The VSKYLABS ‘Test-Pilot’: 510X-VLJ is a comprehensive and highly detailed aircraft add-on, developed to utilize and showcase X-Plane 12 using its powerful out-of-the-box features and capabilities. This guarantees maximum compatibility and optimized performance.
VSKYLABS COCKPIT-BUILDERS ASSIGNMENT LAYER
The aircraft features the VSKYLABS ‘Cockpit Builders Heaven’ Layer, which is a dedicated assignment layer built into X-Plane 12, allowing the user to assign all aircraft switches, knobs, levers and interactions in a clean, uncluttered section of the X-Plane 12 assignment screen.
The VSKYLABS Cockpit-Builders Assignment Layer was created with hardware builders and serious sim pilots in mind. It simplifies the process of connecting real-world hardware to the aircraft’s virtual systems:
- Simplified hardware binding: Instead of searching through X-Plane’s long list of generic command categories, every VSKYLABS-specific switch, knob, or lever is neatly grouped under one dedicated layer. This makes setup faster, clearer, and far less confusing.
- Better cockpit/hardware integration: Whether you use a full home cockpit, switch panels, or joystick buttons, the assignment layer lets you map each aircraft control directly to a physical input—without workarounds or guesswork.
- Clear separation of control types: The layer focuses purely on cockpit interactions; switches, knobs, levers, keeping them distinct from flight-model or autopilot commands. This clean structure makes customization more precise and logical.
In short, the VSKYLABS Cockpit-Builders Assignment Layer closes the gap between virtual and physical cockpits.
IMPORTANT!
The aircraft is highly customized, including systems that go deep while intersecting with other systems. For example: Speedbrake operation is interconnected with the FADEC, as in the real-world aircraft.
In this case, trying to bind the default X-Plane assignment for the speed brakes will result with no-response.
You must use the dedicated, comprehensive VSKYLABS Cockpit-Builders Assignment Layer.
In the case of the speedbrakes, simply go to X-Plane 12 assignment screen and search for '510' or '510 speedbrake'. Then, assign your hardware.
VSKYLABS ADVANCED THROTTLE INTEGRATION
INTRODUCTION:
The throttle cut-off mechanism can be controlled using a short forward-and-back motion (“blip”) on the throttle axis:
- Throttle fully retarded to idle.
- Throttle advanced forward past 8% travel (ratio > 0.08).
- Throttle returned to idle within 1 second.
This gesture toggles the throttle between IDLE and CUT-OFF, without requiring buttons or scripting. It is compatible with all hardware, including VR controllers.
OPERATION - Engaging Cut-Off:
- Retard throttle fully to idle.
- Within one second, advance throttles forward slightly, then return to idle.
- Levers drop visually into the cut-off detent; engines shut down.
OPERATION - Return to Idle (Relight):
- From idle, repeat the same “blip” motion forward and back within one second.
- Levers return to idle detent; engines resume normal fuel flow.
Notes:
- Gesture detection is time-limited to avoid unintentional activation.
- The visual detent gap between idle and cut-off represents the mechanical gate in the real aircraft.
Pilot Tip:
Practice the throttle “blip” gesture on the ground before engine start to get a feel for detent timing and travel. Once familiar, it becomes a natural and intuitive motion, just like lifting over the gate in the real aircraft.
*Using the mouse or VR? Instead of 'clicking' on a click-spot, simply 'blip' the throttle with the mouse/manipulator!
Assignments, Advanced Hardware, Scripting & Custom Bindings
Throttle Cut-Off System Overview
The 510X simulates the real aircraft’s mechanical cut-off gate using two complementary methods:
- Blip Gesture System (Default) - explained in the ‘INTRODUCTION’ above.
- Command-Based Control (Optional) - keep reading below.
Command-Based Control (Optional):
For users with hardware detent switches or external scripting systems, the 510X provides dedicated throttle cut-off commands. These commands directly control the internal cut-off state and do not interfere with throttle axis movement.
Using Built-In Assignments
You can assign keys/buttons directly using the VSKYLABS ‘Cockpit-Builders Assignment Layer’, which works within X-Plane 12 assignment system. Simply type ‘510 throttle’ in the search bar, and use desired assignment, as shown in the following screenshot:
Available Commands
Left Engine
- vskylabs/510x/throttles/throttle_L_cutoff_set
- vskylabs/510x/throttles/throttle_L_idle_set
- vskylabs/510x/throttles/throttle_L_cutoff_toggle
Right Engine
- vskylabs/510x/throttles/throttle_R_cutoff_set
- vskylabs/510x/throttles/throttle_R_idle_set
- vskylabs/510x/throttles/throttle_R_cutoff_toggle
These commands may be assigned to any joystick button, detent switch, or external interface.
Using Hardware Detent Switches
Advanced throttle hardware (e.g., Honeycomb Bravo, Virpil, WinWing, Thrustmaster TCA) may include physical switches that activate when the lever is moved past an idle gate.
These switches may be mapped directly to the 510X commands.
Bravo Throttle Quadrant Compatibility:
The Honeycomb Bravo idle-cutoff detent sends only a single momentary button press when the lever is pulled into the detent. It does not send a secondary signal when the lever is moved back to idle.
The 510X throttle system is designed to operate naturally with this mechanism by using the dedicated toggle command:
- vskylabs/510x/throttles/throttle_L_cutoff_toggle
- vskylabs/510x/throttles/throttle_R_cutoff_toggle
Each time the lever enters the detent, the system performs a single cut-off/idle toggle, functioning similarly to a ratchet mechanism. This allows the detent to be used as an intuitive “blip” control.
Cold & Dark Start:
- The 510X initializes with throttles in CUT-OFF.
- Set the Bravo lever into the detent before loading the aircraft for state alignment.
- If the states do not match, 'ratchet' the detent once to synchronize.
Engines Running Start:
- The 510X initializes with throttles in IDLE.
- Set the Bravo lever above the detent before loading for correct alignment.
Alternative Method:
Users may leave the detent button unassigned and use the built-in throttle blip gesture, which works on all hardware, including VR and simple joystick throttles.
This workflow requires minimal adaptation and provides full throttle/cutoff functionality across a wide range of hardware.
Integration With FlyWithLua and Other Scripts
Users who previously controlled jet cut-off through mixture manipulation should note that this method is not compatible for the 510X or for jet aircraft in general.
Instead - Replace mixture commands with the dedicated 510X cut-off commands (listed above).
These commands ensure proper synchronization with the aircraft’s internal logic, without overriding native mixture behavior or affecting other aircraft.
Coexistence of Gesture and Commands
The blip gesture and command-based methods operate on the same internal cut-off state. When a command is used, gesture detection is temporarily isolated to prevent conflicts. Both methods remain available at all times and may be used interchangeably.
USER INTERACTION: POP-OUT SCREENS
In the default X-Plane G1000 system, the pop-out feature supports the pilot PFD, MFD, copilot PFD, and GCU keyboards. However, the MFD pop-out shows only the default Laminar G1000 display, and it does not include the VSKYLABS 510X customized engine or CAS pages.
The pop-out GCU keyboard is the standard Garmin GCU 479 layout, while the 3D virtual cockpit in the VSKYLABS aircraft uses the GCU 476 layout, which functions the same but omits the left/right soft-key selectors. In X-Plane’s G1000 system, those soft-key functions are operated through the FMS knobs instead.
For enhanced flexibility, VSKYLABS recommends using third-party utilities such as the XTextureExtractor plugin (https://forums.x-plane.org/files/file/42612-xtextureextractor/) to create custom MFD pop-outs that include all custom displays.
Setup files for the XTextureExtractor plugin can be found in this topic at the VSKYLABS 510X-VLJ Support Forum.
DISCLAIMERS:
- The following Images showing suggested layouts are provided for reference only.
- VSKYLABS is not affiliated with, nor responsible for, these third-party plugins or their developers.
- The VSKYLABS VSL 510X-VLJ product does not include any 3rd party pop-out plugins.
- In-house VSKYLABS pop-out plugin may be available in the future.
USER INTERACTION - COCKPIT, SYSTEMS, FEATURES
As part of the VSKYLABS development philosophy, all aircraft systems and features are accessible via direct pilot interaction and/or X-Plane integral GUI. That includes the implementation of various automation that allows further and deeper simulation of various aspects of the aircraft.
Although this approach introduces various challenges, it allows the pilot to be focused on operating and flying the aircraft, rather than going through detailed menus and customization.
For example - loading passengers:
- Interaction - Loading passengers on the seats can get done via X-Plane 12 weight & balance system (aircraft selection process or inflight using the IOS window). Alternatively, the pilot can simply interact with the aircraft seats (mouse click or VR) and load/unload each passenger and/or other equipment, or use a dedicated key/button assignment.
- Automation - In addition to the additional weight and CG changes due passengers loading, each loaded passenger (in the cockpit and in the cabin) is taken into account and being integrated into the oxygen system, in its various modes of operation. When oxygen is consumed (intentionally by setting the drop-masks knob or in case of pressurization loss at high altitude), each loaded passenger acts as an active ‘breather’ and increases oxygen consumption rate respectively.
1st PERSON PILOT FIGURE
The VSKYLABS 510X features a 1st person pilot figure, as an optional addition to increase immersion. To SHOW/HIDE the 1st person pilot figure use the dedicated assignment, or simply interact (click/VR) with the left-seat cushion, as shown in the following image:
HIDING THE YOKES
- Use X-Plane 12 default ‘Hide Yoke’ command (default also by pressing ‘y’).
- When hiding the yokes, the 1st person pilot figure will automatically be hidden as well!
AVITAB PLUGIN
The VSL 510X-VLJ includes a compatible AviTab tablet, stowed in the copilot’s flight bag.
*The AviTab plugin is not included and must be installed by the user. More information and download here: https://forums.x-plane.org/files/file/44825-avitab-vr-compatible-tablet-with-pdf-viewer-moving-maps-and-more/
Interact with the stowed tablet in the flight-bag to deploy it onto the yoke; Interact with the tablet upper section to stow it back.
AviTab toggle commands can also be assigned using the VSKYLABS key/button assignments.
