April 2009 Unedited Screenshot Contest Winners

[Ludo62]

Aerosoft’s Carenado U206G Stationair 6 II
Reviewed by Ludo Lambrechts

Since the discovery of controlled flight, aviation has become an essential form of transportation around the world. Through the last century, aviation has grown into many different divisions all serving many different purposes. These range from hauling cargo, to dropping bombs. Also emerging amongst these divisions was light general aviation. These aircraft and their pilots fly small groups of people across short impassable distances. Over years these aircraft have been used for scenic tours, or small cargo delivery runs. There is a big part of aircraft included in this section and a lot of flight simmers enjoy these flights.

Included in Microsoft Games’ Flight Simulator 2004 are a number of default light general aviation aircraft. These are average, but not good enough for any enthusiast’s hangar. Fortunately MSFS2004 has add-on capabilities, and we have a lot of talented developers making add-ons for us. Carenado has specialized in developing light general aviation aircraft. These aircraft have the reputation of having perfect models, beautiful eye candies, great sound, and amazing flight dynamics. The developers at Carenado have proven to be very talented with previous releases. Now with the talented people at Aerosoft publishing this add-on in a box it is sure to be a bang for your buck product!

For anybody who has bought a product from Carenado before there is not much to say. This aircraft has many of the same beautiful features as previous projects from Carenado, but the team has still found ways to improve their work. If you’ve flown a product from Carenado, you’re sure to enjoy the Stationair just as much!

For those who haven’t ever flown a Carenado product, the Stationair is a great advocate of their talent. Any pilot who enjoys flying short hops or bush flying will love this aircraft. The most noticeable thing on this aircraft is its interior and exterior models. Aerosoft has discovered this quality, and has published this add-on. However, before you can enjoy this aircraft you need to be able to get it into your game. As in every Aerosoft release an installation program is included which automatically finds your Flight Simulator 9 game. It is a very easy installation process, but advanced users with different installation methods can use this utility to install the way they want it. This aircraft effectively installs, but still does not restrict the installation opportunities.

Now that you know that the task of installing this aircraft can’t restrict you from purchasing this aircraft it is time to discuss what this installation utility puts onto your computer. The first thing that is noticeable in this aircraft is the modelling. Superb experience and artistic capabilities make this aircraft blinding! The team from Carenado has yet again stepped up their detail and quality from other releases. The outside model is beautiful, and is complimented with various different liveries on eight different models. Every detail has been included, and the liveries are perfectly painted. The interior is just as impressive. Tons of eye candies have been included, and with the use of photorealistic textures, this virtual cockpit is fully immersive. If you enjoy taking screenshots, and a lot of your buying decisions are based on looks, then this is the aircraft is for you. If however, you also enjoy commercial aircraft for their realism you’ll want to continue reading.

The realism of this aircraft is astonishing; it reminds us that Microsoft Games’ Flight Simulator 2004 is a simulator, not a game. The sound is very realistic, and will put you right into the pilot’s seat. This aircraft is one of the most immersive that I have experienced. The recording is very clear, professional, and most of all realistic. The flight dynamics add up to form the perfect sum. The aircraft reacts very realistic to your every move, as you fly your flying skills will be challenged. This factor which is often overlooked by many developers and missed holds a key factor in a plane’s realism. Carenado as in other releases has done a great job including the Cessna U206G Stationair’s characteristics in this package.

Aerosoft North America landed in Ontario on October 18th, 2006. Richard Plokhaar moved himself and his family to the nice town of Lucan, Ontario in order to improve the accessibility of flight simulator add-ons to people in North America. For many months they sold Aerosoft add-ons, but never published their own add-on. Aerosoft North America’s first product is a dandy though, if this is their standard get ready for many more add-ons. Included is an extensive printed manual in English, and Deutsch. This manual goes over every aspect of the aircraft and is a good tool for expanding your knowledge of the Cessna U206 Stationair GII.

The eye-popping eye candies on this aircraft are enough reason for many simmers to buy this aircraft. Besides the visual aspects, this aircraft is also very strong when it comes to it s sound and flight dynamics. It runs very well on both high and low end computers making this a complete package. For the amazing work and results put forth by the team from Carenado and Aerosoft I award their Cessna U206G Stationair 6 II a 9.5 out of 10.

Reviewed by Ludo Lambrechts for Aerosoft

[TEDK]

Another outstanding review ludo, very informative reading material .

Ted