I looking a high wing, bush/STOL capabilities and not only with a good FM but also some kind engine simulation. I don’t ask an A2A level, but I don’t want something very basic either. And, please, some performance charts. I don’t want to spend hour and hours in google searching information about procedures and numbers. I know these are basic planes but, please, IRL even those ROTAX engines need some love and care. I want to know how to treat them correctly.
I have Double Ender, I’ve enjoyed visiting Idaho for months with it, but I want something a little bit less experimental. I know FSReborn Sting has the best system/engine VLA simulation, but to land those expensive carbon fiber little planes in unprepared dirty strips, gets on my nerves
I’ve seen good reviews on simmarket about Rans S7 but I haven’t found much information here. And the Zeniths look very basic, don’t they?
Unfortunately that’s what you’re going to see with most LSAs since they are minimalist by design. That being said, the Zenith is probably actually decent choice for what you’re looking for. I don’t have experience with that product but in the real world, Zenith does exactly what you’re looking for and SWS is a pretty good developer (I have their Kodiak).
Also, the default cubs would be solid choice which you’d be forgiven for overlooking since they are default. There are improvement mods for most, if not all, of them and there are improvements coming to the default Garmin G3X so it might be a nice time to revisit those planes. A step up from the default cubs might be the Asobo Aviat Husky.
Last, the Wilga might be worth your attention. It’s not a light aircraft but I think it checks all of the other boxes for you.
The only payware plane remotely close that category I own is the Maule M-7 because I love Maules, but I cannot recommend it as the flight model is highly suspect, particularly on the ground.
I’ll follow your advice and I’ll investigate the Zenith further.
I think the Zenith and the Rans S7 are the best options for what I’m looking for. But at the same time I’m seeing that DoubleEnder is even better compared to them. It offers a good FM, state saving, engine simulation, failures, tear and wear, not only in the systems, but also how the environment affects it (mud, dust, etc).
Sadly it doesn’t receive so much love and attention from Gotfriends like their Wilga. It’s a pity because it has a lot potential. For example, control the props it’s only possible thru a 3 states button, via mouse, and it is neither easy to handle nor very accurate. Particularly during the approach. A nightmare if you want practice a short landing. I suppose it didn’t reach the sales numbers that they expected.
I’m going to save the Zenith and Rans in my wishlist, and I’ll wait for the next summer sale.
I think you mean Rans S6S. It doesn’t have engine realism tho I don’t think.
Have you thought about the JPL Cessna 152? I’ve been having a blast bush flying with it - the tail dragger variant. Maybe doesn’t have the climb ability of the small rotax bush planes, but I can get her to 1500ft/m at full throttle for short bursts. It has engine realism. And is free… It also feels very nice to fly.
It’s funny because after seeing your screenshots last night in the post “What did you do…” I tried the C152 in some of the dirty strips I’m visiting lately with the Doubleender. And no surprise, it works great. But I own one in my FSEconomy profile, based on the PNW, and I have so many hours with it that I need something different “for the weekends”.
For little bushy planes DoubleEnder and the taildragger jpl C152 are the best. They absolutely deserve to receive more and new improvements from their developers.
Ah fair enough. I can understand wishing to fly something a little different for a change. I’m glad my post inspired you nevertheless!
The Fox2 steam gauge version is apparently releasing with SU15. The Rans also looks good. Lot of people also like the Asobo Husky. Shame they don’t have engine realism.
I have the DoubleEnder too, but I dunno. I just prefer the traditional plane model with a traditional dash - the view is so good in the DE that it almost feels too easy. Plus, I agree that a lot of potential is lost without being able to keybind a number of the engine functions.
I also quite like the default Savage Cub. There is a realism mod on fs.to for it, though it’s not got engine wear/failure.
You could do worse than taking a look at the Nardi FN-333 Riviera by Mario Noriega. It’s quirky, unusual, and does not really have much in the way of systems depth and engine modelling I think. But it’s really a refreshingly fun and capable little thing to fly and has buckets of charm and is very well put together.
On top of all that it has retractable floats AND gear (so it’s true amphibian) AND reverse thrust so you really can go anywhere with it and it can get down in surprisingly tight places with a bit of effort (but safely). I really like it and the price is amazing!
The Rans Coyote has a great feel to it also but is quite shallow. Good fun to fly though.
I guess the Stream doesn’t fit for you as it’s also “Carbon Fibrey” but I like that one too.
I’ve read a lot good things about this addon, I’ll check it out.
After watching several videos last night about the Rans, Fox2 and Zenith… I have to be honest with myself and my wallet: with their current feature list, I know that after one or two trips, they will end up in the hangar collecting virtual dust. I think they are great addons, all of them seem to have a great FM and good 3Dmodeling and texturing and i’m sure they will be very funny for STOL competitions or multiplayer trips. But those things are not for me. And especially DoubleEnder gives me more.
BUT! I would love to have any of them IRL, particularly Zenith. I had never stopped to watch IRL videos of it and I’ve started to love it very strongly. What a joyful little plane.
Why not some airplane parkour with the Shock Ultra or all out gonzo with the GG Savage and Monster NX? Full rudder crabs at 35KT for days and 140KT cruise with the NX.
As with C152, I have a lot of hours with the Carbon in my FSEconomy logbook. In fact, during my first year with MSFS I only flew the Caravan and the Carbon.
Anyhow, since yesterday I’ve barely stopped watching videos about VLA’s. Particularly about Zenith CH701. What a plane! It’s a rocket!!! At the same time I’ve discovered a lot light planes that I didn’t know. For example: ICP Savannah!!!
holy, holy, HOLY! As the first comment say: “challenges and beats the rules of physics”
Very similar to the Zenith, but created in Italy, closer to my country (as far I know Zenith doesn’t have distribution here).
I have always dreamed of one day owning (or at least, frequently being able to fly) a Super Cub, an impossible dream. But these little (a cheaper) planes are winning my heart!
Do you have the SWS Zenith? I got on sale on their $2 madness last year, it’s excellent too.
NM, I see you on the SWS thread, are you trying to blow them up? I consider myself a bazillionare with my multi-billion dollar hangar and whatever I do, my vast staff comes picks me up and gets me a new one. The only one I actually like blowing up is the Goose, set up my fishing gear in a big cloud of smoke from one engine.
Not at all. I like their Zenith. I’ve seen most of the reviews are positive and they have improved the FM recently. But my budget it very limited and considering the regular price I want to be sure if they offer a minimum engine simulation. But for $2 it was a no-brainer. Even I would feel bad to pay so little money.
The Goose plays in another league. Along with DC3 or Twin Beech (actually my two main planes in the sim lately). I remember the first time I saw it, when I was a child watching the TV show: “The tales of gold monkey”. I loved it when he started it up. I would love to buy Big Radials addon in the future. Too many addons and so tiny wallet.
