Delta Virtual Airlines Water Cooler - Payware comparisons

Delta Virtual Airlines Water Cooler | Airline Operations | Payware comparisons - 727 and dash 8

DVA6135
Captain, B757-200

Joined on July 12 2008
Everett Century Club
50 State Club
US Capital Club
Double Century Club
DVA Fifteen-Year Anniversary

"Real World Airline Captain - AMA"
Vero Beach, FL

236 legs, 718.4 hours
3 legs, 6.1 hours online
234 legs, 714.3 hours ACARS

Posted onPost created on April 20 2013 14:26 ET by Chris Kennedy

Hey guys, quick couple questions. First off im curious to know which is better: The dreamfleet or CS 727? ive been flying a lot of planes with FMC and todays age systems, and im looking for something a bit older, with a more traditional 6 pack cockpit. In terms of the 727 im looking for realism, spot on flight dynamics, and a good VC, i spend 95% of my flight in the VC. Also is the thomas ruth freeware 727 any good? i dont mind paying top dollar for the CS or dreamfleet, as long as they are good.

Next. the famous dash 8. Im also wanting to take a break from long hauls and fly more regional flights. I noticed im rated on the dash 8, ERJs, and the CRJs, but seeing as their are pretty much no good ERJ/CRJs out at the moment (although aerosoft mentioned something a couple days ago saying their CRJ is still in progress), id like to try my hand at the dash 8. So my question is: Just flight or majestic software dash 8? Currently the majestic software dash 8 website isnt working for some reason, and i cant seem to find the software buyable anywhere else. any thoughts?

On one last note. I only use FSX. I dont not own FS2004, so anything that only works for FS2004 will not fly with me. (pun intended)

Thanks for your help guys!

-Chris

Chris Kennedy (DVA6135)

DVA10754
First Officer, MD-11
OLP

Joined on May 20 2012

Western United States

72 legs, 173.3 hours
50 legs, 113.1 hours online
68 legs, 158.7 hours ACARS
15 legs, 34.0 hours event

Posted onPost created on April 20 2013 17:17 ET by Jason Chardot

There are good ERJs - the feelthere ERJ 135/145 and 175/195 are quite good, fully implemented lnav, vnav, fmc, etc. The just flight IS the majestic Dash 8. Just flight is simply a publisher/distributor. I purchased it last night on release day and I highly recommend it. The question is - do you prefer smaller jets, or turboprops? If smaller jets, the ERJ is a no brainer. If turboprops, then the Dash 8 is excellent. I can also recommend the PMDG JS41.

I can't comment on the 727 as I haven't flown those yet.

Jason Chardot

First Officer, MD-11

DVA4241
Assistant Chief Pilot, MD-88

Joined on March 20 2007
Millennium Club
DVA Fifteen-Year Anniversary
Long Beach 500 Club
Online Millennium Club

"Kepping my head in the clouds"
Kansas City, MO

1,300 legs, 2,503.6 hours
1,140 legs, 2,206.1 hours online
1,263 legs, 2,407.9 hours ACARS
28 legs, 67.4 hours event

Posted onPost created on April 21 2013 12:56 ET by Chad Rhinehart

Did/does Delta even have dash 8 service? I bet finding a reapint for that would take a while.

Chad Rhinehart (DVA4241)

DVA10754
First Officer, MD-11
OLP

Joined on May 20 2012

Western United States

72 legs, 173.3 hours
50 legs, 113.1 hours online
68 legs, 158.7 hours ACARS
15 legs, 34.0 hours event

Posted onPost created on April 21 2013 13:48 ET by Jason Chardot

Chad Rhinehart wrote:

Did/does Delta even have dash 8 service? I bet finding a reapint for that would take a while.

Freedom airlines , a subsidiary of Mesa, briefly operated (i.e. 2006-2007) the Dash 8-100 under Delta Connection colors. Other than that, I don't think so.

Jason Chardot

First Officer, MD-11

DVA2088
Senior Captain, B777-200
OLP

Joined on January 13 2005
Online Century Club
Everett 250 Club
50 State Club
DVA Ten-Year Anniversary
Million Mile Club
Globetrotter
Eight Century Club

Seattle, WA USA

817 legs, 2,352.9 hours
192 legs, 620.9 hours online
673 legs, 1,872.6 hours ACARS
11 legs, 54.5 hours event

Posted onPost created on April 21 2013 15:51 ET by Eric Paul

You can purchase the new Majestic Dash 8 @ www.justflight.com

Eric Paul (DVA2088)

DVA9733
First Officer, B747-400

Joined on April 29 2011
Everett 250 Club
Online Six Century Club
DVA Ten-Year Anniversary
Eight Century Club

"Northwest 238, contact departure.... G'day!"
Minnetonka, MN USA

816 legs, 2,270.3 hours
663 legs, 1,835.4 hours online
752 legs, 2,071.4 hours ACARS
8 legs, 15.2 hours event

Posted onPost created on April 21 2013 17:19 ET by Shane Vanhoven

Jason Chardot wrote:

Chad Rhinehart wrote:

Did/does Delta even have dash 8 service? I bet finding a reapint for that would take a while.

Freedom airlines , a subsidiary of Mesa, briefly operated (i.e. 2006-2007) the Dash 8-100 under Delta Connection colors. Other than that, I don't think so.

Horizon Air

Shane Vanhoven

First Officer, B747-400

Posted onPost created on April 21 2013 21:00 ET by Chris Kennedy

All great answers guys, i really appreciate the feedback. the only thing im looking for now is someone who has flown the dash 8 from majestic (FS2004 is fine), i just want to know if its realistic. not PMDG level, ive learnt to live with that, but i want it to be close to what the real world one offers, so im not flying something along the lines of the wilco CRJ, that was a joke.

If there are any takers with thoughts on the 727 addons, feel free to give your opinion!

Thanks guys.

Chris Kennedy (DVA6135)

DVA10754
First Officer, MD-11
OLP

Joined on May 20 2012

Western United States

72 legs, 173.3 hours
50 legs, 113.1 hours online
68 legs, 158.7 hours ACARS
15 legs, 34.0 hours event

Posted onPost created on April 21 2013 22:15 ET by Jason Chardot

It's only for fsx and it's excellent. Maybe even exceeds Pmdg as it includes weather radar, icing, etc. At least on par.

Jason Chardot

First Officer, MD-11

DVA11221
Captain, B777-200
OLP

Joined on January 01 2013
50 State Club
Century Club

Issaquah, WA

114 legs, 423.9 hours
37 legs, 94.4 hours online
114 legs, 423.9 hours ACARS

Posted onPost created on April 21 2013 22:21 ET by Shaun Oneil

The Majestic is easily on-par with PMDG, but easier on the fps IMO. If you want a hop-and-fly airplane, the Majestic probably won't fit your desires. I got her up and running within 5 minutes of loading ... albeit slightly incorrectly because I had not poured over the POH yet. Really getting her flying takes a tad more time, it's not difficult once you figure out the flows, etc ... but you do have to interface with an external control panel to get her loaded, fueled and determine some of your performance numbers. It flies beautifully, but as with any new a/c you'll have to learn her quirks. Speed mgmt as you transition onto the approach seems very important thus far! Other than that, you'll probably be introducing yourself to the rudder trim control and you'll have to chew on the FMS documentation a bit as well. Simply an amazing new add-on for the community!

Shaun Oneil

Captain, B777-200

DVA10754
First Officer, MD-11
OLP

Joined on May 20 2012

Western United States

72 legs, 173.3 hours
50 legs, 113.1 hours online
68 legs, 158.7 hours ACARS
15 legs, 34.0 hours event

Posted onPost created on April 21 2013 22:25 ET by Jason Chardot

A couple other things to keep in mind. As it was just released there are still some bugs to work out of the dash 8 but I am sure they will be in short order. Also delta itself doesn't fly the dash 8 if that matters to you, and the 737 is obviously much more ubiquitous. The dash 8 is also not as automated - no auto throttle, vnav much more limited, lighter aircraft, fewer systems. Arguably the fmc cdu and autopilot are not as intuitive, but that has nothing to do with majestic, but rather with bombardier. So it depends if you want to fly a turboprop or a jet.

Jason Chardot

First Officer, MD-11

DVA10670
Captain, B737-800

Joined on April 14 2012
B737 50 Club
DVA Ten-Year Anniversary

Toowoomba, Queensland Australia

84 legs, 202.7 hours
77 legs, 190.6 hours ACARS

Posted onPost created on April 22 2013 15:18 ET by Christian Bonenfant

Hi Chris,
I have the CS 727 add on that I fly as a change from fully automated planes such as the PMDG 737 and find it a nice change. It has good details and easy on frame rates. You do have to plan your flight and be aware that the autopilot is very basic, but I enjoy hand flying it. I would recommend this add on. There are also extension available for it such as the freighter version.
I cannot comment on the other pay ware version as it is not available in Oz. As far freeware is concerned I personally stay away from it. Hope this helps,
Cheers Christian

Christian Bonenfant

Captain, B737-800

Posted onPost created on April 22 2013 15:50 ET by Chris Kennedy

Christian Bonenfant wrote:

Hi Chris,
I have the CS 727 add on that I fly as a change from fully automated planes such as the PMDG 737 and find it a nice change. It has good details and easy on frame rates. You do have to plan your flight and be aware that the autopilot is very basic, but I enjoy hand flying it. I would recommend this add on. There are also extension available for it such as the freighter version.
I cannot comment on the other pay ware version as it is not available in Oz. As far freeware is concerned I personally stay away from it. Hope this helps,
Cheers Christian

Great to hear something about the 727. So christian, from what it sounds like, the CS 727 is of good quality and has the great old school airliner feel to it. My next question for you is, does the 727 has any sort of GPS equipped so i can use GPS as waypoints along my flight route. I was looking over the IFR high enroute charts on skyvector and i see a lot of GPS waypoint intersections. Is it possible to work with those? or is the 727 a real "VoR to VoR" with vectors kind of plane? Thank you.

Chris Kennedy (DVA6135)

Posted onPost created on April 22 2013 15:52 ET by Chris Kennedy

Shaun Oneil wrote:

The Majestic is easily on-par with PMDG, but easier on the fps IMO. If you want a hop-and-fly airplane, the Majestic probably won't fit your desires. I got her up and running within 5 minutes of loading ... albeit slightly incorrectly because I had not poured over the POH yet. Really getting her flying takes a tad more time, it's not difficult once you figure out the flows, etc ... but you do have to interface with an external control panel to get her loaded, fueled and determine some of your performance numbers. It flies beautifully, but as with any new a/c you'll have to learn her quirks. Speed mgmt as you transition onto the approach seems very important thus far! Other than that, you'll probably be introducing yourself to the rudder trim control and you'll have to chew on the FMS documentation a bit as well. Simply an amazing new add-on for the community!

Hey shaun, so it sounds like after what christian said i either gotta pick the CS 727 or the majestic dash. Chances are ill probably go for the dash 8 as it is a turboprop and not a jet which is a nice change of pace, but after some more youtube vids and reviews online, ill make my decision. glad to hear its of PMDG level, that makes the decision much easier too, as i have had bad experiences with CS in the past. Thanks for your response.

Chris Kennedy (DVA6135)

Posted onPost created on April 22 2013 15:53 ET by Chris Kennedy

Jason Chardot wrote:

It's only for fsx and it's excellent. Maybe even exceeds Pmdg as it includes weather radar, icing, etc. At least on par.

hey jason, how accurate is that weather radar? sounds like a very cool feature.

Chris Kennedy (DVA6135)

DVA11221
Captain, B777-200
OLP

Joined on January 01 2013
50 State Club
Century Club

Issaquah, WA

114 legs, 423.9 hours
37 legs, 94.4 hours online
114 legs, 423.9 hours ACARS

Posted onPost created on April 22 2013 16:17 ET by Shaun Oneil

Chris Kennedy wrote:

hey jason, how accurate is that weather radar? sounds like a very cool feature.

FYI, I use ActiveSky Evolution for my weather generation. The Dash is definitely reading something from the sim, because there is nothing static or repetitive about the weather returns. That said, I cannot tell you exactly what it's reading. Over the years I have read that FSX does not correlate weather areas and cloud coverage very well, so I imagine any deficiencies are more a simulator limitation than a flaw with the Dash. I have encountered icing multiple times now ... once I remember being in visible moisture at the time, but I cannot remember if that was the case every time. There is a crew warning message that pops up in the center MFD when icing is encountered. The anti-ice systems are easy to use and dealt with the icing I had without issue.

Shaun Oneil

Captain, B777-200

DVA10670
Captain, B737-800

Joined on April 14 2012
B737 50 Club
DVA Ten-Year Anniversary

Toowoomba, Queensland Australia

84 legs, 202.7 hours
77 legs, 190.6 hours ACARS

Posted onPost created on April 23 2013 05:11 ET by Christian Bonenfant

Hi Chris,
It is old time flying with the CS 727. You can use the fsx flight planner which will able you to use the GPS in the drop down window in the simulator .Personally I prefer to go the old fashion way. I use charts and vor to vor. It's a great way to fly. I use the same method with the Connie, yes I know I am old!
Hope this helps, cheers Christian

Christian Bonenfant

Captain, B737-800

DVA8354
Captain, B737-800

Joined on March 01 2010
Online Century Club
Double Century Club
50 State Club

Berlin, Germany

235 legs, 401.9 hours
164 legs, 275.7 hours online
226 legs, 384.6 hours ACARS
2 legs, 4.3 hours event

Posted onPost created on April 25 2013 16:43 ET by Jack McPeek

If I can convince my wife I need the dash, I'll be doing up a Delta Connection paint job.

Jack McPeek

Captain, B737-800

DVA10708
First Officer, B747-400

Joined on April 02 2012
50 State Club
Globetrotter
US Coastal Club
US Mountaineer Club
Eight Millennium Club
Commuter Conquest
Ten Million Miles and Beyond
DVA Ten-Year Anniversary
Everett Tri-Millennium Club

Northeastern United States

10,259 legs, 30,421.4 hours
7,980 legs, 24,530.8 hours ACARS

Posted onPost created on April 28 2013 21:01 ET by Morgan Smith

I have the CS727. Great visuals, a so-so FDE which you'll fined modifications for on the CS support forums, which you'll definitely need to peruse. I added payware ISG panels, which provide LNAV capability, so in the end I have an aircraft with moderate self-nav capability. She is fun to fly. HOWEVER - if you can hold off, I'd really suggest waiting for Capt Sim's annual `$15 sale in December, when you can buy this *(as well as their other) aircraft at a steep discount. This plane is not worth $40 in 2013. From all accounts, the Majestic is worth whatever they're asking, so perhaps buy that no and the 727 next

Morgan Smith

First Officer, B747-400

DVA11221
Captain, B777-200
OLP

Joined on January 01 2013
50 State Club
Century Club

Issaquah, WA

114 legs, 423.9 hours
37 legs, 94.4 hours online
114 legs, 423.9 hours ACARS

Posted onPost created on April 28 2013 22:22 ET by Shaun Oneil

Morgan Smith wrote:

I'd really suggest waiting for Capt Sim's annual `$15 sale in December, when you can buy this *(as well as their other) aircraft at a steep discount.

Good to know ... thanks!

Shaun Oneil

Captain, B777-200

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