Hi. First off, I think I’m good on airliners for now since I have Premium Deluxe. I want to focus on having fun with some “off the beaten path” GA planes.
It’s been some years since I played FSX but I do remember all the great choices we had for various aircraft of all kinds and even “other” type vehicles like boats you can sail or drive in the water. I actually drove a speed boat up the Amazon river to an airstrip a couple times and a yacht across the Florida Keys. I had this small twin engine prop military plane that looks like a C17 but way smaller with a camo livery. I used to role play like it was for special cargo or missions. I wouldn’t mind a mid sized twin engine prop like the ATR 72 600 but the freeware one have bad reviews.
I like to try out unusual planes but it seems like most of the action is for payware these days. Not that I have a problem buying a plane, I did buy the C-130 package for FSX and a few other things. But for now I’m looking for some freeware that will bring a lot more variety into my hangar. As a layman to flying, many of the GA planes start to look the same in the menu.
I thought there would be a lot more variety than what I’m discovering now but times change I guess. I’m just beginning my journey with FS2020 so I’m wondering if I may be missing some sites that have some planes that ‘Flight to’ may not have. Are there any cool freeware aircraft that don’t really fall in the typical plane categories based on the default FS models?
FS.to has most of them. Sim-Outhouse has a few that aren’t on FS.to. The GotGravel website has a few. I don’t really looke elsewhere tho. FrenchVFR has a couple good ones (Look for posts from @LagaffeVFR5476, he’s had trouble with his website, so I don’t know where he’s posting them now). I once found Glider website that had some way back when FS2020 first came out, I’m not sure if it’s still around. All the old haunts have some flightsim.com avsim, etc…
I’d just search for FS2020 downloads and see what comes up.
I downloaded and installed the free Reims C172 Mod below literally today, mainly because I wanted a C172 with Garmin GTN750 capability. This fits the bill.
And this DG-808S by Touching Cloud is a brilliant, complex, modern and fast Glider:
And this powered Hang Glider too:
This new release of the Extreme Xcub is awesome too, with many available variants and performance upgrades:
You might find some other ideas in my Top Freeware Aircraft topic too. There is a link to a Google Sheet with ranked aircraft as voted by people on the thread. Make sure to check both “tabs” (Scratch Built and Mods):
Thanks for the links. Got Friends look interesting, I hope they add more. Definitely grabbing those boats! The scrapyard monster looks fun but I wouldn’t let my pilot freeze at 10,000 feet lol. Good for some low and slow flights I imagine.
I’m surprised the powered hang glider isn’t a default plane since it was the default one I first flew in FSX over Friday Harbor. Gonna grab that one too.
Gonna look through that thread with interest. I’m just trying to get away from the Cessnas, Diamonds, Cubs etc as I feel like I have enough of these type aircraft in my hangar already. If anything I will get the enhancement mods for the ones I would fly. Just want something different. More “service” type small military cargo would be nice for example.
Another issue I ran into is I would find a plane I like but the required download link is dead. Like this BN2-2A on FS.to Does anyone know another way I can get it? Is it still available?
It’s not necessarily “unusual,” but there’s a freeware T206H that really should be payware. I have things in my hangar that I paid for that aren’t nearly as well executed as this one!
Something else to consider is adding the realism mods for the stock DA40 and DA62 written by MrTommyMxr. They completely rework the stock planes and make them much more fun to fly.
And don’t forget little mods, like KPH/KT IAS conversions, interiors, slight flight model mods, state saving mods, avionics mods, etc. Just the Cessna 337 with state saving and a makeover makes a difference. Some FM mods I like and some not so much. There’s a few for the Robin that makes it a much better aircraft-I’ve grown fond of that frumpy dump with just a few little tweaks and the stand alone 180 Regent. The 350i in its sadly neglected state can be warmed over, particularly with the FM and either G1000 or Proline suite updates.
If you like old school aircraft that are a bit odd there is a Grumman Duck for free at .to. It flies well, looks nice and sounds pretty good too. Rather enjoyable and strange aircraft.
Second the 206 that is free, that plane really flies well. The same developer did a Cessna 170 that is fantastic as well, has bush tires and a float version. I know you wanted to get away from Cessna but those are ones I have experience with.
I’m also really liking FlynDive’s Feisler Storch… Only issue is the rain on the side windows, which, who cares… great plane. I’m about to release a livery for it, Collings Foundation Storch.
This! I’ve enjoyed Tommy’s improvements so much! His 40 improvement is holding me over until cows release their 40 XLS.
Back to the OP, I’m with those who recommended the 206. I have mine based out of Palmer, AK and use it to run supplies around the Susitna valley area. Every update it keeps getting better!
What you should try is the Cassna 152.
It doesn’t have GPS or Autopilot.
You need to learn how to keep it straight and level while tuning the radio and adjusting settings.
It has NDB/ADF so airfields with a Non Direction Beacon are easy to find.
Fields without any Naviagation equipment, you have to use VOR by flying along the radial between the VOR and the destination airfield.
