FSX Air Ecosse Shorts SD3-30

PreviewThis freeware release showcases a meticulously modeled Air Ecosse Shorts SD3-30 designed to accommodate passenger or cargo operations. This twin-engined, turboprop aircraft features short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities, making it especially suitable for regional routes and challenging ai...

Screenshot 1Screenshot 2Screenshot 3
Type
Complete with Base Model
Download hits
530
Compatibility
Microsoft Flight Simulator X (FSX) including Steam Edition & Prepar3D (P3D)
Filename
s33ecskx.zip
File size
6.85 MB
Virus Scan
Scanned 27 days ago (clean)
Access to file
Free (Freeware)
Content Rating
Everyone

This freeware release showcases a meticulously modeled Air Ecosse Shorts SD3-30 designed to accommodate passenger or cargo operations. This twin-engined, turboprop aircraft features short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities, making it especially suitable for regional routes and challenging airstrips. Developed by Jean-Pierre Brisard, Barry Blaisdell, and Bob May of Premier Aircraft Design, this package integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Flight Simulator X/SP2 and offers cockpit versatility, custom panels, and detailed cabin environments.

Distinctive Profile of the Shorts SD3-30

The Shorts SD3-30 stands out for its high-lift wing structure and twin turboprops. This layout grants strong low-speed handling and rapid climb performance, which can be important on short runway lengths. Air Ecosse, a Scottish regional carrier, operated similar commuter aircraft on intercity services. Flyers who appreciate unique regional planes will find this simulation reflects numerous real-world characteristics, including the aircraft’s compact yet functional cabin design.

Included Variants

  • Passenger Model: Configured to seat approximately thirty travelers, reflecting the real-world commuter arrangement.
  • Cargo Variant: Equipped with an accessible loading compartment, supporting animated loading sequences via key commands.

Key Technical Features

  • Fully Custom Panel and Virtual Cockpit (VC): Comprehensive instrumentation paired with a detailed virtual flight deck.
  • Complete Cabin Modeling: Modeled interior allows movement to passenger areas, enhancing immersion.
  • Authentic Acoustics: Dedicated sound set capturing the distinctive turboprop engines and cockpit environment.
  • Checklists and Reference: In-built checklists and reference documents support operational accuracy.

Screenshot of Air Ecosse Shorts SD3-30 in flight.

Screenshot of Air Ecosse Shorts SD3-30 in flight.

Essential Installation Instructions

  1. Place the downloaded ZIP file in a temporary location on your system.
  2. Double-click the ZIP to open it using WinZip in Classic Mode. Ensure the “Use Folder Names” option is active.
  3. Select all contents (CTRL+A) and click the “Extract” button.
  4. Point the extraction path to your main Flight Simulator installation directory (e.g., “C:/Program Files/Microsoft Games/Flight Simulator 9” for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 or “C:/Program Files/Microsoft Games/Microsoft Flight Simulator X” for Microsoft Flight Simulator X).
  5. Confirm extraction, and once completed, the necessary folders and files will be placed properly.
  6. Start the simulator and locate the new Air Ecosse SD3-30 in your aircraft selection menu.

Interactive Commands

I Key
Engages or disengages engine exhaust smoke effects for realistic visuals.
Shift+E
Manages the passenger door (single entry) in the passenger model.
Shift+E+2
Controls the large cargo door and baggage compartments, though the main cargo door remains inop on the passenger version.
Wingfold (Shift+K in many configurations)
Triggers animated loading or unloading action on the cargo version.
Shift+W (Ctrl+W in FSX)
Toggles the yoke visibility in the cockpit for better panel access.
Shift+Enter / Shift+Backspace
Raises or lowers the seat position in the virtual cockpit.
Ctrl+Enter / Ctrl+Backspace
Moves the viewpoint forward or backward, allowing exploration of the cabin.
Ctrl+Shift+Backspace / Ctrl+Shift+Enter
Shifts the viewpoint left or right for improved angles in the virtual cabin.
Space
Resets the eyepoint to default status in the cockpit.

Dabbing Ctrl+F2 several times adjusts propeller visuals while in flight, enhancing rotational realism. Pilots can also enable tooltips (Options — Settings — General) to benefit from immediate on-screen hints.

Air Ecosse Shorts SD3-30 panel.

Air Ecosse Shorts SD3-30 panel.

Additional Usage Notes

Refer to the “flying_tips” document found in the package’s “documents” folder for more detailed guidance. This add-on covers various operating nuances, ensuring that both new sim pilots and seasoned enthusiasts can effectively manage the aircraft’s short-field advantages and practical commuter features. This freeware mod includes the complete base model for unencumbered enjoyment in Microsoft Flight Simulator X.

Images & Screenshots

Screenshot 1Screenshot 2Screenshot 3

The archive s33ecskx.zip has 82 files and directories contained within it.

File Contents

This list displays the first 500 files in the package. If the package has more, you will need to download it to view them.

Filename/Directory File Date File Size
airplanes03.23.090 B
S33ecskx03.23.090 B
aircraft.cfg03.23.0917.98 kB
CREDITS.txt03.23.091.41 kB
Documents03.23.090 B
flying_tips.txt03.22.0912.02 kB
installation_UTO2_sound.txt03.22.091016 B
S360_Panel_Map.jpg03.23.09173.05 kB
S360_trim.jpg03.23.0937.11 kB
model.cargo03.23.090 B
Model.cfg03.23.0926 B
s330c_4.mdl03.23.092.23 MB
model.pax03.23.090 B
Model.cfg03.23.0926 B
s330p_4.mdl03.23.092.25 MB
pad_s330.air05.06.0514.55 kB
panel.s360x03.23.090 B
Davtron.gau08.27.0392.00 kB
fs9gps.cab06.13.03296.71 kB
GH_Sound.gau04.15.0580.00 kB
Kingair_C90_Radio.gau02.28.05456.00 kB
Master.gau05.29.084.01 MB
Overhead.bmp01.18.091.82 MB
Panel.cfg02.03.0918.86 kB
rcb-gauges.CAB12.05.0727.06 kB
RCB_Groundhandling5.CAB10.20.0626.63 kB
RCB_Groundhandling5_Sound.dll10.19.0696.80 kB
README Groundhandling5_01.txt10.22.0620.75 kB
s360.CAB02.21.09614.31 kB
s360_208.gau12.07.07408.00 kB
s360_annun.CAB01.31.0933.71 kB
s360_autopilot.CAB12.31.0820.71 kB
s360_inst.CAB01.05.09293.46 kB
s360_main.bmp01.27.092.25 MB
s360_sw.CAB01.31.0961.78 kB
weatheradar.CAB11.25.08801.83 kB
README FIRST.txt03.23.094.39 kB
S330_check.htm03.07.0959.42 kB
S330_ref.htm03.07.094.96 kB
sound.003.23.090 B
sound.CFG04.21.0842 B
texture.airecosse03.23.090 B
Cargo.bmp02.09.09128.07 kB
chrome.bmp08.05.0664.07 kB
cockpit.bmp01.19.09512.07 kB
lights.bmp11.17.0732.07 kB
lights_L.bmp05.16.0865.05 kB
Overhead_VC.bmp01.19.09512.07 kB
pilots.bmp10.05.05257.05 kB
pilots_L.bmp10.06.05257.05 kB
prop2_TBX.bmp10.25.081.00 MB
roue2.bmp03.06.0965.05 kB
s330_elevator.bmp03.22.09128.07 kB
s330_engines.bmp01.24.091.00 MB
s330_fuse.bmp03.23.09512.07 kB
s330_interiors.bmp02.01.09512.07 kB
s330_wings.bmp03.16.09512.07 kB
thumbnail.jpg03.23.095.99 kB
VCpanelL.bmp01.12.09512.07 kB
VCpanelR.bmp01.17.09512.07 kB
YOKEmap.bmp01.20.09128.07 kB
simobjects08.31.080 B
file_id.diz03.23.09319 B
Groundhandling07.17.080 B
Groundhandling503.26.080 B
GH01_Conversation1.wav10.26.03188.92 kB
GH02_Conversation2.wav10.29.0376.44 kB
GH03_Conversation3.wav11.04.0355.39 kB
GH04_Conversation4A.wav10.14.06114.56 kB
GH05_Conversation5.wav10.29.03134.51 kB
GH06_SoftClick.wav03.07.05551 B
GH07_Error.wav10.26.038.75 kB
GH08_PushbackRoll.wav05.11.0544.58 kB
GH09_Conversation4B.wav10.14.0667.76 kB
GH10_Attention.wav10.14.0621.57 kB
GH11_Brakes.wav11.06.0329.74 kB
Sound.ini03.20.07925 B
sound01.14.090 B
fx_turbo_exhaust.fx01.28.091.47 kB
Effects03.23.090 B
flyawaysimulation.txt10.29.13959 B
Go to Fly Away Simulation.url01.22.1652 B
Installation icon.

Installation Instructions

Most of the freeware add-on aircraft and scenery packages in our file library come with easy installation instructions which you can read above in the file description. For further installation help, please see our Flight School for our full range of tutorials or view the README file contained within the download. If in doubt, you may also ask a question or view existing answers in our dedicated Q&A forum.

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