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Turn realism up to 11

X-Plane

X-Plane claims to be the most realistic flight simulator. That is probably true in some areas, but I learned that this is not always the case - especially with GA planes like the Cessna 172, which is arguably THE plane most people will begin with. It is a good starting point and will most definitely get the basics of flying and aviation across, no doubt about that. I am also certain that by default quite a lot of flight mechanics are simulated.

Of course, if you want to go full throttle with realism in X-Plane to the point where it can compete or supersede Microsoft's scenery, you will need to add a few things and learn to use the Ortho4XP tool. You will need:

- Ortho4XP (create the tiles you fly in) (Link)
- The corresponding height/elevation data for the areas you want, for use in Ortho4XP (Link)
- Sim Heaven's X-World scenery/overlays for X-Plane 12 (Link)
- VisualXP (Link)
- XPRealistic (Link)
- X-ATC Chatter (Link)
- LiveTraffic (Link)

Arguably, Ortho4XP will take some time if you are creating a large number of tiles... but believe you me, it IS worth it. Either Use GO2 (Google) or BI (Bing Images) for the imagery, with zoom level 16 for areas, and 17, 18 and 19 the closer you get to your favorite airports.

If you want to crank up the realism dial even further, you should most definitely look into these two and decide which one is better for you:

- Pilot2ATC (Link)
- PilotEdge (Link)

You can pull up the ranks of realism even further by subscribing to Navigraph and acquire access to all Jeppesen charts worldwide. (Link) (STRONG recommendation!)

But there is still one thing missing to top off the realism you can achieve in X-Plane 12. And to get this out of the way: it beats MSFS' models. I would even go so far as to say: this is THE BEST modeling/simulation of aircrafts available on the planet (there are a few aircraft in X-Plane.org's store which come with their own comprehensive and extensive simulation model, which is a separate topic).

It is called Reality Expansion Pack or REP. Developed by simcoders.com, together with real pilots, captains, and airplane engineers. Have a look here: (Link).

This one goes beyond your current simulator session, it is a living, breathing, and thriving airplane - and you NEED to take care of it. Much like you need to keep your car in shape, you also need to keep your plane in good condition. For example, your last flight was some time ago, and now you come back into your Cessna. The oil is degraded, and you need to replace it. Oh, and before you ask: yes. You can, and will, damage your aircraft if you do not handle it correctly. Either with maintenance, in flight, or on the ground.

In other words - not only will it teach you how to properly manage the airplane and get it fit for flying, it will also teach you the rest. Visual inspection and proper checklists for example. And that is just the tip of the iceberg.

Available for these aircraft:

- Default XP11/12 Cessna 172SP
- Default XP12 Piper Super Cub
- Default XP12 Cirrus SR22
- Default XP11/12 Beechcraft Baron 58
- JustFlight Piper PA28 Arrow III
- JustFlight Piper PA29 Turbo Arrow III/IV
- JustFlight Robin DR400
- Carenado Cessna 210 Centurion
- Carenado Beechcraft Bonanza F33A
- Carenado Beechcraft Bonanza V35
- Carenado Beechcraft Baron 58
- Carenado Pilatus PC12
- Thranda Quest Kodiak
- Thranda DHC-2 Beaver
- SIAI-Marchetti SF.260

Of course, this is a paid add-on - but man, this is worth every cent.

Unfortunately no one can be told what REP really is. You need to see it for yourself: