Flight 1 Open Day

Posted: Saturday, June 25, 2011 - 18:05
Flight1 announces that as part of the Open Day at the Shoreham Airport in the UK on September 24th 2011 they have secured meeting space for use by any groups or clubs who would like to use the occasion to hold an AGM, make a presentation or simply to have a catch up with old friends in a private space. To book a room all you need to do is let them know in the comments box on the registration form.

The Flight1 Open Day is an annual event offering guests a unique day out, bringing the best of real world and virtual aviation together. You should register via the Open Day webpage to guarantee entry and ensure you get your free goody bag on the day.

Latest From Just Trains

Posted: Saturday, June 25, 2011 - 18:01
Streamlined Princess Coronation Class - The latest Just Trains expansion for RailWorks 2 and Rail Simulator is licensed by the National Railway Museum and brings you five top quality LMS Blue Streamlined Princess Coronation locomotives with accurate physics, realistic sounds and impressive levels of detail. Rounding off this classic steam collection are appropriate tenders, a set of LMS Blue 'Coronation Scot' Mark 1 carriages and three scenarios for the Newcastle to York route.

Railway Simulator - Railway Simulator is a fantastic stand-alone train sim powered by the Trainz 12 software engine, and with a great selection of routes as diverse as Debrecen to Nyiredyhaza (Hungary), Wilmington to Philadelphia and Kings Cross to Newcastle, the railways of the world are there for you to explore with a vast quantity of locomotives and rolling stock.
The new Online Multiplayer feature users have been clamouring for means that you can experience Railway Simulator online and work as a team to build and operate your railways with enthusiasts from around the world! Boxed or download versions available.

FSXFollow V1.5 Released

Posted: Saturday, June 25, 2011 - 17:57
Version 1.5 includes several bugfixes and delivers smoother screenshot function. Also the flightplan is drawn on the map. FSXFollow let you follow your FSX flight on the go.

FS Kneeboard 1.5 Released

Posted: Friday, June 24, 2011 - 1:05
Inquisitive Graphics is very happy to announce the release of FS Kneeboard version 1.5.
This update upgrades nearly the entire app ,new features include: plot waypoints on IFR and VFR charts, charts now reopen to the last viewing position , 8-page, comprehensive manual.
New Checklists, edit all checklists ,share checklists you have created with other FS Kneeboard users, MyCharts tab now a full internet browser. The "chartsets" you have already created still work in the same way, but the section works more like a standard internet browser allowing you to enter URLs, as well as navigate back and forward. More information can be found at FS Kneeboard Homepage

The Passing of Lois Booth

Posted: Wednesday, June 22, 2011 - 2:42

Mr. and Mrs. Booth

We normally post passing notices of those who in some way contributed to our hobby and were known to most of us. Then there are those that contribute in ways not so public. We are saddened to report on the passing of one of those contributors - Mrs. Lois Booth. Lois passed away on June 10th. Lois was the wife of Colonel (ret.) Merritt "Bud" Booth. Bud is an avid flight sim enthusiast and has attended a number of AVSIM Socials and Conventions with Lois at his side. We last saw Lois at the AVSIM Social in 2008 in Washington D.C. Lois was 88 years old when she passed. Both Bud and Lois were veterans of World War II with Lois serving as an Army Officer Nurse. She will be interred in Arlington National Cemetery at some point in the near future. The AVSIM staff wish Bud and his family our sincere condolences.

Nairobi Int'l Airport from OrientalSim

Posted: Wednesday, June 22, 2011 - 1:05
Staff reviewer Benjamin van Soldt heads to Africa to check out OrientalSim's Nairobi International Airport. "OrientalSim is a developer that hasn’t got many sceneries on its list, the only other one being Baghdad International. I wasn’t at all sure what to expect from Nairobi. In the end, I had a nice surprise."

"The modeling isn’t as accurate as could possibly be, but thanks to clever texturing, the modeling doesn’t even have to be correct in every account. The result is less polygons and thus higher FPS. Concerning the texturing, I’m quite pleased with the overall look. I would like to draw special attention to the modeling of the jetways and the service vehicles. Especially the service vehicles which have been extremely well modeled and look absolutely fantastic."

"Overall the night lighting is quite nice, although I did miss lighting at some rather important buildings. The passenger terminal is nicely lit however, and I really like the sort of orange lighting on the tarmac."

"Overall, I find this airport scenery to be very nice. It’s a bit rough around the edges here and there, but it’s nothing big. I can definitely recommend this airport to people who fancy flying around Africa. Being one of the very few quality airports for central and eastern Africa, OrientalSim has immediately set a standard for African airports."

On The Horizon - Take On Helicopters

Posted: Tuesday, June 21, 2011 - 14:48
The simmer takes on the role of a civilian helicopter pilot. The premise of this interactive adventure is that Harry Larkin's aviation business has fallen on tough times. Built up over decades, it's now only days away from closure. His sons face an uncertain future, struggling to save the company their father spent his whole life building. Together, they must take on contracts and competitors; together, they take on helicopters!

Take your first steps towards mastering rotor-wing flight across a massive range of enjoyable challenges, or create your own missions using the powerful easy-to-use mission editor. Take to the air above two beautifully rich and expansive environments, based upon real-world North American and South Asian terrain-data. Take on cutting-edge technology, helicopters modelled in stunning detail, a large-scale, open-world sandbox and authentic flight dynamics.

Complete details, screenshots and video are available at Simware Simulations.

Dolomiti X Cervino For FSX

Posted: Tuesday, June 21, 2011 - 13:06
FSAddon Publishing has now published Dolomiti X Cervino for FSX. Cervino is the Italian name for the Famous Matterhorn mountain looming over Zermatt in Switzerland.

The Matterhorn / Cervino is built like the earlier published Tre Cime (Drei Zinnen), a HUGE FSX object, placed in a detailed mesh with aerial photo's and autogen. Object details are added for authenticity such as the alpine huts that are placed on the ridges of the mountain.

Full details are available from FsAddon.

Seattle FANCON Keynote Speaker In The News

Posted: Tuesday, June 21, 2011 - 0:29
Those who attended the Seattle FANCON may remember Capt Mark Feuerstein. Well he's strutting his stuff at the Paris Air Show in the new 747-8.

"The newest member of the Boeing family of commercial jetliners made its international air show debut when the first 747-8 Intercontinental touched down at Paris Le Bourget Airport. The 747-8 Intercontinental flew at Mach 0.85 and traveled approximately 4,400 nautical miles (8,149 km).

Capt. Mark Feuerstein, Boeing chief pilot for the 747 program, was at the controls of the airplane when it landed. The 747-8 Intercontinental is the newest member of the iconic 747 family, bringing 21st Century technology to the world's favorite jetliner, and will be cleaner and more efficient than any airplane in its class."

Baron 58 from Carenado

Posted: Sunday, June 19, 2011 - 18:21
Staff reviewer Aidan Sandri looks at a twin GA aircraft from Carenado, their Baron 58. "The Baron 58 is a twin engine, pressurized aircraft developed by Beechcraft and is a variant of the Bonanza."

"The Baron 58 does not come with a 2D cockpit, and as the Virtual Cockpit now offers 3D gauges you do not have the usual 2D pop ups. Everything you would expect to be there is there, the circuit breakers are 3D, the lights, battery, avionics switches are all clear colored switches which are easy to see and flick. The overall quality of this cockpit is amazing,"

"The Baron 58 comes installed with five liveries (one white - used for repainters, four colored paints). All the repaints show the detail in the aircraft. The quality of the exterior is on par with the interior model."

"The Beechcraft Baron 58 is Carenado's 3rd twin engine aircraft on the market. It is a fun aircraft to fly and perfect for more of a "lite" simmer."

Class 153 DMU & Totham from Just Trains

Posted: Saturday, June 18, 2011 - 18:35
Senior staff reviewer and Rail Sim specialist Gene Davis looks at a combination pack from Just Trains, their Class 153 DMU & Totham route. "You will find yourself at the helm of a complex Class 153 DMU engine and traveling a route that is, in my opinion, one of the best routes available for Railworks 2."

"The Class 153 that comes in this add-on has been built from the ground up to match that of its real world diesel counterpart. It incorporates a complex cab with realistic controls and gauges for the virtual engineer and a highly detailed passenger view for those moments where you need to just get out of the cab and watch the world go by. The engine includes accurate lighting both inside and out and features animated doors with external interlock lights along with authentic sound set recorded from the real world Class 153 DMU."

"The Totham route is by far one of the best routes I have seen designed for Railworks yet! It incorporates 30 miles of drivable track that includes 13 different passenger stops throughout the entire route along with realistically modeled towns, cities and landmarks. The cities and towns are so intricately modeled and the attention to detail is almost mind-numbing."

"The Class 153 and Totham is a fantastic package and is a must have for just about any train sim user as it adds both a complex Engine and a versatile route that will keep you train simulating for hours."

Update 1.8 for DBS Airport GPS (FSX/FS9)

Posted: Saturday, June 18, 2011 - 16:46
This latest update to DBS' Airport GPS includes an improved order of scanning AFCAD files for quality drawing of the map in addon scenery's; and in Helicopter mode: Airport GPS active on altitude up to 100 ft.

It also includes the previous update with Transparency processing BGL scenery files, while scenery files loading to simulator; Automatic implementation to panel while aircraft loading by simulator; Airport traffic indication for FSX version (blue symbols - aircrafts, green symbols - automobiles) - FSX only; Access to "Route To" function direct from GPS window; "Route To" menu command automatically open GPS window; "Add To Panel" menu replaced to "Open/Close GPS Window" (menu command open or hide GPS window); and Updated visual elements on GPS window.

Just Planes/World Air Routes - 2 DVDs

Posted: Saturday, June 18, 2011 - 0:49
Staff reviewer Marlon Carter adds another installment to his airline DVD documentaries from Just Planes / World Air Routes. This time on the big screen it's Azul and Oasis.

FSFlyingSchool2011 version 4.5 Released

Posted: Saturday, June 18, 2011 - 0:33
FSInventions announces a free update to their Award Winning FSFlyingSchool add-on for FSX and FS2004. 30 new popular aircraft have been added to the list of aircraft with which a pilot can submit scores to the FSFlyingSchool high score web site.

Enhanced airport detection logic solves issues experienced by some users whereby the airport chosen for landing was not automatically detected by all of the instructors.

To find out more, watch movies, download demo, etc, visit the FSFlyingSchool Website.

ImagineSim Releases KDEN Denver Int'l (FS2004)

Posted: Saturday, June 18, 2011 - 0:18
Capacity, capacity, capacity. Whether it is airfield, passenger or cargo facilities, Denver International Airport has room to grow. Situated on 34,000 acres or 53 square miles, DEN is one of the largest airports in the world. From the expansive and beautiful Jeppesen Terminal to the state of the art passenger facilities, Denver International Airport is renowned for aesthetics, aviation safety, customer satisfaction and passenger convenience. A major hub for United Airlines, it's the USA's fifth busiest airport, largest by land area, and the tenth busiest in the world.

Denver features custom made ground textures and runways, terminal, cargo and hanger buildings rendered to 10cm 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, aircraft can be found parked at custom textured parking positions, all hangers, cargo and airport auxiliary buildings are modeled, there is even a perimeter fence. There's a demo version as well.

Discus K from Aerosoft

Posted: Thursday, June 16, 2011 - 0:57
Senior staff reviewer Angelique van Campen takes to the skies, but this time without an engine as she gets checked out in Aerosoft's Discus K glider. "A while ago, Aerosoft released their first commercial FSX glider, the “Discus X Gilder Collection”. The Discus K Glider X offers aerobatic skills. This was possible due to slight “real” and “virtual” model changes."

"The skin is indeed glossy, no rivets or whatever is visible. Makes sense, since it’s a glider and any outside obstruction creates drag! The canopy itself is huge and reflects a nice shiny look. Even though the Discus K model is primarily based on the previous Discus Glider X, it is and stays a gorgeous model."

"The Virtual Cockpit is a mixture between photo-real stuff and created panels like the side walls. The instrument panel itself is simple, but as real as it should be. Compared to the Discus Glider X, you’ll see a large reduction of instruments except for the basic ones. Although the yaw string looks very simple, its function is extremely important."

"Whether you’re a real or virtual glider pilot, I highly recommend you take the challenge and try this Discus K and probably also their previous Discus Glider X package. Difficult or not, I’ve seen this Aerosoft glider as a challenge. I would say go for it and try to master Aerosoft’s Discus K."

New Releases From Roussillon Aero Sim

Posted: Thursday, June 16, 2011 - 0:19
Galway Airport (EICM) and 3 of the Arann Islands are now available on the Roussillon Aéro Simulation website. FS9 and FSX version. There is 4 missions (English & French version) for FSX.

FTS Releases The Garmin GNS530W

Posted: Thursday, June 16, 2011 - 0:11
FTS released the FTS530W today, a Garmin GNS530W simulation. It is shipped with their Cessna, Piper and Beech analog aircraft fleet. A total of 20 aircraft are upgraded with this new avionics package.

The avionics suite consists of a Garmin GNS530W (GPS 1), Garmin GNS430W (GPS 2), the STEC 55X autopilot, the GNS340 audio panel, and the GTX327 transponder. A full featured VNAV page was added to both the 430 and the 530 GPS. Fly fully coupled WAAS approaches with updated nav data when combine with the 55X autopilot.

DBS VarView Updated To V1.0.2

Posted: Thursday, June 16, 2011 - 0:09
DBS Studio release update 1.0.2 for DBS VarView tool.
Fixed problems with windows position restoring; now supported variables/key-events for FSX SP2/Acceleration Pack; changed activation procedure; and an updated Activation Guide.

Aerosoft Releases Mega Airport Zurich 2012

Posted: Wednesday, June 15, 2011 - 0:37
The Airport Zurich (formerly Zurich-Kloten) is the main airport of Switzerland. Situated approx. 13 km from the city center it has three runways with two of them crossing each other. The airport has three Docks (A, B and E) whereas Dock B, being the oldest, was put out of service for aviation purposes in 2003. Until 2008 Dock B was available for events and exhibitions. Since then it has been knocked down and replaced with a completely new building which will be taken into service in 2011.

The ground layout has been developed from high resolution photo real images and matches the data of the real airport. The airport itself has been recreated to the smallest of details including all buildings and airport institutions, docking systems and many more features taking advantage of the techniques of FSX.