Atr 72600 X Plane 11 Best Free
Finding a high-quality ATR 72-600 for X-Plane 11 remains a challenge, as most top-tier development has shifted toward X-Plane 12. However, as of April 2026, there are several projects and legacy options available to virtual pilots. Top Recommendations & Current Projects
SkyCatsLab ATR 72-600 (Planned 2026): Currently one of the most anticipated releases. While primarily developed for X-Plane 12, the project focuses on high-fidelity simulation with advanced dynamics. It is expected to enter beta in early 2026.
DeltaWing Simulations ATR 72-600: This project was announced as a long-term goal with some features potentially ported back to X-Plane 11. As of April 2026, it remains in active development with regular community updates.
Dynamic Simulations ATR 72-600: Initially announced for X-Plane 11 with future X-Plane 12 compatibility, this project aimed to provide a high-fidelity 3D model and in-depth systems.
ATR-XPlane (Open Source): A community-driven project available on GitHub. It provides a base ATR 72-500 that is flyable, with long-term goals to expand into a study-level -600 series. Key Features of the ATR 72-600
For pilots seeking the most realistic experience, the best add-ons should replicate these modern improvements found in the real -600 series:
Advanced Avionics: Five wide LCD screens replacing the older EFIS panels.
Enhanced Performance: Powered by PW127M/XT engines, offering a 5% increase in takeoff power via a "boost function".
Hotel Mode: The ability to run engine #2 with the propeller brake engaged to provide electrical power and air conditioning on the ground, similar to an APU. Comparison Table: ATR 72-600 Developers Platform Compatibility Status (as of April 2026) SkyCatsLab XP12 (Primary), XP11 (TBA) Entering Beta High-fidelity systems & textures DeltaWing XP12, some XP11 features In Development Custom FMS & realistic dynamics Dynamic Sim XP11 & XP12 In Development 3D modeling & system depth Max Hille Open Source / Flyable Community-driven baseline model
Finding a high-fidelity ATR 72-600 for X-Plane 11 is surprisingly difficult, as many high-profile projects were either canceled or moved to X-Plane 12. While there is no definitive "PMDG-level" -600 variant currently available for XP11, here are your best options and the current state of development. 1. The Freeware Alternative: ATR 72-500 (Modified) While not a native -600, the ATR 72-500 Freeware X-Plane.org Forum
is widely considered the "best" available option for X-Plane 11 users who need a functional regional turboprop. X-Plane.Org Forum Why it's chosen:
It is frequently cited as being higher quality than some older payware aircraft. Performance:
It features a reasonably accurate flight model and functional systems for standard flight operations. Limitations: atr 72600 x plane 11 best
It lacks the modern "Glass Cockpit" (five LCD screens) found in the real-world -600 variant. xplanereviews.com 2. The Legacy Payware: Aerosoft ATR 72-500 Originally developed for X-Plane 10, the Aerosoft ATR 72-500 is still available on
It includes an accurate flight model tested by real ATR First Officers and a fully animated 3D cockpit.
Users have noted that it is "under-rated" because many systems do not work correctly in X-Plane 11, and the modeling is considered dated by modern standards. 3. Future "Study-Level" Projects (XP12 Focused)
Most current "best" ATR development has shifted to X-Plane 12, making it the better platform if you are looking for a true -600 experience. SkyCatsLab ATR 72-600: Currently in development with a targeted 2026 release window
. It aims to be a high-fidelity simulation with robust systems and Thales-made avionics. DWSim ATR 72-600:
A newer project targeting a 2026 release. The developers recently shared progress on visual displays and mode indications. xplanereviews.com Note on Canceled Projects
ATR-72 from MilViz Revealed today! (Update: Project on hold)
Captain Elena Vasquez had flown everything from Cessnas to 737s, but she had never felt a connection to a virtual aircraft like she did with the ATR 72-600 in X-Plane 11. To her, it wasn't just an add-on; it was the best simulation of turboprop flying ever created.
Tonight’s mission was the infamous "Storm Cell 72600." It was a community-created challenge on the VATSIM forums: depart from Innsbruck (LOWI) at dusk, navigate the alpine valleys, and land at Bern (LSZB) with a ceiling of just 600 feet and crosswinds of 26 knots. The number "72600" referred to the unique weather file ID—a perfect storm of mountain waves and freezing rain.
Elena settled into her home cockpit, the 34-inch monitor glowing with the ultra-realistic rendering of X-Plane 11. She clicked the battery on. The iconic whine of the APU filled her headphones. The ATR 72-600’s glass cockpit flickered to life. "This is where it shines," she whispered. The model’s fidelity was absurd: the Honeywell Primus Apex system reacted exactly as the manual dictated.
She taxied under a bruised purple sky. As she pushed the power levers to the TO detent, the 2,750 SHP Pratt & Whitney engines growled. The nose lifted. Rotate.
The moment she climbed past 5,000 feet, the "72600" weather hit. The X-Plane 11 physics engine delivered a jolt so real her spine tensed. Rain hammered the virtual fuselage. Ice began forming on the wings—she saw it in the de-icing boot animation, a detail most sims ignored. Finding a high-quality ATR 72-600 for X-Plane 11
"The best," she muttered, toggling the engine anti-ice.
The ATR shook. A mountain peak loomed out of the mist. She pulled the yoke gently, feeling the distinct thrum of the turboprop torque. In a jet, this would be sterile. Here, in the ATR 72-600, it was raw, tactile. She adjusted the condition levers, watching the fuel flow numbers dance. X-Plane’s blade element theory made the prop wash feel alive—the yaw on takeoff, the drag when she pulled the power back.
Descending into Bern, the ILS needle kissed the center. The crosswind tried to rip the nose sideways. She cross-controlled: left rudder, right aileron. The ATR groaned. At 200 feet, the runway lights bled through the spray. She flared.
Thump. The main gear kissed the concrete.
She reversed the pitch. The roar of the props in beta range echoed through her speakers. As she cleared the runway, the X-Plane 11 "Flight Log" popped up: Landing rate: 98 fpm. Aircraft: ATR 72-600 (Best in Class).
Elena leaned back, exhaling. In a world of study-level airliners, the ATR 72-600 in X-Plane 11 was the overlooked masterpiece. It wasn't about speed or size. It was about feel—the grunt of the turboprop, the challenge of weather, the soul of short-haul flying.
And on a night like this, facing the fury of "72600," it was undeniably the best.
Turbopop Perfection: Finding the Best ATR 72-600 for X-Plane 11
If you are looking to simulate regional airline flying in X-Plane 11, the ATR 72-600 is the crown jewel of turboprop operations. It is the aircraft of choice for short-haul routes, island hopping, and challenging approaches. However, when users search for the "ATR 72600" (ATR 72-600), the results can be confusing.
There isn’t just one definitive version. In the X-Plane ecosystem, the battle for the "best" ATR 72-600 comes down to two heavyweights: the FlightFactor ATR 72-600 and the Rotate Simulations ATR 72-600.
Here is a breakdown of which one is best for your specific flying style.
3. Taxi & Takeoff Procedures
The ATR is a high-wing turboprop with a unique nose wheel steering system.
- Nose Wheel Steering:
- Tiller: The aircraft has a tiller handle. If you don't have a dedicated tiller hardware, map the "Nose Wheel Steering" command to your joystick axis.
- Rudder: The rudder pedals provide very mild steering at low speeds. Use the tiller for sharp turns.
- Takeoff Calculations:
- The ATR uses a "flexible" takeoff temperature (FLEX) to save engine life.
- Open the EFB (Electronic Flight Bag) tablet on the right side cockpit wall.
- Input your weight and runway conditions. It will give you a V1, Vr, V2, and a FLEX Temp.
- The Takeoff Roll:
- Set the Power Levers to the calculated Torque setting.
- Set the Condition Levers to MAX (1020 RPM) before the runway.
- Verify Autofeather is ARMED (green light).
- At Vr, rotate smoothly to 10-15 degrees nose up.
- Gear Up: Wait for a positive rate of climb.
3. The Visual and Audio Immersion
The best versions come with:
- 4K PBR textures inside and out – from the scuffed cockpit floor to the reflective wing surfaces.
- Custom FMOD sounds – hear the distinctive whine and growl of the PW127 engines during start-up, taxi, and reverse thrust. No generic prop sounds here.
- Dynamic wing condensation and prop disc effects that react to humidity and G‑loads.
Whether you’re flying into London City (short, steep approach) or a gravel strip in the Canadian north, the aircraft looks and sounds the part.
Learning resources
- Read the add-on’s manual for correct speeds/weights and system behavior.
- Watch walkthrough videos for startup, FMC programming, and normal/abnormal procedures.
- Join X-Plane and ATR community forums for configuration files and liveries.
If you want, tell me whether you prefer payware or freeware and your PC specs and I’ll recommend specific ATR72-600 versions and optimal settings.
As of 2026, there is no single "best" study-level ATR 72-600 available for X-Plane 11. High-fidelity projects for this specific variant have a history of cancellation or are still in development for newer platforms like X-Plane 12. Current Market Status
Aerosoft/Carenado ATR 72-500: This is the most common high-quality ATR for X-Plane 11. While it is a -500 variant (analog/EFIS cockpit) rather than the glass-cockpit -600, it remains the standard for regional turboprop operations in this simulator version.
SkyCatsLab ATR 72-600: A highly anticipated project targeting 2026. It is being developed with advanced dynamics and modern Thales-made avionics, but it is primarily focused on X-Plane 12 compatibility.
Delta Wings Simulations: Another active project with a 2026 release target. It aims for high-fidelity systems but is likely to prioritize X-Plane 12 given the simulator's current lifecycle. Cancelled Projects:
Milviz (Blackbird Simulations): Formally terminated its X-Plane 11 ATR 72-600 project in 2019 after a failed Kickstarter campaign. The company shifted focus to Microsoft Flight Simulator.
Dynamic Simulations: Announced a project in 2022 for XP11/XP12, but it has not reached a public release. Top Alternatives for X-Plane 11
If you are looking for a high-quality regional turboprop experience right now, these are your best options: ATR-72-500 X-Plane vs Request New ATR72-600 FSX
Why the ATR 72-600 Beats the Jets in XP11
If you are still on the fence, consider why the ATR is the "best" aircraft for your hangar.
1. Short Runway Capability The ATR 72-600 can operate out of LIRE (Crotone, Italy) or KACK (Nantucket) with flaps 30 and autobrakes. You cannot do that in an A320.
2. The "Glideslope Intercept" Challenge Flying a turboprop managed by a FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) requires understanding of torque and Np (Propeller RPM). It forces you to learn real aviation physics. Captain Elena Vasquez had flown everything from Cessnas
3. Fuel Efficiency In X-Plane's economy modes or VATSIM, flying the ATR will save you virtual currency. It burns roughly 1,100 lbs of fuel per hour, compared to 5,000 lbs on a regional jet.
