Lanzarote X from Fly Wonderful Islands

Posted: Friday, June 13, 2008 - 2:32
Staff reviewer David Rogers flies to a resort island that he is all too familiar with, Lanzarote as presented by Fly Wonderful Islands. "The island of Lanzarote is part of the Canary Islands (Islas Canarias in Spanish), an archipelago of islands located off the North West African coast in the Atlantic Ocean. Lanzarote is an elongated shaped island, the most Northerly of the major islands. It has a reputation for being the windiest of the Canary Islands, with year round sunshine. It is popular with surfers and water sports fans, as well as more traditional holiday makers."

"Lanzarote in the default FSX world is certainly not the worst scenery area in the sim, but it is rather bland and ‘samey’. While there is a lot of nice sand in Lanzarote, FSX has not considered that this is a volcanic island. It is not simply a slice of the Sahara that has drifted off the west African coast, as FSX would have you think."

"The improvements that Lanzarote X brings are visible from the second you load your flight. The town of Arrecife, just North-East of the Airport, is now rendered in far more detail compared to the default FSX version. It is clear that new Landclass detail is included and I also immediately noticed that the coastline has been corrected. It is now representing a far more accurate depiction of the island’s east coast. As I navigate North West from Arrecife, I see more of the wonderful new ground textures in the undeveloped regions of the island – the sand is now speckled with patches of blank volcanic rock. The effect is extremely realistic and very close to what you see in the real world when taking a Southerly visual approach over the island, then turn and land on Runway 03."

In summation of Lanzarote X, David comments, "Lanzarote X puts the virtual pilot into an area that is large enough to explore, but small enough to enjoy in a 30 minute flight sim ‘window’. For the VFR GA pilot, the scenery is heavenly. It is realistic, looks just like the real thing, and performs superbly in FSX. As you set off from your home airport, you have the knowledge that your approach and landing into Arrecife Airport is going to be a real visual treat."

Team VOZ Adds To Line-Up

Posted: Wednesday, June 11, 2008 - 12:10
Team VOZ would like to present a new addition to the family, namely VOZ 1.7 which will include the newly upgraded Sydney airport available in the AVSIM Library as we continue to make updates. Other notable inclusions will be the upgraded Hamilton Island Airport and finally a well constructed Townsville Airport. VOZ will continue to develop for Flight Simulator 2004 under the new project manager Robert Fluke and a new addition to the VOZ team, Anthony Lynch, for more information please go direct to Vista OZ

Space Shuttle Mission 2007™ Ground School Launched

Posted: Wednesday, June 11, 2008 - 2:53
Ground School is open for all those Astronaut Candidates who want to learn and study various aspects of the Space Shuttle operations with Space Shuttle Mission 2007. Currently the Ground School features various tutorials, detailed checklists and some very detailed Training Videos for RMS operations, on-orbit rendezvous (with the ISS, satellites, etc.) and of course ISS docking. Now finishing the most demanding missions in Space Shuttle Mission 2007 has never been so easy. The SSM2007 Ground School is accessible to all registered Space Shuttle Mission 2007 forum users.

Mad Dog 2006 Tutorial Guide Released

Posted: Wednesday, June 11, 2008 - 2:10
A new tutorial (in English and in Italian) for the Mad Dog 2006 add-on by Leonardo SH. The MD80 McDonnell Douglas Training Guide is an easy to use and very friendly guide for all Students or Advanced Pilots seeking to learn more about the planning and the procedures governing flights with the advanced Douglas MD80 (Mad Dog) designed for FS2004 by Leonardo SH. The guide has been designed to be easily followed by anyone. Student or Advanced Pilot. A new flow system was designed especially for the manual called the ETS or Easy Tutorial System. The ETS System was principally designed using an enhancing process which increases the intake of information while minimising confusion. The result is a fast and easy learning process that really does work. There are 2 version: - a downloadable PDF file (NOT PRINTABLE) - a quality book with a clear conference cover and a hard back bound with Dakota Screws in brass. Details can be found at the SimMarket website.

Livery Expansion Pack 2 For Tu-154M AI Project

Posted: Wednesday, June 11, 2008 - 1:59
This expansion package contents: Livery DDS bitmap files; Siberia/S7 Airlines summer 2008 flight plans; Ural Airlines summer 2008 flight plans; Updated aircraft.cfg file and updated DDS bitmap files for Rossiya and UTair livery. Details can be found at the DBS Studio website.

TBF/TBM Avenger Released

Posted: Wednesday, June 11, 2008 - 1:55
MAAM (Mid-Atlantic Air Museum) Simulations announces the relase of their TBF/TBM Avenger. MAAM-SIM continues its tradition of presenting flight simulator models that are meticulously researched and duplicated to the highest standard. The physical model, flight dynamics, sound, and functionality are as true to the original aircraft as it is possible to get within the framework of Flight Simulator.

The TBM in this FS aircraft add-on package has been designed to duplicate, in appearance, sound, and performance, the TBM-3 Avenger, tail number N109K, owned and operated by the Mid Atlantic Air Museum. It was designed by Grumman, but built by the Eastern Aircraft Division of General Motors. It features MAAM-SIM's signature photo-real textures, inside and out. In addition to the MAAM TBM, we have included four other, different Avenger models in this package with a total of sixteen liveries.

Complete details about this release and to take a look at the screenshots, set your heading to the MAAM website.

SimScape Release F-16 'Block 50' Panel

Posted: Tuesday, June 10, 2008 - 18:28
SimScape is a new development team focused on developing easy-to-use software products to improve your flight simulation experience. SimScape has developed a strong expertise in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 and FSX and may extend its knowledge to Laminar Research X-Plane. The first product is available: an F-16 Block50 panel that includes a brand new Head-Up Display (HUD) developed with a new technology and is packaged with an aircraft so that you get a self-sufficient product with an automatic installer. The aircraft and the panel are freeware, the HUD and the radar are the only paying parts. You are cleared direct to SimScape.

Ship Sim Contest Announced

Posted: Tuesday, June 10, 2008 - 0:48
Matrox Graphics, the supplier of the TripleHead2Go at the AVSIM Conferences, is co-sponsoring the "Sail the Open Sea" contest. Ship Simulation 2008 is the best nautical simulation currently on the market. This true-to-life naval simulation for Windows® includes all new features, such as: multiplayer (LAN and online), a highly customizable mission editor, 16 new ships, and three vast new environments (San Francisco, Marseille and Southampton/ Cowes/ Solent). For contest details and to enter, visit the ‘Sail the Open Sea’ contest webpage.

SceneryTech; South America Landclass Released

Posted: Monday, June 9, 2008 - 21:46
SceneryTech is pleased to announce the launch of their South America Landclass (the 4th continent in a set of 6). This landclass features the same technology found in the previously released North America, Europe, and Asia landclass products, such as reduction of the pervasive use of desert textures as found in the default, a substantial increase in the number of towns and cities, and increased terrain variation. It also includes the "Enhanced Slope Landclass" which activates smoother texture transitions on slopes. More information can be found at SceneryTech's website.

Eurocopter AS 555/AS 355 Released

Posted: Monday, June 9, 2008 - 21:07
CharlieVictor is pleased to announce the release of their Eurocopter AS 555/AS 355 for Flight Simulator 2004. Product features including; Military version AS 555 Fennec civilian version AS 355N Ecureuil2, 8 different models (Passengers, off-shore, ems, fire attack, etc), detailed textures and many high quality paintjobs, full moving parts including: rotorhead, doors, winch, emergency floats, Virtual Cockpit Controls, night lighting inside, full realistic 3D Virtual Cockpit, and real engines stereo sounds.

9 Liveries are included: French Air Force, French EMS, Helicopters Australia, Firefighter of Marseille, Hélilagon, HéliAir Monaco, Helicoptère de France, Westcor Aviation, and Maritime pilot of Dunkerque. For more information, screenshots and details visit the Charlie Victor website.

Airport Design Editor Version 1.3 Released

Posted: Monday, June 9, 2008 - 15:21
ScruffyDuck Software and the ADE Development Team are pleased to announce the release of Airport Design Editor Version 1.30. This deals with some bugs and has other minor changes including a new on line update checker. The main improvements come with Library Objects and Generic Buildings.

ScruffyDuck writes, "Users are now able save any of the 80,000+ generic buildings that can be found in FSX. Once saved they can be re-used at will to enhance other airports or be added at new ones. We think this is much easier that designing buildings from scratch. ADE now has a Library Object Manager and contains a much bigger list of stock library objects than version 1.20. It also allows users to add custom object libraries for use in ADE. A large thumbnail pack is available to compliment the new Version and can be found in the AVSIM FSX Scenery Design Section. Alternatively this version has its own built in screen shot utility to take thumbnails of objects and buildings if you prefer to use your own."

Please note that this is an update to Version 1.20 which must be installed first. For more information about Airport Design Editor please visit Airport Design Editor.

A6 Intruder from RAZBAM

Posted: Monday, June 9, 2008 - 1:58
Senior staff reviewer Jeff Shyluk looks at a recently retired warbird with RAZBAM's A6 Intruder. This review offers a unique perspective, as Jeff had the opportunity to liaise with Stephen Coonts of "Flight of the Intruder" fame.

"The Grumman A-6 Intruder was a low-level all-weather jet bomber for the American military that specialized in aircraft carrier operations. Retired from official service in 1997, the A-6 lives on in legend and now as the legendary RAZBAM Intruder. The RAZBAM Intruder can be added on to FS9 or FSX SP2. If you have FSX with Acceleration, you will enjoy the widest range of options for this aircraft, including compatibility with the Acceleration carrier and custom Missions that feature dropping bombs."

"The RAZBAM Intruder is a shiny, dangerous-looking aircraft that features some excellent modeling and a thrilling, realistic sound set. The flight model displays the power of the Intruder's twin engines. Due to the weight of the aircraft, if you pull too many G's, you will bleed off your airspeed and quickly discover how to stall. Stalls are gentle in the RAZBAM Intruder, and not hard to overcome. The real trick is precision flying at treetop level, in the mud where the action is. The A-6 responds quickly and fearlessly to control inputs, so you don't want to blink if you are coming in hot and low."

"The RAZBAM Intruder comes with six custom-designed Missions, ranging from unrestricted bombing practice to a harrowing mid-air refueling hop to final qualifications as an Intruder pilot with a Check ride. and a bomb run. The Missions are well-designed, but be aware that they are all difficult. Although you can fly the Intruder in Free Flight, you may find that instrument navigation is difficult due to the layout of the cockpit and the partial functionality of the DIANE navigational computer. Despite being an all-weather bomber, the RAZBAM Intruder seems to be at its best under good Visual Flight Rules (VFR) conditions."

Jeff concludes, "overall, the RAZBAM's Intruder wins a lot of points for being fun to fly. The more you learn about the Grumman A-6, the more you will come to appreciate the fine work that went into making the RAZBAM A6 Intruder."

CLS Releases Boeing 747-200/300

Posted: Saturday, June 7, 2008 - 16:25
After a long development time Commercial Level Simulations is very pleased to announce the release of their Boeing 747-200/300 product. Currently only the passenger models and liveries are available, shortly they will release a free expansion for the cargo models, adding even more different liveries to the product.

Lord Howe Island X from Aerosoft

Posted: Saturday, June 7, 2008 - 16:03
Staff reviewer Etienne Martin flies way off the beaten track with his look at Aerosoft's Lord Howe Island X. "This special subtropical destination preserves some 565 square miles (1,476 square km) of unique coral reef, volcanic geology, rainforest fauna and 32 species of birds. The main island itself is only 11km long and 3 km at its widest point, and sports a lagoon 6km long."

"Lord Howe Island is majestic and the virtual re-creation is equally impressive. Arriving at the site is reminiscent of an adventure movie scene, especially on a hazy day where the island just appears from the middle of nowhere. The scenery uses photoreal textures, which are very effective for the sea and vegetation from a distance. The airport and immediate surrounding area are rather detailed, yet the attention to detail can be sporadic outside of a few areas (jetty, some houses, animated birds in the north east). Overall, it makes for a good atmosphere. The FSX AI had aircraft flying in and out of the scenery, including Dash-8s. My add-on AI aircraft package had no problems creating traffic to/from the Island."

"Lord Howe Island is a unique product", comments Etienne about this scenery add-on, "little can describe the approach to the island the first time as it comes into view. The product feels right out of a movie set, reminiscent of the helicopter approach to the island in the movie “Jurassic Park”. The airport is a great place to practice touch and go’s or even launch a seaplane tour with hard to beat visuals. Lord Howe Island X screams to become the perfect demo to neighbors and friends."

STS-99 for Space Shuttle Mission 2007™ Released

Posted: Friday, June 6, 2008 - 19:34
The Space Shuttle Mission 2007 gets the famous Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), STS-99 as a FREE add-on.This mission is particularly interesting for all Flight Simulation fans as it allows you to perform the mission which made possible the high resolution topology sceneries available for PC Flight Simulation software such as Microsoft FSX and Laminar Research X-Plane.

STS-99 started with the Endeavour launch on February 11, 2000 which began the high-resolution data-collection part of the SRTM earth topographic mapping project. The project was spearheaded by NASA and the National Imagery and Mapping Agency, with the cooperation of the German Aerospace Center DLR. During the mission, the Shuttle acquired close to 1 Trillion raw measurements of the Earth's topography, which were later processed, optimized and arranged in a usable and standardized format. The resulting extremely accurate and complete topography database contributed – among others - to better GIS, Flight Simulator Scenery (including MSFS), transportation safety and communication networks optimization.

In the best SSM2007 tradition, the STS-99 free add-on will allow budding Virtual Astronauts to experience the launch, on-orbit mission including the deployment and operation of the special radar equipment, and return to Earth by manually landing the Endeavour at the Kennedy Space Center. The Space Shuttle Mission 2007™ is available online in a downloadable format at the SSM2007 official website.

Real Scenery Airfields - White Waltham

Posted: Friday, June 6, 2008 - 18:47
Just Flight is pleased to announce the release of the second instalment in its series of British airfield sceneries for Flight Simulator X. Real Scenery Airfields - White Waltham re-creates the well-known home of the West London Aero Club - a very popular destination for both real and virtual pilots. Available for download exclusively from Just Flight, Real Scenery Airfields - White Waltham is a fantastic value and a must-have for anyone who wants to experience real GA flying in FSX.

Real Scenery Airfields - Denham, the first out of the blocks, has been very well received by press and public alike and Just Flight's in-house development team has been spurred on by its success. White Waltham has been designed to the highest standards using high resolution aerial images and on-site research; the scenery includes all the major buildings that make White Waltham instantly recognisable.

Among the many unique features of this scenery is snow on the ground during December and January - a first for FSX add-on airports. As well as the authentically-modelled buildings, custom night textures and high resolution mesh, White Waltham boasts static and AI aircraft, people and objects - there are even animated flocks of birds!

Another first for White Waltham is a fully functioning demo version of the airfield that users can try before they buy.

France VFR Releases AI-ATC Radars

Posted: Friday, June 6, 2008 - 18:20
France VFR is proud to announce its latest release - two radars within the same pack: the Radar AI-ATC simulating Air-traffic Control Tour and the On-board radar that is to be taken on board into the aircraft of your choice. Theses products were developed simultaneously for FS2004 and FSX in order to offer the virtual pilot a group of visual information for navigation, such as aircraft type, registration, position, distance, altitude and direction regarding the nearby air traffic evolution (ranges up to 40NM). These pieces of information can be obtained either on the AI traffic during a standalone session or through the participants of a network session. Both radars are fully compatible with the Network sessions native to Microsoft Flight Simulator as well as other widespread severs (IBNet, FSHost). The radar integration is at your fingertips with the specific “Radar Configurator” software provided in the pack. It allows any user (from novice to expert) an easy and rapid integration for adding or removing your on-board radar in two clicks.

Note: this website is in French. Google "france vfr" to translate the website for you.

AVSIM Library on Google Maps

Posted: Friday, June 6, 2008 - 17:53
There is a new website that could be very useful for Simmers who want to discover new Addons from the AVSIM Library. From FS9 database, Map2Explore.com allows you to put on Google Maps and Google Earth some 25,000 airports by their ICAO, their country, their region or their city. On each Placemark, you will find information about the airport and links that allows you to make search directly in AVSIM Library to find Addons for this location. Also, there are links to find videos from Youtube.com, photos from Panoramio.com, and nearest articles from Wikipedia.com, local weather, and more.

Map2Explore.com is a perfect merge between Google Maps and Google Earth with Geonames.org, Wikipedia and Microsoft Flight Simulator databases. The GeoNames database contains over 8,000,000 geographical names corresponding to over 6,500,000 unique features and Wikipedia.org contains up to 230,000 articles. With a special marker from Google Maps (Magic Menu) you can drag it at a location in order to search information about the region like the nearest Wikipedia articles, airports, photos and local geographical features that you can export towards Google Earth. This website is completely free.

Airport Design Editor Updated

Posted: Friday, June 6, 2008 - 17:32
ScruffyDuck Software and the ADE Development Team are delighted to announce the latest update to Airport Design Editor. Version 1.30 contains several fixes and some new functionality. It is available from versions 1.20 thru 1.26 either using the online updater or it can be downloaded from AVSIM. This release is not a full installation and requires version 1.20 or later to already be installed.

Included is a screen capture tool to make thumbnails for library objects or generic buildings; the ability to save any of the 80,000+ generic buildings in FSX and re-use them at will to modify or enhance other airports; a Library Object Manager that allows users to work with object libraries and includes the ability to add and use custom libraries and more.

FSAvidyne Single Engine Turboprop Update

Posted: Friday, June 6, 2008 - 17:18
Flight One Software has updated their FSAvidyne Flight Deck System to support Single Engine Turboprop Aircraft. The complete system integrates virtually all instruments and gauges from today's panels into an easy to manage, colorful display.

The EXP5000 PFD displays standard flight instrumentation including attitude direction indicator (EADI), horizontal situation indicator (EHSI), altitude, airspeed, vertical speed, moving map, terrain, and traffic, on large high resolution displays that are easy-to-read. The MFD displays checklists, terrain and traffic warnings, engine data, and navigation features such as: Airways, Fixes, VOR's, NDB's, Special Use Airspace, Class B,C, & D Airspace, Tower Zones, Obstacles, Obstacles Warnings, TAWS, TAWS Warnings, Traffic, Traffic Warnings, Runway Depictions in Information Pages, and Runway Depictions on Airport Map Icons.

The software package also includes a S-TEC Fifty Five X Autopilot to recreate correct autopilot functionality within the Flight Simulator environment. The update is free for all existing users. The updated version can be downloaded from the Flight One website.