Recently started playing around with MSFS and the default aircraft.
If I wanted to buy a GA aircraft (prop or turbo prop), what would be the best option?
What I’m looking for is max realism, both when it comes to aerodynamics and system modeling. Preferably a modern glass cockpit.
Based on this requirement, I’d save your money. Nothing really fits the bill at the moment. You can enjoy the default TBM 900, 172 G1000, and Caravan. None fulfill your requirement but they are available now and free.
Got it, thanks.
I guess (hope) we’ll see more options down the road.
Yes, they will come. For turboprops, one to watch is the Majestic Q400. A great “study-level” add-on that has been around for years on the P3D/FSX platform. https://msfsaddons.com/2020/09/04/majestic-dash-8-q400-to-be-developed-for-msfs-waiting-for-sdk-improvements/
To buy, I echo the above statements, but do highly recommend the G36 improvement mod + working title g1000 mod if you’re looking for a good glass cockpit prop experience.
Both the G36 Improvement mod and the Turbo Bonanza mod are awesome. I lean towards the latter of those 2. I like the extra climb power I get from the tubocharged engine.
I’m usually a bit careful with mods but thanks for your input, I’ll check out what you’ve suggested so far.
The Working Title mods for the Garmin avionics are a must. Not only do they correct bugs, but they also add functionality and make the units worthwhile. Also very easy to install if you are worried about mods. Just drag & drop.
The TBM is quite usable with the WT G3000 mod and the TBM performance mod by Gui Farias (continued by someone else). The turboprop model is still wonky, but the mod adresses the fuel consumption and torque fall-off during climb, so it is closer to the real plane. Fuel numbers match pretty much when once at cruise.
For the moment, just enjoy the default aircraft. It will take a while longer before we see any study level aircraft but they will come.
The G3000 and TBM performance mods help a lot.
I’d say the modded Bonanza G36 has been the most realistic experience I’ve had in the sim thus-far.
It is slim pickings right now though, if I’m being honest. All the default propeller aircraft are underpowered, twitchy and have wonky avionics.
And as others have mentioned, none of the payware add-ons are much to shout about at the moment.
Thanks. I need to check that out. The TBM is my go-to “complex” aircraft at the moment. It seems I also need to check out the G36 with mod as well. Great tips.
Your “best” option is probably the Carenado Mooney with the GNS530 community mod. Is it a “great” option? I like it quite a lot, but it is definitely not up to the standards of A2A or anything like that.
My #1 shout is the Bonanza Turbo Mod by Rob Young. I’ve flown it loads and really enjoying it. It’s the only mod which I permanently keep in my Community folder because I had a few crashes. I’m really tempted to put the G1000 mod back in.
Second shout is the TBM also, for more speed.
Third is the Mooney - I have enjoyed that a lot too - I can 't speak on the realism front, but the fun factor is high enough - I realise that’s a very subjective thing though. I love bombing around in it.
I’m currently flying around the caribbean in the Caravan - it feels a bit twitchy but that may just be my unsteady hands and xBox controller. More twitchy than the others I fly for sure. It’s the perfect choice for island hopping though.
The DA62 with the “DA62X Improvement Mod” and and the “Working Title G1000” mod is a nice setup.
Lots of good stuff, looks like this will be a fun weekend 
Thanks again guys for your advice 
I actually find the Caravan hard work!
For TP the TBM with all the mods is my “go to” aircraft. Completed a Caribbean Tour with this as well as a US/Canada tour. Love that plane 
Prop aircraft I hadn’t flown much but I love the XCub for short flights into difficult places. Just discovered the G36 though (with the Garmin and config mods) and I have to say I really like it. Whatever you choose you need to apply the mods as they really make a difference, especially the WT Garmin ones (where applicable).
I’ve been tempted to set up separate controller sensitivity settings just for it, but I’m too lazy. I’d hate to be a passenger on my bumpy flights with it 
Just took the Bonanza Turbo Mod by Rob Young for a quick spin and wow…what an amazing difference! Love it!!
Now MSFS is getting really interesting when you can start using it a bit more like a simulator rather than an arcade game. And being able to do this in VR with the new HP Reverb G2 and the amazing visuals in MSFS, I feel very fortunate!
Thanks again for pointing me in this direction and can’t wait to do more flying as well as try out the other suggested aircraft.
Had one minor issue. After applying the mod to the Bonanza, I noticed how my seating position in VR had moved back quite a bit. Had to lean forward to visually be able to reach the yoke 
This was easy to fix though by simply pressing ALT-UP ARROW a couple of times but maybe there’s somewhere I can adjust this so I end up in the right position already from start without having to adjust the position manually?