsome…please devs take note!!
This. I hope you guys plan on bringing this beautiful plane to an even higher standard in every way, now that it's generated a lot of noise in the community.
Thanks very much for the clarifications, Tommy!
You’re correct, re spawning on the runway - there weren’t any parking bays available at Mount Blanc (I should have considered the ramifications of that though).
Your other points are noted and I’ve pinned your comment, to give it as much exposure as possible.
Many thanks for all your hard work on the DA42, it seems to have become a firm favourite amongst many!
All the best : )
In regards to the semi-castoring nosewheel, is it not feasible to go the route other developers have gone in the past in regards to ground handling quirks that need a full control setup? I have a few planes where things like free castoring wheels and realistic toe brake operation has either been available via removing commented out code in the .cfgs or by moving a sub-folder into the main folder. It's not a deal-breaker to me either way, but it's something I like having the option for as I've got the equipment for it.
Ahh, I've been looking for the ideal tourer to explore the sim. This looks like a winner! Great review as always, thanks! 🙂
I agree, it was my choice too. It appeared out of nowhere after a long time of searching.
Cheers, Adam!
Yes, the Twin Star is indeed a great option for taking in the scenery. I never liked flying the DA42 as a trainer but, always thought it would make for a good tourer (at least it would, if the seat wasn’t so darn uncomfortable - thankfully not an issue in the sim haha)
Happy flying and all the best : )
crazy that your flying this plane because ive fallen in love with the DA62
Haha! Happy flying then, Kloud : )
The aircraft looks great, very well implemented, and as ever, thorough and detailed review. I trained on DA40 and DA42 when I was flying GA in RL, so very familiar. Not for me personally though, now I'm sim-only (due costs). I stick to aircraft that I would never be able to fly for real, such as the turboprops/jets/airliners. This looks a great package for those in training though, I played MSFS for many years before actual GA training and it was a massive help, also to run through each flight in the sim before actually doing it, and especially procedural stuff nav/VOR/ILS etc.
Hello Michael,
Indeed, COWS have done a very nice job with the Twin Star. Like you, I tend to prefer flying aircraft in the sim, that I’ll otherwise never get my hands on however, as you say, the sim can also make for a great training tool and certainly one could use this addon to get nicely acquainted with the DA42, before heading into training : )
I’m glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching and all the best!
GREAT flight Captain. Very well done going though the valleys. That really is a nice aircraft AND wonderful final shot with the aircraft and the castles in the background. Thanks again! !! !!!
Cheers, Mark!
Haha, if I do say so myself, I was rather pleased with that parting shot : P
Always a pleasure - I’m really glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for watching : )
Just wanted to mention that the engine modelling is one to one with the books and very well simulated with the turbo, intercooler, and all the temperatures. Additionally having every circuit breaker modelled definitely makes it high fidelity. I think it's far from "basic" as you mentioned at the end. The systems are very fleshed out.
Yeah I don't think it's so basic either. In general I have to say I'm surprised ITBS wasn't too excited about this plane. It's the best flying aircraft in MSFS, other than the Comanche, and that alone is a big achievement.
And as for the engines and systems modelling, I wanted to do some flying around Telluride which sits at almost 9000 feet. Started the engines and I noticed the idle RPM was very high. The Twin Star was pulling like crazy on the ground, I had to taxi with brakes on almost all the time (should've thought about single engine taxi!). Then I couldn't do the proper ECU run up test. First thought? This must be broken! Well, it turns out it's exactly what happens with these diesel engines at very high altitudes and I've found the exact same discussion except among real pilots. Some of them were just as surprised as I was when flying at Telluride lol. Even the landings are difficult in such conditions as you can't just idle the power over the fence, and of course your ground speed is significantly higher than at lower altitudes, so you end up floating. Again, very realistic to the real aircraft.
IMO this Da42 is already very good and just needs some work here and there to make it a truly excellent MSFS aircraft.
I think that’s a very fair retort, Hotshot. Unfortunately, I inadvertently skewed my results: There were no parking sports available at Mont Blanc so, I had to start the aircraft on the runway. Unbeknownst to me, starting on the runway “pre-warms” the engines so, even though I shut the aircraft down again thereafter, upon starting the engines again, I was seeing the EGT’s rise back up to their previous value (this issue was exacerbated by the gauges not functioning correctly - a fault of the MSFS G1000, not COWS themselves). I did base my “basic” comment, on my perception of the engine modelling so, that was an inaccurate assessment from me.
I have pinned a comment from the dev, which will hopefully clarify this point for future viewers.
Thanks for your thoughts! All the best : )
Hopefully my comment to Hotshot, clarifies things a little, David.
As to my level of excitement: I did point out that the COWS DA42 was a very solid effort and I think / hope I made clear what I liked about the addon. I’ll admit, I don’t find the real-world Twin Star to be all that interesting of an aircraft personally and not being a big G1000 fan, the addon whilst very good, didn’t really “light my fire”. That of course, simply comes down to personal preference though and is not a fault to be levelled at COWS (I wasn’t trying to come across as unenthusiastic - I did enjoy the addon).
I hope that makes sense. Thanks again and all the best : )
I've flown nothing else since this came out. It's fabulous
Everytime I watch your videos, I can't get over how real your sim looks. You could easily mistake it for real life.
Thank you for this nice moment.
My pleasure, Papy! I’m really glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching and all the best : )
Tohether with Wings of Dreams, you are my absolute favorites.
Rob's voice is lazy while yours sounds like a army general with a stick under his arms telling the troops their information for operation. Both of you are reason to listen to.
Please continue for quite a time☝️😎
😃
Well, I take that as high praise indeed Aaldert, as DoW is my own favourite flight sim CZcamsr haha! I’m very envious of Rob’s commentary voice but, I’m glad mine works for you also ; )
Many thanks for the kind words; I certainly don’t have any plans to stop making videos any time soon. Cheers and all the best! : )
You select the de-ice annunciator switch on the pre-flight checks and then have to wait a while for the de-ice caption to come up on the PFD, at which point you deselect the switch 😁👍
Thanks very much for the correction, Owain; I only came to realise this fact after the review (the checklist made no mention of it although, I’m sure the POH would have).
Much appreciated, all the best : )
Nice location to pick., I can see the Château de Tourbillon and the Basilique de Valère in the background - I did not realise the aéroport de Sion was so close to them.
Hi Jacques,
I’m glad you enjoyed the flight. Both features are located pretty close to the airport geographically but, I did use quite a bit of zoom for that final shot also ; )
Cheers and all the best!
When I read the title, I had certain expectations 😋 But this review was also a nice interpretation. Great review as always
Haha! This video was probably somewhat of a disappointment then, Dennis. I’m glad you enjoyed it anyway though ; )
Thanks very much for watching and all the best!
There I was disco ering this new aircraft and wondering if a ITB Video was out.
You did not disappoint.
Haha, that was lucky then (as I was a touch behind the curve on this review)! Cheers Oifel, I’m glad the video proved timely and hopefully useful also : )
All the best!
There isno doubt that you are the best in the business in reviewing aircraft and other features in MSFS and other simulators. A quick favour - Could you give the ICAO designations so that we could fly the routes as you are inspired in picking great routes. I didn't catch the French names this time. Cheers
Many thanks again for the kind words, Michael and apologies for the slow reply!
The ICAO designators should be in the video description (I always try to include them when I can). I’m afraid I can’t remember them off the top of my head but, if you can’t find them in the video description, let me know and I’ll get back to you (it’s a route that’s well worth trying : )
Cheers and all the best!
👍👍 I recognized the location on the thumbnail and opening footage straight away, since I lived there up to age 32.
Lucky you, Raymond! It looks like a beautiful part of the world in which to live : )
Enjoyed the review! It's a very fun plane, especially in VR with that incredible visibility!
The deice test takes almost 2 minutes to run - it works, as far as I can tell, correctly as per the manual.
Thanks very much for the info, Jahoo2K! That’s my fault then; the checklist didn’t make the test procedure explicit but, I’m sure it was covered in the POH.
I’m really glad you enjoyed the video and indeed that you’re enjoying the addon. Happy flying and all the best! : )
Is this stock weather? Can't say I've played around with it enough to see the low hanging fog like this.
I would also like to know. Looks amazing.
Yes. They don't allow weather injectors.
@@CanadaSimslooks like Floyd's epic clouds or Weather preset pro
Hello Matt,
The weather was not “stock” per se, it’s a tweaked “Weather Preset Pro” scenario. That being said, Weather Preset Pro only makes use of the default MSFS weather engine so, one could easily create such a scenario themselves (I added in the “fog” for example).
I hope that clarifies things a little. All the best! : )
Good stuff. Now we need your review of the Ornithopter. 😉
Haha! Yeah, I rather missed the boat on the Ornithopter. . . It certainly looks like a fun addon (especially the rescue mission) but, since it seems like the world and his dog made a video on the expansion, I didn’t think I could add anything further XD
Cheers, all the best! : )
Do you use reshade or some nvidia filterS? beautiful graphics!
A Lean page seems odd considering this is a FADEC engine system as well as no mixture levers?
True, Darren. I’m not sure on that one - it might just be a hangover from the default Garmin modelling (there are a few such hangovers on the COWS DA42). It’s been a long time since I last flew the real aircraft so, I don’t really recall the actual configuration of the G1000 displays.
Sorry I can’t be of more help on that one. All the best! : )
This airplane has the kind of flight model I wish the FSR500 had.
Its such a bummer on the FSR... it is such a good airplane... with a flight model that leaves alot to be desired.
@@CCitis yup. I have mentioned it on their discord, but got the whole “it’s been tested by real pilots”. The performance matches the real airplane nicely, but that’s not the problem. The problem is how twitchy it is and the overall lack of smoothness. I was told to you turn my controller sensitivity down and shut up. Basically.
Lol Raul the dev is very passionate, but also very very against any criticism. The Sling is also extremely twitchy and un realistic in turbulence. Not much we can do, but it does keep me away from flying it as much...spending more time in the Black Square TBM and the Comanche? Did you try the 42? I haven't decided whether I want it, or if it is too similar to other airplanes@@joshuaspop8865
@@joshuaspop8865you could increase the pitch, roll and yaw stability values in the aircraft cfg, l do it a lot, like in the TBM and E110 they are twitchy on my set up, it's more enjoyable now, and reduced the PC-12 trim sensitivity for example.
@@joshuaspop8865 I think it was telling that they were not allowed to market it as a Piper PA-46 M500, hence the FSR500 moniker.
Cool video. I’m interested in what head tracking do you use and what are your settings? Looks really nice and smooth!
Thanks very much Martin, I’m glad you enjoyed it!
I use TrackIR 5 for my head tracking. My profile is freely available over on Flightsim.to (just search “Into the Blue” and you should be able to find it without any trouble).
I hope that helps. Cheers and all the best! : )
@@IntotheBlueSimulations thank you so much!
You’re most welcome! : )
Interesting. I've found the detail and modelling of systems (including the engines) to be really well done, myself. I experienced this the moment I hit the battery master. The gear pump came on and cycled 10-15 seconds. Out of curiosity, I turned the batt master off after it finished, then turned it on again. The gear pump ran for 1 second then shut off, due to hydraulic pressure being fine from the previous power on. That's the sort of detail and system modelling I've experienced throughout the aircraft. I wonder if you had that bug where you choose a cold and dark parking spot, but MSFS places you on the runway ready for take off. Happens to me a lot. After you moved the aircraft to parking, and shut it down, the oil would still be warm. Anyways, love your reviews, as always...but I don't think you got the experience a lot of us have with this aircraft.
Thanks very much for your thoughts, Thrakazog.
Unfortunately, (as you correctly guessed) I inadvertently skewed my results: There were no parking sports available at Mont Blanc so, I had to start the aircraft on the runway. Unbeknownst to me, starting on the runway “pre-warmed” the engines so, even though I shut the aircraft down again thereafter, upon starting the engines again, I was seeing the EGT’s rise back up to their previous value (this issue was exacerbated by the gauges not functioning correctly - a fault of the MSFS G1000, not COWS themselves). What I perceived to be “basic” engine modelling, did then skew my assessment of the aircraft. I didn’t quite hit the nail on the head with this one but, it was an honest mistake.
I have pinned a comment from the dev, which will hopefully clarify this point for future viewers.
Cheers and all the best : )
@@IntotheBlueSimulations No worries. I knew it must have been a series of unfortunate errors that lead to the aircraft behaving like it did. Stuff goes wrong in the sim all the time. =)
Hey ITB! I noticed how in all of your videos the takeoffs and landings are replayed. Do you just record your entire flight using Flight Recorder or in fragmented clips and then go back as you fly?
Hi Parker,
Yes, I generally record the entire flight (in segments) using a 3rd-party flight recorder and then at the end, I replay the sections that I want for the external shots (takeoff, landing, etc).
I hope that clarifies things? All the best : )
I always thought the slow "random" windmilling was the airflow pushing a piston in the engine past top dead centre and hence highest pressure, this likely? Also, would rudder trim not have helped to get everything lined back up in single engine? As the trim tab is separate to the one you control with your feet I believe?
Hi Lewis,
Indeed; depending on the pitch of the prop (and the aircraft’s airspeed), the airflow can overcome any cylinder compression and end up driving the engine. I’ve not feathered a prop on a real aircraft so, I can’t state for sure how things would behave but, I don’t think you would get a “random” rotation (instead, I believe you would get a cyclical rotation, dependant on airspeed / prop pitch). That being said, having watched the video back, I think COWS was actually modelling the side forces on the prop as I manoeuvred, which is pretty cool!
I suspect rudder trim would have helped but, it shouldn’t be required (in fact, we weren’t allowed to use the trim during our engine-out training - which I always thought was a bit silly). Apparently, not being able to balance the aircraft, was a know (MSFS) issue with the instrumentation, as opposed to an issue with the flight model.
I hope that clarifies things a little. Thanks very much and all the best to you! : )
This might seem like a silly question but how do you know the waypoints you are going to. Do you use an app to pre plan?
It’s not a silly question at all, Jon!
I do indeed use various programs. It depends on the scenario but, I either use Navigraph (global VFR planning), SkyVector (US VFR / global IFR planning), or SkyDemon (UK VFR planning). SkyVector is free and I find it to be a very useful tool. For airliner flights, I use SimBrief for the actual flight / route planning, for GA flights I tend to “eyeball” it / make up my own routing.
I hope that helps a little? All the best! : )
Very nice video! Is there a way to get your msfs, nvidia and shader settings or a link for that...? Thanks.
Hello Dominik,
Thanks very much, I’m glad you enjoyed it!
So far as my graphics settings go, I basically just have everything cranked up to Ultra. I don’t use Nividia game filters, or any shaders however, I do touch up some of the external shots during editing (that usually only extends to increasing the contrast a little and adding some vignette - both of which could be done with Nvidia game filters). The main thing you’re probably noticing; I do spend a lot of time tweaking the weather and lighting in my videos (that can make a huge visual difference within the sim).
I hope that helps a little. All the best! : )
@@IntotheBlueSimulations yeah it is buddy! But wich resolution, latency, filtering, DX, AA and AF you use and how you set the LOD's, Shader and traffic in the Sim? Maybe you can show how you set your NFilter and NVCP stuff please? Thanks a lot.
Hello again Dominik,
I’m afraid I don’t have any screen captures of my settings however, they are broadly as such:
- 1080p
- TAA
- DLSS Frame Gen = ON (something I have only been experimenting with recently)
- VSync = OFF
- DX12
- Terrain LOD = 170
- Object LOD = 200
All other settings = Ultra except, Motion Blur = OFF and Glass Cockpit Refresh Rate = Medium
Traffic I have ON / OFF (100%), depending on the type of video I am recording.
As I mentioned previously, I don’t use any Nvidia shaders and my NCP settings are all default except for, Power Management = Prefer Maximum Performance and VSync = ON with the FPS capped at 59.
I hope that clarifies a little bit further? All the best : )
@@IntotheBlueSimulations yeah that's a way better for the understanding... ☺ thank's buddy!
Great! Cheers : )
Absolutely well done with the Deep Purple reference. When I saw Lake Geneva on the flight plan, I was confident you'd hit that hanging curve ball out of the park. It would have been worth the copyright strike to play the tune and "burn the place to the ground". It's nice that you have the twin that you trained on available in the sim. I'm still waiting on a bulbous 1960's vintage Aztec, a very capable machine but one whose only claim to fame is that, sadly, the great Graham Hill planted one on a golf course.
Haha, I’m glad you appreciated the reference, Jay! This certainly wouldn’t be the first video I’ve made, where CZcams’s copyright restrictions have ruined a perfectly good artistic opportunity haha (as you say, perhaps it would have been worth the strike).
I’m happy to see the DA42 in the sim, though I never much cared for the aircraft in real life. Personally, I’d much rather see something more akin to the Aztec’s vintage also (a Duchess, a decent Seneca etc). “Funnily” enough, I just finished watching a short documentary on Graham Hill’s crash - a very sad turn of events indeed. . .
Many thanks and all the best : )
Good morning, I love your videos. I wanted to ask what your favorite airliner and GA planes are to fly? Just for fun, what do you find yourself loading up? (Anybody else feel free to answer as well!)
I don't really fly airliners unless PMDG DC-6 counts, and from GA the absolute favourite must be the A2A Comanche, it's in its own league. Best of the rest? I like Black Square stuff - analog conversions and TBM 850. And also SWS, but they seem a little slow with the development and updates unfortunately.
Inibuilds A300, Got Friends Wildcat, Just Flight Vulcan, Heatblur/IFE F-14 Tomcat, Dune Ornithopter, FlyByWire A320!
Airliners - (DC Designs) Concorde for its Mach 2.04, 60,000 feet cruise...
GA - (Blackbird Simulations) Pilatus PC-6 Turbo Porter for its short take-off and landing...
Warbirds - (Flying Irons) Mk.IX Spitfire & BF-109G mostly for their big V12 engine noise - MY FAVORITE CATEGORY.
Hi Rigger,
Thanks very much, I’m really glad you’re enjoying the content!
I don’t get a whole lot of time to sim for “fun” currently but, when I do, the FlyingIron Spitfire, PMDG DC6, FlyInside Bell 47 and various fast jets, are usually my “go-to’s”. There are a whole bunch of addons which I very much enjoy though (anything by Just Flight, the PMDG 737, Fenix A320, Leonardo Maddog etc). The A2A Spitfire is my favourite addon of all time so, I’m really hoping we’ll see that in MSFS at some point.
I hope that is of some interest to you. Happy flying and all the best! : )
Cows DA42 is awesome.
I need help. Please which joystick works well ? Give me advice with a good one with fair price ; thank you in advance
Did I hear ITBS say he's going to Chamonix to fly over Mont Blanc???
Haha! Alllmost, Joe. . .
Apparently, I’m too much of a hipster to go with the menu suggestion though and instead to chose to fly from a now defunct airfield, that didn’t have any coded parking spots (starting from the runway, meant that my engines were already pre-warmed, which inadvertently affected the review - doh!).
Next up; demonstration of the active pause feature, during a “thrilling” flight! XD
Bought this one
Not sure why the oil temps rose so quickly for you. When I start mine in cold weather it takes a couple of minutes at idle to get to the green band. I only fly the VI version, maybe the TDI is not as well modelled?
Hi Mr M,
Unfortunately, the issue was caused by an error on my part. There were no parking bays available Mount Blanc so, I had to load in on the runway. Of course, that meant loading in with the engines running and whilst I did shut down thereafter, it meant that (unbeknownst to me) my engines were already “pre-warmed”. The dev has clarified this and I’ve pinned his comment accordingly.
I hope that clears things up. Thanks for your input and all the best!
@@IntotheBlueSimulations Understood, that makes sense.
On another note, can you please make a video about the reduction in draw distance Asobo pushed out without communicating? Its very noticable when flying over a winter forest at about 6000 ft. Asobo needs to be called out for this, it looks horrible now.
Hi Mr M,
It’s not the sort of topic I would look to make an entire video on (it doesn’t really fit in with the rest of my content) however, I did make mention of this exact issue, during my most recent recording (to be uploaded shortly).
Cheers!
Another excellent review. I really think MS/Asobo should provide a link to your YT channel with a purchase of the sim to aid those new to MSFS a quick way to come to appreciate many of these aircraft. Well done!
Thanks very much, Kirt!
Haha well, I’d be all for them doing that; perhaps they can just a big picture of my face on the loading screen XD
Much appreciated and all the best to you : )
Whats config graphics do you use in MSFS?
I great video, I purchased the DA42 on release from the Orbx store, but never got NAV to work. For me, the DA 42 flies in a straight line, So I'll have to rematch this video to see what you do differently to me.
You might want to try a reinstall and then repatch it. That fixed that issue for me.
Hello Ian,
The only thing I can think of; did you have the CDI slaved to GPS (apologies if I’m stating the obvious but, I’ve neglected to that myself in the past haha)? Otherwise, it seems like a reinstall might be the way to go.
I do hope you’ve managed to get things sorted! I’m glad you enjoyed the video. Happy flying and all the best : )
@IntotheBlueSimulations I tried both settings within in the Nav screen and switch, but someone told me to uninstall & reinstall the module, which seems to have worked.
I like how they simulated the very clunky sounding start sounds of these birds. I remember when I first saw one of these start up and I was surprised how truly clunky the engine sounds what turning with the starter. Certainly, a lot of systems not modeled which is not deal killing really seeing they are systems rarely dealt with. If memory serves the reason it is a dog on the ground is because like the DA-40 it is steered by differential braking. wow they got that sound dead on! All flight propeller aircraft have a bit too much left turning tendencies is my experience, have a bit too much left turning tendency. Nice how the feathered engine actually stops fully, opposed to slightly windmilling as too many MSFS twins tend to do. That little windmill tick seems to happen when you are side or forward slipping! If so, that's really cool. Looks to be a good product even if being light on features. The view is definitely improved from the DA-62. I like that the DA-42 in sim and real life has the analog stand by gauges, which the DA-62 lacks. As always, a terrific review. Thank you.
Hi Pythos,
Yes, COWS did a very nice job with the aircraft, overall; despite the DA42 looking pretty modern / slick, it does sound pretty agricultural haha XD
When I was watching the video back, I came to the same conclusion as you - it appears the feathered prop is turning under side-loads, impressive if that’s the case!
I’m not a huge fan of the Twin Star in real life but, it makes for a great tourer in the sim : )
Many thanks again!
Thanks for using the weaker DA42 for single engine demo, and beautiful area to fly.
Hard to believe that this is my instant favorite, despite glass cockpit. Cannot get enough. Engine shutdown with windmill restart is great fun. Maybe the slow windmill in feather is necessary for oil circulation?
I am not a pilot, so the flight model for me is on par with A2A. I cannot find any difference. But is certainly a distinct difference from other msfs aircraft
There is original ops manual in the community folder.
Maybe the original taxi experience is similar to F27 Friendship? Same as guide and support a drunk man walk back home from pub.
You’re most welcome, Øystein; I’m more familiar with the TDI Twin Star so, that was my main reason for choosing it but, as you say, it makes for a somewhat more interesting engine-out demo also.
Haha, it was somewhat the same for me; I’m not a big fan of glass cockpits, nor do I much care for the real-world DA42 however, COWS have done a great job with the addon and the excellent visibility makes the aircraft a treat in the sim.
I’ve never taxied an F27 (I’d love one in the sim though) but, I’d certainly be happy never to taxi a Twin Star again haha XD
All the best, sir!
Nice review as always. This release looks like a pass for me, but I'm sure the Diamond fans out there will enjoy it. Not familiar with this developer but based on this they show some promise for sure.
Deja-vu moment there when I saw where you were flying lol, I did Aix-Les-Bains to Bern a few days ago in the Kodiak.
Cheers, Dan!
Yes, COWS have made a stellar effort with their first MSFS entry. I’m not a massive fan of the (real) DA42 either so, I can see where you’re coming from.
Haha! It’s certainly a cracking part of the world to go flying in - both beautiful and challenging.
All the best : )
Struggling with this aircraft because it does not work with my Brunner yoke. Does anyone have a workaround?
Not sure which model you were flying, but the climb speed on the VI I believe is around 105 knots. You were climbing pretty slow, which could account for the high vertical speed.
He was using the TDI, judging by the sound
@@hotshot4512 TDI for sure, no switches for fuel pumps in the cockpit
Hi Joshuaspop,
As others have mentioned, I was indeed flying the TDI: From memory, I believe I was climbing at or close to Vy, which would account for a higher rate of climb but, things still seemed a touch “sportier” than I recall (it’s been many years since I last flew the Twin Star though so, I’m happy to state that I could be completely wrong).
Thanks for your thoughts. All the best! : )
Hi, I have got this already, but a good review as always. I have found that clicking for a switch etc to move works for me the first time every time. Also, Navigraph charts are available in the G1000 MFD. I understand that the balance indication for a single engine out is a known issue, but apparently, it is an indication problem, not an actual flight model problem. Anyway, judging by the discord chat the devs are already onto these issues plus a tablet is on the way. They also say that more system development is coming. I really like the aircraft as it is a new-world aircraft to complement the C310R I have for those "steam gauge" old-world flights. I do agree that the documentation is poor, I was expecting much more. Overall, a good aircraft, especially for the price.
Hi Peter,
Thanks very much for your input. It seems I learnt more from you, than you did from me on this one haha. I’m not sure what was going on with the switch clicks for me then (initially, I had thought it might be an issue with my mouse but, I was having the same problem with my other hardware inputs also). I didn’t even consider that I might be able to get charts on the G1000 (this is where a decent manual pays off!). I have subsequently heard the same thing re the turn / slip indicator - interesting to know. A tablet and a few tweaks / additional features will go a long way however, there’s no doubt that COWS have already done a great job with the aircraft!
I’m glad you’re enjoying the addon. Thanks again! Happy flying and all the best : )
I am surprised that you think its engine modeling is simple when it is almost a one to one to the real world numbers. I find that quite impressive in a sim. It doesnt have the silly things like the A2A, but when it comes to the flight dynamics it is just as good or possibly better. It doesnt have the bells and whistles and I know some people like that stuff, but its an excellent starting point. As for its documentation, it has a direct link to diamonds PoH (since all of their poh's are available on line for free). Not sure what more is needed? The sum manual is sparse likely due to the fact that the "shiny" stuff isnt a part of it for now.
Hi JC,
Thanks for your thoughts - you make some fair points.
Unfortunately, I inadvertently skewed my results: There were no parking sports available at Mont Blanc so, I had to start the aircraft on the runway. Unbeknownst to me, starting on the runway “pre-warms” the engines so, even though I shut the aircraft down again thereafter, upon starting the engines again, I was seeing the EGT’s rise back up to their previous value (this issue was exacerbated by the gauges not functioning correctly - a fault of the MSFS G1000, not COWS themselves). An inaccurate assessment on my part.
I did point out that I liked the flight model and that the real-world manuals are available online (although, not everyone wants a real-world POH, as it doesn’t describe how to operate certain aspects of the aircraft within the sim). Overall, I think the DA42 is a very solid effort from COWS.
I have pinned a comment from the dev, which will hopefully clarify the aforementioned point regarding the engine modelling.
Cheers again and all best!
Sighhhh more Glass Panels. However I realy enjoyed this video as usual Thank You.
Haha. My thoughts exactly, Mike : P
To be fair though, the DA42 is absolutely, one of the best glass panel aircraft available for MSFS. COWS did a really nice job with the addon overall.
I’m glad you enjoyed the flight. Thanks as always!
At last an objective review from a real pilot.
Good review but it never ceases to amaze me people who comment on beautiful engine sounds as they’re talking over them..would be nice to hear the takeoff, I don’t need to know your pulling back on the stick..just sayin.
Hi Chevelle,
Thanks for your input and I’m glad you (mostly) enjoyed the review. I can certainly see your point and wouldn’t entirely disagree with you however, unfortunately I can’t please everyone; some people like to know what’s going on, others don’t. I figure, there are usually plenty of addon videos with no commentary so, one can hear the raw sounds in those vids; it might sounds mundane but, even “pulling back on the stick”, is a limited comment about the flight model, as it gives the viewer some idea as to how the aircraft is responding to my inputs (some MSFS aircraft auto-rotate and others stay glued to the runway, for example).
Cheers and all the best!
Toe brakes don't move either
I think they've mentioned it'll be added.
Fantastic work by the dev, but it is an ugly plane to look at and I do not like flying it in real life. Perfectly trimmed and starts climbing or descending randomly. And do not attempt a single engine go around because it does not have the power on 1 engine with flaps and gear down.
Haha! That pretty much sums up my thoughts on the DA42, Droned. I’ve always thought the Twin Star was an ugly machine and never much cared for how it flew either (especially on a single engine - far too heavy on the rudder). I also found the seats rather uncomfortable haha. As you say, COWS have done a great job with the addon though and the DA42 does make for a good sightseer in the sim.
Cheers, all the best! : )
the engine modeling is far from simple
Hi Vlxxrd,
Yes. Unfortunately, I inadvertently skewed my results: There were no parking sports available at Mont Blanc so, I had to start the aircraft on the runway. Unbeknownst to me, starting on the runway “pre-warms” the engines so, even though I shut the aircraft down again thereafter, upon starting the engines again, I was seeing the EGT’s rise back up to their previous value (this issue was exacerbated by the gauges not functioning correctly - a fault of the MSFS G1000, not COWS themselves). I did base my “basic” comment, on my perception of the engine modelling so, that was an inaccurate assessment from me.
I have pinned a comment from the dev, which will hopefully clarify this point for future viewers.
Thanks and all the best!
Engines should be started only after GLOW indication is out.
Thanks for the info, Zahar - much appreciated. I was only working with the abbreviated checklist, which didn’t specify. I’m sure the POH would have made things much clearer though.
Cheers and all the best : )