It's Official, October 17th Shelf Date FSX

Posted: Monday, September 18, 2006 - 19:02
Directly from the Microsoft Offices, the official shelf date is October 17, 2006 for FSX. Microsoft writes, "The newest addition to the 25-year “Flight Simulator” franchise will fly to retailers on Oct. 17. Gamers of all ages, types and skill levels will experience firsthand what it’s like to be an aviator traveling the globe in one of the dozens of aircraft available."

Announced at the AVSIM convention on Saturday night, FSX went "Gold" earlier this month. Product has been sent to retailers and the official shelf date is set at October 17th. Several different languages will be available as well as 2 different versions; Standard and Deluxe. The Deluxe edition adds the SDK as well as some other enhancements. For more information, visit the Microsoft FSX Site.

Call For Conference Photos!

Posted: Monday, September 18, 2006 - 14:24
Yes its that time of year again, time for us to reflect on a wonderful weekend, and time to see the blackmail. Just kidding! If you have photos you would like posted with the "AVSIM 2006 Collection" please submit to jbinner@avsim.com for posting.

Please, zip all photos and anything over 5MB please split up, or send a link for download. As the files are downloaded we will let you know it's safe to take down.

Thanks to all who attended. Look for more news, highlights, and more in coming days!

AVSIM Announces 2007 UK Exhibition

Posted: Sunday, September 17, 2006 - 22:44
The Board of Directors of AVSIM are pleased to announce that two exhibitions will be held next year; our usual exhibition in the U.S. and an additional exhibition in the U.K. With the support of RCSimulations and PCPilot Magazine, and the full sponsorship of Microsoft, we will bring for the first time an AVSIM exhibition experience to our fellow flight simulation enthusiasts in the UK and to those in Europe who can now more easily attend. We are still working on the details and timing of both events, and we'll be posting more on these as we work them out. So, stay tuned! AVSIM is coming to London (or there about)!

The Great Secret Now Revealed!

Posted: Sunday, September 17, 2006 - 22:26
The headline is a bit "tongue in cheek", please forgive us... One of the great efforts that has taken place behind the scenes in the last year or so and of which the flight simming public has to a great extent been unaware of, is the engagement of third party developers by Microsoft in the development and maturation of the soon to be released FSX. We have seen countless posts in the forums voicing concern and anxiety over the extent to which MS has worked with your favorite developers in bringing their products in harmony with MS FSX. We can tell you today that Microsoft and the developers have worked very hard on your behalf to ensure that third party add-on's take advantage of the latest features of MS FSX. We will be posting further news in the coming months about MS/Developer's conferences, and the efforts behind the scenes between MS and developers to expand the horizons of today's flight simulation technology.

AVSIM Opens Two MS FSX Related Forums

Posted: Sunday, September 17, 2006 - 22:15
Last night at the awards banquet at the AVSIM Convention, AVSIM announced the release of the "RTM" or Release to Manufacturing of the MS FSX "gold" final version of the simulation. Over 40 GOLD DVD's were released. The RTM was released for the English, German, French, Polish, Italian and Spanish versions; the largest initial language coverage release in the history Microsoft Games. Many more languages are to follow on the heels of this initial release.

As most simmers attuned to the imminent release of FSX know, it will include two tremendously powerful additions; Simconnect and Missions. AVSIM today has opened up two new forums in anticipation of FSX release. The Simconnect Forum and the FSX Missions Forum. These forums have been set up to provide users of FSX a resource for sharing expertise, experiences, ideas and assistance in these two new areas of FSX. BETA testers who are now released from their obligations under the NDA are requested to post their insight and experiences of these two new areas in FSX in anticipation of FSX's imminent release.

Brief Convention News!

Posted: Sunday, September 17, 2006 - 17:26
As we wind down the AVSIM 2006 Convention and Exhibition, we are proud to report that this year's event was the largest and most popular get together the community has seen. Overwhelmingly, the attendees, sponsors, vendors and staff have enjoyed the community spirit, wealth of products shown, the fantastic papers sessions and the Key Note addresses by the Microsoft Team. Microsoft announced at thier Key Note address that a new period in Flight Simulation was evolving. Those in attendance heard for the first time the direction that the MS Flight Sim team have established as their priority, the staffing on the ACES team to achieve that priority and the role of the community in expanding our hobby. We will be publishing more news on this aspect of the convention in the coming days, but suffice to say that the "big news" coming out of the Key Note address was not the release of the "GOLD" master(which is old news actually), but the new direction that the MS team is taking with the community, exhibtions, and the role of the AVSIM community in contributing to the overall success of the hobby. If you were in attendance, you witnessed one of the most important events in recent flight simulation history. More news to come on that too. So, between now and the follow-on stories that we are writing about the event, we offer up some of the many images taken and hope that you will enjoy them (caution: the main images are 1.4 megs in size). Stay tuned for more information and news from the Convention!

UPDATED AT 4:55 EST: Read Tim Metzinger's summary post of the importance of this event in the Convention Forum.

FScene Releases Free Season

Posted: Saturday, September 16, 2006 - 13:42
Ruud Faber has painted replacement ground textures for Microsoft Flight Simulators over the past 10 years. He now invites everybody to join his little party by accepting this present from him. You can download the beautiful FScene2004-Australia&Nw-Zealand Spring Season file completely free of charge from his FScene website.

Captain Sim Releases 757 Freighter

Posted: Saturday, September 16, 2006 - 13:36
CaptainSim has released the 757 Freighter it features amongst other things the following:

• 9 Boeing 757 Freighter Model variations
• Improved Dynamic Wing Flex
• Wing Flap Vortices Effect
• Blended Winglets
• Cargo Cabin Wing Views
• High resolution Textures of DHL and UPS livery
• 2 animated Cargo Loaders
• 15 animated cargo containers on the main deck
• 15 animated cargo containers on the lower deck
• 142 Custom Model Animations
• Exterior Model Systems Programming
• Aircraft Model Animation Control Panel
• 2 Load Manager Control Panels
• Simicons Panel
• Repaint Kit
• Exclusive Effects
• User's Manual

More information can be found on the CaptainSim website.

VATSIM Server Maintenance

Posted: Thursday, September 14, 2006 - 22:44
On Friday September 15th, around 10:00 UTC, the dataserver will be moved to a new location. All VATSIM services related to the dataserver will be unavailable during the move. This means no ServInfo and Who is online list updates and no statistics data collection for a couple of hours. All statistical data related to flights and ATC connections during the downtime will NOT be recorded. All FSD and voice servers will remain available so it will be possible to connect to the network and to flight/control normally.

AirSimmer to Premiere A320 Family

Posted: Tuesday, September 12, 2006 - 16:58
The AirSimmer team will be exhibiting their new A320 Family Aircraft at the 5th annual AVSIM conference, September 15-17, 2006 in Washington D.C. Visitors to the AirSimmer stand at the conference will have an opportunity to test the aircraft, and to discuss product features with the AirSimmer team. For more information go to their web site.

FS2Crew PMDG 747 Service Update & Video

Posted: Tuesday, September 12, 2006 - 16:57
FS2Crew has announced that Service Update 1 is now available for the PMDG 747 Edition of FS2Crew. There is also a new 8 minute tutorial video showing Engine Start and Pushback procedures with the PMDG 747 is available. To download either, please visit www.fs2crew.com.

A Note From The AVSIM Conference Staff

Posted: Monday, September 11, 2006 - 17:57
Conference Registration - The Registration staff and Conference Chairman are heading to DC tonight to start preparations on-site. It is recommended that all attendees who haven't pre-registered should now plan to pay at the door. The above mentioned staff will be out of email contact until Wed 13 Sept.

From the Review Editor's Desk - I will be back at my desk for the weekend of 23/24 September, then off to another conference for a few days. I apologize to our dedicated review readers for not being able to post our usual 10-12 reviews this month, but I'll be busily back at the keyboard by the end of the month.

We look forward to renewing friendships with the familiar faces from previous years and to meeting the fans whom we only know through emails and the forums. Please take the time to say hi to the AVSIM staff members during your visit to this year's conference. Look for our distinctive yellow shirts and Staff Badges.

Commuter Aircraft Pak Released

Posted: Monday, September 11, 2006 - 13:34
The latest release in Just Flight’s new PlusPak series, Traffic PlusPak – Commuter Aircraft 1, is now released and is available exclusively from the Download Shop at Just Flight.

This expansion has been developed to increase the number and variety of commuter aircraft in Just Flight’s Traffic 2004 and Traffic 2005 programs. It also works on its own as an expansion for FS2004 and adds new AI (Artificial Intelligence) aircraft to the default traffic. The program comes with a total of 100 individual aircraft and is designed to increase AI commuter traffic worldwide; there are many new locations that will benefit from increased regional traffic coverage– especially those in North America, Europe and South Africa.

Commuter Aircraft 1 adds a new dimension to the Traffic 2004/5 experience by providing more commuter models and populating many smaller regional airfields.

Victoria Mesh Now Available

Posted: Monday, September 11, 2006 - 13:31
Red Baron Entertainment releases 20m mesh for Victoria, Australia. Did you ever want to fly in Victoria and experience the scenic Alps in their full life ruggedness? Be immersed in exciting mountain scapes rather than rolling green hills? Now you can! This incredible scenery magically transforms Victoria, Australia, and gives you amazing detail you've never seen before. This is the first ever 20 m mesh released for Australia. Check out Red Baron Entertainment.

Weather Scapes for FSX

Posted: Monday, September 11, 2006 - 13:29
We are happy to announce our first release for Flight Simulator X. We have developed new Weather Scapes for users of the demo and beta versions of Flight Simulator X. Get the thrill of flying through a hurricane or just simply enjoy a few scattered clouds as you look at the new stunning scenery and animations with FSX. They are free for use and you can download them at Weather Scapes. These weather scapes will work with the final release of Flight Simulator X.

Saitek X-52 Revisited

Posted: Monday, September 11, 2006 - 2:41
Sr. staff reviewer Brian Fletcher revisits another piece of hardware just in time for the release of FS-X. The Saitek X-52 Flight Control System. "Even though the vast majority of simmers use some type of joystick, What separates the X52 from most other HOTAS controllers is that it has the ability to control every function in every Flight Simulator that I tested it with", quotes Brian.

"The joystick can be mounted to your desktop by use of the two existing holes in the front right and rear left of the base, or by using the four supplied suction cups, but the weight of the base will keep it in place on just about any surface. From any angle, the joystick portion of the X52 is, in my opinion, just about as good as it gets. I have found it to be comfortable and I am pleased with the array of buttons, switches, and knobs which can be configured to function the controls however you want them to, in most Flight Simulators."

"I found the throttle portion of the X52 to be a perfect companion for the joystick. When you combine the buttons, knobs, slider, and rotaries with those on the joystick, you have all you need to fly without the mouse and keyboard."

"Given the seemingly endless functions, the comfortable and authentic design, I consider the Saitek X52 to be one of the finest HOTAS controllers available. Some of the features, such as the separate throttle control, LED display, and adjustable button lighting add to my cosmetic likes of this controller. And other functions, such as the rudder twist, adjustable palm rest, conveniently placed buttons and switches, mouse controller, and mode selector, find my approval as well. And even though I may not be willing to suggest that you hurry up and get one for yourself, I do highly recommend giving this product serious consideration," Brian concludes in this hardware review.

Avsim Store FS-X Landing Competition Video

Posted: Sunday, September 10, 2006 - 22:06
“Can you make the Cut?”

The LDA-1 RWY 8 approach to Juneau Intl is one of the most demanding in the world. Airlines that fly into Juneau require special training for their pilots in order to qualify them to fly it. The weather along the Alaskan peninsula usually consists of low clouds and rain, and Juneau is known for its few rare days of sunshine each year.

This year at the Avsim 2006 Conference & Exhibition our preliminary competitors are lucky.. as the noontime sky has cleared to broken cumulous clouds with a light wind from the east. It’s a perfect day a visual approach. Your flight will start as you approach the NDB over Coghlan Island with the localizer needle centered on the LDA-1 approach. As you cross the “cut,” the V-shaped depression on the right side of the hill directly in front of the airport, you’ll need to adjust your approach by starting a right turn to get lined up with the runway. OK... now that you are lined up… adjust your final speed and descent rate for touchdown. Congratulations! Now that wasn’t so bad… but if you’re lucky enough to be one of our five finalists you’ll come back at 4pm for the next round in the landing competition. A word of caution: The weather in Juneau is unpredictable… and will usually begin to deteriorate about this time of the day!!!

Download the FS-X promotional video of the landing competition by clicking here.

Sponsored by Vmax Flight Systems & The Avsim Store - Please join us at the Avsim Store booth in Washington DC at the 2006 Avsim Conference & Exhibition

Main Prizes by Precision Flight Controls and GoFlight

Did You Know that AVSIM Soon Turns 10?

Posted: Sunday, September 10, 2006 - 16:59
That's right! In February of 2007, AVSIM turns 10 years old and, in order to get into the spirit of the moment, we have created a survey for you to provide us your opinions on how we should celebrate. The lead in to the survey says: "In February of 2007 AVSIM will celebrate its 10th Anniversary. Frankly, we are struggling with ideas on how to celebrate this milestone event, so we would like your help. This survey asks you some pretty tough questions and we hope you are up to it. Be honest, stay focused, and by all means, don't loose sight of the goal - celebrating our 10th anniversary!" So, help us out, give us your ideas and inputs, and let's see how the community would like to see us celebrate!

New Review - Aerosoft's "Coast Guard"

Posted: Sunday, September 10, 2006 - 2:12
“Semper Paratus” or “Always Ready” is the official motto of the United States Coast Guard. Staff reviewer Joseph Ellwood takes us onboard the Sikorsky HH-60J Jayhawk as he tours Aerosoft's "Coast Guard".

"The Jayhawk comes with just the one livery – the current USCG red and white scheme. The model has numerous moving features that I enjoyed. Opening doors have been standard on models for a while now, and this model has two opening doors. When the side door opens, the man in the cabin will get off his seat and crouch down at the door, unfortunately there is no command to lower him onto the ground!"

"The primary instruments of the cockpit of the Jayhawk are of course, the PFD and MFD. Both are fully customizable to your preference, and both contain lots of information to keep you on top of things. The Virtual Cockpit is fully clickable." About the flight model, Joe says, "Once you take off, your initial thoughts are “gee, this thing is heavy”. The best way to get accustomed to the flight model is to do the tutorial flight. The flight takes you from the USCGC Bertholf just off Dover to London City." Returning to the ship is another matter, "Approaching the cutter for landing is something that needs a lot of practice," comments Joe.

In the conclusion of Aerosoft's Coast Guard, Joe remarks, "I had a great time flying the Jayhawk and the flights it includes. Not only is this a sophisticated helicopter simulation, but the cutter allows the simmer to be imaginative and create their own virtual sorties. You’ll have a lot of fun flying the HH-60, it’s very charismatic to fly, looks and sounds lovely, and is generally a great helicopter add-on. This package will not let down any helo simmer, as it is a fun package and is sold with a very tempting price tag on it."

Golden Age Simulations Releases Stearman Model 4

Posted: Saturday, September 9, 2006 - 18:09
Golden Age Simulations announces the release of their Stearman Model 4 Speedmail Package for FS2004. This package comes with three aircraft; the 4D, 4DM and the powerful 4E SC-1. Also included, is the Durango Airmail scenery add-on.

One of the largest and fastest biplane designs of those glory years, it was known to be extremely stable and well-mannered, as well as giving fast cruise speeds, whilst carrying an enormous payload for the operator/pilot earning the young fledgling airlines and various companies a respectable profit on those Depression Era days!

These detailed models are fully animated with custom gauges and a never before heard sound package from Aaron R. Swindle of Sky Song Soundworks. Golden Age Simulations has partnered with Flight 1 in presenting this model to the flight simulator community.

Complete details and purchasing information are available at the Golden Age Simulations website.