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One big C207 Skywagon

Introduction

Perhaps it’s all very confusing, the Cessna C205, C206 and C207 models are all related to each other. Let me try to explain.

From 1964, the Cessna 206 replaced the Cessna 205 of 1962, in a line of aircraft originally produced as utility flying station wagons, descendants of the Cessna 210. Initially known as the Super Skywagon, that name was dropped in 1969, and in 1971 the type was produced as the U206F Stationair, with a new three-bladed prop.

The 206 included, among its more significant features, an optional cargo pannier fitted below the fuselage, and a 42” (107 cm) double cargo door on the rear starboard fuselage. Among its successes were sales to small-town undertakers, who found the cargo door could easily accommodate a coffin; and its popularity as a jump-ship for skydivers.

Variants included the P206 “P” for personalized, rather than the standard pressurized), without the cargo door, and with deluxe interior and streamlined wheel spats, and the TU206A, with a turbocharged TSIO-520-C engine.
Production of the 206 ceased in 1985. Various subsequent third-party developments of the 206 included the Soloy Turbine Pac conversion, and a STOL version developed by the Robertson firm. (Courtesy of PilotFriend)

Some Cessna 207 Info

The Model 207 was a seven- and later eight-seat development of the 206, achieved by stretching the design further by 45 inches (114 cm) to allow space for more seats. The nose section was extended 18 inches (46 cm) by adding a constant-section nose baggage compartment between the passenger compartment and the engine firewall. The aft section was extended by 27 inches (69 cm) by inserting a constant-area section in the fuselage area just aft of the aft wing attach point.

Thus, the propeller’s ground clearance was unaffected by the change (the nosewheel had moved forward the same distance as the propeller), but the tail moved aft relative to the mainwheel position, which made landing without striking the tailskid on the runway, a greater challenge.

The 207 was introduced as a 1969 model featuring a Continental IO-520-F engine of 300 hp (220 kW). A turbocharged version was equipped with a TSIO-520-G of the same output.

At the beginning of production, the model was called a Cessna 207 “Skywagon”, but in 1977 the name was changed to “Stationair 7”. 1977 also saw a change of engine on the turbocharged version to a Continental TSIO-520-M producing 310 hp (230 kW) – the same engine used in the TU206 of the same vintage.

The 207 added a seat in 1980 and was then known as the “Stationair 8”. Production of the 207 was completed in 1984, just two years before U206 production halted. A total of 626 Cessna 207s were manufactured. The Cessna Model 207 has been popular with air taxi companies, particularly on short runs where its full seating capacity could be used. Very few of these aircraft have seen private use. (Courtesy of Wikipedia)

The Alabeo model

The modeled Alabeo – as of this writing June 2018 – version 1.0 for X-Plane 11, is not just a conversion from the previous only for X-Plane 10 aircraft, although you and I will find many similarities. The X-Plane 11 modeled Cessna C207 Skywagon comes in several flavors namely one with normal and one with tundra (bush) wheels.

The current model comes with the following general and dedicated for X-Plane 11 features:

  • Fully X-Plane 11+ compatible
  • Custom Sounds (FMOD)
  • High quality 3D model and textures
  • Blank texture for creating your own designs
  • Goodway compatible
  • Accurately reproduced flight characteristics
  • 64-bit compatible
  • RealityXP GTN750 compatible
  • FPS-optimized model
  • Superb material shines and reflections (full PBR)
  • End-user configurability (via Manifest.json file)
  • And much more

Besides these features, the model comes with 5 liveries; C-FDBM, JA1537, N2631, N3038 and N8748. A white livery is also included which can be used as a paint kit. It should be noted that none of the provided liveries have real registrations. Ok, A/C registration N8748 is real, but this registration belongs to a Cessna Citation III and N3038 is also a real registration however, it’s in real linked to a Piper PA-28 Cherokee. All other registrations don’t match with a real aircraft thus not to a Cessna C207.

Further on, there’s a large collection of Acrobat documents included. Some of these manuals are more or less always standard – credits and copyrights – while the other manuals are dedicated to this Cessna C207:

  • Alabeo Copyrights,
  • C207 Emergency procedures (based on real documentation),
  • C207 Normal procedures, (based on real documentation)
  • C207 Performance tables (based on real documentation),
  • C207 Reference (based on real documentation),
  • Credits,
  • Recommended Settings XP11,

What can I add to this? Not much more, so let’s check out the modeled C207.

Let me first start with …..

I invite you on a typical flight in Western Canada. I’ve just had my breakfast and while driving to the airport, I’m wondering whether I should load a flight plan or should I just fly under VFR rules. The weather is OK, the weather forecast is OK, so there’s not really a reason to fly under IFR conditions. Of course, I can use the Garmin GNS 530 and, if available, VOR/DME stations, but on the other hand, I can also fly thru the mountains heading for the coast and besides that, I won’t find many VOR or ADF stations so the only option to use navigation is using waypoint and that means, the Garmin GNS unit..

By the way …. here’s the official Garmin link of the Garmin GNS 530 Pilot manual (http://static.garmincdn.com/pumac/GNS530_PilotsGuide.pdf). Yes, that will be my plan for today’s flight. The airport is just an airfield with some parking spots and a paved runway of a very high quality.

I’ve parked my Skywagon at the apron near the terminal at CYBD from Beti-X, but first a couple of other things although, when you’re familiar with Carenado and Alabeo aircraft, the next section is known stuff else, just read it.

2D Popup Windows
The C207 Skywagon comes with 2D popup windows, many of them known; the O for (Options), the C for (Custom Views / FOV / Volume) and finally the A from Auto Pilot.

The options (O) and views/volume (C) popup windows offer settings that can’t be found anywhere else. Frame rate eating features like “window reflections” and “instrument reflections” can be switched ON/OFF.

Another known feature in the “O” window is the “on-the-fly” change of the active livery. Very handy since there’s no longer a need to go to the X-Plane 11.xx “Flight Configuration (Aircraft symbol) – Customize C207 Skywagon – dropdown aircraft livery”.

And finally, the Auto Pilot Bendix/King panel. Although the installed is a basic AP, an ALT PRESELECTION can be made. As you can see on the last screenshot, by dragging the right-hand lower corner, you can resize the AP panel to your preference. Yes, I know, the last AP panel screenshot is a little bit to big, but if gives a good impression of what’s possible and about the quality, even resized.


Example screenshots of the use of the “O”, “C” and “” popups

In this “O” menu you’re also able to select the “Bush”. This is with the large wheels. Remember when you have wheel fairings active that upon “Bush” selection, the fairings automatically disappear.

A Walk-Around

When you look from one of the wingtips to the overall C207, it’s indeed a weird looking Cessna aircraft. Ok, the C152 is quite short, the C172 and C182 have balanced dimensions, but this C207 has a long tail and a long engine cowling. That all together gives the C207 an extremely stretched fuselage which seems weird and unrealistic.

Unrealistic or not, it’s the reality. In that respect, the overall dimensions are as real as you may expect. With all the doors opened, passenger door and pilot doors, you get a good view of the internal modeling and from this it looks very well made. As usual I would say … with an eye for many tiny details. I’ve chosen the bush version, but don’t think you will get huge wheels instead. They have a larger diameter, but not as impressive as I know from tundra wheels unless tundra is the same as bush wheels!

Starting with the nose section and then in particular with the nose landing gear (NLG) with the wheel, is always a pleasure to see. It’s well modeled, much eye for detail and, although not everybody finds this important. I can read on the three bladed propeller the manufacturer; Hartzell. The engine cowling in general offers a weathered look with some scratches in places. Just as I expected!

As mentioned already before, the NLG, and this is also applicable for the main gear struts with wheels, are gorgeous. I find that in particular for the NLG. It’s dirty, the 3D modeling is great, it has a weathered look and some scratches and missing paint is missing.

While walking along the wing leading edge to the wingtip, I’m happy with what I see. Nicely modeled wing struts, the pitot probe, the pre-stall sensor, the landing light unit (only for the left-hand wing) with the two landing light bulbs and at the end, the wingtip with the navigation and strobe lights.

Although the wing is painted dark green, you can clearly see that it’s not a brand-new aircraft since it has several areas of missing paint and dents. The wingtip is curved in a downward direction, very nice by the way, while the aileron has two large static dischargers mounted on it. Standing behind the retracted flaps, I can see on top of the fuselage two antennas, most likely from radio or navigation equipment, and the two fuel caps.

I take a virtual stair and check these fuel caps a little closer. Then I notice that the placard next to the fuel cap is hardly readable. Hopefully this can be solved with the next service pack or patch.

The tail with horizontal and vertical fin is made with great detail and as far as I can see, everything that should be there, is there. The AFT fuselage mooring hook is there, the AFT white navigation light, several static dischargers, two antennas on the top of the vertical fin and of course, the red anti-collision or beacon light.

But the aircraft ID stainless steel plate, mounted just in front of the left-hand stabilizer, could be in my opinion sharper. Right now, you can’t read the text on it at all which means is blurry! Although this is not a hot item, it would be great when this text on the stainless-steel plate and the previous mentioned placard could be upgraded to sharper text.

Finally, I move forward via the right-hand fuselage. With the opened passenger and pilot door, you have a great view into the interior of the passenger compartment. Believe me, this is so realistic, due to the photo real textures that are used for the interior thus the sidewalls, ceiling and seats and not to forget the door lining itself. I think it’s time to jump into the left-hand pilot seat and see how we can start-up this C207.

As expected with these aircraft, the necessary flying instruments are situated on the left-hand side. Sitting on the right-hand pilots seat doesn’t offer you the primary instruments like the horizon, altimeter, vertical speed indicator, IAS (Indicated air Speed) indicator and some navigation instruments. You can fly this C207 with the 2D cockpit, but please, forget that. Go and fly the aircraft with the 3D cockpit.

Overall, I’m, more or less as usual, happy with the external 3D modeling as well as the used textures, tiny details, realistic skin due to NML files and the weathered look, but the text placards and aircraft registration plate should get an uplift to a more crispy and readable text although some will say that this has nothing to do with the flight dynamics which are more important, or a well-developed 3D cockpit.

Yes, I’m aware of that opinion, but a review should also cover these things.

One of the many VFR Flights – Part I

The Cessna C207 doesn’t come with complex ECAM, EFIS, EICAS or FMS and therefore you could do many checklist items from memory, but in the “C207 Normal Procedures” manual you’ll find the necessary checklist items to perform. Since the C207 Skywagon doesn’t come with an integrated electronic checklist, I sincerely hope that somebody will make this available for the C207 with a clist.txt file.

The only thing to do to make this clist.txt functional is that you download the clist plugin. The on-screen Xchecklist plugin version 1.31 from Michal and Bill is available at X-Plane.Org via this link. It’s of this writing, their latest update, released/updated on May 18th 2018.

Don’t decide to start the C207 with engine(s) running. The C207 is easy and straightforward to start, so just follow the checklist. Together with the checklist I suggest that you start the aircraft with a cold and dark situation. After you’ve started the engine, checked all the instruments and double-check the checklist steps. When done, I’m ready to taxi to the runway.

Since I want to fly in a more or less SWW (South West West) direction keeping King Island on my right-hand following the fjord in a SSW direction. When I’m lucky, I find on my route below the ferry from Bella Coola to Namu, both situated in B.C (British Columbia), Canada. No need to check for ATC clearance since it’s an uncontrolled airport. What you can do is to check if there’s somebody else in the traffic pattern. Taxing the C207 isn’t difficult and although the C207 is much bigger and heavier then a Cessna C172, I feel a lot of similarities with this type of aircraft. Before applying the throttle, check if you have performed all checklist items and then you are ready to go.

Monitor the engine parameters during your take off run and when lift off is safe, try to keep the vertical speed within limits thus preventing entering a stall. I climb out to 4000 feet and try to keep the speed at around 100 IAS. You can, if you feel comfortable with that, connect the AP in HDG and V/S with preselected altitude. When you go for a HDG mode, don’t forget to set first the heading bug at the current heading you’re flying. You can preset an altitude in advance, and then set a certain V/S. Easy to do and easy to handle.

With the AP connected in HDG and V/S with preselected for ALT, I’m able to check the modeled 3D cockpit and cabin.

Interior Look, the Feel and ….

Let me first start with the cabin seats, frames, seat tracks, sidewalls and ceiling. It’s amazing how many details can be found near the floor. The tracks are highly realistically modeled as well as are the seat frames. Again, perhaps you do this only once, but when you bought the C207, do it yourself.

I’m happy with the photo real textures around the cabin seats. They really offer nearly perfect passenger seats. The same high quality is also applicable for the sidewall and ceiling textures. Nothing to complain about, no, not at all!

What was applicable for the cabin area is basically also applicable for the 3D cockpit. Checking the rudder/brake pedals is never an easy job since it’s a dark area where sunlight doesn’t get a chance to lighten up the area and since I don’t have a flashlight, it makes the visual check only more complex. The instrument panel consists mainly of old-fashioned instruments except for the Garmin GNS 530.

Above the GNS 530 you’ll find the audio control panel, and below the GNS 530 the ADF, ATC and AP control panels. The old-fashioned indicators are all of high quality, sharp, even when zoomed in and very important too, the scale plates are razor sharp too.

Wherever needed, the instruments are slightly weathered with small scratches. The instrument panel itself is black, but this is not the metal you’re looking at. Actually, the aluminum panel itself is covered with a plastic cover in which holes are made for the instruments. On top of the instrument panel you’ll find a large and overhanging glare shield that more or less prevents any day or sunlight reflecting on the instruments.

At the bottom of the instrument panel you’ll find the control and light switches, circuit breakers which are not functional and the engine controls. As with every other Alabeo / Carenado models, you can click away the yoke for better visibility of the components situated behind it.

Further on, in the middle of the cockpit window, the whiskey compass and by the way, for those who haven’t got a hi-end computer, you can deselect the windshield reflection as well as instrument reflection. Just try it out yourself if this is needed to keep the frame rates at an acceptable level, but by deselecting these options, you will miss so much realistic effect.

Overall, I’m quite happy. Although the C207 has mainly old-fashioned instruments, they looks gorgeous and with the autopilot included, you can fly and relax at the same time. But now it’s time to go back to ….. what or which airport?

One of the many VFR Flights – Part II

Back Tallheo and Bella Coola city
No, I continue to fly till I reach Namu with on the opposite Hunter Island. I decide to pass Hunter Island on the left although when time permits as well as enough fuel to return to CYBD, I could fly additionally around this area.

While flying back to CYBD, I now keep Kings Island on my left which brings me automatically back to Tallheo and Bella Coola city. I could also decide, when flying back, to leave Kings Island on my right. I then fly still the end of the island, turn right and then the first waterway to the left. That will bring me then also to Tallheo and Bella Coola city.

Although you can fly the same route back to CYBD via Kings Island, the overall look and feel of the surrounding area is different. This time I decide to fly a little higher and climb out to 6000 feet. That gives me already another impression of the mountains then flying at 4000 feet.

The VFR flight I’ve planned may be perhaps not an extreme long flight, it will give you enough time to check out the cockpit and cabin. There’s enough to test, to see and to figure out. We may not actually use the Garmin GNS 530, it will give you some information how far away CYBD is and thus for us a good moment to decide when to descend to a lower altitude.

During my return flight I check the C207 pre-stall and stall behavior as well as slow flight with and without flaps. Not every maneuver or behavior can be found back in the books, stall behavior feels realistic and the aircraft does what I expected. The pre-stall buzzer is there and after a while when you continue to keep the aircraft in a pre-stall, the C207 falls away to the left.

CYBD has a VFR pattern altitude of roughly 1000 feet and although there’s no need to follow a VFR pattern, a straight in approach for 36 would be fine. That said, with CYBD visible, I descend to 2000 feet and later further down to 1000 feet. I extend the flaps, monitor my IAS and land this C207.

No complicated things, an easygoing aircraft. After a safe landing, I’ll make a 180 degrees turn on the runway and taxi back to park my C207 at the small apron near the hangar.

And now IFR – Part I

When you decide to fly under IFR (Instrumental Flight Rules) conditions or just because you want to use all the navigation equipment, you need a flight plan, but how to create one, where to install and how to load it into the Garmin GNS 530. Let’s check that out.

The Flight Plan
To create a flight plan you could use many programs, but let me highlight a couple of freeware possibilities. Let me start with Routefinder which offers you quickly a flight plan, but this is not in “X-Plane fms” format. If you don’t like Routefinder, you could check out FlightAware, but again, this doesn’t allow you to export it to an fms file format; however, it offers real flight plans.

Another very interesting website is simBrief. Register for free and a wealth of flight planning information becomes available. It should be noted that simBrief prefers that you have a Navigraph account else it will use the data from RouteFinder.

Then there’s the browser-based Online Flight Planner which seems to be a good one although I’m not 100 percent sure if the generated flight plans are as real as they should be. The good news is that it seems to do the same as RouteFinder, but with several export options, of which one is “X-Plane fms”.

You can enter as aircraft type Cessna Grand Caravan as nearest aircraft model since a Cessna 207 isn’t in the list. Safe your “fms” file for use with the Garmin GNS 530 and I advise you to request also a PDF format of your flight plan. Just print it out and you’ve got something on paper besides the GNS 530.

One more option but that requires two steps is using SkyVector and X-PlaneTools. We all know SkyVector, but SkyVector saves your flight plan in fpl format which in turn can be converted to fms with X-PlaneTools.

By the way, when you insist on using RouteFinder or FlightAware, you can use the same X-PlaneTools website also for converting these flight plan extension to a “fms” extension. Anyway, copy the created fms file into the X-Plane root folder Output/FMS plans.

With the fms file in this folder, you’re able to load the flight plan into the Garmin GNS 530. Oops, that is easier said than done. Let me help you out with loading a ready to use flight plan.

Insert Flight Plan into GNS530
Copy the KBOSKFYJ.fms file into the X-Plane root folder Output/FMS plans. With the fms file in this folder, you’re able to load the flight plan into the Garmin GNS 530. Next, follow the steps in the screenshots below with additional information what to do.


When you’ve powered the AVIONICS system, the GNS530 will normally startup with this page (first screenshot). Next click the FPL button. Either no ACTIVE FLIGHT PLAN is shown or the previous flight plan is shown (see for this the second screenshot)


Next click once on the middle of the right hand inner knob (PUSH CRSR). The first flight plan in the list, will be highlighted green. When the first flight plan in the FLIGHT PLAN CATALOG list is highlighted, but not our KBOSKFYJ flight plan, then move the mouse cursor to the right-hand outer ring and make the KBOSKFYJ.fms highlighted green. When only one flight plan, our KBOSKFYJ, is shown in the FLIGHT PLAN CATALOG, then this is already highlighted


With our KBOSKFYJ flight plan highlighted, click the ENT button. By default, the flight plan is visually shown on a map. When you click once on the FPL button, the flight plan is shown as a list

In that case, it would be helpful when you’re able to create your own flight plan and load it into the GNS 530.

And now IFR – Part II

An excellent test flight to relax, and to play around with the Garmin GNS 530. I’ve parked my C207 at “GA ramp 5” and downloaded for this the MisterX6 freeware KBOS scenery and his MisterX6 Library.

KBOS has many runways, two of which are perfect for GA aircraft (15L/33R and 16/32), but from the GA apron where I’ve parked my aircraft, runway 15R is a much better choice. The runway is way too long for my C207, but the easiest runway to pick.

With the flight plan loaded, following the checklist items, I’m ready to go. With no ATC available, I can do what I want after being airborne, but to keep it a little realistic, I fly first at least 3 NM on runway heading before making a right-hand turn towards my flight plan. You can, if you want, preset your altitude at the AP control panel to 5000 feet and then connect the AP, NAV, VS and ARM buttons. I noticed that when you press the NAV button, the HDG is also selected.

Additionally, you can press the YD (Yaw Damper) button. All these selections you made can be seen on the AP panel display. And don’t forget to select on the GNS 530 “GPS”. When the GNS 530 shows VLOC then you need to press the CDI button. This connects the flight plan to the NAV mode on your AP control panel.

By checking the active flight plan on the GNS 530, you’ll be impressed by the number of waypoints included in the 400NM stretch to KFYJ. Right now, my C207 is still climbing to approximately 5000 feet and I’m heading for waypoint BOSOX. My AP panel shows me a preselected cruising altitude of 6050 feet.

With the C207 cruising, I’ve got some time to check the manuals once more and found out that, besides the X-Plane default fuel/payload option, the Alabeo C207 doesn’t come with a popup window that allows you to control the number of passengers and/or the amount of fuel. In particular being able to add/remove the number of passengers.

I can imagine that you could expect this since the C207 can host many passengers. The earlier discussed “C” and “O” don’t offer these possibilities nor can I see and check the actual C.G. (Center of Gravity) once fuel and payload is done. Some will say … “I don’t care” while others prefer to get it as real as possible.

Although the Garmin keeps track of your flight plan, feel free to tune on your route for an ADF frequency. Whenever available, you can also enter a VOR/DME or VORTAC station via the Garmin and in return you’ll get the distance to the station, radial and VOR ID. I tried it and it’s fun. You can also, with a tea or cup of coffee in your hand, enjoy the external view; however I didn’t find the landscape below inspiring.

Ok, these aren’t photo real ground textures, but the only thing I see below is forests, even more forests, once in a while a lake, a road or highway I assume, rivers and villages or cities.

While I’m approaching West Point (KFYJ) from Marc Leydecker, I also notice that the landscape is changing to farmland although I’ve got no idea if this is the reality. One small note regarding Marc’s KFYJ; it’s officially not tested or fully compatible with X-Plane 11, but besides a couple of small issues I’ve seen, we should be able to handle it.

If I want, I could check Google Earth to check it. That the landscape is changing and that we’re approaching KFYJ, is good news. Roughly 400NM is quite a long sit and I’m happy I’m almost there. My first descent altitude will be 3000 feet and when I’m close enough for West Point, I decent to 1000 feet. You can decide to descend without the AP or with. Trimming is easy so disconnecting the AP is a good option.

From approximately 6 NM distance I can see the Zeppelin already and that means I’m coming close to KFYJ. I finally decided to leave the AP ON but only in HDG mode. That said, I trimmed for pitch and with the GNS 530 in 2D view, I can clearly see how and where I’m flying. Easier then this is hardly possible. I make a turn over West Point and finally land on runway 28 and park my C207 in front of the passenger terminal. The only thing I haven’t checked or wasn’t able to do is an ILS approach. No worries about this since I thought about it.

Before my KBOS departure, I made an ILS landing on runway 15R (IMDC 110.70). To make a successful ILS approach yourself, enter the ILS frequency in the GNS 530 and it will tell you which ILS you’ve entered. In this case you should read “IMDC”. Don’t forget to change from GPS mode to VLOC mode by selecting the CDI button. Further on, select on the AP control panel the APR (APPROACH) button and you’re done.

Quick talk about Frame Rates

Is it really needed to add a section dedicated to the actual frame rates? For my iMac Pro it isn’t needed or for those simmers who own an iMac 21017 or 2016 model, it isn’t needed either, but I can imagine that some simmers still have an older PC or Mac, so for those it is good to know how many frame rates this Alabeo aircraft produces. At the same time, the actual frame rates aren’t only due to the aircraft. It also has to do with the scenery, the sky environment thus clouds or real weather and so on.

Overall I must say that with my settings, the Alabeo model perform very well but that doesn’t surprise me. Moreover, the aircraft will perform well also on older PCs or Mac’s.

Summary

What can I say … I enjoyed flying around with the Alabeo C207 Skywagon. It’s as usual a nicely modeled GA aircraft, with some new features and luckily, an old-fashioned “original” cockpit. Old-fashioned or not, the overall instrument quality and virtual cabin is well made and regarding the indicators, razor sharp when zoomed in! And yes, I’m aware that some simmers will say that it’s just an updated X-Plane 10 version. That’s partly true! It’s a bit more then that, but you and I shouldn’t forget that it’s now officially compatible with all the new features X-Plane 11 offers.

The popup Garmin GNS 530 is known, but the popup AP control panel window is new, new when you know the C207 for X-Plane 10. I won’t surprise you when I tell you that the frame rates of the Alabeo C207 are OK. Of course, it not only depends on the C207, it also depends on your PC or Mac hardware specifications, your monitor screen resolution, using a windowed X-Plane screen or full screen mode thus the actual X-Plane screen resolution, the graphics adapter memory, the airport scenery you’re using and the X-Plane Rendering Settings. I think this is it and sorry if I’ve forgotten other issues that could influence the frame rates.

And how realistic are the flight dynamics?
Since I never flew the C207 in real life, but only the C152 and C172, it’s very difficult for me judge how realistically it flies. I could imagine that the flight model characteristics are in some way the same as the smaller Cessna models. On the other hand, and as far as possible, I can check the modeled C207 aircraft behavior versus the C207 reference chart which offers performance specifications of the aircraft.

It tells me something about the aircraft speed, range, speeds, fuel consumption etc. With these specifications in mind I can say that the modeled Alabeo C207 Skywagon performs well versus the list. Not every item from the list can be checked with full accuracy, but I feel they come close to the modeled aircraft although there’s an issue with the bladed propeller.

The list says a 2-bladed propeller while the modeled C207 has a 3-bladed propeller. Time to check this out to prevent any confusion. According to Alabeo “We asked this to a real Cessna C207 pilot and he said that in this particular case, there is no much difference. Summarizing, there is not much difference between the 2 and 3 bladed propeller on this aircraft.”

Further on, I tried several pre-stalls and stalls and they feel realistic as well as slow speed operation with and without flaps. Realistic means to me that the aircraft does what I expect or I can keep it in the air without sudden strange aircraft behaviors.

I mentioned already in-between the review the good frame rates that the aircraft produces and that in combination with add-on sceneries. When using the Cessna C207 with X-Plane 11, I still get good frame rates. Of course, it all depends on your rendering settings, your screen dimensions (Windowed or full screen) and your PC hardware specifications. When you like GA aircraft then this large Cessna model is still worth the try. That said, when you like GA aircraft in general, then it’s worth to add also this Alabeo C207 Skywagon to your hangar collection. More information about the Alabeo C207 can be found at the dedicated Alabeo web page (http://www.alabeo.com/index.php?accion=product&correl=111) and yes, of course you can also visit the dedicated –Plane.Org and Aerosoft store pages.

For this review, I used besides the payware Alabeo C207 Skywagon for X-Plane 11, the following payware and freeware add-on sceneries:
– Freeware | Mister X6 Boston Logan International v1.0
– Freeware | Mister X6 Library v1.5.1
– Freeware | Marc Leydecker (Belga12345) West Point (KFYJ)
– Freeware | Andras Fabian alpilotx.net HD Mesh Scenery v4
– Payware | Beti-X CYBD Bella Coola
– Freeware | FlyWithLua 2.6.7 for X-Plane 11
– Freeware | Environment + 1.1

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 Alabeo Cessna C207 Skywagon XP11
Publisher | Developer:X-Plane.Org | Aerosoft | Alabeo
Description:Realistic rendition of Cessna C207 Skywagon
Software Source / Size:Download / Approximately 364MB (unzipped)
Reviewed by:Angelique van Campen
Published:June 13th 2018
Hardware specifications:- iMac Pro
- Intel 3GHz Intel Xeon W / 4.5Ghz
- Radeon Pro Vega 64 16368 MB
- 64 GB 2666 MHz DDR4
- 1 internal shared 1TB SSD (Big Sur 11.x)
- 1 internal shared 1TB SSD (Bootcamp Windows 10)
- 1 external 2TB LaCie Rugged Pro SSD (Big Sur 11.x)
- Saitek Pro Flight System X-52 Pro and X-56 Rhino
- Honeycomb Alpha Flight Controls
- Honeycomb Bravo Throttle Quadrant
Software specifications:- macOS Big Sur (10.15.x)
- X-Plane 11.5x

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