Test machine specs: MSI X670E, AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D, AMD Radeon RX 7900XTX, 48gb RAM
Version reviewed: FS2024
Add-ons: BATC, GSX Pro, GFX, Global Shipping '24
DETAIL
The last two or three releases from Simulación Extrema look noticeably better than their predecessors, with Madryn seeming particularly attractive. Already owning Kirkwall and Stornoway — and being satisfied with them — I decided to add a destination to which I could fly from recently-acquired Aeroparque (by Sierrasim — arguably Argentina’s most important aviation hub). My two-hour(ish) flight took me across some pretty unimpressive Asobo terrain but I was pleasantly surprised by how good this rather desolate coastal region looks in the sim. There are no STARs but I was able to select an instrument-assisted approach to my assigned runway, so it looks like the dev has implemented the navdata as per the real world.
Landing here for the first time, I was impressed by the sense of remoteness, with both Asobo and Simulación Extrema contributing to this feeling in equal measure. Runway textures are excellent and superior to those of either Stornoway or Kirkwall. It’s a tiny airport with just one taxiway leading to the ramp. The ramp is also tiny, with just enough room for one 737-800 (which are regular real-world visitors). God knows what happens if the schedules get knocked out of kilter and two airliners turn up here at once. Pandemonium, I’d say!
The first issue became apparent when approaching the small apron, and that is that the lack of a GSX profile means there simply isn’t enough room for both your aircraft and the GSX-controlled GSE. A minor detail, perhaps, but it affects immersion when an army of service vehicles is blocking your route to stand. Not the dev’s fault per se (just the nature of tiny airports in the sim) but the problem could have been negated by the creation of an official profile (sadly, there isn’t currently a third-party example available on flightsim.to).
This was, however, the only thing I could really find to moan about. The ground textures/markings are great, although if I were to be picky, I’d suggest a little more weathering. There is a slight anomaly with the 737 MAX ground marking, which for some reason contains a mystery ‘0’. The ramp features a few items of custom GSE (Aerolineas Argentinas baggage dollies, a fuel tanker and two locally-branded but individually unique fire tenders), along with a single default van. There is a drainage channel that flows between the runway and apron and the concrete heads where it meets the taxiway have been modelled.
The terminal is beautifully done, as one would expect of an airport so small. The exterior weathering is nothing short of superb, and the interior looks to be Simulación Extrema’s best to date (probably with the exception of their new King Island, which appears even more detailed). I love the tint of the windows, and the fact they’re smeared with grime. No expense has been spared landside, with an equally respectable amount of detail — the only exception being the Asobo cars (as long as they don’t populate airside areas, I tend not to complain too much). Behind the car-park, there’s an imposing radar tower, complete with rotating dish. The perimeter fence is complete and all-encompassing.
Off-airport detail is non-existent but I get the impression there’s not a lot in the way of surroundings in reality. A few peripheral roads are modelled, however, which is always good to see.
I wasn’t able to test BATC compatibility since the airport only handles 2-3 flights daily, but it’s fine at Stornoway and Kirkwall so I fail to see why it would be any different here. Night-lighting is good, without being exceptional by 2026’s standards.
PERFORMANCE
Predictably, excellent. Do I really need to say more?
VERDICT
Given that this tiny airport is the same price as some of Simulación Extrema’s much larger Argentine airports, it probably doesn’t offer the best value; but there are far less detailed/attractive airports out there that cost more. It’s a well-rounded package that actually exceeded my expectations (which were based on their last two Scottish airports). The surrounding terrain — for which Asobo is responsible — is really good, and what’s included inside the perimeter fence only adds to the impression that this is one very remote facility!
Minor irritations are the use of Asobo default cars landside (plus one service van airside, which I can just about live with), what appears to be an incorrect apron marking, and the lack of a GSX profile (crucial at such a small airport to ensure no conflicts between your aircraft and GSE).
Incidentally, shortly after this release, Vuelosimple released their version of SAVY… and it’s cheaper. (when both are full price — Simulación Extrema’s is currently on sale at the in-sim Marketplace, to which it is exclusive). I spent a while examining marketing images for both and concluded that Simulación Extrema’s is considerably more detailed. The only aspect of Vuelosimple’s I prefer is the scattered vegetation surrounding the airfield, however I can’t say whether or not this is a faithful representation of reality.
In summary, this is a beautiful little airport that makes for an interesting destination from Buenos Aires Aeroparque. Yes, it’s quite pricey, even by the dev’s own measure, but I’d say the difference between it and the Vuelosimple version is worth paying. You’ll have to decide for yourself whether a tiny airport with just 2-3 flights per day (all from the same origin) is worth the asking price. For what it’s worth, an indication of how much I like this scenery is that I will be purchasing another of their recent Argentine airports before the weekend is out…
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