BAe 146 / Avro RJ

The 146 manual describes autopilot movement of the control columns and elevator servo tabs, automatic pitch trim and flap-dependent trim speed. It also explains the SYNC function and distinguishes stick shakers from the nose-down stall-identification force.

146 manual v2.4 · PDF pp.35,82; pitch controls and automatic trim

Just Flight's comparison explains how the RJ's digital engine control, thrust-rating panel and autothrottle work together. Its simulated pressurisation system is fully automatic after the landing altitude is set, whereas the 146 Professional uses a semi-automatic arrangement. Automatic lift-spoiler deployment is another difference described for landing and rejected takeoff.

Just Flight 146/RJ differences booklet, archived 10 September 2026; product comparison · PDF p.4

RJ Professional models the GNLU-910A flight-management system, including climb, cruise and descent predictions. The comparison booklet explicitly says its VNAV is not coupled to the autopilot. For a non-precision approach, the simulated VNAV APPROACH function uses waypoint altitudes to generate an advisory path indication on the navigation display. The displayed vertical path is advisory.

Just Flight 146/RJ differences booklet, archived 10 September 2026; product comparison · PDF p.5

The RJ documentation covers its flight-guidance computers and autoland modes and annunciations. Just Flight also provides a dedicated differences booklet. The booklet compares the RJ and 146 flight decks and systems.

MSFS2024 RJ operations manual · Autoflight; Flight controls; autoland annunciators

The listing describes command information in clickspot tooltips and configurable control parameters in Manifest.json. It also retains standard commands for features such as lights and wipers, providing documented starting points for a hardware setup.

X-Plane 12 product description; not evidence of a particular peripheral’s compatibility

Just Flight lists a custom UFMC, the default X-Plane FMC and optional Reality XP GTN750 compatibility. Its tablet supports AviTab and controls aircraft doors and call-outs. These options describe the X-Plane 12 edition.

X-Plane 12 product description · captured September 2026

Brennan’s research flying took a familiar regional airliner into unusual places. A favourite trip followed Greenland’s glaciers towards the coast in 2015. During satellite-calibration work, the 146 flew low over the ocean while a NASA ER-2 worked far above it. Scientists and their instruments gave the flight a purpose very different from carrying passengers between cities. The job also required a different relationship with planning.

Finbarre Brennan

Anderson enjoyed the rhythm of short flights across Europe, sometimes flying four sectors in a day. Frequent departures and arrivals gave her plenty of hands-on flying, with colleagues helping make each day different. Climbing out of cloud into sunshine and completing a good landing after a gusty approach were among the pleasures she singled out. On the ground, the same job could become an exercise in watching the clock.

Sheena Anderson