You cannot fly this plane without a pre-flight checklist. The AC and DC generators have to be synchronized. The hydraulic pressure for the flaps, landing gear, and cargo ramp is separate from the brake accumulator. Simmers who skip the cold-and-dark startup are missing 80% of the experience. The Pro model will punish you: forget to open the intercooler doors on a hot day, and you’ll cook the #3 engine on climb-out.
Unlike a jet, the T56 requires constant babysitting. The Pro model simulates the negative torque sensing (NTS) system, beta range propellers, and the infamous “hot start” if you introduce fuel too early. The soundset—recorded from actual Herks—captures the gut-churning howl of the turboprop at high RPM. You don’t just push throttles; you manage torque, ITT (Interstage Turbine Temperature), and RPM independently. FS2004 - Captain Sim Legendary C-130 Pro
Note: Captain Sim has since moved on to MSFS and P3D, but their old FS9 support forums (archived) are still accessible. The final service pack (v1.2) is essential; it fixed the fuel crossfeed logic and the autopilot oscillation bug. Absolutely—but with caveats. You cannot fly this plane without a pre-flight checklist