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Ultimate Realism ‘X-posed’ in 747-200 Classic

It's easy to fall in love with the 'Queen of the Skies' sim add-on for 'X-Plane 12'.

FLYING contributor Peter James says he has fallen in love with the Felis 747-200 classic add-on, available for purchase from the x-plane.org online store. [Courtesy: Peter James]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The article critically compares Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 (MSFS) and X-Plane 12, praising MSFS for its stunning visuals but strongly favoring X-Plane for its superior, "blade element theory"-driven flight model realism.
  • X-Plane 12, particularly with add-ons like the Felis 747-200, delivers an unparalleled sense of momentum, detailed system modeling, and immersive tactile feedback during flight, setting a new benchmark for realism.
  • Beyond core flight, X-Plane 12 offers a highly dynamic and dangerous weather system, complete with realistic storms and environmental effects, alongside extensive system failure simulations crucial for advanced flight training and skill development, while also supporting offline play.
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With exactly three years since the “new” Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 was released, me, along with many thousands of die-hard flight simmers have been taken by storm, fallen in love, gotten angry, or experienced a multitude of emotions.

Competition is good, and before 2020, we all began to think Microsoft was out of the game, and X-Plane creator Austin Meyer would be the savior, keeping this hobby alive forever. Certainly not swayed by Microsoft’s offerings, Meyer and his team forged ahead, putting the finishing touches on X-Plane 11. X-Plane 12 was released earlier this year after a long beta period. Not forgotten here, or elsewhere, the X-Plane series is continuously updated and developed. In fact, Meyer’s team at Laminar Research is the largest it’s ever been—tiresomely working on X-Plane 12.

Peter James

Peter is an experienced Part 135 business jet pilot with a passion for simulators and how they blend with the real world. Learning to fly at age 12, he supplemented his passion and career goals with the early versions of Microsoft Flight Simulator. With the growing realism of all PC simulators today, he frequently uses them for extra proficiency, and loves to show other pilots how great they are.

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