Why no Piper Aerostar for FSX?

[Modlerbob]

I found one for FS 2002 but it appears rather crude. It's supposed to be the fastest twin engined piston general aviation plane and in my opinion it is one of the best looking. I always thought it was related to the Rockwell Aero Commander but recently discovered it is not.

[Modlerbob]

I tried the one created for FS2004 and except for the gauges it works fine. The program states that the gauges were written for FS98 and are not supported for FSX. It would probably be easy for someone with experience setting up planes for FSX to create the fix. Unfortunately I'm not one of those people.

[Hagar]

I tried the one created for FS2004 and except for the gauges it works fine. The program states that the gauges were written for FS98 and are not supported for FSX. It would probably be easy for someone with experience setting up planes for FSX to create the fix. Unfortunately I'm not one of those people.

I assume the FS2004 version is the one by Mike Stone. If so it won't have a VC so there is no need to worry about that. You can use any 2D panel for a similar aircraft. Simply replace the Panel folder in the Aerostar with a copy of the Panel folder from the other aircraft.

[Modlerbob]

I tried the one created for FS2004 and except for the gauges it works fine. The program states that the gauges were written for FS98 and are not supported for FSX. It would probably be easy for someone with experience setting up planes for FSX to create the fix. Unfortunately I'm not one of those people.

I assume the FS2004 version is the one by Mike Stone. If so it won't have a VC so there is no need to worry about that. You can use any 2D panel for a similar aircraft. Simply replace the Panel folder in the Aerostar with a copy of the Panel folder from the other aircraft.

Thanks, I tried the panel from another Piper twin the Seneca and it works fine.

[Modlerbob]

And now, the rest of the story. The Aerostar is related to the Rockwell Aero Commander. Ted Smith, the designer of the Aerostar also designed the Rockwell Aero Commander. The Aerostar was initially produced by the Ted Smith Aircraft Company but was merged with Piper. The Aero Commander was originally designed and built by Aero Design and Engineering formed by Ted Smith and other aircraft engineers who had been at Douglas. Eventually Rockwell Aircraft bought the design and manufactured it.

[Hagar]

Glad you sorted that out.

And now, the rest of the story. The Aerostar is related to the Rockwell Aero Commander. Ted Smith, the designer of the Aerostar also designed the Rockwell Aero Commander. The Aerostar was initially produced by the Ted Smith Aircraft Company but was merged with Piper. The Aero Commander was originally designed and built by Aero Design and Engineering formed by Ted Smith and other aircraft engineers who had been at Douglas. Eventually Rockwell Aircraft bought the design and manufactured it.

Thanks for reminding me of the history of the Aero Commander. It was always one of my favourites. You've probably seen the legendary Bob Hoover demonstrating the Shrike Commander. https://youtu.be/pMWxuKcD6vE

[Modlerbob]

As a matter of fact I witnessed his demonstration at several air shows here in Florida and even met him once. What amazed me was the fact that the maneuvers were done well below full power and the last minute or so was performed dead stick ending with a landing that had the plane roll to a stop just feet from the show announcer. Had my finances permitted I always dreamed of flying either the Aero Commander or the Aerostar as the cockpit entry was low to the ground and would have made ingress and egress possible due to my physical limitations.