November 16, 2007 - November 22, 2007

Extreme Southwest Greenland Released

Posted: Thursday, November 22, 2007 - 1:15
Everybody who flies in Greenland knows how inaccurate the default scenery is. This is a new terrain mesh scenery which covers West Greenland - from Lat N 65 to N 62. Like Extreme West Greenland, this is the one of the most detailed Greenland terrain mesh releases of this scenery. This package covers more than 60.000 sq. km. area. Download this scenery for free at FlightSim Greenland.

USA East Forest Scenery 8.1.0 Released

Posted: Thursday, November 22, 2007 - 1:11
After a long wait, alpilotX have released their forest scenery for the eastern part of the United States (approximately up to 96N). Alber Laubi - their visual artist - has created a large set of new tree textures, and after that designed the assignment of those trees to all the forests (called forest definitions in X-Plane - from which there were 129 for the eastern part alone - for 14 different ecoregions).

The scenery itself is based on data from the MRLC Consortium, who released their new landcover dataset called NLCD 2001 earlier this year. It consists of very high resolution raster landcover information for the continental USA. This scenery release now "leaves out" all the features of the Global Scenery more accurately and respects not only roads, railroads, airports but also all the building objects (so no more trees growing through buildings). The download, a lot of screenshots, documentation and an FAQ (which they highly recommend to newcomers) can be found on alpilotX's homepage.

Just Flight Releases 777 Professional

Posted: Thursday, November 22, 2007 - 1:00
Just Flight is pleased to announce the release of 777 Professional developed by PSS is now available by download.

The 200LR, 200LRF Freighter and 300ER variants, are included along with 26 airline liveries from around the world. Some features include:

Animated undercarriage, including ‘gear droop’, flaps, elevators, rudder, spoilers, ailerons, flexing wings, APU Inlet RAM air turbine, cargo and cabin doors as well as Detailed engines with rotating 3D fans and operating thrust reversers

Fully detailed virtual cockpit includes high resolution vector drawn gauges, animated control yokes, animated rudder pedals, animated throttle levers and reflective glass on gauge faces.

To get your download or DVD you're cleared direct to Just Flight.


The Definitive FSX Benchmark?

Posted: Wednesday, November 21, 2007 - 20:06
Gary Dunne, otherwise known as RESET MCP ALT, has recently posted a phenomenal piece of work regarding FSX and Benchmarking in the AVSIM forums. Gary opens his study of FSX performance under various configurations by stating; "After running over 40 benchmark runs over the last few days on both Vista 64 and XP Pro with FSX RTM, SP1, SP2 DX9 and SP2 DX10, not to mention a dash of overclocking, wide screen, TH2G selective CPU core use and different FSX settings, I have finally cobbled together the results as shown below...". Gary's work is detailed and revealing. Though it may not be THE final and definitive work, it certainly gives all FSX owners significant meat to mull over. You can read Gary's thread and comments from others here.

Two Important Surveys Running

Posted: Wednesday, November 21, 2007 - 12:42
We want to remind everyone that we have two important surveys currently running that we would like you to take. The first of these is our survey on where you think we should hold FANCON 2008 for our U.S. event next year. Your input will help us determine the location of the 2008 event. Have your say! Take the FANCON 2008 today! The second important survey we are taking is that of whether or not you subscribe to any print magazines related to flight simulation. Do you subscribe to one or more? Do you not subscribe? Let us know so that we can better serve you! You can take both surveys by entering our Survey System here.

Sky Blue Radio Competition

Posted: Tuesday, November 20, 2007 - 18:09
It is competition time at Sky Blue Radio with an exclusive prize courtesy of Flight 1 software.

Ahead of the release of the new Cockpit Chatter software which promises to transform your virtual flightdeck. This revolutionary piece of software will allow you access to almost every area of the virtual flightdeck using your computer's microphone. A virtual copilot that listens to your natural speech, and carries out the action that you specify. The copilot will also respond verbally to you confirming the action that you just presented to him/her.

The new software features an easy to use software interface, command customization, copilot read back customization, multiple phrases for any command, multiple randomly selected read backs for any command, interface testing of new commands or read backs, script printing, hundreds of voice commands for FSX, selectable microphone switch for use in FSX, modify or create voice checklists for any aircraft, pre-built voice checklists for all default FSX aircraft, ability to share checklists for any aircraft, speaker independent speech recognition technology, natural speech phraseology for commands, commands that actually operate the system, not just press a virtual key for you.

The guys at Flight 1 approached Sky Blue Radio with the idea of, "What would be the first thing you would say to your virtual co-pilot?" Share with us you most creative and funniest opening dialogue with your virtual co-pilot and be in with a chance of winning a copy of Cockpit Chatter. Send your entries to cockpitchatter@skyblueradio.com

The competition ends on November 30th and the winner will be announced on December 2nd 2007. Visit the Sky Blue Radio website for terms and conditions and more details of the competition.

VIDEOFLYREC Releases New Training Videos

Posted: Tuesday, November 20, 2007 - 16:40
VIDEOFLYREC® is pleased to announce that its latest release, International Airports Approaches, is available for purchase. VideoFlyRec, through an commercial agreement with Navigraph, supplier of high quality and up to date aeronautical charts for flight simulation, now uses these charts in the production of its tutorial videos. Land at most important airports in the world as professional pilots do With VideoFlyRec International Airports Approaches you will learn how to perform precision and non precision approaches into large airports over the world, in different types of aircraft. Practice a landing at Pristina with an engine failure in a King Air. Perform a NDB DME approach at Pulkovo airport in Saint Petersburg, or execute a missed approach at New York in a blizzard aboard a Boeing 737. All of this is explained in full detail, step by step. In the explanations we will use high resolution and quality charts published by Navigraph. Don’t miss out on this new Videoflyrec product and order now your International Airports Approaches DVD.

On our website you may find images of the upcoming video along with a teaser video clip. VIDEOFLYREC® is company dedicated to the production of flight simulation training videos and currently has four video productions available for purchase.

Head over to VIDEOFLYREC® for more information.

Operation: Valkyrie from Lionheart Creations Ltd.

Posted: Tuesday, November 20, 2007 - 2:37
Senior staff reviewer David Wilson-Okamura delves into the word of espionage with Flight Sim with Lionheart Creations' Operation: Valkyrie. "It begins with a young German pilot learning to fly gliders. Soon, he is inducted into the Luftwaffe and learns to fly powered aircraft, first a single-engine trainer and later a six-engine transport. In the process, he becomes involved with a high-level conspiracy to assassinate Adolf Hitler. This is where fiction merges with history: there was a conspiracy in real life, and its code name was Operation Valkyrie."

"There are three fully flyable aircraft in the Valkyrie package: the Schneider “Grunau Baby II” glider, the Bücker Bü-181 “Bestmann,” and the Messerschmitt Me-323 “Gigant.” Each of the aircraft is represented in several configurations and liveries. In addition to the three aircraft, Valkyrie also comes with a ground vehicle and a submarine."

"Ortis has a background in automobile design, so the external models are very convincing. Care has been taken to make the cockpits authentic as well. Also available through pop-ups are the radios, an autopilot, and a version of the default GPS. There is a lot of detail here, and Ortis has gone to great lengths searching for cockpit photos and dressing the interiors with authentic props."

"In addition to the five vehicles, Operation: Valkyrie also comes with nine war-time airfields and one submarine base. There are no moving jetways, but there is moving ground traffic at some of the airports. Signage is authentic, and there are various types and sizes of airplane hangar."

"There are 65 missions in the package. There are several missions for practicing gliders, later you learn to pilot the Gigant.
Once your training is over, there are more missions in Africa and southern Italy. Eventually, you make contact with the conspirators and fly missions on their behalf."

Concluding Op:Valkyrie, David says, "The missions, if you fly them all, will keep you busy for at least a month, and when they’re done you will still have eleven vintage airports, three very different aircraft, one ground vehicle, one submarine, and one submarine pen."

Freeware - Victoria+ for FSX

Posted: Tuesday, November 20, 2007 - 1:01
From the developers that brought you Vancouver+, this editor's hometown of Victoria BC is now available in the AVSIM library entitled Victoria+ for FSX. Expanding on the success of the FS9 version, the product includes Victoria, Canada and an expanded coverage area to north of Duncan, and the entire US San Juan Islands. CYYJ is featured (Grovestine version), and included are dozens of listed, sloped-runway, helicopter and floatplane facilities. Mesh, landclass, hydrology, roads, traffic, rails included as well as cruise ship, floatplane (DHC-2/Beaver) and boat AI.

Ground Environment X, US And Canada!

Posted: Tuesday, November 20, 2007 - 0:56
Flight One Software, in partnership with Anthony Vos, has released Ground Environment X USA-Canada for FSX. Ground Environment X brings all-new ground textures to FSX using aerial and satellite imagery to bring you highly realistic ground environments for FSX. Some of the features include:

  • Complete coverage of the USA and Canada (including Alaska).
  • 1m/pixel - 1024 x 1024 Texture Size - Hand Crafted To extreme Detail.
  • High Performance, extreme density and perfectly aligned autogen.
  • Realistic custom designed night textures.
  • All seasons including snowy winter.
  • Textures derived from licensed aerial and satellite imagery.
  • Fine tuned add-ons and ongoing updates and enhancements will be made available through the built-in update feature, based on customer feedback.

    You can get Ground Environment X USA-Canada today at Flight1. A boxed version is planned for early 2008. You can also visit the dedicated Ground Environment X site.

    Microsoft, Help Wanted!

    Posted: Tuesday, November 20, 2007 - 0:47
    Microsoft is looking for programmers for the next Flight Simulator! Microsoft writes, "The Flight Simulator team is seeking experienced software engineers. You can read about current openings on the Microsoft Careers Web site. Right now, we're looking for qualified individuals for these positions:

    Software Development Engineer (Simulation)

    Software Development Engineer (User Interface)

    Help us create the next version of one of the most successful franchises in the history of entertainment software!"

    For more information, visit FS Insider

    AVSIM Help Wanted!

    Posted: Tuesday, November 20, 2007 - 0:22
    AVSIM's online editorial and library staff continues to grow! At our recent FanCon 2007, Our Leadership announced plans to grow our site and improve our back-end hardware, network, and software. As part of that effort, we need your help!

    AVSIM is seeking people for the following positions: Front Page News Writers / Editors and Library Managers. Minimal experience is required and we will train you. Do you have what it takes to help and give back to the #1 source for flight simulation? Then please email to AVSIM Human Resources. All we ask is 3-4 voluntary days a month to give to AVSIM, with an average of 3-5 hours a day, sometimes even less. if you feel you can assist AVSIM, then we'd love to hear from you! Email us today!

    Eurofighter Typhoon for FSX/FS9

    Posted: Monday, November 19, 2007 - 14:40
    First Class Simulations has released their Eurofighter Typhoon for FSX and FS9. Included are seventeen different models which include an orginal sound recording of the real Eurofighter. Featuring a highly detailed exterior and interior, realistic instrument panal including a weather radar, and realistic flight dynamics. To view video, screenshots and for purchasing information, click HERE.

    Vista Compatible 737 PIC Released

    Posted: Monday, November 19, 2007 - 14:30
    Wilco Pulishing and FeelThere have announced the release of their Windows Vista compatible version of the 737 Pilot In Command. This download contains the 737-300, 737-400 and 737-500 variants of Boeing's most sold airliner. English and French versions of the manual are included with each purchase. For additional information visit Wilco Publishing.

    Space Shuttle from Just Flight & Captain Sim

    Posted: Saturday, November 17, 2007 - 21:41
    Senior staff reviewer Gene Davis goes out of this world as he pilots the Space Shuttle from Just Flight/Captain Sim back to terra firma. "The Just Flight/ Captain Sim Space Shuttle ships with the entire fleet of current space shuttles as well as those that are no longer with us. The included shuttles are the Columbia, Challenger, Discovery, Endeavor, Atlantis and of course the Enterprise."

    "Most impressive are the shuttle’s engines, while the detail is excruciating, I only wished they did something. As you pan your view around the Shuttle, it has an incredibly realistic look to it, almost photorealistic textures! Not only is the exterior highly detailed but as is the interior flight deck and the payload bay, you do get a certain sense of being there."

    "The command deck is impressive, though it really doesn’t serve much purpose as most of the displays really don’t do anything and are there just for esthetic value. Overall though, I was amazed at how much detail there is and how well modeled each station was aboard the craft. As you peruse the entire virtual cabin that is the command deck, you can’t help but appreciate the detail. Piloting the shuttle is like flying a glider, there is absolutely no power, so you are on the glide all the way down from re-entry to TAEM and then onto landing."

    Gene sums up his return to earth in the Space Shuttle with, "Do I like this add-on? Yes and no. For what it is it, it's unique and adds a new element to the world that is Flight Simulator. It is essentially a landing simulator and that is it; on the other hand though, it is a big part of our history and if there was anyway to add the Shuttle to MSFS, the folks over at Captain Sim have done it. If you keep an open mind and see it for what it is, then I think you will find a part of you that really likes it."

    Brussels 2007 from Dream Factory Studio/Aerosoft

    Posted: Saturday, November 17, 2007 - 20:18
    Staff reviewer Kevin Boydston travels to Europe to take a look at Dream Factory Studio's Brussels 2007 distributed by Aerosoft. "Brussels is home to the Headquarters of the European Union, thus having many government flights from all around the world. In addition, Brussels is one of the biggest Cargo hubs in Europe, and has many cargo flights including DHL, Saudi Arabian Cargo, Singapore Cargo, and Korean Air Cargo."

    "Brussels contains one passenger terminal with three concourses, A, B, and C. Concourses A and B are fully operational with AES functionality. All cargo complexes are modeled fully as well, creating a great visual experience when pulling up to the ramp in your freighter."

    "AES adds dynamic scenery to Brussels, such as moving jetways which dock perfectly with the aircraft, cleaning trucks, air stairs, cargo loaders, and catering. You can see clearly where the DHL area is, where the other cargo area is, and get a pretty general idea of the domestic European area with a few internationals here and there."

    "I can say that if you like being a "Trash Hauler", Brussels 2007 would be a fantastic addition to your library, with or without AES. Even if you fly small European carriers, this is a great airport to purchase. I also recommend AES along with it."

    Print Magazine Survey

    Posted: Saturday, November 17, 2007 - 18:06
    There are a number of print magazines available to flight sim enthusiasts today such as PCPilot, Computer Pilot and so on. With the advent of the web and the number of web sites on the web dedicated to flight simulation, we wondered how many readers of AVSIM were also were subscribers to any of these print magazines. We have set up a survey to find out. If you subscribe to any of the available print magazines dedicated to flight simulation, have one passed to you by a friend, or do not subscribe, we would like you to let us know you opinion in this short and quick survey.

    Zurich for FS9/FSX Updated

    Posted: Saturday, November 17, 2007 - 16:46
    FSDreamTeam is happy to announce an update to V1.2 for their Zurich scenery for FSX and FS9. Both products has been greatly enhanced following many user suggestions, and the installer has been improved as well. For complete details, vicit the FSDreamTeam website.

    Did You Know... ?

    Posted: Saturday, November 17, 2007 - 15:02
    Did you know that...

    Join the forums today and expand the horizons of your hobby! Learn from your fellow enthusiasts, get the latest from the experts, and share your passion! Click on the forum link above to enter the largest community of flight enthusiasts on the net today!

    FS2Crew For PMDG 747 Released

    Posted: Friday, November 16, 2007 - 20:23
    FSX PMDG 747 Captains please note, FS2Crew has just released its new FSX Upgrade for its PMDG 747 Edition. FS2Crew has also announced the names of the PMDG 747 FSX Contest winners in the FS2Crew forum. Using real-world airline SOPs, FS2Crew develops custom designed flight, cabin and ground crew simulations that are custom fitted to work with select 3rd party and default aircraft. FSX PMDG 747 Captains are cleared via direct to FS2Crew to download the product.