I've just checked in Jim's latest viewer improvements and I encourage everyone to update the main source tree and the base package, then try
fgfs --aircraft=c172-3d It's still not pretty, but with Jim's improvements, it's usable -- you can look around easily with the mouse or keyboard. I just tried my first end-to-end flight using the 3D C172 cockpit, flying from CYOW to CYRP. Alex: the cockpit interior hasn't been made accurate yet (I haven't used any proper plans or detailed photographs), but how does the general feel compare with flying in a real C172? Are the body reference points where you expect them to be? Does it feel right? Is the propeller filling too much of the front view? Should I add a cup holder? On that note, what a difference the ability to use body reference points makes! I'd never been able to nail the turn to final from base consistently on a visual approach, and I had assumed that I was just totally incompetent (which I probably am -- keep me away from real planes). With the 3D cockpit visible from all viewing angles, however, I had no problem starting the turn at the right time, turning the right amount, and ending up perfectly lined up with the runway for an easy landing. It's also easier to keep the plane straight and level during climb with rudder input. I just put the view direction about 5 or 10 deg to the left so that I can see more of the horizon, and I find myself making the adjustments instinctively rather than chasing the gauges. It was a little harder to find the airport in the first place, though. I actually managed to get lost briefly, even though I was only a few km outside Ottawa, just because the view looked so unfamiliar from the 3D cockpit and because parts of it were obscured in lateral view. All the best, David -- David Megginson [EMAIL PROTECTED] _______________________________________________ Flightgear-devel mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://mail.flightgear.org/mailman/listinfo/flightgear-devel
