Latin VFR Releases Tegucigalpa Tocontin Airport

Posted: Saturday, October 24, 2009 - 17:37
This latest release for FS2004 and FSX comprises of the airport (MHTG/TGU) and the city of Tegucigalpa. Some of the package's highlights include: the Airport buildings and terminals are designed with the most accurate attention to detail; special attention has been paid to the approach path making it completely realistic as possible (circa year 2006; there are thousands of hand placed auto-generated scenery for all of the photo-scenery area; SRTM Mesh for the entire region of Southern Honduras. (compatible with other mesh; it is fully AI compatible, with their respective AFCAD for FS2004 and FSX; there are custom vehicle traffic and animations; and it comes with a Manual in PDF format containing maps and charts. Complete details can be found at the Latin VFR website.

EFB2004 V1.5 Adds GMap Support

Posted: Saturday, October 24, 2009 - 17:30
FSWidgets EFB2004 (Electronic Flight Bag for FS2004) Version 1.5 has been brought up to the same standard as the FSX edition of the flight bag by adding support for the GMap for FS2004 utility, compatibility for systems with 120 DPI (Large Fonts), PNG weather image capacity and Windows Vista UAC support.

The free Net Pack utility has also been updated to Version 1.3 which adds networking capability to GMap for FS2004 (when used as a module under EFB2004). EFB2004 Version 1.5 is a free update for registered users.

New Titles available as downloads at the Avsim store

Posted: Friday, October 23, 2009 - 16:39
The US Airfields # 1 and #2 by the SBD team are a collection of US Military fields designed for FSX and FS2004. US Airfields #1 includes BEALE AFB, DOVER AFB, US Naval Station Roosevelt Roads and Tyndall AFB. US Airfields #2 includes Bunker Hill AFB , Ellsworth AFB, Andrews AFB and Dyess AFB.
My Traffic 2010 is the latest version of the popular and longtime successful My Traffic series. Uncompromisingly optimized for the Microsoft Flight Simulator X, this product provides realistic air traffic in the air and on the ground, all controlled by artificial intelligence. With more than 8200 airports My Traffic 2010 generates more than 800,000 flight a day, worldwide.
FSFlyingSchool2009 Cessna 172 Detail Pack is modeled after the Cessna 172 included with Flight Simulator and can be used with any Cessna 172. With the addition of the FSFlyingSchool2009 Cessna 172 Detail Pack, your instructors will be looking at your aircraft and your performance in your Cessna 172 in a lot more detail. The product includes a number of c172 checklists you can request to be read by your chosen instructor.

Visit the Avsim Store today.

Predator UAV from First Class Simulations/Abacus

Posted: Friday, October 23, 2009 - 1:10
Staff reviewer Mark Kolo takes to the skies from the comfort of his desk, just like some in the real world, as he looks at First Class Simulations' Predator UAV. "It is now possible for a Predator pilot and systems operator to go out on a mission over Iraq, support coalition ground troops, then make it home in time for dinner! The subjects of this review are the RQ-1 and MQ-1 variants of the Predator A"

"The basic layout is for two separate stations for the pilot and sensor operator, each with two large screens on the top and two smaller screens for systems monitoring on the bottom, with a small desk with the switches, keyboard, and flight controls for the aircraft. The overall feel of the Predator operator’s station is kept, but it isn’t 100% accurate to the real thing. The textures are very plain and low resolution except for on the control desk (Keyboard and switch labels are all fully readable). The upper navigational map screen uses the default FSX Garmin 500, which does the job adequately, but does not really resemble the screen on the real Predator. The lower right screen is very useful providing information regarding operation of the aircraft’s engine and flight path."

"Thanks to the graphics advances offered in FSX, the 2D panel is becoming obsolete, though it is a godsend for people running smaller monitors or lower end computers. I personally used the 3D Operator’s station (can’t call it a cockpit) for 95% of my flying, but for the sake of the review I used the 2D panel and popups and was somewhat surprised. I did find that when using the 3D panel over unfamiliar terrain, it was very helpful to open the top (navigation) screen in a separate window to park in the corner and help get me where I was going."

"Overall, the look and feel of the real MQ-1 is captured rather well with some pleasant surprises such as a moving sensor pod that follows your control inputs in an effort to keep the bad guys locked up. Seeing very believable renditions of the Hellfire missiles under each wing (not on every model) added a touch of ferocity to the otherwise harmless UAV, and helped drive home the point that the aircraft is much more than an unmanned spy plane. taxiing was a rather difficult, though a fun aspect of flying the Predator, and it took a little while to master the unique sights and challenges that involving controlling an aircraft from a screen shown on another screen."

"One added benefit to this package (for FSX users only) was the inclusion of eight missions. The missions take place in locations ranging from the northwest part of the US, to the coast of the Netherlands, to Iceland and involve some real world scenarios for the Predator."

"I feel that the Predator is still worth a look by any simmer who is interested in the real world UAV. Its combination of frame rate performance and a huge fun factor make it an enjoyable aircraft to fly. Even though the systems are not modeled as in real life and there are small flaws in the model and textures, the positives (great sound set, the included missions, a decent though not perfect model) seem to outweigh the negatives in my book."

Just Trains Goes YouTube

Posted: Friday, October 23, 2009 - 0:20
Just Trains have launched their own dedicated Youtube channel. This now gives them another place to host their promotional videos. As a way of kicking things off, they have just added the new Tilting Voyager preview video. It is designed as an add-on for the existing Voyager.

Flightdeck Solutions Vice President Receives Award

Posted: Thursday, October 22, 2009 - 18:11
Peter Cos, Vice President of Flightdeck Solutions has been awarded the "2009 Entrepreneur of the Year" award by Newmarket (Ontario,Canada) Chamber Of Commerce. He received this award in recognition of his hard work and committment to provide individuals the ultimate in flightdeck parts and resources. For more information visit Flightdeck Solutions Forum.

Roussillon Aéro Simulation Releases New Air Race Missions

Posted: Thursday, October 22, 2009 - 13:02
Roussillon Aéro Simulation introduces 2 new Air Races missions. One missions takes you around Maldive Islands on the Extra 300 Aircraft, while the second mission you are on the P51 Mustang around Tahiti. For more information visit Roussillon Aéro Simulation Homepage.

Just Planes Release Air Canada's Boeing 777-300ER

Posted: Thursday, October 22, 2009 - 0:31
This is the first program to feature the Boeing 777-300ER. Routing on Air Canada's Transpacific crossing from Toronto to Tokyo Narita and Transatlantic crossing from Toronto to Frankfurt. Air Canada is Canada's largest airline and the world's 9th largest passenger airline by fleet size.The crew goes through all the flight preparations, briefings, checklists and take their time presenting the 777-300 cockpit in detail. They also go over how Trans Pacific routes operate, where suitable diversion airports are located, the flight bag that Air Canada equips its 777 with, the Date Line and much more.

Just Planes has been producing Aviation programs since 1991. Currently it produces 2 series : World Airports and World Air Routes which are distributed all across the world. World Air Routes series of Cockpit DVDs now features more than 200 Airlines and takes viewers on flights to nearly 800 destinations across the globe.

DBS and Simlandmarks Release Yak-40 for FSX

Posted: Tuesday, October 20, 2009 - 20:03
DBS Studio and Simlandmark have announced the release of Yak-40 Aircraft Add-on for Microsoft Flight Simulator X. The aircraft features an advanced native FSX models, optimized DDS bitmaps, extended set of the animations based on the custom XML code, engine's smoke, night lightmaps to simulate cabin lighting, flight model based on the actual Yak-40 data and a lot more.

For more information visit DBS Studio's Home Page.

Nextmesh From France VFR

Posted: Tuesday, October 20, 2009 - 15:04
France VFR is proud to announce its latest release " NextMesh France in High Definition– 4.75m for FSX and 19m for FS2004. NextMesh France FSX is a brand new product based on very high resolution data from the NEXTMap Europe Program (InterMap Technologies - USA)
A product upgrade is possible for the owners of Mesh France FS2004 and FSX, please find the validation form on France VFR’s web-site, they will treat each demand on a case by case basis .

Propliner Collection from Aerosim

Posted: Sunday, October 18, 2009 - 20:44
Staff reviewer Benjamin van Soldt continues with another chapter in Aerosim's collection of aircraft. This time it's their Propliner Collection. "This has been released after Classic Liners Volume 2, and so you may understand my extreme curiosity. Will it be similar to the other packages? Will it be even better than the Volume 2 package? I don’t expect detailed systems, but I’m profoundly interested in the quality of the exterior and interior modeling. It includes the Dash 8, the DHC-6, and the Saab 340."

"The Aerosim model of the Dash-8 is quite successful. The iconic nose looks well modeled, and so does the signature T-tail. The way the engines are shaped looks pretty good too and overall I’m pleased with what I’m seeing here. The Dash-8 has a modern, glass cockpit. Various CRT screens are placed on the main instrument panel, and convey navigation and engine information. The rendition we get from Aerosim is relatively nice. The Dash-8 is the only aircraft here that even has a FMS however, the entire 2D representation of the Dash-8 panel is lacking in comparison to the other two aircraft."

"The Aerosim model of the DHC-6 is a series 300 model as can be concluded from the cone-shaped nose and the relatively short rows of windows on both sides of the fuselage. I like the attention to detail. Despite the textured issues around the engines and the untextured luggage compartments, I think this is a very handsome exterior model. I think this is a prime example of the abilities of Aerosim. This interior model is one of the finest I have seen to date in any of their products, and the cabin with wing views makes it even better.

"In general, the Saab 340 model looks very convincing. Certainly from a distance, the plane looks well modeled and well textured, and I like the fact that you can look into the passenger cabin. Flaps, control surfaces, prop animation, and gear movement is all the way you’d expect it. The Saab 340 VC is indeed the most detailed cockpit of the three. It’s detailed enough to like it and sit in it once in a while, but it’s not as great as the DHC-6. The Saab 340 seems to be more advanced in its system simulation."

Benjamin takes all three aircraft of this Propliner Collection for test flights and performs a few "touch and go's" to see how they handle. He concludes, "the DHC-6 is a star, an absolute jewel of a plane. As long as you keep an eye on the condition levers, ground handling is a no brainer and the plane performs very well in the air too. The VC is the best out there for FS2004 DHC-6 models, with accurate details and sublime texturing of most of the cockpit. The Saab 340 is a very fun to fly aircraft that handles well on the ground. Its exterior model is great, and it’s a nice aircraft to look at, with good animations. The VC is of lesser quality, but the texturing makes it an interesting cockpit to fly from. The Dash-8 is not so good. While the exterior looks very good, the VC is rather weak because of weak texturing, despite the fact that it has a detailed overhead panel, with numerous switches and buttons."

LiveDISPATCH 4 Released

Posted: Sunday, October 18, 2009 - 18:50
After 2 years of testing and racked up over 8,700 virtual hours, LiveDISPATCH 4 is open to the flight sim community. LiveDISPATCH 4 provides dispatching services for all flights flown by the 3 major airline alliances: OneWorld , StarAlliance and SkyTeam and many more!

LiveDISPATCH 4 interfaces with FS2004 or FSX and enhances your flight simming experience in a whole new way. You are free to fly any aircraft, to any destination, with any airline you wish from over the 305 airlines LiveDispatch serves. LiveDISPATCH is NOT a VA. They simply provide the means for you to fly your favorite flights and keep a logbook online.

Among the many features of LiveDISPATCH 4, here are some of the things you can expect: Real-time ACARS feed with an extensive set of parameters; Integrated fuel calculator and fuel loader; Fetch weather for departure, arrival and alternate airports; Integrated Screenshot utility; Complete set of d-TPP charts (Jeppesen Digital Terminal Published Procedures); Ability to submit an extremely detailed PIREP (Pilot Report) of your flight; Integrated chat system, allowing you to communicate in real-time with fellow LD4 pilots; and a Personal Logbook.

Browse the website and see for yourself what LiveDispatch has to offer. After joining LiveDISPATCH's active pilot roster, you may access their Crew Lounge and begin interacting with fellow LiveDISPATCH users.

XPUIPC Plug-in for X-Plane

Posted: Sunday, October 18, 2009 - 6:33
You must have heard of or used FSUIPC from Peter Dowson for Microsoft's Flight Simulator. Have you wanted a similar utility for X-Plane ? The wait is over with XPUIPC under continuing development. XPUIPC is a plug-in for X-Plane seeks to "emulate" an FSUIPC like interface. XPUIPC’s ultimate aim is to allow flight simmers use their favorite Microsoft Flight Simulation Add-ons in X-Plane. At the current stage XPUIPC provides over 300 FSUIPC offsets . Future developments will expand the number of available offsets and functions.

Currently, you can get all this for free. For more information visit XPUIPC's Home Page.

FS2004 Freeware Repaints

Posted: Saturday, October 17, 2009 - 16:21
After three repaints of the PMDG 737-800 in XL Airways France livery, Emmanuel Parot is now offering the FS2004 community six freeware repaints of the PMDG 737-800 in XL Airways Germany livery. Three aircraft are depicted : D-AXLD with TUIfly logo, D-AXLE with Jetairfly logo, with Thomsonfly.com logo and with 2009 colors, D-AXLG in standard livery and with Jet4you logo. These and other freeware offerings are available at the website.

Captain Sim Updates

Posted: Saturday, October 17, 2009 - 16:13
A few announcements from Capt Sim. They have released the 767-200 expansion model; Service Pack 3 is now available for their 767 Captain; and the CS Weather Radar V1.1 now works with any rotorcraft. Complete details can be found at the Captain Sim website.

Attention FS Developers

Posted: Saturday, October 17, 2009 - 16:08
FS Audio Extreme is now available to FS Developers! FS2Crew, a developer of flight crew simulations, is now licensing its new audio engine module and SDK to other Flight Simulator and Windows developers. This new audio module, which uses Microsoft XACT audio technology, is powerful and very easy to incorporate in your code. Please note this is for C/C++ programmers only. The full manual for FS Audio Extreme is available for public download via the FS Audio Extreme product info page.

My Traffic 2010 now available at the Avsim store

Posted: Friday, October 16, 2009 - 17:46
My Traffic 2010 is the latest version of the longtime popular and successful My Traffic series. Uncompromisingly optimized for Microsoft Flight Simulator X, this product provides realistic air traffic in the air and on the ground and is controlled by artificial intelligence, at more than 8200 airports.
More than 140 aircraft models were newly designed for FSX within never-before seen detail for AI-planes. Nearly all current airliners, most commuter aircraft and freighters are included. There are additional versions of many aircraft types, even featuring different engine configurations. 1600 aircraft liveries are included as well as more than 4000 different types plus associated flight plans. My Traffic 2010 generates more than 800,000 flight a day worldwide.
Visit the Avsim Store today.

FScene "Beagle" FSX mission series

Posted: Friday, October 16, 2009 - 15:05
Do you like to fly missions? We've got some news for you. During 2009 and 2010 FScene is publishing a new series of free Flight Simulator X Missions, in cooperation with a team of old FS boys. Ruud Faber, Jaap van Hees, Chip Barber and Francois Dumas are all 'veterans' of the international flight simulation 'scene' and have put their spare time, enthusiasm and talents together to come up with this new "Beagle" series.
Read all about it in the missions PDF Flyer and follow the greater part of Charles Darwin's journey on the HMS "Beagle" (1831-1836) to celebrate Charles Darwin's 200th birth year and the 150th anniversary of his publication of "On the Origin of Species", for further details visit FScene .

OZx Releases 3.0

Posted: Friday, October 16, 2009 - 14:38
OZx is proud to announce OZx 3.0 , the latest standalone version of our Australian scenery project. It introduces over 20 new fields and heliports, 13 water starts and ½ a dozen new VFR sceneries to the Aussie landscape to make a total of more than 300 OZx sceneries and airfields, not counting drillrigs and wheat silos.

So join us in the greatest FSX freeware project ever. Travel again through this vast land and experience the beauty and remote majesty of our harsh continent of extremes and celebrate the Great Southern Land with OZx 3.0 .

FSFlyingSchool2009

Posted: Friday, October 16, 2009 - 14:30
FSInventions announces a new version of its FSFlyingSchool2009 add-on for FSX and FS2004. Version 2.3 introduces a built in free demo of their new product: FSFlyingSchool2009 Cessna 172 Detail Pack.

With the addition of the optional FSFlyingSchool2009 Cessna 172 Detail Pack, your instructors will be looking at your aircraft and your performance in your Cessna 172 in a lot more detail. It also includes a number of Cessna 172 checklists you can request to be read by your chosen instructor. If you want to fly the world with the Cessna 172 Detail Pack you can purchase a FSFlyingSchool2009 Cessna 172 Detail Pack registration key and enter it into your registered version of FSFlyingSchool2009. Modelled on the Cessna 172 included with Flight Simulator, it can be used with any Cessna 172.
To find out more, watch movies, download demo, etc, visit the FSFlyingSchool Homepage .