FSX Continental Airlines Boeing 737-700

This freeware release provides a detailed Boeing 737-700 dressed in Continental Airlines markings, aligning with the original Project Open Sky base model. It is fully compatible with Microsoft Flight Simulator X and offers an immersive experience for virtual aviators. Although the cockpit is adapted from the default Boeing 737-800 instruments and audio, the overall visual fidelity and flight performance are preserved. The package is attributed to its creators, Project Open Sky, and the repaint is by Colin Lowe.

Unique Exterior Characteristics

Continental Airlines once operated a diverse fleet of twin-engine jets, including many 737 variants for medium-haul routes. Reflecting that heritage, this special-livery aircraft is presented with realistic fuselage textures and authentic paint layout. Its wings feature independent movement, showcasing dynamic flex under various load conditions. Additionally, the external model integrates accurate steering on the nose gear, wheel rotation, and thrust reverser animations. Night lighting is rendered precisely, offering clear illumination for taxiing and takeoffs in low-visibility conditions.

Installation Process and File Placement

To set up this aircraft in Microsoft Flight Simulator X, extract the downloaded archive and transfer the B737C folder into your simulator’s SimObjects/Airplanes directory. The package includes an Effects folder containing visual elements like lighting. Copy or move those contents into the Effects directory of FSX to ensure proper display. For Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 users, placing the aircraft folder inside the AIRCRAFT location is recommended, given Project Open Sky’s original instructions.

Lighting Interface

Due to a minor switch alignment issue, use the following commands to manage exterior lighting:

• Toggle all lights on or off by pressing L.
• Activate or deactivate landing lamps by pressing Ctrl + L.

This workaround allows precise control of illumination during various flight phases.

Cockpit Access and Additional Animations

Inside the cockpit, the default Boeing 737-800 panel and sounds have been retained to guarantee straightforward operation without adding significant complexity. To deploy the passenger entry, use Shift + E, which triggers the main door animation. This function helps replicate the boarding process and matches the real-world procedures of the Boeing 737 family.

Key Flight Model Highlights

• Accurate aerodynamics with detailed profiles for gear, suspension, and engine thrust.
• Fully reflective materials designed with differentiated reflection for fuselage sections.
• Refined spoiler animations that align with genuine spoiler deployment in normal or emergency situations.
• Enhanced crash effects and transparent navigation light covers for additional visual realism.

Developers and Acknowledgments

This package comes from the dedicated efforts of Project Open Sky, recognized for comprehensive freeware aircraft projects, and the repaint is credited to Colin Lowe. Their collaborative work ensures that ongoing aficionados of virtual flight can enjoy an authentic Continental Airlines 737-700 experience complete with essential animations and operating procedures.