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-47D Skytrain · Microsoft Flight Simulator · MSFS 2024
A period Gyropilot and hydraulic system
The C-47 has separate trim controls and a Sperry Gyropilot for maintaining a selected attitude and direction. Its hydraulic system also serves landing gear, flaps and other auxiliaries. The manual explains the pump and selector arrangement, providing context for a cockpit that predates modern route-following autopilots.
Archived simulator manual; installed package revision not observed · PDF pp.5,10,28
C-47D Skytrain · Microsoft Flight Simulator · MSFS 2020
The original MSFS 2020 release
Famous Flyer 09 was released as a combined C-47D and Waco CG-4A package in June 2024. The C-47D has U.S. Navy and fictional Olive Drab “M5” liveries.
2024-06-06 · release and package scope
C-47B Skytrain · VSKYLABS · X-Plane 12
Released product and variants
The C-47B product represents the wartime military aircraft, with passenger/cargo configuration, optional GNS530 navigation and skis. It is a separate product from the modernised DC-3C.
Official developer / designated-store reference · checked 2026-09-14
Douglas C-47 Skytrain
The C-47 adapted the DC-3 airliner to military work, retaining the low wing, two radial engines and tailwheel configuration. Cargo handling and military equipment changed the aircraft's role. It became one of the major Allied transport types of the Second World War.
The Dakota name is familiar in British and Commonwealth service. A Waco cargo glider was often its partner, but remains a separate aircraft with its own controls. Some simulator packages include both the C-47 tug and Waco glider, each represented as a separate aircraft.
Aircraft / family
A father flies with his son
Steve Alred · civil freight flight in former military N12907
What it is like to fly a DC-3
Sam Wright · author confirmed in the original page
WWII veteran reunites with former aircraft
Alston Daniels interviewed by 2nd Lt. Shelley Gregory · 17 April 2015
DC-3 · Microsoft Flight Simulator · MSFS 2024
Automatic start can leave a manual reset to do
The manual explains that automatic start changes fuel and engine-control states. Returning to manual operation requires resetting the relevant controls. After automatic shutdown, displayed switch positions may no longer match the simulated state; resetting them or reloading the aircraft restores the intended starting setup.
Gathered MSFS operations manual · PDF p.2
DC-3 · Microsoft Flight Simulator · MSFS 2024
Open up the panel view and check the represented fuel system
Clicking the pedestal toggles the yokes to make the cockpit easier to inspect. The manual also states that additional cabin ferry-fuel tanks are not included in this simulation, a useful distinction from long-distance delivery aircraft described in real-world accounts.
Gathered MSFS operations manual · PDF pp.3–4
DC-3 · Microsoft Flight Simulator · MSFS 2024
Choose a period or modernised cockpit
The DC-3 guide describes trim tabs and hydraulically operated auxiliary systems. It also offers a vintage Sperry installation or a modern GNS/autopilot configuration. Those choices represent different cockpit equipment, making the selected version important when looking up navigation or automation controls.
Archived simulator manual; installed package revision not observed · PDF pp.5-6,10
DC-3 · Microsoft Flight Simulator · MSFS 2020
Automatic start can leave a manual reset to do
The manual explains that automatic start changes fuel and engine-control states. Returning to manual operation requires resetting the relevant controls. After automatic shutdown, displayed switch positions may no longer match the simulated state; resetting them or reloading the aircraft restores the intended starting setup.
Gathered MSFS operations manual · PDF p.2
DC-3 · Microsoft Flight Simulator · MSFS 2020
Open up the panel view and check the represented fuel system
Clicking the pedestal toggles the yokes to make the cockpit easier to inspect. The manual also states that additional cabin ferry-fuel tanks are not included in this simulation, a useful distinction from long-distance delivery aircraft described in real-world accounts.
Gathered MSFS operations manual · PDF pp.3–4
