Piper PA-31T Cheyenne

I awoke today looked out of the window and saw rain falling from the skies, with my radio/alarm playing Carly Simon’s “Nobody does it Better” It left me with a thought of excitement, as today was the day I would be picking up my new aircraft. Having sold my Cessna and upgrading to the new Piper Cheyenne.

After a hearty breakfast I made for the airport rain still pouring down, and not a speck of blue sky in sight. My flight was from the HQ of the 4th German Flight Simulation Conference in Padderborn, back to old blighty, or the UK and Cosford. After an initial signing in procedure I strode out to my new plane, it stood all alone on the airport apron looking at me with its pointy nose, and I am sure I heard a cackle of laughter as I approached. Would this little lady turn out to be a witch, or could this sleeping beauty turn into a princess?

On boarding the first thing we can do is set the configuration of the aircraft to suit our needs, this includes setting weight limits for adults and children alike, although I am afraid your kid is not going to be able to fly this, it will not allow it, no way. You cannot even squeeze them into the copilot seat, so it’s “go sit in the back and read your comic” Along with the sounds of your screaming children as you take them into the cabin, four other volume controls are available to adjust the likes of ambience, avionics, engines and TCAS. Now we have some peace and quiet lets take a look around the flight deck. Both 2D and 3D virtual exist and both are beautiful to look at, with options for IFR and VFR flights. In the 3D Virtual the whole area comes alive, it may be raining outside but in here a beaming smile from the pilot lights up the area. Tool tips are available to familiarise yourself with how the different knobs, switches and dials all operate, some have hidden or guarded buttons which can simply be opened by a single right click then left to operate the switch.

Using your mouse to operate certain components has always been necessary for FS pilots along with right and left click, if you have the added luxury of a wheel this too operates many devices. The model has many extra little touches, but the ones you will use the most are opening doors including baggage, folding tables in the cabin more on this later, and when parked, chocks, external power unit and tow bar will appear.

Inside the cockpit your viewing options are not just limited to the captains panel, copilot and overhead, centre pedestal, radios, ADI/HSI zoom, yoke visible, kneeboard and map view. All these can be triggered by click spots and hotkeys. Do not let the detail phase you, it looks a lot worse then it really is and by now your so comfortable in your seat who cares!

Each one of the models in this package have a built in environmental panel, this includes controls for air conditioning , heating and a cabin circulation blower making sure everyone onboard has the most comfortable experience in flight. If you are in pressurised flight the cabin air levels are maintained with a ram-air ventilation system, this derives from a duct in the ECS heat exchanger inlet. Sounds technical, but it’s a flick of a switch. The manual you get with this aircraft gives so much detail on the intricacies of the deck it’s difficult to know where to start. But the language used is easy to understand and not all the workings need to be known from the outset. The basics of flight are enough to get everyone airborne and flying quickly. The 93 page manual is a great read not for bedtime as we all have other things to do with in that period of the day! But to appreciate fully the technical expertise that has gone into this program it’s a must. Towards the back of the manual is a full description to get you up and away in the shortest possible time with a flight tutorial.

Lets now take a look outside at our new aircraft.

Although small this baby packs a punch, and the contours of the frame give it a look of pure beauty. As you begin your new status as Captain, in the luxury general aviation field. You will notice many fine touches this aircraft possesses. Before flight you would as normal do the walk around and check the aircraft. Detail is king outside as inside, but from the windshield wipers to the tyres everything has been majestically rendered and shows a craft that offers everything a serious GA pilot would want. With four models to choose from including Cheyenne 1, 1A , II and IIXL there is no excuse not to be in awe and wonder. The paint schemes also differ giving the simple stripe effect through to the stunning Air Polynesie, again skillfully recreated to give that new look, shimmering finish.

As the main door opens animated steps gently open allowing you ease of access to the main cabin. By assigning other keys you are also able to open the front and aft baggage doors. Around the undercarriage the high finesse which by now you no longer demand, but expect, is shown in full detail with every nut and bolt looking as real as it gets. Lighting for the aircraft can be viewed with twin lights showing behind the front wheel, so realistic that the actual anomalies in the glass can be seen. With a head on view the landing light on the left while the right one is used for taxiing, Along with a wing light, the usual beacon/strobe anti collision and finally wing tip taxi recognition lights. The overall exterior is one which many Flight Simulator fans will love,and with the technical ability of PC’s in this modern era, many will be able to experience without dramatic drops in frame rates.

Let’s get back onboard now.

As you climb the few steps the interior cabin opens it’s arms in a welcome you may well not have seen before. The plush luxurious cabin can seat up to eight people and allows the passengers and crew some of the finest 1st class travel seen in a small aircraft. Close the outer door and hide away inside your very own paparazzi free zone. Sumptuous seating in the best leather money can buy, will start your business trip in the best possible way. It’s hard not to be overawed by the styling this aircraft offers, with behind the seat pouches for your in-flight read, a small fold-away table that effortlessly rises into position and can be used for the meal or spreading out the financial papers. Nothing has been left to the imagination here, along side each seat is a safety plate explaining what other wise a flight attendant would say before departure, air vents, lighting and curtains across the wide, excellent viewing windows. The finishing touch being the seat belt layed meticulously across the seat in waiting for its passenger.

Dependant on which model of the Cheyenne you choose to fly the interiors are different, from bespoke oak wood through to a more moderate affair with clean lines and clear markings which can be seen in the Lufthansa version. Colour schemes are at the forefront, with designer colours in seating and fuselage sides. Its the extras that make this aircraft stand out from the rest. Enough leg room for even the fattest, fat cat, the Cheyenne definitely delivers a mark that would be hard to duplicate or surpass. Towards the rear of the cabin is where the baggage can be stored, with a protective netting to stop any of those duty free goods from flying around in turbulent weather. Even coat hangars are placed above the luggage to allow you the opportunity to hang up your well tailored coat before taking your seat.

In conclusion, my day which began in pouring rain, has turned into one of the most beautiful sunny ones I have ever had the fortune to have. This aircraft which met me on the apron, has opened a whole new world of flying adventure. To praise simply the work of Digital Aviation would be fool hardy, this is something much more then an appraisal could muster. The whole experience from start to finish is truly remarkable, forget what you have read about other light general aviation aircraft for Flight Simulator, this model is simply the best, and no one can take the ultimate prize away from this add-on. Given the detail that has gone into this aircraft’s construction, and the features that have been included any pilot of whatever skill will only be enticed into converting from the norm, yes the norm! To this absolutely spectacular Piper Cheyenne.

My fears of a witch, was vanquished by a beautiful princess, a model to pull the heart strings and silence the chords of doom. When it comes to style, grandeur, romance and adventure the Piper Cheyenne is without doubt a heaven sent beauty, and one which no Flight Simulator enthusiast should be without. The combination of all factors represented in this model issue a statement to other like minded builders of aircraft, being, do it as good as this or perish by the wayside. The outlook for Digital Aviation is sunny getting even sunnier, for others it could be a more depressing outlook with long rainy periods, if this kind of work and detail are not achieved in future developments!

Carly was right, with the words in her song, stating simply “ you’re the best”.