Captain IYP-Virtual Air’s Scheduled Routes.

Posted: Saturday, January 14, 2012 - 13:53
Captain a “heavy” on one of IYP-VA Air’s many scheduled routes. If you have never flown with IYP Virtual Air, now’s the time to become one of our pilots. Climb into the cockpit and set yourself the challenge of flying real-time, on a set schedule, with a full compliment of virtual business passengers. There are over 230 pre-planned routes to choose from, flying between cities worldwide, and more are being added on a regular basis. Our flight times range from about one hour, to over 16 hours on super long international routes. You can pick and choose just how much of a challenge you are looking for!

If you would prefer to fly short flights in a regional aircraft, you can pilot one of our Cessnas.

Whatever your preference, the IYP-VA program runs just like a real airline with deadlines to meet (or your passengers will be really upset), pilot contracts, pilot earnings (virtual of course), etc….

10 Years of the Richard Harvey Scholarship

Posted: Saturday, January 14, 2012 - 2:31
In February, 2002, AVSIM established the Richard Harvey Endowed Scholarship at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. This scholarship was created to memorialize Richard, who was the lead programmer and advocate of the FLY! flight simulator series. Its purpose is to financially aid a deserving student who seeks a career in aviation. The scholarship is awarded to one ERAU student each fall and is now endowed; that is, it is self perpetuating. We are very proud of the community and its donations to this worthy cause in memory of one of one of the most memorable individuals to ever participate in our hobby. We are also very appreciative to the companies in our hobby who have also contributed to making a future pilot's dreams come true. The endowment as of June 1, 2011 was $16,106.00. The scholarship award for the school year 2010 - 2011, of $700.00 was awarded to Coby Hart from Custer, South Dakota. Coby attends the Phoenix campus and is an aeronautical engineering major. Ten years on, the Richard Harvey Endowed Scholarship continues to help fulfill dreams, which we believe Richard would approve of whole heartedly.

On The Horizon - X-Plane 10 Global-Edition

Posted: Saturday, January 14, 2012 - 2:19
The Flight Simulation community has patiently been waiting for a new Flight Simulator after Microsoft declared the end of an era for its own Microsoft Flight Simulator. The long waiting period for fans of realistic flight simulation is coming to an end: Aerosoft and Laminar Research are releasing X-Plane 10 on 16th February 2012.

The simulation experts from Aerosoft exclusively enhanced the global edition of X-Plane 10 with European airport sceneries. The airports of Nice, Faro and Paderborn-Lippstadt will be extremely detailed whereas airports such as Frankfurt, London, Paris and Madrid will receive a make up to a highly detailed standard with customized buildings.

The new Flight Simulator accounts for more than 15 years of development time, co-operations with flight schools and the aviation industry. The completely new graphics make PC flying a much more realistic adventure. A sophisticated AutoGen creates breathtaking landscapes, the lighting system supports hundreds of light sources and a new weather generator are only a few of the simulators capabilities. The Simulator also takes advantage of multi-core PC´s eliminating stuttering effects and supporting an optimized performance.

The flight physics are absolutely unique as the flight dynamics are calculated in real time directly from the 3D model taking its real physics into account. This is why X-Plane comes with the most accurate flight model available for PC flying. X-Plane 10 is based on a completely new graphics engine for the platforms Windows, Mac and Linux. Data of more than 80 GB make it one of the most comprehensive simulation ever.

SimWare Simulations Releases AeroflyFS

Posted: Friday, January 13, 2012 - 12:57
AeroflyFS by Ikarus, A NEW FLIGHT SIMULATOR IS BORN! Super realistic • High resolution scenery • Interactive challenges • Props, Gliders & Jets.
• 8 Extremely detailed aircraft included
• Fly in a realistic environment with a resolution down to 40 in.
• Freely selectable wind, view, clouds and thermals
• Many interactive Flight Challenges
• Fully functional instruments in all cockpits
• Moving Map
• Autopilot function
• Winch start for gliders
• Many accessible airfields with hangars and buildings
• Realistic flight dynamics
• TrackIR compatible
• More AeroflyFS add-ons will soon come : aircrafts, sceneries, airports,...
AeroflyFS is also in many other aspects quite special, as it combines easy and intuitive program operation with perfect flight physic simulation. The makers of this simulator, Dr. Torsten Hans and Dr. Marc Borchers, both PPL pilots, developed together with their team of programmers, CAD designers and experienced sport and professional pilots a simulator, which can be adapted to different user preferences and hardware.

For complete details, Video and Screenshots visit SimWare Simulations AeroflyFS Homepage .

PA46T Malibu Jetprop DL HD For FSX Released

Posted: Thursday, January 12, 2012 - 16:45
This aircraft from Carenado is a turbojet conversion of a piston engine Malibu (converted to JET PROP DL with a PT6A-21). It features dual screen electronic flight display G500 system, a new lighting rendering system where landing, taxi and strobe illuminate objects and ground. It has Hot Swap Reality XP integration.

There's a weather radar installed. This aircraft has original HQ digital stereo sounds recorded directly from a real PT6A (Pratt and Whitney Canada) engine. Plus, customizable panel for controlling windows transparency, instrument reflections and static elements such as wheel chocks and sights props.

Ultimate RealATC Now Donationware

Posted: Thursday, January 12, 2012 - 14:19
Ultimate RealATC Now Available as Donationware! The pioneer of RealATC for Flight Simulator, Ralph Zimmerman, writes to say. "I said in June of 2003 that I was going to retire RealATC but I keep hearing from folks who enjoy and/or want the huge collection of over 4,100 RealATC files!" The website for the Ultimate RealATC Collection for Radar Contact V4 and Enviro! is where to investigate how to use this addon . This now donationware add-on, will double your pleasure with Radar Contact 4.3 and earlier and works great with ALL previous versions of Microsoft Flight Simulator, and every other civilian or military flight simulator out there (Enviro! required except for Radar Contact). Also available to the folks who haven't been able to keep up with the hardware upgrades and still fly FS2000 or FS2002 and absolutely FREE is the Three Real Flights package. "If you haven't tried to fly them then in you in for a real treat. They are very difficult but will immerse you into the flight." says Zimmerman. While this is not new and in a way a trip down memory lane for many, there are still lots of simulator pilots still flying the older versions. Ralph Zimmerman pioneered the RealATC concept for Flight Simulator in 1996. The current form includes the largest collection of RealATC sound bytes available from a single source, over 4100 sound bytes!

737 OVERHEAD From VRinsight & SimWare Simulations

Posted: Thursday, January 12, 2012 - 14:05
VRinsight and SimWare Simulations announce the release of their complete Boeing 737 Overhead panel with all systems implemented, the first of its kind !
Features :
- 70 toggle switches, 9 Rotary switches, 2 Rotary encoders
- All switchable 96-annunciator LEDs.
- 7-Segment display for Flight ALT, Landing ALT, AC/DC Electric variables and duct flow
- Compatible with : iFly FS X/2004 - PMDG 737 NG & NGX (soon) - Default 737 (soon)
- Microsoft Flight Simulator X/2004 compatible.
Additionally SimWare Simulations is currently offering a free copy of iFly 737NG (FSX/FS2004)to all new 737 Overhead customers.

FTX NA Gold USA - Central Rockies from Orbx

Posted: Thursday, January 12, 2012 - 1:39
Staff reviewer Rick Desjardins continues his look at Orbx's products. This time it's FTX NA Gold USA - Central Rockies. "This is one massive scenery add-on, it covers approximately 180,000 sq mi or 466,000 sq km and spans 5 states; Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. This release builds upon other regions previously released and fits seamlessly expanding the overall coverage area with more to come in the future."

"The fantastic quality of the visuals has everything to do with the mesh, landclass, graphic textures and autogen that are used throughout. All of these elements work together to create the very picturesque and realistic world you find yourself immersed in. Orbx's ability to recreate all of the diverse natural landscapes so well is an amazing feat."

"The number of airfields is staggering, they state 450+ and they are enhanced; this means that they’ve been given make overs and include better looking buildings than what you find in FSX and accurately placed runways and taxiways. There is definitely no shortage of airfields and they range in size from the simplest grass strip in the middle of nowhere to multi-runway airports."

"If you’re any kind of scenery junkie and crave the best, you won’t want to miss this one."

Cessna T210M Centurion II from Carenado

Posted: Sunday, January 8, 2012 - 19:28
Contributing reviewer Ray Marshall gives us his in-depth view of Carenado's Cessna T210M Centurion II. "The Cessna 210 is at the top of a short list of high wing retractable single engine aircraft that will actually takeoff with all 6 seats occupied, full fuel and overnight luggage."

"The flight instruments have been upgraded to the new 3D version which are probably smoother and more accurate than the Cessna round instruments of 1978. All are bright, clear, and operate very smoothly. The VC is crystal clear, the aircraft is generally modeled correctly, it has great sounds, it is easy to fly and it looks good. Being the top of the line for Cessna singles, once you master this one, the only step up will be one of the Cessna twins if you desire to stay in the family."

"Go get it. Fly High, fly fast, fly often."

A2A P-40 Accu-Sim Expansion Pack Released

Posted: Sunday, January 8, 2012 - 13:53
The P-40 was one of the most important fighters of World War II. Not because of it’s raw performance, but because it was widely available and served it’s role well and it remained a favorite aircraft to the pilots that knew it best. Over a 5-year period, almost 14,000 P-40 aircraft were produced, seeing service in Africa, Asia, and Europe its probably best remembered for being used by the Flying Tigers AVG (American Volunteer Group), with its famous shark-toothed paint scheme. The P-40 roots are from the Curtiss Hawk 75. With the impending war, Curtiss built on the Hawk’s proven airframe and equipped it with the Allison V-1710 engine.

The Accu-Sim Expansion Pack is designed and built to allow the P-40 to be flown "By The Book " with a great many sound and aircraft performance enhancements added to the base package. Visit the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk Homepage for complete details and a look at the Video and Screenshot Gallery.

Pitts S-2S Updated For WinXP

Posted: Saturday, January 7, 2012 - 18:11
Carenado announces an update to make the Pitts S-2S compatible with Windows XP (SP3). This update is free in the Updates section of their Alabeo website.

Sascha Felix Of FlightSim Commander RIP

Posted: Saturday, January 7, 2012 - 14:51
Sascha W. Felix developer of FlightSim Commander passed away January 04th 2012. Sascha was one of the authors of the popular FS Commander product offering flight planning for a number of simulators and add-ons. Volker Heine while announcing the passing of his co-author Sascha stated in the FS Commander forum the product will continue to be developed according to Sascha’s wishes. Avsim would like to extend our condolences to his friends and family and thank Sacha Felix for more than twelve years of contributions to our hobby.

Liverpool Xtreme from UK2000 Scenery

Posted: Friday, January 6, 2012 - 15:33
Staff reviewer Daniel Martinez drops into the hometown of the Fab 4 to look at UK2000 Scenery's Liverpool Xtreme. "This small airport is home to budget airlines Ryanair and Easy Jet. Just over 5 million people came through its doors, making John Lennon Airport the 10th busiest in the United Kingdom."

"The airport itself is relatively small, and the scenery only covers the airport proper. The background looks great either from far away or close up, with its high-resolution 25cm base image. The terminal area is very detailed with nice, sharp textures. This being a smaller airport, you only have the one terminal area but UK2000 has certainly done it justice."

"The high resolution textures, great animations, and overall attention to detail makes Liverpool Xtreme a winner."

Microsoft FLIGHT ! Now In Sight

Posted: Wednesday, January 4, 2012 - 14:19
Avsim was invited to the recent screening of Flight and can now publish a new series of in game pictures and video from the upcoming release. Click on the Flight Logo to watch the Video and visit the Avsim MS FLIGHT News Forum to get a look at the latest from FLIGHT!.

SKY BLUE RADIO VA DAYS

Posted: Wednesday, January 4, 2012 - 13:48
Sky Blue Radio will be celebrating VA Days the third weekend in January on the 20th, 21st and 22nd, 2012. That weekend Virtual Airlines (VA's) will have the opportunity to promote their airlines for free! on Sky Blue Radio and can enter to win one year of advertising if selected as the Sky Blue Radio Virtual Airline of the Year! Airlines must submit their intentions no later than January 17th 2012. If they want SBR to produce their on-air promos they must submit copy no later than January 15th, 2012. To be considered for Sky Blue Radios VA of the Year. VA's must submit a one page summary of what makes their VA unique, and how does it best promote the feeling of community within flight simulation. VA's do not have to be affiliated with any online network. Each summary will be evaluated by our panel of judges with a winner selected from the submissions. Submissions must be made no later than January 17th, 2012. This opportunity is open to all VA's, however space is limited. Please submit your application to vadays@skyblueradio.com. For more information about Sky Blue Radio VA Days read up on the event in the provided PDF.

CALL! For PIC 737 Evolution

Posted: Wednesday, January 4, 2012 - 13:39
FeelThere Release CALL! for the PIC 737 Evolution is a First Officer, Flight Attendant simulation. This easy to use software brings great realism into your virtual cockpit making you "feel there".

The Fist officer reads the following checklists:
-BEFORE START-CLEARED FOR START-AFTER START-BEFORE TAKEOFF-AFTER TAKEOFF-APPROACH-LANDING-SHUTDOWN

After reading each item it will wait for your action making sure you are properly following the checklist flow.
The Flight Attendant SAFETY feature will initiate a safety briefing before takeoff. Upon landing She will automatically remind the passengers to remain seated until full stop.
Visit the Call! Homepage for a look at this new product.

Rotterdam X from Aerosoft

Posted: Monday, January 2, 2012 - 23:32
Staff reviewer Drew Sikora heads to Holland to fly in and out of Aerosoft's Rotterdam X. "This scenery has been done with great attention to detail according to the most up to date ideas on making scenery for FSX. It is very good looking and it is also frame rate friendly."

"Building and object textures are all very well done and look great even up close. Building textures are also enhanced with reflective and environment mapping, which means you'll see the sun shining off them and some surfaces will not just reflect light but also appear to reflect images of the sky and surrounding buildings. A lot of effort was put into the surrounding airport scenery."

"The ground textures around the airport are 40cm aerial images, which is a better source of imagery than satellite photos, and the immediate airport area has even higher texture resolution although the exact definition is not specified. The apron and taxiway textures at the airport itself are all well done and accurately placed when comparing them to aerial images."

"This is a solid scenery addition worthy of inclusion in the library of anyone flying around Europe or looking for a reason to do so. Not only do you have the immediate airport environment to enjoy upon arrival or departure, but there is some exploring to be done in the surrounding area."

Latest Releases From Orbx

Posted: Sunday, January 1, 2012 - 21:06
PAKT Ketchikan International Airport - A challenging landing awaits the adventurous pilot of both commercial airliners and bush planes, with infamous crosswinds up to 90 knots which have been known to blow approaching planes out across Tongass Narrows in certain conditions. PAKT is another beautifully crafted airport by Russ White, whose reputation for levels of detail never seen before in FSX is growing with each new project he undertakes.

This airport is no exception, with a unique multi-level runway and taxiways sloping down to the aprons. The entire airport precinct is built using a single 3DS Max model and of course Russ has included unique tech such as animated ground staff, seaplanes, ferries and hundreds of details too numerious to mention here. Custom ground imagery at 7cm per pixel! Unique multi-level with sloping taxiways FSX 3DS poly runway, aprons and more Gravina Island location on Tongass Narrows Includes Orbx "Flow" technologies Seaplane ports, ferry terminals, dry dock City of Ketchikan and many POI buildings TextureFlow optimised and excellent FPS Cruise liners and ferries in the scenery Unbelievable level of object detail! Expert 5 seasons color matched imagery.

0S9 Jefferson County International - Last but not least Burgers At The Spruce Goose Cafe. This airport is well known in the PNW pilot community as the home of the Spruce Goose Cafe, ne of the the best spots around for a $100 hamburger; or better yet, one of their legendary slices of pie! Also located on the field is the Port Townsend Aero Museum (home to a wide variety of classic GA aircraft), Tailspin Tommy's maintenance shop, and a multitude of hangars built over the last 70 years - each with its own unique character. In fact, that's what makes J-Co (as the locals call it) so special: it's character.

This is an airport absolutely brimming with personality; where classic aircraft are the rule instead of the exception, hangar stories are still told with gusto, and the mystique of aviation hangs heavy in the air. It is a pilot's airport - the place to go for fly-in BBQs in the summer, a warm cup of clam chowder in the winter, and at all times, a place to meet friendly folks who share your passion for aviation. Ground imagery at 30cm per pixel. Fully custom modeled airport and houses FSX gmax poly runway, aprons and lights Beautiful coastal location. Includes all the new Orbx "Flow" technology. Includes Indian Island Naval Reserve. Expert 5 seasons color matched imagery. Beautifully modelled static aircraft. Includes custom GA AI Traffic movements. Directly opposite 2WA1 Diamond Point.

NL2000 Update To Version 4.0

Posted: Saturday, December 31, 2011 - 13:44
The NL2000 NL2000 team has recently updated the existing airports and 3D objects in their Scenery's . Although still working on Amsterdam airport, they released version 4.02 as a Christmas gift. The current installer (4.0.20) can also be used to install this new version. Existing files are automatically overwritten.

Updates of airports include Enhanced 3D scenery, buildings in Groningen, Abcoude, Haarlem and Emmen. Traffic follows now bridges and tunnels. Several generic objects have been added and improved as well at the following locations.

EHAL, EHBK, EHDL (new), EHDP, EHDR, EHEH, EHGG, EHGR, EHKD, EHLE, EHLW, EHRD, ENSB, EHSB80, EHTE, EHTL (new), EHTW , EHTW (active), EHVB, EHVB (closed) EHVK, EHWO improvement and helipad of hospital Groningen (EHUG).

PMDG 737NGX SP1b Available

Posted: Saturday, December 31, 2011 - 13:36
PMDG 737NGX SP1b is now available for the PMDG 737NGX product line, bringing a range of updates, fixes and functionality changes that didn't make the initial SP1 release back in October.

PMDG recommend that all users update to SP1b by downloading the latest service pack from the Service Updates Page. There is an SP1b update for each of the PMDG 737NGX products, so make sure you install both if you own the entire NGX product line!

Simply install over your existing NGX installation by following the installation prompts!

Note: You will need to reinstall your liveries after the update, but PMDG have updated the livery installer to make this even faster and easier!)

Visit the Avsim's PMDG Forum for the full list of changes and download instructions.