X-Plane Hughes 500D Freeware

Realism Enhancement Mod

Last updated version 1.0.3
9/13/2019
This mod was built on the excellent Freeware Hughes 500D model and was made to take the
realism of details and systems to the next level. This guide will not be a step by step guide to
normal operation of the aircraft. The realism has been brought to a level where using the
included real-world flight manual is the best way to learn how to operate the aircraft safely, and
the normal operation checklist can be followed almost step by step. This manual will explain
the operation of the aircraft in the environment of X-Plane.
The Clipboard Menu
Clicking the clipboard behind the co-pilot’s seat will pop the clipboard up in front of the pilot.
This is an interactive menu. To close the menu, just click on the metal clip on top of the
clipboard. Click on the corresponding options on the clipboard to enable/disable various items
and features. You can also click and slide the fuel amount and payload weights.

The GPU

To use the GPU, it must be set to “ON” in the clipboard menu. The connector is under the co-pilot’s seat
area, so if the doors are connected the co-pilot’s door will automatically open. Now the GPU external
power is available. To energize the aircraft using GPU power, the battery switch should be placed in the
“EXT POWER” position, or fully down. The power switch is now a 3-position switch. Down for GPU,
middle for OFF, and up for battery.
 The Throttle

If assigning the throttle functionality to an axis, use “wingsweep” and NOT “throttle”.
The throttle has two modes as illustrated in the clipboard menu: Stop and Free.
“Stop” includes the software idle stop functionality. When the white half circle marker is to
the right of the white line, the throttle is in the fuel cutoff zone and the collar is popped out.
When the marker is to the left of the white line, the collar pops in and the idle stop prevents
the throttle from going into the cutoff zone until the collar is popped out again (by clicking the
collar zone). See the video here for a detailed demonstration on how best to approach this
when the throttle is assigned to a hardware axis while using the “Stop” method.
https://youtu.be/mmMeWJV2Ajw

“Free” removes the software idle stop and allows full free travel from the bottom of the cutoff
zone to full throttle. The collar will still pop in and out (with the full sounds) to denote if the
throttle is in fuel cutoff zone or the fuel delivery zone. This method was included for those
having trouble with the “Stop” method with their hardware, and those with hardware that
already have an idle stop built in.

For a few good videos on how to start the aircraft correctly (and without hot-starting) here are
a few good links…
https://youtu.be/rOSvbSijMs0
https://youtu.be/3KVA3GXiK2s
 The Bleed / Anti-Ice System

This system has been added to the aircraft as of 1.0.3. The system is fully functional and
operates according to the Flight Manual, reflected mostly in the rise in TOT (about 20 to 30
degrees) when it is on. The Anti-Ice and Bleed checks are now possible in the sim with this
aircraft.

The Attitude Indicator

The Attitude Indicator system must be caged after the aircraft is powered up for it to function
correctly. When you click and hold the spring loaded “pull to cage” lever, the gyro aligns itself
to match the attitude and roll of the aircraft as it sits on the ground. You must click and HOLD
it until the ball matches the aircraft’s orientation. The artificial horizon marker is fully
adjustable by spinning the knob under the turn coordinator ball.
 Timer/OAT/Battery Voltage

This timer was recycled from the default Laminar 172, so you may already be familiar with its
operation. Clicking on OAT will show the temperature and clicking it again will change from
Celsius to Fahrenheit. Click twice on “Volts” to check the battery reading. The volts will read
as “E” (i.e. 24E means 24 Volts) which is correct for this gauge. Click “Select” to cycle between
timer modes. In ET mode, the “CONTROL” button starts and stops the timer. There is a
hidden click-spot in-between the “select” and “control” buttons that resets the timer.
When starting properly per the POH, set the timer to ET mode and start the timer. Wait until
5 seconds have passed then hit the starter and start as usual. You must release the starter by
60 seconds time have elapsed. If all is normal, you will have reached 58% N1 well before then.
If you have to abort the start, you have to wait another minute before you start again or you
risk a hot-start. If you fail a second time, you must wait 23 minutes before a third try, so the
timer is a welcome addition to realism.
Failures / Disaster Prevention
Hot Starts:
By far the easiest way to get into a hot start failure is to introduce fuel before N1 reaches 15%.
Also, it’s possible to get into a hot start if you introduce fuel when the TOT is higher than 150.
Also, if you introduce fuel with the bleeds or anti-ice system turned on you run the risk of a
hot start.

Over Torque:
The over torque failure condition is a breakdown over time. Take care to stay out of the
yellow zone on the torque gauge. There is a tolerance to be able to really dig high in to the
torque gauge for short bursts, but each moment in the yellow or red adds up and eventually
the engine will start breaking down due to abuse. The first symptom you will notice is the
“chip” caution light will turn on. When a chip is detected, you should land as soon as possible.
You have somewhere between 5 and 15 minutes after the chip light turns on to land before
continued use will cause an engine failure.

Over RPM:
Similarly, the over RPM failure condition is a breakdown over time. Again, a very high RPM will
not damage the engine immediately, but over time with enough abuse it will break down.
Similarly to the over-torque, it will cause a chip condition, so as soon as you notice that light
start to look for the nearest airfield to land in.

After Shut-Down Turbine Outlet Temperature:

After the shut down the TOT will initially fall, but as the engine slows down the air stops
cooling the engine and the TOT will slowly rise again. It will not rise to dangerous levels
outright, but it will be too hot to re-start safely. To overcome this there are two options.
1. Wait approximately 20 minutes until eventually the TOT falls down to less than 150
degrees.
2. Motor the engine by keeping the throttle in the fuel cutoff zone (do not introduce fuel!)
and hold the starter. The compressor will spool up and suck in fresh, cool air and the
TOT will fall. Continue to motor for up to a minute to bring the TOT to less than 150
degrees.