Developers of the highly popular A32NX mod FlyByWire have released the long-awaited cockpit update for the freeware plane.
The new update, which is available now for all users on the aircraft’s development branch, makes changes to the shape and size of the cockpit’s MCP (mode control panel), which houses the autopilot and its various modes, as well as the central glareshield pillar and the eye position indicator which is housed within.
The updated scale and shape of these cockpit elements bring the freeware addon more into line with the real aircraft’s dimensions. So far the update seems to have been well received by the community.
As well as the changes to the cockpit interior, the team have also changed the flyPad EFB slightly in the most recent dev build, making the tablet a little larger and orienting it to the pilot’s eyepoint, making it significantly easier to use and read from. The captain’s default viewpoint has also been slightly adjusted to accommodate this.
Further changes are planned to overhaul the entirety of the fuselage and remainder of the cockpit, but these will come in due course. No timescale has been attached to the implementation of such changes owing to the volume of work that needs to be conducted.
Also included in this patch are a foldable captain’s armrest, new-look headrests, and new-look jumpseat, a first officer camera view perspective for when you want to fly from the right-hand seat.
Additionally, the decals on the overhead panel have been significantly improved over the previous iterations that were brought into the aircraft from the Asobo Studios’ default A320neo. Furthermore, if you opt to replace the no smoking switch with a no PED switch from the EFB, the decal on the overhead panel is changed for you in the simulator.
No further word has been given as to the release timetable for the company’s upcoming A380X product.
FSElite will continue to monitor the FlyByWire team’s developments and report here when there’s anything to share!
