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.
C-46 Commando · Microsoft Flight Simulator · MSFS 2024
Prepare a cold cockpit or a secured aircraft on the ground
The overhead Cold/Dark Start control provides a starting configuration. A separate Secure Aircraft control manages the parked scene with wheel chocks, flags and boarding steps. The manual identifies these as simulator cockpit controls.
Gathered C-46 manual · PDF p.4
C-46 Commando · Microsoft Flight Simulator · MSFS 2024
Panel access and radio power have their own controls
A main-panel switch toggles the yokes for visibility. The Avionics Master powers the documented radio installation, which includes COM1, VOR, ADF and a transponder. The manual’s numbered panel illustrations and custom views help locate these controls within the large flight deck.
Gathered C-46 manual · PDF pp.4–5
C-46 Commando · Microsoft Flight Simulator · MSFS 2024
Attitude and direction control from an earlier era
The C-46 manual describes the Sperry Gyropilot and hydraulic instrumentation. The Gyropilot maintains attitude and direction; route management remains separate.
Archived simulator manual; installed package revision not observed · PDF pp.4,6-7
C-46 Commando · Microsoft Flight Simulator · MSFS 2020
The original MSFS 2020 release
The July 2024 Local Legend 17 announcement records the MSFS 2020 release and four liveries, including an explicitly fictional Olive Drab scheme.
2024-07-02 · release and package scope
Curtiss C-46 Commando
The C-46 grew from Curtiss's CW-20 airliner design into a military transport. Its broad fuselage gave it substantial cargo capacity, while two large radial engines supplied the power. It worked alongside the C-47 but was a larger aircraft with a different airframe and systems.
The Commando continued into civilian freight operations after the war. Its period flight deck includes systems that predate modern route-following automation; the simulator manual's Sperry Gyropilot is best understood in that historical context.
Aircraft / family
Flying the C-46: Jeff Ethell’s impressions
Jeff Ethell · China Doll flight, February 1997
Pelican’s Perch 47: The Old Commando
John Deakin · 16 September 2001
Buffalo, We Have a Problem
Herbert O. Fisher’s flight described by his son Herb Fisher Jr. · May 2015 issue
JN-4 Jenny · Microsoft Flight Simulator · MSFS 2024
A documented convenience change for ground handling
The MSFS 2024 guide adds rudder-controlled ground steering for playability. Toe brakes are omitted; the simulated tailskid provides drag.
MSFS 2024 manual · page 11
JN-4 Jenny · Microsoft Flight Simulator · MSFS 2024
The walkaround begins outside at a ramp position
The 2024 walkaround has selectable pins for checking surfaces and tyres. The leather cockpit surround is the documented entry point.
MSFS 2024 manual · page 5
JN-4 Jenny · Microsoft Flight Simulator · MSFS 2024
A hidden phone can still operate the radio
The cockpit phone provides radio controls, heading and indicated airspeed. Clicking its bracket hides it while leaving the radios working.
MSFS 2024 manual · page 7
JN-4 Jenny · Microsoft Flight Simulator · MSFS 2024
Checklists are accessed through the simulator EFB
The 2024 guide opens checklists through the aircraft icon in the simulator EFB, using Tab or the assigned EFB key.
MSFS 2024 manual · pages 9–10
