(It's out!) Just Flight announces 172sp Classic Enhancement mod for MSFS

Update, August 24 – Well, that was fast! This mod for the classic Cessna 172 is now out on the Just Flight store. Learn more below about what it brings to the beloved airplane!

Just Flight is about to publish a new third-party mod that promises to significantly enhance the experience with a default airplane in Microsoft Flight Simulator. WB Sim’s 172sp Classic Enhancement looks to provide a realism boost to the analog Cessna 172, available in the Premium and Premium Deluxe of MSFS, by improving the cockpit systems and instrumentation, and adding a simulation of engine wear and tear.

This is not the first time we’ve seen developers devoting time to improve the stock airplanes in MSFS, rather than developing new ones. After all, Asobo’s work on most of these airplanes is quite good, so there’s the potential to turn them into excellent products by adding a few bells and whistles. That’s what we’ve seen with projects such as Working Title’s CJ4, the ultra-popular A32NX, or even Black Square’s new Analog Series, which started with the Grand Caravan and will soon come to the King Air.

Now, it’s WB Sim‘s time to come to the front with a highly auspicious project dedicated to the classic C172. Sadly, it’s an aircraft that is only available in the more expensive Premium and Premium Deluxe versions of MSFS, which makes WB Sim’s work a little less accessible. However, those who could splurge for the costlier Premium versions are in for a treat, because the 172sp Classic Enhancement mod seems to be quite an immersive and realistic addition to the 172 with steam gauges!

This mod will focus on three key areas of the 172: the electrical system, cockpit instrumentation, and wear and tear. Starting with the electrical system, it will get some realistic features such as dynamic battery voltage drop based on usage and functional circuit breakers that may even behave erratically due to faulty equipment.

In the cockpit, users will find significantly improved instrumentation, including a version of the PMS GNS 530/a 430, a custom-coded KAP140 autopilot that adds many missing features, and even some cool features like vibrating gauge needles.

The cherry on the cake will be the implementation of engine wear and tear in the 172, which will have simmers take good care of the aircraft or face serious consequences. Operating hours will accumulate and slowly lead to performance degradation if left unchecked. WB Sim cleverly implemented a few maintenance options in a hidden screen in the ADF, which will enable users to service the engine, check the oil levels (very important!), and spark plug fouling.

Ultimately, the goal is to provide 172 fliers with a vastly more realistic experience with the airplane, treating it like a real machine that needs some proper care to keep running nicely. WB Sim says that failing to do so will lead not only to the aforementioned loss of power in the engine, but also to engine failure due to the lack of oil, or even broken struts after a hard landing! It’s unclear how the latter will be simulated, but it’s undoubtedly quite intriguing!

The 172sp Classic Enhancement should be available soon for Microsoft Flight Simulator. Just Flight is already showing the product page with more details about the product and pricing, which is set at $21.99 / €18.95.

Sounds exciting? Stay tuned to learn more about the release!

Feature list:

Electrical system

Dynamic battery voltage drop

Correct ammeter display
External charging available
Accurately working relays

Battery amperage subject to temperatures
Functional circuit breakers, which may trip from faulty equipment

Cockpit and equipment

Optional state saving with 90+ points being saved so that your plane will be just as you left it
Gyro spin-up animations
Custom lighting throughout, dims if voltage is low

Gauge needles subject to engine vibrations
ADF needle subject to noise
ADF needle instrument upgraded to the KI 227-01, which slaves the ADF card to the directional gyro

Working cabin heat/defrost
Fully functional M803 clock, including settable FT alarm and ET countdown mode
Operational MD-41 GPS annunciator

PMS GNS 530/430 included
Custom-coded KAP140 autopilot corrects and adds a lot of missing features including accurate hold altitude, functional ALT arming, 20ft altitude adjustments and aural alerting
Enhanced KT76 transponder, with dynamic radar pings and correct dimming function

KR87 ADF with proper testing feature and audible ET countdown alarm
All Bendix units feature an accurate font, and the KAP140 and KR87 have auto-dimming displays

Engine wear and tear