The VSKYLABS development of the Aeroprakt A22-LS project for X-Plane flight simulator was approved by Aeroprakt Aircraft Company. However, it is an independent VSKYLABS project which is not affiliated with Aeroprakt Aircraft Company.
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This document is the instruction and Pilot’s Operating Handbook supplement for the VSKYLABS Aeroprakt A22-LS Project for X-Plane 12. It features complementary information and setup instructions for the VSKYLABS Aeroprakt A22-LS for X-Plane 12 and covers useful information.
The VSKYLABS Aeroprakt A22-LS was designed to follow the real A22-LS aircraft POH, within reasonable accuracy margins that are derived from various simulation-related limitations and the project’s development status.
Complete information regarding the A22-LS, how to operate it and how to fly it can be found at the Aeroprakt Aircraft company website:
https://aeroprakt.eu/
Additional source for manuals and other useful information is the Foxbat UK website:
http://www.foxbataircraft.com/
Here is a link to the Aeroprakt A22-LS Manual/POH, provided here for information only and as a reference for operating the VSKYLABS Aeroprakt A22-LS Project in a flight simulation environment. Please read the disclaimer notice at the bottom of this page: Aeroprakt A22-LS Manual - POH
The links above are provided here as is. VSKYLABS is not responsible for their content. VSKYLABS is not affiliated with and/or endorsed by ‘Aeroprakt Aircraft Company,’ Foxbat UK, or any other entity. The links are provided here for the purpose of sharing common and public information resources for all Aeroprakt A22-LS enthusiasts.
This project is part of the VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot' series, designed specifically for use with X-Plane 12's cutting-edge flight model and physics. The project sets up a highly detailed A22-LS simulation along with full VR compatibility.
The VSKYLABS A22 simulation was developed to follow the real A22 specs, handling, and performance characteristics. It is a robust aircraft simulation model that makes use of X-Plane 12's sophisticated flight dynamics and physics simulation, pushing it to its limits. The VSKYLABS A22 utilizes X-Plane 12's latest native features, systems, and physics. This ensures a high level of airworthiness in X-Plane throughout its update process.
Being a PC-based simulation, some differences between the simulated A22 and the real A22 may be noticeable. These differences may involve the actual appearance of the aircraft and its parts, systems, flight dynamics, and handling characteristics.
Although it is a simulated model, a lot of effort was made to minimize these differences and keep them within reasonable margins.
The VSKYLABS Aeroprakt A22 includes an additional virtual AOA (Angle of Attack) avionics upgrade, based on the 'Alpha Systems AOA' Eagle AOA kit.
Development of the VSKYLABS replica-virtual AOA indicators following the 'Alpha Systems AOA' design was approved by 'Alpha Systems AOA', however it is an independent development effort, which is not affiliated with 'Alpha Systems AOA'.
For thorough information you are welcome to visit their website at: https://www.alphasystemsaoa.com/
The Eagle AOA kit is a highly visible, full color chevron style display. When you come in for a landing you want to fly to the blue donut (on speed for landing). Should you come in with too low of an angle of attack, the yellow chevron will light up and tell you to put your nose up. Should you come in with too high of an angle of attack, the red chevron will light up and tell you nose down.
The VSKYLABS implementation of the Alpha Systems AOA 'Eagle' replica is focused at this stage on AOA indication. It does NOT include the peripheral/complementary systems and options such as calibration, diagnostics, optional aural alerts, and other components. The included AOA indicator was calibrated 'in-house' at VSKYLABS as part of the overall tuning of the flight dynamics model.
The following brief instructions of the VSKYLABS 'Eagle' replica is brought here for use with the virtual VSKYLABS aircraft, in X-Plane. Although the indication methodology, color and shape replicates the real-world device, it is not meant to be used as a tutorial that replaces the actual Alpha Systems AOA 'Eagle' operations manual. For real-world instructions please visit Alpha Systems AOA website: https://www.alphasystemsaoa.com/
Note: Display shown with all segments illuminated for illustration.
Green Bar: It is indicating high amounts of lift, lower angle of attack. The angle of attack is relatively low with lots of surplus lift.
Green Bar + Yellow Triangle: Va (MAA), operations allowing full deflection of flight controls.
Yellow Colored Segments: It is indicating caution; the angle of attack is relatively high. If not intentional, take action to reduce the angle of attack.
Complete Blue Doughnut: It is defining the segment that identifies Optimum Alpha Angle (OAA) or 1.3Vs, 30% margin away from stall (see definition). The system can illuminate both, just the top or just the bottom arcs to give a display just above or just below the set point.
Red Colored Segments means the angle of attack is too high. Take immediate action to reduce the angle of attack such as performing a stall recovery procedure. You are in dire straits.
NOTE! The AOA indicator can be set to OFF if being interacted with (clicked on), or via a dedicated key/button assignment!
The VSL A22 uses various X-Plane features to cover some of its systems and other features. PLEASE READ the following instructions carefully, so that you will be able to set up and fly the A22 without issues.
From version v3.1, the project includes the VSKYLABS ‘Cockpit-Builders Heaven’ layer, which allows assigning all aircraft switches, knobs, levers, and interactions in a designated, uncluttered section in the X-Plane 12 assignment screen.
To use it for key/button assignments, simply type ‘Aeroprakt’ in the search bar and select your assignment. Here is a sample screenshot:
- Interact with the door handles using your mouse or VR controller, or assign a key/button in the X-Plane 12 assignment screen (see how to find it on page #7).
- There is an optional condensed-checklist 3D viewer which can be toggled by clicking on the POH clipboard located on top of the front panel, on the pilot’s side. To place the clipboard back in its position, interact with the upper portion of the clipboard. You can assign a key/button in the X-Plane 12 assignment screen (see how to find it on page #7).
- The VSL A22 features a compatible AviTab display 3D laptop, located on the right-hand side of the right-hand seat cushion. The AviTab plugin itself is NOT included in the VSL A22 project and must be downloaded and installed by the user, if desired.
- The AviTab tablet can be installed on the left-hand yoke by interacting with the AviTab touch zones. To install it on the yoke, simply interact with the AviTab (click on it). To place it back down, simply interact with the holder's top portion.
- You can assign a key/button in X-Plane 12 assignment screen (see how to find it in page #7).
- When started 'cold and dark,' the controls are secured by a blue 'Remove Before Flight' pin and sticker. To remove the pin, simply interact with the blue sticker.
- When removed, the pin and sticker are placed between the seats, secured by a Velcro strip.
- Interacting with the blue sticker while it is secured between the seats will place it back into the yokes, locking them.
- You can assign a key/button in X-Plane 12 assignment screen (see how to find it in page #7).
- The aircraft is equipped with a parachute recovery system, which is secured by a red 'Remove Before Flight' security pin and sticker.
- To remove the pin, simply interact with the red sticker.
- When removed, the pin and sticker are placed between the seats, secured by a Velcro strip.
- Interacting with the red sticker while it is secured between the seats will place it back into the parachute recovery system handle, locking it.
- You can assign a key/button in X-Plane 12 assignment screen (see how to find it in page #7).
- At any time, the yokes may be hidden to allow a more comfortable view of the front panel. To show/hide the yokes, simply interact with the LH yoke/front panel attachment point. It works with a toggle mechanism.
- The show/hide yoke is using X-Plane built-in, default show/hide yoke assignment.
- The A22 battery master switch is located in front of the pilot seat, below the seating cushion.
- You can assign a key/button in X-Plane 12 assignment screen (see how to find it in page #7).
- Can be pushed/pulled by the on-screen 2D/3D touch zone, located on the knob itself.
- You can assign a key/button in X-Plane 12 assignment screen (see how to find it in page #7).
- Can be pushed/pulled by the on-screen 2D/3D touch zone, located on the knob itself.
- You can assign a key/button in X-Plane 12 assignment screen (see how to find it in page #7).
- The VSKYLABS A22 features a custom multi-functional operating algorithm that allows it to operate the switch in steps through the OFF, ON, and START states.
- The VSKYLABS A22 power/starter switch is programmed to allow the operation mentioned, by interacting with the switch (mouse/VR) and by dedicated VSKYLABS commands assignment.
- VR and on-screen operation is intuitive and straightforward, simulating the actual switch function as it is in the real A22.
- Due to the fact that the A22 Power/Starter key switch operation does not match the X-Plane default starter-key algorithm (which is: off, igniters, then starter), assigning a hardware switch to the X-Plane default ‘Ignition Key’ assignment may not behave as expected. For hardware assignment use the dedicated assignment system which is detailed in page#7 in this manual.
- In the real A22, Ignition switches (magnetos) are separated from the Power/Starter key operation. Same applies for the VSL A22. On-screen/VR operation is straightforward.
- You can assign a key/button in X-Plane 12 assignment screen (see how to find it in page #7).
- On-screen and VR operation is straightforward; simply interact with the switch to set it ON/OFF.
- You can assign a key/button in X-Plane 12 assignment screen.
- On-screen and VR operation is straightforward; simply interact with the switch to set it ON/OFF.
- You can assign a key/button in X-Plane 12 assignment screen.
- On-screen and VR operation is straightforward; simply interact with the switch to set it ON/OFF.
- You can assign a key/button in X-Plane 12 assignment screen.
- On-screen and VR operation is straightforward; simply interact with the switch to set it ON/OFF.
- You can assign a key/button in X-Plane 12 assignment screen.
- The autopilot switch powers the autopilot control servos.
- On-screen and VR operation is straightforward; simply interact with the switch to set it ON/OFF.
- You can assign a key/button in X-Plane 12 assignment screen.
- The inst.lights switch controls the interior lighting systems for night-flying conditions.
- On-screen and VR operation is straightforward; simply interact with the switch to set it ON/OFF.
- You can assign a key/button in X-Plane 12 assignment screen.
- The A22 braking system consists of a brake lever that applies symmetrical braking power to both main landing gears.
- The braking lever is coupled with the throttle lever, so the pilot can grab the brake lever in any given position of the throttle lever and then squeeze it in for braking.
- To use the brakes, simply interact with the brake system lever, located on the pedestal panel, to the right of the throttle lever.
- In the real world, the throttle lever and the brake lever can be operated simultaneously by grabbing both levers. In the simulation environment, the throttle lever grip handle overlaps with the brake lever grip handle. For this reason, the interaction zone for the throttle was narrowed to cover the left-hand portion of the lever, allowing the "grabbing" of the brake lever handle "through it.", if needed.
- The brake lever is programmed to allow button activation with five "steps" for push and release. This "saves" an axis in favor of buttons for hardware-using pilots. You can assign a key/button in the X-Plane 12 assignment screen.
- Alternatively, for cockpit builders, the parking brake lever can also be assigned to a joystick axis. Joystick axis assignment for the brake lever is the "Wing Sweep" axis, from the X-Plane joystick axes selection screen. When using the button assignment for the brakes, make sure that the wing-sweep axis is not assigned to prevent command conflicts.
- Note that the aircraft should not be operated with toe-brakes assignment, as it is not equipped with such in the real world.
- The A22 braking system consists of a parking brake lever that locks the braking system pressure to provide "parking brakes." The lever is located on the pedestal panel.
- On-screen and VR operation is straightforward; simply "grab" and push/pull the lever to the open/close position.
- The system is simulated as follows: Normal operation is to set the brake lever to the braking state, then lock the braking system pressure with the use of the parking brake valve lever. If the pilot did not pull the braking lever to the braking position before setting the parking brake valve lever to ON, the braking system will simulate a situation where the pilot already set the brake lever to the full braking position.
- You can assign a key/button in the X-Plane 12 assignment screen.
- On-screen and VR operation is straight forward, simply “grab” and push/pull the lever to the desired position.
- The elevator trim lever is using the standard pitch trim assignment.
- On-screen and VR operation is straight forward, simply “grab” and push/pull the lever to the desired position.
- Due to the obvious limitations regarding throttle friction control in the simulated environment (which cannot affect the hardware control friction, at least not without a specific force-feedback system), the throttle friction control lever is a "dummy," meaning that although it can be set on-screen/in VR, it does not affect actual throttle friction.
- You can assign a key/button in X-Plane 12 assignment screen.
- On-screen and VR operation is straight forward, simply “grab” and push/pull the lever to the desired position.
- The throttle lever is using the standard X-Plane throttle axis assignment.
- On-screen and VR operation is straight forward, simply “grab” and push/pull the lever to the desired position.
- You can assign a key/button in X-Plane 12 assignment screen.
- On-screen and VR operation is straight forward; simply interact with the handle and PULL it up all the way.
- The recovery system handle is protected by a safety pin (red colored sticker) that should be removed before operation.
- You can assign a key/button in X-Plane 12 assignment screen.
- The A22 is equipped with a 3-position flaps system: ‘0’ (no flaps), 10 degrees, 20 degrees.
- On-screen and VR operation is straight forward, simply interact with the handle and PULL it down or PUSH it up. It works with a detent mechanism and will set itself onto the desired position.
- The Flaps handle is using the standard X-Plane assignments for flaps up/down operation.
- You can assign a key/button in X-Plane 12 assignment screen.
- The A22 has two fuel tank selectors inside the cockpit, located on each side of the cockpit, behind and above the seats.
- On screen/VR operation is straightforward.
- You can assign a key/button in X-Plane 12 assignment screen.
- The VSL A22 is equipped with a simple LSA grade autopilot module that can be installed/removed with a toggle mechanism.
- To install (show) and to remove (hide) the autopilot panel, simply interact with the touch-zone located on the magnetic-compass glass-plate, which is positioned on-top of the front cockpit panel.
- You can assign a key/button in X-Plane 12 assignment screen.
- The VSL A22 is equipped with three sets of airspeed indicator scales: Knots, Mph, Kph.
- To cycle between the two scales simply interact with the airspeed indicator (its glass-cover area).
- You can assign a key/button in X-Plane 12 assignment screen.
In any case of a non-working situation, please check your Joystick/Keyboard assignments. You may have a conflicting assignment.
- The device is automatically set to ON when avionics power is ON and then the aircraft is airborne.
- If you are distracted by the AOA indicator and wish to set it off, simply interact with the AOA indicator front plate (using a mouse click), or assign a key/button via the dedicated assignment system.
Weight and Balance: The empty weight of the A22-LS is 331.3 kg, (730.40 lbs.). The VSKYLABS A22 is set to include the pilot's weight.
You can add or reduce the passenger's weight by using the passenger weight slider in the IOS screen. When exceeding reasonable passenger weight, the passenger will become visible.
It is recommended to take a few minutes to get familiar with the various interaction and touch zones. All the green-highlighted areas are interaction zones for 2D/3D (VR) modes.
To show or hide the AviTab tablet, use the interaction zone located on the AviTab itself (when stowed aside) or on its holder element located in the upper portion of the tablet when installed on the yoke.
To show/hide the 3D Checklist Viewer, Use the interaction zone located on the checklist clipboard that is placed on top of the front panel on the pilot’s side. To place it back in its position, click on the upper portion of the clipboard, as shown in the following image:
To show/hide the yokes, use the interaction zone located on the LH yoke’s attachment point to the panel, as shown in the following image:
To show/hide the complementary autopilot panel, use the interaction zone located on the magnetic compass glass-plate, as shown in the following image:
To open/close the doors, use the interaction zone located on each door handle. Note that when opened, the handle moves with the door, so look for it in the right place:
To insert/remove safety pins, Use the interaction zone located on each pin’s sticker. The blue pin is designated for control locking, while the red pin is designated for the recovery chute system. When the pins are not inserted into position, they are secured using two Velcro strips located on the aft portion of the pedestal panel.
Each safety pin works with a toggle mechanism, so all you have to do is click on the desired sticker to set it in or to place it down.
