Flight model issues

[apollon01]

Hello,

some additional feedback regarding the flight model. Applicable for both MSFS 2020 as well as MSFS 2024 versions.

 

• Roll rate seems to be rather slow. I can only speculate here of course as I've never flown the real thing.
• Pitch is quite unstable with the VSI all over the place all the time (please refer also to my feedback regarding the modern cockpit avionics)
• Is the performance right? According to the info available, the Spartan's max cruise should be about 190 kts. However I can see close to 200 kts with 24 inches MP and 2000 rpm.
• Acceleration to about 140 kts seems fine. From about that point, the speed builds very quickly (even when climbing) and power setting does not seem to have much effect.
• Bleeding the speed (slowing down) is difficult. Descending at 180 kts at 3 degrees profile had me close the throttle entirely. Slowing down from 200 kts speed to landing gear, belly flap and flap extension speeds is very difficult.
• Once you slow down with everything hanging down from the aircraft, the back of the power curve is very steep (requires a bit too much power to stay airborne, in my view)
• The Spartan is pitch unstable. With no pitch inputs it goes from -2000 fpm to 2000 fpm in no time. Difficult to trim it in pitch for any regime of flight (climb, cruise, descent). Requires constant pitch inputs from pilot.
• Pitch is unstable to the point that the oscillations actually get worse if you let them develop.

Thank you for the Spartan.

Thank you for listening to user's feedback and I hope you will eventually address the issues reported.

Regards,

Milan

 

[Zeagle]

The 3 degree profile is completely arbitrary and made up (it may have to do with the performance of the B707 on a single engine...but probably not).  It's about 500 fpm at 100 kt. Although widely used, it has little bearing on how planes actually fly. I routinely fly, in real life as well as in the sim, slightly high on the profile. I prefer not to drag her in on the prop. Each airplane is different of course. But pulling power is not going to hurt anything.  The "shock cooling" thing we were taught back in the old days is pretty much just a myth. I believe a few jump schools proved that a long time ago. 

As far as the real plane goes, I have never flown one. It does seem a bit sluggish on the ailerons in my opinion. The pitch is quite sensitive as well, especially the pitch trim. The 190 vs 200kt thing is simply not a thing. I am sure no two Spartans fly exactly the same. If the devs got her to within 10 knots I say well done.

However, pilots all have different perspectives. I reserve the right to change my mind after flying her more. I only have a couple hours in the bird at this point. I do love flying the Spartan though.

A big thank you to IniBuilds for this classic aircraft. 

Sincerely,

Patrick 

private pilot, retired ATC