Find aircraft background, systems descriptions and manuals for the aircraft you are researching. Each note keeps its source and version context close by.
Simulator manuals describe the developer’s implementation. Aircraft background is research-based; pilot accounts describe an individual’s experience. Coverage here is limited to the selected notes and linked resources, not the full contents of every manual.
F28 Professional · Just Flight · MSFS 2020 · MSFS 2024
Different control axes use different feel mechanisms
Just Flight's F28 guide describes spring feel and datum-shift trim for roll and yaw, with a different arrangement for the elevator. Hydraulic failures also have distinct effects depending on the system involved. The stick shaker disengages the autopilot's pitch channel in the documented design, connecting stall warning with flight-guidance behaviour.
F28 manual v2.2 · PDF pp.31,59-60
4AT Trimotor · Microsoft Flight Simulator · MSFS 2024
Period instruments with an optional modern navigation installation
The Ford Trimotor package offers modern navigation and autopilot equipment alongside its period instruments. Braking uses the documented lever arrangement rather than conventional toe brakes. Both details are useful when choosing a cockpit configuration or setting up simulator controls.
Archived simulator manual; installed package revision not observed · PDF pp.3-4,6
Albatross G111/HU16 · Microsoft Flight Simulator · MSFS 2024
Runway equipment and water equipment in one aircraft
The Albatross guide covers hydraulic and landing-gear instruments, nosewheel steering choices, chocks and a sea anchor. It also identifies trim and autopilot controls. HU-16E and G-111 options differ, so the military and civilian configurations retain separate context even within the same package.
Albatross manual v2.3.6.1 · PDF pp.6,8-9,23
Lancair Evolution · Laminar Research · X-Plane 12
One real aircraft's equipment choices
Laminar models the Evolution after N844X, with that aircraft's particular cockpit and autopilot. There is no trim wheel in the represented panel: mapped commands operate pitch trim and the multifunction display shows its position. That is a specific installation within a kit-built aircraft family.
Archived simulator manual; installed package revision not observed · PDF pp.6,51
McDonnell Douglas MD-82 · Laminar Research · X-Plane 12
A separate reference for the bundled MD-82
Laminar's guide identifies the MD-82's pitch-trim wheel and autopilot systems and provides illustrated cockpit locations. It is useful for the bundled aircraft, while Rotate's MD-80 has separate development history and systems documentation.
Archived simulator manual; installed package revision not observed · PDF pp.8,18,50
McDonnell Douglas MD-82 · Laminar Research · X-Plane 11
A separate reference for the bundled MD-82
Laminar's guide identifies the MD-82's pitch-trim wheel and autopilot systems and provides illustrated cockpit locations. It is useful for the bundled aircraft, while Rotate's MD-80 has separate development history and systems documentation.
Archived simulator manual; installed package revision not observed · PDF pp.8,18,50
Robinson R22 Beta II · Laminar Research · X-Plane 12
Direct controls and a mechanical trim aid
The R22 overview describes direct, unboosted controls. Its right-trim system uses a pulley and spring arrangement to relieve cyclic load associated with faster flight. This is a mechanical trim aid, distinct from the autopilot or stability systems described for larger helicopters.
Laminar R22 guide · PDF pp.4,8,33
Robinson R22 Beta II
Frank Robinson developed the R22 as a light helicopter, with production beginning in 1979. Its compact cabin, exposed tail boom and simple-looking rotor arrangement made it a familiar training and private-use aircraft.
The Beta II is a specific development within the family. Its unboosted controls and trim arrangements are different from the hydraulic and automatic flight-control systems of larger helicopters. The simulator manual's description of the cyclic trim cord should therefore be read on its own terms, rather than described as an autopilot.
Aircraft / family
Commander 114 · Black Square · MSFS 2020 · MSFS 2024
Two engine configurations and a choice of cockpit equipment
Black Square represents a 1977 normally aspirated Commander 114 and a turbonormalised, air-conditioned version. The manual describes interchangeable radio equipment, a stormscope, hydraulic landing gear and the S-TEC System 60-2 autopilot. It also covers mechanical effects such as wheel shimmy, making the aircraft's equipment and condition part of the product description.
Black Square Commander 114 · PDF p.9; introduction and variants
S.55 · Microsoft Flight Simulator · MSFS 2024
A basic simulator autopilot beside the historical cockpit
The S.55 pilot's guide identifies pitch-trim indication and an optional basic simulator autopilot on the options board. The latter is useful convenience equipment and is described as part of the simulation, rather than silently attributed to the original inter-war flying boat.
Archived simulator manual; installed package revision not observed · PDF pp.10,20
SC.7 Skyvan · Microsoft Flight Simulator · MSFS 2024
Utility aircraft, full set of flight-guidance controls
The Skyvan guide documents a dedicated autopilot master, navigation and capture modes, pitch and roll trim controls, and hydraulic preparation. Its straightforward exterior therefore does not mean the simulator cockpit consists only of basic flight instruments.
Archived simulator manual; installed package revision not observed · PDF pp.25,27
Sikorsky S-76
The S-76 was Sikorsky's first helicopter developed specifically for the civil market. Twin turbine engines, a four-bladed main rotor and retractable landing gear support a broad range of passenger, offshore and emergency-service roles.
The programme includes several engine and avionics generations. An S-76C+ photograph, for example, illustrates a specific development. The simulator model's documented autopilot and cockpit equipment should remain attached to that version rather than treated as a universal S-76 specification.
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