FSX Dornier Do228-212

This freeware Dornier Do228-212 package, created by Jean-Pierre Brisard, Bob May, and Joe Zerilli at Premier Aircraft Design, provides a fully featured short takeoff and landing (STOL) commuter for those who want to explore tropical routes or general multi-role operations. The aircraft includes 19 passenger seats, reflective exterior surfaces, and three eye-catching paint jobs inspired by Caribbean Island Hoppers, Air Guadeloupe, and Air Caraibes. It also features a passenger cabin, functional doors, airstair, and a dedicated sound set. The add-on is fully compatible with Acceleration and Service Pack 2 for Microsoft Flight Simulator X.

Highlights of the Short Takeoff Configuration

STOL Parameters: Engine output and wing design cater to operations on shorter strips where larger aircraft might struggle. With its capable powerplants and aerodynamic features, this model can leave the ground quickly.

Passenger-Oriented Setup: The real-world Do228-212 seats up to 19 travelers. This virtual rendition reflects its compact interior layout, allowing you to replicate commuter flights or remote island hops.

Distinctive Regional Liveries

Caribbean Island Hoppers: Lends a laid-back island vibe, featuring vivid exterior markings suitable for short inter-island runs.

Air Guadeloupe: Captures the regional flair of Guadeloupe’s commuter operations, blending functionality with bright branding.

Air Caraibes: Showcases the airline's signature colors, aligning with their real-world routes around French Caribbean destinations.

Virtual Cockpit and Cabin Complexity

Flight Deck Layout: The panel includes both a 2D interface and a virtual cockpit (VC), accompanied by essential gauges for navigation and engine monitoring. Mouse-over tooltips (if enabled) display detailed data for various switches and instruments, making it user-friendly.

Detailed Interior: A fully animated passenger cabin is modeled, along with an opening passenger door, cargo doors, and an airstair. This level of detail immerses you in commercial shuttle flights or utility missions.

Installation Procedure

Decompressing the Archive

• First, find the downloaded ZIP file on your system.
• Open it with a suitable utility such as WinZip. Ensure you use the Classic mode (rather than a wizard-based interface).
• Confirm that “Use Folder Names” is checked so that the appropriate directories are generated automatically.

Locating the Correct Directory

• Select all files by pressing CTRL + A once you have the archive open.
• Click on the “Extract” option and direct it to your main flight simulator folder. This is usually found at C:\Program Files\Microsoft Games\Microsoft Flight Simulator X.
• Those using a different platform folder (like FS9) should browse to the appropriate location.

Final Steps

• Select “Extract” again to finalize placement of files.
• After completion, you can begin your flying session with the new aircraft.

Operating Hints and Features

Door Operations: Press SHIFT + E to manipulate the passenger door and airstair. Use SHIFT + E + 2 for the pilot’s door and baggage compartments.

Panel Visibility: If needed, press SHIFT + BACKSPACE to adjust the virtual cockpit’s viewpoint upward. Additionally, SHIFT + ENTER raises your seat for better forward visibility.

Performance Optimization: Close any pop-up windows when not in use to sustain higher frame rates, especially on less powerful systems.

Quick Eyepoint Adjustments

CTRL + ENTER (hold)

Move viewpoint backward to view the cabin

CTRL + BACKSPACE

Move forward toward the cockpit panel

CTRL + SHIFT + BACKSPACE

Slide left for a better angle

CTRL + SHIFT + ENTER

Slide right to observe additional instruments

SHIFT + ENTER

Raise the viewpoint vertically

SHIFT + BACKSPACE

Lower the viewpoint toward the floor

SPACE

Restore the default eyepoint

Credits go to Jean-Pierre Brisard, Bob May, and Joe Zerilli along with Premier Aircraft Design for this expertly crafted model. Its island-focused liveries and accurate flight dynamics make it appealing for pilots who want to add a dependable passenger/utility aircraft to their hangar.