Download the X-Plane 10 Manual - X-Plane.com

4 CHAPTER 1. ABOUT X-PLANE
software available for about $80 at X-Plane.com is almost identical what is found in the $500,000
full-motion, FAA-certified platforms. The biggest difference is that the FAA-certified versions have
custom aircraft files with larger instrument panels, which are set up to work with hardware radios
like those found in the physical cockpits. The FAA-certifiable version also has some of the purely fun
stuff (like space flight) removed even though those situations are simulated accurately in X-Plane,
just like the FAA-certified subsonic terrestrial flight.
1.3.1 X-Plane 10 Global
The standard X-Plane simulator is the retail copy of X-Plane. It requires one X-Plane 10 Disc 1
DVD for each copy of X-Plane on the network.
This simulator is what users get when they purchase X-Plane from the X-Plane.com site and
use it for whatever they desire. It requires no USB key to be plugged in. Many copies of X-Plane on
many computers can be networked to act as external visuals, external cockpits, instructor stations,
and the like. One X-Plane Disc 1 DVD is required for each computer networked together running
the simulator. This system cannot be certified by the FAA or any other authority for logging flight
training, due to the fact that it does not self-test for the presence of flight controls or a usable
frame rate. However, since only one X-Plane Disc 1 DVD is needed for each computer, this setup
is amazingly affordable and easy to assemble at almost no cost, even though a user could never
certify the system.
1.3.2 X-Plane 10 Regional
Unlike X-Plane 10 Global, the X-Plane 10 Regional discs include only part of the world’s scenery
(e.g., Europe or North America). These versions of X-Plane are available at a lower cost than the
X-Plane 10 Global distribution. Apart from the scenery, however, X-Plane 10 Regional is identical
to the Global distribution, the version sold at X-Plane.com.
1.3.3 X-Plane 10 Professional
This version of X-Plane is for commercial use, FAA-approved simulators, and the EFIS App. It
requires one X-Plane Professional USB key for each copy of X-Plane or EFIS App on the network.
This is similar to the X-Plane 10 Global simulator, but it adds EFIS App, a standalone program
that runs on its own computer that gives a very realistic Avidyne primary flight display (PFD) and
modular flight deck (MFD). All that is required to run this is a copy of X-Plane or EFIS App from
X-Plane.com and a Professional key for each computer that will be networked into the simulator.
Of course, two monitors can be hooked up to one computer running EFIS App so that one only
has to buy one computer to run both the Avidyne PFD and MFD, which will save some money.
Furthermore, this key enables X-Plane to drive real Garmin G430 and G1000 GPS units. Note
that in order to interface with a real G430 or G1000, users must get a Simulator G430 or G1000
from Garmin, then make the wiring harnesses to plug them in to the serial or Ethernet cables to
the computer. Users unsure on how to do this are better off buying a simulator boxed and ready to
go from Precision Flight Controls. PFC does provide ready-made units with real G430s and G1000s
installed and running.
Additionally, this is the key that needs to be used for commercial purposes and FAA-approved
simulators for flight training. It gives a Commercial Use message as X-Plane starts up, causing
X-Plane to check for flight controls and self-test the frame rate, as required for FAA certification.
Finally, this key enables cylindrical and spherical projections.
This is the option designed to replace Microsoft ESP.