FSX Frontier Airlines Airbus A320

This complete freeware package brings flight sim enthusiasts a custom rendition of an Airbus A320 dressed in a unique, non-official Frontier Airlines paint scheme. It integrates an original tail photograph by the developer, Barrie May, combined with the excellent Project Airbus base model. The repaint is credited to Private Custard, delivering a fantasy registration (N79FR) that merges a virtual cockpit from the default A321. This add-on is fully compatible with Microsoft Flight Simulator X and specifically tested alongside the Acceleration expansion.

Key Technical Elements and Creators

Author/Developer: Barrie May
Livery Artist: Private Custard
Base Model: Project Airbus

The underlying airframe is based on the successful Project Airbus A320 CFM design. Project Airbus has consistently focused on realistic modeling, texturing, and systems replication across the Airbus family. The team behind this effort began collaborating in the early 2000s, bringing new features to the flight simulation community that elevated freeware releases to new levels of authenticity.

Historical Project Airbus Foundations

Project Airbus was formed during a transformative period in the flight sim community. Its founding can be traced to an early collaboration between Thomas Ruth, known for designing an A300, and Trevor Slack, who provided continuous feedback and enhancements. With supportive contributions from creators such as Nicholas Wu and others, the A300 model evolved into a groundbreaking freeware release.

Subsequently, names like Thomas Kwong, Alexander Kvitta, Peter Binamira, Michael Karam, and many more joined, guiding further development. The A320 was a major milestone showcasing advanced animations and accurate flight dynamics. Although the group experienced challenges, they regrouped and introduced the next generation A320 model. To this day, the spirit of constant refinement is a hallmark of Project Airbus.

Installation Steps for FSX

TURN WORD WRAP ON

1. Extract the contents of this ZIP archive into the FSX “Aircraft” folder (or “SimObjects/Airplanes,” depending on setup).
2. Move the files found in the provided “Effects” directory into your main Flight Simulator X “Effects” folder.
3. Launch FSX and select the newly installed Airbus A320 under the Frontier Airlines fantasy registration.

Unique Functionality and Interactive Components

This particular A320 includes numerous XML-controlled enhancements for enthusiasts seeking a more in-depth simulation. The following list outlines some major highlights:

• Pressurization outflow valve – Simulates realistic cabin pressure modulation and opens below 30 knots on ground.
• Ground spoilers – Mirrors real-world deployment based on landing and spoiler lever inputs.
• Pack outlets – Vary in openness depending on temperature regulation needs.
• Idle reversers – Reversers that remain briefly opened after deactivation, offering enhanced realism.
• Parallel bogies – Applied to the double-bogey variant (common with certain operators), ensuring authentic gear alignment.
• Dynamic jetwash – Visible behind the engines only when running, adding extra immersion.
• Drooping control surfaces – Ailerons and elevators sag when the engines are off.

An additional selection of features enriches the simulation:

• Operating passenger and cargo doors.
• Custom lighting effects including double strobes, navigation lights, and detailed touchdown visuals.
• Dynamic shine on the exterior surfaces for a polished finish.
• Wing views that place you inside the cabin environment.
• Precisely timed landing gear extensions and retractions.

Door Activation Guide

L1:

(Shift + E) – Primary passenger exit.

L2 + Cargo Doors:

Requires Tail Hook command (unassigned by default).

R1 + R2:

Controlled via Wing Fold command (unassigned by default).

Acknowledgments

Project Airbus has been nurtured by a dedicated team:

• Andy Warden – Exterior modeling
• Thomas Ruth – Virtual cockpit design, texturing, and XML logic
• Peter Binamira – Flight dynamics
• Demetris Themistocleous – Base textures, various liveries
• Alessandro Savarese – Additional base texture work
• John Tavendale – Additional repaints
• Derek Mayer – Repaint contributions
• Matthew Murray – Corporate structure and coordination
• Gianmarco Bettiol – Visual assets and evaluation
• Nick Wu – Ongoing feedback
• Trevor Slack – Original concept and feedback
• Alexander Kvitta – Project input
• David Bromwich – Additional input

Gratitude is extended to guest painters and contributors, including Ben Jones, Dickson Chan, Jaco du Preez, Sheldon Fernandes, and Terence Pereira, for making this freeware release possible. Flight dynamics testing and refinement were supported by Capt. Manny Osias, F/O Spike Acenas, Mark Bolatete, and Kester Masias, whose feedback ensured accurate performance handling.

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