FSX Inter Island Air Dornier Do328

This completely freeware package brings you a detailed rendition of Inter Island Air’s Dornier Do328 for Microsoft Flight Simulator X, including its original base model from Premier Aircraft Design. It showcases accurate custom gauges, specialized cockpit features, and a vibrant American Samoa-inspired paint scheme. By Barry Blaisdell, Jean-Pierre Brisard, Bob May, Kevin Pardy, and Danny Crance (Premier Aircraft Design), with repaint work by Mohammed Al-Khalifa, this turboprop commuter captures the essence of short-hop air travel in the Pacific.

Distinctive Attributes of the Dornier Do328

The Dornier Do328 is a twin-engine turboprop known for its reliable performance on regional routes. It is equipped with short-field takeoff and landing capabilities, making it a practical aircraft for flights between smaller airstrips scattered across islands. Inter Island Air, operating in American Samoa, utilizes this setup to serve passengers who require swift and efficient travel between remote locations. The wingtips and efficient Pratt & Whitney powerplants (turboprop engines that deliver high power-to-weight ratios) allow the Do328 to climb steadily and handle diverse runway lengths.

Installation Steps and Folder Configuration

1. Unzip the downloaded file directly into your main FSX directory. Utilize a reliable tool like WinZip (in Classic Mode) and ensure “Use Folder Names” is checked so all assets automatically deploy to the correct places.
2. Ensure that you do not manually place the files into the “Aircraft” folder yourself. The extraction utility will generate new folders within the simulator’s structure, including panel configurations, sounds, and textures.
3. On some systems running Windows Vista or Windows 7, deactivating User Account Control (UAC) during installation helps avoid permission-related issues when creating new directories.

If you need to specify an alternate path, navigate through the extraction dialog to your Flight Simulator X installation. After confirming the destination, click “Extract” and the process will finalize.

Avionics and Panel Considerations

The cockpit panel integrates numerous custom (non-default) gauges designed around U.S. measurement conventions. If the simulator is configured for metric units, switching back to U.S. measurements (through “Settings – International”) will help prevent potential conflicts. Additionally, the virtual cockpit lighting toggle may require two clicks on certain overhead switches to activate the internal light sources. As always, referencing the included checklists and tutorials on your kneeboard can optimize flight procedures.

Recommended Cockpit Interactions

• Doors: Press SHIFT+E to manage the passenger/cargo doors, and use SHIFT+E+2 to handle the cockpit security door. These doors remain locked during flight and are accessible while on the ground.
• Seat Adjustments: Use SHIFT+ENTER to elevate the pilot’s viewpoint if more over-the-dashboard visibility is required.
• Yoke Visibility: Toggling the control column in the virtual cockpit is achieved with SHIFT+W, or via a clickable yoke icon on the panel.
• Pop-Up Panels: Many instrument displays include a magnified view triggered by mouse clicks, aiding in precise adjustments.
• Tool Tips: Activating “Show Tool Tips” (under “Options – Settings – General”) reveals descriptive text that appears when hovering over instruments, which can be invaluable for mastering unfamiliar gauges.

Movement Around the Interior

CTRL+ENTER (hold)

Shift the eyepoint rearward, providing a view of the passenger cabin.

CTRL+BACKSPACE

Moves your viewpoint forward.

SHIFT+BACKSPACE

Lowers the eyepoint.

SHIFT+ENTER

Raises the eyepoint.

CTRL+SHIFT+BACKSPACE

Shifts the viewpoint to the left.

CTRL+SHIFT+ENTER

Shifts the viewpoint to the right.

SPACE

Resets your eyepoint to the default position.

The flexible positioning lets you examine the flight instruments from multiple perspectives or appreciate the airline’s cabin seating arrangements during pre-flight checks.

Further Resources and Documentation

This complete package provides reference checklists and in-depth flying tips that reside within dedicated manuals. Reading these materials will help you gain a clear understanding of the Do328’s procedures and avionics management, especially during critical segments of flight. The kneeboard interface (accessible via cockpit commands) also holds essential references for mid-flight guidance and operational data. By incorporating these resources, you can fully immerse yourself in Inter Island Air’s short-haul operations throughout American Samoa while experiencing the responsive handling of the Dornier Do328.