Aerosoft’s Mega Airport Heathrow X review

by mark.avey on May 27, 2008

This is a review of Aerosoft’s Mega Airport Heathrow X by Jessica Bannister-Pearce.

Heathrow is the UK’s busiest airport. It’s two runways operate at over 99% capacity whist it’s five terminals handle over half the population of the UK every year. So it’s busy, usually packed full, and it takes a very large area to the west of London. With that in mind, You’ll have some idea of the monumental task that Aerosoft has taken on. So the question is Have they done it? Lets take a look.

What’s in the Box

If you’ve shelled out for the boxed version, then inside it contains the CD, an instruction manual, and best of all, every chart you’ll need to take off, approach, land and park. Inside are charts for all runway approaches, all the arrival patterns, all the SID charts and a detailed set of charts to taxi and park. (After all, with 200 plus gates and 5 terminals, getting lost would be very easy - just ask your luggage.)

A beautiful sight at night

Flying In

Installing Heathrow is simple enough, with options for installing into both FSX and FS2004. After that, load up flight sim and check the add on scenery options to find Heathrow nestled within. Once done, you’re free to enjoy the wonders of Britain’s biggest airport.

Once set at a gate, you can begin to really appreciate the detail that Aerosoft has put into producing as life like a copy as possible. The gates all feature working parking aids to help you line up correctly. Taking a wonder around, you can begin to get a sense of scale, and it’s obvious that Aerosoft haven’t simply limited themselves to just the airport. The surrounding perimeter is also modelled, including the various hotels that sit along the perimeter of runway 27R/09L. But the crown jewels though has to be the brand new, and fully functional, T5 Buildings. It really is a massive building, and on flying into Heathrow, it can be seen from many miles away. Certainly, it’s bound to become Heathrow’s primary visual identifier.

T5 Running as normal?

Aerosoft was given unprecedented access to Heathrow, Including being given a driver and car to photograph every last nook and cranny. T5 must have been somewhat difficult, though, as at the time of development, it remained unfinished. In fact, until October 2008, the airport itself is out of date with the Aerosoft add-on. This has to do with BAA waiting to finalise the new terminal’s switchover, and the numerous airlines playing musical terminals. Even Better, should the demolition of T2 go ahead this year, then the updated airport will available for free to customers.

Real Versus Sim

Frame rates are excellent considering the detail involved. A lot of this is due to Aerosoft’s programming. It only displays some scenery items below a 1 mile distance to help keep the frame rates up.

If the gates look great, then the approach to the runways will knock your socks off. Especially from dusk on. Taxiways glow with green lights, terminals are illuminated well and the runways light up the evening sky from over 30 miles away.

Static aircraft dot themselves around, and although Aerosoft claim that these aircraft models are of low quality, to save on the frame rates, the paint schemes look better than some add on aircraft.

A little high and to the left, but the view is fantastic

Bugs

There are a few bugs. One problem I had originally was the lack of runways until all but a few miles from landing. This turns out to be a problem with FSX only, and after a quick visit to Aerosoft’s website, the problem was solved with the removal of a texture file. The second problem is that on approach to 09L, the glideslope can swing suddenly to the left just before touchdown. Not good if you’re flying on auto with the ILS hold selected. Personally I prefer a manual landing - I need the practice.

The last bug, which is more of an annoyance than a bug, is parking. No matter what I fly into Heathrow, I never get to a gate at a terminal. More often than not I end up on the cargo ramp with a plane full of bewildered passengers. Aerosoft are looking into the problem. But these are minor problems that can be fixed.

T5 Dominates the approach of Heathrow

Conclusion

Well, it’s simple really. This is a great add-on. The scenery is simply awe inspiring, and I can’t help but wonder what the next generation Flight Sim will mean for scenery if the quality is already this high. To say this is a must have, is a major understatement, and at a price of just £19.99, you really can’t lose.

So come and enjoy Britain’s biggest airport. You won’t be sorry, and you get to keep you luggage.

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