The Jack of All Trades and Master of All
The master of all trades? Well, perhaps that is a bit elaborate; however, the Cessna 182 is the proven master of a great many aeronautical “trades”, indeed. So, what are the “trades” that we want a General Aviation (GA) aeroplane to be the master of? Well, we want it to be fast, carry lots of fuel, people and baggage, climb well, stall gently, be easy to land and fly, be economical to operate and maintain, and generally be a safe and pleasant ride for us and our passengers — that’s a lot to ask of one aeroplane. After all, the physical world is based upon compromise and give and take; what is gained here is lost there, etc. Because of this necessary compromise, when it comes to mastering all of these “trades”, virtually every aeroplane fails to make the grade. Some exhibit very high performance but are a handful to fly for the average pilot and others are as gentle as a puppy, but do not perform so well. That ubiquitous physical compromise is present in most instances.
Lycoming 540 engine
Most A&P mechanics refer to the Lycoming 540 as being “bulletproof.” Consider that a Chevrolet big block in an early ‘70’s Corvette is 454 cubic inches, a Skyhawk’s engine is either 320 or 360 cubic inches (like small automobile V-8). The Skylane engine is 541.5 cubic inches, which is bigger than the previously mentioned Chevy big block. I have the same engine in my Comanche, and you feel this 50% bigger engine under the hood, just rumbling and rattling, waiting to be opened up on takeoff. We expanded Accu-Sim to capture the more aggressive nature of operating such a nice and powerful GA engine.
Constant speed prop – propeller physics
We upgraded the propeller physics for the Skylane in several areas. This was necessary to deliver the best experience when operating this new system. For example, many people don’t realize that a 2-blade propeller will generally cruise faster than a 3-blade at all but the very highest altitudes (and I’m talking where oxygen is required). The Skylane manual is based on the 3-blade, so you can squeeze out even more speed by using a 2-blade. The high cruise is just around 167 mph with a 3-blade, and around 170 mph with a 2-blade (keep in mind every plane will have slightly different cruise speeds, which speaks to the uniqueness of each airframe, engine, and prop). However, the 3-blade propeller will, in general, pull harder off the line and perform better in steep climbs. We also improved the modeling and sound of the propeller when it both flattens out and cuts into the air, which is most noticeable during prop checks on the ground.
Cruise management – beyond the book
This was an unexpected, but pleasant discovery when making the Skylane: Our cruise performance accuracy actually exceeds the pilot’s manual. Yes, we’re actually better than “by the book.” This is because some figures in the POH are calculated / estimated. For example, in Accu-Sim, you can realize the benefits of flying at lower RPM’s with higher manifold pressure, or “over square” (higher manifold pressure X 100 than RPM). Some pilot’s are still being told today that running a modern GA engine over square is bad, which is a technique recommended on some older, larger radial engines of the past. The fact is that most engines run better and more efficient at lower RPM and higher manifold pressure, rather than high RPM and low manifold pressure (just make sure you follow the guidelines in the pilot’s handbook for the airplane). Accu-Sim models this efficiency, and we confirmed this on our actual flight tests. So, you will be experiencing the same differences from the POH with Accu-Sim than with the actual airplane. You will also find yourself thinking hard about your mixture, how it affects your cruise performance, temperatures, economy, etc., just like in the real aircraft. Just make sure, any real world pilots out there reading this that you follow the recommended cruise settings for your airplane because there is a limit to how much manifold pressure you are able to use at certain a RPM. Also, some engines require you to avoid certain power settings / RPM ranges due to vibration and balance issues. There is no one size fits all approach, but this Accu-Sim Skylane will certainly help both pilots and sim enthusiasts learn better flying skills and engine management practices.
Cowl flaps and advanced combustion physics
We further researched and developed engine temperatures, both cylinder head and exhaust gas temps. We also re-formulated the impact of mixture on the process and temperatures.
Expanded physical sound
The starter physics, engine starts, shutdowns, and in flight physics are pushed even further. Try playing with the throttle, or kicking the rudder at speed or doing a prop check. It’s a world of wonderful physics that drives our sound engine.
Hand towing
We added a new feature, turning your flight stick or yoke into a tow bar. It really gives the feel you are moving a large plane around, and you can put it exactly where you want it, however you wish. Our own Captain Jake said the other day “This towing is fun!” That’s a good sign coming from a 14 year old.
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Jeffrey Hill –
I have been flying the C182 Skylane for over 340 hours and I must say that each flight is just as exciting as the last. The first 100 hours were great, but when I purchased Flight1 GTN750 GPS addon into the C182 panel it took my flying adventures to a whole new level. I am very pleased with the purchase; the aircrafts performance in FSX; and the support by A2A Simulations.
Kevin Head –
This is amazing. The A2A 182 is my GO TO airplane for most all of my sim flying. I fly singles in real life, no twins, or jets. This feels so alive! Gotta watch your operations! I LOVE having to pay attention to the operations details, engine temps, walk-arounds, leaning, cabin temperature, etc. Takes longer to get in the air, but that’s REAL. It FEELS alive. I also have the 172 from A2A and it’s equally impressive. I’m just moving into more complex airplanes, so the 182 takes most of my time. If you’re considering this purchase, quit. BUY IT. You’ll never regret it.
John S (verified owner) –
This airplane FEELS alive. Accusim never fails to amaze me at just how real these airplanes feel. I’ve flown Cessna singles in real life and this is about as close to the real thing as you can get. The Support From A2A is nothing short of excellence. Great company building another great Product. Well done A2A!
tim (verified owner) –
At first I was quite disappointed because I already owned the excellent C172 and was not so keen to purchase yet “another” Cessna. But, man, was I wrong! The C182 is a completely different airplane and A2A once again captured all the nuances of the real aircraft and created the perfect Accusim experience. I really would not want to miss the C182. It’s certainly one of my all-time favourites!
markadeane (verified owner) –
Of all my A2A GA purchases this is by far the one I’ve done the most flying in (and the first that I grabbed again for P3Dv4!). The perfect balance of utility and simplicity, a great touring aircraft, and combined with the third party GTN 650/750, a fantastic IFR platform. An absolute must have.
tumzdk (verified owner) –
Really A2A, another Cessna??? Basicly what I thought when the promo video it YouTube
Apart from the three bladed prop it looks the same as the C172, but the C182 is a completely different aircraft. The sound is different, the handling is different, procedures is a different, but flying the C182 still has a “hint of home” as the cockpit layout is very similar to that of the A2A C172R.
After a few flights I realised the C182 is not just a bigger more powerful version of the C182, in fact I think it is a must have, as you soon discover the fysics is very different, even though they look the same. I bought the C182 to get a higher performance aircraft and because I got bit by the Accu-Sim bug after buying the C172. The C182T is just as beautiful modelled on the inside and outside as the C172, but as the C182T is a more complex aircraft there is a different feel to it. Now you’ll have to manage prop pitch, cowl flap and the fact the C182 is quite a bit faster than the C172. I fly almost exclusivly online, so the workload is a bit higher in the C182, wich for me is a godd challenge. It can be a bit of a beast on landings, but practise makes perfect.
5 out of 5 from me.
Enjoy your flight!
-Tomas
rafaelcarelli82 (verified owner) –
The perfect Jack of all trades plane, so worldwide famous since it’s release now PERFECTLY represented by A2A. And advanced training platform, with more power management and a truly IFR cross country platform. Everything works just like the real, from a real pilot point of view. The sounds are just amazing, and lots of panel options! Can’t wait to get a “glassier” cockpit version of A2A planes! This one is a MUST HAVE!
djjose –
A work horse single engine Cessna and a must have for any serious simmer. Vintage A2A quality and highly recommended.
monacos-franz (verified owner) –
I have a real life C182T rating and I have to say that the simulation comes very very close to the real plane. You gotta love that big Lycoming engine up front. One thing that always amazes me about the C182 is it’s bushplane capabilities and still the very acceptable cruising performance which are expertly represented in this simulation. The C182T is what got me hooked on A2A and I have hardly flown products of other vendors ever since. I would love a G1000 version of the Skylane in the future. This product is an absolute must have in my opinion and very well worth the price. Considering that I’ve spent more than 200h in my Skylane its a real bargain.
Shubham Jaiswal –
Amazing Aircraft!!
Dale Zehring (verified owner) –
This plane is great to own after training in the 172. You have higher performance, and load characteristics. Basically you can load 4 passengers, full fuel and go, without to much worry about weight and balance issues. I love this plane, and higher cruise speeds, as well as lifting right off the runway during T/O.