Work is now underway on this community powered project. Hope to have this stuff ready for when Aeroplane Heaven’s P-51D is released. These controls are being designed by the flight sim communuity and all designs/instructions will be free to the flight sim community.
Been having an awful time with the plane conking out, three times consecutively about 150 miles into flight. It did not have an issue flying from East England to Normandy, but, around the time of the MSFS 2020 update, things have been consistent with the engine losing power to 20000 rpm (?)
I’ve looked everywhere on-line to find out why the P-51 conks out in mid flight: flightplan is 560 miles. Cruising between 3000 and 4000, rpm 2400, man 30000, eng temp 100, oil barely hot, fuel - once assigned ext tank ran out, but switch had no effect (usually works in the spit). last two times switched ext tank around 3 lbs early. Almost like clockwork, the engine failed and down I went. Restart is impossible - even ctrl + e…
Google’s AI mentioned the obvious - switching tanks; overheating
This started recently, straddling the recent sim update, so I’m not thinking it’s that. I only see people on about take-offs, but has anyone flown over 150 miles in it in the conditions I’ve listed? I did fine on a 225 mile flight, managing the tanks just last week.
Criticism of AH aside, has anyone a clue about why the plane is conking out so reliably?
You checked the fuel and you know you’re not out? Flying at low altitude consumes far more fuel that flying higher. Does seem like it should go a little further than that. Use the tab in 2020 or the tablet in 2024 to find out how much fuel you have and where it’s at and troubleshoot from there.
I start with one ext tank. when I switch that tank to the other, with the two mains full to the brim, the same issue happens. I also noticed that holding the mouse over the tank switch tells me how many gals in it, but, yes, I have checked the sim weight readout. I’m way passed this and it seems the internet has no references about it.
Fuel pumps on? I haven’t played that thing in ages so it’s hard to remember. I know I’ve flown it farther, but not since the update. I could possibly take it up for a flight and see what I find though. 150 miles ain’t that far 
Does the problem arrive reliably when you switch fuel tanks?
Not necessarily when I switch the tanks, but about that distance, so far. Today ain’t over yet. Gonna give it another try I’ll try the main tanks first - counter intuitive in wartime conditions.
Usually fuel pump is needed for engine start, no?
I honestly have no idea about real life when it comes to the fuel pump. I do believe it makes sense to have it on for switching duties. I think some warbirds I have ask for it to be on all the time. I’m guessing a bit here, but I would think the pump would keep pressure in the lines if the plane was upside down.
So far, I’m well over 150 miles into this. No issues with pump on. I’ve switched between all the tanks.
Interestingly, AH feels this plane should get better fuel economy at lower altitudes. That seems passing odd But I’m getting a fuel range showing of over 1200 miles at 3000 feet. If I go up a few thousand feet fuel consumption goes UP… rather than down. And the mixture control seems not to change anything until it cuts off fuel completely. I have checked, and automix is off.
OK, I’ll try with the pump on. Thanks for giving it the go.
By the way, when you say ‘pump’ you mean the ‘booster pump’ right?
Yep. I just landed a bit ago. Flew a 650 mile flight with no issues. I did purposely let a drop tank run out of fuel and when I switched to the other drop tank (pump was on) the engine kicked in right away.
I suspect the booster pump was your problem.
Half way on my 550 mile plan. plenty of fuel. pump on, chickend out on the drop tanks and have solely been using the main tanks, switch successful - this is not in their instructions about the pump. Let you know when I touch down at Horn Island.
Dunno if it’s just me, but airshow assistant is sure consistent about keeping the flaps extended. Cannot work that out.
I’m fairly new to Airshow Assistant. I’ve had issues with some aircraft. I’m going to guess that’s a Mustang thing. With one of the other birds I have it keeps the wings folded.
AH sucks at a whole lot but from reading other manuals for other warbirds, I think boost pump is just a thing. I don’t think Flying Iron’s P-38 will run without it. You’re supposed to put it in “emergency boost” for takeoff, but even when you turn that off, the pump is still on. I think most of them had pressurized fuel lines so it stands to reason a pump would be necessary.
Further, gravity feed would cease to work during maneuvers (dog fights) unless there was something pushing it along I would think.
This is a post from DCS Forum:
Of course this is not AH’s manual, it’s just backup for what I was saying/assuming
You never know with AH. It may or may not be in the manual and it may or may not be modeled correctly 
AH manual says to cut off pump after start… I’m just in the habit of cutting it with other planes, though I’m not a maneuver pilot by nature as sim doesnt have many reasons to do it.
BTW, had the best take-off yet. All these flights are making us one. Be the mustang
Heaps of thanks for the discussion and fellow flying. Hope you have a good weekend.
Is there a way to drop the extra fuel tanks without completely using up the fuel? I couldn’t find anything in the manual.
EDIT: There’s not a way to drop the tanks!
Echo 19’s sound addon has blown me away and totally renewed my love for this plane. If anyone hasn’t gotten it, I highly recommend! Going into drone mode and listening to the engine as the mustang flies by is addicting.
It’s incredible how big a role sound plays in an aircraft. I wish AH understood that better and invested in higher quality sound sets.
