Inibuilds Airbus A350-900/1000
Ah, the Airbus A350 – the sleek, efficient widebody that makes long-haul flights feel like a breeze. In the virtual skies of Microsoft Flight Simulator, inibuilds has taken this technological beast and offed us something truly different to fly. But is it worth the price and the constant updating rollercoaster that's been needed to keep all that digital goodness in check? So, let’s boot this bird up and see what she’s all about.
Right off the bat, the A350 looks absolutely stunning. The external modelling of this plane screams sleek futuristic efficiency. The composite wings curving like a supermodel's smile, and in my opinion, are the best-looking wings fitted to a modern-day airliner. Those powerful Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines look like massive biceps that effortlessly brings this bird to altitude.
Inside the cockpit, it's a computer geeks dream. Before you are 6 huge displays providing a wealth of flight information and leaving no questions about the state of your flight. It’s like the ultimate man cave. Screens, screens and more screens! Functionally everything seems to work just fine, but the downside to this high-tech wizardry is the performance hit your PC will take. Out of all the aircraft in my virtual hangar this one demands the most. I do appreciate the option of using the touch screen or actual buttons for the flight computer inputs. I like the feel a good button!
Performance-wise, this A350 handles like a dream. Takeoff performance reminds me of the 757. Acceleration is quick and smooth along with the intimidating growl of those beautiful engines. Climb to cruise altitude seems effortless. Approaches and landings are expectedly on par for this digital beast. The performance is so good that I felt the need to look at a few YouTube videos to see if this massive bird can really bend physics to its will.....It can!
Let's talk systems, because inibuilds has thrown everything but kitchen sink at this one. Fuel management, hydraulics, electrics – it's all there, every button and every click has an effect on the aircraft. Warnings will light up like a Christmas tree and try everything possible for you not to screw up. The EFB (Electronic Flight Bag) is a game-changer, letting you pull up charts without alt-tabbing to your browser. And moreover, you get a nifty Heads-Up Display.
Before we fall in love, here are a few negatives that must be addressed here. First and foremost, this aircraft has been an update nightmare. There were so many updates that I quit flying this bird for a while so inibuilds could “catchup.” Some updates completely made the A350 in-op until, yet another update became available. There were a few long-haul flights that crashed my sim due to apparent WASM issues. But rejoice, the latest update seems to have solved these issues (for now). Throttle calibration is confusing and glitchy. This will make you do a desperate dive into YouTube for an answer.
The inibuilds Airbus A350 for MSFS 2020 is an easy plane to love. It’s beautiful, powerful and full of tech. Simple, yet a challenge at the same time. It will test you and remind you of everything good (and bad) that you do. Like a teenager in love, it has had its growing pains and has worked through its issues to grow up and become a solid package.