Just Flight Viscount SP Released

Posted: Thursday, December 22, 2011 - 15:13
The Service Pack for the Viscount that improves the Gyropilot pitch hold functionality and adds DME to the aircraft is now available to download from the support page.

FSXPilot Update (1.3) Published

Posted: Thursday, December 22, 2011 - 15:10
The new version enables GPS-autolanding on almost all FSX runways independently from ILS. In addition, FSXP GPS-touch-and-go's as well as left or right holding procedures by the click of a mouse button. The radar screen is enriched by a right-click popup menu in which the pilot can call up and quickselect airports, VOR's and NDB's in range. The update is free.

Slovenia Scenery Team Release 10 M Mesh For Slovenia

Posted: Thursday, December 22, 2011 - 12:06
Slovenia Scenery Team has released mesh covering whole territory of Slovenia in 10 meters resolution from real, raw data without any interpolation. All peaks up to their real altitudes and ridges became almost razor sharp, even lowlands where such small details as riverbeds of almost the tiniest streams and underpasses on highways and railroad lines are visible. These elements encouraged SST to offer this mesh as a stand alone product,it really greatly enhances the looks of Slovene territory and is almost a must to have for those, who purchased SST's scenery Slovenia for Microsoft's flight simulator X, Part 1- East.

Mega Airport Zurich 2012 from Aerosoft

Posted: Thursday, December 22, 2011 - 0:27
Staff reviewer Aaron Graham travels to Switzerland to explore Aerosoft's Mega Airport Zurich 2012. "Zurich airport is located in a financial city in Switzerland. Zurich airport is the hub to the countries national carrier, Swissair and Edelweiss."

"The ground textures are of high resolution. They appear crisp and clear. All the taxiways and apron textures are concrete. All of the apron and taxi textures had the correct markings according to real world images. This add-on scenery comes with hundreds of buildings and miscellaneous objects. Just about every building that is there in the real world is in the simulated version of this airport. The airport contains different textures for each season. I found that the seasonal textures were realistic. In the winter the ground is covered in a layer of snow and in the summer the grass was lush and green."

"Aerosoft's Mega Airport Zurich 2012 is a nice rendering of Switzerland’s main airport."

Latest Aerosoft News

Posted: Wednesday, December 21, 2011 - 2:04
Antarctica X - Antarctica X is one of the most technological advanced sceneries ever created. It covers the complete continent (as far as FSX allows) and will get you as close to flying over the Antarctic as possible. The landscapes you will encounter are breathtaking and show this continent in all its majestic beauty.

The whole continent is covered by custom landclass data combined with Landsat satellite imagery. For many locations they got additional images that were painstakingly rectified and fitted in. The result is that this scenery is in many ways superior to datasets that are used by airlines and geographical institutes. As far as they know this is the first time many of these databases are combined. You will not find a better altitude model that's more details or better photo coverage.

Anchorage FS9/FSX - Anchorage Ted Stevens International (PANC) one of the most important airports in Alaskas and destination of many national and international flight connections. Beside Asian and Russian airlines also from Frankfurt fly german Condor and the Switzerland airline Edelweiß from ZRH in the month May to September to Anchorage.

There probably is no place on the globe where aviation is as important as in Alaska. In this great state roads are scarce and limited to the major cities. The vast wilderness can only be reached by aircraft. Often only by floatplane or small aircraft equipped for off airport landings.

Stavanger X - Stavanger X includes a highly detailed recreation of the Sola Airport (and immediate surroundings), located in the western part of Norway. The airport is recreated with help of high resolution images taken at the airport.

The airport was opened in 1937, and this makes it the second oldest airport in Norway, during WW2 the airport saw a massive expansion and this expansion continued after the war ended. The airport now has two terminals one for fixed wing operations and one for rotor-crafts. The airport also serves as one of the major hubs for the Royal Norwegian Air Force 330 Squadron, which operates the Westland Sea King in SAR operations.

Active Sky 2012 Released

Posted: Wednesday, December 21, 2011 - 1:22
Active Sky 2012 expands on the award-winning Active Sky Weather Engine and combines it with brand new high-definition graphics, fully integrated to debut what we call "Total Weather Immersion". Over 16GB (uncompressed size) of high-definition graphics textures in dozens of categories are at your fingertips - accompanied by advanced imaging techniques including high-quality down-sampling and user-recoloring. Easily create your own texture variations with a few clicks of the mouse. Route awareness, weather-influenced selections, custom themes, universal graphics add-on integration and a clean, intuitive interface provide robust command of the total experience.

DCS: Black Shark 2 and DCS: A-10C Updated

Posted: Wednesday, December 21, 2011 - 1:06
The Fighter Collection is pleased to announce the release of updates to its award winning titles, DCS: Black Shark 2 and DCS: A-10C.

The 1.1.1.1 patches provide a long list of improvements and fixes to the DCS series of products. These include:
- Bug fixes
- User requested features
- Options to improve fps
- In parallel with these updates, improvements have been made to the master multiplayer server to improve stability.

These patches currently apply only to English versions. A complete list of changes can be found at the forums. The 1.1.1.1 patches for A-10C and Black Shark 2 can downloaded.

Systems Unlimited Release FSCaptain V1.3

Posted: Tuesday, December 20, 2011 - 12:43
Charles "Dutch" Owen and Systems Unlimited announce the availability of another major update to the FSCaptain product for FS2004 and FSX; release 1.3. This new release continues the tradition of making FSCaptain an even more authentic simulation of the modern professional aviation environment, this time including a new "Hazard Enhancement" feature that realistically turns the simulated thunderstorms and icing in Flight Simulator into the dangerous conditions they are to real-world aviators -- even making runways and taxiways slick when contaminated. Also new are more than a dozen detailed XML interfaces to the panels of popular add-on aircraft, with many more to come. FSCaptain 1.3 is available in a fully functional trial version (limited only by the airports you can use as your departure point for flights.) Please visit the FSCaptain Website for more detailed information and to try the demo.

Orbx Releases S43 Harvey Field

Posted: Monday, December 19, 2011 - 15:11
Rustic rural charm. Located in Snohomish Washington and snuggled between the Snohomish River and surrounding farms, S43 Harvey Field is the continuation of Heiko Glatthorn and Andreas Hegi's tip of the hat to classic airfields which we all enjoyed in FS2004. This time though, expect their usual seriously amped visuals and fanatical attention to detail this developer duo have now become renowned for. Featuring exquistely modelled houses, hangars, cafe and many other buildings in the precinct, everything has been based on photos taken on-site and there is a distinct feeling of being at the actual airport itself, such is the authenticity of this scenery. S43 also features a large photoreal area with full seasonal support which seamlessly joins their W16 Monroe project.

Ground imagery at 30cm per pixel. Fully custom modeled airport and houses FSX gmax poly runway, aprons and lights. Surrounding farms and housing included. Includes the latest Orbx "Flow" technologies. Atmospheric night lighting at the airport. Dense vegetation options for amazing realism. Extensive Control Panel choices for best FPS. Includes custom GA AI Traffic movements. Photoreal seamlessly joins W16 Monroe Expert 5 seasons color matched imagery. By the YHBA/1S2/3W5/KORS/2WA1 team.

Extra 300 Patty Wagstaff Edition for X-Plane in the Avsim Store

Posted: Monday, December 19, 2011 - 14:29
Patty Wasgstaff is a Hall of Fame aerobatic pilot. This aircraft was modeled after Patty's personal Extra 300S and with her collaboration. This is the plane she uses to perform in airshows and in front of millions of people each year.
The Extra 300S Patty Wagstaff Edition was developed for X-Plane 9 and 10 by master designer Denis Krupin. The flight model was tuned using input from real Extra 300 pilots and Patty herself.

Visit the Avsim store today.

Bear Studios Triple Service Packs for MiG 15, MiG 17, and J-10

Posted: Monday, December 19, 2011 - 12:54
Bear Studios has officially released major 3 service packs updating their main product line. The following products have been updated:

MiG-15 for FSX/FS9 - Service Pack 4
MiG-17 for FSX/FS9 - Service Pack 4
J-10 "Vigorous Dragon" for FSX/FS9 - Version 1.4

Features for the MiG 15 and MiG 17: FSX Version models with DX10 Compatibility.
High detail exterior and cockpit models, canopy / storage jettisons animation, ejection seats.
Detailed cockpit with classic gauges, commutation navigation and firing control systems,Weapon systems simulated.
Working rocket smoke trails, aero effects, and sound effects included.
High detail textures, gauges with back light. 2 color cockpit flood lights and console light effects, controlled by interior light system.
Full 3D cockpit, switchable forward and rear cockpit both in FS2004 and FSX versions.
Eight main variants with 10 models for different payload configurations for each aircraft.

Features for the J-10: Update and refined sound pack. Fixed various shape and animation bugs.
Optimized gauge systems, Added effects, Fully FSX compliant models.

You can find the updates via Flight1:

Ultimate Airbus A321 Simulation from Perfect Flight

Posted: Saturday, December 17, 2011 - 20:52
Contributing reviewer Ray Marshall takes his A321 on an ultimate experience with Perfect Flight's Ultimate Airbus A321 Simulation. "When was the last time you had a perfect flight in FSX? There is a company in Italy that is hard at work preparing a new batch of FSX add-ons with exactly that in mind. The goal of Perfect Flight has always been offer a realistic aeronautical ambiance, simple to use but fully enjoyable. I think they have certainly achieved their goal with the Ultimate Airbus A321 Simulation."

"It comes with all the navigation charts and maps needed for these flights. You determine weather conditions, season, departure date, time, etc. This also has the entire BA fleet for FSX plus the Perfect Flight L-1011 Tristar in old British livery. The missions are similar to the Ultimate Airbus A321 with all the ATC interactions, checklists, speed calls, announcements, etc."

"This is most definitely a quality add-on that elevates flight simulation to a whole new level of immersion. Until you personally experience the verbal conversations and the professional level of flight planning with the perfectly timed step by step checklists it is difficult to know what you have been missing. By taking the time to walk through the flight tutorial pages of the user manual along with the choreographed flight plans you will then appreciate what is required to sit in the left seat of one of these modern airliners. With a total choice of 27 full featured missions of varying distance and durations selectively scattered around the world one should not feel bored for some time."

Microsoft FLIGHT News

Posted: Saturday, December 17, 2011 - 14:00
Microsoft invited a select group of community organizations to Redmond, Washington, for a preview and discussion regarding Microsoft's soon to be released FLIGHT simulator. The meeting and hand's on sessions took place this last Tuesday, December 13th. AVSIM was represented by Tom Allensworth, Publisher, and Robert Whitwell, Reviews Editor. This meeting was held under the auspices of a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) which all participants are covered by. In this meeting Microsoft shared confidential information and access to the FLIGHT game. Microsoft has indicated that some restrictions imposed by the NDA will be removed during the first week of January. To the extent that we are able and willing to do so, AVSIM will report on those aspects of FLIGHT allowed by those reduced restrictions. Please stay tuned. More to follow...

FSFlyingSchool Pro Released

Posted: Friday, December 16, 2011 - 23:33
FSInventions announces the expansion of their product line with a new version of their Award Winning FSFlyingSchool add-on for FSX and FS2004. FSFlyingSchool Pro takes FSFlyingSchool to a higher level with a host of new features. Several incremental improvements have been made to FSFlyingSchool Pro.

The major new features of FSFlyingSchool Pro are as follows:

FSX Boeing 737-800 Detail Pack Included
Ever wanted to fly a detailed flight in an airliner? After 2 years of design, development and testing, FSFlyingSchool now offers extra detailed treatment when flying the world's most popular airliner.
Your instructor Mr Smith knows a very great deal about the correct operation, systems and procedures of this aircraft and will be watching you carefully.
Around 100 events are added to the instructor's watch and you also get detailed verbal and written checklists.
Get ready for some 'heavy iron'!

On Approach feature
We all know we need to practice, practice, practice, our approaches and landings.
It's never been easier with this unique new feature for Flight Simulator!
Just get into your airplane and then have FSFlyingSchool Pro put you on approach to any airport of your choice.
You can even have FSFlyingSchool Pro choose a random airport anywhere in the world.
Ready to be challenged?!

FSFS Pro Flight Mapping feature
Wouldn't it be nice to be able to review your flight paths over real world satellite terrain using Google Maps?
And... wouldn't it be just great to be able to store them and look back over them at your leisure?
How about sharing them with friends?
Oh - and how about tracking taxi routes too?
Now you can do all of this with FSFlyingSchool Pro's new Flight Mapping feature!

Cessna 172 Detail Pack Included
Want to fly a detailed flight in the ever popular Cessna 172? FSFlyingSchool Pro offers extra detailed treatment when flying this marvelous airplane.
Your team of instructors know the details of this machine and will expect the same from you!
Get ready to fly the c172 like you've never done before!

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

IYP Virtual Air Adds New Routes

Posted: Friday, December 16, 2011 - 23:21
IYP Virtual Air (IYP-VA) announced today contracts signed with virtual major oil companies to provide new daily services linking major oil production and distribution centres in Canada and the USA, starting immediately.

"These new routes offer VA customers the ability to travel efficiently between the major oil industry centres of North America", said Captain Robert Cezar, IYP-VA principal shareholder. Cezar said the new routes increase its worldwide services geared to specific requirements of IYP-VA's business customers.

Sample Routes on B738:
Anchorage to Edmonton - 3 hr 20 min
Edmonton to Calgary - 55 min
Calgary to Grand Forks - 2 hrs 24 min
Grand Forks to Lake Charles - 3 hrs 25 min

All times based on local time zones.

Openings for New Pilots - As a result of requests from business customers for additional routes and flights, IYP-VA is actively searching for new pilots on all existing flights. Please check the details on pilot compensation.

For detailed information about IYP-VA; routes, flight schedules, IYP-VA fleet, etc., please check out the IYP-VA website.

OryxSim Releases Canadian Airports 1 for FSX

Posted: Friday, December 16, 2011 - 23:00
This scenery package includes Kelowna, Castlegar, Chilliwack and Okotoks Air Park. All Airports feature in addition to detailed buildings seasonal textures, volumetric grass. Furthermore, more than 40 landmarks in the Calgary rea are included in the package.

This package includes version for compatibility with Orbx Pacific Northwest and Northern Rocky Mountains Region. All Airports are also available seperately.

Attention Active Sky EVO Owners

Posted: Friday, December 16, 2011 - 22:56
Active Sky 2012 is being offered early, during a special limited event, only to licensed Active Sky Evolution users. ASE users can get AS2012 before it's released to the general public. This offer is being provided as a token of HiFi's appreciation for loyal previous-version customers, and is for a limited time starting RIGHT NOW!

On Monday, December 19, Active Sky 2012 is scheduled for official release to the general public. To take advantage of this offer or learn more about it, please visit the Active Sky 2012 website.

FSCOCKPIT Driver for Wilco Airbus Series (MCDU)

Posted: Friday, December 16, 2011 - 15:21
FSCOCKPIT Driver is intended to have the FSCOCKPIT MCDU (and in near future also ECAM PANEL and MINI Overhead PANEL) working seamlessly with the Wilco Airbus Series Volume 1 and Volume 2. This software is modular. Next ECAM driver and Mini Overhead driver for FSCOCKPIT Hardware will be an add-on module of this first driver.

The software adds new Feelthere Airbus MCDU Flight Simulator Window View for use and fits it in the FSCOCKPIT MCDU screen. All MCDU Panel supported features work in Feelthere Airbus Vol 1 and Vol 2. FSCOCKPIT MCDU Backlighting is configurable via UI and it works also with panel light system of Feelthere Airbus Vol 1 and Vol 2. Full Screen: Even though FS2004 must run in windowed mode to allow the placement of the MCDU screen on the CDU II, this software lets you see FS2004 in full screen.

Requirements: FSCOCKPIT MCDU Driver works with FS9 and FSX, with any aircraft of the Airbus Series Volume 1 & 2, including Evolution. As this module uses FSUIPC, you must have a registered version of FSUIPC for FS2004 or FSX to use it. If you plan to use a remote PC, a registered version of WideFS is necessary. All kinds of Multicore CPUs. Windows Vista 32 / Vista 64 / Win7 (32 bit / 64bit). Net Framework 4 (or higher).

Historic Jetliners Group Year End Update

Posted: Friday, December 16, 2011 - 13:19
It's customry for HJG (Historic Jetliners Group) to conclude each calendar year with a major website update ...comprising of either an abundance of new product, or a new release, or a "COMPLETE SURPRISE". Christmas 2011 is no exception to this established custom ...only this year HJG are doing all 3 of the above ...in the form of new texture releases for its established B717, DC9, and VISTALINERS L1011 simulations; the debut release of its brand new MD80/90 flightline, along with its release of another "complete surprise" too. For all of this and more go to...HJG Homepage.

Enhanced Island of Oahu from RealScenery

Posted: Friday, December 16, 2011 - 5:44
Staff reviewer Ted Gold looks at a revitalized Oahu with RealScenery's Enhanced Island of Oahu for X-Plane. "Oahu seems to be a great choice for a scenery enhancement aimed towards pleasurable VFR flight and judging from the number of real-world flight tour companies running on the island the place must look great from the air. With diverse terrain, great weather, and being flight-time friendly in terms of getting around quickly in an X-Plane GA aircraft, the folks at RealScenery may be on to something here."

"This is a spectacular scenery package for X-Plane. For anyone who enjoys flying VFR (or wants to learn to do so in a beautiful environment), this will add immersion to your sim flights with easily identified roads to follow, accurate terrain enhancement and placement, and improved night lighting for flight."

"RealScenery have done a terrific job here. If you are looking to try photoreal scenery for the first time or love the thought of flying around Oahu and honing those VFR skills in a compact yet gorgeous flying environment, you will not go wrong here."