Precision Sim Designs Announces Piper Warrior II

Posted: Friday, May 10, 2002 - 20:35
Precision Sim Designs group recently announced they're in the process of creating a freeware Piper Warrior II package for FS2002. The product is about 70 percent done and now awaits beta testing to start. The release date is scheduled for sometime this summer directly from www.precision-simdesigns.com.

FSScene.02 Patch Available

Posted: Friday, May 10, 2002 - 20:18
Ruud Faber, the author of FSScene.02 - Scenery replacement package for FS2002, finished and released the first patch which is now available for download. Among the things fixed in this patch is less snow in winter time, especially in Southern Europe and as a result of user feedback Ruud painted a set of 60 new texture files to achieve that. You can download the patch and get additional information here.

Royal Mail Flight Simulation First Day Cover

Posted: Friday, May 10, 2002 - 19:09
Those of you collecting stamps will be happy to hear about latest release of aviation stamps achieved by JustFlight. Here is the full press release: "Proving yet again that flight sim is gaining ever larger recognition as a hobby, Just Flight and the The Royal Mail have teamed up to create an exclusive First Day Cover celebrating the Spirit of Flight Simulation and 50 years of passenger jet travel.

The full-colour envelope features the latest Royal Mail stamps that commemorate 50 years of jet travel. The five stamps are based on stunning photographs of some the best loved airliners from the Comet of 1952 to the much loved Concorde. Only 250 of these covers will ever be available and each will include a one-off frank, dated on the day of issue of the stamps. In addition, each individually numbered item has been signed front and back by Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Peter Squire, KCB, DFC, FRAes, RAF, adding to the value of this unique collectible.

While some of the covers will be used by Just Flight themselves for competition prizes and charitable causes, the balance are available for sale direct from Just Flight. See www.justflight.com for details.

Pilot's Assistant V1.6.4 Released

Posted: Friday, May 10, 2002 - 18:42
Brian Tooby today informed us about a new version of his Pilot's Assistant version 1.6.4 that is now available. Here is what he says about the updates included: "The functionality of the Altitudes and altimeter settings sheet has been significantly extended, with calculations to correct for non standard temperatures and pressures in various situations. This is important in regions where terrain or obstacle clearance may be a problem, particularly in low pressures and/or low temperatures." The new version also corrects few other minor problems. Pilot's Assistant is provided as an Excel multi-sheet spreadsheet to support flight planning (including fairly realistic fuel planning), navigating, and carrying out common flying manoeuvres. It contains fuel/performance data for several popular aircraft, and is intended to be a useful learning and reference aid for several aspects of simulated flying. More information is available here.

New Dolomiti Scenery For FS2002 Preview

Posted: Friday, May 10, 2002 - 11:18
Stefano Oss from Italy today introduced his FS2002 Dolomiti Scenery project. Here's what Stefano has to say about his project: "Scenery covers the province of Trento, Dolomiti mountains. This region is located in the North-East side of Italy, about 120 km West from Venice, and 180 km East from Milan, divided by the Adige river which runs South-North close to the lake of Garda. It takes about 10’ with the Cessna to fly over the sadly well-known ski area of Cavalese (where the Cermis cabin-lift was destroyed by the Prawler tactical fighter). There is only one airport (regional) in this area (Mattarello airport, LIDT, about 46N 11E). Other airports close to this area are Bolzano (LIPB) and Asiago (LIDA). The scenery is based on ortophotos taken at 11,000 MSL with the original resolution of 1 m/pix, downsampled to 4.8 m/pix to fit the LOD13 directive of MSFS2k2. The mesh grid (elevation map) is based on a DTM with 10 m resolution downsampled to 19.8 m/step to fit the LOD11 directive.The whole scenery requires about 17,000 distinct texture bitmaps for a total of about 400MB (zipped) and 800MB (uncompressed)." Preview screenshots are available together with introduction of the area covered by clicking here.

Catalina Project Aids Restoration

Posted: Thursday, May 9, 2002 - 14:48
The Catalina Group of New Zealand has released an FS2002 Catalina. This donation-ware CD-Rom features 23 separate ‘modern’ day warbird, airliner and fire bomber Consolidated PBY Catalina, Canso and Super Catalina aircraft for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2002 Professional Edition. The CD comes with 3 authentically functional PBY panels and actual checklists. Additional information, including historical notes, operations manual, and flying tips for FS2002 are included in web browser (HTML) format. The CD also has a multi-media section with video footage shot of /from ZK-PBY as she completes some lake landings. Proceeds from every CD sold shall help maintain our aircraft ZK-PBY in airworthy condition. This group is centred on New Zealand's only PBY-5A "Catalina" twin-engine World War Two Canso amphibious flying boat, ZK-PBY. It is currently the only air worthy PBY-5A in Australasia. There are very few "Catalina's" left in the world. Fifty-six Catalina's (NZ4001-NZ4056) operated with the Royal New Zealand Air Force between 1943 and 1953. Provided under lend/lease arrangements these were a mix of non-amphibious Consolidated and Boeing built aircraft. The Catalina's operated with No's 5 and 6 SQNs and No3 OTU, based at Hobsonville and various points in the Pacific. They were engaged in anti-submarine, shipping escort, air-sea rescue and transport roles. Unlike many lend/lease aircraft, the Catalina's continued to be operated after World War II because they filled a vital role in South Pacific communications. The Catalina Club displays the aircraft at aviation events around New Zealand - apart from a couple of 'special' occasions, the aircraft does not make sea landings, although it has graced a number of lakes around New Zealand. The Catalina Group also makes visits to various NZ airfields allowing many people to see and fly in this historic aircraft. For more information on this project and the CD click here. The cost of this package is only $NZ 35.00 + postage.

New Mirage F1 Touted

Posted: Thursday, May 9, 2002 - 14:32
Frank Safranek, developer of the quality Mirage Aircraft for Flight Simulator website, tells AVSIM there is an update on the way by Mirage F1 developer Kirk Olsson. "Kirk plans to release his new Mirage F1 in two versions," Safranek notes. "First as a single air superiority blue/ gray painted F1C (right) with default sounds (for reduced download size). The follow-on full package will include three Mirage F1's ... each with a different paint scheme and multiple weapons loadouts. To take a look at some of the pre-release screenshots of Olsson's latest work, just click here.

New Twist in Flight Video

Posted: Thursday, May 9, 2002 - 14:02
VIDEOFLYREC Team is a new group currently producing a video in which cockpit procedures for flying Dreamfleet’s Greatest Airliners 737-400 are explained in detail. "Unlike other real cockpit videos, this one uses the simulator to explain step by step the way a real 737 pilot flies this airplane," a team release notes. "The production is being made by real television professionals and the technical director of the video is a real 737-400 pilot that works for a major European airline. With a duration of almost 90 minutes, the video explains in full detail how to fly this magnificent aircraft. Loading and Trimming, Fuel load calculation, FMC programming, engine start, holds, DME arc approach are some of procedures that the flight simmer can reproduce in his computer." This video will be available initially in English and Spanish, with German and French versions to follow. PAL, NTSC and SECAM video systems will be accommodated. To learn more about this product and see a small trailer of this video, just click here. The team does note the website is still under construction and if you cannot find the answer to your question, just drop them a note at consultas@videoflyrec.com.

AVSIM Opens Flight Plan Forum

Posted: Wednesday, May 8, 2002 - 23:07
As a result of numerous requests, AVSIM opens the Flight Plan forum. The forum is intended to provide authors to share their flight plans with fellow users, and for users to request flight plans and learn how to do their own. This forum is established for all sims and / or add-ons that allow for the use of flight plans. You can visit the new Flight Plan forum here. We hope you enjoy the new service!

TGV-Train Sim Pack Released

Posted: Wednesday, May 8, 2002 - 20:42
MSTS fans will want to check out the new release from Just Flight and Just Trains. According to a news release from them today today "TGV -Train Sim Pack is a an expansion for Microsoft's Train Simulator and includes 3 beautifully recreated locomotives, with incredible rendered graphics and custom interior cab and passenger views and of course, matching rolling stock."

In addition to an all new route that totals 500 miles of track in length (including the side routes) and the ability to drive through the "Chunnel" under the English Channel the release includes 10 "activities" to help high speed drivers get the most out of hundreds of miles of driving.

For more info, screenshots and to order check JustFlight or JustTrains

PMDG 757 Release Update

Posted: Wednesday, May 8, 2002 - 15:40
FLY!II simmers anxiously awaiting the release of Precision Manual Development Group's new 757 will want to check out PMDG head honcho Robert Randazzo's latest update message concerning the release status on the Avsim PMDG Forum. You can get the very latest PMDG 757 info here

VisionTek Xtasy Ti4400 Review

Posted: Wednesday, May 8, 2002 - 15:27
Continuing their series of in depth hardware reviews our good friends over at simHQ.com have taken a close look at the new VisionTek Ti4400 GeForce 4 card. To see how it stacks up for your simming rig check out Bubba "Masterfung" Wolford's hard hitting review here

Visser Previews DC-3/R4D VC

Posted: Wednesday, May 8, 2002 - 13:29
Fans of Jan Visser's prior DC-3/R4D releases will not want to miss the preview screenshots of Jan's upcoming GMAX DC-3/R4D release with a stunning virtual cockpit. Jan posted the preview on the Avsim Screenshots Forum last Saturday and described the release with the intriguing word "imminent." Whenever it finally comes out this just could be the best VC for any aircraft yet released for FS2K2. Call for the "Drool Checklist", set max power, and head for DC3 VC Preview

Updated IL-2 Patch 1.0.4b2 Released

Posted: Wednesday, May 8, 2002 - 13:16
Ubi Soft has issued a replacement patch file for their popular WWII Eastern Front combat sim "IL-2 Sturmovik" that updates their just released patch version 1.0.4b. The new update corrects a bug in the mission coop feature but otherwise is identical to the prior patch release. The latest patch version number is designated as version 1.0.4b2 but the version number which shows up on your splash screen after installation will remain unchanged (1.0.4b). For the details and to download the latest version of IL-2 head to IL-2 Sturmovik

FS2K2 Vickers Viscount Nears Completion

Posted: Wednesday, May 8, 2002 - 13:06
Turboprop fans will be happy to know that Rick Piper's freeware FS2K2 version of the classic 4 engine Vickers Viscount is nearing completion. For an update on the status from Rick and to see the latest preview screenshot of this great looking aircraft check here. For additional screenshots check Rick's Vickers Viscount Page

X-Plane 6.14 Rolls Out

Posted: Wednesday, May 8, 2002 - 12:51
The latest in a fast moving string of updates and upgrades to X-Plane is now available to interested simmers. After several beta versions X-Plane final version 6.14 is now posted for download. The full upgrade is 79 MB and there's also an 8 MB mini upgrade for X-Planers who are upgrading from final version 6.13. X-Plane is available for both Mac and Windows OS. For the details on all the new features in 6.14 as well as the download links and screenshots ATC clears you to enter holding over X-Plane

The Royal Air Forces Association Takes Flight

Posted: Tuesday, May 7, 2002 - 21:36
Simulation publisher Just Flight and The Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) have joined forces to bring a taste of flight simulation to the 2 million+ expected visitors to the UK's summer season of air shows. RAFA whose patron is HM Queen Elizabeth II, was founded in 1943 with the aim to provide support, welfare and assistance to all those who are or have served in the Royal Air Force. The Association has approximately 100,000 members across the world from all walks of life and of all ages. It has one of the biggest and busiest stands at Air Shows across the country from May through to October - where its prime aim is to raise money for its Battle of Britain Wings Appeal. Just Flight has two high-spec flight sim systems that will be a main feature of the RAFA set-up - giving visitors at the air shows a chance to take flight in their official Battle of Britain Memorial Flight title and other WWII-themed titles from its hangar. Shows being attended include Southend, Cosford, Waddington, RIAT in Fairford, Eastborne, Yorkshire and Shoreham - with the visitor count at some of the events traditionally topping half a million.

Just Flight's MD, Mungo Amyatt-Leir commented: "We're extremely honoured to be working with The Royal Air Forces Association and delighted to have an opportunity for our range of flight sim titles to be on show alongside the real kit at air shows around the country. The millions of visitors to these events over the summer demonstrates that aviation is ever-popular and we're looking forward to a lot more people getting a taste for flying on their PC." Mike Sedman, Director of RAFA added, "Just Flight are clearly leaders in their field and we appreciate their involvement. The systems they are providing are impressive bits of kit and their software compliments our annual Wings Appeal perfectly. Flight simulation brings aviation alive to young and old and this can only help our fund-raising efforts and building awareness of RAFA”.

More information about Just Flight can be found here and about RAFA here.

Aces High Revisted

Posted: Tuesday, May 7, 2002 - 18:11
Tom "WKLINK" Cofield over at SimHQ has taken a look at Aces High for review. It is amazing what updates and patches can do to a rough launch. Many feel that Aces High has evolved into a very mature flight simulation for those looking for some good combat action.

Tom says, "The development of online flight simulations tends to be more evolutionary than revolutionary. Aces High is a perfect example of this. HiTech Creation’s baby, released in 1999 has evolved from what was considered a bold but rough simulation to a highly polished, deeply satisfying and in many ways totally different entity than its original incarnation." To read the full review click here.

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Posted: Thursday, January 1, 1970 - 0:00
flightcrew

Posted: Thursday, January 1, 1970 - 0:00
AVSIM Publisher, Tom Allensworth, today made the following announcement; "We take great pleasure in announcing today our Key Note speaker for t