Saint Martin is no stranger to dramatic approaches and postcard views, but it’s not all about Princess Juliana. Just a few miles away on the French side of the island lies Grand Case–L’Espérance Airport (TFFG), and it’s now available for Microsoft Flight Simulator thanks to SLH Sim Designs.
This isn’t a mega-hub, nor does it host widebodies or famous beach landings under approaching 747s. But it is one of the most charming regional airports in the Caribbean, and SLH Sim Designs seems to have gone all in on bringing that charm into the simulator.
TFFG serves regional airlines and private traffic, offering short hops to destinations like Guadeloupe, Saint Barthélemy, and other islands across the French Caribbean (many of which are already covered by SLH Sim Designs). The real-world airport sits just east of the town of Grand Case and operates under AFIS (not full ATC), making it popular for VFR operations and low-level sightseeing flights.
SLH Sim Designs’ rendition reflects the small scale of the airport, but don’t let that fool you—there’s a surprising amount of detail here. The developer lists a wide array of features, including:
- 3D Custom Modeling
- 4k PBR Textures
- Animated Ground Equipment/ Vehicles
- Animated Jet-skis at Grand Case and Orient Beach
- Don’t Hit the Animated Flamingos Skylarking Around the Airport Ponds.
- Various Custom 3d Models on Grand Case Beach to Gaze during Final Approach
- Modelled Shopping Centers Near the Airport
- Fully Modelled Terminal Interior
- Modelled Tower Interior
- Modelled Hanger Interior with Starting Position
- Dynamic Lighting
- Corrected Terrain Elevations
- Custom Taxiway Signs
- Accurate Ground Texturing and Grunge
- 3D Animated Airport Passengers
- GSX Profile Included
This scenery goes beyond the tarmac in ways you don’t usually expect. There are animated jet-skis zipping around Grand Case Bay and Orient Beach, plus flamingos that, according to the developer, are “skylarking around the airport ponds”.
The surrounding area is fleshed out with custom 3D models on Grand Case Beach, local shopping centers, and other recognizable structures that help bring the whole area to life. It’s the kind of scenery that rewards you for looking out the window, especially if you’re coming in low and slow in something like an Islander or a Twin Otter.
TFFG – Grand Case is available now through Contrail, SimMarket, and SLH Sim Designs’ own website, priced at around $15.00.
