For flight enthusiasts and virtual pilots, there’s always excitement when an aircraft receives an update, especially when it’s as comprehensive as the latest v0.1.8 update for the Hawk T1/A Advanced Trainer in Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS). Just Flight, known for their dedication to realism and detail, has taken this beloved military training aircraft to new heights with a slew of improvements and features that enhance the overall flying experience.
Let’s dive into the details of this update, which includes significant changes to the flight model, autopilot behavior, and Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) functionality.
Flight Model Improvements
One of the core aspects of any flight simulator experience is the accuracy and realism of the aircraft’s flight model. In this update, Just Flight has worked diligently to enhance the Hawk T1/A’s flight model, ensuring that every aspect of its behavior in the virtual skies closely mirrors the real-world aircraft. This means more precise and responsive handling, giving virtual pilots an even more immersive and enjoyable flying experience.
Autopilot Behavior Improvements
For those who enjoy the convenience of autopilot systems, the v0.1.8 update brings improvements in autopilot behavior. Pilots can now expect more reliable and predictable autopilot performance, making long-haul flights and complex procedures smoother and more manageable.
EFB Functionality Upgrades
One of the standout features of this update is the overhaul of the Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) functionality. The EFB is a virtual companion that brings numerous tools and resources to the cockpit, enhancing realism and utility for virtual aviators. Here’s a breakdown of the new EFB features:
- SimBrief Integration: Now, you can import your SimBrief flight plans and view a summary or a scrollable full Operational Flight Plan (OFP) directly on the EFB. This is a game-changer for those who rely on SimBrief for flight planning and performance data.
- Real-Time Map: The EFB now includes a real-time map view with tracking, zoom, and pan options. It allows you to monitor your position in-flight, enhancing situational awareness.
- Navigraph Charts: For those with Navigraph subscriptions, the EFB will automatically select departure and arrival airports based on your SimBrief OFP. You can also favorite charts for quick reference, making your flight preparations more efficient.
- Notepad: A virtual notepad is now available for making in-flight notes, such as clearances and taxi instructions. This feature is especially valuable during busy phases of your flight.
- Interactive Checklists: In addition to the existing MSFS checklist support, the EFB now offers interactive checklists, making it easier to stay organized and ensure a safe flight.
- Top-of-Descent Calculator: Plan your descents with precision using the new top-of-descent calculator. You can manually input altitudes, speeds, and descent requirements or have them sync’d from the simulator.
- On-Screen Keyboard: Virtual Reality (VR) users will appreciate the new on-screen/virtual keyboard, which simplifies text input and interaction with the EFB.
- METARs: Access METARs for your SimBrief OFP departure, arrival, and alternate airports, keeping you informed about weather conditions throughout your flight.
- Brightness Settings: The brightness setting on the EFB is now retained when turning it off and back on, ensuring consistency in your cockpit lighting.
- Trim Sensitivity Slider: A new addition to the EFB is a trim sensitivity slider, allowing pilots to fine-tune the sensitivity of the pitch trim to their liking.
Full changelog v0.1.8 Update
v0.1.8
- Flight model improvements
- Autopilot behaviour improvements
- EFB functionality upgrades:
- Import your SimBrief flight and view a summary or scrollable full OFP
- Monitor your position in real time using a map view with tracking, zoom and pan options
- Explore and view your Navigraph charts, with automatic selection of departure and arrival airports based on your SimBrief OFP, and ability to favourite charts for quick reference
- Use a notepad for making notes during the flight, particularly useful for noting down clearances and taxi instructions
- Interactive checklists, in addition to the existing MSFS checklist support
- A top-of-descent calculator with the option to manually input altitudes, speeds and descent requirements or to have those sync’d from the sim
- An on-screen/virtual keyboard, especially useful for VR users
- METARs for your SimBrief OFP departure, arrival and alternate airports
- Brightness setting retained when turning EFB off and then back on
- Trim sensitivity slider added to EFB, allowing you to fine tune the sensitivity of the pitch trim
- EFB not moving to rear cockpit – fixed
- Controls clickable through the GPS screen – fixed
- Rear cockpit RPM needle animation fixed
- Pilot visor texture issue when viewed through canopy in cloud/fog – fixed
- Chocks floating slightly – fixed
- Manual updated
