FSX DeHavilland DHC8-Q311

The DeHavilland DHC8-Q311, widely referred to as the Dash 8-300 series, is presented here as a freeware dual-livery package tailored for use in Microsoft Flight Simulator X. It incorporates a range of carefully modeled elements including an updated 2D cockpit display, immersive virtual cockpit, and lifelike soundset. This particular edition highlights the US Airways Express (operated by Piedmont Airlines, registration N343EN) as well as the BA CitiExpress variant (registration G-NVSB), both featuring specialized animations and custom flight behavior.

Detailed Airframe and Flight Dynamics

The Dash 8-300 platform is known for its robust twin turboprop design and 56-seat capacity suited to short- to medium-range regional hops. Developed collaboratively by Barry Blaisdell, Jean-Pierre Brisard, Bob May, Kevin Pardy, and Danny Crance of Premier Aircraft Design, it showcases a range of operational details. Designers paid special attention to aerodynamic fidelity, making use of wing views, complete control surface movements, and dynamic sheen across the fuselage. Furthermore, the package incorporates refined flight files (FD) which enhance overall handling in diverse operational phases.

Practical In-Simulator Features

• Interactive Doors: Use Shift+E to open both the passenger door with integrated airstair as well as the luggage door. Cockpit ambient noise must be low to fully appreciate the corresponding door sound effects.
• Virtual Cockpit Enhancements: The dynamic VC includes an adjustable seat viewpoint, allowing you to raise your seat with CTRL+ENTER for a clearer forward field of view.
• Updated 2D Panel: An all-new layout refines instrument readability and includes HTML-based checklists and reference documents for quick access during flight.
• Engine and Prop Nuances: Each propeller, driven by powerful P&W Canada PW123B turboprops, appears more realistic in spin animation when the propeller pitch is slightly reduced. Remember, for accurate engine starts using AutoStart, the generator switches in the overhead must be confirmed on.
• Frame Rate Considerations: It is advisable to keep supplementary popup windows closed to maintain optimal performance.

Developer Insights

Premier Aircraft Design focused heavily on cockpit readability and accurate engine behavior. Real-world pilots of the actual Dash 8 commonly praise its agile handling characteristics, enhanced by Hamilton Standard 14SF-23 reversible-pitch propellers. These design features translate well in this simulation, offering a stable ride and balanced performance even on shorter runways. The updated soundset is carefully synchronized with cockpit controls to imitate the realistic whine of turboprop spool-up and the hum of avionics.

Compatibility Notes

This package is designed specifically for Acceleration/SP2 environments in Microsoft Flight Simulator X. It is not intended for backward compatibility with versions such as Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004. The compiled model and advanced gauges fully leverage newer platform features, providing sharper textures and refined visuals.

Included Specifications (Referenced from Jane’s “All the World’s Aircraft”)

Wingspan

Approx. 90 ft

Length

About 85 ft 3 in (25.98 m)

Height

Roughly 24.7 ft (7.53 m)

Maximum Takeoff Weight

Up to 43,000 lbs (19,504 kg)

Cruising Speed

287 knots (true airspeed)

Stall Speed (Flaps Deployed)

~72 knots

Service Ceiling

25,000 ft

Max Rate of Climb

1,600 fpm at sea level

Setup and Installation

1. Extract the compressed package into your root FSX folder using WinZip or an equivalent archival tool.
2. Ensure the Use Folder Names option is selected so that the correct subdirectories are formed.
3. Allow overwriting of files if prompted. This ensures all updated panel and gauge data is installed correctly.
4. Refer to the included Install_Help.jpg for additional technical guidance on the process.

Operational Resources

• Consult the Panel_Docs directory for detailed notes on cockpit operation and recommended procedures.
• Use the in-flight Kneeboard REF List to find reference speeds and aircraft handling checklists.
• Fine-tune elevator trim frequently to maintain stable climbs and descents.

Permissions and Usage

This freeware release has been granted to flight simulation enthusiasts for personal enjoyment. Internal panel files and gauges must remain unaltered, and external distribution without written permission from the authors is not permitted. Repainting of this aircraft is allowed solely for personal use, and any public release of new liveries requires prior consent from the Premier Aircraft Design team. Please contact them with a preview of your intended repaint before publishing.

Developed by: Premier Aircraft Design (Barry Blaisdell, Jean-Pierre Brisard, Bob May, Kevin Pardy, and Danny Crance)