Just a heads up for those who aren't aware, Aerosoft will be releasing a SP3 (http://forum.aerosoft.com/index.php?/topic/91620-airbus-sp3/#entry653735) for their Airbus A320 series. This update will contain the following:
- Some sound tweaks.
- Some graphics tweaks on the overhead to make the 320 overhead separate from the A321.
- Inclusion of all the hotfixes etc.
- Adding full saving/loading of flights.
However a couple of big ticket items also to be included are an improved weather radar that can detect turbulence and a Connected Flight Deck (Shared Cockpit) feature. More information here:
http://forum.aerosoft.com/index.php?/topic/91620-airbus-sp3/page-2#entry655972 (http://forum.aerosoft.com/index.php?/topic/91620-airbus-sp3/page-2#entry655972)
From what I can recall in that thread I believe they are aiming at end of March for a release date.
It will be interesting to see if the shared cockpit feature will prove popular, not only with the Aerosoft Airbus but also with the Majestic Q400 Pro Edition that will also have this feature.
Cheers,
Serge
Thanks for sharing Serge, I hadn't heard about this until now.
If anyone wants to arrange a shared cockpit session with a fellow Intercity pilot, please feel free to post a request here in our A320 forums (making sure you state what times would suit you). Both pilots can log Intercity ACARS hours, although only one will be able to log VATSIM hours (typically PNF logs in to VATSIM as an observer).
Although I can't see shared cockpit being that popular on the A320 after the initial novelty wears off, as it's so automated there's little left to do when it's shared out between two people! The Q400 is an entirely different kettle of fish in that respect though.
Quote from: Chris Liu on Mar 16, 2015 10:32
Although I can't see shared cockpit being that popular on the A320 after the initial novelty wears off, as it's so automated there's little left to do when it's shared out between two people! The Q400 is an entirely different kettle of fish in that respect though.
Yeah, pretty much my thoughts on it too Chris. Mathijs has posted a link to a video showing the shared cockpit feature at work. It's in German however there are English subs and the checklists are spoken in English too.
http://forum.aerosoft.com/index.php?/topic/91620-airbus-sp3/page-8#entry664396 (http://forum.aerosoft.com/index.php?/topic/91620-airbus-sp3/page-8#entry664396)
It seems pretty cool especially running through the full flows and checklists with another person. It ups the realism a notch if you're really in to it. Also, for anyone interested, Mathijs has posted the Aerosoft Airbus Normal Flows & Checklists document.
http://forum.aerosoft.com/index.php?/topic/91620-airbus-sp3/page-7#entry663255 (http://forum.aerosoft.com/index.php?/topic/91620-airbus-sp3/page-7#entry663255)
I guess if you're new to the shared cockpit feature (as I assume most of us will be) it will take a few flights to get used to running through all this. Certainly would be interesting.
Cheers,
Serge
Well with a bit of luck we should be getting the SP3 tomorrow (Monday 13th). Seems like this will bring to an end the development of the A32X family...but we shall see aye.
Steve
Just checked my AS account and service pack 3 has now been released (1245 Zulu 13th April 2015).....I'm waiting for the morning I'll be on my off peak tariff...
Best
Steve
The multicrew should be interesting; I'd like a go but I don't own any of the Aerosoft buses and hence my Airbus flows are very rusty!
I have just seen the AS forum; it looks like the issue we had with the auto throttle etc is back with SP3, consequently I'm holding until this issue gets fixed. I'm a tad disappointed.
Steve
I've downloaded SP3 for both buses but haven't got around to installing them yet however after reading through the Aerosoft forums it appears there are a couple of issues with the installers and also possibly a couple of bugs. Unfortunately this seems to be a habit when Aerosoft release an update. I'll list below what I've found so far and report back on my findings once I've installed the updates this evening.
Regards,
Serge
Installer issues and workarounds
RAAS doesn't install automatically, you will need to install manually.
http://forum.aerosoft.com/index.php?/topic/94008-sp3-raas-is-not-installed/ (http://forum.aerosoft.com/index.php?/topic/94008-sp3-raas-is-not-installed/)
File ECAM_D2DLog.ini not found
http://forum.aerosoft.com/index.php?/topic/94004-file-ecam-d2dlogini-not-found-in-cusers/ (http://forum.aerosoft.com/index.php?/topic/94004-file-ecam-d2dlogini-not-found-in-cusers/)
Possible bugs
Engine Oscillation
http://forum.aerosoft.com/index.php?/topic/94020-engine-oscillation-sp3/ (http://forum.aerosoft.com/index.php?/topic/94020-engine-oscillation-sp3/)
APU not burning fuel
http://forum.aerosoft.com/index.php?/topic/94057-apu-not-burning-fuel-sp3/ (http://forum.aerosoft.com/index.php?/topic/94057-apu-not-burning-fuel-sp3/)
Thanks Serge, I'm not going to change my current version until I'm sure all is well...I had more than enough of hotfix testing with SP2.
Cheers
Steve
I took your advice Steve and held off the update. There are temporary fixes to be found throughout the forum for various things its hard to keep track of them so at the moment I would rather fly than waste time troubleshooting. Hopefully the issues are resolved soon.
Cheers,
Serge
yeah best thing Sergio, I still cannot believe that we're going through this again....the same problems we had with SP2 ++ and the same sort of responses from AS..'its your machines; they're too slow' 'it's not anything we've done in fact we've not touched it' etc! If you read the posts it's like deja vu.. Still keep calm and carry on aye..
all the best
Steve
Guys,
It seems that AS have now sorted some of the problems with SP3 and have now issued two hotfixes you can download them here:
http://forum.aerosoft.com/index.php?/forum/666-updates-news-and-hotfixes/ (http://forum.aerosoft.com/index.php?/forum/666-updates-news-and-hotfixes/)
I've seen a few posts on the forum (AS) and they have all been positive...so may be I'll download the new version, install the HFs and give it a try...sorry if all this is old news to some.
BRDGS
Steve
Thanks for the update Steve.
I saw the posts on the Aerosoft forums but I think I will still wait. From what I understand they will release a version 1.31 which will most likely be a full installer so I would rather do the uninstall/reinstall once.
Cheers,
Serge
Quote from: Sergio De Ceglie on Apr 18, 2015 05:51
Thanks for the update Steve.
I saw the posts on the Aerosoft forums but I think I will still wait. From what I understand they will release a version 1.31 which will most likely be a full installer so I would rather do the uninstall/reinstall once.
Cheers,
Serge
I think you're right Serge, I saw something about a new version (1.31), though that may be some way off yet. Can we wait that long? Actually I don't think I've seen anything on what has been improved yet, I know some guys have tried the connected cockpit, seems postive enough, but other than that...have you seen anything?
Cheers
Steve
The actual SP3 change log (I assume this is what you were referring to) is in the preview thread here...
http://forum.aerosoft.com/index.php?/topic/91620-airbus-sp3/?p=670375 (http://forum.aerosoft.com/index.php?/topic/91620-airbus-sp3/?p=670375)
They have fixed and added a fair bit so it will be worth the update. It does sound like the full installer version of 1.31 may be a little while but I reckon I can wait as v1.21d flies fine.
Cheers,
Serge
I'm glad I held off the update. They have released several hotfixes now and still the problems persist. There is now talk of a complete rewrite of the FBW/AP code and an SP4.
http://forum.aerosoft.com/index.php?/topic/94280-go-around-phase-autopilot-malfunction/?p=675148 (http://forum.aerosoft.com/index.php?/topic/94280-go-around-phase-autopilot-malfunction/?p=675148)
Quite happy to stick with v1.21d while they sort out the issues.
Cheers,
Serge
I don't own the AS buses but I was never fully convinced by the FBW handling, so a rewrite may not be a bad thing.