Airbus A330neo: The Perfect Successor
Part 1 – Introducing ToLiss A330-900
Amazingly, the ToLiss team released their fifth X-Plane-certified Airbus aircraft. This time, in October 2024, it is the Airbus A330-900, also known as an A330neo aircraft. This is not a surprising choice since the A330-900 is, in addition to the Airbus A350, one of the current real wide-body Airbus aircraft. Besides that, ToLiss modelled a completely new fuselage from scratch for this aircraft, but the flight deck has more or less the same cockpit layout as the A340-600.
In case you aren’t aware of this, let me try to explain:
The fuselage model or diameter of the A330 is the same as their A340-600. The external cockpit design, thus the look and feel, is the same as the A340, and the cockpit layout has many similarities, although not the same. And last but not least, the tail is the same, but the wings are different. Anyway, a lot of knowledge in the ToLiss house. And let’s not forget that ToLiss’ previous model, the A320neo, also offers some features that could benefit the A330-900.
This review covers part 1 of the ToLiss Airbus A330-900. It covers the whole aircraft, an external walk-around, the virtual cabin, the flight deck, some tips and tricks and much more. Part 2 will cover the complete flight, including associated tasks to perform and all my findings. The reason to split it this time is to keep the overall review readable. Otherwise, you need to read perhaps 15.000+ words. With this approach, you still have a good idea of what the ToLiss A330-900 is all about.
Right on ….. let’s go!
The Airbus A330neo (“neo” stands for “New Engine Option”) is a wide-body airliner derived from the original Airbus A330, now known as the A330ceo (current engine option). The A330neo is a new version with modern engines comparable to those developed for the Boeing 787. Launched on 14 July 2014 at the Farnborough Airshow, it offered a 14% improvement in fuel economy per seat. The Rolls-Royce Trent 7000, which has double the bypass ratio of its predecessor, solely powered it.
Its two versions are based on the A330-200 and -300: the -800 has a range of 8,150 nmi (15,090 km; 9,380 mi) with 257 passengers, while the -900 covers 7,200 nmi (13,330 km; 8,290 mi) with 287 passengers. The -900 made its maiden flight on 19 October 2017. As of September 2024, over 25 customers had ordered 356 A330neo family aircraft, with 141 already delivered. (Courtesy Wikipedia)
For further details, you can visit the specialized Wikipedia pageor the official Airbus website.
Installation, Liveries, Manuals and Definitions
The installation is easy and, as the saying goes, a straightforward process. Once you’ve bought the aircraft, you receive a serial number that protects the aircraft. You can buy the new A330-900 from X-Plane.Org, Aerosoft or Simmarket.
Download the ZIP package and install the unzipped folder into the X-Plane Aircraft folder. Upon loading the Airbus A330-900 for the first time, you must enter the serial number provided in the email. Enter it, click OK, and you are done. There is no need to reload. That’s it. Now that we know that, let’s review the liveries and the required manuals for mastering the A330-900 and check out the two different definitions.
Liveries
The A330-900 package comes beside the ToLiss house livery, with four accurately painted Airbus house liveries, namely:
– Airbus House F-WTTE (A330-900 Colors)
– Airbus House F-WTTE (Airbus Colors)
– Airbus House F-WTTN (AirbusFoundation)
– Airbus House F-WTTN (FirstFlight)
When you don’t see your favourite airline livery, no worries, they are probably available via this X-Plane.Org link. On this webpage you will find real and fictional liveries, including a link to the official paint-kit.
Manuals
ToLiss is known for its exceptional quality manuals. Full of details, with an outstanding tutorial too. Not that the tutorial is a replacement for the system description and operation manual, but the tutorial offers a lot of details for your preparations and flight.
Let’s check it out. The ToLiss A330-900 comes with the following Adobe Acrobat manuals:
– ToLiss_AirbusA330-900_SimulationManual (92 pages)
– ToLiss_AirbusA330-900_AircraftManual (59 pages)
– ToLiss_AirbusA330-900_Tutorial (127 pages)
The ToLiss_AirbusA330-900_SimulationManual
It covers all about how to install the aircraft, how to activate it, how to set up the A330-900, and how to deal with the Interactive Simulation Control System (ISCS), but also using ground services, introducing faults, cockpit orientation, and troubleshooting. Some words about the requirements and installation on Apple Macs. The ToLiss aircraft is compatible with Mac Intel computers and Apple Silicon processors. That said, Rosetta is no longer needed unless you use add-ons for the A330-900 otherwise, the A330-900 is natively supporting Apple Silicon processors.
When you own other ToLiss Airbus aircraft, you’re familiar with the ISCS panel, although it must be said that this ISCS panel has seen many updates and improvements. With the introduction of some new features – the Digital Radio and Audio Management System (DRAIMS) and the brand-new Head-up display (HUD, X-Plane 12 only) – the ISCS panel offers some new settings too.
The ISCS pop-up window is the place where you can make all the necessary settings to the A330-900 like:
– Situations A/C config
– Loading Performance
– Ground Services
– Fault Scenarios
– Sound Addons
– Joystick Actions
– General Settings
Once you’ve downloaded the A330-900 from X-Plane.Org, Aerosoft or Simmarket, there’s no need to re-download the package again. When ToLiss releases an update, the Skunkcrafts Updater allows you to update the aircraft.
Further on, the manual goes deeper into the assignment and calibration of your hardware equipment and also how you can use and assign this with the Thrustmaster TCA Airbus Pack. And since the ISCS is the place to make all the changes, it is well explained in this manual, so please print the manuals or read the contents on a second monitor or tablet. It’s not worth it, no, it’s mandatory stuff to read!
The ToLiss_AirbusA330-900_AircraftManual
This Aircraft Manual covers most of the ATA 100 aircraft systems. For those who aren’t familiar with the ATA 100 system, here’s some background information about the ATA 100. ATA 100 contains the reference to the ATA numbering system, which is a common referencing standard for all commercial aircraft documentation. This commonality permits greater ease of learning and understanding for pilots, aircraft maintenance technicians, and engineers alike.
The Air Transport Association published the standard numbering system on June 1, 1956. While the ATA 100 numbering system has been superseded, it continued to be widely used until it went out-of-date back in 2015, especially in the documentation for general aviation aircraft, on aircraft Fault Messages (for Post Flight Troubleshooting and Repair), and the electronic and printed manuals. (Courtesy of Wikipedia)
On page 43 of the ToLiss_AirbusA330-900_AircraftManual, it continues with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). As stated in the following paragraph, “Note that these procedures are for reference and assume that the user knows the location of the individual switches. Please perform the tutorial flight once for familiarisation”. This SOP section is worth checking, but as clearly stated, the tutorial is the manual to master the aircraft.
Wrapping it up, the Aircraft Manual is more than worth reading it.
The ToLiss_AirbusA330-900_Tutorial
I have known ToLiss tutorials already for a while, and I must say, they are exceptional. This is outstanding because this is a tutorial written in a way that every simmer understands all the steps to do and to master this highly accurate simulated aircraft. And it doesn’t make a difference if you are a beginner or an experienced Airbus virtual pilot. The tutorial comes with so much information that I, as an ex-KLM and LTT (Lufthansa Technical Training) technical trainer, love this manual, and yes, I know the importance of well-written tutorials.
The A330-900 tutorial describes each step for a complete flight from Lisbon, Portugal (ICAO code LPPT) to Sao Paolo Guarulhos airport, Brasil (ICAO code SBGR) with a go-around in Sao Paolo and subsequent diversion to Rio de Janeiro Galeao airport (SBGL). This tutorial corresponds to the real-life flight TAP083, which the Portuguese airline TAP operates with an A330-900 aircraft. (Courtesy of ToLiss)
As said in the above paragraph, each step is explained, starting with the correct aircraft configuration via the ISCS panel, the airport gate position, the weather, powering up the aircraft, and so on. Nothing is forgotten, but now I need your attention; don’t see the tutorial as a replacement for the Aircraft manual. Absolutely NOT. You need to familiarize yourself with the description and operation of the simulated and modelled systems before you can make a successful flight.
High or Standard Definition
When you’re familiar with ToLiss aircraft, you don’t need to read this paragraph else stay tuned. The model comes with two definitions, namely the standard and high definition, but what does it mean?
According to the Simulation Manual, the “Hi-Def” version of the aircraft uses higher resolution textures and is the recommended aircraft to load if your hardware supports it. The “Std Def” version allows frame rate improvements for weaker hardware, especially if you are low on VRAM.”
Adding to this ….. when you look into the aircraft Objects folder, you will find PNG files that have added to their file names “StdDef”, and some have not. The “not” are the high-definition files, which are all 4K texture files, and the ones with StdDef are all 2K. That makes the difference. The 2K texture files need less VRAM and are preferable for those simmers who have a less powerful PC or Mac.
Then the question arises: when can you use the Hi-Def textures? When you load the Standard-Def and Hi-Def textures and don’t see any frame rate drop, then most likely, your PC or Mac is powerful enough. Remember that FPS (Frames Per Seconds) won’t be influenced by the external model since there are no different texture files for this, but it can influence the FPS with 3D cockpit textures.
Adding to the previous paragraph, the difference are “flags” that are set in X-Plane Planemaker. It may be a complex story, but it loads the textures at different resolutions into the VRAM. It affects the external textures and cockpit walls, windows, etc. The object for the panels itself doesn’t allow this flag. But don’t worry when you miss this. The manual describes this in full detail.
And now up to start with my first daily ground check as a virtual rookie pilot on the ToLiss A330-900.
Quick Walk-Around
Good morning to you all, hypothetically speaking, since I don’t know when you read this, but for me, it is a sunny early morning. Our ground engineers performed their walk-around check while I am today your pilot on the ToLiss A330-900. That said, I am doing my ground inspection. This is different from what the ground engineers do, but believe me, it is still a thorough inspection. Enough, let’s move on.
I did mention this briefly before, funny that the overall fuselage design, starting from the nose section till the end, including the APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) compartment, is the same as the very first Airbus A300B Series, and also the same as my other Airbus baby, the Airbus A310. Right on, the A330-900 is a bit longer than the A310, neither less, the fuselage design and diameter are the same.
I start as always at the nose section by first checking the NLG (Nose Landing Gear). The NLG and wheel assemblies, including the strut, show signs of some dirt and weathering. The NLG strut, wheel assembly, torque links, the NWS (Nose wheel Steering), and all fixed and movable doors are well-modelled with an eye for detail.
From a distance but also nearby, I notice that the placards or decals on the fuselage, doors, and around the NLG are razor sharp. A good example are the static ports with the belonging decals. Although the real A330-900 fuselage is built up with Alu skin plates, the modelled ToLiss A330-900 uses a kind of technique that simulates this kind of skin. As far as I can see, many tiny details/objects are modelled, which is great. The 3D graphics specialist always needs to balance between adding tiny details and, thus, the amount of objects used to create components, which in turn can and will influence the available frame rates.
From the nose section, I walk towards the Trent engines. The modelled Trent 7000 Series engines do look like the real ones. And here too, the placards/decals on the engine cowling and fan casing are razor sharp. Since everything is sharp, identifying where a panel is for or what’s behind it, is therefore very easy. The inside of the Trent nose cowling is nicely covered with sound reduction textures and you have got a good view of the pressure inlet sensor. I have got a surprise. I hope you like it. A dynamic cutaway of the Trent 7000 high bypass engine. Enjoy.
The specially shaped fan blades look exceptional. Add to this the engine exhaust, the slightly rusted tailpipe, and the way the engine pylon is modelled. You can see that the ToLiss artist tried to use different textures to create the different materials of which the real pylon consists. And almost forgotten … I like the alternative of the Rolls Royce logo, the Gliding Kiwi logo.
Although the lower surface of the wing as well as the top surface is fairly clean, there are always spots where the surface becomes dirty. An example is the rear/trailing edge or around the fuel panels. This has nothing to do with the 3D model, this is more a texture matter. Since I had lowered/extended the SLATS and FLAPS, I have a good look at how the SLATS are modelled, including their tracks. Walking further towards the wingtip, I have a good look at how the front sharklets strobe and navigation unit are modelled. What I previously mentioned about the technique used to simulate the Aluminum skin is something I see on the wing’s lower surface, too.
A nice-to-know feature for the A330neo: the A330neo, which are the A330-800 and A330-900, comes with new wingtips based on the curved winglets that were developed for the A350. The new winglets or sharklets are made from CFRP (Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic) and extend the A330neo span from 60.3m to 64m, more than anticipated.
With the FLAPS, SLATS, and SPOILERS extended, I have a nice view of the spoiler panel itself as well as the operating system. And yes, it may be logical to preserve polygons and thus not influence the frame rates too much, and therefore the spoiler actuators, and the hydraulic lines at the wing rear/trailing edge spar are kept simplified.
Then it is time to check out the MLG (Main Landing Gear).
The landing gears on the A330 aircraft are designed and developed by SAFRAN. Unless you are a ground engineer or an Airbus A330 pilot, seeing a real landing gear from nearby is most of the time not possible. Experiencing a landing gear retraction or landing gear test is even further away. Seeing an MLG retraction from the inside of the wheel well, oh oh, that must be impressive. Since I am inspecting the modelled MLG, I would like to share with you the following video showing you an MLG retraction from inside the wheel well during a maintenance MLG test.
On the real MLG strut, you will find a lot of wires, hydraulic lines, linkages, and so on. That is something that can be seen in the previous video. Imagine that all of this was modelled. That would cost a lot of polygons, and you could ask yourself, what is the use of all those tiny details? But the 3D artist did model several hydraulic lines which are mounted on the MLG. All those objects are polygons and too many polygons mean FPS issues.
As long as the MLG assembly with the wheels, brakes, and struts are realistically modelled, then we are all happy. The graphics artist also added some weathering and dirt on the struts. Wow, the decals on the MLG strut, like the green GROUND, the black A330-900 MLG and the red INFLATE TYRES WITH NITROGEN ONLY, are razor sharp too. This makes the overall MLG complete. Well done!
The tail is a typical Airbus wide-body construction. I’m happy with the way the THS (Trimmable Horizontal Stabilizer) and vertical fin are modelled and worth mentioning, that some parts have some weathering on their surfaces. Oops, I forgot something to mention. Wherever applicable, you will find at the wing trailing edge, the trailing edges of the flaps, ailerons, rudder, and elevators static dischargers.
Via the tail, I return to the nose of the aircraft, but not before I check the cargo compartments. They are modelled in a way that I like and honest is honest. The AFT and FWD cargo holds are quite accurate when I compare the modelled areas with the real cargo holds.
The only difference is that the cargo areas have no weathering at all. Just behind the AFT cargo area, you will find the BULK area. An area from which the last received luggage is loaded and unloaded. I am not sure, but in the past, there was a crash net between these two areas. In the modelled layout, it is a wall. It’s not so important, to be honest, since there I go again, too many of these objects, like a simulated crash net, could cost too many polygons and thus FPS, so it’s not worth having it highly detailed. As it is now, well done!
Ground equipment, cabin, and Flight Deck
For a while ToLiss aircraft include different ground equipment. Via the ISCS control panel, tab Ground Services section Aircraft Doors, and select what you want. I have chosen some passenger door stairs, catering trucks, and baggage loaders in the screenshots below. Only the Chocks are simulated in the ISCS control panel section Ground Supplies. All other entries don’t have external objects.
Some words about the included ToLiss pushback truck or the BetterPushback Mod plugin. Either pushback truck can be used, but it depends if you want to have an outstanding pushback experience or not. If you want a pushback truck that offers you an “as real as it gets” experience, then go for the Better Pushback Mod, or else go for the ToLiss pushback truck.
Via the ISCS pop-up window tab Ground Services section Aircraft Doors, I select from the pull-down menu DOOR 4L OPEN and select the corresponding stair to ON. Time to enter the virtual cabin from the LH AFT. I am almost near DOOR 4L and with the cabin lighting ON, I spot the AFT pantry or galley. Wow, that’s my first impression. The lighting is outstanding. It is a brilliant white light. And what I see while I am at the last part of the stairs, is a very well-modelled and beautifully shaped cabin. Come on, let’s go in.
The virtual cabin looks great. Many tiny objects are included with the result that the modelled cabin looks realistic and that all decals everywhere are sharp. This is because the same technique is used, namely a special object and texture file with all decals on it. The A330-900 cabin is divided into economy- and business-class seats. Except for all the passenger doors, which are animated, no other animations are included in the cabin.
It doesn’t matter where I look; all is well-designed. The overhead bins on the sides, the middle bins above the mid-row seats, the pantry/galleys in the AFT, MID, and FWD section, the ovens, the trolleys, toilet/lavatory doors, seats, and so I can continue. I am happy with the separate PNG (texture) sheet that is used for all the cabin decals. And yes, it also means that all the decals on the passenger door covers are razor sharp, which means, for me, ToLiss did an exceptional job to make within the FPS limitations, a nicely looking cabin.
One last cabin note from Airbus itself: when Airbus introduced the A330neo, which was also applicable to the A350, a modern and fancy cabin layout with spectacular lighting was shown to the public. In some Airbus photos, you see pink, light blue ceiling lights. That is not the case in the ToLiss cabin, but I am also not sure if this Airbus demonstration cabin lighting was introduced with every airliner. Anyway, what I see in this modelled cabin is great, and that counts!
From the FWD galley, I enter the A330-900 flight deck.
First Impression Flight Deck
Entering the flight deck via the FWD pantry/galley, I must say that without a doubt, it is a gorgeous-looking and slightly weathered flight deck. I’m so happy with the overall 3D modelling. What I just said, by entering the flight deck via the animated door, I noticed that the door itself is nicely handcrafted, including the many brackets on the door and door frame as well as the locking system. At the entrance of the flight deck, I see on my left-hand side the storage compartment with a couple of clothing hangers while on the right-hand side, there’s the 3rd seat and 4th folding seat.
The captain and co-pilot seats, including the animated armrests, are nicely done. I should not forget those tiny details, such as the outboard armrest position indicators to adjust the armrest height for optimum control of the side-stick, although not animated. Further on, several animations are included, like the sliding windows, windshield sun covers, and door cover of the oxygen QDM (Quick Donning Mask) and the mask itself, although I have no idea where QDM goes when you click on it.
Then with the release of the A330-900, we see the brand new HUD (Head Up Display) and some display popups.
The HUD is perhaps the most exciting feature introduced with the release of the ToLiss A330-900, which works only with X-Plane 12. It can be used for takeoff and climb out when the environmental conditions worsen and for the approach and landing. The following well-explained movie from Thales Aerospace shows this in great detail.
Hold on, with the release of the ToLiss A330-900, more features are introduced like the ATSAW (Airborne Traffic Situation Awareness). ATSAW can provide pilots with a real-time picture of the surrounding traffic during all phases of flight. Procedures using ATSAW will allow the crew to move to more efficient altitudes when operating outside ground surveillance coverage.
ATSAW will also support visual separation on approach and provide traffic situational awareness on the airport surface. Using the Traffic selector next to the PFD, you can select Aircraft on the ND to display additional information about this particular aircraft. Just to clarify, this only works when you fly either online or with AI traffic enabled. A real test of how this looks like will be shown in part 2 of the A330-900 review.
Another new feature or this is an updated system in real Airbus aircraft as well as in the ToLiss A330-900 is DRAIMS (Digital Radio and Audio Integrating Management System). It is a replacement system for the old RMP (Radio Management Panel) and ACP (Audio Control Panel) including the aircraft transponder panel.
Then there is the Runway Overrun Warning and Protection System. It is now available in the ToLiss A330-900. It enhances situational awareness for both real and virtual pilots. The system offers awareness on the approach and issues warnings, triggering a go-around in case of a stabilized approach which leads to the runway becoming too short. After touchdown, it monitors deceleration and alerts the crew of it predicts that the aircraft will not come to a stop before the end of the runway. For takeoff, it warns the crew if high thrust is selected while on a taxiway or a runway different from the one programmed in the FMS.
We will try to simulate in the second part of this review all these new features.
OK, back to the 3D flight deck.
Just a side note about the sliding windows. This is modelled as real as it gets. When you have opened the sliding window completely, you can not just close it by selecting the tiny lever in the opposite direction. You first need to unlock this small lever in the window recess before you can close the sliding window. Check out the following screenshot.
Let me first start with the main and centre instrument panels, as well as the glare shield. They are, in one word, just gorgeous. The 3D artist did add slight weathering and even some scratches, not too much, just as it is in real after the flight deck is often used. The same can be found at the pedestal with its sub-panels, and of course, also applicable to the overhead panel. And this is just a part of how the 3D flight deck is made since there’s so much more to explore. The other things to explore are, for example, the sidewall panels including storage compartments.
Depending on what you have ticked in the ISCS, GND ELEC power can be connected, and then everything comes alive and then, yes it’s beautiful to see how all the DUs (Display Units), the FCU (Flight Control Unit) integral lighting is made, but this is applicable for all the flight deck panels. Just as important is the text on all the panels, which is razor-sharp. And not only this is all OK, the external and integral switches as well as all knobs, it is created with an eye for many tiny details.
Let’s check out one of the most important “visible” instruments: the EFIS (Electronic Flight Instrument System) and ECAM (Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitoring) DUs. They all have 2D popups that can be presented in two different ways; they are either a floating 2D popup within X-Plane that can be increased/decreased with the middle mouse wheel, or the 2D popup becomes a floating window that can be moved to another monitor or a tablet. Controlling this feature is done via the ISCS panel. But there are more 2D popup windows. We have the two forward MCDUs and the Electronic Standby Instrument System (ESIS). Check out some popup options on the screenshots below.
The last screenshot shows three different possibilities for a floating DU, whether it is from the EFIS, ECAM or ESIS. With the right-hand PFD popup, you can drag this to another monitor, while the middle popup allows you to drag it within the X-Plane screen. The left-hand is a popup where you can use the mouse wheel to change the size or drag it also within the X-Plane screen. For the FWD MCDUs, the story is slightly different: the floating MCDU is either a 2D popup to be dragged within the X-Plane screen or moved to a second monitor or tablet.
I am enthusiastic about the way this 3D flight deck is made. And knowing ToLiss for a while, they always offer updates and updates. All are free of charge, but free updates do not only always fix issues found by users, ToLiss also implements new features like, for example, in this aircraft, the HUD (Head Up Display). It won’t surprise me if the HUD will be implemented as an update with other ToLiss aircraft, of course, if applicable.
Oh, I forgot the overhead panel.
The overhead panel, or OVHD PNL, crafted in combination with the adjacent ceiling, is another beauty in this 3D flight deck. I mentioned before the razor-sharp text, the round knobs and switches, right? When I look at the overhead panel, every bit and piece is gorgeous. When I zoom in on one of the sub-panels, then I am even more impressed.
As I mentioned before, all sub-panels have a slight weathering, and some panels have some scratches or used spots. And then I see the typical built-in Airbus switches with their guards whenever applicable, but even the tiny typical Airbus features aren’t forgotten. I am talking about the light blue panel VU ID numbers and, you need to look closely, at the very small light blue “+” on several panels. The “+” indication shows maintenance people where the integral light bulb is located.
During my test/tutorial flight, I will do some additional visual checks, but for now, I can’t say anything else. Well done ToLiss!
No no, I am not finished yet. I would like to share with you a couple of additional “evening” screenshots. This is so beautiful. Besides the gorgeous lighting, it stays sharp, and with the rheostats on the pedestal, you can nicely control the light intensity. It all sounds so logical, but it isn’t always so well-modelled. Check it out yourself with the following screenshots.
And, was I right? Flying with such cockpit lighting is a pleasure and relaxing, too. With the dimming options, you can set the intensity as you want. Add to this the dimming of the EFIS, ECAM, and ESIS DUs, then it is time to relax.
First things First
Hardware
Starting on page 12, chapter 2.7 of the Simulations manual, you will find a lot of background information on how to set up your hardware (joystick and pedals) but also dedicated information about the Thrustmaster TCA Quadrant Airbus Edition. Although it is discussed in great detail, I think it could be useful to how easy it is to configure your hardware with the A330-900 as I experience it. More about this in part 2 of the upcoming review.
For the joystick, you can use every joystick. However, the Thrustmaster TCA Airbus side-stick would be awesome since it’s more or less a replica of the real Airbus side-stick. Just a minor note to this statement. The real Airbus side-stick has no twist function for YAW. YAW in the real Airbus is only implemented via the rudder pedals.
When you are thinking of buying the Thrustmaster TCA Officer Pack Airbus Edition or the Thrustmaster TCA Captain Pack X Airbus Edition, then it’s perhaps a good idea to check out our in-depth Thrustmaster TCA Captain Pack Airbus Edition review.
AviTab support
ToLiss has completely integrated the AviTab (Aviation Tablet). When I write completely, I mean not only the AviTab device with its basic functions but also SimBrief integration, ToLiss TO, and LDG data as well as, new for the A330-900, the ToLiss ISCS panel. By the way, in the real Airbus aircraft pilots can have a tablet too for the necessary calculations, seeking documents, and so on. This could be an iPad, and it could be having a stand/holder fixed to the sliding windows, but it is an airline preference.
As briefly mentioned before, AviTab has the option to link your Navigraph account to the tablet. This allows you to download charts directly on your AviTab. When you have other documents related to the A330-900, copy them in the designated AviTab folder. It will then be all available via the AviTab for your cockpit preparations. And don’t forget to install the AviTab plugin in the X-Plane/Resources/plugins folder.
As of this writing, November 2024, you can download AviTab version 0.7.1 via this dedicated X-Plane.Org link or directly via the AviTab GitHub page.
Once the AviTab plugin has been copied to the correct location within X-Plane, you will see the AviTab content on the left-hand and right-hand side windows in the AviTab frames. It is possible to make the AviTab floatable however, this is then without the ToLiss ISCS.
As of this writing, November 2024, there’s not yet an XChecklist clist.txt file available. I hope it will be soon, so we will keep you informed.
Flight Plan Options
Creating an “fms extension” flight plan which “can be read” by the ToLiss FMGS/MCDU can be done with many programs. Let’s check out what freeware options that exist that can save the flight plan with the fms extension. You can, if you don’t prefer to use a flight plan program, create a flight plan directly into the ToLiss MCDU. I will explain that later, however, it is normal that pilots select a company route from the MCDU. So, for pilots, there is no need to enter all the waypoints into the MCDU except for the SID (Standard Instrument Departure), STAR (Standard Terminal Arrival Route), and the changes they need to make.
Well-known and fully integrated in the AviTab is Navigraph / simBrief. When you want to use SimBrief without updated Navigraph AIRAC cycles, you first need to create a free SimBrief account to get access. This account is created via the Navigraph website. After you have created a free Navigraph account, you can use the same account for SimBrief. A better option is to go for a Navigraph subscription. This subscription offers you at least access to the AIRAC cycles or more, depending on your type of subscription. For AIRAC cycles and much more that Navigraph offers, you need a payware account with Navigraph.
Another interesting freeware offline planning tool that I’m using besides SimBrief by Navigraph is the freeware program LittleNavMap. It can do much more than just flight planning. The program is compatible with Windows 7/8/10/11, macOS 10.13+, and Linux 64-bit. Keep in mind that Little Navmap also needs AIRAC cycles, so an account with Navigraph is a must!
Another thing to keep in mind is that both AIRAC cycles are the same. The LittleNavMap and X-Plane AIRAC cycles must have the same cycle number. And don’t forget to download from the Little NavMap website the ToLiss A330neo performance file.
Creating/Saving a ToLiss Flight Plan
Those simmers who don’t prefer to use the “ready to load” flight plan described in the previous section can manually enter the flight plan into the MCDU. When you want to do it manually, my advice is to use the ToLiss tutorial as a guideline. It is well explained, starting on page 31 and ending on page 60 of the section FMGS initialization.
You could also use the Standard Normal Procedures section 4.3 FMGS Initialization (page 48 till and including page 50) of the Aircraft Manual. However, this section has no screenshots and is, compared to the tutorial, limited.
Anyway, when you have entered all the waypoints of your flight plan into the MCDU, you save it. It will be saved in the ToLiss FlightPlans folder (Resources/plugins/ToLissFlightPlans).
Something Forgotten?
FPS (Frame Rates per Second)
I will highlight the available FPS during my test flight in part 2, but some words right now will be a good idea. With such a complex aircraft, you can expect a reduction in FPS. As always, it depends on many things. What are your PC or Mac specifications, but perhaps just as important, what are your X-Plane settings? Then, it also depends on whether you are loading an add-on airport, what are the weather conditions, and whether it is daylight, twilight or night. And not to forget, which ToLiss settings have you made?
When I keep all these “above issues” in mind, I can get acceptable FPS but need to reduce some sliders For me, acceptable FPS means no stutter and not checking the actual FPS counter. That said, I am happy that the Toliss A330-900 performs well. But keep in mind that what you see on the above screenshots is also my personal opinion on how many FPS I accept to fly this Airbus.
Summary Part 1
As I expected already, the review has become a bit longer than expected. That is also the reason to split it. I know one thing for sure, I’ve put a lot of time into it, but with a lot of pleasure seeing how the A330-900 is made.
Now that part 1 of the ToLiss A330-900 review is finished, I can only say that it is an exceptional Airbus creation with many improvements over all previous models, and the A330-900 comes with a lot of new features. For sure, the ToLiss team will, whenever applicable, implement these new features and improvements in their previous Airbus models … I hope.
ToLiss aircraft have become a suburb product in all aspects. They are famous for their FBW (Fly By Wire) implementation, the simulation of the FMGS (Flight Management and Guidance System), the Airbus approval label, high-quality 3D models with ultra-realistic features, and I should not forget the manuals, in particular the tutorial. They offer you as real as it gets a complete flight with in-depth details and steps to take. In one word, awesome!
This review covers the ToLiss A330-900 version 1.03 (ToLissA339_V1p0p3).
Additionally, for this review, I used the following add-on software:
– Payware | Navigraph AIRAC Cycles and Charts
– Payware | JustFlight Traffic Global for macOS
– Payware | Orbx LSZH Zurich Airport / Aerosoft
– Freeware | AviTab
– Freeware | OpenSceneryX
– Freeware | FlyWithLua NG v2.8.12 for X-Plane 12
– Freeware | 3jFPS12 – FPS control for X-Plane 12
– Freeware | SkunkCrafts Updater v12.1r2 for X-Plane 12
– Freeware | BetterPushback 1.7
I hope you like the contents of this review. I tried to add whenever I think it is useful, real information or videos, thus to give you also the necessary background information on the ToLiss A330-900.
Enjoy the review while I continue with part 2, which will cover a complete flight using the tutorial as a guideline. I intend to cover a complete flight divided into each flight phase, but also all other preparations and experiences dealing with the ToLiss A330-900. You can think of the ToLiss ISCS configurations, online or offline flying, by using Navigraph/SimBrief, using the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), the MCDU and others. It will be fun. Believe me.
See you soon!
Feel free to contact me if you’ve got additional questions related to this impression. You can reach me via email Angelique.van.Campen@gmail.com or to Angelique@X-Plained.com.
With Greetings,
Angelique van Campen
| Add-on: | Payware ToLiss Airbus A330-900 |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Developer: | X-Plane.Org / Aerosoft / simMarket | ToLiss Simulation Solutions Inc. |
| Description: | Ultra realistic rendition of the Airbus A330-900 |
| Software Source / Size: | Download / Approximately 1.21 Gb (zipped) |
| Reviewed by: | Angelique van Campen |
| Published: | November 21st 2024 |
| Hardware: | - iMac Pro - Intel 3GHz Intel Xeon W / 4.5Ghz - Radeon Pro Vega 64 16368 MB - 64 GB 2666 MHz DDR4 - 1 internal 1TB SSD (Bootcamp Windows 11) - 1 external 2TB LaCie Rugged Pro SSD (Sonoma 14.x) - Thrustmaster TCA Captain Pack Airbus Edition - Honeycomb Alpha Flight Controls - Honeycomb Bravo Throttle Quadrant |
| Software: | - macOS Sequoia (15.1.1) - X-Plane 12.1.2 - ToLiss A330-900 version 1.03 |
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