July 6, 2008 - July 18, 2008

Austria X from Aerosoft/Flugwerk Design

Posted: Friday, July 18, 2008 - 1:51
Senior staff reviewer Gene Davis visits a country on his wish list with Flugwerk Design's Austria X Professional available at Aerosoft. "What Austria X does for Flight Simulator X is quite remarkable, as it adds the entire road network, custom buildings and objects, landclass, photo type scenery for several cities and accurate terrain mesh data for the entire country. Thus giving the Flight Sim user an all-out true to life representation of Austria in FSX."

"All of the buildings in Austria Professional, aside from the autogen, are native to that country, and if you are flying in places like Vienna, you will see accurate landmarks and commercial buildings plucked right out of that part of the world.Included in this package are four of Austria’s biggest cities; Vienna, Linz, Salzburg and Graz. Each have been designed from the ground up using aerial photographs for proper placement of all of the buildings, landmarks and bridges, along with a photo-real overlay that blends in well with the surrounding terrain textures."

"The roads, rivers and landclass is where the heart and soul of this product comes in to play as it covers the entire country no matter where you fly. If you are flying VFR, as this product is intended, then you should be able to find your way via geographical references with little or no instrumentation. The terrain mesh that is included with this package really enhances the look and feel of the surrounding mountain ranges, especially in areas like Salzburg! Salzburg is inherently mountainous, and you don’t have to go far to find that mountainous terrain and the valleys to fly into."

"Austria X Professional is a beautiful product and it adds a lot to that particular region of the world," says Gene, "the box calls it an “accurate visual model” of the places in question and I really do think they deliver on that statement. You are getting roads, landclass, terrain mesh, custom objects and buildings, and photo real scenery for four different cities all in one nice little package; and if that was not enough, the product covers the entire country instead of just a portion of it."

Learn The Mad Dog

Posted: Tuesday, July 15, 2008 - 18:43
Learn The Mad Dog announces the release of their new Learn the Mad Dog Study Guide & Reference Manual. The perfect accessory to your Learn The Mad Dog DVD, the Study Guide features key information to help you learn while watching the DVD presentation and serves as a reference document during your Mad Dog flights. Nearly 50-pages of content including 75 exam questions covering every aircraft system to prove you really know your stuff. Also included in this manual, and by popular request, is information related to the weather radar. Visit Learn The Mad Dog for more information or to order.

MAAM's TBF/TBM Avenger Reviewed

Posted: Tuesday, July 15, 2008 - 5:02
Contributing reviewer Chris Kiehl looks at MAAM's latest release, the TBM/TBF Avenger. "Leroy Grumman designed the XTBF-1, or what was to become the TBF Avenger, and the heaviest single engine aircraft of World War II. The Avenger has several unique design features including the rear facing dorsal and ventral turrets, a large torpedo bay, and a three man crew."

"The external model of this ship is as expected from MAAM's development team. In one word, stunning. The attention to detail of the ship itself is remarkable. All regular and expected animations are included, and even a few unexpected 'extra' animations are included like a droppable torpedo. The regulars are very well done of course, and include great suspension modeling, flaps, and control surfaces."

"This aircraft comes full of 2D panel options and many sub-panels. If you enjoy good 2D panels, this is the ship for you. Also, many sub-panels are included. These sub-panels look remarkably detailed and realistic, because they are photoreal and taken right out of the real Avenger that MAAM has restored. The Virtual Cockpit is near seamless in its representation, with nearly every switch, knob, and lever being clickable. Not to mention the amazing detail included in everything, I just feel like I'm sitting in their Avenger when I 'climb' into this ship. Everything needed for your day-to-day operations is clickable in this virtual cockpit; radios, aircraft and engine controls, and tons of little extras."

"The Avenger's flight dynamics are another home run of the package. Very docile and forgiving handling characteristics make this ship an absolute joy to fly. Flight is very enjoyable, and as I said, forgiving. She'll cruise along nicely with just a bit of trim work and at a nice cruising speed. The sounds of this package are simply more of what I call the best. Recorded from the real Avenger that MAAM has, you simply cannot beat the sounds."

Wrapping up his look at MAAM's Avenger Chris says, "I greatly enjoyed this highly anticipated release. It's going to be one of my regular aircraft to fly. MAAM's work to keep you immersed simply can't be beat."

Eaglesoft Releases Premier1 For FSX/FS9

Posted: Tuesday, July 15, 2008 - 3:48
Eaglesoft announces that after listening to the many requests for our legacy Raytheon Premier1 Corporate Jet, Team Eaglesoft, has released a new Premier1 package which includes both FS2004 and FSX installers at one price.

This fun little basic Corporate Jet is offered as a "Dual Sim Version for one low price. FSX Version requires SP2.

To get your copy, you're cleared direct to the Premier1 hanger.

AlphaSim Releases The H-60 Blackhawk.

Posted: Sunday, July 13, 2008 - 23:45
The iconic Blackhawk helicopter has finally arrived for FSX and FS9 - seven variants of the majestic H-60 series make up this AlphaSim package. The highly accurate models come in various configurations and seven detailed texture sets. Users of the true-FSX package will benefit from all the special graphical features (inlcuding cockpit self-shadowing with DX10/SP2) which that sim has to offer. Even FS9 users get an amazing package in terms of detail. For FSX (SP1, SP2/Accel) and FS2004 only. Details and screenshots at the AlphaSim home page.

Flight 1/Bear Studios Release MiG 17

Posted: Sunday, July 13, 2008 - 5:12
Bear Studios just released the MiG-17 Fresco package at Flight1. The MiG-17 follows the steps from their successfully MiG-15, both from OKB MiG for real aircraft, and from BearStudios for FS aircraft. The MiG-17 is equipped with an air intercepting radar on an all weather fighter and has a radar range finder for daylight fighters. As with the MiG-15 SP2(current version on Flight1), the MiG-17 can work with both FSX-SP2 and FS2004. The MiG-17 package includes the MiG-17A, MiG-17F daylight fighter, LiM-5 & LiM-6Bis fighter-bomber, MiG-17PF, MiG-17PFU and LiM-5P all weather fighters, as well as the FT-5 advanced trainer.

American Champion Aircraft from Flight1/RealAir

Posted: Saturday, July 12, 2008 - 16:59
Staff reviewer Etienne Martin looks at three aircraft from RealAir Simulations put togther in a package known as American Champion Aircraft - Scout Package 2007. "This is the second release of the product from Real Air Simulations, this time updated for Flight Simulator X. In the box, we will find three tail-dragger airframes, the Citabria, the Scout and the Decathlon."

"American Champion for FSX looks good, although the models are perhaps not as extremely detailed as some other products. Certainly, the trio of ACA aircrafts are not complex machines and have relatively few options on the airframe that naturally lead to extra animations and volumes of eye candy. Real Air spent time on the exterior textures. Grime and wear provide an additional immersion factor."

"Real Air has actually removed most of the 2D panels found in the FS2004 product. Instead, camera views duplicate the panels found in the FS2004 version, and can be cycled via the keyboard. It remains that the VC is best enjoyed with a head tracking device, especially if you get into acrobatics, just to help with spatial references. For the virtual cockpit (VC), Real Air creates gauges in 3D. This adds a significant amount of realism to the panel, while making the gauges responsive and actually reduces the impact on FPS"

"The suitability of the airframe for acrobatics is a definite plus to get away from the more mundane haul missions. The star model is, of course, the Decathlon, although through my testing, the amphibian Scout had surprisingly few problems executing the occasional loop and barrel roll, although it clearly didn’t like to stay upside down for very long. I didn’t observe any performance impact on my system, even in the VC."

"American Champion Aircraft X fills a gap in the short haul, go nearly anywhere aircraft category. It provides an excellent cockpit experience combined with a realistic flight behavior that can only make the bush pilot happy. Plus there's scenery (Bear Gulch) from Bill Womack included in this package. I like to think of the trio of aircraft as the same plane available in three trims - “limited” (Citabria), “grand touring” (Scout) and “rally” (Decathlon). Real Air has packed a lot of versatility and fun into this polished and well rounded add-on."

Free Scenery From Fly-Wonderful-Islands

Posted: Saturday, July 12, 2008 - 16:27
Fly-Wonderful-Islands has released La Gomera, a small island in the Canary's. The release features a detailed airport, 3D signalizations and taxiways, numerous static objects around the airfield, a new mesh terrain and the coastlines have been corrected. If your destinations include the Canary Islands, stop by Fly-Wonderful-Islands and take a look at this new Freeware release

Jaggyroad Films Releases “Kai Tak Serenity”

Posted: Friday, July 11, 2008 - 18:29
Jaggyroad Films has released their first non-commercial video in over 6 months for your viewing enjoyment. The new short video features several popular add-ons throughout the community and gives an interesting portrayal of one of the most dangerous urban approaches. To view the video free of charge in both downloadable WMV and DIVX, as well as stream, head to Jaggy Road Films.

Jaggyroad Films is a small independently contracted company that specializes in video production, with a niche for Flight Simulator and other gaming content. The website contains several product promotional and non-commercial films which are all available for download or can be streamed. Jaggyroad Films was recently featured in the “From the Editor” article in the July FSInsider newsletter .

FS2Crew News

Posted: Friday, July 11, 2008 - 18:24
Today FS2Crew has announced:

  • 1. Service Update 2 for the FSX Level-D 767 Edition is now available. Update 2 corrects an issue with the Go-Around logic.

  • 2. FS2Crew is looking for more voice actors for its upcoming PMDG MD-11 Edition. British, French, German, Spanish and American accents are desired. Volunteers will receive a free copy of FS2Crew MD-11.


    • To download the FSX LDS 767 Update or to apply for a voice position, please taxi to the FS2Crew website.

    Friendly Panel CRJ

    Posted: Friday, July 11, 2008 - 18:20
    has Released their Bombardier CRJ 700 Panel for FSX. Main features of this panel are: FMC that can manage flight plans created with Microsoft Flight Simulator FSX, or any add-on which can export flight plans in the FS format. FriendlyPanels writes, "We have eliminated the complex way in which you have to plan your flight in current commercial FMCs while keeping the feeling of a real FMC-CDU."

    Other features include: New MCP, much more realistic, allows you to see different navigation screens in PFD and MFD, new MFD with four different display modes, new AP functions, including VNAV button, vertical navigation implemented via FMC, new EFIS gauge, with nine different screens, a new radio with stand-by ADF frequency and much more. For more information, visit FriendlyPanels.

    Hughes H-1B Racer from Aerosoft

    Posted: Thursday, July 10, 2008 - 1:57
    Senior staff reviewer David Wilson-Okamura revels in history as he takes Howard Hughes' H-1B Racer from Aerosoft for a spin. "In 1934, Hughes and Dick Palmer designed a metal-skinned monoplane for the purpose of taking back the air speed record from the French. Hughes did so on Friday, the thirteenth of September, 1935, when he reached a speed of 352 mph. He made seven passes then ran out of fuel and crashed in a beet field. In 1975, the year before he died, Hughes had the Racer restored and donated it to the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C."

    "The Racer’s virtual cockpit (VC) is lovingly recreated with all-custom gauges and one of the most interesting canopy animations I have seen. A lot of the mechanics are exposed to view, so in addition to animated levers and controls, you’ll also see moving rods, chains, gears, and cables. There’s no nav gear, except a compass, but there is a radio for voice comm's. There are gauges for monitoring various engine temperatures and pressures; if you haven’t paid attention to these before, you will here."

    "In Flight Simulator, smooth was the default condition until a couple years ago, when bump mapping was introduced, and we started seeing 3D rivets. On this model, the rivets are intentionally not raised, except on the inside legs of the landing gear (which are not exposed in flight), where they are duly rendered in shadow-casting 3D. For in spite of Hughes’ best efforts, the surface of the Racer was not perfectly smooth, and each of the metal plates which make up its skin reflects light in a slightly irregular way. Meanwhile, the skin of the virtual Racer is fractionally more efficient, aerodynamically, than its real-world original."

    "FPS matter. I am happy to report that frame rates are not an issue with this product. The sound quality is in keeping with the visuals. Engine sounds are full-bodied, well balanced, and make use of the latest feature in flightsim audio, sound cones. As you move around the airplane, you can hear variations, not just in the volume of noise, but also in the character of the sound produced. I have spent approximately equal time in both versions of the Racer, and like both equally. I did find, though, that switching back and forth does not work -- at least for me. The landing speed, timing, and power settings are different enough for the two versions that learning one does not make you a master of the other. In my book, though, that is a sign something is right, because if you change the shape of your wing and it doesn’t produce a corresponding change in the airplane’s behavior, the flight model is wrong. Aerosoft's Hughes H-1B Racer is a real gem: not perfect, but singular and polished."

    Embraer E-Jets Series 170-190 Released

    Posted: Thursday, July 10, 2008 - 0:56
    Embraer has developed an entirely new family of aircraft with state-of-the-art avionics, fly-by-wire technology, superior cabin spaciousness and extraordinary, uncompromising performance. Wilco Publishing has released the download version of the E-Jets Series 170-190.

    This release features the highly detailed Embraer 170 and 190 with a BONUS, the Lineage 1000, the luxury version of the Embraer 190. These airframes include detailed interiors (economy/business class) with superb details, including seats, plasma screens, catering and a luxury interior for the Lineage 1000. You will be welcomed and served by a nice animated flight attendant. Once comfortably seated, get real time in-flight information on screen : distance to/from destination/departure, local time, Estimated Time of Arrival, just like the real thing!

    E-Jets comes with 22 International airlines including official Embraer house livery; 75 McPhat Studios liveries (Deluxe Pack);
    Realistic flight dynamics created and tested by active Embraer pilot and based on manufacturer specifications; Truly immersive sound experience with the real plane digitized sounds: engine, APU, batteries, air conditioning, passenger signs, clicks,; and numerous animations : hydraulic suspension, flaps, slats, spoilerons, speed brakes, thrust reversers, landing gear, passengers door, cargo hatches, opening cockpit windows. Plus a Load Manager and Fuel Planner.

    For complete details, screenshots and download instructions, head over to the Embraer E-Jets Series page on the Wilco Publishing website.

    Did You Know?

    Posted: Monday, July 7, 2008 - 19:57
    Did you know that AVSIM news on the front page has been happening daily since 1999? Did you also know we keep an archive of every story ever posted? In a story from our past, "AVSIM Introduces News System Posted: Thursday, April 29, 1999 - 15:32 In our continuing effort to improve our services to you, we have today opened up our new news broadcasting system. This system allows us to do quite a number of things behind the scenes which will improve the timeliness of the news and the speed with which we can bring it online to you. In addition to the behind the scenes improvement for the AVSIM staff, is the additional features that it brings to you. At the bottom of this story, you will see two addtional features that we are sure will improve our news service considerably. The first of these is the ability to go through past news archives. From this story forward, we will be keeping an archive of ALL news posted to the front page of AVSIM. These archives will be then separated by month, enabling you to search past stories at your liesure."

    Want to check out a blast from your simulation past? Then check out our News Archive section for some oldie but goodies!

    Tower Simulator V1.1 Now Available

    Posted: Monday, July 7, 2008 - 13:15
    Tower Simulator V1.1 published by Wilco Publishing has been made available, among improvements are AI aircraft behaviour, parked aircraft positions, aircraft speeds and movements, voices improvements, service car logic, general shadow appearance, penalty errors, more stable controlling logic, an overall stability. Powered by a new 3D technology along with a complex and highly realistic Artificial Intelligence, Tower Simulator is the only simulation of its kind. Visit Tower Simulator for the update, or to purchase.

    Flight Replicas Me262 Now Available

    Posted: Monday, July 7, 2008 - 13:08
    Flight Replicas - Messerschmitt 262A-1a and 262B Trainer built specifically for FSX (SP2/Acceleration), this all-new extremely detailed and functional GMax version of the famed Messerschmitt Me-262 features not only the single seat fighters, but also the two-seat trainer with fully operational dual cockpits. The Messerschmitt Me-262 Schwalbe (German for "Swallow") saw action from late summer of 1944 until the end of the war, sharing the title of first operational jet fighter with the British Gloster Meteor. The Me-262 began life in 1938, when Willy Messerschmitt was called upon to design a new fighter to be powered by two gas turbine engines. The configuration eventually chosen featured a sleek streamlined fuselage with the two podded engines carried beneath a low-mounted wing. Although the first airframe was ready to fly by 1941, the B.M.W. engines were suffering prolonged development delays, which slowed the project significantly. Developed steadily over the next two years, and using the famously unreliable Jumo 004 engines, the Luftwaffe began committing the Me 262A-1a to combat in mid-1944 when they were pitted against the streams of heavy bombers making daily raids on German cities and military targets. Despite being well-armed with highly effective 30-mm cannons and air-to-air rockets, the remarkable Me-262 was simply too little, too late, to turn the tide of war in Germany's favor. Maintaining production was difficult due to Allied attacks on industrial centers, many aircraft being destroyed on the ground before they could ever fly. Some 1,430 total aircraft were built, though only about 300 ever saw combat. Some 120 two-seat trainers were built, made by modifying the single seat airframe. The Me-262, although a spectacular aircraft for its time, had a negligible impact on the course of the war, shooting down an estimated 150 Allied aircraft for the loss of 100 Me 262s, the majority of aircraft being grounded too often for lack of fuel. We hope you enjoy flying these remarkable renditions of history. Visit Sky Unlimited for information.

    FlyTampa releases Hong Kong city & Kai-Tak

    Posted: Monday, July 7, 2008 - 13:02
    FlyTampa announces the availability of its latest scenery package Hong Kong & Kai-Tak. Featuring; Hong Kong city scenery consisting of mesh, landclass, photoground and Thousands of custom buildings. Kai-Tak International (VHHX, closed 1998) airport scenery. Highly detailed curved Checkerboard approach. Two Heliports (Peninsula Hotel rooftop, Shun-Tak Ferry heliport). Animated AI-Ships including Hong Kong's Starferry, junkers, barges etc. Custom animated car traffic & FSX-traffic throughout the city. Unique night effects like animated Lightbeams, haze-glow and Fireworks display. The package includes both FS2004 and FSX-SP2 versions. FSX version is fully FSX-SP2 compliant. Judging by the discussions on the forums, this is not to be missed so fly quickly to FlyTampa and get flying in Hong Kong.

    F-106 Delta Dart from AlphaSim

    Posted: Monday, July 7, 2008 - 0:58
    Staff reviewer Laurie Aston takes a look at a classic "Interceptor" from the 1950's, AlphaSim's F-106 Delta Dart. "The F106 Delta Dart is a lot of airplane, and in either simulation it looks really good."

    "The F106 is not an easy plane to handle, and that is no fault of AlphaSim, they have modeled it perfectly, even using original manuals to form the cockpit and panels correctly. The finish is just great in any of the displayed variant color schemes, and from any angle there is just a clean display line with no hint of deformity or deviation from the true plan form of the Delta Dart."

    "For both the FS2004 and FSX versions of the F-106 A/B Delta Dart, the air file is superb. It is difficult to fly at first, in my opinion, in fact it becomes a challenge, and to persevere is to win. It gives you the satisfaction of being capable of being used for the purpose it was intended for, the “ultimate” Interceptor."

    "Alphasim has reproduced the cockpit and instrument panels faithfully, and although not all the switches and buttons actually do work, there is enough function of the important items to keep you busy, and there is enough to do without unnecessary “eye candy” getting in the way."

    Summing up AlphaSim's F-106 Delta Dart, "this package has everything that one would wish for, from the detailed aircraft and unit colours and markings to the simulated performance. It has sufficient challenge to test the skills of most simulator pilots, together with a choice of single seat or dual seat interceptors. There are packages on the market that may not be to everyone’s liking, but AlphaSim's F-106 A/B Delta Dart has nothing that I can see not to like. You will not be disappointed I am sure."

    Airport Design Editor Version 1.35 Released

    Posted: Sunday, July 6, 2008 - 17:16
    ScruffyDuck Software and the ADE Development Team are very pleased to announce the release of Airport Design Editor Version 1.35. This version is part of our continuing developement and improvement program. In addition to fixing several bugs Version 1.35 introduces new functionality including Helper Shapes that make the drawing of regular elements easier. Any shape can be turned into an Apron with a single mouse click. Users can include their own models in an ADE project and either compile everything to a single bgl file or split the airport and scenery elements into separate files. The color, brightness and separation of Apron Edge Lights is now user controlled; chains of Taxiway Links can easily be straightened and Taxiway Junctions are drawn more realistically. The update is available via the on-line download function and also from the AVSIM Library and for more information please visit Airport Design Editor.

    SSM 2007 Adds Free STS-93 Mission

    Posted: Sunday, July 6, 2008 - 4:52
    The Space Shuttle Mission 2007 gets the famous Chandra X-Ray Observatory, STS-93 Mission as a FREE add-on.

    With the launch of STS-93, Col. Eileen Collins became the first woman to command a Space Shuttle mission. STS-93 started with an eventful Columbia night launch on July 22, 1999. Five seconds into the launch, multiple Main Engines failures raised the alarm but later on, as the backup systems took control, the Shuttle reached orbit safely, ready to begin the primary mission highlight: the deployment of Chandra X-Ray Space Observatory the heaviest payload ever put on orbit by the Shuttle program at the time.

    At its launch, the Chandra was the most sophisticated X-Ray Telescope ever built and it complements Hubble Space Telescope data with an impressive ability and resolution to study quasars as they were over 10 Billion years ago and observe X-rays from clouds of gas five-million light-years wide. During the mission, the Astronauts performed additional experiments and tested the fly-cast maneuver that will be executed during STS-99 to alleviate tensions on the huge SRTM radar boom due to orbital corrections. STS-93 concluded with a safe night landing at the Kennedy Space Center on July 27, 1999.

    In the best SSM2007 tradition, the STS-93 free add-on will allow budding Virtual Astronauts to experience the launch (including the Main Engine failures), on-orbit mission including the deployment of the special Chandra X-Ray Observatory and performing the fly-cast test maneuver, and return to Earth by manually landing the Endeavour at the Kennedy Space Center. The Space Shuttle Mission 2007™ is available online in downloadable format at the SSM2007 official website.