P3D and XP11: Back To Back Laps At Bonners Ferry

A reader / viewer recently asked if I'd consider doing a comparison flight of the sim in P3D and X-Plane 11, and I was happy to do so. This video is only meant to illustrate the two platforms, both of which are excellent and both of which I enjoy very much, so make of it what you will.
In the video we do back-to-back laps of Bonners Ferry (65S), which I picked because it illustrates about the best setup my rig can do.
The P3D setup:
- Prepar3D v 3.4
- ORBX Northern Rockies Region
- ORBX NA Landclass
- ORBX Vector (nearly everything on)
- ORBX HD Trees
- ORBX Global Airports
- A2A Cessna 172
The X-Plane setup:
- X-Plane 11 beta 8
- Photorealistic scenery (freeware, made by me)
- HD Mesh 3 (freeware)
- World2XP North America (freeware)
- 65S Bonners Ferry (freeware, made by yours truly)
The settings in both are maxed out for autogen, although X-Plane has shadows ON and P3D had shadows OFF. Real world weather is OFF because it was raining and snowing in Bonners Ferry (although you see me play with it in the XP flight).
Note that X-Plane does not appear in my cockpit as washed out as it seems here, although it does simlulate the flat light of a high latitude differently that P3D, so it's not as saturated. The GoPro did its best to get the f-stop right but the dark cabin makes the projection screen a bit over-exposed.
Finally, and perhaps most exciting, I also have an engine out in X-Plane at the end of the flight (!), so that lap ends a bit sooner.
Thanks again for watching.

[@Aleksandar6ix]

Wow, I have never seen a setup like yours!!! So very cool Just for your setup alone, I like the look of XP11 better.

[@OnTheGlideslope]

Thanks.

[@BroBri]

I'm a student with close to 40 hrs of training and getting ready to build a dedicated system for flight simulation as well. I have always flown MSFS (since the early 90's) and didn't realize until I started taking lessons how "stiff" the flight models have felt all along. Like you, I love the A2A aircraft, but after seeing your demo and how lively the XP aircraft respond, I think I've made my decision as to which sim I'm going forward with. This was by far the most helpful video I've seen on YT--and not just because of your setup, which is awesome. Thanks for sharing! I absolutely enjoyed the surprise ending!

[@OnTheGlideslope]

Thanks Bro. The XP aircraft definitely feel more like the real thing to me, especially the default 172. When I go back to P3D I feel like I'm flying a brick, even with the A2A.

[@ThomasRasmussenXPlane]

Great comparison and awesome setup! ;-) I'm building a home cockpit myself, so I might check back to get some inspiration :-) Really liked the ending too! :-D Thanks for sharing!

[@OnTheGlideslope]

Thanks Thomas. Good luck with your cockpit. I have plenty of additional resources at www.ontheglideslope.net that should help.

[@Morthwyl]

I absolutely enjoy your videos! Your cockpit setup is excellent and has totally inspired me to build my own base on yours. Trouble is there is going to be some hard saving of funds! Keep making the videos!

[@OnTheGlideslope]

Thanks. It's worth it so stay with it.

[@RobRoyAus]

Great video! First time I've seen your excellent cockpit setup, which I'm off to research on your website. The engine-out was an unexpected bonus, and the immersion was working even through the GoPro as I really felt the tension. Thanks!

[@OnTheGlideslope]

+Rob Roy thanks so much.

[@Andromeda4482]

X-Plane 11 looks almost real with the camera effects.

[@OnTheGlideslope]

Yep. And the visuals have improved since then.

[@dedian]

After seeing your desktop background in the sim... it'd be kinda trippy to see you play some Elite Dangerous in there :D

[@OnTheGlideslope]

That would be cool.

[@IronCondorSimulations]

Great video! I do switch between both simulators. However, I do agree with ORTHO4XP that XP11 when released will be the best sim in my opinion. However, I switch back to P3D when using PMDG product for example. If the high quality AC makers go to XP. Look out! The flight models are way more accurate and realistic in XP11. As a GA pilot I can tell the difference.

[@OnTheGlideslope]

I agree. And thanks for watching.

[@KarlH1980]

I agree as well. At present if I am flying GA (which I do most often), I use XP11.

[@marcosdtc]

After having seen so many comparisons between P3D/FSX and x-plane so far, I`m more and more convinced x-plane 11 is the choice of the moment for both realism and scenery. Too bad I realized that after having already spent some money in FSX addons. XP11 will be my next purchase for sure. And thanks for the video @OnTheGlideslope ! Well done!

[@MrSameeg]

I'm sorry to say this Marcus. But no matter what simulator you fly You will forever be dipping into your wallet Even though a good lot of stuff is made Free by a lot of talented people for X-P11sooner or later the sim's will make a grab for your wallet. I look at the discs and downloads for the sim's I have and I have all of them and I started with FS5 which I still have. I could probably have had at least 30 hours real time flying lessons and On the GS he is my flying Guru?!.

[@MatrixMaverick1980]

Marcos C x-plane is the future.

[@cesarnogueira5105]

LOVELY COCKPIT! CLEVER, FUNCTIONAL & BEAUTIFUL! CONGRATS!

[@garyruhs9466]

My second video with you, again very informative and fun even though you are way above my comprehension most of the time. I'm still flying FSX-SE and learning more about that every day. Thanks for sharing :-) Gary Home base KVPZ

[@MatrixMaverick1980]

gary ruhs hope you get x-plane some day it is way more realistic

[@mattyarnall4902]

That is brilliant having the monitors in the side for windows. Flying a pattern in any simulator is such a pain since you can’t easily glance over at the runway.

[@justech]

Love the vids, great job on handling the engine failure and getting back on the ground. I recently joined PilotEdge after watching one of your vids-- it is a blast.

[@OnTheGlideslope]

Thanks. PilotEdge IS a blast. I wish more simmers would try it.

[@ellonysman]

Well, good thing you were flying higher then circuit altitude!

[@ioannisntoumas4376]

Congratulations for your home sim you have build and for your video! I think X-Plane it's better than the Prepar 3D one. X-Plane's airplane movement is for sure much more real than the Prepar. I am a student pilot too, wishing you to have great take offs and landings with safe and amazing flights trips!

[@rsvette123]

Well done my friend after using XP11 I have a hard time looking at the other guys cartoonish look - difference is day and night - XP11 is very impressive needs more work but has a great foundation - looking forward to the future of XP11

[@OnTheGlideslope]

Me, too, Rich. Thanks for watching as always.

Oh... Your setup looks far more comfortable to fly than VR

[@capt_dunsil]

Love the videos! I would love to see you redo some of your earlier P3D flights in X-Plane, like from KMRY to KAPC or KSNA to KAVX. Looking forward to more videos!

[@OnTheGlideslope]

Thanks, Jim. SNA to AVX is a good idea, especially as a PilotEdge flight. Maybe this weekend ...

[@capt_dunsil]

When you have time ;) Mr.X has a great KAVX scenery available in case you weren't aware.

[@OnTheGlideslope]

Can't wait to get it.

[@kengunn31]

Really enjoyed your video on so may levels. Your home cockpit is great, the comparison of those 2 sims is relevant to me at the moment, your handling of the engine-out was cool and controlled (and successful), and your commentary was 'professional'. I would like to know the specs of your computer. I chose a 'medium' system (i5, on-board graphics, etc.) before I became a flightsim tragic. Now I regret the limitations that places on my sim performance. Thanks !

[@vadermike7772]

Great video! I love your comparison, and your emergency landing

[@OnTheGlideslope]

+vadermike777 thank you!

[@eatmyjetfuel4998]

Amazing just amazing bot simulators are amazing even though I fly 11 and your cockpit is amazing and your video is amazing keep it up mate :)

[@OnTheGlideslope]

Thanks much.

[@ashadowawhisper]

The AirFoilLabs 172 is a great plane. Its a study model, extremely realistic.

[@paulbourne2478]

love p3d an fsx but I got to agree xp11 is looking like the new SIM to be had

[@OnTheGlideslope]

Whichever makes you happy. I enjoy both but use X-Plane more now.

[@ChrisMarcinik]

Hey @On The Glideslope I'm looking into building my own simulator space is limited so would you recommend using multiple monitors for the front view or a projector, and also any other tricks or tips for my project? Thanks!

[@OnTheGlideslope]

Hi Chris. Yes, lots of advice. Go to www.ontheglideslop.net ...

[@davidweisbrod5771]

very interesting comparison video between the 2 simulators. Actually, the engine stop in a issue I often observed with the C172. I don't know if this is due to random failures (I usually set them to zero ) but like you I don't remember doing something which may lead to that. If it occurs ahaint, perhaps a bug to report to laminar. great video, as always! :)

[@OnTheGlideslope]

Thanks. I was glad it happened. Good practice!

[@kenoath007]

Great vid', appreciated the comparison and loved your setup. Subbed.

[@THEMADSOUTHAFRICAN]

What a setup !

[@trevc]

Kinda late to the party here, but it seems like having a more realistic flight model would be the most important factor in comparing the two platforms. The P3D model didn't seem to fly anything like a real plane does, especially above the runway (unless the 172 has been retrofitted with some classified antigrav thruster tech). The P3D model looks like it just goes wherever you point it, without being as affected by any sort of airflow or variability in the environment.

[@GameRickster]

I love your setup, I too looking to create my own home cockpit.

[@OnTheGlideslope]

Go for it!

[@fva299]

Loved your video!! Awesome work!

[@OnTheGlideslope]

Thank you.

[@fawazchoudhary4063]

great to see you and awesome work

[@salmongalaxy1155]

love the setup! if you still make these videos would you mind showing how you got your camera settings? Im making a 3 display setup and not sure how to do the settings. Thanks!

[@elvis_aaron_presley1977]

Very nice and so realistic... thanks for uploaded this video.. also can you tell me the number on each monitors so I can set ur mines like yours.. Thanks

[@michaelmiklosofficial]

Very highly detailed and simulator

[@jaimeskiebel]

I enjoyed your video. Nice comparison. I was curious about your use of carb heat. The A2A 172 is a 172 R which is fuel injected and has no carb heat. I thought that the default x-plane 172 was also of newer r/s variant which also has fuel injection an no carb heat. Maybe that switch is attached to fuel cutoff or something similar. Just a thought. It was nice seeing you make it back to the field in one piece!

[@OnTheGlideslope]

Thanks, James. Yep, that bird is fuel injected. I've spent most of my time training in a PA 28-161 so I just went with the usual procedure and didn't even think about the difference in the Cessna. As for the failure, I'm pretty sure it was random as that switch doesn't do anything other than carb heat.

[@jameswaters3939]

immersive setup - nice.

[@bulltactv4809]

Do you have any videos for building this Sim cockpit?!? This thing is amazing!!

[@TJ-bl6lr]

Ditto...I was drooling the entire time watching this video, lol.

[@OnTheGlideslope]

No videos on construction, but I have a lot of information including basic schematics at www.ontheglideslope.net

[@bullittfanatic]

Did you ever find out what was the culprit of the engine out? Can't blame you with flipping a few switches in weather conditions. Indeed a strange event that happened on XP... Now flying (2 PC's on W-7): FSX SE-FSW-Prepar3d 1-2-3-4-Aerofly FS1-2-X-Plane 11, Strike Fighters series from store.thirdwire.com/store_p1.htm, etc... Started with FS 2002 Pro, Combat Simulator, FS2004 (FS9) Century of Flight, and FSX Deluxe (boxed DVD's). Awesome video presentation fellow virtual Captain. CYUL.

[@benjiminus04]

Your setup is amazing!!!

[@OnTheGlideslope]

Thanks!

[@Ninja-qm8bp]

Too bad there isn't a way to gut that co-pilot's yoke of the electronics, and run a chain between the yokes to have them both be the same, that'd be pretty sweet. Otherwise, very nice setup!

[@alexeigustafsson6279]

Love the cockpit setup

[@SIM3PAUL]

Hey OTG, I'm finally working on my cockpit (Baron 58) and I'm curious as to how you so perfectly setup your view to remove the cockpit and only show the nose of the aircraft and wings perfectly. Any advice is greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[@gertjanvandermeij4265]

26:00 well . at least you safe some fuel ! :-)

[@OnTheGlideslope]

It's one way to do so!

[@Wanderlinse]

stunning...

[@OnTheGlideslope]

Thank you!

[@captainchris93]

Wicked sim! You really should link those yokes, that would be cool too. Cheers

[@OnTheGlideslope]

Thanks. A lot of work to do and they aren't the same turn radius ...

[@higjeff]

Great video. Thanks

[@OnTheGlideslope]

Thank you.

[@DustyCowdog]

Pretty dang cool, but as a private pilot, to me it looks like the wing struts are strangely far in front ...still cool looking.

[@nikon2704]

your peak cap is very rainproof. Why do you wear it in the cockpit? No aircondition in the cocpit, please? The headphones doesn´t use, is ATC closed ?

[@marcusmmc]

Lose an engine and X-Plane still seems better! Fun video.

[@OnTheGlideslope]

Thanks for watching, Marcus.

[@MrTrueblues700]

hey there! I love your set up and would love to know how much you spent and maybe a blue print??? I keep watching wishing I had it in my room! Are you still flying the sim? do you still have it? Haven't seen any videos recently?

[@MrTrueblues700]

nevermind the havent seen recent videos lol i just saw them! but still want to know as much as you can tell me!

[@brentjohnson6654]

Nice video. Do you have a video describing your hardware setup? I am attempting to setup a realistic cockpit for a 172 or similar with glass cockpit like a PFD & MFD

[@cuperriera5457]

Hi, I really like your video is very good, I'm curious to know how you built your flight simulator, how did you do it, are TVs around? It looks great, does it have any video on how did the structuring of the TV's?

[@AlejandroGomez-np8vl]

Excellent video. I am also using 3 screens of 32 inches. But I have not managed to make PREPAR3D use the three screens. Could you please share how you did it?

[@AttilaShield]

I used to maintain Glideslopes. Metnav, ASSTEC shooting squitter all over the base.

[@OnTheGlideslope]

Cool!

[@CarlosFigueroasaxoeventos]

Hello! Very good video, congratulations and thanks for sharing! A query, what is needed to be able to use three screens with X-Plane? I thank you for your response, greetings from Argentina.

[@OnTheGlideslope]

Nothing. XP11 supports multiple monitors by default.

[@opafritzsche]

Hello Glides, hope you can help me. Can you show, how to take a Fuel Stop ? Wanna go from Kiel to Chemnitz ( Germany ) and my Problem is: my Fuel is not enugh. So i have 2 Ways to do this: 1. i can fuel up, on the Airport i start, or i need to do a "pitstop".- but how to do this ? Any idea ?

[@OnTheGlideslope]

I imagine you would land in X-Plane at an airport and then manually increase your fuel load.

[@AlejandroGomez-np8vl]

What an excellent video Thanks for sharing. I have a question: How do you manage to show the exterior of the plane without showing the cabin?

[@DownTheRabbit-Hole]

Thanks for the videos! I agree, I have used FSX (not P3D) and X-plane and the control inputs in FSX were always "stiff" and unrealistic particularly on approach, landings, foward slips, etc X-Plane appears hands down winner when it comes to feel of landings etc. I am not into scenery and immersion as much as most. I am more into control surface and IFR radio stack performance and realism, ILS GPS LPV etc . I use Airfoil Labs 172sp in x-plane and am very happy with realistic radio stack etc and IFR specs. I would like to train students over the internet with control over weather, systems failures, etc. Which platform would be better for "dual" pilots and training? Thanks BTW, Your reviews are far superior to most on internet. I am pretty Sim Wonky also Ha

[@NíveldeVoo]

Xplane is the best

[@Leo-it8hr]

XPlane Brasil vc aqui? kkkk

[@HarryBunnGRVOTV]

great flight in xplane.

[@Hyestar]

Xplane 11 looks great...minus the engine failure lol. :)

[@bubbawatkins1108]

that's fricken awesome how much a set up like that run ?

[@deccersmalone5488]

Hi. Great video. So so real. How do you create your own scenery. Does it take long? I'm new to the whole Flight Sim world :-) Has anyone any tips?

[@davelasky9041]

Oh never mind I found your website cheers!

[@bonchie1]

What source are you using for Orthos? I really like the coloring.

[@tommytongue356]

Do you have any videos/plans of your cockpit build and how you did it? I too am looking at projector with 2 tv's for side windows

[@OnTheGlideslope]

Go to www.ontheglideslope.net. Lots there.

[@thewizardii1638]

nice flying in engine failiure dude. how realaistic out of 100% is xplane 11 here to actual flying a plane?..

[@Connor-lj5vd]

90% its very realistic if you have the PC to run it

[@Hyestar]

ok....2 things..I am now getting the computers set up, screens etc. Your projector looks almost just as bright as your side tvs!? Is it? or is it just how it looks when you are filming. I ask, because my projector is not near as bright as the tvs? I bought a pretty high value lumen (is that the word) projector so Im not sure why this is?

[@OnTheGlideslope]

I have adjusted the settings in all three for them to closely match each other in color profile and brightness.

[@Flying_Acehole]

2:37 min; APP Mars. It seems like a loooooong flight.

[@cuperriera5457]

Hello I like your video very interesting, I have a curiosity if you put together your own flight simulator and how did you do it?

[@rickharriss]

It is home built. there ia a web site that explains much.

[@HarryBunnGRVOTV]

just wondering if you could do a flight from southend on sea to either sandy (microlight strip in bedfordshire) or to stanstead airport in essex.

[@HarryBunnGRVOTV]

in the uk

[@OnTheGlideslope]

I'll put them on the list. In the channel archives I have a flight from Wales you might want to check out.

[@opafritzsche]

Hello Glideslope. Can you help a noob here ? I am searching for a Toturial, where to get the Radio Frequences, on the Airports, and how to setup them. ( Also for Weather and other ).

[@opafritzsche]

Ah: and i follow your Hints on your Homepage for Install ( and "mods / Addons" ) so i buy the Weather Addon ( xEnvire it is ABSOLUTLY NICE !!! Also the HD Mashes, are really great, very nice Side, that you have made there, i can only give every new Player the hint, to visit it!!! NICE DONE !

[@OnTheGlideslope]

Thank you. I am glad it was helpful!

[@Hyestar]

Thx! I actually am a CFI/MEI (although it's been awhile since I have instructed - I fly the 777 for Untied Airlines now. :)

[@OnTheGlideslope]

+Corey Mahjoubian big metal!! That must be a thrill.

[@genoroof5153]

Dang!! More choices!! Will it never end? (hope not!!)

[@OnTheGlideslope]

Me, too.

[@CaribbeanSimPilot]

Nice Setup!! was there a blueprint you followed??? love it

[@OnTheGlideslope]

Plans are at my site: www.ontheglideslope.net

[@Mrmartinnico]

Imagine P3d V4 on this :D

[@gertjanvandermeij4265]

Still the same , P3Dv4 is still running on a 12 year old sim ! The only v4 'update' is the '64' part ! Nothing beats X-Plane 11

[@storkman]

wow, engine out, crazy..

[@OnTheGlideslope]

I was surprised, too.

[@Hyestar]

I REALLY need to find out how you built this sim. My Son wants to learn how to fly.

[@OnTheGlideslope]

Check out www.ontheglideslope.net. But get him real lessons from a CFI.

[@stevensavvas7619]

The Dimension of you Monitor?

[@paultyler5989]

great video. what Plane are you flying in x-plane? .

[@OnTheGlideslope]

+Paul Tyler that's the default 172 in XP 11. It's quite good.

[@DownTheRabbit-Hole]

Please take pride in being the "wonkiest" simmer on the net. Thats a compliment. Comparing 172's is a good idea. Apples to Apples. I would have used AFL 172sp in XP as a closer comparison to A2A. Though, Excellent comparison. In P3D, I can see your control yoke movement is far too much and stiff compared to real world (witnessed by dead cowling movement). Great example of more responsive and realistic control yoke in XP and I can tell by the movement of cowling, because of XP physics model I guess. That could have been induction icing AKA carb icing on engine failure. Not sure if default XP 172 has carb but still, very realistic. It happened to me in 152 on top of clouds in real world flying LOL Great, realistic, engine out, kudos for "best glide" and "fuel cutoff" etc without checklist. BTW forward slipping is far superior in XP. You didn't need it because you had the runway with flaps. There is a placard for no forward slips with full flaps in most 172sp for those student pilots out there. Keep up the good work!

[@MuratAyata]

you are in side what home made simulator??

[@ponchantos]

Ummmmm please let me know what setup you have. It looks nice and I think it's time my life changed. Lol

[@OnTheGlideslope]

See www.ontheglideslope.net.

[@PEPcessna]

How did you make the freeware scenery?

[@OnTheGlideslope]

With the free World Environment Editor tool available from X-Plane (WED).

[@aeroworxsg7597]

now compare XPlane with FS2020... how the Cessna feels compare with in real life from a pilots opinion... for me... xplane still feels more real

[@vfx7t]

j ai tout acheter , il manque le propit Vrinsight merci !

[@OnTheGlideslope]

Je vous souhaite bonne chance et un excellent simulateur.

[@vfx7t]

merci grand patron :)

[@nimaxwerker]

I'm no student and a honnest person , so for me you are comparing a 800$ setup in software P3D, against a 120$ setup Xplane. You do not have to use SPAD next in Xplane there is a pretty good freeware version in Xplane and there are better trees in world of Xplane available at www.simheaven.com. no contest

[@reisonoda9185]

Hmm....I use to prefer p3d, but x plane seems far realistic...

[@OnTheGlideslope]

I used P3D for quite a while but have been very happy with X-Plane and use it pretty much exclusively now.

[@Simulanderson]

P3D is an arcade game? No way to use it!

[@martinmusiet9780]

Fuck it. I am changing to X Plane 11 . Leaving behind 4 years of progress in FSX/P3D Just uninstalled P3D and all add ons wish me luck!!

[@OnTheGlideslope]

I have to say I've not looked back, even with the poorer AI and ATC in X-Plane. I just installed WorldTraffic 3.0 last night and now the AI is vastly improved as well. As you make the switch this might help: www.ontheglideslope.net/2016/12/31/how-to-get-started-with-x-plane-11-for-those-coming-from-p3d-or-fsx/

[@martinmusiet9780]

That Post really helped me a lot, it really gave me confidence about changing and also deleting 200GB of P3D stuff. It is going to be way easier now to get used to, Many Thanks !

[@williamhammond3998]

Xplane is great but airplane selection is really limited.

[@dbvetter1]

William Hammond it's not limited to me, right now I have about 10 very pro planes. It will take me a year to learn them all.

[@williamhammond3998]

dbvetter1 I'm interested to hear about some of them that you like. I'd like to build my xplane hangar!

[@dbvetter1]

William Hammond the PMDG DC- 6 is fun and can be complicated, I still haven't been about to fly it without the virtual engineer. The Flight Factor 757v2, 767 & their older 777. The rotate MD-80 is "Study Level" , the flyJSim 727-100, 200 adv. are very good stream gauge planes for VOR or CIVA INS flying. Some GA planes with accusim Airfoil Labs C-172, B58 From carenado. FF is coming out with a real pilot level srudy aircraft Airbus 320. Dont know if I'll get that, not a big fan of airbus. I do have the A 330 by JAR Designs. The one I like and know the most is the IXEG 733, great aircraft.. all the the ones I mentioned except the ixeg 733, I need to learn more to fly them completely. Except the old steam gauge planes without FMS's. I must have 500 hrs in the 727, love it.

[@williamhammond3998]

dbvetter1 Thanks. I'll give some of these a try.

[@colinschabel]

Edit may EDIT

[@costaadams3005]

Thanx for ignoring my request.

[@OnTheGlideslope]

Costa Adams see the email I just sent you.

[@blumac9801]

X plane is better, more updated than p3d

[@gertjanvandermeij4265]

YEAH BABY ..... X-Plane 11 ..... GET YOU SOME OF THAT !!! GAME ON p3d suckers ! XD

[@ConorHDGamingBT]

Jesus you have problems

[@gertjanvandermeij4265]

No i don't because i have X-Plane 11 . WINNING !!! :-)

[@gregson99]

Xplane 11! no comparison at all

[@jarisipilainen3875]

looks like xplane try show realistic.. try push snow and engine failure lol google earth is realistic

[@costaadams3005]

Hello my friend, i sent you an email at your gmail. Regards Costa Adams

[@OnTheGlideslope]

Roger.