Flight Enhancer Now Available For FS9

Posted: Sunday, June 10, 2007 - 3:11
This just in: Cielosim has released Flight Enhancer. Flight Enhancer is a scenery utility which enhances the visual quality of Flight Simulator. It does this by enhancing the quality of the sky, the water, the clouds, the sun, runway/airport lights, and the environmental reflection. It includes over 2,700 custom textures. It gives the user the choice to choose from thousands of textures options through an easy yet powerful interface. With Flight Enhancer you will now have stunning blended skies with smoothed visibility, realistic clouds, amazing water with clouds reflections, stunning sun and corona textures, real world airport lights, and ultra realistic environmental reflection. For more information please visit Cielosim

FS2Crew A320 Edition Manual Update Released

Posted: Sunday, June 10, 2007 - 0:56
This release came across the Avsim News Desk this afternoon; The FS2Crew Team is pleased to announce that Update 1 is now available for the A320 Edition. The update corrects three minor issues discovered after the release. FS2Crew also reports that a French Language version of the new A320 Edition is available. Get your update over at FS2Crew

AlphaSim's Lockheed Hudson Available Now

Posted: Saturday, June 9, 2007 - 22:59
In a press release received today AlphaSim has created yet another classic military aircraft in the Lockheed Hudson. The Hudson is depicted in this package in its two final variants, the Mk.5 and the turretless Mk.6. The four texture schemes included are of the highest quality and display very realistic weathering effects. Both USAAF and Royal Australian Air Force schemes adorn the Mk.6, whereas the Mk.5 wears classic RAF Coastal Command schemes. The full FSX version takes advantage of the enhanced graphic features from Microsoft's latest Flight Simulation creation. The usual bells and whistles are included with this product i.e. virtual cockpit, detailed sub panels, and two Pratt Whitney sound sets. For additional information, screenshots, and purchasing options please taxi on over to AlphaSim

Long Standing Freeware Designer Quits

Posted: Saturday, June 9, 2007 - 4:32
Not all news we publish here on Avsim is good. Avsim has received an email from a long standing member of the flight sim community annoucing that they are quitting the flight sim scene. Thinus Pretorius has designed and published his freeware creations since the days of FS98. In more recent times his work has been abused in various ways, and he has since decided quit our hobby.

Lets not forget that Freeware is the foundation of our hobby, and without it our flight simulation experience would not be anywhere near what it is today.

3D Model Trains

Posted: Friday, June 8, 2007 - 13:08
Abacus has announced the release of 3D Model Trains, a new stand-alone package for model train hobbyists.
It is advertised with these features:

Large Ready-to-Use Library - includes hundreds of tracks and train equipment from noted manufacturers including: Roco, Marklin, Fleishmann, Arnold and Trix.
Interactive Design - drag and drop tracks onto your tabletop to create simple or complex layouts. Smart track system prevents misalignments. Add colorful 3D objects to your layouts e.g. trees, buildings, stations, passengers.
Other Features - transformer connections to control speed and direction, sound, moving 3D objects, smart track systems prevents derailments, more.
Video "How-To's - Easy to follow videos show you how to use 3D Model Trains and make advanced tunnels and additional cameras.
Extensible - flexible design lets you create your own trains

For more information, visit the 3D Model Train Product Page

The Real Gatwick

Posted: Friday, June 8, 2007 - 12:54
The United Kingdom Division of IVAO-AERO has announced The Real Gatwick event to celebrate the 49th birthday of London Gatwick Airport. Starting from 1300Z on Saturday June 9th and running until 2200Z, data from over 200 real flights operating from Gatwick on the day has been collected to enable pilots to mimic real airline operations. Full ATC Coverage will be provided from a Virtual Control Room in the UK. Full details about the event can be found on the UK IVAO events page

Replacement Panel for the Default Bell 206

Posted: Friday, June 8, 2007 - 10:25
Do you find it awkward trying to fly the MSFS helicopters? Benchmark Avionics has announced the release of its night-equipped VFR 2D panel replacement for the default Bell 206. BAC tells us that "The panel features BAC's new GaugeInput™ technology which allows you to easily assign any key or joystick button to key controls without dependence on the limits of FS's in-game assignments. This means you can now start your helicopter using your mouse, keyboard, or joystick even though using add-on controls which do not exist in the default aircraft. You can use real world procedures for the first time with the controls you want to use. With GaugeInput™ if you have rudder pedals and your primary joystick has a twist grip you can use it to adjust throttle! Start with your hands on your throttle and starter where they belong, not on the mouse (unless you prefer). The highly configurable panel features accurate simulation of detailed avionics with high quality artwork and fully functional mult-level lighting, including a functional caution dimmer. Move your instrument or photo-realistic annuciators anywhere you want to match your real world helicopter's panel. Quality, crisp instruments with extras like an altimeter that will display either hPascal or mbars at the click of your mouse. Full cockpit tooltips throughout to help you quickly learn the cockpit, or just get a reading easily if you enable them. No special configuration that prevents you from switching aircraft easily is required. With BAC SmartPanel™ technology, the presence or absence of the optional warning horn mute button kit will result in an accurate change in functionality of related systems and require changes in procedures. If you want to fly helicopters realistically, this is the panel for you. A VC and model are planned in the near future."

For more information on this product, visit the Benchmark Avionics site.

June's Treasure Chest

Posted: Friday, June 8, 2007 - 2:30
Contributing reviewer Trevor Clark submits his second volume of the Treasure Chest. A comprehensive look at some of the fine freeware products available at various websites and here within the AVSIM Library.

This month's contribution includes 4 aircraft, a scenery and a "spaceship". Definitely something for everyone this month. So enjoy this month's Treasure Chest covering the HS 780 Andover, the Potez-Fouga Magister, a Cessna C-150, and a Sailplane, along with Pellston, MI Scenery, and the Jupiter-2.

Looking For Staff Reviewers - Updated

Posted: Friday, June 8, 2007 - 1:44
AVSIM now has some vacancies for additional staff reviewers. If you have enjoyed reading the reviews posted on our website and think that you have the write stuff to compose an unbiased, comprehensive, technical review of FS aircraft, scenery and utilities, with a sprinkling of hardware, then we're looking for you. Our reviewers live all over the world, and with most files being sent electronically, I'll have no problems getting product to you.

Please read the following in its entirety, a simple "I want to write for AVSIM" email will not suffice. Your application and resume will consist of a review sample of anything in your inventory (perhaps something you just purchased) and a short bio of your FS career. Good grammar and language skills are required, but English doesn't have to be your first language. After you have submitted your sample review, I will critique it and follow-up with more details about the position if you are chosen to become a staff reviewer.

You will be expected to produce 1 review per month based on the availability of products I have available, and do I have products available. The remainder of the details about reviewing will be supplied in a private email. If you have questions before commiting yourself, please send them to me.

All reviewer applications will be replied to. As this is an ongoing hiring process, there is no time limit. A good review takes days to produce, so don't hurry your submission. Quick reviews that are thrown together are easy to weed out :-( For further details and reviewer applications submissions, contact the Reviews Editor.

New Just Flight VFR Scenery

Posted: Thursday, June 7, 2007 - 23:35
Just Flight have just announced the release of VFR RS - Isle of Wight and VFR RS - Birmingham, Coventry and Wolverhampton brings two very different parts of the country to a download audience. The Isle of Wight volume includes the entire island and all the principle towns - Newport, Cowes, Ryde, Sandown, Shanklin, Yarmouth and Ventnor. There is also a fantastic 3D rendition of The Needles (including the lighthouse). A unique feature of Just Flight’s VFR Real Scenery series is the way the coastlines have been carefully edited to make them blend realistically against the sea in Flight Simulator X.

For anyone who wants to fly round the busy conurbations of the Midlands, then Birmingham, Coventry & Wolverhampton is just the ticket. It covers a huge area and as well as the cities in the title it also includes Dudley, Kidderminster, Tamworth, Nuneaton and Stourbridge. The individually edited night lighting present in the entire VFR Real Scenery series is particularly impressive in this region, with its many road junctions and the inland waterways show off the water effects brilliantly. For more information on these two products, head over to the Just Flight website.

VOZ Software Now Available On CD

Posted: Thursday, June 7, 2007 - 17:05
Vista Australis are pleased to announce that VOZ 1.4 on CD is now available. The CD is provided at very minimal profit for those users who have trouble downloading the large distribution files or for those who simply would like a backup copy on disc. The disc includes all distributions from VOZ 1.1 through to the latest 1.4 release as well as the VOZ AI 1.1 and 1.1.5 packages and is delivered on an un-printed CD in a slim-line, coloured jewel case. To find out more about this press release, visit the Vista Australis website.

Level-D 767 Flies The FSX Skies!

Posted: Thursday, June 7, 2007 - 0:05
Level-D Simulations and Flight One Software are pleased to announce the release of the Level-D 767 for FSX.

The press release goes on to say: "What's new for the 767 for FSX? You can expect the same high quality simulation experience plus a lot more, to make this the most spectacular version of the 767 to date. In short, the systems simulations have been painstakingly worked on to become even more advanced and realistic. There is an updated visual model that is true FSX, and exhibits unique lighting effects that are FSX specific. New effects have been added to the Virtual Cockpit, plus there is so much more that it can't be completely listed here." For those of you who own the Fs2004 version, then there is a discount available for you. So, why not head over to either Level-D or Flight One for more information.

Cayri Online Flying Software Update

Posted: Wednesday, June 6, 2007 - 22:51
In a press release today, Dan Schultz has informed us of an update to his software. Cayri is an interface which allows users of popular online flying organizations to view currently connected pilots and controllers. Some of the new features include a map filtering functionality to hide the aircraft and controllers that do not match the filters you apply. A client listings window also makes it easy to quickly find any client who's connected to a specific network, and a airport search utility to easily find nearly any airport in the world. Cayri also visually shows the flight path aircraft are flying, and how much time it will take before that plane reaches its destination. For more information about this product, visit the Cayri website.

AlphaSim Saab Gripen Released

Posted: Wednesday, June 6, 2007 - 1:38
The Saab Gripen Swedish 21st century Swedish fighter is depicted in this latest AlphaSim package. Released in both single and two-seater variants, texture schemes included for all the main operators outside Sweden. The press releases goes on to say: A HUD is included and great care was taken in the creation of the Multi Function Displays.
Effects in the form of AB flames, smoke contrails and flashover bring this aircraft to life. A full FSX version brings you bump-mapping and self-shadowing effects, For full product details visit AlphaSim

SE5A & The Western Front by AlphaSim

Posted: Tuesday, June 5, 2007 - 3:40
Senior staff reviewer Gene Davis goes back to the days of wood and cloth with AlphaSim's SE5A combined with The Western Front scenery package. "In total, there were over 5,000 SE5A’s built during the course of WW1 and they were built by six different manufactures, but the first series of SE5’s were inherently unstable. The real SE5A flew at a top speed of a 138 MPH with a maximum range of 300 miles and a service ceiling of 17,000 feet."

"From the skies of WW1 comes the SE5A to our virtual skies of flight simulator. This time around you are placed in the seat of an old single engine bi-plane made of wood and cloth. The Alphasim SE5 is a virtual treat as it is nicely detailed with all of the traditional moving parts as well as an exceptionally detailed exterior model. The SE5A is designed for both FS9 and FSX."

"The SE5A from Alphasim also has a nice variety of effects, from takeoff to landing you will notice things like a functioning exhaust system with smoke effects and flame effects coming from the engines. There is also a nicely done damage model. If you come in too fast and crash on landing or wipe out on takeoff, the plane will actually break."

"Seen as advanced for its time, the SE5A cockpit is a journey into a different time and place. The panel is made of wood and the seating looks rather uncomfortable. The single mounted Lewis machine gun sits atop the wing and a set of very basic instruments adorn the cockpit. There is no GPS or advanced avionics, just the ones needed to monitor things like the engines RPM, speed and a compass."

"The scenery package from Alphasim was a little disappointing for me, as when I read the title it said Western Front. From that I assumed that it would include some portion of the actual war front to fly over. In reality, it only includes the airfield along with several AI aircraft that fly about the surrounding airspace. The airfield itself is nicely detailed and does offer a nice base of operations as it is littered with WW1 era style buildings, vehicles, planes and tents for the bases personnel."

Wrapping up this WWI tour of duty, Gene closes the SE5A & the Western Front review with, "Alphasim releases are just getting better and better. Is the SE5A worth its price tag? Yes, if you are into the era of flight this aircraft represents. How about the scenery? Well, that is a whole other issue and I would have to say that it is worth it if you absolutely have to have a WW1 style airbase. With Alphasim's tradition of good quality add-ons, you really can’t go wrong."

VoxATC for Flight Sim X has been released

Posted: Tuesday, June 5, 2007 - 1:58
ADVERTISEMENT:
The new version of VoxATC-X for Microsoft Flight Simulator X is now in production and is on final approach to the Avsim Store

VoxATC-X comes in both a basic and deluxe version. The deluxe version is also supplied with 16-bit natural-sounding AT&T voice paks. VoxATC is the first ATC product for FS-X with true voice recognition. With auto-switching FAA and European procedures as you cross the Atlantic VoxATC also generates visual virtual traffic seamlessly integrated with ATC traffic. Check it out today at the Avsim Store and get your pre-order placed. Shipping mid-June.

Ultimate Traffic FSX Upgrade Released

Posted: Monday, June 4, 2007 - 1:07
Flight One Software has released an upgrade to their classic Ultimate Traffic to provide FSX compatibility. This version ships with a new schedule current for the Summer of 2007. The “ultimate” sandbox for AI Traffic generation in Flight Simulator, experts can use the advanced tools to create their own traffic environments, Virtual Airline's can use the tools to have their airlines fly around in the FSX AI traffic system. For beginners, all you have to do is point and click your way to all new traffic in FSX. For more product details visit Flight One Software .

Operations Manual for FSX 767

Posted: Monday, June 4, 2007 - 0:08
Flight1 Software and Level-D Simulations are pleased to offer a FREE DOWNLOAD of the Operations Manual for the FSX 767. The 196 pages of information will give you an idea of the features in the upcoming FSX version of the product, as well as an understanding of the systems. The manual is in PDF format (11.3 MB) from Flight One Software .

Avsim Library Technician Volunteer Positions

Posted: Sunday, June 3, 2007 - 12:16
The AVSIM File Library has two or three "Library Technician" volunteer openings. The job description of a L.T. is to review/approve/deny files, communicate with authors and library users via e-mail, and to work with the Library Director, Library Managers, and other Library Technicians. Interested individuals must be able to keep a commitment and have an open schedule. There is flexibility in scheduling. It would be between you and the other library staff members to coordinate when is convenient. The selected individuals will be volunteer Library Managers after a ninety-day probation period. All interested applicants must be familiar with e-mail clients and web browsers. Serious applicants please e-mail Chase Kreznor Executive Library Director with subject "Regarding Library Position" Thank you!

Captain Mike Ray Article "The EICAS"

Posted: Sunday, June 3, 2007 - 11:26
Computer Pilot and FSVisions publishes EICAS, the Engine Information and Crew Alerting System by Captain Mike Ray. A 7 page PDF file and part of a collection of articles published by Computer Pilot and presented online by FSVisions is available June first. you can read this and the other four articles about the primary flight displays at the FSVisions website