A real C-47 should always be operated with great respect. Every process, checklist, maneuver, handle movement… should be performed with the right "touch" and specific intent. Furthermore, the pilot who teaches you how to fly a C-47 is a kind of "Yoda"… teaching the use of the "Force": "This aircraft, with great respect, you shall treat!"
…When I'm flying the VSKYLABS C-47/DC-3 in X-Plane, there is that overlaying feeling that was probably imprinted in me back when I was a young pilot, when I was learning the use of the C-47/DC-3 "Force" in real life.
It starts with how I grip the hardware yoke, how I hold and manipulate the throttle and propeller levers, down to that familiar takeoff and landing pace, where every landing is a small victory, even though it is already a routine process. That feeling "surrounds" the entire project development process, which was initiated back in 2015-2016 (The VSKYLABS C-47 FLP v1.0 was released in 2017).
There are so many aspects to cover when flying a C-47/DC-3, especially when creating one as a flight simulator project. The VSKYLABS C-47/DC-3 is all about "Flying the aircraft": Aircraft handling and performance, single engine operations, damaged aircraft operations, weather flying, fuel planning, mission considerations, and old-school navigation (in the VSKYLABS C-47 Skytrain Project).
There are almost endless cockpit configurations for the real, restored DC-3 (it has been flying now for more than eighty years…). The VSKYLABS DC-3 Airliner cockpit presents the ultimate fusion of old and new: to experience the challenge of operating and flying the DC-3, but with modernized autopilot and navigation equipment.
Flying the VSKYLABS C-47/DC-3 is challenging in terms of aircraft handling and piloting skills, but operating the plane is not a total "headache" and will not require you to become a flight engineer.
However, it will turn you into a better pilot.
This project is a personal invitation to a unique C-47/DC-3 flying experience in X-Plane, and it incorporates a lot of good old memories, curiosity, and excitement.
Enjoy the ride!
Huss - VSKYLABS
FINAL WORDS BEFORE DIVING INTO THE COCKPIT
Easy to fly...it isn't! The flight dynamics model is built, setup and tuned to be as authentic as possible, demonstrating how deep is the use of the C-47/DC-3 "Force":
The aircraft requires the correct use of all pilot inputs, including differential power, and braking, one of the most important aspect of taxiing the C-47/DC-3.
Performance and handling are 'on the numbers' (within reasonable margins): the aircraft was designed to perform as close as possible to the real thing, and extensive test flights and calibrations using the real aircraft performance charts were made.
Single engine operations are authentic. You will not be able to sustain a climb rate unless flying in the proper configuration, and you will have to plan ahead your "moves" in case of an engine failure, exactly as it is done with the real C-47/DC-3. Actually, you will have to plan ahead every piloting "move", even with two engines running, exactly as it is done with the real C-47/DC-3...
Lots of effort was made to make the aircraft landing gears to "feel" as it should be when interacting with the ground, and it will bounce realistically on rough terrain operations and will demonstrate a realistic touchdown behavior and ground handling qualities.
It is a blast to fly!
