Flight1 ATR 72-500

The ATR 72 is a short-range twin-turboprop built by Avions de Transport R�gional (ATR). It is a stretched (4.50m/14ft 9in) development of the ATR-42. Other differences with the ATR-42 are increased wingspan, more powerful engines and increased fuel capacity. The 72 was announced in 1986, and made its first flight on October 27, 1988. Interesting fact: the ATR 72 doesn't have an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), but it has a propeller brake (referred to as "Hotel Mode") that stops the propeller on the right side, allowing the turbine to run and provide air and power to the aircraft without the propeller spinning. This is designed to eliminate the added weight and expense of an APU engine. Engines are periodically switched during maintenance to ensure equal wear. More than 400 ATR 72s have been build since the production started.

The Flight1 ATR 72-500 is a detailed and realistic aircraft, developed for FS2004 and FSX. The exterior looks nice and the liveries are well done. Almost all real world systems are simulated. Both the 2d panels and virtual cockpit are realistic with many buttons and knobs clickable. There is also a virtual passenger cabin which looks nice too. You can choose to show either one of them via the configuration utility that is included. This program also allows to choose a interior color, configure various performance/quality settings and contains a load manager. The flight dynamics are excellent, as are the internal and external sounds. A large and well written manual in .pdf format is included. The price may seem high, but with this package you'll get a very realistic ATR 72-500 simulation.









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