DC-3 Development Update 3: Balancing the Weight!

[ilias.tselios]

With the power of newest Graphical User Interface (GUI) available on X-Plane, we build what we believe is a clear, simple, easy to use, but also informative way for loading the aircraft.

 

LOADING PAGE LAYOUT

The loading page is divided in 2 columns. On the left column is the area of ‘actions’, where you do the loading. On the right column is the area of ‘information’, with a Center of Gravity chart (CG) on the top, displaying the Gross Weight (GW) and Zero Fuel Weight (ZFW). On the bottom is a numerical representation of each weight category, in both kilograms and pounds.

 

PASSENGERS LOADING

The passengers section is divided in 3 compartments, B, C, and D. Using the sliders in the top of the seat map, you can adjust the number of passenger, per compartment, as you want. The seat map will display the seat coverage, as you adjust the passenger. Always pay attention to the CG chart! You are the responsible to proper load the aircraft!

 

CARGO LOADING

The cargo loading also happens in 3 compartments, 2 in front of the passengers area, and 1 aft. For clarity, the seat are not drawn here. Keep in mind that the aft cargo area (compartment 3) is way back of aircraft’s CG, so adding a lot of cargo there, will move the CG far aft! Load with caution!

 

FUEL LOADING

Last (but not least!) is the fuel loading section. On the top of the section is the representation of the 4 tanks (2 main and 2 auxiliary). Left and right of each tank there are buttons to adjust the fuel weight, per tank, in steps of 10 kilograms. Also in the map below, each tank with the relative level of fuel is represented in their actual position on the aircraft. Again, pay special attention on the CG chart!

 

IN CONCLUSION 

Loading the aircraft is an act of balancing, no pun intended! You have to consider how much fuel you need, the payload (passengers and cargo) you have to carry, and load the aircraft properly within the limits. Act responsible… and before start your engines! After starting the engines, you will not have the ability to alter anything of the above!

[alexcolka]

Was revisiting the current 1.4 version of this magnificent plane and still find it amazing these days! coupled with a freeware fmod package available somewhere else that is compatible which adds lots of immersion to the plane. Can't wait for v2!