mutley 4,487 Posted July 21, 2007 Report Share Posted July 21, 2007 Name: FS2004/FSX Grumman American AA-5B Tiger Publisher/Author: Tim Piglet Conrad Available from: http://flyawaysimulation.com/downloads- ... tails.html Freeware! Description: First introduced in 1974, the AA-5 series were unique in their bonded honeycomb airframes, producing a simple, smooth, and strong structure. With a sliding canopy and quick controls, the AA-5 were a breed apart. The later AA-5B series had more powerful engines, giving a needed boost in performance. This FS2004/FSX model is painted in a real world paint scheme, and has full ani's and VC with some custom gauges. Includes extra FSX files to ease porting over to FSX. My Thoughts: When I saw this aircraft I was naturally curious, why? Well this was the very first GA aircraft I flew in for real. I remember the excitement, anticipation and a little apprehension if I'm honest but that all went in a blink of an eye when we rotated. That loud bumpy rumbling journey along the runway at Southampton became far more pleasurable as we smoothly ascended along with the mesmerizing long deep drone of the engine. Of course that's my memory through rose tinted glasses but would this aircraft life up to my expectations? A resounding Yes! Screenshots: Looking around the aircraft on the ground I was impressed with the animations, the canopy slides back with a press of the exit key and the cargo door works independently with Exit+2. The 2d cockpit was adequate but I don't plan to use it. This is where I plan to fly it from! This has a very nice VC for the price! I love the "Uncle Piglet's Dog Treats" on the floor and the saucy picture next to the pilot, he has me bowled over already! With a touch of prime she started straight away, and there was that engine note from my past! The animated canopy just closing as we line up. On the toe brakes throttle on it's way up to full. This is exactly what I remember, a steady rate of climb already. She is surprising agile and light on the controls, not what I expected. This is going to be a quick trip out to the lake, an orbit then land. I have to make a tight turn here. She's coping so well, not like an aerobatic aircraft but makes me feel confident she will make it. Runway off to the right, mixture is set to 50% she is running nice and smooth. Turning on to short finals, animated flaps. Nice and steady no surprises offered up. Nice roll out, had to push the nose to the tarmac as she didn't want to herself I expect the CofG had moved back further than I thought. Off to park up and write this report. Ratings (Out of 5) 4.5 A very competent aircraft, it's not sporty but it's an ideal first aircraft to train on or just take out for some Sunday afternoon driving. Definitely worth adding to your FS2004 or FSX collection, you won't see many of these around so you are bound to get some attention flying this one! Link to post Share on other sites
allardjd 1,853 Posted July 21, 2007 Report Share Posted July 21, 2007 Mut, I also flew one of these occasionally in real life so this brings back some memories for me as well. Very nice article - and I like the new section. Things I remember about her... Castering nose wheel - ground steering was like a tail-dragger . If you didn't use differential braking you had to goose the engine to get a blast of propwash on the rudder to start her turning. Split flaps, not Fowler flaps - better than nothing, but not very effective. A busy airplane - you had to fly it every second (ours had no autopilot, either). This was never a docile, hands-off aircraft. Dropping a chart on the floor and bending down to pick it up was a quick way to get a lesson in recovery from unusual attitudes. Link to post Share on other sites
mutley 4,487 Posted July 21, 2007 Author Report Share Posted July 21, 2007 Thanks John, glad you like the new section, time to get those creative juices flowing again! And you are so right she really is a hands on aircraft! Cheers Link to post Share on other sites
Ludo62 0 Posted October 17, 2007 Report Share Posted October 17, 2007 I like your review very much, mutley :yes: :yes: . Very well written and illustrated, a review to be proud of :yes: . Ludo :yes: Link to post Share on other sites
contentd 0 Posted November 15, 2007 Report Share Posted November 15, 2007 Castering nose wheel - ground steering was like a tail-dragger . If you didn't use differential braking you had to goose the engine to get a blast of propwash on the rudder to start her turning. .. and also I seem to recall not averse to Bunny Hopping on landing if you didn`t nail the correct speed and attitude. On the strength of the review I'll download and have a go. Dave Link to post Share on other sites
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