The approach and landing are the true finale. The ATR 72-600 uses a steep descent profile; a common error in X-Plane is maintaining jet-like 3° glideslopes, whereas the ATR often flies 3.5° or steeper approaches into short fields. The pilot must master the “beta range”—bringing the power levers back past the flight idle gate into ground idle, and finally into reverse. The propellers act as massive speed brakes. A successful landing is not about greasing it on; it is about planting the main gear firmly while the power levers are at flight idle, then immediately selecting reverse pitch to decelerate without locking the brakes. X-Plane’s ground handling model, often criticized for being too slippery, is actually a fair representation of the ATR’s light weight and large propeller surface area in crosswinds.
Finding a high-fidelity ATR 72-600 for X-Plane 11 often requires navigating between freeware projects and discontinued or upcoming payware:
Thanks for joining me on this flight! I hope you enjoyed the story. atr 72600 x plane 11
Delivers maximum available torque for departure.
Not to be outdone, has also confirmed they are developing an ATR 72-600 for X-Plane. Their project, announced in 2023, recently resurfaced with significant progress updates in 2025 and early 2026. DWSim reports that "Most of the essential systems are currently complete, and we are now focusing on more visual parts like the Displays". Like SkyCatsLab, DWSim is also aiming for a 2026 release . The X-Plane community is already buzzing about what is being called the "ATR war," a friendly competition between these two developers to deliver the definitive ATR 72-600 experience. The approach and landing are the true finale
Release the parking brake and add a small amount of taxi thrust. Keep in mind that turboprops have massive residual thrust; you will often need to use the "Beta" range or minor braking to keep taxi speeds under 20 knots. 3. Takeoff and Climb Line up on the runway and set flaps to .
| Problem | Cause | Fix | |---------|-------|-----| | Engine won't start | Fuel boost pumps off | Turn on L/R boost pumps | | ITT overtemp on takeoff | Advancing levers too fast | Slowly advance to 100% torque | | Aircraft rolls on ground | Prop beta range asymmetry | Calibrate throttle hardware | | No FMS route | IRS not aligned | Set HDG/STS to NAV, wait 2–3 min | | Loss of electrical power | Generators off after start | Turn GEN1 & GEN2 ON | The propellers act as massive speed brakes
Bind a specific axis or button on your throttle quadrant to Propeller Feather and Reverse Thrust . The ATR relies heavily on beta range and reverse pitch for stopping on short runways.
Various community developers on the X-Plane.org forum have created freeware ATR models. While these often lack the deep system depth of payware options, they serve as excellent entry-level aircraft for casual simulation. Key Features of the ATR 72-600 Experience