Piasecki H-21C for FSX

Piasecki H21-C
For MS Flight Simulator X

Tips & Tweaks: A few things that have been learned since release time

Upgrade!
5-2012

This is an upgrade package that includes:

• Better initial camera view - heli no longer appears too small when loading a flight

• Improved flight dynamics

• Improved lift at high altitudes

• Realistic fuel consumption

• A few minor tweaks

Upgrade - requires the original release.

2D Panel issue
4-2012

I recently noticed that the 2D panel seems to be dependent on the monitor resolution; on a widescreen monitor it can appear stretched horizontally. The fix is simple: Don't use it! It was included with the project for the sake of completeness, but you're better off using the virtual cockpit, which has features like functioning engine gauges and dynamic lighting which aren't present in the 2D panel.

Documentation
3-2009

In a flight sim forum, someone mentioned that the helicopter doesn't come with documentation. Not true! Keep in mind that the minute a freeware project is released, it's snatched up by just about every flight sim site out there, whether or not they've received permission, even if they're expressly forbidden to do so in the file's readme. There are more unauthorized postings of the H-21C than legit ones. So if you're missing any files, download the helicopter from one of the authorized sites - like this one!

Startup procedure bug
7-2008

A bug in the startup procedure was introduced with the release of FSX Service Pack 2 (or possibly Acceleration - it's not clear which): When you engage the rotor friction clutch, the engine shuts down. This bug now affects all piston-based helis, including the default R-22. The workaround is to do a normal checklist startup, and after you engage the rotor friction clutch (shutting down the engine), hit (ctrl)E to do an autostart. At this point, the engine will be running with the friction clutch engaged, and you can continue with the checklist procedures.

Rotor shutdown issue
7-2008

When shutting down via the Master Shutdown switch, the rotor appears to spin erratically, changing speeds and at times seaming to reverse direction. This is another issue which slipped in the back door with FSX Service Pack 2 and/or Acceleration. Prior to this, the Master Shutdown would in effect trigger an extreme rotor brake event, causing it to shut down almost immediately. Now the shut down takes much longer, allowing strobe artifacts to give the appearance of changing speed and direction. It's just a visual glitch - the rotor is actually decelerating smoothly and will eventually come to a stop.

TrackIR Issue
7-2008

If you're using TrackIR, hitting F9 will fail to return you to the default view. This was mistakenly described as a TrackIR bug in the first version of the manual, but actually nothing's wrong: F9 is the keystroke you use to disable/enable TrackIR. It's only doing what you asked it to do! The fix is to use the Pilot's View - rather than the default eyepoint - as your main flying view. You would then use a keystroke - for instance, the 7 key - to access it, rather than using F9 to return to the default eyepoint. For more info, see "Assigning camera views" and "Pilot's View" in the manual.