First look at the Carenado Cessna 182 RG II in Microsoft Flight Simulator

Today we take the Cessna 182 RG II for a flight from Duxford down to Elstree in Microsoft Flight Simulator (we originally set out for Wycombe Air Park, but change course mid-flight). Another wonderful aircraft from Carenado - perhaps one of their best!
#msfs #flightsimulator #aviation #flying #flight #simulator #microsoft #asobo #carenado #cessna #c182rg #duxford #elstree
---
Useful resources:
All of the functional procedures I have written up to get aircraft up and running in simulators:
- ko-fi.com/jonbeckett/shop
My flight simulation blog (subscribe by email for free!)
- jonbeckett.substack.com
---
Resources I use to create content:
Microsoft Flight Simulator
- www.flightsimulator.com/
Navigraph (charts, flight planning, and tracking)
- navigraph.com
Copyright © 2023 Jeppesen. All rights reserved. The charts are available to the flight simulation community via Navigraph.
LittleNavMap (mapping software)
- albar965.github.io/littlenavm...
OBS (Screen and audio capture)
- obsproject.com/
Volanta (flight tracking)
- volanta.app/
Simbrief (flight planning)
- simbrief.com
---
Computer Specification:
- CPU : Intel Core i7 @ 3.60 Ghz (Skylake)
- GPU : NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080
- RAM : 16Gb
- HDD : 1863 Gb NVME
- NET : 500 megabit fibre

[@Squirel]

What a great aeroplane for GA enthusiasts. Ok, it's not study level, but that doesn't stop you following correct procedures, checklists etc. It actually looks to me as though Carenado have lifted their game with this one and I for one, will enjoy it for a long time. Thanks for the review.

[@rickb1428]

This plane is so enjoyable, great details and sound and like you say; a Cessna with good ground handling (nosewheel) and autopilot.

[@donaldholman9070]

The 182 was what Gerrie Mock used for her round the world trip. She was the first woman to complete the trip! Her’s was a tail dragger.

[@rlnay]

The Cessna 182 Skylane seats 4 large people comfortably. It is larger and heavier than the 172. SWEET flying airplane!!!

[@Arclein.]

Awesome to see your first look already up. I went ahead and snagged the aircraft from the marketplace, then came over to youtube and was pleasantly surprised to see this video in my feed. Thanks for the awesome content as always!

[@Michael-vs3ot]

Flying for 16 years and I've never got into an aircraft without leaving the pilot window open until T/O. Got that from my Dad who wanted to hear every wave of sound coming from the engine. Window never closed until we lined up and then Soon as touchdown, flaps up, window open, taxi to parking. Not to mention it can be quite hot in these birds.

[@milesy35]

Fantastic review of the 182, subbed. I'd never even heard of Carenado before but will certainly be purchasing this gorgeous looking 182 from them.

[@GumperVanLier]

Interesting as Carenado chose the steam gauge over glass. Good move as the other 182 model has the G1000. Great review. I'm going to purchase this.

[@Aviation_Game]

They stopped production in 1986 so it didnt come with a glass panel to begin with

[@underpressure4925]

@@Aviation_Game I think he's referring the the Carenado 182T That one is still in production with the G1000

[@Aviation_Game]

@@underpressure4925Oh i see gotcha

[@nuversion8673]

I've purchased everything Carenado has offered to the sim so far and this is certainly going to be another one. The quality of the texturing is amazing as usual, but this one seems to have even more detail. As you mentioned the engine sound is great. Some people complained about the engine sound in the other Carenado 182, but if you watched videos of the real plane they were practically identical. The sound was changed in the recent update, and its ok I guess, but I sort of liked the original. Anyway, I'm glad to see release of the 182 RG and I'm sure I'll be spending a lot of time with it. Thanks for posting another incredible video!

[@jmace1957]

I have been waiting for this! One of the favorite planes I ever flew IRL. It looks like they sort of fixed the issue that they had with the regular 182 where you can't hardly see out of the side windows!

[@nicknicholson1268]

Thanks Jon for this great flight. Definitely my next purchase next week. Cannot wait to take it for a spin.

[@Silvera-Avian]

Looks absolutely stunning. I have a couple Carenado aircraft so far in the sim and I really enjoy how photorealistic they are. Their sounds are usually among the best as well so despite the systems depth they sometimes lack, they do really excel at a great FEELING while flying, which sometimes contributes more to immersion and fun in the simulator. I don't like to be a snob but I really do think this is a bar more aircraft need to hit - besides A2A a lot of devs tend to focus on either visuals or simulation fidelity, not both.

[@elkhornyc]

Thanks for this Johnathon. So glad you diverted to Elstree. That's my home base, and now with the 182. I went to school at Haberdashers just a half mile east, from 1957-1967. Now an expat in Santa Cruz, CA. My similar local airport is KWVI which you might try using when exploring the Monterey Bay and Big Sur.

[@doug6072]

As always an honest to goodness review, thanks again think I'll pick this one up today!

[@lvwpy]

Was waiting for it since a long time, and it didn't dissapoint! Bought it yesterday and already crossed the Andes at FL170!

[@Rahhhhhnman]

I do enjoy your sensitive approach to price, skill level, game requirements etc, in evaluating aircraft. I bought this one and love it, but also just bought the BS King Air and love it equally. All depends on what level you feel like flying at. Kudo's Jonathan for the fair assessment. This ones a very useful add.

[@Rookblunder]

ok could'nt wait. Had a nice fly in Rome and I really enjoyed it.

[@jonbeckett]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Guerry-3]

Thank-you so much for sharing your cockpit with us, and I most appreciate your succinct, yet thorough review of the C182 RG. My name is Guerry, and I'm from America. I'm a total new-be to MSFS, and I've been searching for a transition aircraft to take me from the 152 into a complex aircraft. As of now, the 182 RG seems to be the best for that which suits my needs. Although the 182 RG will not receive a ticket for speeding, it is certainly the most robust retractable single engine aircraft I've seen. Especially given its landing gear design, I look forward to using any level piece of terrain long enough. The one thing that kept throwing me was where in the world was its fuel flow meter. I am so accustomed to seeing an analogue gauge next to the other instruments, yet it was not there. Finally, after staring at images of different instrument panel displays, I found it to the left of the COM/NAV equipment at the bottom of the panel. And so, the mystery is solved, Holms! How embarrassing. Since at one time I was current as a pilot, I am so used to the old way of navigation that strictly utilized VOR's and DME's. All of the newer glass instruments will have to be put on the back burner until I hone my skills with MSFS much better. With the option for the older instrument panel, it is another reason the 182 RG is attractive. Again sir, I am most grateful for your review. I look forward to your next post. Turning left final, out.

[@caribbaviator7058]

Bought it last night. I'm normally not into carenado planes but this was a ton of fun! Better than their other 182

[@jlboynton]

Love it! I flew it in VR yesterday. Very nice!

[@CCWSig]

Almost caught those wires! Thanks for posting, great content!

[@helio295]

Great video. I just got this survey also. Carenado does such a great job and has for years. Thanks for the tip on Little AirMap. Carenado aircraft are simply choice. Happy Landings!

[@citation66]

Thank you for this beautiful video, by now I am a big fan of your reviews and videos. A real masterpiece!👋👌🤩

[@jonbeckett]

My pleasure!

[@GumperVanLier]

Just finished a nice short flight. The autopilot works well with the altitude hold after VS reaches it and it works well with the GTN 750 premium. The autopilot switches to VLOC and moves ILS frequency from standby to active frequency all automatically. Very nice.

[@Guerry-3]

Thank-you for your comment. Have you tried a soft field landing and takeoff on say a pasture, agricultural area, etc.? I would love to read how well the aircraft handled that sort of surface. Thank-you ahead of time.

[@leerose9436]

Awesome ! I do like Carenado Aircraft ! I’ve just had my first flight in this and it’s very Nice to be fair ! Cheers JB that’s another beer 🍺 on the slate 😂😂😂👍🙏🏻👨‍✈️✈️

[@caiazzo123]

Snapped this one up it’s brilliant I also love the Skymaster for the high wings going to spend some hours in this

[@rolanddutton]

Great overview - looks like one of their best, up there with the 170 and 337. I love little details on Carenado planes like the dirt around the window sills. Really makes it feel like a proper used aircraft. It would be amazing if someone added the crazy stol mod you can get irl, with canard wings and 30kt stall speed.

[@Jannik_Stein]

This might be my first carenado plane in MSFS

[@caribbaviator7058]

Go for it!

[@kiwinesss]

I can't wait to try this one out!

[@GulfCoastTim]

Great video Jonathan.👍As soon as i saw this plane on marketplace yesterday, and saw it was a Carenado, i knew it would be a great buy. So yeah, im going to pick it up after a grab a few others i wanted.

[@jonbeckett]

Thanks for watching!

[@RevNicholasJonsson]

THanks,😄👍🏼 Jonathan... I'm going to get one for myself

[@MrDanoman812]

Awesome job on the video by the way first. Something odd to me. I know i'm probably wrong but, i had always seen the Cessna 182 RG without wing struts. I've been in aviation all my life and i've never seen a 182 with them, always without them. It was one of the things i always looked for to identify them from a distance or in the air.

[@juliashenandoah3965]

This sleek super-luxurious fully leather-covered interior with beautyful round analogue gauges makes me want to come back to general aviation :)

[@steffieth]

awesome sceneries

[@jackr3999]

Thank you for the feedback.

[@pepitaflyparamotor7796]

Nice landing

[@Ngamer834]

I will be buying this looks good.

[@ericmarciano075]

Thanks for the video, excellent, it convinced me in buying this aircraft. Just a few remarks: - You forgot to set the QNH before taking off :) - You took off from runway 06 instead of 24, not important... - The autopilot is the standard KAP 140 by Asobo so its behavior is not decided by Carenado, it works like in all other aircraft that use it. - I wish I could see the aircraft at night to see the panel night lighting

[@caesaragomez2135]

Buen video Jonathan. thanks.

[@jonbeckett]

You're welcome

[@pepitaflyparamotor7796]

Jonathan,Nice movie good plane.

[@helicopterovirtual-msfs6254]

Excelente.

[@antonioogando4705]

Mto bacana esse avião no FS. Conseguimos movimentar a camera em todos os angulos por dentro e indo pra fora continuamente! O voo é prazeroso, facil.

[@ErikFigueroa]

I'm also enjoying the 182RG a lot, and I enjoy it much more than the T182 (with it's eclectic Garmin Nxi and separate autopilot unit). It reminds me a lot of the Skymaster, which is still my favorite Carenado plane in the sim. Until they release a Turbo or Shrike Commander, maybe!

[@lvwpy]

Same to me! I love the 337, and certainly this one feels almost like it!

[@Guerry-3]

Thank-you for sharing your experience. Since the Cessna type of retractable landing gear for its overhead winged aircraft is the most robust, have you tried doing soft field landings on say pastures or other soft landing fields? If you get the chance, would you please reply to me with how well the C182 RG handled? Thank-you ahead of time.

[@JonathanNYCity]

It's not the Carenado that's quirky. That's how those types of autopilots work. You can set your altitude but it's not going to change until you change your vertical speed. Just like on every other aircraft!

[@jonbeckett]

Not all work the same way. Many go to 500 ft per minute automatically as soon as you arm the pre-selected altitude.

[@youyu521]

Got it today, really like it with GTN750 and steam gauges combination Flies slower than my PA28, but atleast the engine dials ain't blocked by the yoke haha

[@patrickvolpe7508]

I remember the RG in FSX

[@jep1103]

Love that cessna had a chance to buy once...I dithered and she was gone😢

[@thesoursailor]

90% sure you would have brushed that Pylon at the end! haha!

[@jurgensauter88]

For me the up/down buttons on the AP do not show the climbing speed (on the flyover) for setting the desired climb/decent rate as I am used to with same type gear on other planes.

[@roborat2000]

You just hit the high voltage electrical cables just before landing!!!

[@user-cj4yh3pl8e]

Great video. Can you advise what add-on scenery you were using?

[@jonbeckett]

I took off from the free Duxford scenery from flightsim.to and landed at Elstree - which I think I got from Orbx

[@rikdejonge9124]

Hi Jonathan, I watched your video on the 182RG, now I started to wonder what add-on you are using for static or dynamic GA traffic. Thanks for the review!

[@jonbeckett]

I don't :) I'm just using the options in the simulator.

[@CplKitfox]

I see you had a "cameo" in Huddison's Flow for Xbox video, while making this video. 😅

[@jonbeckett]

Really? That's funny :)

[@ceegnz]

Going to be everyone's favourite Cessna in the sim ? But real Cessnas have wheel pants ! And don't we already have am abundance of high wing steam gauge GA plan- ...... Oh. (sighs, gets credit card out). If only you could click on the headphone jack to toggle the headphone simulation. :) edit : Would be nice if it had an option to have no gps, just a panel full of radios and proper DME (not just the one on the GPS). Not sure about the in-game checklists, they seem to be copy pasted from one of Carenados twins, the engine start checklist refers a lot to the left engine and tells me to check the annunciators for L ENG GLOW at one point. I do like the way the VOR signal flickers in and out a bit at the edges of the range of the beacon though.

[@Guerry-3]

Thank-you for your comment. As far as instrument panel options, I also wondered about the options a available. I did a search on '"Carenado C182 RG instrument options" and viewed the images which showed me what I wanted to see.

[@StudioDaVeed]

Loved the RG in FSX but the interior and panel was lacking. How do you 'stack' your control windows in OBS? can't figure that out....

[@jonbeckett]

You can re-arrange the OBS windows by dragging their title bars.

[@jasonmartin1407]

Excellent video as always. Can I ask please, how do you access the charts in the GTN 750? For me the option is greyed out?

[@jonbeckett]

You need a navigraph subscription, and possibly the paid version of the 750 too.

[@jasonmartin1407]

@@jonbeckett Ok thanks. I have Navigraph subscription but how do I get subscription for the 750? Thanks.

[@laurence1654]

Best Carenado for MSFS for me.

[@caribbaviator7058]

Same here

[@lvwpy]

This one sits along with the 337 for me!

[@ksc5522]

I with MS Flight sim would work with Beam NG and create realistic physics for crashes.

[@jonbeckett]

The licensing probably doesn't allow it - much like Gran Turismo...

[@SCAJolly]

Is this an addon airport? The edge between apron and grass was really well executed here, I'd love to find out how they did it.

[@jonbeckett]

It's a freebie from FlightSim.To - Kern Valley.

[@Rookblunder]

Hi Jon. Does this have more functionality then the current Textron Cessna's Skyhawk for example that we get with the Dexluxe edition. This plane looks great but I wouldn't want to pay if I already have a similar plane available. I ask because I have more experience with the Airliners and every now and then I'll take a small plane out. As of now its the 208B Grand Caravan but I was wondering for a smaller Cessna model now.

[@jonbeckett]

It's similar - but looks better, and has more functionality :)

[@sargisshirinyan207]

I wish they would make the 210 Centurion

[@warrenholmes3311]

Try to connect with Carenado and have them support their aircraft? Good luck with that, If the answer is not on their website, you CANNOT contact them to ask for help.

[@tonyf9076]

Might just have to get this Jon, quick question, on take off you said you'd do a circuit of Goodwood and showed us the scenery, again as Goodwood, is that me or you getting confused i thought it was Duxford? 😂

[@jonbeckett]

I mis-spoke :)

[@tonyf9076]

@jonbeckett ahhh good, not my old brain then 😊

[@localizer363]

Hi Jon, Do you know if the manual gear extension lever works? It's a pump handle that's located on the floor between the 2 pilot seats.

[@jonbeckett]

I'll try it later :)

[@jimwhipple9784]

There's a handle between/behind the seats in my 82 T182rg in R/L

[@saprisista94]

hi, what's your yoke and rudder sensitivity settings? Thanks

[@elmarbartel2699]

Thank you for this very fine presentation! Somehow I can only adjust the altitude on the autopilot. It would not allow to set heading or more. What do I do wrong, please? Best wishes 🍀

[@jonbeckett]

You control heading with the knob on the compass - it moves a marker around the edge of the compass.

[@elmarbartel2699]

@@jonbeckett Thanks so much. Got it! Already guessed it while watching your video again😅

[@austinpuetz7750]

Is anyone else having trouble with the nav mode on the auto pilot. Or am I doing something wrong? Whenever I chose NAV mode on the AP, it does nothing. I have my flight plan activated, and the CDI set to GPS.

[@jonbeckett]

You have to be near the track for it to capture - it won't perform wonders.

[@krico135]

Does the GPS system have a flight timer on it so you know how long it took for a flight?

[@jonbeckett]

It varies from aircraft to aircraft. Some have a stopwatch / chronometer on the instrument panel - the G1000 has a stopwatch.

[@Emale2000]

Great video of a nice plane. Anyone able to get the External Power to work?

[@jonbeckett]

Is there a problem with it ?

[@Emale2000]

I tried putting the External Power to the test by trying to "jump start" the plane after intentionally running the battery down, but I had no luck. Maybe there's a switch I missed or maybe the software doesn't support jump starting a dead battery. @jonbeckett

[@onboardsimulations8304]

I wasn't impressed by the feel of the Carenado 182T, I was hoping it feels as good as their amazing Cessna 337 Skymaster, which, in my opinion, is a little bit better than the Just Flight Piper Arrow III. Maybe this RG II is different.

[@Guerry-3]

Thank-you for your comment. As a fan of the real life C337, I am tempted to purchase the aircraft after purchasing the Honeycomb yoke and engine control quadrant. I am one who wishes to control the aircraft and minimize AI pilot operations.

[@antonynaude3372]

Hi Jonathan, how are you panning around like that?

[@jonbeckett]

With the mouse, and the keyboard :)

[@antonynaude3372]

@@jonbeckett But how are you move the camera position so "easily" panning, I cannot "move" left and right, I can use the mouse to pan left and right

[@kokoeteantigha389]

​@@antonynaude3372 Try adding the keyboard arrow keys as well. Works for me.

[@ChaosHamsterG]

any idea to why the avionics are not working for me?

[@ErikFigueroa]

There is a separate switch for the avionics near the circuit breakers on the left wall.

[@ChaosHamsterG]

@@ErikFigueroa I know that. But it had to do with GTN750 not on the latest version

[@Jacob-40]

How to download this simulator ??? by the way, cool game details is perfect and you are the best pilot 🧑🏻‍✈️

[@jonbeckett]

Flight Simulator is available from the XBox store in Windows, and the aircraft is available from the marketplace within the simulator.

[@obriets]

And PC is available from steam as well

[@stephenbull2026]

Not being a pilot in any sense of the word, but didn't you take off from the wrong end of the runway ? The heeding bug which was set to 24 was at the bottom on take off. Shouldn't it have been at the top ? (Please feel free to educate me if required ). Despite not looking for a Cessna, This plane does look very tempting..

[@AdamVonSzabo]

Heading bug doesn't matter much, but he took off into the wind wich is the correct orientation, you can see the windsock at the end of the runway. I am also not a pilot though... :)

[@stephenbull2026]

@@AdamVonSzabo Ok, I see he put the heading bug in the direction the wind was blowing. That makes perfect sense. I am used to putting it in the direction i am taking off. , Thanks for explaining that. I think i will adopt that instead.

[@antonwrightphotography4133]

Is this available in msfs store?

[@jonbeckett]

Yes.

[@Michael-vs3ot]

And man Cessna had it right with the 170s. The visibility over the instrument panels was awesome but then they come out with the 172s and 82s etc and give this high lipped bulky visibility killing panel. I have always hated these panels. I like to see the top of the cowling and not a tall fat lipped panel. I think it's awful design in that area. Instrument panels in 170s are like a fine piece of china but these birds right here have panels that look like prison trays.

[@kylerholland7687]

It has annoying and unrealistic head mounted flashlight when flying at night. You can't turn it off. Sad.

[@jonbeckett]

You can control that in the settings of the simulator.

[@kylerholland7687]

@@jonbeckett Thank you Jonathan! I love your videos! You're awesome!

[@oztez9222]

🦘🦘🦘

[@ianwilliams7740]

gosh I hate "tinted" windscreens in these planes

[@mikecoffee100]

So Your saying that a Carenado aeroplane is good ?? well I trust Your Judgement always. Maybe if I close my eyes and spin around 3 times and click my heals it will become study level lol

[@Itallianmobboss]

I find carenado isn’t really for study level. They seem to be more of a mix. Casual simmers have immersion, but not too much like in study. And experienced pilots just get to have fun

[@patrickvolpe7508]

!specs

[@jonbeckett]

Scroll to the bottom of the notes in the video.

[@dizzychoonz]

of what? Aircraft or pc. Also..how about actually being bothered to ask a question properly? instead of just a lazy and arrogant 1 word..

[@CplKitfox]

As is usual with Carenado, it's all "pretty" textures and a massive lack of systems depth.

[@jonbeckett]

It's done to a budget, and to a mass audience. If all aircraft were study level, they would take a year to make, would cost many times as much, and would lose the interest of 80% or more of the audience.

[@Guerry-3]

@@jonbeckett: Thank-you for your reply. As someone who reads the comments left by others, I had the same question. You saved me hours of research.

[@CplKitfox]

​@jonbeckett OK, I rescind my previous comment. I bought Carenado's Seneca V, Seminole, V35B, and M20R all within the last month (out of boredom) and I am quite impressed. I looked at their website and they have an insurmountable number of planes that I'd love to have in the Sim. They just need to port them over from the older Sims. My apologies if I came off with an aggressive tone.

[@coldisle]

Agree totally..Re: favorite Cessna. It’s sounds great and flys great. It may be my new favorite. Six cylinders vs four is a very big deal .