Cessna 172N from Carenado

Posted: Monday, April 13, 2009 - 19:12
Staff reviewer Jason McKee looks at a venerable workhorse of the flight training world with Carenado's Cessna C172N. "The 172N was introduced in 1977, it was also known as the 172 Skyhawk/100 by Cessna."

"With the 172N from Carenado you get two models, one with spats and one without. You also get three liveries with the two options and one livery which is a 50th anniversary special. The default 172 cannot compare to this add-on as it is night and day comparing the two. The default looks small and underdeveloped compared to Carenado's version."

"The interior model looks stunning. The cockpit is based on a base model 172N, with the standard fitment of radios and instruments. There is no texture issues inside the cockpit and all the panels fit together well with no gaps or texture differences in any of them. The virtual cockpit looks great and is nice and smooth to pan around in. All the gauges are smooth and fluid with no stutters or glitches. Flight yokes and throttle controls all move smoothly through their full range of movement. The 2D cockpit is good as well, almost as good as the virtual cockpit, but it doesn’t flow as well as the virtual cockpit."

"This aircraft performs as good, if not better, than the default 172. This aircraft also works flawlessly in Direct X 10. All the features of DX10, like the cockpit shadows and advanced bloom effects, make this model look simply stunning. The aircraft flies as per the numbers listed in the reference PDF. Overall, I enjoyed flying this aircraft. I highly recommend Carenado's Cessna 172N."

AVSIM Opens New Links System

Posted: Sunday, April 12, 2009 - 23:43
AVSIM is pleased to announce that we have opened our new Links System. Replacing our old DCLink based system, the new Links Database provides users a better user interface, intuitive operation, sites ratings, user comments, and much more. Unfortunately, we were unable to port the old links database into the new one. Over 1600 active links were left behind. We encourage you to enter the new Links System and add your favorite links. If you are a Virtual Airline owner/operator, a commercial publisher or reseller, a web site owner who has a simulation themed website, or just a reader that wants to make sure we have every airline's website in the database, then we encourage you to post your link today. You can do so at the Links link in the Top Menu above, or you can go directly to the Link System here.

AVSIM Surveys the State of the Hobby!

Posted: Sunday, April 12, 2009 - 23:42
The demise of the MS ACES Studio in January caused a shiver to run through the flight simulation hobby. Opinions of that event have ranged from very negative to very positive. So, what is the state of our hobby today? What does the future hold? How do you feel about the health and well-being of Flight Simulator? AVSIM has launched a 17 question survey to find out - The State of the Hobby Survey. Please take the State of Hobby Survey and let us know about you, your participation in Flight Simming, and how you feel about the future. You can take the survey here.

SSM 2007™ Anniversary SP 3.1 And Manuals

Posted: Sunday, April 12, 2009 - 20:20
With the occasion of the Anniversary of the first Space Shuttle Mission STS-1 launch on April 12, 1981, Exciting Simulations is proud to release today a new free Service Pack for the Space Shuttle Mission 2007 simulator.

The free Service Pack adds crosswinds during landing, Weather Report and Landing Guidance comms, enhanced HUD and a full Virtual 3D Mid-deck - now you can experience "blind" liftoffs just like those "unlucky" Mission Specialists who sit below the main flight deck during liftoff and landing. The new service pack comes with new manuals which reflect the latest additions and changes from previous versions.

The Space Shuttle Mission 2007™ is available for online purchase in downloadable format at the SSM2007 official website. The latest Demo and manuals can also be downloaded freely at the same website.

Quest Kodiak For FSX Released

Posted: Sunday, April 12, 2009 - 18:33
This is the incredible new Quest Kodiak by Quest Aircraft Corporation in Sandpoint Idaho. This is a turboprop powered 10 passenger, high endurance bush plane designed for all the elements of the world. Featuring STOL capabilities, a rugged landing gear and airframe, a new dual wingfoil design, and a large
clamshell style door for uploading cargo and passengers more easily.

This unique, high tech bush plane comes equipped with the state of the art Garmin G1000 panel system linked with the modern S-Tec Five-Fifty X Auto Pilot system. The Flight Sim version of the Kodiak features a low resources MFD GPS panel system that is designed to use less computer power to render the map, and also can be turned off into 'sleep mode' for added frame rate performance.

This package is a high detail Flight Sim add-on and features 10 models and 7 different texture packs and liveries. This features a fully decked out Rescue Air-Ambulance version, passenger model, and a 'filled to the top' Cargo plane. Each model comes with an optional Belly Pod, and also 3 versions of Amphibious float planes, one of each of the base models, (Rescue, Passenger, and Cargo).

This newest 'Build 2.00' has been totally rebuilt and features an all new instrument panel system, faster Garmin system, high resolution texture packs, more refined parts meshes, extreme detail with super small parts being shown, and now also includes a fully FSX 'pure' model version complete with DDS DXT5 format textures, FSX models, and 3 dimensional bump mapping, showing all rivets and panel lines in a 3D high realism view.

Lastly, this also features a 'High Performance Texture Pack' with an auto-installer that loads a set of textures that are all 'standard resolution'. This is for those who might have slower computers or less powerful laptop comptuers.

Hal Bryan Joins Bravo 369

Posted: Saturday, April 11, 2009 - 20:20
Hal Bryan formerly with Microsoft's Flight Simulator development team (ACES Studios) & Flight Simulator Community Evangelist has joined the BRAVO 369 Flight for Education project. The "Flight for Education" introduces a whole new world of real time flight simulation and virtual flying experiences where students and teachers everywhere can actively participate in a historic flight from Bellingham, Washington to Provideniya, Russia. Flying a 1941 Boeing Stearman equipped with a revolutionary avionics package, anyone with flight simulator software will be able to fly in virtual formation, or ride along as a front seat passenger with the ability to see exactly what the pilot is seeing during our winged journey over some of the most rugged and beautiful country in North America. We're very fortunate to have Hal on the team , Hal will be working with us as we begin development of the avionics interface in the Stearman with Flight Simulator and He will be giving a shout out to the AVSIM developer community for assistance with this project. To read up on the project visit our Bravo 369 Forum. Welcome aboard Hal !!!

CYUL Montreal from Blueprint Simulations

Posted: Saturday, April 11, 2009 - 20:00
Staff reviewer Jason McKee visits Canada with his look at Blueprint Simulations' CYUL Montreal. "Montreal-Trudeau Airport is the busiest commercial airport in the Canadian province of Quebec and is the forth busiest airport in Canada."

"Starting out on the runway, the airport looks well laid out and well detailed. In fact looking on Google Earth, the simulated version looks very close to the real thing. Buildings look accurately placed and taxiways and runways are in the correct positions. The runway and taxiway textures look bang on and match the real pictures I have seen. There is no animated scenery with this airport add-on. Blueprint Simulations has done this as there is not enough room to have the animated scenery work correctly at the airport."

"The actual airport night lighting looks great. The approach lighting changes depending on where your aircraft is, and looks realistic. Taxiways and ramp areas are well lit, and the floodlights on the ramps light up the area well. Terminals are custom built along with the hangers and airport facilities. I could not find any texture issues or missing textures on the buildings or the ground."

"CYUL Montreal adds so much over the default scenery, but for a payware add-on, it could add so much more. It is hard not to recommend this scenery, but I could go either way. Overall, in my opinion it's a good scenery add-on."

FSD Commander 115 TC Service Pack

Posted: Saturday, April 11, 2009 - 17:40
FSD International announces a major service release for its popular Commander 115TC Version 2 for Flight Simulator X. This release contains a vastly improved visual model and texturing, along with fixes for previously reported problems. The Commander is a premium quality luxury single engine prop GA aircraft for Flight Simulator X, incorporating all of the features that Flight Simulator X has to offer. It is fully DX 10 compliant. Follow the links for full Product Details and Download .

FS2Crew Updates PMDG MD-11 For FS9 / FSX

Posted: Saturday, April 11, 2009 - 14:08
FS2Crew has just released two new Service Updates for its PMDG MD-11 Edition: * Service Update 1 for the FS9 version. * Service Update 3 for the FSX version. Both updates make improvements to the software and correct some minor bugs. As per customer request, a new option was added for on-line VATSIM and IVAO users who wanted the virtual FO to turn on the Transponder when taking the runway, not during pre-flight. FS2Crew would also like to remind its user base that a full British and European voice set is also available for download. Visit the FS2Crew Website for full details and download.

Apache Longbow from AlphaSim

Posted: Friday, April 10, 2009 - 18:04
Staff reviewer Arjun Murthy climbs aboard AlphaSim's Longbow Apache. "Alphasim has done an excellent job in recreating the virtual version of this wonderful aircraft. It flies through the skies like an eagle. The handling, realism of flight dynamics and gauges, exterior views are all overwhelming in this version of the Apache Longbow."

"The exterior model of the Apache looks absolutely fantastic. It gives the feel of a real military helicopter with all the weapons set up. Also, the unique shape of the Apache makes it something extraordinary to take to the skies in. The interior model of the Apache Longbow is something out of the ordinary. A gunner's seat up front with the pilot's seat in the rear situated higher, this is obviously something unique. The sounds for Alphasim’s Apache Longbow are powered by Turbine Sound Studios, and they are one of a kind."

"The flight dynamics of this aircraft are quite realistic. Ground dynamics on the Longbow is also interesting. Very little collective has to be used in order to get it to move without flying. Very small and precise movements have to be made for successful flight. Overall, AlphaSim's Apache Longbow is a very entertaining and ‘good feeling’ aircraft to fly."

VoxAtc Update

Posted: Thursday, April 9, 2009 - 20:28
Version 5.61 of VoxATC X is now available. This update includes the following: A first officer that can handle comms on IFR flights while you handle the aircraft, more realistic CRM. You can switch comms duties at any point in the flight. TGS (Taxi Guidance System) at larger airports, you can now 'follow the greens' to and from the runway. At the limit of the taxi clearance (usually the runway hold), a line of red lights is displayed until you receive an onward clearance. A recent comms panel that can display the last 10 ATC communications. This is a free update for existing users, visit the VoxAtc Website for details and download.

Aviation & Mission from Wilco Publishing

Posted: Wednesday, April 8, 2009 - 2:45
Staff reviewer Alan Bradbury climbs aboard his PIC 737 and flies various missions and profiles with Wilco Publishing's Aviation and Mission. "Wouldn’t it be great to have a mentor in the cockpit with you, helping you to learn how to do things properly as you conduct your airliner flight? Wilco Publishing thought that too, and so that’s exactly what they have created, but with a bit of a twist…"

"Aviation and Mission is a pretty bold attempt at creating a product which does more than one thing; a combination of on-the-job airline training and thrilling adventure. There was a real risk that it could have fallen between two stools by having too broad a focus, but fortunately, that’s not the case. It remains perfectly poised between the two, which I think is a remarkable achievement."

"Because of this, many people will discover at least one, and probably several reasons to like it. Inexperienced PIC 737 users will find it immensely helpful in increasing their familiarity with the aircraft’s systems, yet there’s enough of a challenge in there for users who already know all that stuff, so its appeal is not limited to newcomers. "

"The notion of having to complete the missions in order to even get hold of, let alone attempt, more challenging aspects of it also provides an excellent spur to improve one’s understanding of the PIC 737 and the operation of other aircraft too. But most of all, it’s just damn good fun. This planned series will definitely be one to watch, and while you’re watching, if you have the PIC 737, why not give Aviation and Mission a try? I think you’ll like it."

Air Hauler - The Boxed Version

Posted: Wednesday, April 8, 2009 - 1:24
Just Flight announces that Air Hauler is now available in traditional boxed format. This boxed version includes a full printed manual of almost 100 pages, which should help you with successful flying and the development of an all-conquering air freight empire. Users of both this boxed version and the previously released Download version of Air Hauler should install Service Pack 2 (6.6Mb). This update makes a host of new enhancements to the program and fixes a few small bugs - full details can be found in the Support section here.

Air Hauler puts you in complete control of your own freight company, and you'll be taking charge of operations both in the boardroom and in the cockpit. The limitless possibilities and flexibility of Air Hauler will let you immerse yourself totally in every operational detail of your freight company - each crucial flight you make will have an effect on the reputation and reach of your expanding freight empire.

The level of complexity is up to you , you can simply fly jobs between bases and buy or lease aircraft, or you can carve out a career in the air freight industry by hiring AI pilots, trading shares on the stock market with real-world NYSE/FTSE/DAX prices, and even take out loans and insurance - Air Hauler tracks all your financial activity. As the pilot charged with delivering the goods on time, you can decide to fly a job in multiple legs, or stop anywhere en route for refuelling or maintenance. Contend with real-world weather conditions if you want the extra challenge, and detailed Map views showing all the airports in Flight Simulator will help you keep tabs on available jobs and the locations of your bases and fleet.

Air Hauler puts you in charge every step of the way - from landings to leases, flight plans to finances, and repairs to recruitment. Anyone who enjoyed Cargo Pilot is going to love Air Hauler. You can find a feature list on the Air Hauler In Development page, along with a set of captioned screenshots showing some of the management features included in the program.

Just Flight's RAF-themed Add-ons

Posted: Wednesday, April 8, 2009 - 1:20
Are you interested in RAF-themed add-ons for your flight sim? Would you like to help the RAF Bomber Command Memorial Appeal. Just Flight, and you, can help the Heritage Foundation in raising funds to erect a permanent memorial in Central London to the 55,000 bomber aircrew killed in WW2.

Read the complete detail about Just Flight's RAF-themed add-ons and their involvement with the Heritage Foundation on the Just Flight website.

Cusco VFR

Posted: Monday, April 6, 2009 - 22:35
Cusco, located in the Andes mountains, is at an elevation above 10.860 feet. This airport has a visibility restriction and only operates during daylight due to the requirement of a visual approach to land. No pilot dares to land with an overcast sky into an airport completely surrounded by mountains and with no precision guidance navaid in order to assist in the landing. Therefore, all landings conducted here are SOLELY visual, and strict VFR rules apply.

The entire area of Cuzco is photorealistic with custom autogen and thousands of objects based on real aerial photos of Cusco. Does this sound like a challenge you would like to take on? For complete details check out the Cuzco photo scenery and airport for FS2004.

New Deals In The Avsim Store

Posted: Monday, April 6, 2009 - 14:43
Wilco's best sellers, such as the Boeing 777 (now less than $35) and Tower Simulator, are available at the Avsim store, all at newer lower prices. The Avsim store also added the new Wilco titles: Airbus A400M, and CRJ Regional Jet . These are also now available at a new lower price.
New: The Avsim store is also proud to be carrying sceneries now from Sim-Giants: Milan-Malpensa and Canary Islands Gold. Sim-Giants specializes in the creation of highly detailed airports.
Visit the Avsim store today.

Maddog 2008 Professional from Leonardo SH

Posted: Sunday, April 5, 2009 - 22:55
Senior staff reviewer Angelique van Campen, with the assistance of a real world MD-88 pilot, looks at Leonardo SH's Maddog 2008 Professional. "The Maddog 2008 Professional is based on the Maddog 2006 and that one on the Maddog 2004 but still there’s a lot what can’t be found with others."

"This Maddog version offers three different cockpits. Ok, they all offer the same EFIS instruments, but then you’ve got many possibilities. You like the ordinary FMS, you got it. No, you prefer the old style engine instruments with old fashioned annunciator panel, you the man. Oh no, you prefer the CMA900 with the PMS; no problem, it’s also available."

Angelique and her associate go into great detail as to what is included in the Maddog 2008 Professional package. In particular the external and internal model, the 2D and VC cockpits, flight characteristics, sounds and the tutorial flight. As mentioned in the review summary, "The fantastic flight model and perfect systems integration makes this an airplane that is worth it."

KSJC San Jose By Imaginesim

Posted: Saturday, April 4, 2009 - 14:32
San Jose International Airport, San Jose is the most populous city in the San Francisco Bay Area and SJC offers scheduled services to around 11 million passengers annually. The airport is situated as a 'downtown airport' and gives pilots an opportunity to land almost within the city center itself. This scenery add-on features custom made ground textures and runways, terminal, cargo and hangar buildings rendered to 5cm per pixel scale, an interactive docking system to park you right on your mark, taxiways with highly realistic concrete textures, full airport taxiway and runway signage, 3D approach lighting and full ILS navigation. Also included are hundreds of airport vehicles and ground personnel. Built for FS9 this scenery is available as a demo version, for more information along with some screenshots visit ImagineSim

VRS Releases F/A-18E SP 2

Posted: Friday, April 3, 2009 - 14:57
Vertical Reality Simulations released Service Pack 2 for their F/A-18E. Service Pack 2 adds a livery import/export and browsing function to the Aircraft Manager, additional liveries including RAAF, CAF Swiss air forces, volumetric lighting effects and a host of other new features including some minor fixes. Current owners will receive this update automatically through their Aircraft Manager. For a complete list of changes, or to manually download SP2, please visit Vertical Reality Simulations.

FlightSim Commander V8.5

Posted: Friday, April 3, 2009 - 14:41
FlightSim Commander have released the new version 8.5 of their popular flight planning and navigation tool, the new version hosts a large number of new features and various bug fixes. The program can be downloaded either as an upgrade or a full-install version from the FlightSim Commander website