The Cowan Simulation
MSFS 500E Project
Changelog

MSFS 500E v3.3 – 10/03/25

Important Update Tip
Never overwrite the old version.
Instead:
-Delete or move the old folder out of your Community folder
-Then extract the new version into Community
This ensures a clean, trouble-free install. Thanks!

-Enhanced SAS/AP and Force Trim system
-Autopilot modes now require SAS to be engaged
-HeloSAS updated to use trim inputs instead of direct actuators, matching real-world operation
-Rewritten SAS/AP manual for improved clarity
-Fixed issue causing NAV mode to randomly disengage
-Fixed doors remaining open in multiplayer (updated variable names)

MSFS 500E v3.2 – 9/26/25

-Manual updated
-PMS package README updated
-SAS/AP system enhancements
-Added NAV/GPS mode selector button
-Fixed TO/FROM flags on the HSI
-Fixed radar altimeter not working
-Rotor animation refined for smoother performance
-ATTENTION PMS GTN650/750 USERS (PC)
-The PMS GTN requires an extra package to be installed into the community folder.
-CowanSim PMS GTN650/750 package can be found in the main product folder.
-For MSFS 2024 streaming find them here: https://cowansim.com/manuals-checklists/
-PMS GTN 650/750 base package can be found at https://pms50.com/msfs/
-You’ll need BOTH installed

MSFS 500E v3.1 – 9/20/25

– Fixed Force Trim (was previously non-functional)
– Corrected trim ball indicator behavior
– Baro setting disk alignment corrected
-Updated PMS integration package for PMS compatibility

MSFS 500E v3.0 – 9/17/25

-Upgraded G3X vertical units to the G3X Touch
-Added CowanSim Advanced SAS Autopilot System
-Added SAS Autopilot System Manual to package
-Added Force Trim Release (FTR) and trim hat support
-Improved floats with realistic buoyancy and floating behavior
-Corrected VR loading position (map reset for proper centering)
-Resolved glass/window flickering issue
-Removed doors from weight calculations for cross-simulator and multiplayer compatibility (add/remove click spots remain)
-Updated in sim checklist
-Updated weight positions for options
-Various bug fixes and performance improvements
-Updated FLT files
ATTENTION PMS GTN650/750 USERS (PC)
-The PMS GTN requires an extra package to be installed into the community folder.
CowanSim PMS GTN650/750 package can be found in the main product folder.
PMS GTN 650/750 base package can be found at https://pms50.com/msfs/

MSFS 500E v2.1 – 5/30/24

-SU15 governor code requirements updated to fix any governor issues.

-Glass panel G3X screens are brighter and can be adjusted with the “INST. LIGHTS” potentiometer.

-Multiplayer sounds were fixed to sync up the engine and rotor sound distances.

-Fixed governor glitch where the governor target was too low without hitting the beep switch.

-Changed search light to taxi light to separate them.

-Fixed small bugs with the weight and balance options.

-Cameras redone.

MSFS 500E v2.0 – 12/14/2023

-A new manual was included, and the online version can be found at https://cowansim.com/manuals-checklists/. Please read it! 90% of questions can be answered and that saves us time. If something does not work right now, there is a reason it doesn’t work. It’s either FPS related or simply not possible right now.

-All hardware bindings are fixed, and several were added. See the manual to learn how to map them all.

-Some important ones added:

-Throttle (see manual)

-Idle stop (see manual)

-Search light (see manual)

-Increased the range of motion for the search light. Left/Right/Up/Down

-Enhanced the search light beam intensity, cone, and range.

-The G3X glass panel was added as an option.

-The PMS GTN 650 & 750 and TDS GTNXi 650 & 750 were added as options. These are two different freeware and payware 3rd party products that must be installed separately. Once installed they will show up and work.

-Persistence code was added to save your weight and balance, and options configuration after shutting down. So when you load your next flight all of your settings will be the same as your last flight.

-Trim was fixed and a trim release button was added. (see manual)

-Added an option to remove the front and rear doors independently.

-Added click spots to remove doors in addition to the weight and balance settings.

-Fixed/added cyclic handling for VR users.

-Electrical systems were enhanced.

-Camera views were added and fixed.

-Interior lighting was enhanced.

-Vibrations were added to the cyclic, compass and keys.

-Sounds were added and some were redone.

-Some animations added and fixed.

-Some fixes to textures and modeling.

-TOT gauge code was added to make start and shutdown a little more realistic.

-Very minor flight model improvements.

-Recalibrated assistance options. (assisted tail rotor and cyclic)

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MSFS 500E v1.0.2 – 04/28/202

  • Added the governor trim (engine trim). You can now trim the engine manually by mapping the engine trim to buttons. The switch on the collective is not working since it’s not possible to programmatically change these values yet. Asobo is working on it. But at least it’s there to be mapped to buttons.
  • Added functionality to the spot/search light. There is a controller inside the cockpit to turn on/off and change the direction.
  • Added animation to the Cineflex camera. It will hold pitch and heading for a partial simulation.
  • Fixed exhaust heat blur effects.
  • Added occluders to the skids to simulating laying grass down.
  • Fixed rotors spinning with zero wind when shut down and rotor brake is off.
  • Fixed the tool tip for the throttle when governor is on/off. (max/idle)
  • Fixed the altimeter baro setting not being in sync with the sim. Both had to be synced together for now.
  • Fixed the incorrect airspeed gauge.
  • Fixed the incorrect vertical speed gauge.
  • Flight model and engine changes were made to reflect several real 500E pilots advice.
  • Several modeling, textures and coding additions/optimizations/fixes/tweaks.

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MSFS 500E v1.0.1 – 02/02/20

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Flight Model

Fixed some issues with the flight model according to feedback from pilots. The helicopter still flies with a slight low left skid. This is normal for hovering and slower flight but at speed things should level out. We will be working more with the flight model in the future.

Trim Ball

The trim ball is better but still not quite optimized for helicopters when using the correct code.

Emergency Fuel Cutoff

The red emergency fuel cutoff valve code was fixed. There was a bug with wrong values. Now that should work properly. Pushed in is open and pulled out is closed.

Modeling

Some modeling adjustments were made like the air intake tube in the nose and other small details changed or fixed.

Ignition key

The ignition key needs to be on to run the starter now. Hopefully this does not trip anyone up. 🙂

Lighting

The two cabin light switches and the lighting attached was changed. Now one is red and one is white and they are not so bright so you can use them at night. All the other lighting was gone through and optimized. Added some ambient light from the green panel lights. Fixed the skid nav lights with flex.

Skid occlusion

Added some occluders to the skids and new bear paws so the grass lays/smashes down when off pavement.

Effects Buttons

The two buttons above the cabin light toggles are now tied to rotor wash and engine heat blur effects. Pushing them will disable either respectively.

Added Liveries

15 new liveries were added to the package to make a total of 63 available.

  • Bear Paws added
  • Turned around the backward bench so the worker is on the left.
  • Added down wash effects
  • Added more sounds and adjusted the levels to Asobo standards.
  • Several minor bugs fixed and details added overall.

Thank you for the support,

Josh

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MSFS 500E v1.00 – Initial Release 1/28/2023

This is an ongoing project and will be updated. Thank you for your support.

Josh