From AVSIM Conference To Your PC

Posted: Tuesday, January 29, 2008 - 0:59
Embry-Riddle Aviation University used their software to score the "Flight" competition at AVSIM's 2007 Conference and Exhibiton. Now this scoring system is available live online. Currently there are 2 missions to download to test your flying skills and a forum to banter back and forth on. Think you have what it takes to become #1? Visit the FS Score website and see who can take the top spot and have bragging rights until they're moved down the ladder.

Advanced Flight Tracking System (AFTS) for FSX

Posted: Sunday, January 27, 2008 - 23:42
SimFly.EU's AFTS System has now been officially launched. This system includes some very advanced features: Virtual Airline Management; Detailed VA and Pilot Statistics; Live Flight Tracking, with Flight Route Indications; Global Pilot Rankings; Global VA Rankings; SimPax (FSX Passengers); Custom Signature Images; and Free Teamspeak for all VA's with AFTS based Administration.

AFTS features full Virtual Airline management and lets you manage your pilots, fleet, schedules, flights, statistics, as well as provide you with link kits so that you can show all this information on your own website. One of the key, and most important features of AFTS is its ease of use, it has been coded from the ground up using their own bespoke software, so its power is unlimited. The client application is around 1mb in size, and requires no installation. This is what is so simple about AFTS, using thei powerful dedicated servers they do all the difficult complications for you leaving your FSX free to do the job of flying. Coupled with the fact that they offer VA Teampseak, which is fully manageable via AFTS by Virtual Airline CEO's, this makes AFTS the most complete VA management system around. Even if you are not in a VA you can use AFTS for SimPax, an FSX Passengers game where you earn virtual money and points for transporting passengers. AFTS is completely free to use and is available from the SimFly website.

Team VOZ Updates Airports Down Under

Posted: Sunday, January 27, 2008 - 15:22
Team VOZ at Vista Australis now brings you an updated Kingsford-Smith International (YSSY), Canberra (YSCB) and Maroochydore (YBMC). Western Australia has a list of 40+ fields added to it and there is a lot more for you to explore and find in the new VOZ 1.6. Head on over to Vista Australis for more detailed information and download instructions.

AOPA Sweepstakes Cardinal Won by Texas CFI

Posted: Sunday, January 27, 2008 - 3:24
From the AOPA Web Site: "Longview, Texas-based flight instructor and university professor Bruce Chase is the winner of AOPA’s 2007 Catch-A-Cardinal airplane. With some of Chase’s students and local media looking on, AOPA President Phil Boyer on Jan. 26 handed over the keys to the completely refurbished 1977 Cessna Cardinal at East Texas Regional Airport."

Also mentioned in the story on the AOPA web site:

"While Chase is the only AOPA member who’ll be flying the Cardinal from its cushioned leather seats, you can still try your hand at piloting the Cessna 177B—from a cushioned leather chair in front of your personal computer. Just download our updated Version 2.0 of the AOPA 177B Cardinal add-on to Microsoft Flight Simulator X. Developed for AOPA by Flight1 Software, the new program adds Flight Sim’s virtual cockpit—which allows you to pan, tilt, and zoom your view, much as you would in the real cockpit—to the digitally replicated airplane. See AOPA Online for software requirements and to download the file."

Please join us in congratulating Bruce Chase and wishing him many happy hours flying his new Cardinal!

For the full story, please visit AOPA Online.

FSCheckride from CATIII Software

Posted: Saturday, January 26, 2008 - 21:01
Staff reviewer Angelique van Campen becomes examiner and student as she reviews CAT III Software's FSCheckride for FS9 and FSX. "Ever wanted to test your theoretical MSFS Type Rating skills, not by just by reading additional books? FSCheckride is a brand-new concept in desktop aviation that allows users to create and run professional, feature-rich, interactive examinations using Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 or FSX as the platform. Their target audience is flight simulator enthusiasts, real-world pilots, flight training units and flight instructors, virtual airlines and other flightsim organizations such as VATSIM and IVAO and finally flight simulator developers."

Angelique creates exams, edits the content and takes you on a step-by-step journey through this inovative program. She comments, "FSCheckride is an awesome program which adds another new dimension to the flight simulator world. It goes far beyond the flight simulator world, it's even applicable for use in real aviation. The program is so simple in design that it doesn’t require any additional knowledge to understand it. It gives the user who wants to create his/her own exams, a lot of flexibility by adding related pictures, charts, diagrams, tables, voice support and even video movies."

Flight Enhancer Service Pack 1

Posted: Saturday, January 26, 2008 - 20:51
Cielosim is proud to announce that Service Pack 1 for Flight Enhancer is now available, SP1 fixes minor bugs in the program code and adds two new major features : Favorites and the Mixer. The Favorites Tool, allow you to store all your favorite texture set combinations under one place, and also allow you to install them a later time. The Mixer, allows you to randomize/shuffle your texture sets and then install them. For more information please visit the Cielosim Website.

KCLT Charlotte For FSX Released

Posted: Saturday, January 26, 2008 - 17:06
Imaginesim have released Charlotte Douglas International Airport for FSX. KCLT features runways, taxiways, realistic buildings with night texturing, an interactive docking system with smooth jetway animation, numerous aircraft, moving vehicles, objects, cars, airport staff and service vehicles. There are lots of screenshots to look through and a free demo version to try. Full details can be found at the Imaginesim webpage.

MyTraffic X Ver. 5.1b Released

Posted: Friday, January 25, 2008 - 20:00
Burkhard Renk is proud to announce the release of Version 5.1b of MyTraffic X. The latest update to the series adds full support for Windows Vista, along with the ability to use DX10 AI aircraft models at the click of a mouse. In addition to performance and visual enhancements in the form of redesigned aircraft (B727, B747, B777) and several improved repaints, the update simplifies configuration of various aspects of MyTraffic.

A new utility called MyTraffic Board now allows virtual plane-spotters to see scheduled arrivals and departures in a convenient manner. In order to download the update, users will first need to acquire the latest version of the MyTraffic Communicator. To grab this file and get more info, visit My Traffic.

Platinum Collection Series; PBY-5A Catalina

Posted: Friday, January 25, 2008 - 19:57
Abacus has announced the newest member of their Platinum Series; the classic PBY-5A Catalina. This legendary aircraft distinguished itself as a reconnaissance, transport, search and rescue and bomber for many allies during World War II. Later it took on a firefighting role.

The PBY-5A Catalina is available immediately for free 7 day trial for both FSX and FS2004 users. Afterwards, by ordering a low-cost registration key users can conveniently unlock the trial period. For more information or to purchase this and other Platinum Collection aircraft, visit Abacus Pub.

Just Flight Releases The R44 Helicopter

Posted: Thursday, January 24, 2008 - 14:50
Just Flight announces the release of its R44 helicopter for Flight Simulator X and 2004. This latest addition to the prestigious Flying Club hangar has been developed by the same team as the rest of the Flying Club series. It is packed with features and is now available to download exclusively from Just Flight's website. Just Flight's Marc Siegel commented: "The real R44 is the World's most popular GA helicopter and we're confident that our Flying Club R44 will have similar success is the FS world."

The high level of detail in the Flying Club R44 is the result of extensive research and testing using real-world aircraft and the simulation comes with an authentic set of instruments, 2D and 3D cockpits, realistic avionics and a wide range of liveries. You can fly with British, American, German, Swiss, Dutch and French registrations. In fact, there are a total of 221 variations to choose from! The aircraft is supplied with a set of unique tools to customise and enhance your flying experience.

Some of the key features include;
- The skid equipped R44 Raven II, and the Fixed Utility and Emergency Float equipped R44 Clipper II.
- Top quality custom sound set for interior and exterior created from recordings of the real aircraft.
- A realistic animated pilot figure - he moves as the controls move. Passengers also move their heads to look around.
- Operating emergency floats allows you to lift off from a hard surface and fly along with the floats packed. You can deploy the floats, which will pop out inflated, and then land on any water surface.
- Custom flight model is incredibly accurate and reflects the performance of the real aircraft as closely as possible in FSX (SP2). Users of the FS2004/FSX/FSXSP1 version can still take advantage of the SP2 flight model by choosing an 'Expert' option on their R44.
- Collective, passengers and GPS can be hidden to provide a clearer view of the instruments and controls in the VC.
- Animation is state-of-the-art and includes main and tail rotor rotations and pitch, swash plates, tail rotor pedals, cyclic control, collective and rotary throttle, all four cabin doors and port/starboard engine bay access doors that animate and come with fully detailed interiors.
- AeroPaint texture utility allows users to create new custom liveries of the aircraft or edit the existing ones using a proprietary painting program such as Microsoft Paint.

German Airfields 1 - Island Hopping from Aerosoft

Posted: Wednesday, January 23, 2008 - 5:37
Senior staff reviewer Bert Pieke heads back to a place of his childhood as he looks at Aerosoft's German Airfields 1 - Island Hopping. "Because these airfields are situated on a string of narrow islands off the northwest coast of Germany, Aerosoft made the fortunate decision to not just package up the airfields, but also the islands."

"Immediately obvious is the great detail with which this scenery is crafted. All the airport buildings are custom designed and additionally, there are cars and people to complement the airfield. The custom objects, houses, trees etc are so well done and so carefully placed, that it is a real pleasure to look around and admire the scenery. As you fly from island to island, you notice that there is no simple repetition of scenery from place to place, but that each airfield is custom designed with taxiway textures, runway lights, and buildings etc, to match the actual location."

This quick tour of German Airfields 1 is summed up with, "This is a truly enjoyable scenery package. I was expecting an impressive product and was not disappointed. The area looks exactly the way I would expect these islands to look; wind blown and rugged, perfect for some peaceful time away from the big city. The authors have produced another winner in my books!"

FSNightingale 1.0 Released

Posted: Tuesday, January 22, 2008 - 17:33
FSNightingale announces a new tool for multi-screen flight simmers. Paul Wareing of FSNightingale writes, "You’re nearing your destination. You want to have a look for the Visual Reference Point that marks your entry into the CTA, you want to because you can, because you’ve got the scenery that can. So you press ‘W’ - world view. You need to take a look at your IAS so you can lower your flaps, so you press ‘W’ - instruments. You need to check your position on your downwind leg. You press ‘W’ - world view. You need to check your prop RPM. You press ‘W’ - instruments."

Paul continues, "Ok, ok, but you see my point. ‘World view’ has always been a frustration of mine. I don't want to keep hitting ‘W’ to make a choice between instruments with a porthole view of the world outside, or a clear view of the sky but with no instruments."

FSNightingale displays your aircraft instruments on a second PC, allowing you to run your FSX or FS9 PC, whatever your setup, in full screen mode all of the time. Best of all, it's free!

For more information, or to grab the download, head over to FSNightingale.

Abacus Adds Boats

Posted: Tuesday, January 22, 2008 - 17:24
Over the years, more than 100,000 flyers of the Flight Deck Series by Abacus have discovered the challenge of aircraft carrier based flying. With so many of these users clamoring for even more carrier excitement, Abacus is now launching Carrier Strike Force featuring three new allied carriers and three powerful aircraft.

Aviators will operate from the deck of three international carriers: USS Bonhomme Richard; representing the USA, HMS Illustrious; representing the United Kingdom, and Charles de Gaulle; representing France. In addition to the new boats, you'll also get some new aircraft: F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, AV-8B Harrier II, and the Rafale M.

Flyers will use the vertical takeoff and landing capabilities of the F-35 and AV-8B to operate from the USS Bonhomme Richard and HMS Illustrious. They'll use catapult/recovery to operate from the Charles de Gaulle. As a bonus for FSX users, they'll find additional challenge of taking off and landing on a moving deck based on our accurate 3wireX trapping and also engage in exciting missions. FS2004 users will also enjoy launch and trap with steam catapult / recovery system and fly mini -missions. For more information, visit the Carrier Strike Force Page at Abacus.

UK2000 Scenery/VFR Airfields Has A New Website

Posted: Sunday, January 20, 2008 - 22:12
In a news release received this afternoon Gary Summons of UK2000 Scenery has launched the new website for the upcoming 'VFR Airfields for FSX' Product range. VFR Airfields for Microsoft FSX Simulator is a new product that brings you UK Airfields and airports to a new level of detail. 3D models designed to match the actual airfields buidlings with realistic textures. This project is being developed with in co-operation from Horizon Simulations to correct and blend in the actual airfield photographic images. For more detailed information set your GPS direct to the UK Scenery website.

Mooney M20 by Carenado

Posted: Sunday, January 20, 2008 - 20:36
Contributing reviewer Chris Khiel looks at Carenado's Mooney. "The Mooney M20 is known to be one of Al Mooney’s most successful designs. Aptly named as the M20 series because this was Mooney’s 20th design that has been produced for nearly fifty years in a number of different variations."

"The main 2D panel and sub-panels from Carenado are always decent, and these latest panels for the Mooney are no exception. The 2D panel is very clear, concise, and looks almost exactly like its virtual counterpart. The VC is remarkably well done and detailed without heavily impacting performance. You won’t find yourself bored in this cockpit as you are able to click nearly every important flight control."

"This package shines as every minute detail is represented nicely. Four texture sets are included and give you a pleasant range of very realistic Mooney's to fly. One of the four included textures is a blank white livery with no tail number; must be kind of a ‘factory fresh’ look."

"The flight dynamics here are very skillfully done by people who must have some good hands-on time in a Mooney M20J, or very similar ship. Doing some advanced or flight training maneuvers, the Mooney seems to behave itself just as you would expect. The sounds included seem right on for this engine type. With a very deep and throaty sounding engine and a subtle but great prop effect at idle, it sounds like you're sitting at an airport with a Mooney taxiing by. For the level of detail, this aircraft barely hits your system harder than the default Cessna 172."

Concluding his review of the Carenado Mooney, Chris says, "It’s just hard to find things wrong with any Carenado aircraft, as they’re usually “Grand Slams”. This aircraft is no exception. If you’re a die hard Mooney Fan, then I can’t imagine missing this package."

AlphaSim F-105D Thunderchief

Posted: Saturday, January 19, 2008 - 12:11
Republic Aviation's famous fighter-bomber by AlphaSim released. In a news submission sent to Avsim today AlphaSim details the features: four texture sets (both camo and bare-metal schemes) as well as SIX loadout options, FSX and FS9 versions are available for a single price, custom animations for the famous F-105 tail 'petals' provide the various positions of these large appendages and a working drag chute, 2D panel suite, large authentic instruments and custom pop-up panels. The v-c has every switch and knob of the real machine, self shadowing too for SP2/Acceleration users, A custom soundset is inlcuded. For full details visit AlphaSim

Mi-28 "Havoc" from AlphaSim

Posted: Friday, January 18, 2008 - 3:00
Staff reviewer Marc Radford climbs aboard another AlphaSim product, this time it's the Mi-28 "Havoc". "The Mil Mi-28 Havoc is Russia’s 2 seat armoured attack helicopter, with a primary role to accompany both the Mi-24 Hind, and Ka-50 Hokum."

"AlphaSim is offering three highly detail texture models in this package, each with their own unique realistic weathering effects. AlphaSim offers a number of features you would expect from a high quality developer, but there are a few features worth noting like the animated gun turret that moves with the pilots head, animated landing lights, faint smoke trail effect, custom ground dust effect, and the infamous HUD option in the 2D Cockpit."

"AlphaSim has done a great job with the Mi-28 Havoc. It is a real pleasure feeling both the speed and agility of this modern military attack helicopter. The specifications for the Mi-28 are impressive, but nothing can compare to the amazing acrobatic abilities allowing maneuvers like rolls, full back slips, vertical climbs, and changing direction on a dime."

Marc takes you on a descriptive flying tour, from takeoff to landing in the Mi-28. He continues with, "In my experience, AlphaSim always delivers high quality visuals, and somehow they always run great with next to no FPS impact at all; this also includes the normally FPS hungry VC. The Mi-28 Havoc is no exception. This helicopter runs great no matter what view your using or the amount of geometry on the ground."

Summing up this helo, "AlphaSim’s Mi-28 "Havoc" is a great helicopter. Adhering to their high quality standards and with so many nice things in this package, it's hard not to recommend it. The Mi-28 boasts so much technology and agility, it makes flying this attack helicopter, for the most part, quite easy and intuitive; however I still find the landings offer a nice rewarding challenge."

Wanted - Your Voice

Posted: Friday, January 18, 2008 - 0:58
OnCourse Software are looking for new voice authors to expand the number of voice packs available within their popular ProFlight 2000 Emulator (PFE). Successful applicants will receive a free copy of PFE Deluxe *PLUS* a free download on any FS add-on of their choice from Aerosoft. Those interested should checkout the free downloads post at the PFE support forum right here at AVSIM.

FsDreamTeam Zurich 1.3 Upgrade

Posted: Friday, January 18, 2008 - 0:56
This scenery program has been updated with the following enhancements:
- Fire Brigade training airplane position corrected
- Added some control buildings in the Fire Brigade area
- Buildings added around the Radar Tower
- Engine Test structure added in the General Aviation area
- Perimetrical walls added in the General Aviation area
- Corrected a problem with emissive texture in DX10 for the runway holding zone lights
- Fixed the shadows for the Open dynamic vehicle (FS9 only)
- Changed the logo for the ground handling operator on all ground vehicles, reflecting real world acquisition of the former Jet Aviation by Dnata

Plus there is an improvement to the Add-on Manager, the Installer and the re-install procedure. For full details owners and interested fliers are requested to head over to the FsDreamTeam website.

FSMap For FSX Released

Posted: Thursday, January 17, 2008 - 14:15
AEROSOFT has released FSMap today. This addon for FSX (and FS2004/FS2002) brings your paper charts into the digital age. Written by Thomas Molitor who is also well known for FS Flight Keeper.

FSMap is an application that brings paper charts into the digital age. It consists of two parts that can be used separate or together; the main FSMap program and the FSMap gauge that will be part of your aircraft panel. Both can function as a Moving Map with additional features like TCAS etc.

FSMap features:
· Fully licensed VFR charts for Austria, Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Switzerland included.

· Extensive map filtering for a type for maps (General, IFR, VFR, Airport).

· Loads default FS flight plans and displays them on top of the charts.

· Every chart you have in bitmap format can be imported, from large scale enroute charts to the most detailed taxi charts (for example all USA sectionals and airport charts found here on Avsim).

· Can import maps from FSMoving Map.

· Shows ALL traffic and controllers from IVAO and VatSim in real time.

· Options to export regions to share with others.

· Easy to add and calibrate charts so they can be used.

· The gauge can be inserted into any panel using very easy interface (no editing of panel files needed).

· The FSMap application connects to FSX using SimConnect, FS2004 and FS2002 connect via FSUIPC (registered version required).

· The FSMap application can be run on a separate computer using SimConnect for FSX or WideFS for FS2004 and FS2002 (registered version WideFS required).

· Trial version available (fully functional for 30 days and only covers Germany West).

For more information please visit Aerosoft.