Orbx Releases AU YWVA Warnervale Airport

Posted: Sunday, December 21, 2008 - 16:19
Orbx is pleased to announce the release of YWVA Warnervale Airport. This the first in Orbx's series of smaller GA airfields for FSX with lots of character. Nestled in bushland just off the Pacific Highway on the Central Coast of New South Wales, this airfield provides a perfect hub for VFR flights north of Sydney and up to Coffs Harbour.

YWVA is the launch airport co-designed for Orbx by renowned FS developer Andreas Hegi, who is famous for his attention to detail. This airport and its surrounds have been completely custom Gmax modeled in painstaking detail from photos provided by actual pilots who use the airfield regularly. The scenery includes not just the airfield itself, but the entire circuit area and all VFR nav waypoints contained in over 57 square kilometres of photoreal terrain using 60cm, 30cm and 15cm aerial photography.

Citation X 2.0 w\FMS Released

Posted: Saturday, December 20, 2008 - 19:02
Eaglesoft Development Group is happy to announce that their FS2004 Cessna Citation X Version 2.0 w/FMS is now available. More information at the Citation X 2.0 page at Eaglesoft.

Flight1 Releases Instant Mission Maker

Posted: Saturday, December 20, 2008 - 18:51
Instant Mission Maker is an easy to use tool for making Flight Simulator X missions created by the developer of Instant Scenery and Airport Facilitator X. It allows you to design a wide range of missions using a very intuitive GUI and offers live preview and editing of many mission objects directly in FSX. And if you would rather be flying, the built-in random mission wizard can instantly generate random missions sending you on various assignments in all corners of the world.

To use Instant Mission Maker, you don't have to know anything about making missions. No need to write XML, copy files around or deal with cryptic names and numbers. You just build the mission step by step and describe what should happen, like writing a movie script. Instant Mission Maker offers a wide selection of easy to use building blocks for the mission. You can add voice prompts, require the user to perform certain actions in order to proceed with the mission, create and control AI aircraft, ground vehicles, static and mobile scenery objects, trigger equipment failures, show fires, smoke and explosions and add many other elements. Instant Mission Maker can be used with both FSX standard and deluxe editions.

For more information, screenshots, and to download this exciting new tool please visit Flight One's Instant Mission Maker product page.

Multi-Crew Experience Released

Posted: Saturday, December 20, 2008 - 18:46
A new add-on for both Flight Simulator X and FS 2004, called "Multi Crew Experience", has been released. Interact with the virual co-pilot the way real world pilots do. Give verbal commands, and watch them be executed. Carry out interactive checklist with item status checked on the fly. Use your microphone to talk to ATC. Get told off by your first officer when deviating from standards you get to set yourself. Navigate the Simulator User Interface almost entirely by voice, and this particular feature is free to use.

These features are all event driven, no hard and fast scripts that force you to do everything in fixed order.In all, there are 4 major features, and each could be considered a separate add-on on its own. A fully working time limited demo is available for download at the Multi Crew Experience website.

MD-11 from PMDG

Posted: Saturday, December 20, 2008 - 1:33
Senior staff reviewer Angelique van Campen with the hep of another staff reviewer co-author an intense, in-depth, descriptive look at PMDG's MD-11. Be prepared for a long read, but it's not as dry as reading an operating manual.

Angelique and Tom say, "Let’s put it simply, we think this product raises the standard by which Flight Simulator add-on products will be judged in the future. PMDG offers a huge list of liveries, which is growing weekly. Both aircraft types – passenger and freighters – are offered including the two types of engines."

"Aircraft systems are thoroughly simulated in-depth, which really gives you the feeling that you are sitting in the captain's or co-pilot's seat of this magnificent PMDG MD-11. The 2D cockpit is already stunning with all its options but don’t forget the VC. Nice frame rates make it a pleasure to sit back, relax and enjoy this model. The PDMG MD11 is more expensive than most add-on models, however, its depth and quality make this production a good value for your money. Many add-on products could be considered toys - we consider this product a useful tool."

Dispatch Planner X Service Pack 1

Posted: Friday, December 19, 2008 - 16:41
Blushing Sheep Simulations announce the release of Dispatch Planner X Service Pack 1. This update contains many minor fixes, and adds compatibility with the popular ActiveSky weather add-on to match actual FS conditions as closely as possible. for download and details visit the BlushingSheep website

Bunker Hill AFB Scenery Review

Posted: Friday, December 19, 2008 - 7:35
Avsim reviewer Marlon Carter has taken a look at Bunker Hill AFB by SkySim. Marlon says: "One might be wonder where is Bunker Hill AFB? Well Bunker Hill AFB is located in Peru, Indiana. Although this is only a small package and subsequently a small review, the scenery may be appealing to simmers who are mainly focused on flying military operations, or others who enjoy flying into an AFB and desire seeing actual military aircrafts operating. Why not have a read of the review and see if its a package that would be a good addon for you.

New Titles in the Avsim Store

Posted: Thursday, December 18, 2008 - 17:38
The Avsim Store still has a few Cirrus Pedals in stock. These professional pedals were originally $595 and are offered for only $345. They were demo units but have never been sold to a customer. Hurry up, these are a great deal. New titles have been added: The new X-Plane version 9.21., as well as MegaSceneryX Las Vegas, MegaSceneryX Reno and MegaSceneryX Hawaii.



Visit the new Avsim Store today.

Indo-Pacific Landclass Released

Posted: Thursday, December 18, 2008 - 0:49
SceneryTech is pleased to announce the launch of their "Indo-Pacific Landclass" (the 5th region in a set of 6). This landclass features the same technology found in the previously released North America, Europe, Asia, and South America landclass products, such as reduction of the pervasive use of desert textures as found in the default, a substantial increase in the number of towns and cities, and increased terrain variation. It also includes the "Enhanced Slope Landclass" which activates smoother texture transitions on slopes, a feature not found in any other landclass brand. More information can be found at SceneryTech's website.

TrafficX SP1 Released

Posted: Thursday, December 18, 2008 - 0:47
Scott Phillips of Just Flight reports, "The service pack has remedied a number of issues that were reported shortly after release. The biggest gripe seemed to be about lack of AI Traffic within the product. We'd actually set this at a level that we thought would balance the level of traffic with keeping performance at an acceptable level. However we've now taken feedback on board and the Service Pack has addressed the concern. Other smaller issues are also addressed and resolved. See the press release or the website for a list of the issues that are fixed. Initial response to the Pack has been very positive."

You can see the extensive list of items included in this Service Pack release at the Just Flight website.

Thunder Over Vegas

Posted: Thursday, December 18, 2008 - 0:30
Silicon Studios announces the release of Thunder Over Vegas, a new PC game that lets players experience the thrill of being a United States Air Force Thunderbird pilot and find out what it takes to fly with the best. Computer pilots will be able to fly each maneuver that the real Thunderbirds demonstration team perform - or create their own air show with a robust stunt editor. There are also multiplayer modes for head-to-head combat or cooperative air show action. With high-fidelity flight dynamics, state of the art graphics, and input from the real Thunderbirds, this is as real as it gets. Thunder Over Vegas is being released as downloadable software and is available now at thunderovervegas.com. Silicon Studios develops flight simulation products, including the Xtreme Air Racing series of games which have received numerous Editors'Choice Awards.

OZx Software Updated To V2

Posted: Thursday, December 18, 2008 - 0:18
OZx (pronounced Aussie-X) is the collaboration of scenery designers that began life under the auspices of the FTX Freeware Development Team. The invigoration of a new name and our own dedicated site means we are able to develop and refine our skills and techniques in an environment that is removed from those intense pressures associated with commercial scenery releases. However, as a group, we still remain committed to the success of the OrbX Full Terrain eXperience ideals, and as such we will be doing our utmost to ensure the scenery we release will install without conflict and blend properly into FTX. The freeware scenery can be downloaded via their download section at the OZx website.

OZx Grand Canyon Scenery

Posted: Tuesday, December 16, 2008 - 23:47
OZx has released v2.0 of Grand Canyon complete with Grand Canyon National Park Airport (KGCN), and is further enriched by including a new 10m mesh that extends the coverage beyond the photo-real scenery, and corrects some graphical issues previously encountered. For more information please visit OZx.

10 years of IVAO

Posted: Tuesday, December 16, 2008 - 23:39
Flight Simulator has had an incredible journey, and it does not seem long ago that we were eagerly awaiting the release of Flight Simulator 95. It is also amazing that IVAO are now celbrating 10 years of IVAO

Vybhava Srinivasan, of IVAO says:

Dear Friends,

We are now on the verge of a historic milestone. "IVAO" is about to complete ten glorious years on December 16, 2008. The network has witnessed an awesome growth. A growth from a network of just 2 servers to around 16 servers today, a growth from a few divisions to 61 divisions around the world, a growth from a few members to over 100,000 members around the world. This period has also witnessed the release of our amazing in-house software for pilots and controller, a realistic weather server and many more.

IVAO has some amazing tours, breathtaking events, with traffic only you can expect to see in the real world (not to mention we hold the record for maximum simultaneous connections). IVAOs training has blossomed over the years with skill testing exams and a large knowledge base delivered by our academy. The creation of IVAO NPO, which has made our network and structure more accountable.

IVAOs experience over the past 10 years has set us up on a launching pad to achieve the unimaginable and to make ourselves an even more distinguished on-line flight simulation community.

IVAO celebrates its achievement - "10 years of IVAO"

To commemorate this achievement , IVAO 10 Year Celebration Event is organised between December 16, 2008 - December 21, 2008, almost an entire week of crowded skies, with events spanning the world and unimaginable traffic, this event promises to bridge the difference between real and virtual world.

Come, be a part of the celebration.

Regards
Vybhava Srinivasan
IVAO Public Relations Director

Cessna Citation Mustang Released

Posted: Tuesday, December 16, 2008 - 0:08
Flight One Software and Cessna Aircraft Company have officially partnered to bring you an authentic simulation of the Citation Mustang exclusively for Microsoft Flight Simulator X! The new Citation Mustang is a breakthrough combination of power, speed and true jet affordability. Certified to be flown by a single pilot, the Mustang features state of the art engines delivering speeds of up to 340kts as well as the latest in large-format glass-cockpit flight displays, easing pilot workload, all while passengers relax in one of the largest cabins in its class. The Model 510 is certified to the requirements of U.S. 15 CFR Part 23 including day, night, VFR, IFR, and flight into known icing conditions. It is also certified for single pilot operations for U.S. registered aircraft.

Flight1 Software writes, "We've spent thousands of hours in development to recreate this aircraft to simulate that of its real-world counterpart. The aircraft has a long list of features that will impress any simpilot. Some of the exterior features include: An accurate and highly detailed aircraft exterior with 6 different paint schemes, operable cabin and cargo doors with corresponding CAS messages, visible icing effects on windscreen and aircraft, and an extensive set of external camera views." Garmin G1000 and many other systems are also modeled. For more information visit Flight1 Software.

Call! for 737 PIC and Legacy PIC

Posted: Monday, December 15, 2008 - 1:55
Senior staff reviewer Angelique van Campen gets some assistance from her co-pilot with feelThere's Call! for 737PIC and LegacyPIC. "CALL! for the 737 Pilot In Command and Legacy Pilot In Command is a First Officer, Flight Attendant simulation. This easy to use software brings great realism into your virtual cockpit by making you "feel there". "

Angelique goes into detail as to what each individual version of Call! does. She describes the checklist features of each program and how they are similar and are different. The review is concluded with, "Let’s first start with the fact that you need to be the owner of either of the feelThere/Wilco Publishing products otherwise it’s an unecessary tool since it’s purely designed to work in combination with one of these feelThere/Wilco Publishing aircraft." If you own Wilco/feelThere's 737 PIC or Legacy PIC, then this review would be of interest to you.

AVSIM Forums Pass 50,000 Member Milestone

Posted: Sunday, December 14, 2008 - 19:36
AVSIM is pleased to announce that our forum membership has passed the 50,000 member milestone. Our 50,000th member is Billy Mason, otherwise known as “Mutt” on the forums. Billy is 39 and has been an active user of FSX for awhile. Though Billy likes to fly in simulation, he said to us that he gets a little nervous about real flight. He said that his preferred flying is in smaller bush aircraft and usually on short hops. Billy, as our 50,000th member of the forums, the AVSIM Staff is pleased to invite you to our next convention for free. You will need to pay your own way to get there, but once there, all convention events and activities will be free for you. Thanks for signing up Billy, and welcome to the AVSIM Forums community! If you have not signed up for the AVSIM Forums, Where Flight Simulation Enthusiasts gather from around the world, then do so today!

Topgun Challenge

Posted: Sunday, December 14, 2008 - 17:17
Captain Dale 'Snort' Snodgrass (US Navy Retired) has a new challenge for flight sim enthusiasts, a chance to put their virtual piloting skills to the test and a chance of winning some fabulous prizes. The Topgun challenge introduces the flight simmer to the world of the US Navy pilot in the Boeing F18/A Hornet using a series of free missions completely authentic right down to the LSO calls on final, LSO briefings, and LSO grades. Every time you fly a mission you get graded and those grades rank you against your peers at the national and international level. You'll also enjoy special tournament play where winners will receive prizes such as the limited production Swiss made Debaufre Wings of Gold Pilot watch, High Performance PCs for Flight Sim from Jetline Systems, as well as other great prizes culminating in the grand prize, a supersonic ride in a military class F-5 with "Snort" as your pilot. For details on this and to register visit Top Gun Simulations

WWII Tank Simulator Review

Posted: Saturday, December 13, 2008 - 17:29
AVSIM seems to be standing for "All Vehicle SIM", according to one staff member. In that light, staff reviewer Etienne Martin takes a look at a new WWII Tank sim from Lighthouse Interactive called Steel Fury - Kharkov 1942. "Steel Fury may signal what seems to be a return of the detailed combat simulation genre that had been all but abandoned in the last decade."

"It sends us back to a few days in May of 1942 on the Eastern Front of the European ground war, with Russian launching an offensive against the Axis 6th Army forces in a battle near Kharkov and Krasnograd in the Ukraine. In Steel Fury, you get to be one of several crew members on a small selection of Allied or Axis tanks. The few player models are the T-34, the Panzer IV, and the A-12 Matilda II."

"Mission maps are large and the terrain is rich with visuals. The base terrain has rivers, ponds, ditches, dirt paths and paved roads, mud, plowed fields, medium and heavy forest, a few rocks, etc. The flora includes various types of grasses, flowers, bushes and trees. Water is reasonably convincing, and it is possible to cross water features when they are shallow without sinking your tank. Structures blend well with the terrain, and include fences, posts, wood sheds, various types of houses and other structures. These includes obstacles for the tanks and infantry, such as pillboxes, barbed wire, foxholes, trenches and anti-tank gators."

"Visual effects abound, from bump mapping on the armor plates, to particles of dirt that fly around your tracks as you move or turn. Clouds of dust come up depending on what terrain you’re on, which can give your position away. Being on the receiving end of shells is dramatic as a mountain of debris gets launched on impact. One Axis mission in the preview has you take a hill; as you approach, the crest of the hill in front of you starts to get pelted by enemy shells sending smoke, dirt, debris and the occasional infantryman in the air."

"Controls for the various functions rely on a smorgasbord of keyboard commands (4 pages worth). There are remarkably very few points of interaction with the mouse except for giving the driver waypoints by clicking on the terrain (an interesting and convenient way for the commander to tell the rest of the crew where to go), aiming the main gun or machine guns, and expectedly, complete interaction with the map. Learning the keyboard commands is a challenge. Joystick input is available."

"Steel Fury delivers a deluge of clanks, squeaks, engine noises, gun loading and track noise when the tank is in operation. Firing the gun is loud. Getting hit is loudest. Sounds of battle in the distance are very good, with low rumbles and distant explosions letting you know where the action is, getting progressively louder as you near."

Etienne sums up Steel Fury with, "The handful of missions I experienced provided give a good taste of what the sim can deliver. The visuals are stunning, as is the detailed level of the equipment as depicted. While a bit short on training, Steel Fury shows it can viscerally drive home the reality of armored combat of the era. The level of detail for a tank simulation is high, and it carries a steep learning curve. Combat is very realistic. The fact the statistics show exactly what happened indicates the core damage model under the hood is quite sophisticated. This makes for an interesting sim, even if there are some gaps here and there, yet much depth exists with many options using the wonderful terrain to try different tactics."

ScruffyDuck FSX Airport Scanner Released

Posted: Saturday, December 13, 2008 - 16:24
ScruffyDuck Software and the ADE Development Team are delighted to announce the release of FSX Airport Scanner (FAS). FSX Airport Scanner is designed to help you manage your add on airport files in FSX. It works by reading the information in your scenery.cfg file. With FAS you can Scan your active and inactive add on scenery areas for files containing airport information, find out if you have invalid paths in your scenery.cfg file, check for multiple files containing the same airport, and temporarily (or permanently) remove add-on files from FSX and restore them to their original location as required.

The software is also useful for testing the impact of different copies of an airport and also removing duplicates, get information about what each file contains, display multiple instances of an airport in the priority order that FSX will use, see a detailed tree of what each airport file contains and also look at the XML source for the airport and its individual parts. FSX Airport Scanner is available at Scruffy Duck Scenery and here on AVSIM.