IVAO Announces Crowded Skies III “World Edition”

Posted: Thursday, November 24, 2005 - 17:04
The International Virtual Aviation Organization, IVAO, has announced their “World Edition” Crowded Skies III event that begins November 26, 2005 at 1900z. They are anticipating wide-ranging ATC coverage with all continents active and the highest number of pilots ever online on IVAO. For more information on this event and to participate as a pilot or controller, please visit IVAO Crowded Skies.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Posted: Thursday, November 24, 2005 - 14:53
To all of our U.S. readers, AVSIM wishes to extend a Happy Thanksgiving. AVSIM would like to give thanks for all of our fine readers, contributors, staff, customers and everyone else who makes our site what it is. We would also like to take a moment and give thanks for our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines who are serving in our armed forces and are unable to be with their families on this day. Again, Happy Thanksgiving and don't eat so much turkey that you are unsafe to fly!

UKMIL Project Opens Its Doors

Posted: Thursday, November 24, 2005 - 14:34
The UKMIL Project is a group dedicated to bringing the British Military to Flight Simulator 2004 in AI form with the RAF, Royal Navy (yes ships!) and even Met office flights. Visit UKMIL.

FScene Autogen Adjustment Patch #4

Posted: Thursday, November 24, 2005 - 1:20
Ruud Faber continues the great FScene clean sweep. Amazing but true, it's almost been a decade since Ruud Faber's first revised ground textures for MSFS saw the light. Things have changed over the years but the principle still is the same: Make the landscape view a bit more pleasant to look at. In order to continue that tradition, "Operation Clean Sweep" started a few weeks ago. Meanwhile the 4th autogen adjustment patch has been released, this time for Australia and Nw-Zealand. Visit FScene, download the patches, and enjoy a new view of the FS world.

Reality XP Releases Flight Line T

Posted: Wednesday, November 23, 2005 - 17:23
Reality XP releases its new Avionics Simulations, the Flight Line T! Reality XP’s unique expertise brings a new dimension to traditional gauges in offering the smoothest gauges on the market, as well as the most realistic simulation of mechanical gauges. TrueGauge XP™ is a technology offering a higher level of accuracy, smoothness and precision than the 3D modeled gauge approach, while allowing the gauge to be rendered in the Virtual Cockpit, the 2D panel, a popup window or a second monitor! Flight Line T includes a set of 24 analogue gauges covering the traditional “T-Stack” gauges as found in any “non-glass” aircraft. For more information, visit Reality XP.

New Open-source FlightGear Version Announced

Posted: Tuesday, November 22, 2005 - 17:30
Curtis Olson announces the release of FlightGear v0.9.9. FlightGear is a free, open-source, multi-platform flight simulator. The source code is licensed under the GPL.

FlightGear is available here for free download .

Curtis comments: "Precompiled versions of FlightGear v0.9.9 for most platforms including Windows, Linux, Sgi, Solaris, and Mac OS X are available (or will become available) for download in the next few days. Here are a few of the highlights from this release:
- 3D volumetric clouds.
- Aircraft shadows.
- Support for seasonal texture sets.
- New working aircraft carrier.
- Enhanced weather modeling (lightning, rain, thunderstorms.)
- High-G redout/blackout effects.
- Gui/menu updates.
- Flight dynamics improvements.
- Many new and updated aircraft."

You can view the complete summary of the new features, changes, and bug fixes for this release here.

Clear Simulations Opens Website

Posted: Tuesday, November 22, 2005 - 17:18
Emilio Cardenas reports "Clear Simulations is a new group formed by Juan Ramírez and Emilio Cardenas. Some of you know Juan through his work with Veneaviones Simulations Group. Juan and Emilio are currently developing the first of a series of payware models: the Cessna 206H Stationair. The progress of the project can be seen at their new Clear Simulations website."

Just Planes Adds A-340 to World Air Routes Series

Posted: Tuesday, November 22, 2005 - 17:03
World Air Routes previously featured South African Airways' fleet of A300, B737-800, B747SP and B747-400 aircraft. Now they welcome the Airbus A340-600 to the series. "The first part of the program takes viewers to SAA's maintenance facility at Jo'burg International Airport for a close-up look at the A340-600. Following the presentation we takeoff for Frankfurt in the cabin of the dash 600. A nice feature is the tail mounted camera which can be accessed via the monitors at each seat." Read the rest of this story in the Just Planes press release here.

BirdsEyeView Releases USA-Canada Fall Textures Volume 2

Posted: Tuesday, November 22, 2005 - 16:46
[Press Release] BirdsEyeView announces the release of Volume 2 v1.00 USA-Canada Fall Textures along with an extensive upgrade to Volume 1 USA-Canada Summer bringing their first release to version 1.02. Both can be found at the Flight1 website. (For previous owners of Volume 1, you’ll need to download the new 1.02 release and follow the upgrade instructions provided in the VOL1_Readme_First.txt.)

Developer Stephen Stever remarks, "The most important upgrade to the entire series is the addition of our new BEV Configurator II. Written entirely in C++ (no more .NET) and extremely powerful, the new Configurator II puts you in control of how you’re scenery should look. Although the control panel is familiar, it has a new look and you’ll be extremely happy with your ability to control several aspects of how your ground scenery should look. We’ve even updated our texture sets to include new UT compatible Golf Courses, Parks, and Cemeteries (wait to you see that one) and many, many more improvements… "

Stephen adds, "One of the most notable features of the new Fall Texture set is the 11 different 3D tree texture sets we’ve provided along with the 11 different texture sets for the deciduous (leafy) forests. We’ve got golden forests, orangish forest; mixed colored forests… we’ve believe we’ve created a texture set for just about every fall possibility!

"In addition to the new FALL texture sets, we’ve included several more texture set options for both Volume 1 & 2, with the most notable being the ability to now control which city wet textures you want to use and how you want them set up. So, if you didn’t like one texture set being used, you can now set up a theme that will allow you to choose a different set to be used in its place. Also, we’ve made themes exchangeable… create a theme and share it with your friends or post it in the BEV forum for everyone to use.

"Although a bit late in the fall season… the New Volume 2 USA-Canada Fall texture sets are well worth the look… you may just find yourself extending your fall way into winter!"

FSInn v1.1 in Public Beta

Posted: Tuesday, November 22, 2005 - 0:07
VATSIM is pleased to announce the release of version 1.1 of FSInn by the Flight Simulator French Development Team (FSFDT). FSInn (Flight Simulator Internet Network) is a multiplayer pilot client fully compatible with and approved by VATSIM. Version 1.1, released only 8 months after the original program, has many improvements, a full list of which can be found in the release notes. As this is a public beta, users are strongly encouraged to contribute to the beta testing process by reporting bugs, issues and requests on the forum. Download and documentation can also be found in the forum.

HTAI Models Releases Cessna AI Models

Posted: Monday, November 21, 2005 - 20:39
HTAI Models is proud to announce the release of Cessna Single-Engine Props. Cessna Single-Engine Props is a comprehensive AI model project developed for Microsoft's Flight Simulator. Easily add the most popular series of general aviation aircraft in the world to your simulator's AI traffic with only a few clicks of your mouse. A total of 57 separate visual models covering Cessna's long production history of civilian single-engine aircraft. For more information or to purchase, please visit HTAI Models.

Wilco Publishing Readies Latest Aircraft

Posted: Monday, November 21, 2005 - 17:33
Wilco Publishing today announced the near term availability of 3 new products: 737 Pilot in Command, Wilco Fleet: 777 and Wilco Fleet: A400M.

According to the announcement, "Currently undergoing beta testing, 737 Pilot in Command provides a brand new weather radar as well as stunning cockpit screen resolution, fully operational IRS system, fully automated landing procedure, a TCAS-II system with audio and a complete Flight Procedure Guide written by Captain Mike Ray, UAL pilot. Wilco Fleet: 777 features Flexible wings moving according to real aeronautics variables. In case of turbulence, the wing will bounce up and down. It also provides an advanced FMS that includes airways input, SIDs & STARs, etc. On the New Generation Airlifter side, Wilco Fleet: A400M offers a modern, multi-role airlifter which will replace the ageing C-130 Hercules. Latest key features include a new generation MCDU with large digital clickable screen, Heads-Up-Display (HUD) reflecting navigation instruments and a load manager for cargo and vehicles."

Interested simmers can get more information and see screenshots at Wilco Publishing. 737PIC and Fleet 777 are being developed by FeelThere.

B-2A Spirit Released

Posted: Monday, November 21, 2005 - 16:13
The AlphaSim B-2A Spirit is now released. In their press release AlphaSim says, "The unique and iconic B-2 'Stealth Bomber' has no counterpart to which a comparison can be made - we hope you will think the same of AlphaSim's rendition of this world-famous aircraft ! Exquisite care has been taken to faithfully reproduce the bizarre shapes and profiles of the 'Spirit'. Textures too have been carefully created to include even the tiniest stencils and markings. The model's animations include - all control surfaces, wing spoilers, entry hatch & ladder, engine suction relief doors and there are even some JDAMs behind the animated bomb bay doors. The attention to detail continues with the custom-made 'glass cockpit' 2D panel - an array of B-2-specific MFD displays with switchable modes will tell you all you need to know about your B-2's status. The cockpit interior carries on where the panel leaves off, detail is everywhere, but it will not hurt your FPS - great care was taken to maintain fluidity of play inside and out. It doesn't end there - a full soundset is also part of the package! The strange but familiar jet sounds of the B-2 will emanate from your speakers as you fly this wonderful bird though your FS landscape. And don't forget your B-2 will need a base - if you haven't noticed yet, the B-2's Missouri home of Whiteman AFB is also available now at AlphaSim, complete with all-new AI B-2A's!" You can find it all at AlphaSim.

Cockpitsolutions.org

Posted: Monday, November 21, 2005 - 16:12
Gert Heijnis has let AVSIM know that The Cockpit Resource is a website available for the support of cockpitbuilding. Accordning to their press release, "Cockpitsolutions.org aims at providing a wide overview of available hardware and software for the cockpitbuilder. Another field of interest covered is realism in flight simulation. Participating authors/vendors product descriptions are compiled into a brief outline covering the main features of the product offered. All items of one participant on the site can be shown in an instant. There is a news section and a newsletter. The newsletter shows all updates and new products every month. Information shown at Cockpitsolutions.org is shown on a point-and-shoot basis. There will be no distracting and off-the-point contents. In order to help cockpitbuilders to show their solutions to each other, cockpitbuilders can upload their project to this site. For months, information has been gathered to fill the pages." For more information check out Cockpitsolutions.org.

FS Shorts

Posted: Monday, November 21, 2005 - 16:11
KalaK-FlightSim has release the "Nuuk Scenary v1.5" for the public. This package includes a better scenery for Nuuk (BGGH), Greenland. Have remade the coastline and inserted a (69Mb) photo ground texture. You can download this public release at Kalak site.

JBSimulations website has moved. JBAI Simulations, developers of freeware AI traffic models for FS2004 have moved hosts, you can now find them at www.jbai-aircraft.com. Go on over and see what they have to offer.

The newest version of the free open source Flight Simulator "Flightgear" is available for download at Flightgear.org . If you have never checked this program out, take a few minutes and give it a look. The FlightGear flight simulator project is an open-source, multi-platform, cooperative flight simulator development project. Source code for the entire project is available and licensed under the GNU General Public License. The goal of the FlightGear project is to create a sophisticated flight simulator framework for use in research or academic environments, for the development and pursuit of other interesting flight simulation ideas, and as an end-user application. We are developing a sophisticated, open simulation framework that can be expanded and improved upon by anyone interested in contributing.

Carenado´s Cessna U206G Stationair 6 II is released!!

Posted: Sunday, November 20, 2005 - 21:01
Carenado announces the release of one of the most powerfull small aircraft: Cessna U206G Stationair 6 II. This model was created using the same techniques of our latest project which yield a very friendly frame rate of the exterior model as well as inside the VC. Beside our high quality standard and features, we added two new things: wing’s shadow at VC and Toggle yoke at VC. In the next weeks, Carenado will release a payware package which will add float capabilities and “cargo look” to the model. You can preview it here.

UNICEF Flight on IVAO

Posted: Sunday, November 20, 2005 - 19:32
Let us celebrate the contributions of UNICEF, Red Cross and Red Crescent. 1300Z Sahil Pershaf, The India Division Director at IVAO announces: The Indian division will organize their first Event. Sahil says: “ We fly in appreciation for support received from UNICEF, Red Cross and the Red Crescent." Event begins about 13:00 Zulu. The flight begins at Delhi (VIDP) and then direct to Islamabad (OPRN). For further information visit here

New Review - Flight Environment

Posted: Saturday, November 19, 2005 - 18:45
Staff reviewer Timothy Brown looks at the world in a whole new perspective. Commenting on Flight 1's release of Flight Environment.

"One of the most appealing aspects about FS2004 is the weather system", says Tim, "Flight Environment gives a major facelift to the visual simmer experience."

Timothy comments about the dramatic changes incurred with this program installed, "A good way to see how much your Flight Simulator texture sets have been changed is by loading up the default flights."

Here's what Tim says about the various aspects of Flight Environment, "Clouds now have their distinct character and feel. Different tones and cloud types grace our virtual skies. There are more than 30 sky textures and new texture sets for the Water reflections."
He wraps it up by advising, "Set your time to dawn or dusk, weather to ‘Clear’ and water effects to ‘High’ and take a look at the multitude of colours in the water then add a few clouds. The possibilities are endless, this is a must have."

Adventures Unlimited Vol. 7 Released

Posted: Saturday, November 19, 2005 - 16:26
Adventures Unlimited Vol. 7 - Delta Airlines an add-on for FS2004 has just been released by Perfect Flight Productions. Amongst the features of this add-on are over 1000 pre-set flights; custom add-on aircraft and panels; cabin and flight deck announcements, all based on Delta Airlines from the USA.

To find out more about the huge amount of additional features also included, why not pay a visit to the Perfect Flight-Adventures Unlimited Vol.7 website.

An Upcoming Freeware Airliner, with a Difference!

Posted: Saturday, November 19, 2005 - 9:25
With the first part of Rick Piper's wonderful Argosy releases safely clearing the active, the Avsim team have been informed of another exciting new project appearing on the radar. One that will appeal to airliner pilots who like to fly things that are a "little different" from the standard Boeing or Airbus.

French designer Barney Bigard, well known for his superb Nord 262 aircraft, under the Alpha Bleu Ciel design group name, has just sent us some screen shots of his latest upcoming freeware project. Click This Link to see just how different, airliners can get!

This wonderful machine is the French Bréguet 763 "Deux Ponts" or Provence. Barney says that "This plane was produced using Gmax and has many animations, cowl flaps, cargo doors and windscreen wipers which react according to the weather conditions. The flight parameters, carried out by Christian Daboudet, are accurately matched with those of the real plane which started flying for Air France about 1950 and continued flying until the 1970's".

Click this link for another view and here, here, or here and even here, to see more shots. A final seasonal view can been seen in in this final shot. Keep a look out for this amazing project, coming soon to the Avsim File Library!.