In Memory; Hillaire du Berrier, Fred Gage, Ray Hanna

707 Professional

FS2004 Add-on

Publisher: Just Flight

Many years ago, which seems like a lifetime, while working for Lufthansa I was introduced to the Boeing 707, While we American contractors flew the Connie’s the Germans flew their new jet equipment exclusively. Still I had many hours in the cockpit of this legendary bird, even a few hours hands-on. Never took off or landed the rig. But the time spent was magical. You can imagine the wonder with which I installed the latest Just Flight project:707 Professional.

Legend has it that this was the first commercial jet based on Nazi research. Like it or not it will certainly cause plenty of debate. Just check out the website at Boeing and you will be introduced to the concept, the word Nazi doesn’t appear but upon reading the text you will concur.

The first 707 came into service in 1957, I flew my first in 1962…. Now you know how old I am. Her tail registration was D-ABOB of Lufthansa fame. Past aside I leave it to historians to fill out the gaps in my memory.

One of my favorite tests on a new product is to fly it “out of the box”. For me this is a quick and true way to observe the refinement of the product. I was rewarded in this case because it evolved that this is truely a pilot’s plane. You need to work hands-on with this rig. No computer to program and monitor. To fly this plane you need to have earned your wings. In her basic configuration she is a dream to fly. A bit sluggish so you will need to plan ahead, but then again that is the job of a successful pilot. Yes, she’s got an autopilot, how else could you endure transatlantic hauls? Just remember this; you are the boss, not the computer. Makes a jolly good difference chaps, a big difference.

You will get some help from the auxiliary program called the 707 TCE – this is a program that allows you to trim the craft for the kind of flight you wish to experience. This is a key addition and I do recommend tweaking it to get the most out of this simulation.

The package comes with a detailed manual in print and on the desktop. So you will have plenty to read at bedtime. I do recommend this literature if you wish to progress beyond “out of the box”. This product will grab you with passion. Entering the left seat was like being on a sentimental journey. The reality of the graphics is, as always, a pleasure to behold. Just checking over the dials in silence was like a religious experience, at least for me. It all starts there, all in all you will have nine panels to study, and contemplate.

The engine sounds are a treat, inside and out. What irritated me were the cockpit announcements. These were not loud enough to understand above the engine noise. But there again, that was the way it really was, so why am I complaining? For beginners this will cause consternation, especially the way they are pronounced.

As I mentioned before, yes there is an autopilot, but not as we know it. You set to the 2 axis points and the throttle is still your responsibility. Do pay careful attention on approach in using this stuff, there is a hitch, old birds will know and I let you find out what it is. Enjoy.

The Virtual Cockpit is nearly as good as the 2D view, some of the gauges will not work but you will have plenty of control flying the rig in this mode. I do however recommend that you use a 3.0 GHz number cruncher. I certainly enjoyed the outside view, on take-off the water injection system is reflected in the dark smoke emitting from the engines. Easing back on the throttles later will reveal that this will cut out as required. Again I mention your approach, keep the engine revs high. If following you might even need to full throttle her up as the glide slope breakage will have you praying, watch the smoke appear again. Also remember to set her down on the numbers, the 707 is runway hungry. In some cases skid marks will appear.

Like my old favorite the DC-3, this simulation will be close to my heart and I know I will be flying it more than all the rest. Aviation will never again produce such beauties this I can assure you. Very few will have the honor to actually fly this plane in reality, this simulation is as good as it’s gonna get. BUY IT !!

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