Cessna C172N Skyhawk II for X-Plane

The Cessna 172N, developed by Carenado for X-Plane, is yet another top quality add-on that offers a stunning model with a great list of features. This variant of the Cessna Skyhawk was introduced in 1977 and now, Carenado have reintroduced it, this time to the Flight Simulator world.

This time around the aircraft is 64-bit compatible and boasting a polygon optimized model that looks stunning when running in game, or gawked at from screen shots. Not just the one model either, as this package has three different models for you to fly. You have the option of skis or floats, and the option to use fairings on the default model if you wish. Each model, of course, has the same top quality polish that we've come to expect from Carenado.

A wide range of liveries are available for you to use with your Cessna C172N, each slightly different from the last. While all predominantly white, six different color schemes should offer enough choice to find one that suits your tastes. But the blank texture is likely where you'll find the perfect fit, whether its a livery you’ve painted yourself or one that you’ve downloaded from the community.

Moving parts and animated sections are all there, from the ailerons and rudders to the pilot's window and the sun visor. Small details like antennas and chocks are greatly appreciated, as little touches like this show us how much thought has gone into delivering the best experience possible, and help keep us immersed in the simulated environment.

Keeping up with the high standards, accurately reproduced flight characteristics have the aircraft handling just like the real thing both on the ground and in the air. While realistic lights, high quality original liveries and a great sound set draw you further in to the experience. On the inside, the interactive virtual cockpit is finely crafted and a custom, clean white panel make all the gauges very easy to read. Realistic light effects and subtle reflections can be found all through the 3D modeled cockpit area and you can be sure that you will find nothing to detract from your flight experience.

Carenado have released their version of the Cessna 172 N Skyhawk II for X-Plane.  The aircraft boasts some amazing features.

Features of version 2.0

• X-Plane 64bit supported
• Polygon optimized model.
• Interactive virtual cockpit.
• Full moving parts: Ailerons, elevators, rudders, flaps, rolling wheels.
• Animated sections such as: doors, pilot’s window, copilot seat, sun visor and fresh air control.
• Realistic lights: Navigation lights, beacons, landing lights.
• 3D modeled pilot and cockpit area.
• Many details, such as: pitot pressure chamber, antennas, chocks, pitot tube cover.
• Custom panel and gauges.
• Realistic textures and original paint designs.
• Realistic light effects on gauges.
• Accurately reproduced flight characteristics
• Real weight and balance.

Included in the package

• 6 paint schemes
• 1 Blank texture
• 2 regular models: with and without fairings
• 1 ski model
• 1 float model
• Normal and Emergency Checklist for regular, ski and float models PDF
• Quick Reference document for regular, ski and float models PDF
• Recommended settings document

Review

So, what is there to not like about Carenado’s Cessna 172N for X-Plane? Not much.  It seems to be a little heavy on the frame rates compared to the Mooney they offer, but it is not as bad as the Saratoga (which kills my video card every time).   The included liveries don’t excite me much, but I am sure painters will take care of that issue shortly!

Would I recommend paying the $25.95 for this model?  Hell YES!  The package that you get is very complete and rivals payware costing twice as much.   With three models (including skis), a great set of sounds, multiple views and the awesome X-Plane community to support you, how could you go wrong with this purchase? - A Reality of my own.