FS Earth 5.2 Available

Posted: Thursday, August 7, 2008 - 17:08
Luciano Napolitano has let AVSIM know that FS Earth 5.2 is now available for download. FS Earth acts as a link between Flight Simulator and Google Earth, letting you follow a flight in real time over the satellite map generated by Google Earth. Version 5.2 has improved compatibility with Windows Vista and has new options to customize the flight map. For full details, please visit the official WideView homepage.

Electronic Flight Bag (FSX) from FSWidgets

Posted: Thursday, August 7, 2008 - 2:02
New staff reviewer Peter Clemenko completes his glass cockpit with the Electronic Flight Bag for FSX from FSWidgets. "Electronic Flight Bag is an add-on that aims to add various handy applications to use in FSX. It includes a weather radar, internet functionality, flight plan details, charts, maps, checklists including audio, and the ability to read a manual in flight."

"FSWidgets really did a good job with this program, it does include many handy features. So many in fact, it seems to have everything but the kitchen sink. It is also very nice to have in many situations, especially when trying to learn a complex aircraft. It is also very well documented and very easy to expand the content of the program. It also has the ability to be extended with a free Google maps plug-in."

"The charts component is a gem. While it is easy to add more charts, I really would have liked to have been able to see more charts in the default install. The checklists utility is a handy little tool in its own sense. It really comes in useful while trying to learn and fly complex aircraft. The vector map is nice to have because it shows you what direction to go to get to your next waypoint. It also allows you to overlay a sectional chart over the areas and have that overlay the base map. That allows for better navigation."

"The weather radar component is another gem. It allows you to pull up weather radar from the NOAA and other sources and uses that with real weather to determine the weather in your flight. The Nav Log is a really handy feature. It allows you to pull up the route of your flight and shows all sorts of important information like the distance from the start and the end of the flight via the waypoints. It also shows things such as bearing, distance, and altitude of the waypoint, and other things such as the ground speed and fuel used."

"All in all, the Electronic Flight Bag is probably one of the handiest applications I could think of off the top of my head for FSX. It adds plenty of functionality that should not be left out if you value realism at all or even basic procedures. It has many things in it that are worth the price of admission. I would personally declare this a Must Have add-on."

AFG Caravelle III Released

Posted: Wednesday, August 6, 2008 - 5:41
After several years in the making the Allied FS Group is happy to offer the Caravelle III for download. Featuring a detailed 3D model including all the normal animations you'd expect, a working 3D brakechute, no VC but a highly realistic panel with different versions according to the operator of the aircraft. You can find this freeware offering in the Avsim library.

Super 80 Professional Released

Posted: Tuesday, August 5, 2008 - 18:41
Flight One Software and CoolSky have announced the release of Ultimate Airliners - The Super 80 Professional; a new addon product for MS Flight Simulator X.

Ultimate Airliners - The Super 80 Professional is a complete aircraft and panel package which simulates the McDonnell Douglas MD-80 in detail. All systems in the aircraft are simulated with a high level of accuracy to make the experience as complete as possible. This package simulates the latest Electronic Flight Deck (EFD) cockpit upgrade given to the MD-80 series. It includes a full EFIS with FMS, TCAS, Systems Display Panel, Engine Display Panel, and many more advanced systems. Real MD-80 pilots will feel right at home and beginners will be able to completely learn the cockpit due to the interactive Integrated Cockpit Training System.

The external model and Virtual Cockpit are fully featured, all designed in 3DSMax and are fully FSX/DX10 compliant. A full sound suite is also included with many audible cockpit sounds. There are also 330+ pages in the Aircraft Operating Manual accompanying this product to help you fully understand all the aircraft systems.

The Super 80 Professional features the Integrated Cockpit Training System (ICTS). The ICTS is an interactive, in-flight training system designed to teach you how to operate the aircraft while in the cockpit, and it covers all stages of flight beginning from cold and dark. Whether you are a first time or seasoned simmer, jump straight into the cockpit and start flying now!

The Training Center itself is the starting point for all interactive training. You will find training guides for the checklists, various procedures/operations, EFIS, FMS, and other complex cockpit systems. The Super 80 Professional also features the Automatic Aircraft Configuration (AAC) system. The AAC system will automatically setup the aircraft and all systems, for the selected phase of flight, at the click of a button.

The package is shipped with many liveries. In addition to the default liveries, there are additional liveries by McPhat Studios featuring various operators from around the world. McPhat Studios specializes in creating weathered and worn looking aircraft with high attention to detail.

You can get the product today at Flight1 or by visiting CoolSky. There is also a limited time discount if you are a previous Flight1/CoolSky customer of the classic Super 80. Information on the discount can be viewed on the main Flight1 Super 80 Professional product page.

B-24 Liberator from AlphaSim

Posted: Monday, August 4, 2008 - 20:09
Staff reviewer Juan Llobera goes heavy with AlphaSim's B-24 Liberator. "The design concept was quite an advance for its time. With four 14-cylinder Pratt and Whitney supercharged R-1830-65 radial engines with 1000hp each, a tricycle landing gear (it was actually the first bomber to use it) and a twin tail and rudder assembly, the Model 32 became the allied forces warhorse (most of the US Air Force propaganda of the time featured the B-24 Liberator on it)"

"The exterior model looks pretty well done. Decals on the airplanes are fantastic and the nose art is really well created. Animations include landing gear, Flaps, pilots, cowl flaps, prop pitch, crew, Bombs, national flag and waist gunner can be also selected/deselected via the VLE."

"The 2D panel is a piece of art on its own. The color of the panel will give you the feeling that you are in an old piece of metal from WWII. Gauges are smooth and pretty much every single thing you’ll see is clickable. The 3D panel is also well done. Everything that was clickable on the 2D panel is available for you click on the 3D version of it."

"Once in the air, the Liberator is a beauty to fly. Even in its full configuration, the Liberator will respond to the control commands instantly and surprisingly it's quite a maneuverable aircraft. This particular add-on is featured with turbocharged engines, though you may love to have some extra power during your take-off, flying a turbocharged airplane will not be an easy task considering external throttle peripherals will not work. Maybe the most admirable thing about the B-24 is how easy to land this giant is."

Juan closes with, "the AlphaSim B-24 Liberator could easily become one of the favourites of those simmers recreating WWII missions or looking for a new meaning in the word “heavy”.

New PRE-Flight RC Simulator Model Released

Posted: Monday, August 4, 2008 - 18:05
Download and fly this free PRE-Flight model which commemorates the launch of "Eve" - the first of a fleet of carrier aircraft which will be used to launch the SpaceShipTwo spacecraft. One of the unique design features incorporates a "simulator" into one of the twin hulls. The hull is laid out exactly like the SpaceShipTwo and will be used for space tourist training which includes a few seconds of weightlessness. This model is for PRE-Flight version 2.10 and higher. To download this and other models plus the PRE-Flight Demo, visit the PRE-Flight RC Flight Simulator website.

Military AI Works Celebrates 2nd Anniversary

Posted: Monday, August 4, 2008 - 17:56
Military AI Works (MAIW) is celebrating their 2nd anniversary with "Wings of Gold Week" focusing on the men and women of the United States Navy and Marine Corps. They will be releasing an aircraft each day depicting various flying units from these two armed services. They would also like to thank the community for your continued support over the past year and look forward to bringing you more surprises heading into year three. Their aircraft can be found in the AVSIM Library, either searching directly or linked through the MAIW website.

Project Opensky 777-200 V2 For FS2004

Posted: Monday, August 4, 2008 - 17:41
Project Opensky would like to announce the release of their Boeing 777-200 version 2. "This is to replace version 1 which has been with us since FS2000. Similar to the first version, which was the first aircraft to have an early flex wing system, version 2 introduces yet another wave of innovative features into the FS world. Created from scratch, this plane utilizes XML gauge controlled animation with backup animation mode. This allows users to fine tune the moving parts to their own liking. Other features includes reverser block doors, GSUs, and high resolution textures. The virtual cockpit created by Jacob Kubique will be released as a separate VC kit when it is ready and will NOT be included in this first release." Project Opensky shope you will enjoy flying this aircraft as much as they have enjoyed building it.

KATL Atlanta Ready For FSX

Posted: Sunday, August 3, 2008 - 18:10
Imaginesim have released their seventh airport for FSX - KATL Atlanta. Customers who already own the FS2004 version get the FSX version free. There's also a free demo version to try. Full details can be found at the Imaginesim website.

Space Shuttle Mission 2007™'s Next Mission

Posted: Saturday, August 2, 2008 - 2:43
The next mission for Space Shuttle Mission 2007 is STS-124. STS-124 started with an uneventful Discovery launch on May 31, 2008 commanded by Navy Cmdr. Mark E. Kelly assisted by Pilot Navy Cmdr. Kenneth T. Ham.

STS-124 is one of the busier ISS assembly mission. It carried the Japanese ISS laboratory "Kibo". Kibo's size prevented the installation of the OBSS boom (for thermal tiles inspection) in the Shuttle's cargo bay. Instead, the Astronauts used the one left on the ISS by the previous STS-123 mission. During this mission, the Discovery and ISS crews installed and performed initial activation of the Kibo module, and tested the Japanese Remote Manipulator System. The mission included three long and complex Space Walks, testing the stamina, patience and professionalism of the EVA team – Mission Specialist Air Force Reserve Col. Michael E. Fossum and Mission Specialist Air Force Col. Ronald J. Garan Jr. The crew also included an Astronaut from the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) - Mission Specialist Akihiko Hoshide. STS-124 concluded with a perfect landing at the Kennedy Space Center on June 14, 2008.

In the best SSM2007 tradition, the STS-124 free add-on allows budding Virtual Astronauts to experience the launch, on-orbit mission including the deployment of the Kibo module, Space Walks and activities and return to Earth by manually landing the Discovery at the Kennedy Space Center. The Space Shuttle Mission 2007™ is available for online purchase in downloadable format at the SSM2007 official website. The latest free Demo can also be downloaded at the same website.

LFQQ – Lille Lesquin Airport (FSX and Upgrade)

Posted: Friday, August 1, 2008 - 0:49
The latest release of France VFR, Lille Lesquin Airport is now available in its FSX version. This scenery represents an extremely detailed Regional airport in the North of France, including photo-real high definition textures of ground and buildings as well as night textures. The scenery covers about 50 km2 and adds an extended photo-realistic area to the airport.

This scenery is a native FSX scenery and is part of the new series of Airports designed by France VFR. It is optimized in order to obtain the best possible framerate and quality/performance. It can be used as a standalone product or in addition to the upcoming Nord Pas de Calais scenery without any adaptation. Due to its particular concept, the scenery is entirely compatible with any mesh of your choice. Complete details can be found on the FranceVFR website.

Note: this website is currently in French, but can be translated through a search engine like Google.

Madrid Barajas 2008 from Aerosoft/Sim-Wings

Posted: Friday, August 1, 2008 - 0:19
Staff reviewer Viktor Lakatos takes us to sunny Spain with a look at Aerosoft / Sim-Wings Madrid Barajas 2008. "Real ‘Madris Barajas Airport’: the largest Spanish airport – is the 11th largest in the world and 5th in Europe – got its name from the adjacent town of Barajas. This airport handles most transatlantic flights of Iberia and is a key airport for organizing the air traffic between Europe and Latin-America, as well a major hub for worldwide connections."

"Positioning our aircraft somewhere on the ramp, we find ourselves in the everyday life of Barajas Airport. Vehicles are moving, shuttle buses are continuously carrying passengers from gates to the aircraft and vice versa. The airport has no rectangle shape from the air, it has very nice borderlines. All the asphalt markings are crisp and clear, readable even from the air with a little zoom."

"There is no moving jetway systems nor active ground handling service in Madrid Barajas 2008. Aerosoft's Airport Enhancement Services gives full ground support. The custom terrain textures do not match Flight Simulator's default textures, therefore there are cuts in the motorways. Unfortunately, this is the difference between default and custom textures."

"Aerosoft's Madrid Barajas 2008 is a good product in the series. With this product we know what we get: good quality and high level of realism."

Oshkosh AirVenture ATC Live

Posted: Thursday, July 31, 2008 - 1:23
Can't make it to Oshkosh this year? You can still be part of the action by listening to the controllers on liveact.net.

AVSIM Announces Social!

Posted: Wednesday, July 30, 2008 - 23:53
The Board of Directors of AVSIM earlier this year decided not to have a 2008 simming convention due to the decaying economy and an anticipated reluctance to travel. But, that doesn't mean we are not going to have a "get together" this year. The AVSIM Board is pleased to announce our end of summer board meeting and our Saturday Night Social! On Saturday, September 6th, 2008, the AVSIM Board of Directors will hold its annual board meeting at the Hilton Hotel at Dulles airport. That evening, we will have our traditional social gathering of sim enthusiasts in the Cardinal Lounge, within the Hilton Hotel. We invite all simmers in the DC area, or from wherever, to meet your fellow enthusiasts and the AVSIM staff and to share the evening together! As with every AVSIM Social, we anticipate that there will be give-aways, fun to be had by all, and an opportunity for you to give us your suggestions on AVSIM's future direction. If you are in the area or visiting the Washington D.C. area, we invite you to attend! We will be posting more news on the event and details of the Saturday night social as we get closer to the date. Plan on being there!

A2A Releases Boeings

Posted: Tuesday, July 29, 2008 - 18:52
A2A Simulations has released the Wings of Silver Boeing 377 Stratocruiser along with the first of a brand new technology line of realism expansion packs for Microsoft Flight Simulator X. These two simultaneous releases represent a quantum leap forward for A2A Simulations and Microsoft Flight Simulator X.

A2A writes, "A2A Simulations insists on finding better ways to reach all customers, and not just those who can afford the highest quality products. We invested two to three times the man hours into our new Stratocruiser than any previous project. A2A also expanded operations with programmers and put an additional large investment into our brand new Accu-Sim technology base, which comes in the form of a single expansion pack that plugs right into the aircraft. Some of our customers buy our products for the sheer look, feel, and function. They are true aircraft enthusiasts, but they are not interested in detailed engine management. They want to load up the aircraft, throw the throttle forward, fly it, look at it, listen to it, and pretty much just take in the whole experience. However, there is another customer we have that is equally as passionate about the way an aircraft looks and sounds, but they demand more. They demand a simulation that places them in the most realistic environment, including consequences to their actions. These are the people who pick up game boxes at the store and weigh it to judge how thick the manual is. This is what the Accu-Sim Expansion pack is all about."

"The Wings of Silver Boeing 377 Accu-Sim expansion pack includes everything from detailed engine management to a naturally speaking crew and passengers that applaud when you make a nice landing. Once installed it can be turned on or off with a single button click, however our testers found Accu-Sim so immersive they had a hard time turning it off,” said Lewis Bloomfield of A2A Simulations Inc. “This is our finest work to date,” said Robert Rogalski of A2A Simulations Inc.

A2A has priced these products accordingly to allow many to come aboard an experience this package. For more information and to get pricing details, visit A2A Simulations.

Greenland Adds Scenery

Posted: Tuesday, July 29, 2008 - 18:45
Extreme Greenland series has been updated with additional packages. These downloads include: Costline package North (more correct coastline and islands), Costline package West (more correct coastline and islands), BGSS; Sisimiut Package (better mesh around Sisimiut area,and roads), BGSF; Kangerlussuaq Package (better mesh around Kangerlussuaq area and roads), BGJN; Ilulissat Package (better mesh around the airport), Extreme Greenland Lakes package (includes over 32,000 lakes around the mesh), and the Extreme Greenland Stream package (includes over 63,000 rivers/streams around the mesh).

The Coastline package South is under construction but won't be available for approximately one month. The coastline packages overwrite the standard FSX coastline including lakes and rivers/streams. Lakes and river packages are from 74 degree north (both west and east) to all the way down to the south. For more information, visit FlightSim Greenland.

New Elevation Data; Microsoft Flight Simulator X

Posted: Tuesday, July 29, 2008 - 14:33
Intermap Technologies and FS Dreamscapes today announced the release of the first products in the NEXTMap® ProMesh™ series for California, Hawaii, Mississippi, Florida, and the United Kingdom.

NEXTMap® ProMesh™ features terrain mesh and photoscenery downloads optimized for Microsoft® Flight Simulator X, and is based on terrain data collected as part of Intermap’s country-wide NEXTMap 3D digital mapping program.

“This is the first major milestone reached since forging our partnership in early 2008. Thanks to Intermap’s wide area, high-resolution elevation data, the ProMesh product enhances the terrain in Microsoft Flight Simulator X with elevation data that is up to eight times the resolution and sixty-four times more detailed than the default FSX terrain,” said Dean Mountford, president and CEO of FS Dreamscapes.

“Additionally, the datasets go far beyond the quality, detail and currency of the United States Geological Survey’s 10-meter National Elevation Dataset and NASA’s 90-meter Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, upon which all other previous terrain products for Flight Simulator have been based,” Mountford continued.

“Never before has 5-meter posted elevation data, accurate to 1-meter vertically, been broadly available for both the United States and Europe,” said Kevin Thomas, vice president of marketing for Intermap Technologies. “We’re extremely excited to provide the geospatial foundation for a product that will revolutionize the way users see the world in both Flight Simulator X and Train Simulator 2.”

If you're attending EAA Airventure 2008 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, be sure to visit the Intermap Technologies booth (Hall E, Booth 5054) to try out the NEXTMap® ProMesh™ terrain products.

Microsoft Flight Simulator photoscenery and terrain mesh products are available for purchase and download at FS Dreamscapes.

Flight1 At Oshkosh

Posted: Monday, July 28, 2008 - 22:57
Jeff Smith has let us know that Flight1 Aviation Technologies will be attending the 2008 AirVenture in Oshkosh to display their latest technology offerings, at Booths 2106-2107, from July 28th through August 3rd. The products that will be on display at the show are the G1000 Student, Virtual Instructor Station for ESP, Avidyne Student Simulation and Courseware, and the ELITE/Flight1 Tech LSA (Light Sport Aircraft) Aviation Training Device. For more information visit the Flight1 booth at Oshkosh, or go to www.flight1tech.com.

Instructor Station Released

Posted: Monday, July 28, 2008 - 21:05
Luis Gordo has announced the release of Instructor Station.This utility is meant to assist Home Cockpit Builders using FS2004and there are any features available for Project Magenta users (pmSystems, Glass Cockpit, etc.). According to the author it is compatible with all types of aircraft "The Instructor Station allows you to set your aircraft on an approach to a runway of your choice under any weather conditions, start-up and shutdown your network computers (fully customizable), program or set an aircraft systems failure at any moment, calculate the amount of fuel required for your trip and load it to the aircraft, record the performance of your flight (landings, take-offs, etc.) and plot it graphically, and many other things!" You can try The Demo here or download it here.

Virtual Oshkosh 2008

Posted: Monday, July 28, 2008 - 13:06
Virtual Oshkosh 2008 , AirVenture the largest gathering of GA aircraft is underway and the team from Aces have prepared a complete package of activities for users of FSX to join in the fun during Virtual Oshkosh 2008 . A complete scenery supporting a gigantic ATC session with some of the best documentation i have seen, altogether a great way of "being there", FlightSim at its best.