Reality XP Jet Line 4

Default Lerajet that has the Jet Line 4 integrated

Introduction

Reality XP is a US/Canadian company producing avionics packages for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2002 and 2004. They have many great products like the Garmin GNS530 GPS navigation system, Apollo GL50 avionics and much more. This review is about Jet Line 4 package for MSFS2004.

The expectations for this product are pretty high because in their own words the Jet Line 4 is promised to be “The industry-leading integrated avionics for both regional and business aircraft.” And “Reality XP invested in research and development to pioneer the advanced True Display XP vector drawing API which drives the display symbol generator and gives the Jet Line 4 their superior display accuracy level, vivid color, smooth and precise elements and needles movements.”

First I have to say, that Jet Line 4 is NOT a full aircraft or panel package; it’s just a few gauges that can be integrated to almost any panel. When you buy the Jet Line 4, only panel you get is the default Learjet 45 with a modified panel. More panels can quite easily  be made by yourself and many can be downloaded from the Reality XP web page www.reality-xp.com .

The buying and installation procedures are very simple and easy: Just download the installer from the web site and run the installation program. Before the installation can begin, the program asks the normal buying questions: Names, address, credit card number etc. After the form has been filled and sent, the installation begins and within a few seconds you are ready to fly.

The installer installs the manual, which can also be downloaded for free at their web site, a good configuration program called EZLine and of course the gauges themselves. The manual should be read before trying to use these gauges, even if you fly a Saab2000 or Learjet 65 in real life, because there are a few tricks and things that make flying much more easier and it tells how to configure the gauges to your liking.

To the captain’s seat

Now let’s see what the Learjet panel looks like with the Jet Line 4. First impression after switching the electronics on is very good: the gauges look good, sharp and realistic. Since there is no FMC available at this time, the flight plan is entered by filing an fs own flight plan and then pressing the fpl update button in the rtu.

But as I don’t like the default LJ45 very much even with better gauges so I downloaded an improved King Air panel from Reality XP`s user files page. So let’s get going!

The King Air panel available from Reality XP website

I planned the flight first with FS Navigator and exported it to the sim. This flight is from Mariehamn airport (EFMA) to Joensuu airport (EFJO) in Finland. I put on the systems and uploaded the flight plan. Then put the engines running and confirm the flight plan. Then when taxiing for departure I put the TCAS (traffic collision avoidance system) on and see much traffic on the EHSI! Yes, Jet Line 4 has an integrated TCAS system that actually works like a real TCAS, it shows the AI or multiplayer aircraft and even gives traffic and resolution advisories. If you fly online for example in VATSIM network, there is a special version of AIbridge program included in the package. When moving around comes the best part of these gauges: The EFIS screens feel as smooth as real glass cockpit screens, almost regardless of simulator frame rate! So Reality XP has really even exceeded what they had promised.

Our route showing in the EHSI map mode

Only thing that isn’t as good as it could be is the night lighting; at least in this King Air panel the panel’s own night lighting is very good, but the Reality XP´s gauge frames are red like old FS98 gauges. But I didn’t let it bother me because it doesn’t affect the flying experience.

Overall, Jet Line 4 is a must, if you like to fly those business jets and/or Saab2000 etc.   

Some traffic showing in the EHSI -and no external program needed!

 All of the screens have pop-ups that help reading. Also the Control units showing.

On final. The night lighting is the only thing that isn´t very convincing. Perhaps it´s made to fit the defautl Learjet night lighting..