FSX DeHavilland DHC8-Q311 5EX

This meticulously updated freeware release brings you a five-aircraft collection of DeHavilland DHC8-Q311 turboprop regional airliners, each featuring unique operator markings: BA (UK Tartan Tail), Sabena (Belgium), Cirrus (Germany), Air Southwest (UK), and Air Nostrum (Spain). Designed especially for Microsoft Flight Simulator X, it offers an enhanced cockpit environment, refined external modeling, and thoroughly tested flight dynamics—making short-haul flights across Europe or anywhere else both authentic and engaging.

Refined Integration and Airline Variants

The developers—Barry Blaisdell, Jean-Pierre Brisard, Bob May, Kevin Pardy, and Danny Crance at Premier Aircraft Design—have assembled a detailed package that merges five individual paint schemes into one download. Each livery reflects the typical real-world branding of the respective carrier and highlights the essential presence of the DHC8 in regional routes. This edition features a 56-seat layout, near the actual passenger capacity of the full-scale aircraft in many commuter operations.

Flight Deck Upgrades and Visual Elements

Premier Aircraft Design has integrated a revised 2D panel and a redesigned virtual cockpit (VC) to match the aircraft’s modernized avionics suite. An updated sound pack delivers a deeper representation of the twin Pratt & Whitney Canada PW123B engines, while a dynamic shine effect emphasizes the turboprop’s exterior details. Additionally, an operational airstair and cargo door are modeled with smooth animations, giving a complete sense of authenticity from gate to cruise altitude.

Performance and Handling

• Flight Dynamics (FD): Carefully re-tuned to match a real Dash 8 series handling profile.
• Enhanced Propeller Rendering: Best visual realism at slightly reduced prop pitch, ensuring a more genuine silhouette during engine rotation.
• HTML-Based Checklists: Includes practical reference documents directly accessible via the in-sim kneeboard for quick procedural guidance.

System Requirements and Compatibility

• Developed for Microsoft Flight Simulator X with Acceleration or SP2.
• Not backward compatible with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004.

This complete freeware setup has been built to run flawlessly in modern FSX environments, letting you enjoy the critical short- to medium-haul segments that these Dash 8-300 series aircraft regularly fly in real-world schedules.

Installation Steps

1. Locate the ZIP file and open it with your preferred utility.
2. Confirm the Use Folder Names option is enabled to preserve folder structure.
3. Extract the contents into your main FSX folder (often located in C:\Program Files\Microsoft Games\Microsoft Flight Simulator X or a custom directory).
4. When prompted to overwrite any files, allow it if necessary to ensure all new content merges correctly.
5. Once extraction is complete, the aircraft and associated files will appear in your simulator, ready for your next virtual regional flight.

For comprehensive guidance, the Panel_Docs folder and the REF List on the kneeboard are readily available after installation. These resources cover advanced operational details, including instructions on door animations, generator switches, and recommended flight parameters.

Key Flight Deck Notes (NOTAMS)

Door Controls

Press SHIFT+E to open and close the passenger door, which includes the airstair and luggage door.

Exit Door Sound

Best heard during quiet conditions, so engage them before engine start or after shutdown.

Seat Positioning

Adjust your Virtual Cockpit viewpoint by pressing CTRL+ENTER for enhanced visibility.

Generator Switch

If using autostart, always confirm that both generators are enabled in the overhead panel once the engines are running.

DeHavilland Dash 8-300 Selected Specifications

• Wingspan: 90 ft
• Length: 85 ft 3 in
• Height: 24.7 ft
• Empty Weight: ~25,836 lbs
• Maximum Takeoff Weight: ~43,000 lbs
• Max Cruise Speed: ~287 knots TAS
• Stall Speed (with Flaps): ~72 knots
• Powerplant: Two PW123B turboprop engines, ~2,500 SHP each
• Propellers: Hamilton Standard 14SF-23, four-blade, reversible pitch
• Fuel Capacity: ~840 US gallons
• Range: Up to 954 nautical miles
• Climb Rate: ~1,600 fpm at sea level
• Ceiling: ~25,000 ft

User Permissions and Repaints

This freeware release is intended for personal simulation use. The included panels, gauges, and associated elements are not to be modified or integrated into other freeware or shareware without explicit written permission from the developers. If you wish to repaint the aircraft for broader distribution, please contact Premier Aircraft Design and share a preview image of your work prior to uploading. Any repaints for private use do not require prior authorization.

All rights to this content remain with the creators. This package, along with its files, must not be made available on physical media for commercial or non-commercial transactions without an explicit license. Respecting these conditions helps ensure ongoing support and future freeware contributions from the talented developers at Premier Aircraft Design.