The Kodiak just got a big new update that I think was supposed to adjust the sensitivity so it’s not as pitchy.
Tbh i only bought the Fox because of i enjoy watching Trents YT channel and when the Fox became so cheap after they split the package, something i was one to ask for, i had to get it.
In reality though i did not like the Fox too much as just like OP i dislike glass cockpits for handflying and the old turbulence made the Fox2 a real bumpy plane, hard to keep straight so really tiresome to fly by hand.
And the Zenith is from what i understand even more twitchy. I would likely enjoy the 170b the most of these 3 tbh.
Though per my other comment, i mostly handfly world tours in my GA’s so everything sub 100kts becomes too slow on a lot of legs in areas where airfields are sparse.
(If only that //42 campsite thing made spawnpoints)
@bdshort550 I tried the update but they broke the engine even more then before, so waiting for the hotfix. I really hope it is better to handfly, even though that electric trimmer is just as horrible as before. But yes ultra capable plane, with fantastic G1000 abilities that can program aproaches on lilleraly every strip. But the engine and ventilation sounds as well as the plane itself feel super clinical and soulless.
I may end up with the 170b eventually though. I like that metal skin look and even though i initially looked at the 195 the way that thing overperforms makes the 170b look more attractive.
edit: Sorry for the long reply
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It never got past the initial trial stages, but it was considered for floats!
Now that would’ve been a blast!
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The Zenith is not twitchy and it sticks on the ground like a rock it almost feels like cheating. I know you seem to be leaning towards the 170 but i just wanted to set the record straight about the Zenith lol.
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All good discussions and I agree about the Zenith’s ability as a bush plane - with the advantage of a tricycle undercarriage that makes landing much easier.
On the other hand if you want to do bush flying in a taildragger, my favourite two are
- BBS L19 Bird dog. Much underrated I think - texture aren’t as good as the 170b but the flight model and sounds are first rate and make it a very immersive experience to fly.
Once you can land this one consistently it’s time to try
- Asobo Aviat Husky. Again underrated with excellent flight model and sounds again but quite twitchy - and is good at doing wheel landings as well as three pointers
The thing about both of these aircraft that make them a real pleasure to fly is that you haven’t finished flying either of them until you have brought the aircraft to a complete stop- injudicious or heavy braking will end up with your nose in the dirt - or with the L19 an embarrassing ground loop if you don’t pay enough attention to the wind (this always seems to happen when you’re feeling smug)
There’s no autopilot on either, you have to fly them, and the L19 doesn’t have a GPS either. But by the time you realise what you can do with the bird dog, you’ll probably be addicted anyway…
Having said all that , if you want a tricycle undercarriage aircraft with GPS and incredible STOL performance, the Zenith ticks all the boxes too.
I take the comments on the Islander too - it’s not just an island hopper and is regarded as a STOL aircraft. It’s also a great aircraft to fly - I tend to fly mine around the Scottish And Channel Islands… many hundreds in service around the world so it’s a very versatile aircraft and another of my MSFS faves…
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The hotfix is already out and they fixed the engine performance.
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Well, not always, according to this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Bush-Mountain-Flying-comprehensive-procedures/dp/B088ZVXDKT
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That’s a pretty clever idea. I wonder if that would be possible somehow.
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Looks like a really interesting interesting book…
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It definitely is!
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You can spawn anywhere using this mod!
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Since the small ones have been covered, here’s some big boys.
The Aerosoft Twin Otter is big for a bush plane, but also the most versatile plane in sim right now.
The MilViz Porter is excellent. Also, big for a bush plane, but not as big as the Twin Otter, and nimble like a smaller plane.
And my simulated love, the Big Radials Goose. I adore this odd duck.
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The Twotter still badly needs that sound update though.
Btw got to fly the 170b from Carenado at my friends place, that thing is fantastic bush fun, looks great, sounds nice, flies great. Fantastic visibility.
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I’m enjoying the Kit Fox.
Ah yes, nice plane that i have myself. But tbh once i get the 170b, the Fox is going to collect dust.
A Bush plane with steam gauges for your canadian adventure? I got you, wait a bit…
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I fly into tiny mountain strips all the time, one of my favorite things to do! Here are my favorite steam gauge bush planes, since that was the topic:
Cessna 170B from Carenado - really enjoyable plane with bush tire options. Nice cockpit, great looks, handles well.
Default Savage Cub with improvement mod - Another very accurate plane with the improvement mod, capable of really short takeoffs and good handling on takeoff and landing.
BN2 Islander from Black Box - this is capable of about 1,500 ft takeoffs and landings at max weight over 50 foot obstacles, and this thing can really haul! That’s enough for the vast majority of mountain strips in Papua New Guinea for example. Really great CFD handling too.
Grumman Goose from Big Radials - another plane that can haul people and cargo and do it from very short dirt strips. Or snow. Or water. The Goose can get in and out of small 2,000 ft strips with good technique, and it’s a lot of fun to pull it off!
Zenith Stol 701 from SimWorks Studios - this thing practically leaps off the ground at full throttle. It’s almost too easy. You’ll get it up and down in probably 100 ft or less. If you want a helicopter but like fixed wings, here you go. Be cautioned though this is very light and it will toss you around in winds.
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I haven’t done a single bush trip yet but I will … Coming soon 
That and the Beaver! Good times ahead
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