AVSIM Opens the Flight Simulation Wiki!

Posted: Sunday, September 7, 2008 - 21:03
AVSIM is pleased to announce the opening of the AVSIM Flight Simulation Wiki. The FSWiki has been brought online to provide the community with a place to store the history of flight simulation, provide a repository for all things related to flight simulation, and more. Check out the FSWiki, and start contributing your knowledge of our hobby today!

Fastest 3D Cards Go Head-To-Head

Posted: Saturday, September 6, 2008 - 20:04
Tom's Hardware Guide has followed-up on its "Best Cards for the Money - August 2008" feature, with an in-depth test of a range of high-performance video cards. One of the many games covered is Flight Simulator X with SP2 and the results are very interesting. In typical style, the article looks at all the most recent cards and how they perform at different resolutions, their power consumption and 'bang-for-buck'. Not to be missed whether you're a tech-head or simply looking for a little guidance through an area that could reasonably be referred to as...a labyrinth!

The article can be accessed directly via this link. Remember to always do your research - using a number of sources - before committing yourself to a purchase.

VFR London Released For FSX

Posted: Saturday, September 6, 2008 - 15:22
Horizon Simulations is pleased to announce the release of VFR London X for Microsoft FSX (download version). Developed by Horizon Simulations and published by Aerosoft GmbH, the highly-detailed 3D model of the city of London is designed to enhance VFR Generation X.

"...Having been built using an aerial photographic template, it is such an accurate and faithful representation that it is already being used by $multi-billion defense contractors for counter-terrorism and contingency planning for the London 2012 Olympics (among other things). If you want to bring that extra level of realism to your simulation experience, VFR London should, without doubt, be top of your list of FSX add-ons. It has been fully optimized and we've had reports from beta-testers and others, that they get 25fps even set on full density! (Performance will vary depending on your system specification)..."

A download version of this product is now available to purchase and a boxed version will follow shortly. For more information and pricing visit either the Horizon site or the publishers site at Aerosoft GmbH.

Space Shuttle Mission Released

Posted: Friday, September 5, 2008 - 21:17
SSM 2007 has released: The Space Shuttle Mission 2007™. In the best SSM2007 tradition, budding astronauts can experience first-hand: the historical lift-off; in-orbit ops - including the SYNCOM deployment; rendezvous, capture and berthing of LDEF; re-entry; and of course, manually landing the Shuttle at Edwards AFB.

STS-32 was a complex and unusually long mission for the time. It started with Columbia's launch on January 9th, 1990 with a payload including SYNCOM IV-F5 – a DoD Communications Satellite. After the DoD mission, Columbia's crew have to capture, berth and bring back to Earth, the LDEF NASA satellite which was deployed during STS-41C six years earlier (STS-41C is also available in SSM 2007). For further details or to download the latest demo visit the SSM 2007 official website.

CLS 747-200/-300 Service Pack Two Available

Posted: Thursday, September 4, 2008 - 20:50
Commercial Level Simulations is extremely proud to announce the release of Service Pack 2 for our Boeing 747-200/300 product. This Service pack includes several fixes as well as the additional of the INS (next to the LITE FMC).

Also available now is the free expansion package with the cargo models! This will add up to 9 extra models to your package for endless fun. We will start adding liveries for the cargo models today and they all should be online shortly. We would like to thank all our customers for their patience and please enjoy the greatly improved product!

This product will also be available on DVD with printed manual by publisher Just Flight.

FTX AU BLUE Free Demo Version

Posted: Thursday, September 4, 2008 - 20:48
Orbx has today released a free demo version of its acclaimed FTX AU BLUE terrain addon, covering the entire state of Tasmania in Australia's south. This area covers 16,000 square kilometres (larger than Northern Ireland) and is fully functional without any time limits, so anyone can explore this picturesque island at their leisure. The season is locked to spring only, but everything else including the 3D lights, coastlines, traffic, roads, rivers, vertical obstruction - all the FTX features are completely activated so you can experience it for yourself. Orbx has also included their YMLT Launceston airport in the installer, which is a payware quality photoreal scenery addon that makes an ideal base to explore the "Apple Isle". You can download the FTX demo for free from Orbx

AVSIM Unofficial Saturday Night Social

Posted: Thursday, September 4, 2008 - 1:39
The AVSIM Board of Directors will be meeting in Washington DC this weekend. If you happen to be in the area and would like to stop by to say hello and share in a social libation, you can meet the Senior Team at the Hilton in Herndon, VA (13869 Park Center Rd).

We look forward to seeing those that wish to share stories, toss bouquets or throw pies. (Figuratively, of course). While the hurricanes are pounding the proposed conference site in Florida, hopefully we will only see minor rain in DC.

We hope to see some familiar faces Saturday Sept 6, 6:30 pm at the Herndon Hilton.

Boeing B-52 Stratofortress For PRE-Flight

Posted: Wednesday, September 3, 2008 - 12:40
PRE-Flight have announced the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress for PRE-Flight RC Simulator is now available. The "Stratofortress" or BUFF (Big Ugly Fat Fellow) as its called by the Air Force, first entered operations in 1955 and is projected to become the longest operational aircraft of all time due to the Air Force's intention to keep the B-52 in service until 2040. Designed to "exceed all expectations" of its initial conception, the BUFF broke many records of endurance, speed and altitude in the first few decades of its life. Its ultra-high reliability has earned it an 80% mission-capable rate - the highest of any aircraft on record. This super scale PRE-Flight model of the B-52 has moveable control surfaces and unique retractable landing gear, which, like the real aircraft, can pivot 20 degrees outward. To download this and other models visit PRE-Flight

Wilco Publishing Announces Updates

Posted: Wednesday, September 3, 2008 - 1:29
TOWER SIMULATOR : Version 1.2 is now out. List of improvements and Upgrade can be found at the Tower Sim website.

E-JETS SERIES : Version 1.5 is now out. The upgrade file and a list of improvements can be found at the Wilco Publishing website.

Eaglesoft FSX Cirrus SR22G2 Free Upgrade

Posted: Tuesday, September 2, 2008 - 11:41
EagleSoft releases FSX SR22 Free Update to Full FSX/SP2/DX10 Compliance. Additionally this Upgrade adds Scimitar Prop and 16:9 Ratio Widescreen Panels and VC Window Tint toggle, spot view dolly as well as enhancements to the model and its performance, reduced drawcalls, graphics card friendly 1024 X 1024 dds used textures throughout to ensure optimum framerates. This FSX SR22 Upgrade is provided at NO COST to owners of the original FSX Cirrus SR22, current owners may simply redownload and reinstall using their original Key and Password. For a look at this release visit the EagleSoft hanger.

P-38 Lightning from Just Flight

Posted: Tuesday, September 2, 2008 - 2:14
New staff reviewer Colin McFadden takes the "Fork-tailed Devil" for a test flight with Just Flight/Aeroplane Heaven's version of the P-38 Lightning.

"Aeroplane Heaven created a beautiful model. There is a large array of animated features on the P38 Lightning. Animated features include the window hatch (main exit), flaps, landing gear, propeller mixture, operating guns, opening gun and camera bays; this is on top of all the normal animations you would expect in any aircraft."

"This add-on is a virtual cockpit only aircraft. When you finally hop in, you will see a bunch of switches and steam gauges, and of course, the always recognizable throttle quadrant. The documentation labels almost every gauge and switch inside of the virtual cockpit. It is a very well laid out cockpit, and after a couple days of familiarization, you’ll be a pro!"

"After flying the flight simulator version of this aircraft, you’ll quickly find out this is no Airbus or Boeing! It takes a lot of getting used to, as many aspects of flight can be very difficult if you don’t read the documentation. For the most efficient flight, you need to manage your engine and speed according to your altitude."

"The P38 Lightning by Just Flight/Aeroplane Heaven is a highly detailed, smooth, and frame rate friendly FS2004 aircraft add-on. This title could run on most systems without much lag or jerkiness. If you enjoy flying WWII aircraft, I wouldn’t hesitate for a second in telling you to get this P38 Lightning."

The Library Needs Your Support

Posted: Tuesday, September 2, 2008 - 0:23
The AVSim File Library has a volunteer Library Technician opening. Duties include reviewing files, and communicating with AVSIM supporters. Individuals interested must be able to check pending files and e-mail frequently (generally at least twice a day, 4-7 days a week). After successful training and an observation period, you will then change titles to Library Manager. There is no set schedule, it's strictly upon availability. All interested applicants, please be familiar with e-mail and with a web browser. Serious applicants, please e-mail Chase Kreznor, Library Executive Director, with some basic information about yourself, any questions you may have for us, and how you could help give back to this wonderful community!

To demonstrate the level of convenience of serving with AVSIM, some of our library managers are even able to check in while at their jobs during quiet periods of time. The position also holds some very challenging and rewarding moments to be had. If you have applied in the past, we ask that you please resubmit your request. This will show you are still interested, rather than following up with an enormous amount of individuals. Thank you for your consideration.

Bellance Viking Collection from Lionheart Creations

Posted: Saturday, August 30, 2008 - 19:20
Staff reviewer Jason McKee looks at Lionheart Creations' Bellanca Viking Collection. "The Bellanca Super Viking and Turbo Viking is a throwback to older times when wood, steel tube and fabric were the main materials of choice for building fast and strong aircraft. But the aircraft are as strong and as fast as some of the more contemporary aircraft made of more exotic materials."

"The aircraft looks nice and round, with no sharp edges where there should not be sharp edges. The FS2004 model has also been given the same polish, but due to the limitations of FS2004, it is slightly less polished than the FSX version. The virtual cockpit is a model in its own right and looks just like a well maintained, but well used, aircraft should."

"The panels of the Super Viking and Turbo Viking are close to a factory produced aircraft with the primary instruments on the left hand side and radios on the right. You can fly the aircraft from the right, but you will be looking to the left at the primary instruments, as with most aircraft of this type. Animations abound inside the virtual cockpit."

"The airfile of the Viking is a work of art. Yes, I think of airfiles as art. The airfiles of the Viking are great. It flies within the specifications as published by the manufacturer and websites I have found. The sounds of the Viking are realistic. Flaps and gear sounds are accurate and nicely add to the cockpit ambiance."

"I really enjoyed flying the Viking," says Jason, "it is a smooth and fast four seater that has good short field performance. This has become one of my favorite aircraft to cruise around in. The Viking is an aircraft that would suit anyone who loves GA aircraft or those heavy metal fliers who want a bit of a change. I'd highly recommend this package to anyone."

A2A Simulations Release Patch And New Aircraft

Posted: Friday, August 29, 2008 - 18:20
A2A Simulations, has released a patch for their Wings of POWER II: P47 “Thunderbolt” for FSX. This patch is to correct issues related to the P47 found in the WWII FIGHTERS pack for FSX only and as such is not needed for those who are running FS2004. Features addressed by the patch include: