Okay, here’s my November 2023 list. As always, I’m not really putting them in order of preference.
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Nieuport 17 (Big Radials) — This is a super fun plane to fly. It should probably be more tail heavy than it is, and it’s ahistorical to be able to adjust the elevator trim, but I really don’t mind. It’s simply a fun, beautiful, and well-modelled plane. I also love the historical squadron markings.
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F4F-4 Wildcat (Got Friends) — Oh my! This is a great plane and a fantastic value. It is modeled so well, to the point that the various radio boxes are present and textured in the rear fuselage! It flies like the manual (Pilot’s Handbook for Model F4F-4 Engine R-1830-86) says it should. I disagree with those who say the landing characteristics are wrong. When I fly according to the manual, it behaves according to the manual ([RELEASED] F4F-4 Wildcat | Got Friends - #650 by LufberyDrew). It trims out nicely in all three axis, turns well, and I love how the two-stage supercharger is modeled. It also — and this is strange to write — seems to sip gas. I loaded it up with two external tanks and did a flight for about an hour around Wake Island. I got it up above 17,000 feet, and then came back down and greased the landing. For all that time, I hadn’t even quite used up the first drop tank.
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F-14A (DC Designs), but I also love the B and D models. — DC Designs added the D model recently. I really love all three, but the A model is my favorite. This is simply a great plane!
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Caudron Rafale (Bluemesh) — This plane is wonderful, but it is also kicking my butt! I tend to ground loop in it with the slightest cross wind. The cockpit position is so far back that I lose sight of the runway on final. With full flaps, the descent is pretty steep. I often land with half flaps, but then it stalls at 140 KPH (give or take, approximately 70-75 knots), which seems high for a light plane. Despite all of these issues, the plane is a challenge to fly that I find nearly irresistible. I have decided to use a calm day preset when I fly, and grass fields help a lot because the Rafale has a tail skid.
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MiG-21 (Golden Key Studios) — Still fun! I love the droppable fuel tanks, the fidelity of the cockpit, the flight model, and the parachute on landing! My heart goes out to the developers. I sincerely pray that they are safe.
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AV-8B Harrier (DC Designs) — Another great DC Designs aircraft. I love the S/VTOL takeoffs and landings. I’m learning to master the transition from regular flight to STVOL. The squadron paint schemes (it seems wrong to call them liveries, which I’ve only ever heard in an aviation context for airliners) and variations are great!
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Piper L-4 Grasshopper (nee Cub; Just Flight) — fun, well-modelled, and hands down my favorite float plane.
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Ford Trimotor (MS/Asobo) — I love this plane! I’ve always been a huge fan of the Ford Trimotor in general. It has a great history, and I got a ride in one years ago that was a huge thrill. I think this model is really well made. It flies well, and I actually really dig using the Sperry Autopilot. Without the autopilot, it requires constant wheel and rudder input to fly straight, which matches both what I expect and what I’ve read about this plane.
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Curtiss JN-4D “Jenny” (MS/Asobo) — Another plane with a storied history that is great in the sim and a lot of fun to fly! It’s slow to climb, and quick to sink when the power is brought back. It’s also great for learning how to coordinate turns!
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Fouga Magister (Azurpoly) — Simply fantastic! This is my go to plane for learning and practicing aerobatics. I’ve been able to learn how to do some darned good barrel rolls that leave a beautiful loop of smoke behind me. It’s really gratifying.
