Free B58 Hustler Add-on at AlphaSim Announced

Posted: Saturday, March 18, 2006 - 3:47
The folks at AlphaSim announce the release of the New 'Professional' Enhancement for the Alphasim Convair B-58 Hustler. This free add-on is not an update as such, it is aimed at the hard-core B-58 fans who want more realism - it offers no 'fixes' and is not essential.

The relEase does offer the following :

- Enhanced flight model characteristics including input from Beryl Erickson (Chief Test Pilot for the B-58 Hustler program). This also includes the supersonic 'wall' and correct fuel consumption figures.

- Enhanced/Revised cockpit gauges and revised 2D and VC panels.

- Pop-up Fuel Management Panel including Fuel transfer switches used for maintaining correct Centre of Gravity. Fuel tank selectors are also included.

- SCP and TCP Fuel Pod release switches now affect the fuel load - when you jettison the pod, you jettison the fuel in them !

- Various VC enhancements with more detailing on the textures, and a few modelling changes.

- Revised Checklists including kneeboard links to instructional pages about the VC switches, landing tutorial including video, and an information page about the various weapons the Hustler carried.

2 User flights - One that takes you from Guam to Hong Kong where you will be experiencing the Mach 1 wall, and must maintain a correct fuel consumption to complete the flight on a full fuel load. And the other replicates the low-level flight from Carswell to Edwards in 'Little Joe' (aircraft inlcuded).

The release is for FS2004 only. For full details visit the AlphaSim website.

France VFR Announces Flight Riviera Scenery

Posted: Friday, March 17, 2006 - 20:42
Laurent Dupouey reports that France VFR has announced the release for the scenery base pack. The FlightRiviera BasePack covers the Mediteranean French coast from La Ciotat to Menton (about 250 km) with high quality photorealistic textures. Each of the default airports on the scenery has been reworked to closely fit the phototexture with precisely aligned taxiways, buildings, and objects, greatly enhancing these from the standard Flight Simulator 2004 fare. This allows the virtual pilot to experience both VFR and IFR flights within a very large zone (about 12000 km2) with a degree of realism never attained before in this region. For more information, visit the France VFR website.

Eaglesoft Releases XL2

Posted: Friday, March 17, 2006 - 13:58
Eaglesoft Development Group is pleased to announce the release of their highly anticipated Liberty Aerospace XL2 for Flight Simulator 2004! In cooperation with Liberty Aerospace Inc, Eaglesoft provides a flight simulation version of the real world Liberty Aerospace XL2 with Two Factory Liveries, Two Factory Interiors, Eaglesoft GNS 530, 430, and much more. For more information please visit Eaglesoft and Liberty Aircraft.

Just Flight Releases SR-71 Blackbird

Posted: Friday, March 17, 2006 - 13:54
In the time it's taken you to read this article the record-breaking SR-71 Blackbird has travelled... nowhere. Unfortunately these great planes that flew at nearly 3000 mph are now consigned to museums, gathering dust, their mighty engines silenced for ever. Thankfully, the Just Flight SR-71 Blackbird for FS2004 has just been released and in the time it's taken you to read this you could have ordered a copy!

Developed by PILOT’S, the SR-71 Blackbird is a faithful re-creation for Flight Simulator 2004. Exterior includes animations and accurate detail; there are opening cockpit canopies, the distinctive three-wheel landing gear with silver-coloured tires and even the Blackbird’s trademark dripping fuel is modelled. An accurate flight model reflects the SR-71's ability to approach MACH 3. Other features include extensive detail modeling to include the drag chute, afterburners and HUD. Seven different liveries are included. For a full recap and to order your copy, visit Just Flight on the web!

Aerosoft's Beech on the Beach - Reviewed

Posted: Friday, March 17, 2006 - 3:41
The Capn, staff reviewer Brian Fletcher, takes us on a trip to Martha's Vineyard in his Beech 18. This package comes to us from Aerosoft.

The Beech 18 is a low-wing tail dragger aircraft with available seating from six to eleven passengers, or with the cargo capacity similar to a DC3. What is Martha’s Vineyard? Well, it is an absolutely beautiful 100 square mile island off the southern coast of Cape Cod.

"Each of the 11 liveries on five different models of the wheeled and amphibious Beech 18 display great detail down to the weathered rivets," Brian explains, "all of the liveries include a magnificent reflective texturing with true to life paint schemes. Just as stunning as the exterior model, is the virtual cockpit. The cockpit is set up with a series of large dial gauges and a few slightly smaller gauges below."

"If you have flown the default DC-3 then you will have no problem handling this little treasure as the flight dynamics are quite similar," Brian says about the flight model, "for those of you who like to deviate from the norm and try your luck landing on lesser maintained surfaces, you will be glad to know that this aircraft simply eats up the mud, dirt, and anything else that you can throw at it."

In wrapping up his review, Brian states, "I was very impressed with the historical accuracy and authenticity of every aspect of the Beech 18, and Martha’s Vineyard wasn’t too bad either. So when I think of all of the models and variations included with this package, plus the addition of the enhanced Martha’s Vineyard scenery, I feel that the price tag is reasonable. The level of detail and authenticity places this aircraft in a league of its own."

Golden Age of Aviation Radio Range Navigation System Released

Posted: Friday, March 17, 2006 - 3:08
FS2004 RADIO RANGE SYSTEM Airline navigation in the 1930s was a challenge. Pilots navigated by Dead Reckoning and Pilotage in daylight and used airway light-beacon system for night flights. In both cases flights were limited to good weather, bad weather wreaked havoc on airline schedules, either grounding or diverting flights. Passengers were unhappy, airlines were unhappy, and pilots were unhappy. Along came the four-course radio range.

A low frequency transmitting station generated four electronic beams like the spokes of a wheel. Best of all, to use the Radio Range system only a low frequency radio and a switch box were needed in the aircraft. The pilot or navigator used Morse code audio signals (A and N) to determine his course. Although not perfect, the Radio Range system was so durable that it was the primary aviation navigation system for twenty years until the introduction of VOR navigation in the 1950s. Now, there is a bona fide, historically accurate Radio Range System available for flight simulator pilots.

The principal designers of this innovative work are Dave Bitzer, known for his extensive enhancements to the Douglas DC-3; Alex Nicolson, who has previously produced extensive scenery for the CBI theater along with other work; and Norman Hancock, whose contributions to the virtual airline DC-3 Airways are manifold. Several others have contributed to this extensive project; most notably, real-world pilot Allan Greene, who has drawn up all the necessary approach plates for the radio range stations.

Nearly a year in development, the package includes a standalone DC-3 (based on the default FS2004 aircraft) with a choice of three panels, featuring several new gauges and greatly improved flight dynamics; scenery for 118 Radio Range stations of Eastern US and SE Canada (historically accurate, based on 1944 sectional charts) with 118 complementary approach plates; and a comprehensive instruction manual by Charles Wood. All necessary system, program and sound files are included. Future enhancements will add Western US and Canadian stations. Used in combination with the included sextant, driftmeter and E6-B calculator, it is now possible within flight simulator to truly emulate the navigation techniques used in the early commercial propliners flying within North America. Find the file in the Avsim library here.

EvolveAI releases A320!

Posted: Thursday, March 16, 2006 - 16:29
In the latest of their series of AI friendly, high quality aircraft, EvolveAI has released the Airbus A320 here on avsim. Concurrently, they also released a broad spectrum of liveries for all versions of the A320 (-100, -200 CFM and IAE engines.) Take a look at what's new in the file library, your AI skies are in for a treat. Other examples of their work is available at EvolveAI's website

Blank textures for Carenado´s Cessna 206

Posted: Wednesday, March 15, 2006 - 21:39
Today Carenado announces the release of the blank textures set for our U206G Stationair 6 II. The file called Blank textures CARENADO206 can be found in our library.

FS Repaint from Abacus - Reviewed

Posted: Wednesday, March 15, 2006 - 6:21
Little know artist disguised as an AVSIM reviewer , Brian Fletcher, tries his hand at "livery makeovers" with FS Repaint from Abacus. "Repainting an aircraft is a fun and relatively simple way to add realism or your own personal touch to Flight Simulator. In fact, repaints seem to be the most commonly uploaded freeware files for Flight Sim."

"Imagine if you could simply start a program that contains a list of all of your aircraft and each of the variations," ponders Brian, "Then choose which one you want to alter, or make a new variation, paint the aircraft, then immediately see how it looks all without having to start Flight Sim. That sounds pretty easy doesn’t it? That is exactly what you get with FS Repaint."

"If you are interested in repainting aircraft, this utility could quite possibly become your new best friend," Brian's review states in his closing remarks, "even if repainting aircraft is not one of your hobbies, this program may be just what you need to get started. Overall, I would call it a “great buy”."

Icarusgold 'Antonov AN-2' Now Offered for CFS2

Posted: Tuesday, March 14, 2006 - 20:55
Icarusgold's Craig Bielat tells us that the Antonov AN-2 released Saturday is now also offered in the Combat Flight Simulator 2 version. Craig adds, "Now it is offered in CFS2/FS2004/FS2004 versions at the same price with all previous features; only $17 usd." See the Icarusgold website for details.

Just Planes 'Kuwait Airways A300, A320, A340 & B777' DVD

Posted: Tuesday, March 14, 2006 - 20:45
[Press Release] This double dvd, lasting 6 hours, includes many pilot briefings and presentations, a one hour cockpit tour of the A340, a close look at the excellent inflight service of Kuwait Airways, CEO and company presentation, catering, maintenance, flight operations, crew training and a lot more... For details see the full Just Planes Press Release.

'Flying on IVAO-AERO with IvAp' Video

Posted: Tuesday, March 14, 2006 - 17:04
The IVAO-AERO Public Relations Department has released the movie "Flying on IVAO-AERO with IvAp". According to Allen Sindel, "It shows the most important aspects for flying online including the IvAp FMS, TCAS, Push Back gauges, weather, MTL Aircraft, and smooth graphics during multiplayer sessions. Mr. Pavlides has included a broad spectrum of what you will experience when flying on IVAO-AERO. For Virtual Aviation enthusiasts this video will give you an overall sensation of the flight simulation experience that IVAO-AERO members enjoy every day." You can view this video at the IVAO-AERO website.

New Freeware Twin Otters from Premier Aircraft Design

Posted: Monday, March 13, 2006 - 18:21
On the 3rd of January 1997 Barry Blaisdell published his first DeHavilland DHC-6 Twin Otter for FS5. This was followed over the years by new Twin Otter designs for each subsequent version of MS Flight Simulator, all of them hugely popular with flightsimmers. Now, nine years later, Barry, and the team that has now grown into Premier Aircraft Design (PAD), are delighted to announce the freeware release of a series of new models of the Twin Otter. The new models take advantage of the opportunities presented by FS2004 and are the most detailed the team has ever produced. Dynamic virtual cockpits and fully detailed cabin interiors are now included, the models are also fully animated to include all opening doors and operating flaperons. PAD has taken the decision to model the full range of Twin Otters. First to be released is the "standard" long nosed wheel version, in subsequent weeks the float planes, amphibians, Vistaliners, tundra and ski gear versions will be released. PAD has modelled 34 different versions and sub versions of the new Twin Otter, all of these will be offered to the flight sim community as freeware in the near future. Barry has made accurate custom panels for all the main versions and has fine tuned the flight dynamics for realistic performance. The package also includes Barry's custom sounds. Many liveries have been prepared for the new model and more are being added every week. The PAD team responsible for the new Twin Otter consists of Barry Blaisdell (USA), Jean-Pierre Brisard (France), Bob May (UK) and Kevin Pardy (Canada). View screenshots at Premier Aircraft Design and please visit the PAD web site here for more news and free downloads.

New SkyFilm Productions Video Database

Posted: Sunday, March 12, 2006 - 19:14
We are pleased to report that SkyFilm Productions Video Database has opened. You now have the opportunity to watch a selection of quality aviation videos for absolutely free and new clips will be added frequently. We cover most of the Estonian general aviation events and fly-ins throughout the year and our cameras will be in place whenever and wherever there is something of interest happening. You can watch the latest high quality clips in the General category and a large amount of old videos can be found in the Archives. The newest video clip at the moment is the Viljandi Lake Fly-in. This is a building library of interesting clips worthy of a visit. Catch the latest at the SkyFilm Productions site here.

Perfect Flight FS Approaches Approaching

Posted: Sunday, March 12, 2006 - 19:02
Perfect Flight announces FS Approaches! - Vol 2 USA All simmers knows that Microsoft Flight Simulator will not let you set up and fly an "approach only" situation. Perfect Flight have decided to fill up this gap by developing FS Approaches series!. The Vol. 2 - USA will be available for sale in April. Features include 200 Approach Flight/Adventures over all major airports in the USA as well as Navigation Charts and Airport Facility information available during the flight, as in real life. You now have a chance to win a free copy of FS Approaches Vol 2. USA. Simply visit Perfect Flight website, fill out the form and vote for your favorite Airport. For more info direct your browser to Perfect Flight's website

New Scenery Review - Amsterdam by cloud9

Posted: Sunday, March 12, 2006 - 17:57
Senior staff review Paul Middleton takes us to the "lowlands" of Europe for a look at a major European hub, Schipol airport in Amsterdam by cloud9.

"This is a very large and complex airport. There is evidence of a great deal of careful well-researched work," comments Paul, "but it's not just things to look at, there's plenty happening as well, some of it quite innovative. For those who like flying helicopters, or perhaps come in too low on the approach, this scenery also models the centre of Amsterdam itself, canals and all."

"There is a great attention to detail that we nowadays expect, but there is also considerable innovation with the service vehicles for AI aircraft, and the fully automatic active loading bridges, and the range of options for getting realistic runway usage," Paul concludes in his review, "I would recommend cloud9's Amsterdam to anyone who enjoys operating out of a complex and extremely busy international hub."

Sport Pilot TV to Reach 14 Million New Homes

Posted: Saturday, March 11, 2006 - 18:33
Sport Pilot TV, a revealing weekly aviation program about the sport of piloting all kinds of aircraft, announces that its distribution will increase by 14 million homes over the coming months. This is due in large part to an arrangement with Time Warner to pick up Sport Pilot TV programming from Turner Media who is airing the aviation show on several of its channels.

You can now also obtain Sport Pilot TV episodes on DVD through their website with three episodes per DVD.

Xp-Simulation: Regional Airports

Posted: Saturday, March 11, 2006 - 18:01
Xp-Simulation has released the first screenshots of their next add-on for Flight Simulator. The press statement reads: "Regional Airports is a package of 3 detailed French regional airports: Strasbourg, Bordeaux and Clermont Ferrand."

More information can be found on Xp-Simulation's web site.

Checklist Manager Update 0.1 released

Posted: Saturday, March 11, 2006 - 10:56
SEA Development has announced the release of Checklist Manager Update 0.1 The new features in the update are: randomized crew voices; improved takeoff phase of PSS A320/A330/A340; an entry level FMC/CDU programming for PMDG 737-XXX NG, PMDG 747-400, 767-300ER Level-D, PSS PSS A320/A330/A340 and 737 PIC Feelthere/Wilco (for this aircraft right IRS alignment procedure too). For more information visit the product homepage.

FsCloud9 releases SP2 and livery pack for Frecce Tricolori

Posted: Saturday, March 11, 2006 - 2:37
FsCloud9 has released the additional Livery Pack for the cloud9 Aermacchi MB339 included in the “Frecce Tricolori” package. In this pack have been included 7 additional liveries for aircrafts of different Armed Forces. Download it from this page on their website . Also available is the Service Pack 2 released to improve some aircraft special features like the JPT Limiter. This Service Pack includes all updates released until now. The Livery Pack and the SP2 can be used with the product online or CD version.