FLIGHT SIMULATOR

Note: software is compatible with MS Flight Simulator 2002 Standard Edition
but is not compatible with MS Flight Simulator 2004

SEE DETAILS BELOW REGARDING PURCHASE

Ever wanted to see what a PBY Catalina actually performs like? Well, now here is your chance! This donation-ware CD-Rom features 23 separate ‘modern’ day warbird, airliner and fire bomber Consolidated PBY Catalina, Canso and Super Catalina aircraft for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2002 Professional Edition. The CD comes with 3 authentically functional PBY panels and actual checklists

Additional information, including historical notes, operations manual, and flying tips for FS2002 are included in web browser (HTML) format. The CD also has a multi-media section with video footage shot of /from ZK-PBY as she completes some lake landings

Proceeds from every CD sold shall help maintain our aircraft ZK-PBY in airworthy condition.

Below are some illustrations of the basic flight simulator PBY variants represented on this CD along with some of their recognition features.

THE FLIGHT MODEL:

Australian former aircraft engineer Brian Horsey has designed the Catalina flight model. Armed with a copy of the maintenance manual and operating notes for the Catalina Group of New Zealand’s Canso A (ZK-PBY) he had created a very realistic flight model for the PBY back in the days of FS98. FS2002 now allows much more fine-tuning of the flight model than was previously possible. The result is that parameters including propeller and gear drag can be better modeled. The improved FS2002 flight model includes real engine and prop parameters, the engines are also turbo-charged. In addition the model works admirably as an amphibian, flying off water with ease.

The control panels for this flight simulator PBY package are a joint effort by Brian Horsey & Harry Follas. They are generic panels, not copied from any specific PBY, but designed to capture the feel of a late 20^th Century Catalina that might still be in operation. There are 3 control panels included for these PBYs; there is a standard panel and also a fire bomber panel, which comes complete with bomb door switch (operational). The third panel, a turbine panel, is for the conceptual turbo-prop PBY.

These panels use standard gauges provided with FS2002 Professional Edition. These gauges register as on the real aircraft, making the use of actual checklists (provided) very realistic. As the panels are typical of modern PBYs they DO NOT have auto-pilots fitted. But they do come fitted with the latest radios and GPS sets!

"Overall, 'PBY Catalina' Makes for a rewarding prospect for anyone interested in the type. Certainly you wont find as good a depiction of the type available elsewhere, and for $NZ35, this would be as close as it gets."

- Eamon Hamilton, Australian Aviation September 2002

The cost of this package is only $NZ ~~35.00~~ 20.00+ postage (refer to the form for overseas order rates)