Carenado Piper Seneca V | Full Flight Review | Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020

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In this video we test out the Carenado Piper Seneca V in Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS); on a trip from Hobart, over to Devonport.
Please note this video and all its contents / materials, is for entertainment / simulation purposes only.
PC Specs
ASUS B150M-A
Intel Core i7 6700K 4GHz
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080
32GB DDR4 2133MHz
Hardware
Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog
Saitek Pro Flight rudder pedals
HP Reverb WMR headset
TrackIR5
Earthquake Shell Shoxx transducer
Enjoy the flight!

[@LemureDeiCampiElisi]

As usual I made decision by myself but the first thing I do when an aircraft arrive in marketplace is to go and check to youtube if there is a video from you. Keep going please!

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Thank you very much once again Lemure! That’s very kind of you to say : ) The Seneca actually sprang up and surprised me. I was on the Marketplace looking for something else and there it was haha! All the best

[@Pladak8465]

I do the same thing!

[@supertyfon1736]

Loved seeing Seneca's IRL the sunset at the 30 min mark and beyond was remarkable.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Yeah, wasn’t it just! I rarely end up flying in the sim the outside of daylight hours, but my gosh the sunrises and sunsets can look stunning! Actually the night lighting is pretty excellent as well. All the best : )

[@supertyfon1736]

@@IntotheBlueSimulations Yeah this sim never disappoints as well as carenado's best release as some say.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Yeah, it might well be fair to call it their best MSFS release overall : )

[@K4Ri80]

You mister are the master class. Since you learned to not "shout out to youtube" your videos are so super proffessional and without shouting.:) Super educational content here. I actually learned significant amount of my flying skills here.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Well thank you very much! Very kind of you to say : D Haha, did I used to shout? XD I certainly wasn’t intentionally. I did have a really bad microphone before, so that might have been part of it. I actually thought I was a bit more “shouty” now than I used to be haha. Anyway, I’m super happy to hear that you’re enjoying the content and even more so that you feel you’ve been learning from it (as that’s very much something that I hope to put across with the channel). Amazing! Did you get into flight simulation starting with MSFS then? : ) Thanks very much again and all the best!

[@K4Ri80]

@@IntotheBlueSimulations Yes started few months ago with MSFS. :) There's so much to learn!

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Nice! Haha, yep there’s certainly a lot to learn (should one wish), you end up going down a bit of a rabbit hole - but that’s half the fun in my opinion ; ) It’s a shame, MSFS has nowhere the same amount of learning resources as the older Microsoft sims. Still, learning by doing / trial and error is often the best way to go anyway (in a sim anyway haha) Cheers, all the best! : )

[@Lonsome1223]

As an old ex multi engine pilot (PA23 Apache) i love practicing engine out stuff when bored of flying from A to B in the sim. Great review.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Well it might not be study level, but this should be enough to tick that box then Jeffrey. I was very pleasantly surprised not just with the feathering, but the aircraft overall. Thanks very much once again. Glad you enjoyed the review. All the best! : )

[@jarrodclyne707]

Very useful, thank you. This seems like possibly the best Carenado effort in MSFS 2020 to date. Agree about the need to upgrade the sounds though.

[@ryanp6999]

Speaking of sounds, the Piper PA28 Arrow from Just Flight sounds absolutely incredible.

[@jarrodclyne707]

@@ryanp6999 True! I bought the Seneca and the JF PA28 today, actually the only payware aircraft I've bought on MSFS 2020, I'm quite pleased with them both (Carenado prices are a bit more gentle than JF, so I'll accept some deficiencies). Any other payware aircraft you'd recommend in particular?

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

For a moment I was scratching my head, thinking; “I don’t remember the Carenado Arrow sounding all that good”. . . Then I realised we’re talking about the Just Flight version. Those sounds are absolutely phenomenal. Especially externally! Really top notch : )

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

My pleasure Jarrod, thanks! : ) Hmm, yeah. I would say that’s probably a fair statement. Other than the sounds, I can’t find too much to fault with it really!. . . Great fun to fly, visually very pretty, decent enough systems and the improved flight modelling was a very nice surprise! A very solid effort from Carenado.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Depends what you’re into really Jarrod. I would say each aircraft type has a clear winner at the moment and you already own two of them ha. Best single = JF Arrow Best Twin = Carenado Seneca Best Warbird = MILVIZ Corsair Best Fighter Jet = Actually MB339, G91 and T45 all have their strengths Best Jet = Aerosoft CRJ (although FBW A320 is almost as good in many respects, perhaps worth sticking with that) Best Helicopter = FlyInside Bell 47 G In terms of recommendations; I would say the JF Arrow and the FI Bell 47 are the only “must own” products at the moment. Obviously the Bell 47 would depend on if you like rotary flying, as it can take some getting used to. The CRJ is nearly excellent for the price, the autopilot and some of the flight modelling lets it down somewhat though (at least the last time I tried it). Happy to answer any questions if you want to known anything more specific : ) All the best

[@Squirel]

I enjoyed flying the Carenado Seneca in both FSX and P3D v4 and I'm really pleased to see a version released for MSFS. Not only that, but a version that pretty much meets with your high standards too. No, they don't make study level aircraft but there are a lot of non-study level sim pilots out there like me who will get a lot of enjoyment out of this aeroplane. Good to see that they have lifted their game since their Arrow release. I agree that the sound is not up to standard, but I would imagine that that could be relatively easily fixed with a future update.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Likewise! The Carenado Seneca was my go-to twin in FSX / P3D for many years. I used to fly their Seneca III, but I’m really enjoying the V. I always try to bear in mind that not everyone wants study level and indeed even myself, I can certainly very happily enjoy a product whatever it’s fidelity, so long as it’s quality. I think it’s fair to say that the Seneca V is a quality product overall. Yeah, I don’t much care for the engine sounds, but I’ve actually had a quite a few other viewers saying they like them! So I guess it comes down to audio setup and personal preference to some degree. Cheers squirrel, happy flying! : )

[@Squirel]

@@IntotheBlueSimulations That's why I like your reviews, you show the full potential of an aeroplane even though it isn't study level. :)

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Thanks Squirrel, I try to! : ) It doesn’t have to be “study level”, to be used in a realistic fashion ; ) All the best!

[@GustavoRodrigues]

Real seneca V you don't need to keep pushing throttle up until you are very high. Turbonormalized, waste gated. Climb ITT we used 1400 above 5k, 1500 over 10k. LOP, the target was ITT always around 100 below peak or 1650 after aggressive leaning. If CHT started to creep above 400, more leaning. Cruising always at 60% @ 2200 rpm

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Thanks for the info Gustavo. Yeah, I’m not sure re the turbo / MP. It may just be that I bumped the throttles or something in hindsight. Initially I did have to come up on the throttles to maintain the manifold pressure (as you would have seen / heard), but then the manifold pressure held steady thereafter (as one would expect). I’ll have to test that a little bit more, but don’t have time to do so at the moment unfortunately. . . All the best : )

[@Rod.Machado]

Any add ok aircraft using a 530 or 430 is Godsent, being able to practice in the sim with that avionics and applying it IRL is amazing!

[@portlandtwowheels1872]

Thanks for the review! Your channel is among the best in flight sim right now. You're to the point, honest and we can understand you because you use layman's terms.:) Anyway. I picked up the Seneca several months ago and apparently they've improved it a few times since release.

[@portlandtwowheels1872]

Its been a fun aircraft. It may not be up to par wtih the kodiak, dc6, porter, JF arrows etc.....but coming from Carenado I was surprised with this one. They have upped their game quite a bit.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Thank you ever so much PTW, very kind of you to say indeed! Really glad you’re enjoying the content and I’m happy you’re finding it useful / objective. I’m glad you’re enjoying the Seneca, I like it as well. Carenado get a lot of flack and much of it was deserved in the past, but honestly most of their MSFS work to date has been solid! I’ve enjoyed most of their output and they’ve been quick to patch up products where issues have arisen. Sure they aren’t quite up there with the likes of Just Flight etc, but then they don’t charge those sorts of prices either. Thanks very much once again! All the best : )

[@kbent88]

While the ground sounds of the engine leaves a little bit to be desired, i usually taxi with that window open, because these aircraft sound much better than the stock ones. I do find the prop noise on the ground to be great. And the cruise sound is fantastic. Quiet but a very pleasing hum.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Hi Kyle, Yes, I think I was probably a touch harsh re the engine sounds in hindsight. They don’t sound amazing on my setup, but with a decent set of headphones (and cranking the volume up) they actually aren’t half bad (just a bit too muted). It’s a little strange that the Seneca sounds aren’t top notch though, as some of Carenados other MSFS offerings have excellent sounds. All in all, I really like the Seneca though, I think it’s a great little addition to the sim. Cheers! : )

[@djtaylorutube]

Hint: Before starting up, open the window and then crank it over. Then try saying that the engine sounds aren't that great. They are a lot quieter with the window closed and I'm fine with that. I don't need a constant thundering roar.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Thanks David, noted. I understand that nobody wants to be deafened of course and ultimately how loud the engines should be is a personal preference. The window being open may well improve things and they may indeed be excellent sounds, but I don’t think it’s right that I should have to do that to hear them. As the sim now has sound options in terms of simulating headphone on / off etc, developers could certainly keep both camps happy (in this video that was the noise level with “headphones off”, default volume settings and I didn’t even adjust the sim audio down in editing (where usually I would have it around the 70% mark). At idle, I could barely hear anything. Anyway, horses for courses I suppose. Thanks for the tip though. All the best!

[@ZZstaff]

Nice video. Light piper twins are very docile by the way. EDIT: No rotating beacon on the airport until you were about 900 feet AGL and on short final, should have been visible from miles away.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Thank you for the info, glad you enjoyed the video! : ) That’s strange re the beacon. I’ve certainly seen it from significantly more distance than that before in the sim. Perhaps it was related to the lighting conditions, atmospheric conditions etc. . . Cheers again, all the best!

[@BromptonTraveler]

Also quite new to flight SIM thanks to XBOX and would like to say that your reviews are so thorough and professional that I wait for them before buying an aircraft. Also you are obviously a pilot in real life but you come across as really humble from your answers to comments here and this is refreshing to hear. If you ever get time for tutorials of real life operations one day I am sure you would be excellent in explaining things to those like me who are simming for mostly for fun. Cheers

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Hello BT, Well firstly, welcome to the hobby! It's really great that flight simming how now become a little more accessible, thanks to MSFS arriving on the Xbox. I'm really glad that you're enjoying the content and finding the reviews useful! I do indeed fly in the real world and I have also been an avid, life-long flight simmer. It's a great hobby, but some of the "elitism" that exists, I find to be a little bizarre. It's a hobby, so we should all be enjoying it in whichever way we see fit; I see it as a little crusade of mine / the channel to try and do away with all of that haha. I do in fact have some tutorials, which may well be useful if you're starting out. They are some of my earlier videos, so a little bit rough around the edges haha, but the content is sound I think: kzbin.info/aero/PLaI08doFZ-LIK-PAyRGF7NDZDM88FpOVp kzbin.info/aero/PLaI08doFZ-LLwILOP5X4Ehloc4Ux5eVNg I'm forever intending to make some more tutorials and I would love to make some real-world content one day, but neither of those will most likely be happening any time soon I'm afraid. Thanks very much for the kind words, genuinely appreciated! All the best : )

[@davidh7280]

I think we need A2A to release their aircraft in MSFS! I chuckled when you mentioned the weather. It was raining cats and dogs yesterday in Manchester, yet live weather in sim was dry!

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

For sure David, I think we’re all waiting on that : ) Though I wish it was something other than the Aerostar. . . Wouldn’t have been my first choice, but I’m sure it will still be excellent. Haha, yup. Was planning on doing a flight down to Guernsey as it was 200m in fog in the real world. Both MSFS and REX were showing it as more or less gin-clear! Little bit more work needed there I think! ; ) All the best!

[@jesusrivadulla4274]

Awesome just what I recommend in VR

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Yes Jesus, the aircraft and indeed this trip would have been lovely in VR also! : )

[@PatrickMondor]

Love the vid, well done! Using this to teach me this new aircraft.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Thanks Patrick! Glad you found the video useful. Best of luck with the Seneca V and happy flying! : )

[@buckzx12r]

I love flying this plane!

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Ah great! Glad to hear you’re enjoying it : ) Happy flying!

[@metzgergva]

In terms of your comment and referring to PAPI lights. In Australia they are very often as you see here. They do not show 2 red and 2 white as you are used to but have additional white lights before (too low) or after (too high).

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Thanks very much Alexander. This became immediately obvious to me when watching the video back after editing haha. At the time though, it was a little bit hard to distinguish what was what and it just looked like a 2-light PAPI. It was also harder to see the lighting in the sim at the time, than it was re-watching the video (I guess my monitor is darker than my TV). Not something I’ve ever flown in the real world, but I am somewhat familiar with the setup from simming. Nice to see they included it in MSFS anyway. Thanks very much for the info though, much appreciated! : )

[@chrissugg968]

I'm guessing the interior engine sounds are supposed to mimic what it would sound like with a headset on.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

I suspect you might be right Chris. The thing is, the sim already has an option to mimic headphone use, so (to my mind at least) I think the sounds should have a bit more clout to them when this option is selected off. I will say, with a decent set of headphones the Seneca doesn’t sound half bad; but at the time of recording (with my normal headphones), I thought it sounded really rather anaemic. Cheers!

[@rayharris8113]

Really appreciated this in depth professional review. I already have the plane but can't fly at the moment as I am in hospital. So it was really real to be a passenger on your flight, and for good measure I learned a fair bit. Thanks.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Thanks very much Ray! Happy to hear that you enjoyed the flight and picked up a few tips along the way. Hopefully it made the time pass just a little bit quicker whilst you’re in hospital (I guess we’re lucky to have so much entertainment available at our fingertips these days, for this sort of occasion). I hope you’re feeling better soon and back up in the virtual skies in the not too distant future! All the best : )

[@eamon945]

Loved the dusk landing. Makes we want to see a night landing into London, NYC or Tokyo.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Thanks Eamon! Rather pretty wasn’t it. I rarely fly in the sim at this time of day and forget how stunning it can look! I’m always a little reticent to do night flights, as of course there’s much less for the viewer to see / keep them visually occupied. Agreed though, an arrival into a big city could look rather spectacular. So maybe I’ll plan another sunset trip into somewhere for a future video : ) All the best!

[@dokken1212]

Brilliant review as always - thorough, detailed and objective. :-)

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Thank you James! Very much appreciated as always : ) All the best!

[@CMACJAZZ]

Watched the presentations several times now and like what I see more each time, can you expand on your comment “ you can of course switch out the default GNS for the modded versions” etc etc. Cheers and thanks, keep safe & keep the reviews coming a great help.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Hello again Charlie, I was referring to a freeware mod available for the default GNS530 (I believe one exists for the 430 as well). It’s free of course and you just drop it into you’re community folder like any other mod. github.com/pimarc/pms50-gns530 It adds a significant amount of functionality over the default unit including; a terrain display, proper flight plan insertion and a Track-Up mode for example. It’s a great mod, since so many default and 3rd party aircraft use the default GNS. I must admit I’ve yet to try it in the Seneca, but I see no reason why it shouldn’t work. I’m sure there are much better videos showcasing the mod specifically, but I did use it in one of my JF Arrow vids: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2aqkJWQe52AiMU Overall I’d certainly give the Seneca a thumbs up. It’s still Carenado, but it’s probably their best product to date overall. It’s a solid effort. Thanks as always Charlie : )

[@jetfuelboy]

Great job, reminds me of my Seminole training days. Garmin 530/430 kit looks great. Well done review and video.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Thanks very much once again Rob! Glad it brought back some nice memories. The Garmin units are still the default MSFS units, but they can of course be swapped out for the modded versions, adding quite a bit more fidelity to the aircraft. A nice avionics suite for sure though. Overall a rather nice job from Carenado I must say! Glad you enjoyed the video. All the best! : )

[@LostInSpace175]

i got my Multi engine rating in a seneca!! lovely plane!

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Nice LiP. I’ve never flown the Seneca myself, but always thought it looked like an enjoyable aircraft to fly - especially the more modern versions. Carenado haven’t done a bad job with the Seneca V overall. Cheers, all the best! : )

[@ryu1940]

I love your reviews. You are very thorough and I appreciate your efforts!

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Thank you very much RYU! Really glad you’re enjoying the content and finding it useful. I appreciate the kind words : ) All the best!

[@benvanboom8907]

Thans for this Nice and honest review......I also was pleasently surprised flying the Carenado Seneca V. I have quite Some hours on the type (although Seneca IV) in Real life and i think this Carenado model is currently the best flying aircraft in the Sim up to date. The drag setting the second stage of flaps could be better and IMHO the speed gain on the take off roll is a bit to much. Overall I am very happy with it and it does great in VR too. Regards, Ben

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Hi Ben, hope you’re well! My pleasure as always. Really enjoying the Seneca V actually. Haven’t flown the Seneca myself, but you’re observations broadly match what I presumed to be a bit off. Overall though, as you say a pretty decent flight model, certainly one of the better ones in the sim to date and good fun to fly! Looks great in VR, my machine really doesn’t seem to get on well with MSFS VR though sadly. I get much better performance in other sims. . . All the best to you, happy flying! : )

[@JensHummelmose]

Great review - I allready bought it but you came in with good knowledge and tips.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Ha, well thanks very much Jens! That’s amazing to hear and very kind of you to say : ) Happy flying!

[@JensHummelmose]

@@IntotheBlueSimulations Happy Flying to you to.

[@Breezew1nd]

I did find the audio quite good, but then again, I’m using good headphones instead of tin cans.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Haha, well I’m stuck with tin cans unfortunately. . . If Carenado would like to provide me with a Bose headset, I’ll be happy to see how the engines sound then and update the review accordingly! ; )

[@juliashenandoah3965]

What I don´t like is that shutting on the dome light (which is literally the same as a car dome light) gives the seats brightest illumination - while the rest of the cockpit including the instrument board stays in complete pitch blackness. Some raytracing features for a more realistic illumination would be great in this sim.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Yes Julia, whilst the lighting in MSFS is generally way ahead of most other sims, it could still use some work for sure (it can often be a bit too dark - though I find that preferable to being too light, as we often saw in older gen sims). I believe raytracing is planned for MSFS at some point, but I expect we’ll be waiting a while for it. . . All the best! : )

[@avalifeinbytes4529]

Looks nice. I already have the Mooney so I'll be waiting for the milviz c310 but this is a sleek bird for sure.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Overall, it certainly is! I’m sure the MILVIZ effort will be vastly superior though, probably a little more interesting as well : ) All the best!

[@louissikkema5399]

I was almost buying the pa44 but waited in the hopes for the senaca. Was not expecting it so soon, but was somehow hoping for a seneca iii, because its panel is way more interresting especially with the switch panel on the left of the pilot and with the instruments embeded behind a lip. Still I will definitely buy this aircraft.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Ah well I’m glad you didn’t have to wait too long then Louis. I would have said the same just a few days ago haha. The Carenado Seneca III was my go-to twin in FSX / P3D for many years actually (even the Just Flight Seneca before that in FS2004). I really enjoyed the older setup etc; but I have to say, I’ve really been enjoying the V! Still steam gauges, which I love, but very capable and nice to have the turbos. Anyway, you may well have purchased it by now. Happy flying! : )

[@freddielaker2707]

I got this tonight, Im far from disappointed, its great

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Great, glad to hear you’re enjoying it! It us indeed a really nice effort from Carenado overall. Happy flying! : )

[@Abiodun1996]

Hopefully as asobo update the autopilot it makes the aircraft better.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

That’s my hope too Abi. If Asobo improved some of the sims core avionics, it would improve a lot of addon aircraft as well at this point! Unfortunately though, they don’t seem to be very forthcoming with such a fix. . . Ah well, fingers crossed! : )

[@tobichessell132]

Not even watched the video yet but TAKE MY MONEY!!!🤪😅

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Hahaha. Hope you were happy with your purchase then Tobi! I think the Seneca is a really solid effort from Carenado overall, could just use some work on the sounds (although some people seem to like them actually). Happy flying! : )

[@tobichessell132]

@@IntotheBlueSimulations awsome thanks. I would still a prefer a seneca III as i flew with one quite a few times but still. Better a V than no one😅

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Yeah, I would have quite liked the III as well, as I used to fly that a lot in FSX and P3D. As you say though, better a V than nothing ; ) Have to say, I’m actually really enjoying the V now though, feels more “premium” ha. All the best! : )

[@jayroo71]

You cant hear the engines because your virtual pilots are wearing Bose headsets ;) nice video!

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Ah, haha, that could well be the issue Jay. . . Well, I wish I could take mine off ha. You raise a good point though; now that the sim has the option to turn headphones “on and off” in the sounds settings, it would be nice if Carenado made the engine sounds nice and loud for those who want that and then of course tone them down if you have the “headphone” option turned on. Thanks very much, glad you enjoyed the video! : )

[@Topcat1952]

This is a good review sir, better than two others I watched where the reviewers obviously knew little about the aircraft. One was surprised to "discover" the overhead panel. Another did not turn on the alternators and then wondered, after takeoff, the two red lights on the panel. 😒 Regarding the engines, if you leave the pilots window open while taxiing, you can hear the distinctive growl of the Continentals. I was very impressed with that. They are not very loud if you close the window and I am guessing a liberal use of soundproofing is the cause of that. You might adjust the engine sound levels in the sim.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Thank you Dennis! Hehe, I can’t claim to get it correct 100% of the time, but I try and do my homework before reviewing an aircraft. I figure the more accurately you operate the aircraft, the more likely you are to get a feel for how good (or bad) it is. I have had a couple of others mention opening up the DV window. I will give that a go for sure, but I would still like a little more “noise” in the cockpit personally. Of course I could just crank up the volume; but I think it’s preferable when developers equalise the aircraft sounds, based on default sim sound settings. Otherwise you end having adjust your volume settings from aircraft to aircraft. That’s just me though, doesn’t mean I’m right haha. Thanks very much for stopping by the channel, enjoy the Seneca V! : )

[@Topcat1952]

@@IntotheBlueSimulations Thanks sir. Glad you mentioned doing homework before the review. I'm pretty sure that is what the other two reviews that I saw failed to do. It really makes the difference between a professional-level and amateur video.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Haha well as a viewer, I find it a bit frustrating watching reviewers learning their way around products as they go. It’s also difficulty to know if something is a bug, if you aren’t familiar with how the aircraft operates. That being said, I’m lucky to have a lot of free time at the moment. I know not everyone has time to sit down with the manual etc and go through all of this stuff + then make a video. Glad you felt it makes for a good video anyway, that’s certainly what I aim for! : ) All the best

[@Topcat1952]

@@IntotheBlueSimulations As Tony the Tiger would say, "It was great!" I have subscribed and will look forward to future productions. 👍

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Haha, well you can’t get a much better endorsement than that! ; ) Thanks very much Dennis and welcome aboard! : )

[@jaredvanbergen7904]

Great looking plane this. Been waiting for a decent twin-prop for the standard version of the sim. Real big pity regarding the audio though. Fantastic review as always. Thank you.

[@spaverse3996]

PA44 been around

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Thanks very much Jared! Glad you enjoyed it. Yeah, it’s a really nice effort overall. Looks awesome, but the sounds do let it down somewhat. Apparently they are much better if you keep the DV window open, or crank up the volume / bass. But neither of those options is ideal to my mind. I’d like to see some beefier sounds out of the box. As Spaverse mentions, there is always the Seminole to consider as well (I seem to recall the sounds are a little better on that)? Thanks once again, all the best : )

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Indeed : )

[@CreepinCreeper145]

Good video, but you could have selected CDI on your GPS to select GPS mode for your VOR instrument and track the route with the autopilot.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Thanks Juanito, glad you enjoyed the vid! Yes, I certainly could have done it that way as well. For a couple of reasons, I often just stick with driving the autopilot via the HDG bug in the sim though : ) Thanks for the suggestion and all the best!

[@sparkymarky68]

Great review as always and it's a good looking plane. Between my CRJ 500/700 and my Just Flight Arrow, along with the FBW Airbus - I am not sure this one cuts it. The cockpits all look the same, glad that the flight dynamics are better (stall looked fun!). I have all the other carenados - me personally not convinced by this one yet, been burnt by them. I think maybe I am needing something closer to study level. Also sound is not great - that would kill it for me. Got the Embraer/BANDEIRANTE and it sounds like a hairdryer (thankfully there is a mod on to) . thank you for a full review.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Fair enough Mark, that’s perfect if you’re already enjoying what you’ve got! Save the rest for a rainy day. The Seneca is nice, probably my preferred twin in the sim now (mostly based on aesthetics. What can I say, I’m shallow ha). The flight dynamics were certainly a very pleasant surprise! but you won’t be missing too much overall. Something close to study level hey? Uh oh. . . That’s a slippery and expensive spiral you’re heading down! ; ) All the best : )

[@sparkymarky68]

@@IntotheBlueSimulations maybe study level is the wrong phrase... Realistic, engaging, and comprehensive. 😀

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Haha, fair enough Mark, absolutely. Still sounds expensive though! : P

[@4secsharkmr352]

Hi, as always a really going in the deep detailed review. Absolutly brilliant made. Thank you very much for this intelligent sort of information. AAA Take care.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Thanks very much once again! Very much appreciated and happy to hear you enjoyed it. Take care : )

[@CCitis]

Its a shame they make a good looking but hollow airplane! I will say, this flight and lighting/weather was particularly gorgeous. Nice one.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

I know what you mean Jeremy. I wouldn’t say the more recent (MSFS) Carenado products have been “hollow” per se; as you can see most of the systems have been fleshed out and the flight dynamics are as good as most other aircraft currently in the sim (better even). Some of them do lack a bit of “soul” though for sure. I have to say though, overall I quite like the Seneca V. Yeah, the sunset was stunning! I rarely fly the sim outside of daylight hours and I always forget just how great it can look haha! Glad you liked it. Thanks once again Jeremy! : )

[@06L]

Great review thanks. The sound is very ordinary and the rocking movement annoys me a bit when the plane is on the ground with the engines running. In my memory, the few times that I flew a twin engine, the movement was not so exaggerated on the ground ... I will stay with my PA44 ...

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Thanks : ) Yeah, apparently the sound is better with the DV window open, but that’s hardly ideal. . . The rocking I agree, is over-exaggerated and looks odd. Other than a bit more “get up and go”, it doesn’t offer a whole lot more than the Seminole; I do still like it though. All the best!

[@Blxz]

Good review. It's refreshing to hear both good and bad things about a plane. Far too many reviews for this and other planes basically revolve around the fact it performs some basic functions therefore is a perfectly "Great" plane with no caveats. Thanks for the in-depth video review on this and all your others.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Thanks very much Blxz! I try and be as objective as I can; demonstrate / discuss what I see as I go along and I figure people can make their own decisions based on that. I start out with optimism that the addon will be good and then go from there haha. My pleasure on the video, I’m glad you’re finding the content useful! Cheers and all the best : )

[@jennydavis4198]

i wish mine acted like yours mine you increase power on approach and it drops out the sky the throttle seems terribly inconsistent moving it a tiny bit can see 1000 fpm changes from - to + or vice versa its terribly unstable even when trimmed which lasts about 2 seconds of steady descent before it lurches skyward or down to the ground

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Well that’s very strange Jenny! Sorry to hear it’s been playing up. The only possible cause I can think of for something like that; are you sure you don’t have the “Legacy” flight model set in the sim? This often tends to cause strange behaviour, much like what you mention. Otherwise I have no idea what could be causing such behaviour I’m afraid. I just tried mine again and it’s still working absolutely fine. Perhaps a fresh install is worth a try otherwise? Hope that is maybe of some help. All the best!

[@cesarskydiver]

As usually, Microsoft does NOT understand a plane has a SOUND. And sound is 50% of immersion... A good plane with a mixer sound feels like a flying mixer...

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Haha, I very much agree that sound is important Cesar. I used not to care all that much about sounds, but I’ve come to realise that they are somewhat pivotal in creating an immersive experience! Since we lack many areas of feedback in the sim, that you would otherwise have in reality, sound is one of the few areas where you can really “feel” what the aircraft is doing. Most of Carenado’s sound packs have been quite good in MSFS, but this wasn’t one of them unfortunately. . . All the best! : )

[@flipsgold7713]

window down:" TIP TOP " 🤣

[@deondreward2494]

The market place for the piper pa34 Seneca v has a error

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Oh, what’s the error Deondre? I bought it through the Marketplace, no issues on my end. All the best : )

[@Thomas22may]

Autopilot is completely broken for me, it rolls left and dives vertically towards the ground 🙁 External power doesn't work and has a few missing/inop buttons in the cockpit. Really bummed about my purchase

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

That’s odd. The autopilot is far from perfect, as you may have seen during the review, but I haven’t experienced any behaviour like that. That sounds like the same sort of behaviour that was plaguing the sim a few months ago. . . Does it do that under every circumstance? As for a few missing / inop switches; I’m afraid that’s to be expected with Carenado. I didn’t find anything too pertinent that was inop when I ran through the checklists, but I must admit I’m not familiar with the type in the real world, so it may be that I missed something? Sorry to hear that you aren’t happy with it. I have no idea what the Microsoft / Steam refund policies are like for these sorts of things, but maybe worth trying to get in touch with them for a refund? All the best

[@Thomas22may]

@@IntotheBlueSimulations managed to get it to a point where it doesn't want to kill me every time I enabled AP, I'll set heading mode 1st, fly that heading manually then engage it, use heading to get to the magenta line on the GPS then enable Nav mode, less likely to do the spiral of death then. 😁

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Haha, well that’s a good step in the right direction! Unfortunately you really do have to “baby” the autopilot in MSFS. It doesn’t really do much of anything well. . . Ah well, happy (careful) flying! ; )

[@tomekwrs]

It's Continental. You may start it with mixture full rich.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Ah, ok John. Not an aircraft I’m familiar with in the real world, so thanks for that : ) All the best!

[@BraiyamGamer]

Hello, why when I'm in cockpit my fs2020 starts to get stuck sometimes, or going to run to poor? It only happens when I use the Seneca, in other planes I don't have the problem N when I put flaps the plane goes down instead of lift, second position of flaps n goes to -1000 V/S

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Hi Briian, That’s very odd. I couldn’t tell you why I’m afraid, I’ve not experienced any of the same behaviours. The flaps issue is strange. Are you sure you don’t have “Legacy” flight model selected in the sim? That tends to be the cause of these types of issues. I just tested my Seneca again, to make sure it wasn’t the sim update causing any issues. It’s still working fine on my end. Only other thing I can think of trying is a fresh install otherwise. Sorry I can’t be of more help Briian, I hope you manage to get it figured out. All the best!

[@mizra108]

Great review! I find the acceleration on takeoff is way too fast plus 1500 fpm climbs is also a clear sign the airplane as been given more HP than it should. What do you think? About the radial engine sounds, belive it or not, the seneca continental engines do make those puffing radial engine type sounds at very low rpms used for taxiing so its pretty accurate.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Thanks Mark! Honestly, I can’t comment too much on all of that with any veracity. The takeoff does feel rather abrupt and the climb performance is certainly rapid, but this model is the turbo version of the Seneca. Having never flown the Seneca myself, let alone the turbo version, I’m afraid I can’t really comment as to the accuracy of the flight model. On a hunch though, I would say it probably is over-performing yes. Haha, well there you go. Proving how little I know of the Seneca! My mistake. Good to know that’s accurate. Glad you enjoyed the review and thanks for the info! : )

[@CharlesPerrin-xr3cb]

Where the heck is the autopilot altitude selection indicator ?

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Hello Charles, I don’t believe that the Carenado Seneca V has one (you just set the autopilot to “ALT”, when you reach your desired level). All the best!

[@FillipePontes]

Awesome video!!! where can i find the ckecklist that u r using???

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Thanks Fillipe! Glad you liked it : ) I was using this one: www.flyace.at/media/NP_CL_OEFMW_5.pdf Enjoy!

[@FillipePontes]

@@IntotheBlueSimulations Great!!! I'm very thankful!

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

You’re most welcome! : ) Cheers Fillipe

[@JDSleeper]

I've wanted another twin. I enjoy the Baron. What decided me on this one was the Turbo. I need to try it at higher altitudes.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Same here Jon. I think the Seneca V fills a gap. I like the Baron, but didn’t end up flying it all that much as I prefer my steam gauges It’s nice to now have a slightly more in depth twin, with a bit of get up and go! : ) All the best

[@leesmaddocks]

Great informative video. I have been waiting for this aircraft to release as I have a few hours in a Seneca 3. Looks great apart from the internal engine sounds appear to sound nothing like they do in real life. This to me is an immersive breaking issue. The sounds look to be more generic. May wait!!! As I said, great informative video...

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Thank you very much, much appreciated! I’m hearing mixed feedback re the sounds. I have no time in the Seneca personally, but through my headphones at least, the engines were very quiet and sounded very generic as you say. Some people are saying if you crank up the base, open the DV window etc they sound quite accurate. Personally ideally I don’t want to have to use “workarounds”, but in fairness my headphones are not the best, so the sounds may be significantly better with a decent set of headphones. Overall the product is very good, it really is only the sounds that I think need some work. As you say, they are very important for immersion as well. Hopefully they will work on them, although frankly I don’t imagine they will. Thanks again and all the best! : )

[@leesmaddocks]

@@IntotheBlueSimulations Well I did indeed purchase it, glad I did really as it’s quite nice to operate. Sounds on the ground are not quite immersive but in the cruise they are not to bad. The aircraft is very good in VR and very immersive.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Great, glad you’re happy with it! Overall I think it’s a really nice bird as well. Happy flying! : )

[@Isselburg1983]

Is there also a possibility to remove the heat plate?

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

I’m afraid not. It would be nice I suppose. Actually just finished recording another video in the aircraft and the heat-plate was indeed in the way of the PAPI, all down final approach haha. But yeah, stuck with it I’m afraid. . . All the best!

[@falcony100]

I can’t full extend the flaps... don’t know why but the plane flips completely

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

That’s very strange falcony. Mine doesn’t have any such issue (as you can see in the video). A few things I can think of that are maybe causing this: 1) “Legacy” flight model option selected 2) Icing effects 3) Aircraft C of G issues 4) Control binding issues Do you think any of those might possibly apply in your situation? All the best! : )

[@falcony100]

@@IntotheBlueSimulations I tried today but the same issue happens. The plane nose tend to pitch down when flaps are extended... full flaps mean the plane response to circle down like trying flip up side down... pretty weird.

[@falcony100]

Change flight model to modern!... the plane stop acting like a crazy horse when flaps was extended... pretty weird behave from legacy and modern I wonder why such a drastically aerodynamic difference.🤔

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Ahah! Thought that might be it. . . Great that you sorted it! : ) Legacy basically uses FSX flight modelling, so it can be uses on some mods / ported aircraft, but it often causes major issues with any MSFS native aircraft. Better to stick with “Modern” under most circumstances. Happy flying!

[@hrvojebartulovic7870]

What's the function of that rectangular"shading"thing on the windshield? Is that for aiming the birds just like the Mercedes sign is for aiming the pedestrians?

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Actually, curious myself; I knew it was for windshield anti-icing but I’ve always wondered, is it just that little area that is heated / will be kept ice-free, or does it act as a heating element for the entire windshield? Cheers : )

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Haha, that would probably work too! but as Darth kindly mentioned, it’s actually for windshield anti-icing ; )

[@markseifried3959]

I would like more data when you are flying. What was your true airspeed at 11,000 feet? What % of power were you? What was your fuel flow and were you LOP/lean of peak 50 degrees? What is the useful load of this plane? Thanks

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Hi Mike, Thank you for your feedback and I take your point on board. I tend to vary my review style a bit from aircraft to aircraft, somewhat dependent on how much of an in-depth simulation it purports to be. For example, during my reviews of the Just Flight Arrow series, I did give some analysis of much of what you have mentioned. To some degree I also work under the assumption that the audience will see certain things for themselves (cruise speed and power settings for example). All that said, I will try and go into a little bit more detail on such things in future videos (where appropriate). Thanks again, all the best! : )

[@adamodwyer2825]

My autopilot isn’t working on it for some reason

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Oh, that’s very strange Adam. I flew it a couple of weeks ago (I believe post-update 5) and all was working well. Apologies if I’m stating the obvious, but are you turning the autopilot master switch on? There is a 3-way rocker switch to turn on the flight directors / autopilot. Once that’s been selected, then you can choose your desired modes from the AP unit itself. All the best! : )

[@tazzie165]

Hey, flying where I was born! Gotta try out Queensland or the Kimberly in North Western Australia. Amazing mountain ranges

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Never would have guessed it from the name Tazzie. . . : P Well unfortunately the cloud coverage didn’t do a great deal for the views, but Tasmania looks spectacular and I definitely enjoyed the flight! Kimberly and Queensland are on the list ; ) All the best!

[@privelegec2012]

"Bravo" Now for the wallet! By the way I turned up the bass a little and WOW!

[@Topcat1952]

Totally agree. I was blown away by the engines, especially when I had the pilot's window open.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Thanks! Sorry for the hit on the wallet then haha. Ah, ok. I’ll have to try that myself then! My headphones could be better in fairness, but I could barely even hear the engines with the sound settings at their default values. Thanks for the tip! All the best : )

[@robertodiniz7314]

I've tried the same procedure as the POH but the plane wont climb single engine, the performance is very dif than real...

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

It’s very interesting that you say that, Roberto. I remember another viewer reaching out with the same issue (quite some time ago); I thereafter tried a single-engine climb with the Seneca and had absolutely no problem - the aircraft was over-performing if anything. I’ve no idea what could account for such a difference in performance, but there must be a reason for it (it was discussed at the time, but I’m afraid we never got to the bottom of things). Sorry I can’t be of more help on that one. All the best!

[@codybarnett9180]

I can't seem to get the S-TEC 55 Autopilot (Avionics Master On - FD/AP Master Set to On) to function properly with ALT Hold (plane just nose dives), or changing flight lvl using VS +/- (plane just nose dives) or NAV (CDI set to GPS plane does not chase course). This plane will only trim pitching hard up or or hard down. It's probably something I'm doing wrong, but wish I could figure how to get this aircraft to function properly.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Hi Cody, Apologies for the crazy slow reply - I wanted to test the aircraft before getting back to you. I'm afraid I'm not sure what might be causing your issues; I just tried the Seneca autopilot myself and whilst it's far from perfect, all seemed to be functioning pretty normally. I did find that I had to disengage and then reengage V/S in order to get it to work, but ALT and NAV worked just fine for me. Are you still having the issues, or did you manage to get things figured out in the end? Cheers and all the best : )

[@radiumdude]

This has worked for me: only activate the master switch AFTER you’ve made your settings on the autopilot.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Ahh, that might be the difference then CS, as that’s what I normally do anyway. Thanks very much for offering up the info! All the best : )

[@anbrod1]

Fuel pump on takeoff/landing, why is that?

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Hi Anders, Good question! It’s basically for redundancy. That way if the engine-driven mechanical fuel pump fails at a critical stage of flight (namely takeoff and landing) the electrical pump is already running as a backup and will keep the engine running. Most (though not all) light aircraft operate on a similar principle when it comes to usage of the electrical fuel pump. Hope that helps? All the best : )

[@262malulani]

Hey, don’t kno why it’s happening but my Seminole is straight up unflyable right now. Plane vibrates, ailerons don’t work, but elevator, rudder and everything else works fine. Just ailerons are crazy. Any advice?

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Hi 262, The first thing that springs to mind; make sure your sim's flight model is set to "Modern" and not "Legacy", that can tend to cause a lot of strange behaviours with certain addons otherwise. Other than that, I'm not really too sure what it could be I'm afraid (if you're only experiencing this behaviour with the Seminole). I hope that helps. All the best!

[@Guinnesspimpin]

Is there a startup and pre flight checklist anywhere?

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Hi Shannon, I used this one, it’s pretty good. www.flyace.at/media/NP_CL_OEFMW_5.pdf Hope that helps! : )

[@30DegreesBank]

I always wondered, why the Hold Short on the runway and the final checks are made sideways on the taxi line? I guess you are turning towards the take-off heading, but why?

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Good question Nikola! As most aircraft engines are air-cooled, pilots tend to turn into wind for the run-up (engine test). The prevailing wind (which often tends to be roughly in-line with the chosen runway) helps keep the engine that little bit cooler at higher power settings. I hope that answers your question? All the best! : )

[@30DegreesBank]

@@IntotheBlueSimulations it does! Thank you!

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Great, you’re most welcome! : )

[@rayjennings3637]

I used to love this aircraft in MSFS but the last couple of times I've flown it, I've had to give up. Does the real aircraft have a method of aileron trim? I can fly it perfectly straight and in autopilot it follows a GPS magenta line like it's on rails but the aircraft is constantly banked 20° to port. The rudder is trimmed perfectly, my Cessna yoke is fully calibrated, the engines are set up identically, both tanks are full and the aircraft is properly balanced. Any clues, anyone?

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Hi Ray, Just had a chance to do a little testing myself and it's both good and bad news (depending on which way one looks at it haha); I didn't see any of the same behavior with the Seneca myself. The aircraft was flying absolutely straight and level with autopilot both on and off. So the good news is that the aircraft doesn't seem to have a fundamental issue, the bad news is that I have no idea what might be causing your issue. Are you running the most up to date version? I'm afraid that's the only possibility I can think of really. . . Sorry I can't be of more help on that one. I do hope you manage to get it figured out! All the best : )

[@rayjennings3637]

@@IntotheBlueSimulations Thankyou so much for your response. I assume I'm running the latest version of the Seneca V. Unfortunately there's no easy way of checking - that I can see, apart from looking for updates in my 'Profile' in 'Content Manager'. Anyway, the day before yesterday, I got a response from Carenado and what they said reminded me of problems that many people had after Update 5, i.e. they had lost all their settings or some of them anyway! In my case, following Update 7, my Flight Model had reset to 'Legacy'. Carenado simply told me to change it back to 'Modern' and that would be it. Would you believe it, it did, so I'm on the straight and level once again!

[@michaelmellner]

Hi there from italy and thanks for the nice video. How do yiu get that cockpit illumination? Tried that but i have a whitish light added to the instruments one. Can you help me out?

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Hi Michael, Thanks very much. My pleasure on the video, I’m glad you enjoyed it! It’s been a long time since I’ve had a chance to fly the Seneca (so I can’t remember 100%), but I seem to recall that the lighting switches you’re looking for, are located behind the pilots yoke. I hope that helps? All the best! : )

[@michaelmellner]

@@IntotheBlueSimulations great! In the meantime I found the reason of the wrong panel illumination. It is the two overhead white light. Once turned off the panel illuminates beautifully. Regards

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Great, glad you got things sorted! : )

[@mauriciodiaz5895]

Great flight. Could you share the checklist?

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Thanks very much Mauricio, I’m glad you enjoyed it! This is the checklist I was using: www.flyace.at/media/NP_CL_OEFMW_5.pdf All the best! : )

[@mauriciodiaz5895]

@@IntotheBlueSimulations. Excellent. Thanks for sharing.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

You’re most welcome! : )

[@thestromite3352]

Great video as always. Is anyone else having an issue with the weather radar?? For me, it only displays "Bendix King", and below is the text "This is the bottom info"! I have tried all the buttons btw. And various starts.I use the Honeycomb Alpha yoke. Does anyone have any idea as to what is going on??

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Thanks Stromite! : ) That’s very odd and I’m afraid I have no real idea what could be causing that. . . The only things I can think of; are you using any avionics mods in the sim? and maybe try a fresh install? Sorry I can’t offer much more help on that one. Hope you get it sorted!

[@thestromite3352]

@@IntotheBlueSimulations Thank you for coming back to me! Yeah, I use the G3000 & G1000 mods, and I was thinking that might be the issue, but I know a lot of people do use those same mods, and the issue would probably be more commonplace? Anyway, Ive raised a ticket with Carenado, and we will see.... Thanks again.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

My pleasure! I don’t use those mods, so I couldn’t tell you personally I’m afraid, but I would say it’s a somewhat likely culprit in that case. That’s the best idea though, get a ticket in with Carenado and see what they have to say. Good luck with it : )

[@josefvaculik9879]

Hello. The tablet on the control lever does not appear to me for adjusting the wheel chocks, opening the engine cover and so on. Please do not know how this menu is called up. Thanks

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Hello Josef, I believe Carenado may have moved the tablet since this video was recorded. I haven't flown the Seneca in a while, but I was just flying the Seminole and I noticed the tablet has now been moved down to the righthand side glove pocket - near the floor, just in front of the right door. Perhaps try looking in a similar area on the Seneca. I hope that gets you sorted! All the best : )

[@josefvaculik9879]

@@IntotheBlueSimulations Than you. I will take a look

[@josefvaculik9879]

@@IntotheBlueSimulations Hello. Thank you very much. The tablet was in the right pocket. You are an expert. Thanks Josef.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Perfect - you’re most welcome! Glad you found it ok : ) All the best!

[@gianpaolochibbaro1265]

Nice video very exhaustive..just a question: what is the HUD above the instruments panel? Thanks

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Thanks very much Gianpaolo, I’m glad you found the video of use! The “HUD” is actually a heated element within the windshield I believe. It’s the only section of the windshield that is actually heated to prevent icing (though I don’t recall if it is modelled this way in the sim). I hope that clarifies things. All the best : )

[@andrewstraatsma3136]

Great Review, thank you, where can we find the proper check lists?

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Thanks Andrew! : ) Checklist I used is here: www.flyace.at/media/NP_CL_OEFMW_5.pdf

[@andrewstraatsma3136]

@@IntotheBlueSimulations Thank you Sir, Appreciate it.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

You’re most welcome Andrew! : )

[@matteand]

Excellent review, thanks!

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Thanks again Mats! My pleasure : )

[@flightgamer7849]

Willing to bet the terrible weather radar and abrupt autopilot are the faults of Asobo. Pretty sad those issues still remain so obvious.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Oh the weather radar for sure. It’s just the default weather radar (which is far from ideal) with a fancy new facade to it (fair enough though). I strongly suspect you’re correct re the autopilot as well. It’s a shame that developers aren’t creating their own autopilot coding etc, since the default one can be really poor. It’s even more of a shame to see that Asobo still haven’t fixed something that is so fundamental! Hopefully it’ll get there eventually. . . All the best! : )

[@andrewgscook9312]

We don't do stalls with one engine out in the real world.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Fair enough Andrew: It was really just to save a little bit of time on my part, rather than having to restart the engine again etc. If I’d planned it better, I would have done the stall first haha. Still, I suppose it’s not inconceivable that one might inadvertently enter into a stall on a single engine, so as a flight model test I think it’s still valid. All the best! : )

[@trooks40]

Great video, thanks! Does the Earthquake transducer enhance your flight sim experience?

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Thanks T R, glad you enjoyed it! I would certainly say so. For For 2D simming, it just adds a little more immersion, but for VR I would say its a bit of a game-changer. It’s not perfect, but it certainly helps trick your brain into believing what you’re seeing is real. It wasn’t cheap, but I’d say I well and truly got my monies worth out of it. If you do decide to go for it; I’d recommend Shellshox over Buttkicker. My Buttkicker (which I owned previously) broke after less than a year (and that seems to be quite a common issue with them). Happy to answer any more questions if you have them : ) All the best!

[@mchose9819]

does anyone know what the glass thing in the front is for? so i mean that glass quadrant in the front window?

[@anthonyjohnson7764]

windshield heater

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Actually, curious myself. I knew it was for windshield anti-icing but I’ve always wondered, is it just that little area that is heated / will be kept ice-free, or does it act as a heating element for the entire windshield? Cheers : )

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Yes, it’s for windshield anti-icing as Anthony very kindly mentioned : )

[@seeingeyegod]

Does that have wing deicing boots? Looks like it does. I'd also be curious to see if the windshield deice only deices that heating frame, or around it, instead of the entire windshield

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

I believe it does, though they don’t seem to be visually animated when turned on. Haven’t had a chance to check whether they clear ice as far as the flight model is concerned. The windshield de-ice clears the entire windshield, rather than the panel itself. Not accurate of course, but I wonder if it’s not a concession made for the average simmer. . . Hope that helps : )

[@manifesting1428]

I have the Seneca V on FS2020. i have problems with flying on 1 engine. Somehow, I still have drag and cannot maintain the altitude or even climb slowly. the airspeed drops. is there anybody who know what the problem is?

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Hi Manifesting, It may not be that there's no problem at all. I gather that the Seneca's single-engine climb performance is pretty limited at best. Depending on how heavy you are, how hot it is outside, the altitude you're at etc, it may well be that the aircraft doesn't climb. Are you using rudder to keep the aircraft balanced and feathering the prop - both of those will certainly be a huge help (apologies if I am stating the obvious to you)? I just had a quick trial run in the Seneca myself and nothing seemed too untoward on a single engine. Does that help at all? All the best! : )

[@manifesting1428]

@@IntotheBlueSimulations yes i do both. Still the plane goes down by insufficient power. Is it ok with you that i demonstrate by using discord?

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

You’re welcome to send me a pic / video clip on Discord yeah. I’ll take a look when I get the chance. My channel Discord is linked in the video description : )

[@manifesting1428]

@@IntotheBlueSimulations oke i will add you and send a message

[@manifesting1428]

Do you have time today?

[@falcon127]

How is the FLIGHT MODEL, and. AVIONICS!!! ? Hmmm.

[@MrChrtorres]

how to engage autopilot?

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Hi Chris, sorry for the slow reply. It should just be a case of turning on the AP master switch (located on the right side of the main panel) and then simply engaging the desired modes on the AP panel. No joy with that? Cheers! : )

[@spaverse3996]

I dislike how Carenado models their interiors. every single plane they have made except for the 182T have such similar looks. Its why I didnt get the PA28 (as it looked to similar to my mooney and seminole) and now this... good review though.

[@jack.alexander99]

Couldn't agree more. I'm a fan of their work, but I too hate how similar they all are inside. I'd much prefer it to have been an earlier Seneca with no/a basic GPS and no digital engine displays.

[@arclight4625]

You might have to take this up with the Piper Aircraft Company. Correct me if I am wrong, but are these interiors not based on the real thing?

[@jack.alexander99]

@@arclight4625 They are yes, however there's no variety with the aircraft Carenado choose is what my complaint is. Both the PA44 and PA34 have a G530 moving map, slaved HSI, dual axis AP etc, but I personally don't think there's enough of a difference between the two aircraft (other than handling and performance characteristics, which I can't imagine 50% of the purchasers know about) to make it interesting or tempting to buy. I'd rather have a PA23/PA31 with all steam gaugues, no ap, DI rather than HSI - but hey that may be me. Also, I hope you think I'm not being a keyboard warrior with you, just explaining what I mean a little better. If it's your cup of tea, great! I'm sure there are lots of people who disagree with me.

[@arclight4625]

@@jack.alexander99 No offense taken, that explanation makes more sense, where as the similar interior complaint didn't really make sense to me. Considering they were roughly similar era planes with, you said it similar avionic packages made by the same Aviation Company. So it's kind of expected that the interiors would be mostly the same. The PA-31P would be nice. But in my opinion it would be nice to see Just Flight or Carenada stop making Pipers, and try their hand at something else. Provided they have the licensing of course which might be the problem and why we end up with the same planes from 2 different Developers. I have come to like the steam gauges myself just for the fact I find them easier to read and scan then having to constantly zoom in/out on the Garmins to try and read the small lettering. But I do love how easy it is to Make flight plans on say a G3000. I'm finding a mix of steam gauges and the gtn750 Mod, so far is the sweet spot for me. I hate the G530, I always get lost in the menu and cant seem to find my way back out... I am also not a pilot so what do I know lol. Cheers.

[@jack.alexander99]

@@arclight4625 Glad no offence was taken! Oddly enough I never thought about it that way. I believe the Seneca is still in production today and the Seminole was discontinued a few years back - as you say that's probably why they have a similar instrument cluster and avionics. I think MILVIZ are making a Cessna 310 which will definitely be a nice addition to the selection, and fingers crossed with steam gauges. I've flown with both steam gauges and G1000s and G5s and my favorite has to be the mix of G5s with steam standbys - call me weird but I like old school. One thing I do have in favor of the PA34 and 44 is the 6 lever cockpit. I've flown the DA42 (younger brother to the 62) and FADEC just isn't as fun to me. Either way I'm sure there's a lot in the pipeline from all sorts of developers. Happy simming!!

[@ryanp6999]

Why even release the aircraft if the noises sound so bad?

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Yeah. I’ve heard mixed opinions from everyone re the sounds. Some people actually like them, but I personally still think they need work. It’s a shame really as for me, the sounds tarnish what is otherwise a rather excellent product from Carenado. Cheers Ryan : )

[@CMACJAZZ]

Excellent presentation and operation of the aircraft on a scenic flight, did you set up the flight plan using the on board GNS 530. Am I correct in thinking you can fit another navigation unit. GTN 750? Thanks for the review, unfortunately Carenado products are seldom updated to rectify genuine snags in this case A/P and Engine Sounds.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Thank you Charlie! I actually just set up the flight using the default sim flight planner. I’m not sure about being able to switch out navigation units. I didn’t see anything in the basic product literature regarding that (maybe its written elsewhere though?). You can of course switch out the default GNS units for the modded versions, which would be a significant improvement to the aircraft. Yes, I’m not expecting the sounds to get sorted (although quite a few viewers have commented that they actually like them, so horses for courses on that one I suppose). The autopilot, I suspect is Asobos fault as much as Carenados, so hopefully that will be improved in due course. Hope you’re keeping well Charlie! : )

[@kevykevTPA]

Did you test it in VR? And if so, does the VR zoom function work properly?

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Hi Kev, I have tried it in VR and it looks very nice. I’m afraid I haven’t tried the VR zoom function though - I’m not familiar with it and couldn’t find a key binding for it in the controls menu? If you would like me test it, let me know the key binding etc and I’ll happily oblige. All the best! : )

[@kevykevTPA]

@@IntotheBlueSimulations The default is the right mouse button, but it doesn't always install right. The function you're looking for is "VR - COCKPIT FOCUS". In addition to the right mouse button, I also programmed it to a button on my yoke. It's a *super* helpful feature, for everybody really, but _especially_ for us disabled folks who can't really bend and twist our bodies to see everything up close. But even for non-disabled folks who want to see something up close that's way on the other side of the cockpit, it's really useful. That is what I want to know if it's working in the Seneca, but if it's not, or you're not sure what I'm talking about, most if not all of the default aircraft work right, as does the A32NX (the FBW modded version), and it is _really_ nice for that one, since the cockpit is so large. If you're not familiar with that version, you really MUST install and use it, as it's completely awesome! And if you need help learning to fly it, I can give you some lessons using MS Teams to connect us for voice and screen sharing. LMK what you find out please! KevyKevTPA

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Hi Kev, Sorry for the slow reply. I’ve only just had the chance to run some tests. I found the function you mentioned and assigned a key to it accordingly (nothing was assigned by default). Unfortunately though, I couldn’t get it to work in the Seneca. I don’t know if this function is aircraft specific (from what you said previously, it sounds like it is)? Either the Seneca doesn’t support it currently, or the function just isn’t working correctly on my sim. . . Definitely been enjoying the FBW mod myself! It’s excellent as you say. It’s very kind of you to offer, but I’m actually pretty up to speed with the Airbus myself : ) In short, I would say the zoom function doesn’t work with the Seneca currently. If you can think of something else I might try, happy to test again when I can find the time. All the best!

[@kevykevTPA]

@@IntotheBlueSimulations Thank you so much for doing that for me! There's nothing more to do, it either works or it doesn't, and it sounds like it doesn't. That's a shame, just cost Carenado $30, but I'm not sure they care about one little piss-ass sale much. The thing I don't get is that the Seminole works _perfectly_ but none of the rest of Carenado's lineup does. Assuming they actually did that on purpose (maybe they didn't?), I _maybe_ can understand why the older planes that were released before VR was wouldn't work, but this one is newer and VR has been out even longer now. Go figure. I don't get it.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

My pleasure Kev! Yeah, that is very odd then. I didn’t realise it was an aircraft specific feature until you mentioned it. As you say, makes no sense that the newer aircraft wouldn’t have it (with VR now integrated into the sim). I can only assume it’s been omitted out of laziness then : / Sorry about that. All the best! : )

[@ellonysman]

Love, love,love When are you coming over to CYXX Abbotsford for pie n coffee???

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Haha, thanks Steve! I’ll add it to the list! It might take me a while to make it all the way over there in my Seneca though! ; ) All the best

[@mi8ts]

Is the heatplate working?

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Somewhat. It will de-ice the windshield, but the whole windshield will be de-iced, rather than just the plate itself. All the best

[@MrCrazyjoe259]

CDI button on gps doesn't work for me.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Hi Joe, I just gave the Seneca a quick test and everything seemed to be working normally for me (which somewhat rules out an issue with the addon). Could it be a hardware binding issue, or perhaps you’re using some sort of avionics mod etc? I do hope you manage to get things sorted! All the best : )

[@MrCrazyjoe259]

@IntotheBlueSimulations huh that's interesting. I'll give it a shot again after work. I am not using any avionics mods apart from WT g1000nxi which I think as of a few updates ago became standard for aircraft that use G1000. I'd like to note that literally everything else works on the Seneca, but I when I click on the CDI button nothing changes. If there's a key binding for switching CDI modes, that may remedy the issue for me.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Hi Joe, I’m fairly sure there will be a keybind but, I’m afraid I could tell you what it would be (off the top of my head). I too was using the in-sim Working Title mods, so I don’t think it will be that causing the issue. Cheers!

[@MrCrazyjoe259]

@@IntotheBlueSimulations Update: Installing the WT GNS 530/430 package from the marketplace fixed this problem for me, the CDI button works now.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Happy you got things stored : )

[@emersonprytula]

please link to download PA34

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Hi Emerson, I’m afraid I can’t provide a link, as you can only purchase it through the in-game Marketplace (it can’t be purchased elsewhere as far as I’m aware). Just look in the in-game Marketplace and you should find it there though : )

[@jameschartrand7962]

I'm new to msf, is this a real plane or at least based on one?

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Hi James, welcome to the sim / hobby! : ) It is indeed a replica of the real-world Piper Seneca V. Most addons tend to be replicas of real world aircraft (probably in the order of 90%), but you do occasionally get fictitious ones also. All the best!

[@megathumper777]

Is it normal to take the gear that early? Shame the engines sound so bland…

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

I don't know about "normal" Thumper; it's probably pretty inefficient though haha. If I remember correctly, I thought I was a bit high at the time and the Seneca didn't seem to want to slow down in a hurry either - so I took the gear for a bit more drag. I thought I was high down most the approach and only realised after the fact, that it was actually a T-VASI as opposed to a PAPI that I was looking at ha. Twin engine GA flying is by far my least knowledgeable area, in terms of real-world experience; but generally we would extend the gear on downwind (if entering into the circuit) or before commencing the final descent (if flying an instrument approach). It's not unheard of to take the gear for a bit of extra drag though, if you find yourself a bit hot and high. Even on the Airbus, we'll sometimes take the gear early on the approach, if the aircraft isn't where we want it in terms of speed. Hope that clears things up a bit! Cheers : ) PS. Yeah, the Seneca actually sounds alright with some really decent headphones and the volume cranked right up; but ordinally I find the sounds a little bit lacking unfortunately.

[@megathumper777]

@@IntotheBlueSimulations fair enough, it’s been so long since I’ve flown a twin prop. Always nice to have some drag to lean against if you’re a little high or if the plane is slippery….

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Haha, sorry man, I didn’t realise you were on the 380 (not sure if you mentioned previously, or if my memory is just rubbish?); most of that explanation was a bit redundant then! XD Like you, it’s been a long while since I’ve flown a twin prop. I’m sure someone more current / competent than myself would have done things quite differently, but I got it landed on the right bit of tarmac at the very least and I guess someone else is paying for the virtual fuel at any rate ; )

[@mikecoffee100]

been a year wonder if any updates for the twin am rather intersted in it I am.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Hi Mike, It’s been a while since I’ve had the chance to fly the Seneca actually. Last time I did fly it, I recall it being broadly the same. Carenado do tend to patch to fix up bugs (at least in MSFS), but they don’t tend to continue to develop their products. What you see on release, is usually what you get thereafter. Sorry I can’t offer anything more concrete on that. All the best! : )

[@mikecoffee100]

@@IntotheBlueSimulations I trust your videos and plan to get the aeroplane just the same.

[@mikecoffee100]

@@IntotheBlueSimulations ah

[@tiagocarvalho7313]

What about the FPS? compared to the default TBM?

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Im afraid I don’t know what the FPS is vs the TBM, but I believe I gave the FPS vs the default C152 in the conclusion (I always do, unless I forgot on this occasion?). Hopefully that’ll give you a ballpark and you can do the maths based off that? : ) All the best!

[@oulupulu]

I have a couple of Carenado models, and the pilots bother me. I like that MSFS has some diversity in the pilots, the Carenado pilots are just tubby white guys. The aircraft are OK, but I hate looking at them from outside the aircraft because the pilots don't look like me. Even a generic flight suit with helmet is better, because that _could_ be me...

[@oulupulu]

Great review though :)

[@Redridge07]

the plane is not fully my color ... how can anyone enjoy a flightsim that is not in there skin color

[@oulupulu]

@@Redridge07 asshole

[@rayharris8113]

Hi Becky, you make a valid point; there are so many great lady pilots out there, why shouldn't they be represented in the sim? I'm sure it would help to inspire girls as well as boys to learn to fly. P3D planes did better on this score but I don't see much diversity in MSFS as yet (apart from the lovely Jamaican ATC). Maybe you should send a message to Carenado or MSFS forum to that effect.

[@oulupulu]

@@rayharris8113 Why thanks! There are configurable pilots for all the MSFS aircraft, and I wonder if Carenado could hook into that? If Asobo haven't made that something that modelers can use then shame on Asobo. If they have, then maybe Carenado could just use that?

[@BernardLangham]

is that some kind of hud reticle on the windscreen? is it inop?

[@ech0tang0]

It is the heated part of the windshield.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

As Espen says, it is the heating part of the windshield anti-ice system. Now, whether or not that works, I have yet to find out haha (though I have no reason suspect it doesn’t). All the best Bernard : )

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Indeed. Cheers Espen! : )

[@colinboone9920]

Everything looks pretty neat, but those darn engine sounds… utterly tragic

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Hi Colin, Yeah, the sounds were indeed a bit of a let down. They’re somewhat improved with a decent set of headphones (that I wasn’t wearing at the time), but they’re a weak area of the offering in my opinion. Surprising really, since most of Carenado’s MSFS offerings have actually had rather nice sounds to date. . . All the best! : )