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August 16, 2005 - August 23, 2005
cloud9 Releases Amsterdam Scenery
Posted: Tuesday, August 23, 2005 - 17:46
The cloud9 Amsterdam scenery has been released and is also available in a trial version. The trial version is full featured and time limited only. Download the free copy from the cloud9 site and try it! This scenery, based on thousands of pictures taken of Schiphol airport and in the city, includes some new development techniques and new features such as automatic loading bridge movement based on aircraft recognition and active ground handling equipment for AI aircraft. For more details and screenshots visit the cloud9 website here.
FlyTampa's San Francisco (KSFO) Reviewed
Posted: Monday, August 22, 2005 - 4:26
Avsim reviewer Alexis Esguerra continues the series of FlyTampa's airport scenery add-ons with their latest contribution, San Francisco (KSFO). Alexis works at this airport and is a fitting reviewer for this add-on.
"San Francisco International Airport has long been associated with the Far East ever since the heyday of the ‘China Clippers’," notes Alexis, "having completed a major overhaul in recent years, the airport saw no less than 32 million passengers come and go in 2004, and continues to attract new carriers."
"Anyone with the slightest hint of familiarity with this place just might do a double take once the improved scenery is up and running. The buildings and items omitted from the FS2004 variety are now brought into existence, and there’s plenty of them," reports Alexis.
He continues with, "Static airliners are provided, occupying some 27 of 86 passenger gates at the airport, plus a few more scattered throughout the field. AI aircraft didn’t have any problems utilizing the new airport layout."
Alexis sums up the scenery add-on with, "This was without a doubt, the best performing scenery add-on I’ve ever had the pleasure of witnessing. I would dare say that San Francisco would run decently even for those with more modest systems.
To read the complete review, click here.
Fly Tampa releases Fly-Seattle\Seattle Tacoma
Posted: Sunday, August 21, 2005 - 18:13
Fly Tampa has announced their seventh airport scenery is now available for download. Fly-Seattle\Seattle Tacoma International Airport (KSEA) is located in the beautiful Pacific Northwest & serves as a major hub for Alaskan Airlines, United Airlines & Northwest Airlines. Created by George Grimshaw the man behind the popular Boston Logan Freeware scenery, Fly Seattle features: - Unique terrain and pavement rendition techniques. - Seasonal ground changes (Summer, Winter) - New Central Terminal and Concourse A. - Animated car traffic (Optional) - Numerous static objects like service trucks, cars. - Static aircraft (Optional). - Docking signs & attendants at all gates. -& arguably, the most realistic runway textures seen in MSFS You can find Fly-Seattle here as well as Fly Tampa's other terrific airport designs.
Some AVSIM Features
Posted: Sunday, August 21, 2005 - 17:29
As our membership continues to climb, we occasionally like to post hints and helps for our new members, as well as providing an overview of our services and links to those services.- The AVSIM Internet Relay Chat Server is the only IRC operated by a flight simulation site solely for its enthusiasts. Easy to use and flexible, the IRC system allows you to join your fellow enthusiasts to socialize, seek help, talk about events and doings in our hobby, all in real time. You can join the fun by pointing your IRC Client to irc.avsim.net and then joining any of the existing channels, or open your own.
- Did you know that on average, there are anywhere between 60 and 80 files uploaded to the AVSIM Library every day? Did you know that each and every morning, at 4 a.m. EST, an email is sent out to those who want it, listing all of the previous day’s uploads with links to the library location of those files? If you want to receive an email message summary of the AVSIM Library uploads, simply go to http://lists.avsim.net/mailman/listinfo/library-files and subscribe to this free service.
- Most users of the library service enter the library system using the link above. Did you know that there is also an easy to use file listing system that previews for you the newest files to oldest files, allowing you to quickly scan the latest additions to the library? You can get this preview simply by clicking on the “Check New Uploads” graphic to the left of this screen or by going to the link here http://library.avsim.net/whatsnew.php?ScanMode=1
Interested in Joining the Elite AVSIM Staff?
Posted: Saturday, August 20, 2005 - 19:44
We are currently looking to add yet another Library Manager to our existing Library Management Team. Our Library Managers monitor the library uploads throughout the course of their shift, and post and manage files in our Online Library as they are received from the uploading Authors. This position requires a good working knowledge of HTML and FTP operations as well as the ability to write narrative descriptions for the files posted, and a good understanding of most or all flightsim software programs. This is a non-pay voluntary position and will allow you to contribute your time and enthusiasm back to the flightsim hobby and community. This position requires a 4-5 hour shift, 4-7 days per week. Various shifts and days are currently available. Interested applicants should forward a brief description of their experience including information about themselves, and what they feel they could contribute to our organization, and the flightsim community. For immediate consideration please forward the above requested information to Rick Rossner Library Director at AVSIM Online.
Microsoft FS Team To Attend AVSIM 2005 Conference and Exhibition
Posted: Saturday, August 20, 2005 - 16:33
Members of the Microsoft Flight Simulator Development Team will be in full attendance at the AVSIM 2005 Conference and Exhibition next month in San Diego. Hosted by the famous San Diego Aerospace Museum, the event will include vendor displays (including Microsoft's) and presentation sessions on both Saturday and Sunday. Microsoft's team will be participating in the presentations, and will put forward a full two hours of discussion on a variety of flight sim related topics. Question and answers periods will occur during the sessions. Topics to be covered in the Microsoft Presentations include:- Flight Sim SDKs for Dummies: A broad level review of what’s there and how to go about developing in Flight Sim
- Technology growth & trends, and what this means to Flight Simulator
- More on Myths and Misconceptions
- Getting the most from your Flight Sim experience
If you have not yet signed up and plan to attend, do so today! Don't miss out on the most important event in flight simulation this year! You can read all the details and sign up at the AVSIM 2005 Conference Page.
Are You Coming To San Diego?
Posted: Saturday, August 20, 2005 - 16:29
With less than a month to go before the San Diego Aerospace Museum plays host to the 2005 AVSIM Conference and Exhibition, the deadlines for registration are approaching and the confirmations from our speakers and exhibitors are rolling in!
Our host hotel, the Town and Country Resort, with whom we have arranged a special AVSIM rate of $89 per night, have exceptionally extended the reservation deadline for the cheap rate for one more week! From Monday August 29th, the hotel can no longer guarantee room availability at the rate above and you may have to pay the "rack rate" of $169!
We must also fix final numbers for our evening events at the end of this month. So, if you want not only to be stimulated by hearing our presentation speakers, and enjoying what our exhibitors have to offer, but also to join the biggest and best flight simulation social events in the United States, you need to register before August 31st!
And, as if you didn't need more convincing to register now, the sooner you register, the more entries you will have in the draw for a free 1 hr aerial tour of San Diego with The Barnstormers -- we are already down to 3 entries per registration as of today!
So, if you haven't already -- go to the 2005 Conference and Exhibition webpage for complete information about this year's venue, as well as registration and hotel details -- and get registering! We look forward to meeting you in San Diego!
SkyUnlimited Releases P-51 Legacy Of The Sky
Posted: Friday, August 19, 2005 - 22:50
The P-51 Mustang was one of the finest aircraft to fly the skies of World War II. It had the speed, power, and armament to compete with even the most potent adversary. The Allison powered and early Merlin engine aircraft do not share the fame or popularity of the P-51D, and thus a large part of the P-51’s service life has been forgotten. The Allison powered mustang was the first to enter service. It had a superb airframe and excellent gun platform, however it lacked a supercharger that would allow it to perform better at higher altitudes. Great Britain was the first to act upon this flaw by introducing the Merlin Engine to the P-51 airframe. The result was one of the greatest fighters of all time, the P-51B/C. The P-51B/C however did have one flaw. It had poor pilot visibility. Again the British acted upon this and introduced a bulged canopy that became known as the Malcolm Hood. These concepts would later spawn the P-51D aircraft that many know so well today. In this product you have the chance to fly every mustang variant, Allison and Merlin, from the very first P-51 through the P-51B/C. You can start from the first aircraft and witness first hand how they were improved with each version.
--21 Highly detailed exterior models by Jesse Lambert in virtually every configuration of these aircraft.
--58 stunning paint schemes by Alessandro Biagi
--Flight dynamics built with the latest in airfile design technology by the acclaimed Jerry Beckwith.
--Two Highly Detailed Panels by Lobo da Silvia
--Beautifully rendered Virtual Cockpits by Baldwin de Tourton and Jesse Lambert
--Custom Gauges with Backlighting by the acclaimed Bill Leaming
--Custom Gun Effects for Fs2004 by Rob Barendregt and Douglas Dawson
--Custom Fs2004 Effects with wingtip vortices and vapor contrails
--Detailed Allison and Merlin Engines
--Custom Sound sets created by 100% authentic recordings of both the Merlin and Allison engines that powered these aircraft. With unique recordings inside and outside of the aircraft.
--Documents containing details on this aircraft as well as an appropriate checklist. Get The Mustangs Here.
Things To Come Title Goes Gold
Posted: Friday, August 19, 2005 - 19:18
THINGS-TO-COME is pleased to announce the completion of its highly anticipated add-on for MS Flight Simulator 2004. LunarPilot is a complete package of aircraft, scenery, and historic documentation. The package features the Bell Aerosystems "Lunar Landing Research Vehicle" that was used by NASA to train Apollo astronauts for lunar descent and moon landing. The Lunar Landing Research Vehicle (LLRV) in FS is completely realistic, offering typical flight characteristics/envelope, operational appearance and features like lunar mode, pilot ejection sequence, and more... The scenery is set in the 1960’s and includes a complex city, functional runway, and the Lunar Terrain Simulator (LTS) with 1000 square yards of moonscape at a resolution of 25cm/pix! LunarPilot will be available as download or CD-ROM from www.lunarpilot.com in early September 2005. Click Here for latest screenshots and information.
JustFlight Soon To Release 707 Professional
Posted: Friday, August 19, 2005 - 19:14
The plane that brought commercial air travel to the masses will soon be doing the same for FS2004 enthusiasts. 707 Professional is shipping out on 26th August – order a copy now for £29.99/€44.95/$44.99 The Boeing 707 made its first transatlantic passenger flight in 1958 and with its huge passenger accommodation and high speed it soon became the first choice for airlines around the world. Captain Sim, the development team behind the highly successful 727 Professional, has turned their attention to Boeing’s landmark airliner and the results are stupendous! The level of detail is massive and authentic features abound. The 707 was a true landmark in the history of commercial aviation and 707 Professional is set to hold the same title in flight simulation.
--Created in exacting detail from the high resolution liveries to the distinctive sounds of the engines.
--Variants of the 707 include the -320 ADV as well as the -320 in cargo guise. There’s also the famous VC-137C known as ‘Air Force One’ -the US President’s personal transport as well as the E-3A AWACS with its massive rotating radar dish above the rear fuselage.
--707 Professional has all the features you expect in the Just Flight ‘Professional’ range, with accurate animations and features such as TCE Textures and Configuration Editor and authentic 2D and virtual cockpits.
--The package comes with 19 authentic liveries, including British Airways, Air France, BOAC Lufthansa and Qantas
For details Visit Just Flight Here.
SimFlyer Releases SimMedia Series Tutorials
Posted: Friday, August 19, 2005 - 19:07
SimFlyer® has released the first video tutorial in its “SimMedia Series” covering the GNSv4. This wonderful video tutorial created by Tim Mandeville for SimFlyer® guides you step-by-step through all the major functions of the GNSv4 package and includes approximately 40 minutes of narrated footage to help teach you just how to use the GNSv4. More product tutorials are scheduled to follow. You can read more at the SimFlyer® homepage
Here.
AlphaSim Tu-16 Badger Out Now
Posted: Friday, August 19, 2005 - 8:04
The famous Cold War veteran is depicted in three variants - the early 'Badger-A' strategic bomber, the 'Badger-G' with its two underwing AS-5 'Kelt' stand-off missles (in Egyptian AF camo scheme), and the 'Badger-C Mod' with the typical single underwing AS-6 'Kingfish' cruise missile and the unusual nose radome.
A low-poly version of the A variant is also included for AI use, and the G and C variants can also be flown 'clean'.
The detailed virtual cockpit has the usual range of animated parts and also includes the bombardier's section on the A and G variants. The exterior model has bare-metal reflective textures (not G) and features an opening bomb bay and three opening crew hatches with ladders (2 on C). The 2D panel is fully mousable and has subpanels for starting, radios and autopilot.
The flight model is very authentic - beware, the Badger needs a long runway to get airborne! Check out all the details at the AlphaSim website.
New "Legendary Herk" Video Clips
Posted: Friday, August 19, 2005 - 8:00
New set of five video clips capturing some of the top-notch features of the 'Legendary Herk' is available at the Captain Sim website. Check out the information on this long awaited release.
New virtual ACARS Datalink System for FS
Posted: Friday, August 19, 2005 - 7:57
The virtual ACARS adds exiting new features to the FS world!
It is a true-to-real communication system between your aircraft and the airline ground control, demanding you as the pilot to operate preflight, inflight and postflight procedures in exactly the same way as it is used by major airlines.
All menus, buttons and functions has been designed in the most accurate way, to fully correspond to the real system.
Visit VDLS and find information about the upcoming release of the program.
Lunar Pilot Goes Gold
Posted: Friday, August 19, 2005 - 7:54
THINGS-TO-COME is pleased to announce the completion of its highly anticipated add-on for MS Flight Simulator 2004.
LunarPilot is a complete package of aircraft, scenery, and historic documentation. The package features the Bell Aerosystems "Lunar Landing Research Vehicle" that was used by NASA to train Apollo astronauts for lunar descent and moon landing.
The Lunar Landing Research Vehicle (LLRV) in FS is completely realistic, offering typical flight characteristics/envelope, operational appearance and features like lunar mode, pilot ejection sequence, and more.
The scenery is set in the 1960’s and includes a complex city, functional runway, and the Lunar Terrain Simulator (LTS) with 1000 sq yards of moonscape at a resolution of 25cm/pix!
LunarPilot will be available as download or CD-ROM from their website in early September 2005. Click here for the latest screenshots and information.
cloud9 Amsterdam Set For Release
Posted: Wednesday, August 17, 2005 - 18:48
In a press release to Avsim today developer cloud9 announced that their Amsterdam scenery is in the final test stage and the release is confirmed for Tuesday 23rd. According to the release, "This scenery, based on thousands of pictures taken on Schiphol airport and in the city, includes some new development techniques and new particular features, like the automatic loading bridge movement based on aircraft recognition and the active ground handling equipments for the AI aircrafts. An huge and complex airport reproduced with high detail level, optimized to reduce the impact on the frame rate."
Interested simmers can get more details and view screenshots here
Dutch Flightsim Weekend Announced
Posted: Wednesday, August 17, 2005 - 1:55
For years, Dutch flight sim hobbyists have held great Flightsim weekends in the Aviodrome Aerospace Museum at Lelystad Airfield.
Last year's event was a huge success. This is because of the unique concept that it is made by Flightsimmers for Flightsimmers!
This concept allows maximum interaction between participants and visitors, so the visitor is a participant too.
They are hoping that more visitors from the European countries will visit the Flightsim weekend. So if you happen to be nearby the Lelystad Airfield, drop in and see what's happening.
For more details, visit the Flightsim Weekend website.
Enhance Your Local FS Scenery
Posted: Tuesday, August 16, 2005 - 22:41
Welcome to our virtual Aerospace Museum building! (Click for larger image) |
How can you create great scenery at home? Jay Langham, a member of the San Diego SimFlite club and professional photographer, will show you how in his presentation combined with a 'workshop' he's planed for the Aerospace Museum Pavilion during the 2005 AVSIM Conference and Exhibition!
Jay's presentation is geared for the beginning Flight Simulator object designer—an art and a science with a very long, steep learning curve! It will cover:
– Getting started in flight simulation 2D and 3D object designing
– Tips on basic programs you can start using now
– A walk-through on recreating the Aerospace Museum building in FS
– Encouraging beginners to give the process a try!
Other than when Jay is giving his presentation you will find him in the exhibition area offering a 'flight sim tour' of San Diego, showing points of interest around the city built into add-ons by commercial companies, freeware developers, and also many built by Jay himself.
Don't miss this opportunity next month to see what's possible with today's digital photography and FS add-on tools.
VATSIM ZLA To Demonstrate Flyin at AVSIM Conference in San Diego
Posted: Tuesday, August 16, 2005 - 20:37
Jim Johnson, VATSIM ZLA Assistant Chief, announces that the VATSIM Los Angeles ARTCC (ZLA) will be exhibiting at this year's AVSIM Convention. ZLA's airspace covers the SoCal region, including Los Angeles, San Diego, Ontario, Burbank, and Orange County as well as the Las Vegas metro area.
Jim explains, "We will be available at the conference to show you exactly what virtual air traffic control networks such as VATSIM are all about. Between ten abd fifteen of our staff will be on hand, including Chief Marc Sykes and myself.
"We have two events planned over the span of the conference. ZLA controllers will set up a virtual air traffic control center on the conference floor. Attendees will be welcome to walk through and watch us work live traffic. Shift Supervisors will be available to answer questions about ZLA, VATSIM, or anything else related to online flight.
"Saturday we will staff all of ZLA for a massive "Rush Hour" flyin. Sunday will be a special focus on the San Diego area in honor of the conference. Our controllers will staff the KSAN region to a level never before seen on the network.
"Additionally, we are planning to set up a live pilot station so that you can experience VATSIM firsthand. You will be able to join hundreds of virtual pilots from around the world as they fly into, out of, and around San Diego."
Please visit the ZLA website for more information, or e-mail your questions to the Chief.
The ZLA Staff is looking forward to seeing all of you in September!
Focke Wulf 190 "Butcher Bird" Update
Posted: Tuesday, August 16, 2005 - 19:38
Shockwave Productions has released an official update to their latest Wings of Power aircraft, the Focke Wulf 190 "Butcher Bird" for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004®. Shockwave want to thank the community for all their support and interest in our latest Wings of Power aircraft. The update, a new movie and screenshots can be found here. Wings of Power Focke Wulf 190 "Butcher Bird" v.1.1 update includes:
- External model fixes / improvements
- Sound level calibrated at all altitudes
- Control ranges and prop diameters were corrected in some models
- Flight models were adjusted as required to retain accuracy
- Removed aileron and rudder trim adjustability and removed references to these from the checklists
- Adjusted landing gear drag to account for gear door angle to relative wind
- Checklists have been revised to reflect any changes
- Enhanced ground dust effects (shown in movie)
- Canopy close sound better synchronized
- Fuel selector fixed
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