HI there,
As the title says I’m looking to give GA flying a shot. I’ve pretty much mastered airliners, the core basic systems at least, by no means an expert. But strangely I have never given GA a shot. I’d ideally like to fly around the Australian Outback and Canadian / American mountainous terrain but I’m not sure what aircraft to choose. I think I’d prefer a glass cockpit but I really have no experience in GA so whatever anyone would recommend for a beginner I’ll give it a shot!
Many thanks!
The freeware improved C152 for steam gauge or the C172 for glass cockpit. Also the SR22 for glass
I’m sure the C172 is going to be the #1 answer.
But, the Longitude is easier to fly: both GA and instruments.
I like to , on the runway:
set the cruise altitude to 3000
click VS and set 3800 feet per minute climb rate
or
Click VNAV and FLC
click HDG and then AP
take off
manually cut throttle to 70% at 2400 feet
Use HDG to point the plane to where you want to go
sight see via External View
Use IFR for Instrument Flights via a Flight Plan
create Flight Plan in the EFB
on the Longitude FMC, click Flight Plan
click 1st waypoint
click Direct To & Activate
same as above but click NAV instead of HDG
Next choice would be the CJ4 if you don’t have the Longitude.
Note that I am biased, the Longitude has spoiled me.
I think it depends on how fast you want your sightseeing to go past. If you want low and slow the cub or 172, if you want something that goes a bit quicker, does short landings anywhere - PC-12 and is very predictable to fly, has long range and good fuel consumption. If you want to go fast over the ground - the Longitude. I suppose it will also be a preference as to whether you want a glass cockpit or analogue gauges. Some folk like the Beechcraft planes - I recommend you give different planes a try out in free flight before doing your trip and make a choice you like.
WB Sim Cessna 152 mod. It’s relly fun with the sound mod by Boris (payware but well worth it) but sadly that doesn’t work with 2024 (at least not yet).