Just Flight has released a significant update for its F28 Professional add-on for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024. The “Version 2” update, brings a host of new features, improvements, and bug fixes aimed at enhancing the overall simulation experience.
Just Flight themselves summarize the update as follows: “Along with the addition of MSFS 2024 compatibility, the V2 Update includes a new custom-coded UNS-1 Flight Management System, new Boarding and Refuelling simulation, updated EFB, five new liveries, new interactive paper checklists and new cockpit features such as an Altitude Preselect Controller. A huge number of smaller improvements are also provided!”
Key Features of the Version 2 Update:
- New Custom-Coded UNS-1 Flight Management System:
- Offers a unique interface based on the real-world UNS-1 FMS.
- Includes maneuvers such as Holding Patterns (HLD), Direct To (DTO), and Command Heading function (CMD HDG).
- Provides Top of Descent calculations based on target vertical speed via the PATH VNAV page.
- Navigation monitoring including wind information, XTK error, and groundspeed.
- Real-time performance information including current range, endurance, ETP/PNR.
- Supports SIDs, STARs, and Approach procedures.
- Allows saving and importing custom flight plans.
- Uses a custom database updatable via a Navigraph subscription and supplied with AIRAC 2401 navdata by default.
- Offers swappable units (KGs/LBs).
- Includes a comprehensive UNS-1 FMS Operations Manual with a tutorial flight.
- Incorporates various bug fixes and improvements developed from the latest UNS-1 release in the 146 Professional (MSFS).
- Added functionality for the TUNE page.
- Added a configuration file option to unlink the UNS-1 from the MSFS ATC system.
- New Boarding and Refuelling Simulation:
- Controlled via the EFB, allowing for a realistic simulation of the passenger and cargo boarding and deboarding process.
- Multiple boarding speeds can be selected, from instant to realistic.
- Progress and time remaining are shown, along with tips for opening the relevant passenger and cargo doors.
- Boarding/deboarding states are automatically synced to the stage of flight.
- Integration with GSX: When GSX HANDLING is enabled via the EFB, the selected payload will be synchronized with GSX, so the correct number of passengers will be loaded.
- Progressive refueling functionality, compatible with GSX.
- If enabled via the EFB, the cabin crew will automatically open and close the required passenger and service doors.
- New passenger boarding/deboarding and cabin crew sounds added.
- The music reproducer plays music during boarding and deboarding.
- New Just Flight V3 EFB:
- Redesigned EFB interface.
- Added support for Navigraph en route charts.
- Added the ability to draw on Navigraph charts.
- Improved data entry logic on the Aircraft page.
- Reorganized EFB Configuration menu options.
- Added a confirmation popup when changing aircraft states.
- Improved transition logic between JS/HTML and WASM EFB pages.
- The SimBrief import payload option now syncs the correct passenger number, cargo quantity, and ZFW.
- A red warning has been added to the EFB aircraft page when the maximum ZFW has been exceeded.
- Improved “Random Payload” button logic.
- Numerous other bug fixes and improvements to the EFB.
- New Interactive Paper Checklists:
- Customizable paper checklist mounted on retractable cockpit sidewall clipboards.
- Up to 20 checklists can be displayed and are easily customizable .PNG images stored within the F28 package.
- Hidden click spots are used to cycle between the checklist pages and rotate them to both portrait and landscape orientations.
- The dynamic index page lists the names and page numbers for all added checklists.
- ATC information (callsign, flight number, and registration) is displayed at the top of the checklists.
- New Additional Cockpit Features:
- Altitude Preselect Controller with autopilot altitude hold and vertical speed controls, automatic altitude arming and altitude alerting functionality (toggleable via an option in the EFB).
- Updated functionality of the original Altitude Alerting System so that it now only functions as an Altitude Alerting System (toggleable via an option in the EFB).
- ALTITUDE PRESELECT light on the pedestal that works in conjunction with the altitude alert system.
- A classic passenger oxygen regulator has been added to the right side panel, and an option to switch between classic/modern types has been added to the EFB.
- GNS530 GPS swapped for a GNS430 GPS and moved to the First Officer’s panel – this more accurately reflects the configuration of real F28s still in operation and allows for simultaneous use of GPS and weather radar.
- Working Title GNS430 V2 Framework enabled in MSFS 2024.
- NAV/GPS selector/indicator and GPS indicators integrated into the UNS-1 FMS.
- Animated ashtrays.
- Animated sun visors (also toggleable via an option in the EFB).
- An EFB option has been added to switch between the units of measurement used by the fuel quantity indicators and the fuel flow indicator.
- 5 New Liveries:
- F28 Mk.1000 Columbian Air Force (FAC0002)
- F28 Mk.1000 Desert Eagle (N500WN)
- F28 Mk.4000 Air21 (N496US)
- F28 Mk.4000 Argentine Air Force (T-51)
- F28 Mk.4000 Biman Bangladesh (S2-ACW)
- Other Changes:
- MSFS 2024 compatibility added.
- Fade-in/fade-out effects added to external incandescent lighting.
- Improved exterior lighting bloom effects.
- Improved default cockpit lighting settings when starting a flight – cockpit lighting is set based on the time of day in the simulator.
- Improved reading light animations.
- Improved cockpit lighting controls – allows for finer control of cockpit lighting dimmer switches.
- Reduced cockpit window reflectivity at night.
- Improved TCAS graphics and functionality.
- Fixed an issue where electrical power was affected by time/date changes.
- Improvements to the Auto Cabin Crew logic – when enabled in the EFB, this includes the automatic release of the cabin crew during climb if not actioned by the user, and random cabin calls during the flight, etc.
- The front galley light now varies based on the position of the cockpit door – reducing the amount of light that penetrates through the cockpit door.
- Work light sources added in the front galley.
- Slightly increased lift dumper drag.
- Reduced rudder sensitivity when the “Rudder Axis Steering” option is disabled in the EFB.
- Improved pitch stability in level flight.
- Improved Thrust Meter logic – depending on the thrust index, the throttles may need to be moved in front of the detent to achieve 100% thrust (based on real procedures).
- Updated “Thrust Set” callout – now triggered when 100% thrust is indicated.
- The throttle lever animation is now linear over the entire range.
- Improved altimeter drum rolling animations.
- Improved Static Pressure guarded switch animations.
- “Heading Sync” click spot added to the NAV TRANSFER FAILURE light on the glare shield.
- The thickness of the glide path reference line on the ADI has been increased for better visibility.
- Improved ADI bank angle graphics.
- Fixed minor z-fighting issues around cockpit windows.
- Fixed a typo on the stabilizer trim wheel.
- Fixed a minor clipping issue with the fast/slow indicator on the captain’s ADI.
- Fixed a small model gap at the edge of the eyebrow window.
- Small optimizations in file size and VRAM usage.
- Improved engine fire bell test logic – fire bell test buttons now hold in the lower position for 3 seconds, and the fire bell can be muted with the bell silencer.
- Nav selectors now default to 000.
- Improved accuracy of the ASI speed indication.
- Improved Radio Altimeter test logic.
- Improved Flight Data Recorder logic.
- Improved Skid Control test logic.
- Manual speed flip chart option added – when the FLIPCHART WT SYNC option is disabled in the EFB, use the left and right arrows on the speed flip chart to change the weights displayed.
- The flight deck door is now forced into the closed position and locked when the cabin is disabled via the EFB.
- Doors are now closed and the GPU is automatically removed when the relevant interactive checklists are used.
- Fixed the TOGGLE GPWS control assignment logic.
- Fixed an issue when changing the NAV1/APPR/NAV2 source when the GPS is selected.
- Fixed an issue where the glide path could not be captured when both IAS and GLIDE modes were enabled.
- Improved Standby Horizon Caging logic – now requires caging after starting from Cold and Dark, wobble added during caging.
- Fixed the heading bug logic that did not correctly sequence through 000/360 degrees when turning counterclockwise.
- Fixed an issue where the GPU beacon did not flash unless the navigation lights were switched on.
- Correct equipment configuration added to new liveries.
- Logo lights added to automatic equipment configurations – logo lights are now attached to liveries that have them in the real world.
- Passenger oxygen regulators are installed based on the aircraft construction number.
- Fixed an incorrect OAT display in the Mk2000 variant.
- Hidden click spots added to HSI screws and FMS screws to get to the UNS-1 FMS camera position.
- The brightness of GPS and weather radar displays has been increased.
- Weather radar reactivated on the Xbox version.
- Fixed an issue where audio from 3-position switches was barely audible when operated for the first time after loading.
- The cockpit door now dampens cabin noise.
- Sound effects added for all new cockpit elements.
- Two additional tracks added to the music reproduction music file (now 3 in total).
- Fixed a case where the GPWS callout “Glideslope” was triggered during a dive.
- Improved cabin-to-cockpit calls.
- Many other minor sound changes and performance optimizations.
- Improved engine smoke effects – density is now linked to the engine LP speed.
- Fixed the issue where doors and equipment were not closed/removed with the automatic checklist.
- Fixed various cases where the F28 appeared as AI traffic.
- Updated GSX profiles for each F28 variant.
- The main menu thumbnails have been updated in MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024.
- New cockpit instrument camera views added for UNS-1 FMS, GNS430 GPS and EFB.
- Improved existing pilot camera views.
- Improved existing cockpit instrument camera views.
- Improved existing showcase camera views.
- Various minor livery fixes.
- Various other minor bug fixes.
- Updated Operations Manual.
- Updated EFB Manual.
- UNS-1 Operations Manual added.
About Just Flight:
Just Flight is a leading developer and publisher of flight simulation add-ons, known for its high-quality and detailed aircraft simulations.
