I should point out from the very beginning, that this add-on is hardcore. That is; it goes some way to simulating in minute detail all the systems and controls that work in the real Boeing 727. Master this, and there is a good chance you will be able to take over if both pilots on your next holiday flight have the chicken. I would definitely advise against buying this product if you are the type of casual simmer who enjoys flying Jumbo Jets upside down under the Golden Gate Bridge for example. Nothing wrong with that of course, but you will probably be baffled and frustrated by this product. If, on the other hand, you want to get some insight into what it is really like to fly an airliner like the professionals do, this is a good place to start. Let's have a closer look then.

727 comes in a slimline DVD style case with some well-presented artwork, which sets the scene nicely for what is to follow. On opening the box you find, wonder of all wonders, a printed manual! And a very good one at that. It does a good job of taking you through the installation process, which is a breeze, and gives some helpful hints along the way on how to set up your machine (the computer, not the 727!) for optimum performance when running this program -a nice touch. The manual then goes on to detail and explain the functions of all the gauges and various aircraft systems featured on the 727 flight deck as it is presented in the sim, and this again is very well done with copious use of screenshots, diagrams and labelling. The one thing missing which would have been useful, is any form of tutorial to help ease you into flying this aircraft. No chance - you're on your own mate! - More of this later. A full read of the manual is likely to leave your head spinning somewhat, so, after lying in a darkened room for half an hour, its time to load up Flight Sim and have a look at your new aircraft.

   

The aircraft installs with 29 liveries in cargo and passenger variants, which covers just about every airline the aircraft ever flew with. So pick your departure airport and appropriate livery, load the aircraft, and you're off. Well not quite. Let's have a look around our new acquisition first. From the outside views, the visuals are excellent. It is almost like looking at a photograph at times, it is that good. Just about everything that moves on the real aircraft moves in the simulated version, with full animation of all control surfaces including flaps, landing gear, spoilers, etc. You get the idea. No small detail has been missed out, even down to suitably macho looking pilots visible through the cockpit windows. Can't see the stewardesses though, I'm afraid.

Prepare for take off…So having done the walk around, let's jump in and get her started then. Wait a minute; better load the passengers, fuel and cargo first hadn't we? Here a really neat utility is included, accessible from the Start menu, which allows you to choose the amount of cargo, fuel and passengers, and 'load' them on to the aircraft. Any changes made are written to the flight model of the aircraft, and genuinely affect the handling and performance. For example, fill her up with the maximum numbers of passengers, fuel and cargo, and she will be struggling to get airborne. Stick with just you, the co- pilot, a handful of passengers and the weight equivalent of a few overnight bags, and she will leap off the runway like a jet fighter. It all adds to the fun and sense of realism.

The cockpit, or flight deck, is equally well detailed, with all the various gauges, dials, buttons and levers faithfully represented. There are several pop-up panels, displaying the overhead panel, radio stack, and flight engineers panel, among others. Just about every button, lever or dial that operates in the real aircraft can be operated here, although not every one actually does something in the sim, due to limitations within Flight Simulator itself. However it is possible to go through the full start up procedure from engines off, just like the real thing. Or you can just press CTRL-E and get someone else to start the thing up for you, if you don't fancy the work. The virtual cockpit is excellent, with very sharp definition on all the gauges. In fact there is very little difference in resolution between the 2 cockpit types.

Let's get airborne then. So there you are, sitting at the end of your favourite runway, having read the manual and digested the functions of every switch, button and dial. You're good to go. Just bear in mind that the real aircraft has a crew of 3 whereas in the sim there is only…you. Believe me you are going to be working like a one-armed paper hanger on take off and landing trying to monitor the various systems, listen to ATC, battle with the somewhat archaic autopilot, all while keeping the thing in the air. Still there is always the Pause key when things get hectic. Ok it isn't realistic, but then neither is flying a 727 on your own! The good news is that, once you've got into the air, the aircraft is a joy to fly. Listen; I'm no expert, but it just feels right, like an airliner should - responsive, but not too light on the controls. Fly it properly, by the manual, and it will reward you.

   

Speaking of manuals, the package comes with 3 very comprehensive documents in .pdf format to accompany the paper manual, and these cover just about every aspect of flight operations for the 727. Well worth a read if you want to get the best out of the sim.

In summary then, this is an excellent simulation of a classic jet, and if you are an aviation and simulation nut like me, then I advise you to go out and get it. There is definitely a steep learning curve, and a fair bit of dedication is required to get the best out of it, but it is well worth while.

Finally, a couple of technical points you may find useful. Firstly, the product is distributed by Just Flight, but designed by a group of developers called Captain Sim. At their website (http://www.captainsim.com/) there are a number of additions available, including numerous extra liveries, and a tutorial flight, which was missing from the boxed product. Secondly, the boxed version is for FS2002 only. If you want to use it in FS2004 you will have to download the patch from the JustFlight website. In order to do that, you have to register the product, and to do that you need your registration code, which is on the registration card that comes in the box. So do not throw it away!