If you’re a fan of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, you’re probably already familiar with the Fly the Maddog X add-on, one of the most sophisticated and complex add-ons ever developed for the McDonnell Douglas MD-80 series. But if you haven’t updated your version lately, you may be missing out on some amazing new features and performance improvements.
The latest update, version 1.2b147, has just been released on simMarket, and it promises to take your flying experience to the next level. The developers have been working tirelessly to improve the product and fix any bugs, and we’re thrilled to tell you that the result is outstanding.
First, let’s take a look at the changes and fixes in the latest version. The list is long (included at the end ), but some of the most notable improvements include:
- Fixed issue with external start and shutdown engine sounds not playing.
- Improved LNAV precision during the approach phase.
- Added Turnaround Mode and Realistic mode.
- Added dep/arr ATIS for VATSIM network.
- Added EFB night mode and Documents app with checklists, emergency booklet, and AOM.
- Updated documentation, including the Fly the Maddog X Quick Guide, User Manual, and EFB Manual.
As you can see, the new version introduces some exciting new features that enhance the realism of the simulation and improve the overall experience. The new Turnaround Mode allows you to quickly prepare the aircraft for another flight, while the Realistic mode adds an extra layer of authenticity by simulating aging per airframe and providing an Aircraft Technical Log app in the EFB.
But that’s not all. The developers have also made significant improvements to the beacon and strobe effects, making them more realistic and illuminating the surrounding, including clouds/fog. The model now includes reflections on the cockpit/cabin windows, and the flight model has been tuned for better lift/drag at flaps 28/40 and a more realistic flare.
Other notable changes include the addition of dep/arr ATIS for VATSIM network, the ability to manually control the pax cabin lights, and the automatic dimming of the lights when on the ground and engines are on, during initial climb or approach. The MDClient now quits when MSFS quits, and the pos/strobe switch turns off in ‘ready at gate’.
Complete Change Log
>>FIXED
– fixed issue with external start and shutdown engine sounds not playing.
– fixed issue in fms idle minimum epr settings when airfoil A/I on.
– fixed issue which prevent radio nav switch (overhead panel) to work correctly.
– fixed issue in Load Manager that could prevent to correctly install downloaded liveries.
– fixed issue with failures MTBF, that was used ‘doubled’. I.e. if the MTBF was set to 50h the panel would use the value of 100h.
– fixed issue with ice fod alert ‘inoperative’.
>>EFFECTS
– improved beacon and strobe effects (they now illuminate the surrounding, including clouds/fog).
>>MODEL
– fixed missing reflections on cockpit/cabin windows.
>>FLIGHT MODEL
– tuned ground effect and lift/drag at flaps 28/40 to maintain correct pitch, EPR and better flare.
>>SYSTEMS
– improved LNAV precision during the approach phase.
– selecting a runway as arrival on FMS DEP/ARR page will now create an FAXXX waypoint (where XXX is the runway designator) 8NM before the threshold.
– added working lever for manual gear extraction.
>>OTHER
– added Turnaround Mode.
– added Realsitic mode (aircraft aging per airframe, and Aircraft Thecnical Log app in EFB).
– added dep/arr ATIS for VATSIM network. If only one ATIS is present, DEPARTURE/ARRIVAL selection will download same ATIS.
– added EFB night mode.
– added EFB Documents app with checklists, emergency booklet (with clickable links from the main page) and AOM.
– lists in EFB (selection of OFP, documents, failures) are now draggable, removed up/down buttons.
– pos/strobe switch now to OFF in ‘ready at gate’.
– MDClient now quits when MSFS quits.
– pax cabin lights are automatically dimmed when on ground and engines on, initial climb or approach. However they can be always manually controlled from the pax cabin fwd panel (more details in the Quick guide).
>>DOCUMENTATION UPDATED
– Fly the Maddog X Quick Guide MSFS 2020.
– Fly the Maddog X User Manual MSFS 2020.
– EFB Manual MSFS 2020.
Overall, the Fly the Maddog X update brings a wealth of new features and improvements that take the realism of the simulation to new heights. The developers have clearly put a lot of effort into this update, and it shows in the quality of the product. If you haven’t updated your version yet, we highly recommend that you do so to enjoy the enhanced features and improved performance.
Now that you know about the update, what are you waiting for? It’s time to take to the skies and experience the Fly the Maddog X like never before.
