FSX Tap Portugal Airbus A319-111

This package features the TAP Portugal Airbus A319-111, named “Francisco D’Ollanda” and registered as CS-TTE, rendered on the well-known Project Airbus base model. It is a standalone freeware release with a fully functional virtual cockpit, ensuring immediate compatibility with Microsoft Flight Simulator X. The livery is provided by Marco Fischbach, and it represents TAP, currently recognized as the leading airline in Portugal.

Featuring a Notable Portuguese Airline

TAP Portugal has traditionally operated various Airbus A319s for short to medium-range flights, deploying them on numerous routes that span its Lisbon hub and several international destinations. This depiction captures the trademark design elements of TAP’s contemporary fleet, including the vibrant tail art and detailed fuselage markings. Every aspect has been carefully adapted to preserve historical accuracy and current branding standards.

Repaint Background

This repaint is based on the real aircraft, “Francisco D’Ollanda,” a distinct name chosen to honor Portuguese artistry. The tapestry of the underlying textures originates from Project Airbus resources, configured and refined to underscore accurate color matching, well-defined logos, and other flight deck nuances. Marco Fischbach developed this adaptation in response to specific user requests received directly from Portugal.

Virtual Cockpit and Realistic Structures

The included A319 model comes with a fully interactive virtual cockpit (VC) designed by Thomas Ruth, among other contributors. It incorporates XML-driven functionalities such as:

• Pressurization Outflow Valve: Controls internal cabin pressure; it automatically adjusts on the ground below 30 knots.
• Ground Spoilers: Manage lift dumping upon touchdown for more stability.
• Pack Outlets: Regulate airflow based on ambient temperature readings.
• Reversers with Idle Function: Feature a slight delay before full closure, plus complete deployment when idling in reverse thrust.
• Dynamic Jetwash: Visually appears when engines are active, replicating realistic exhaust flow.
• Drooping Control Surfaces: Elevators and ailerons sag once the engines are powered down, simulating hydraulic pressure loss.

Additional capabilities include opening passenger and cargo doors, custom lighting effects, and wing views offering different vantage points. The landing gear extension and retraction sequences meticulously follow real Airbus geometry.

Door Operations and Assignments

To manage various exits, pilots should be aware of the following and map them accordingly for convenience:

L1

Shift+E

L2 and Cargo Doors

Tail hook key command (unassigned by default)

R1 and R2

Wing fold/unfold (also unassigned by default)

Installation Process

Integrating this aircraft into your simulator is straightforward. Decompress the ZIP archive directly into the “SimObjects/Airplanes” directory of Microsoft Flight Simulator X. Additionally, any content found in the provided “Effects” folder should be moved to your simulator’s root “Effects” folder. If you have Service Pack 2 (SP2) installed, this model has been confirmed to function properly under that environment.

Credits and Team Recognition

This freeware release exists thanks to Project Airbus and its dedicated contributors. Below are some of the notable team members who made the A319 possible:

• Andy Warden – External model design
• Thomas Ruth – Virtual cockpit creation, textures, and XML systems
• Peter Binamira – Flight dynamics and audio
• Demetris Themistocleous – Base textures and several core liveries
• Alessandro Savarese – Additional base textures
• John Tavendale, Derek Mayer – Various liveries
• Matthew Murray – Organizational guidance
• Several Additional Contributors – Imagery, feedback, testing

Guest painters, testers, and feedback providers also included Ben Jones, Dickson Chan, Jaco du Preez, Sheldon Fernandes, Terence Pereira, and pilots such as Capt. Manny Osias, F/O Spike Acenas, and others. This broad collaboration ensured accurate flight performance and thorough quality checks.