Free Flight Sim Video

Posted: Tuesday, October 7, 2008 - 0:46
Jaggyroad Films is pleased to announce the release of their latest non-commercial video which is appropriately named High Stakes. High Stakes has been on and off production since March 2008 and features lots of style, great music and many never seen before effects in a Flight Simulator video. High Stakes has been a labor of love since its inception and highlights many add-ons throughout the Flight Simulator X community. High Stakes comes to the community free of charge for your viewing pleasure. The film is under the Non-Commercial Films. Jaggyroad Films is an independent company which specializes but is not limited to Flight Simulator video production.

Tower Simulator from Wilco Publishing

Posted: Saturday, October 4, 2008 - 16:58
Senior staff reviewer Gene Davis takes on the role of an air traffic controller as he secludes himself inside Wilco Publishing's Tower Simulator. "Tower Simulator comes with 5 different airports and a long list of air traffic ranging from commercial airliners to general aviation aircraft, as well as realistic airline schedules to each of the 5 different airports. The five airports that are included in the Tower Simulator game are: Orange County (KSNA); Chicago O’ Hare (KORD); Princess Juliana (TNCM); Paris Charles de Gaulle (LFPG); and finally Munich (EDDM). Each controller is graded on his or her performance and how well he or she handles certain types of situations after each scenario has ended. Weather can be set prior to each session, as well as the time of day and the number of runways one wants to handle during one setting."

"Upon booting up Tower Simulator I found myself at an old favorite and that was TNCM, and what I first saw was really disappointing. The graphics looking out onto the landscape looked pre-FS9. It was choppy and did not really reflect the beauty of TNCM, at least the beauty that I have come to expect and see often in FSX, or FS9 for that matter! The next step is learning the displays and what each one accomplishes. The first is the ATC window that displays the aircraft in your specific area in flight, the other is a display that shows a diagram of the airport and the third shows the a tape board that illustrates the arriving and departing aircraft and the relevant flight information for each. The other display is actually the control menu, or text command window as I like to call it, and this is where you will spend most of your time!"

"A couple of weeks after doing the above, it was all I could do to even want to get back into Tower Simulator. Tower Simulator had a savior for me though and that was in the form of Voice Buddy. After reading a blurb somewhere about how Voice Buddy would work with Tower Simulator, I found myself on the Voice Buddy Site and downloading the newest version of that particular add-on. I spent a great deal of time trying to make Voice Buddy and Tower Simulator work together and at one point I even went back through the Voice Training just to see if I missed something."

"For a product like this you need something to pull you in and usually it is something like sound that does this. At each location you do have audible environment sounds like cars, birds and ocean, but what is the real catcher, is the sound of the planes landing and taking off. There really should have been more emphasis in the sound department on each individual aircraft, especially the big jets."

"I think the hard core ATC simmers will get past the text commands and will find some enjoyment out of it and see it for what it is. But for the amateur or casual simmer that wants to try something a little different, I think he or she will find themselves in the same boat as I am and on the fence about how he or she feels about Tower Simulator. But the biggest factor has to be that of patience. Learn it, use it and then make a decision."

Advanced Flight Tracking System

Posted: Saturday, October 4, 2008 - 16:22
SimFly.EU and its very popular AFTS system have had high demand from its users to produce a version that is backward compatible with FS2004. We are pleased to announce this software is available today. The AFTS (Advanced Flight Tracking System) allows you to stream live data to our powerful processing servers, this allows real-time tracking, hour counting, as well as access to a massive array of tools and utilities all working from live data! Also supplied are all the features needed to run and manage a Virtual Airline including economic based financials, fleet management, pilot management, the list is virtually endless. The AFTS System has until now only catered for FSX Pilots, however now FS2004 users can take the same, full advantage of this completely free software. You can download either the FS2004 or FSX versions of the AFTS Client from SimFly.EU.

Space Shuttle Mission Releases Wiki

Posted: Friday, October 3, 2008 - 18:13
A group of SSM2007 gurus have created an independent Wiki with tons of useful information which helps in completing SSM2007 missions successfully. The Wiki contains explanations and videos about various procedures such as RMS operations, rendezvous, docking, landing and full checklists for every current SSM2007 mission. In addition, the gurus have opened a TeamSpeak channel for regular meetings during real NASA Shuttle launches and missions and for discussions regarding SSM2007 missions.

The Wiki and TeamSpeak is run and maintained by a team of volunteers and is updated on a daily basis. The Wiki, aptly called "Space Shuttle Mission – Community Wiki", can be found at SSM-Fans . The TeamSpeak channel is accessible from the Wiki itself to all legal SSM2007 owners.

Orbix Goes Australian Green

Posted: Friday, October 3, 2008 - 18:08
Orbx is pleased to announce the release of FTX AU GREEN, the largest and most complex custom land class terrain region for Australia to date. A massive technical challenge for the team, Holger Sandmann's innovative use of GIS data has resulted in one of the most diverse geographical regions ever constructed for flight simulation.

AU GREEN begins at the Pacific Ocean on the tropical far north Queensland coast, extends across to Darwin and the "top end", and finally meets the Indian ocean on the western side of the country. Containing the Great Barrier Reef, the lush tropics, the rich northern wilderness and the harsh red central desert at its southern border, it is a vast, magical, chameleon-like area with a kaleidoscope of color. Please visit the Orbx website for more information.

DC-3 Airways To Host World Rally

Posted: Friday, October 3, 2008 - 1:22
DC-3 Airways is again hosting its very popular World Rally which will take place from 18th October to 16th November 2008. Ten carefully selected flights from around the world will offer a variety of mildly challenging adventures. Rules are few, but one very important requirement is that all World Rally flights be made in a variation of the Douglas DC-3. It is expected, also, that every entrant will have the ability to fly this aircraft properly (virtually, of course) and will be competent in NDB and VOR navigation.

The World Rally is not a race and there will be no winners; instead, a specifically designed recording system will allow you to compare your overall performance relative to other entrants. For full information and to enroll in this fun event, go to DC-3 Airways website and click on WR2008 on the menu bar. You will be given a very warm welcome.

Fokker 70/100 Service Pack 1 Released

Posted: Friday, October 3, 2008 - 1:19
Flight One Software, in partnership with Digital Aviation, would like to announce the official release of Service Pack 1 for the Fokker 70/100 Simulation product. The Fokker 70/100 Simulation is an advanced systems simulation of the Fokker 70 and 100 jet airliners.

FTX AU Green Released

Posted: Friday, October 3, 2008 - 1:11
Orbx is pleased the announce the release of FTX AU GREEN, the largest and most complex custom landclass terrain region for Australia to date. A massive technical challenge for the team, Holger Sandmann's innovative use of GIS data has resulted in one of the most diverse geographical regions ever constructed for flight simulation. AU GREEN begins at the Pacific Ocean on the tropical far north Queensland coast, extends across to Darwin and the "top end", and finally meets the Indian ocean on the western side of the country. Containing the Great Barrier Reef, the lush tropics, the rich northern wilderness and the harsh red central desert at its southern border, it is a vast, magical, chameleon-like area with a kaleidoscope of colour. AU GREEN is a landclass and texture tour de force and will take months to fully explore. Please visit the Orbx website for more information.

A380v2 from Wilco / HannoverX from Aerosoft

Posted: Thursday, October 2, 2008 - 2:44
Staff reviewer Jon Murchison takes a look at the Airbus A380 from Wilco Publishing and takes it from it's home base and landing it at Aerosoft's HannoverX. "Hannover International Airport comes to flightsim, and specifically FSX, courtesy of the team who created the original German Airports series and who are now behind the development of German Airports 2; with HannoverX being the first release in this new series designed with the advancements both FS2004 and FSX have to offer in mind. The A380 is no different, with various versions from both the freeware community and payware developers coming online over the past few years. I wanted to learn more about this aircraft, so I was keen to see what Wilco have come up with in their version of the A380. "

Jon has produced an extensive, detailed combination review of this aircraft and scenery. It is well worth your while to read the complete details of both these titles. While putting the A380 through a test flight while enroute from its homebase in Toulouse, France to Hannover, Germany, Jon has merged the presentation of these two titles.

His final comments of each read, "The Wilco A380 is a mixture of high aspirations but average implementation, with many ‘faults’ that should never have got past the beta testers. While I was impressed with the functionality of the 2D cockpit, the VC really doesn’t stack up to what you expect from payware products these days. Externally, the model is very good, yes it’s let down by some poor animation in the leading edge slats and strange emissive qualities on cargo doors, but overall the sheer size of this aircraft and its shape have been captured well. I’m not convinced the flight dynamics are where they need to be, she flies heavy and that seems to contradict what pilots are saying and what I have seen in video footage of the aircraft's ability to respond quickly. Overall, I was disappointed with the A380, particularly when the majority of the issues it has could have been so easily fixed prior to release. It's still worth a look if you’re an Airbus fan, but there are other options if your keen to own an A380."

"HannoverX is a great scenery package. While it doesn’t use the FSX SDK to its full potential (no animated jetways is a pet peeve for me and a few reflective windows would be nice) it certainly doesn’t detract from what is a comprehensive and highly detailed representation of this airport. The level of detail is excellent, the development is sensible in regards to what appears in your field of view to maximize performance, and the photoreal nature of the buildings and ground textures gives you a realistic experience. The developers of German Airports are clearly back. If they keep producing scenery of this calibre, German and European simmers who operate in this part of the world will find little reason to leave the homeland."

So take a tour of Wilco Publishing's A380; inside and out, from the flightdeck to the passenger cabin. Then step outside as you arrive in Hannover and tour Aerosoft's HannoverX in all its detail.

World's Scariest Runways

Posted: Thursday, October 2, 2008 - 1:04
A recent article found on CNN.com's Travel and Leisure section had an interesting insight into the top 10 scariest runways that real world pilots have to content with. I think we've seen some of these within the flight sim world as well.

"According to aviation experts, mitigating factors range from the truncated length of runways to unique atmospheric and meteorological conditions, dramatic geographical settings, heavy air traffic, or a combination thereof. "Sometimes it's just the way the airport is laid out that makes it a pain," says a pilot, referring to whether an airport is situated askew."

Flight 1 Partners With Alpha Simulations

Posted: Thursday, October 2, 2008 - 0:43
Flight1 is excited to announce its partnership with renowned flight simulation developers, Alpha Simulations. The first release available from Flight1 (in both download and boxed editions) is AlphaSim's acclaimed simulation of the Hawker Hunter.

The legendary Hawker Hunter is one of the most admired fighter aircraft of all time and its beautiful lines have often resulted in it being referred to as the Spitfire of the jet age. Designed by Sir Sidney Camm, an engineer whose designs span biplane to jump jet, the Hunter is a remarkable machine. The Rolls Royce Avon will propel you at Mach 0.94 at sea level, and let you climb at no less than 10,500ft/min to 'touch the face of God' at 51,000ft. Hunters were the chosen mount of the famous Black Arrows, their livery one of many in this simulation. Their 22-plane formation loop, set a record which stands to this day.

Developed by AlphaSim for FS2004 and FSX this new simulator is now available on general release. It includes subtle reflectivity, bump mapping, self-shadowing and bloom and even signs of weathering. The static realization includes the cockpit ladder engine covers and pitot tags. The speedbrake is restricted to operate only with wheels up - just as in the real Hunter. The simulation covers 7 unique variants and 8 texture sets including the Black Arrows, and the famous Swiss air force examples where the pilots were often part-time and the runways empty motorways! Looking into the cockpit the auto-animated avatar even has correct insignia on his arm patches.

For complete details, visit the Flight 1 website.

Tocumen for FS9/FSX-SP2 Released

Posted: Wednesday, October 1, 2008 - 12:58
Tocumen International Airport can now be part of your schedules, both for FS9 and FSX-SP2, brought for you by TropicalSim. Tocumen is located 15 miles from Panama City and went under a major expansion and renovation program in order to become bigger and more modern. It is the busiest airport in Central America, and a major hub for all the Caribbean region. TropicalSim achieves it`s 14th FSX airport and for those who still use FS9, this is our 43rd Caribbean airport.

Skysim Release Bunker Hill AFB

Posted: Tuesday, September 30, 2008 - 21:15
The scenery SDB design team at Skysim is pleased to announce their latest military airbase, Bunker Hill AFB, Indiana, USA. Although now known as Grissom ARB (in honor of the astronaut Gus Grissom, who perished in the Apollo 1 launch pad fire), this scenery is set during the height of the Cold War around 1959. At that time Bunker Hill AFB was home to the mighty Convair B-58 of the 305th Bomb Wing, Strategic Air Command. As you would expect, these incredible supersonic bombers are a major feature of this scenery and perform regular AI operations 24/7, along with their attendant KC-135 tankers. As well as these fascinating AI operations, Bunker Hill is provided with many custom made buildings and ancillary ground vehicles giving the scenery owners a real taste of SAC operations from almost half a century ago.

As with their previous sceneries, the team has struck a good balance between detailing and performance, giving you an accurate rendition of the airbase, without punishing average PC systems. This scenery is available in a single download, with both FSX and FS2004 versions included in the package; a perfect solution for FS2004 users who intend to upgrade to FSX in the future.

Project Airbus Release A318

Posted: Tuesday, September 30, 2008 - 21:13
Project Airbus has released its latest project, the Airbus A318. The Baby Bus may be less popular with airlines but is certainly considered special. The model contains features such as: opening passenger and cargo doors, animated pack inlets and outflow valves, all operable control surfaces, flexing wings, detailed flap tracks and slat tracks, hydraulics modelled on spoilers and landing gear doors.

Fokker Dr.1 Triplane Released

Posted: Tuesday, September 30, 2008 - 12:01
Easily the most famous of all World War I planes, the Fokker Dreidecker, was designed by Reinhold Platz and built by Fokker-Flugzeugwerke as a response to the success of the British Sopwith Triplane. Used to deadly effect by Manfred von Richthofen (aka "The Red Baron"), the plane gained notoriety beyond what was actually a very frail and unstable aircraft.The secret of the Triplane's performance in combat was its powerful elevator and rudder. The gyroscopic effect from the rotary engine enabled the tiny plane to make right turns and dives faster than any enemy fighters. Although finally made obsolete by the higher speeds of later planes, the Triplane probably marks the highest point in fighter maneuverability. This super scale PRE-Flight model of the Triplane has moveable control surfaces, a realistic Oberursel rotary engine, and highly detailed weaponry. To download this and other models, visit PRE-Flight RC Flight Simulator.

Southern Lakes Adventure: Wanaka & Tekapo

Posted: Sunday, September 28, 2008 - 17:34
'Southern Lakes Adventure: Wanaka & Tekapo' for FSX covers two South Island of New Zealand lake areas and airfields, from here you can explore the Southern Alps or take part in the 'Warbirds Over Wanaka' airshow. Single and multi-player races are included, as well as some FSX missions to help you explore the area. Available on CD or as a download. Visit Godzone Virtual Flight for details.

Authentic 737 NG Yoke Available

Posted: Sunday, September 28, 2008 - 16:43
Now you can fly the Boeing 737 NG how it's meant to be flown. Aircraft Controls Engineering (ACE) has announced the availability of an all metal, specially powder coated, fully realistic 737 Yoke. It has been under development for over two years. Matured to perfection with help from Boeing, various pilots and flight-simulator enthusiasts. With design tolerances of +/- 0.20 mm, the 737 Yoke provides authentic functionality, precision and stability. You also get true "plug-n-play" connectivity through USB for easy installation on multiple platforms without the need for any custom drivers. For complete details visit the Aircraft Controls Engineering website.

FSX C-130 Hercules Released

Posted: Saturday, September 27, 2008 - 15:41
Just Flight is very pleased to announce that C-130 Hercules, one of its most popular titles of recent years, has returned from an extensive re-fit in the Captain Sim workshops and is now released. Existing owners of Just Flight's FS2004 version of C-130 Hercules can get an upgrade disc to add the FSX version to their existing package. The upgrade is available exclusively from Just Flight's website.

C-130 Hercules is the result of over 6,000 hours of meticulous development. It is undoubtedly the most sophisticated re-creation of a military aircraft to grace the simulated skies. Staggering graphics and a superb array of detailed animations are mated to an accurate flight model that has been tested by Hercules crews. It has now been in for a major refit at the Captain Sim development studio and returns fully re-worked for Flight Simulator X with Acceleration, SP2, DX10 Preview and Vista compatibility. The Just Flight package includes E, H J and Gunship variants in 28 authentic liveries. C-130 Hercules also includes a huge printed manual and is fully licensed by Lockheed Martin and the Royal Air Force.

Real 737NG Simulator

Posted: Saturday, September 27, 2008 - 15:33
Horizon Aviation, based in Toronto, Canada launched it's first fully functioning 737NG Simulator. Horizon is the first company in North America to offer the general public the experience and thrill of operating a jet airliner. Modeled after Boeing's 737-800, the fixed base simulator has a full visual system and realistic controls, systems and functions. Pilots can select a range of different packages which will give them the ability to pilot the airliner around or between their favourite cities, or run real world airliner scenarios to test their skill.

Reality XP Launches New Website

Posted: Saturday, September 27, 2008 - 15:22
Reality XP is a leading next-gen simulation services, technology and system integration provider, offering a broad portfolio of products and services for Microsoft Flight Simulator and Enterprise Simulator Platform (ESP). Reality XP's services expertise includes helping businesses develop simulation products, analyzing how developers can most efficiently create simulation content with the Flightsim platforms and leveraging individual talents to publish simTainment™ products. For a complete list of Reality XP flight sim products visit their redesigned webpage.