FS2004 Altair DeHavilland DH104 Dove VH-CJXY

Experience a finely detailed texture set that recreates the former Altair color scheme for Derek Palmer’s freeware de Havilland DH104 Dove. Developed with care by Derek Palmer and repainted by Clive Ryan, this package offers an authentic representation of the now-defunct airline’s distinctive blue-and-red stripes. It is designed for use in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 and stored in DXT3 format to optimize loading times and visual performance. Note that you must first secure the corresponding base model (DH104V1.ZIP) from the Fly Away Simulation library in order to integrate these textures properly.

Historical Context of the De Havilland DH104 Dove

The De Havilland DH104 Dove was introduced in the mid-1940s as a compact twin-engine aircraft aiming to serve short regional routes. Meticulous engineering made it popular with various operators worldwide. In this package, the model depicts VH-CJY, reflecting the airline’s period livery when it transported workers in Western Australia. The Dove’s original design emphasizes efficient aerodynamics, allowing for stable short-haul flights.

Insight into Altair’s Operations

Altair began commercial services in the late 1960s, initially relying on a Piper Navajo (registration VH-CJB) to transport personnel for West Australian Petroleum (WAPET). This route connected Barrow Island to the mainland on a frequent schedule, showing the airline’s flexibility in meeting increasing demand. By May 1972, Altair procured two refurbished Devon variants and registered them as VH-CJX and VH-CJY. The recolored aircraft displayed here pays tribute to that era’s distinctive flight operations.

Texture Installation Procedure

After acquiring the prerequisite DH104V1.ZIP package, extract this repaint’s contents into the “de Havilland DH104 Dove” folder within your FS9 directory. Next, include the following code within the aircraft.cfg file, adapting “[fltsim.xx]” to match your existing numbering sequence:

[fltsim.xx]
title=de Havilland DH104 Altair CJY
sim=Dh114-2A
model=2
panel=
sound=
texture=CJY
kb_checklists=DH104_check
kb_reference=DH104_ref_2
ui_manufacturer=de Havilland
ui_type=DH-104 Dove
ui_variation=DH-104 Dove Altair VH-CJY
atc_heavy=0
atc_id=VH-CJY
atc_airline=Altair
atc_flight_number=
description=Altair commenced operations in the late sixties with Piper Navajo VH-CJB and had the contract with WAPET (West Australian Petroleum) to transport personnel to and from Barrow Island, off the Northwest Coast. The flights went from the odd trip a week to a daily service. Two refurbished Devon aircraft were purchased by Altair in May 1972 with the registrations VH-CJX and VH-CJY. March 1972 Altair employed a third pilot, Derek Froud. Derek is an avid flightsimmer these days and much of his time is spent as a beta tester for several classic aircraft modelers and scenery designers.

Additional Notes

• This download offers textures only and does not include the base model.
• Keep this repaint’s folder unaltered to maintain the intended visual details.
• For reference, also see the supplemental file noted by the developer: AIRFILUP.ZIP.

These authentic textures aim to capture the essence of Altair’s historical operations for those who appreciate vintage commercial aircraft in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004.