Avsim Store Carenado Holiday Promotion

Posted: Wednesday, December 15, 2010 - 21:04
This holiday season, the Avsim store is running a huge promotion on Carenado planes. All FS2004 Planes are 50% off. Carenado FSX planes are 30 to 50% off (some planes not on sale) . This is a limited time offer expiring on Dec 25th 2010.

Visit the Avsim store today.

On The Horizon

Posted: Wednesday, December 15, 2010 - 15:04
In anticipation of the upcoming release, PMDG have just made the PMDG 737-NGX Flight Manuals for sale now and during the coming weeks they will be announcing the final layout of the NGX Series of products.

The Chief Pilots Flight Manual Set comes with nearly 3,300 pages of training and reference material, cockpit posters, system schematic posters, a switches & lights guide and a collection of charts to use while learning how to operate your PMDG 737-NGX

The PMDG 737-NGX Series is the first in a line of products that set a new direction for PMDG in which successive products will add features to entire product lines, bringing more features and greater interoperability.

Multi-Switch Panel from SimWare/VR Insight

Posted: Wednesday, December 15, 2010 - 14:55
Senior staff reviewer Angelique van Campen looks at Simware/VR Insight's Multi-Switch Panel. "The Multi Switch Panel is a compact unit to control any function available from ALL simulators and games capable of handling joystick inputs. A quick look on the panel teaches me that it’s indeed full of push buttons, switches, knobs, sliders and a few other components."

"The panel itself looks good, completely made of metal with blue backlight at the front. I tested this VRinsight MS panel primarily with FSX. The only thing you need to do is to calibrate the USB pad and assign keys/commands to it in the same way as you do with other FS hardware. The panel looks good and since it’s easy to calibrate and assign commands to it, it’s a worthy investment."

Bell 212 & 412 from Cera Simaircraft

Posted: Tuesday, December 14, 2010 - 2:35
Staff reviewer Allen Lavigne looks at the Bell 212 & 412 from Cera Simaircraft. "The Twin Huey as the Bell 212 is better known was first flown in 1968. The Bell 412 is a further advancement to four blades made on the Bell 212 and was first flown in 1979."

"There are only three instrument pop-ups as accessed via the menu-bar/view/instruments path which are for the animation panel, the radios and the GPS (default FSX). The GPS is the default FSX GPS. The animation panel popup is very convenient as there are many doors to open/close on the Bell 212."

"Cera also sells a reproduction of Bell's 412 model. It is a separate product with identical installation procedures but requiring another payment. What you get is essentially the same helicopter with higher speeds and a higher service ceiling, along with some more liveries."

"Cera Simaircraft's Bell 212 and 412 are quite similar inside the VC but have different flight models which are reflected in their speeds and service ceilings. The lack of an functioning autopilot in both models was only compensated by the fact that the Bell as reproduced by Cera is easily handled and will achieve level flight without too much trouble."

More Sim-Savvy Scenery Added

Posted: Tuesday, December 14, 2010 - 0:16
Sim-Savvy announces an addition to the Massive Scenery photoreal scenery collection. Six million square miles of Alaska/Canada satellite scenery is now included in the product with no additional charge. Comprising all of Alaska and Canada, the satellite photos were taken by the Landsat7 orbital satellite at a resolution of 30 meters per pixel. A sample of the Alaskan Panhandle is available at the website. Additionally, a new sample/freeware webpage has been started with free monthly downloads available throughout the year. The entire states of Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island are currently available in December for the holidays.

Xmas For Simmers

Posted: Tuesday, December 14, 2010 - 0:02
Xmas specials are coming in to AVSIM HQ and if you keep an eye on the corner ads, you'll find some early Xmas presents.

B-52 Driver Released

Posted: Sunday, December 12, 2010 - 17:29
Captain Sim announces the release of their B-52 Driver add-on. For details and features, visit their website.

SkySpirit2010 Release Their 767-300 V5

Posted: Sunday, December 12, 2010 - 14:34
SkySpirit2010 have Released the 767-300 V5 . The development crew from ProjectOpensky has decided to form a special team for releasing this 767V5, SkySpirit2010. Model features include High resolution textures, Dynamic flexing wings, Body gear steering, Nose gear steering, Rudder lock, Ground spoilers, Low speed aileron locks at high speed, Fully animated control surfaces, Fully independent suspension, Trim Animation, Opening Passenger Doors, Animated tilting bogies, Rolling wheels, Animated thrust reverser's with reverser block doors, Detailed textures, Full night lighting, Crash affects, Ground Service Vehicles And more. Visit the Avsim Library for details and download.

E-jets V2 from feelThere

Posted: Sunday, December 12, 2010 - 2:37
A new contributing reviewer, Ray Marshall, asked if he could submit a review about feelThere's E-Jets V2 as well as McPhat Studios' repaints for the same? Since AVSIM would never turn down a good review, here it is. Get yourself a cold one first as it's a detailed review.

"A little more than two years ago, feelThere developed the E-Jets Series for FS9 and FSX, comprised of the Embraer 170, 190 and Lineage 1000. The Lineage 1000, a corporate jet, is basically an E-190 flight deck and body, but with only 19 seats and double the fuel. This FS add-on was exclusively marketed and is supported by Wilco Publishing. This is not an upgrade but a sequel to the E-Jets Series. It is simply a continuation of the E-Jets family with the introduction of the newer Embraer 175 and Embraer 195 models. When pressed about the v.2, seems it is best understood as Volume 2, not version 2 as one, including myself, might expect. Also, this time, feelThere is the developer, retailer, and support provider. Wilco Publishing is just one of several retailers."

"You get one download with an exe file for FS9 and a second exe for FSX. The configuration utility is a standalone program that must be run prior to starting your FS. This is a combination load manager, systems setup, personal preference kind of deal with two rows of tabs."

"Because you get both FS9 and FSX native versions, it really doesn’t matter which side of the fence you come down on. This one is ready to go. Those FSX simmers that seem to always be chasing a higher FPS number will be pleasantly surprised. You FS9 guys and girls are already maxed out with your sliders full right. The air files are by none other than Rob Young. If you just started simming yesterday and haven’t heard of Ron Young’s reputation in the FS world, let’s just say – it’s just about as good as it gets."

"Most developers would charge extra for many of the features included. With E-jets V2, you get a ton of practical features with total integration, working today and on your desktop. This makes for a most pleasing flight simulation experience. What amazes me is all this comes in one easy package or two if you opt for the additional McPhat Studio’s optional repaints. It is like you get the whole feelThere store with both FS9 and FSX native add-ons, bonus MAP! and CALL!, audio callouts and flight attendant messages, full Right Seat capability, full VC cabin, includes 6 unique McPhat Studio paints, an absolutely top of line, new generation, full featured Flight Management System with a MCDU that seems to have no end of capabilities, real high end HUD, so easy to read, Speed and Altitude tapes, LNAV, VNAV, auto land, FADEC, animations galore, top notch sounds, full VC cockpit, widescreen 2D screens with pop-ups."

ImagineSim Releases KIAD V2 For FSX

Posted: Saturday, December 11, 2010 - 17:35
An upgraded version of KIAD Washington Dulles for FSX is now ready from ImagineSim. It features re-designed and more realistic runway and approach lighting, an improved AFCAD/AI aircraft system, a host of bug fixes related to graphics card variations, and a code clean-up resulting in increased frames-per-second performance.

KIAD V2 is free for existing imaginesim KIAD FSX customers. Full details are at the ImagineSim website along with screenshots and a demo version.

ALS-SIM Sukhoi Su-27 "Flanker B" for FSX

Posted: Saturday, December 11, 2010 - 13:30
ALS-SIM have released their Sukhoi Su-27 for FSX . The models feature selectable external air to air missiles and pylons on the relevant airframes via the "fuel and payload" editor in FSX. Variations included: "LIL" test pilot display aircraft "595" and "598", Russian Knights display version with early and late schemes, Other versions included are "Blue 03" 54th GvIAP, "Red 08" TsBP, "57 Blue" of the Ukrainian Air Force ,"24 Black" PLAAF, "606" ERAF and SKM "305 Blue".
Also all 4 single seat versions of the Russian Knights have been included that have been "stripped down" from unnecessary parts and weapons to make them more suitable for a multi-player sessions , all versions have 2 sets of textures - one set being lower resolution.
Visit the Sukhoi Su-27 for FSX product information page for complete details.

FS2Crew for the PMDG 747 Released

Posted: Saturday, December 11, 2010 - 12:46
FS2Crew PMDG 747 "Voice Commander" Edition has been released. This new product from FS2Crew adds a voice controlled flight, cabin and ground crew to the PMDG 747. Product details include: 1) Works with the FS9 and FSX PMDG 747 Passenger and Cargo models. 2) Voice sets included: United States, United Kingdom, Eurozone. 3) SOPs modeled on those used by a real-world 747 operator. A short demonstration video illustrating a "Packs Off" takeoff is available on the FS2Crew PMDG 747 Product page. PMDG 747 pilots are cleared via direct to the FS2Crew website for more information about the PMDG 747 'Voice Commander' Edition.

Updated AeroSystems 737 avionics released

Posted: Saturday, December 11, 2010 - 12:34
Aerosoft Australia has updated its AeroSystems avionics suite for the 737 and now includes an external interface via FSUIPC. With this update you can control the software MCP, EFIS and CDU using commands sent from external hardware. The website lists the command available. A new EFIS graphic has been added as well as a new flap and gear indicator. The software can also render a copy of the captain's PFD/ND on the same screen at once, giving you a total of two PFD and two ND displays on a single PC. This is perfect for a two monitor set up with only one PC. Arrange your monitors for Captain and First Officer.

FlightSoft Releases 5 Add-ons For FSX

Posted: Friday, December 10, 2010 - 22:34
The 5 FSX add-ons are the first of some 30 new FSX products being released by FlightSoft over the 2010/2011 period. All of their add-ons are backward compatible with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004: A Century of Flight.

The first 5 FSX titles will focus mainly on North American Destinations but FlightSoft brings you the first add-on ever in MSFS to focus on the complete continent of AFRICA including all the countries, major and minor airports and airfields. These first releases include;FLY TO AFRICA FSX, FLY TO ALASKA FSX, FLY TO CALIFORNIA FSX, FLY TO NEW YORK FSX and FLY TO THE CARIBBEAN FSX.

To buy direct from FlightSoft and to learn more about these exciting new products you can visit their website. You can also read their NEWSLETTER that describes in detail in both text and image format the features of our 5 FSX add-ons for FSX.

Level-D 767 Winglet Version Upgrade.

Posted: Friday, December 10, 2010 - 22:06
Level-D Simulations, in partnership with Flight One Software, have released a new Winglet version upgrade to their award-winning 767-300ER for both FS9 and FSX. This upgrade delivers the winglet version of the 767-300ER, which enables a fuel savings compared to the standard edition. Included in the release are new winglet models and other minor product adjustments making this a must have for all Level-D pilots.

And the best news of all is that Level-D and Flight1 are providing this upgrade at no cost to current license owners. To get the winglet version head over to the Level-D Licensed Member forums.

They really hope you enjoy this newest upgrade to the Level-D product line. They look forward to providing you more in the future, including the 757 product which is currently in development.

Buyer Beware

Posted: Friday, December 10, 2010 - 14:37
Pro Flight Simulator is a payware version of the freeware Flightgear simulator. It was simply boxed and sold despite the fact that it is available for free elsewhere. With Flightgear, you get the original program; with Pro Flight Simulator, you get less than you pay for.

US Cities X: New Orleans & Buffalo/Niagara Falls from Aerosoft

Posted: Friday, December 10, 2010 - 2:29
Senior contributing reviewer Gene Davis heads to the north and south of the continental United States to look at two title from the Aerosoft US Cities X series; New Orleans and Buffalo/Niagara Fall. "Aerosoft has put out some of the most interesting scenery titles since FSX was released."

"The New Orleans package is an impressive array of detail as it has custom buildings, custom objects and sounds that literally bring the city to life when flying over it. The package touts over 1200 major buildings, realistically aligned autogen, ferry traffic, paddle boat traffic, moving vehicles on most major roads, and custom sounds throughout. Though, to my surprise, the custom buildings that make up the downtown area of New Orleans does not light up at night, but given that this is a VFR package one probably wouldn’t be flying low and slow around the city at dark."

"The Buffalo/ Niagara package includes over 850 custom made buildings in and around both areas of coverage and over 70,000 autogen buildings accurately placed throughout. Both area’s coverage and their relating airports have their own aerial imagery that replaces the default texture set, again giving both the City of Buffalo and Niagara Falls a very realistic look from the air and from the ground. In total there are about 14 airports in and around the area that have received these new texture sets as well. Also included are 5 different heliports throughout the entire scenery area and most include their own custom buildings."

"The detail is incredible and the price of admission is low, so if you are at all curious I would strongly recommend either one of these titles. Whether its sitting atop a look out in Niagara Falls or watching the paddle boat in New Orleans cross the Mississippi you can’t help but get lost in your own little virtual world with US Cities X."

It's Your Plane Enhances SuperATC Functionality

Posted: Friday, December 10, 2010 - 0:10
Pacific Feelings Media announces that effective January 1, 2011, it will no longer offer its stand-alone product called SuperATC. All of the new and powerful SuperATC functionality will be confined to the registered version of the It's Your Plane (IYP) application.

SuperATC (SATC), created by the developers of IYP, began as a pet project to see what could be done with speech recognition in conjunction with the built-in Microsoft Flight Simulator ATC system. The objective for SuperATC was to significantly raise the level of ATC realism, by permitting flight simulator enthusiasts to speak typical traffic jargon with the internal Microsoft ATC system. In simple terms, SuperATC listens to, and parses the phraseology, then activates the appropriate menu selections within the Microsoft ATC system.

The IYP group is a small operation of dedicated flight sim enthusiasts, who enjoy observing "simmers" learning the correct ATC phraseology. However the continuing development and support of SATC and IYP as separate applications with two independent codes and databases, has become extremely time-consuming; it has been taking emphasis away from the group's main objective - the development of IYP.

Therefore, to improve time management efficiency and thereby increase the scope and power of the IYP application, they have elected to discontinue offering SuperATC as a separate free application. Naturally, SuperATC remains fully functional in the registered version of IYP as of 1 January 2011.

What will this mean to current SuperATC users?

1. Users will be able to continue to use the free SuperATC, as it is now, for as long as they like.
2. No further development will be done on the free version.
3. No e-mail or forum support will given after January 1, 2011.
4. Users will need to have or purchase a registered version of IYP if they wish to use a continuously developed version of SuperATC.

Matrox DualHead & TripleHead for Mac

Posted: Friday, December 10, 2010 - 0:06
Matrox Graphics Inc. today announced connectivity improvements to the Matrox DualHead2Go DP Edition and TripleHead2Go DP Edition Graphics eXpansion Modules (GXMs) benefitting Apple® Mac notebook and desktop users. The DualHead2Go DP and TripleHead2Go DP products now come packaged with a Mini-DisplayPort to DisplayPort cable that allows Mac users to connect these external multi-monitor modules directly to the mini-DisplayPort output of their systems to swiftly drive multiple monitors or projectors.

Mac professionals and enthusiasts now benefit from the convenience of a true plug and play platform while experiencing the productivity-enhancements gained across an advanced dual- or triple-monitor workspace. In addition, an upcoming firmware release will enable the support of a dual 1600x900 resolution on DVI monitors, further expanding the list of supported resolutions for greater flexibility when choosing displays. To read the full announcement, please visit the Matrox Mac page .

12 Days Of Sky Blue Radio

Posted: Friday, December 10, 2010 - 0:01
Sky Blue Radio is a leader in the flight simulation community with original programming, great music and of course the best fans anywhere. During this holiday season and as a thank you to their fans, Sky Blue Radio will give back to their listeners. On December 11th, Sky Blue Radio launches its "12 Days of Sky Blue Radio" holiday giveaway, where up to 12 lucky listeners can win great prizes from GoFlight, Aerosoft, JustFlight, vRoute, Blueprint Simulations, Captain Sim and 1 800 Flowers.

Entering is easy, just listen to Sky Blue Radio for the secret holiday phrase, then send them an email at contest@skyblueradio.com with the phrase in the subject line or body of the email please include your contact information.

Tune in to win on Sky Blue Radio. 12 lucky listeners will share in a prize package worth over $2400. "12 Days of Sky Blue Radio" runs from December 11th to 0000z December 24th so make sure to tune in to Sky Blue Radio for the secret holiday phrase. For a complete list of contest rules and prizes please visit their website.

Sky Blue Radio broadcasts 24/7 around the world. Listeners can tune in to Sky Blue Radio by accessing their website and may also tune in via their com 2 radios on 123.45 with their Wee Tune Beastie application available for download on their website.