PC Aviator Releases MegaSceneryX: Phoenix

Posted: Tuesday, March 6, 2007 - 20:48
Now available on DVD from Megascenery is the city of Phoenix, Arizona. 7,000 square miles of the surrounding area has also been recreated from aerial photos which will get you a real visual flying experience on FSX. For more information please visit the Megascenery website.

New Sound Developer Announces Products

Posted: Monday, March 5, 2007 - 22:19
In a news submission today, Turbine Sound Studios opens its doors with 2 payware releases and many freeware packages. TSS is a brand new group taking experience and success from many areas of the Flight Sim community

TSS is dedicated to researching and, in many cases, going out into the field and recording sounds live from real commercial, military and GA aircraft. The press release continues: "We are able to provide sounds,to payware AND freeware groups, as well as individuals for projects. In addition to this we will also be producing payware and freeware Soundpacks for you to put into your favorite aircraft" To find out more about these new sound sets, visit the TSS Website.

Phantom Appears In Video Over Italy

Posted: Monday, March 5, 2007 - 22:18
With the ever increasing use of video capture in Flight Simulators, Trinacria Entertainment has announced its first video which depicts the Cloud9 Phantom. The press release goes on to say: "The video has been captured during a formation flight from Tunisia to Italy, landing at the military airport of Sigonella."You can download the Phantom 4 Video by clicking on the link. Be warned, that it is a 200mb download.

US National Landclass for FSX

Posted: Sunday, March 4, 2007 - 23:27
Justin Tyme of FSGenesis comments about the US National Lanclass project. "This product is derived from the brand-new NLCD 2001, rather than the old NLCD 1992, and was natively-compiled with the FSX resample, which allows for enhanced control over the resampling process which has eliminated an intermediary resampling step allow for direct output from the source data and eliminated the artifacts that plagued the FS200x version, requiring hundreds of hours of tedious hand-editing. Consequently, this FSX version is far-advanced at initial release than the FS2004 version was. As well, the output BGL from the FSX resample appears to be about 50% smaller than output from the FS2004 resample, allowing for both less disk space and better loading performance."

Complete details of this latest FSGenesis release can be found at their website.

Airports Of The Dominican Republic

Posted: Sunday, March 4, 2007 - 3:12
New staff reviewer Robert Mariani takes us on a carribean trip to the island of the Dominican Republic as presented by Dominican Aerodromes. "Christopher Columbus found it, claimed it, and explored it on his first voyage in 1492. The island became a springboard for the Spanish conquest of the Caribbean and American mainland. These days the Spanish, and others, are still coming, albeit onboard Boeings and Airbuses versus the Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria."

"This package consists of seven airports, but you can have two of those for free. The author has released Santo Domingo La Isabela (MDJB) and Santiago Cibao (MDST) as freeware sometime ago, and four other ones (Punta Cana - MDPC, Puerto Plata – MDPP, Las Americas – MDSD and La Romana – MDLR) have feature-limited demos in the AVSIM library. Finally, there is the MDSI or San Isidro Air Base."

"Las Americas International Airport, the largest and busiest airport, is the main airport of the country, it sees 747’s, 777’s and A-340’s regularly. In real life, many of the European, North and South American passenger and cargo airlines fly there. MDSD, or Las Americas, is highly detailed in this add-on and features animated marshallers, animated gates, and service trucks that are activated by setting the NAV2 frequency to 112.00. In addition, the surrounding area is customized to represent real life as much as possible."

"Punta Cana’s single runway is 10,171 feet long (3,100 m), which is also more than enough to accommodate jumbos in real life. Just like Las Americas, Punta Cana offers many details and a uniquely shaped passenger terminal that is very well reproduced. Other notable features at this airport are; the perimeter fencing, subtle apron lighting, some static GA airplanes, detailed parking lots, and main road with light poles on the backside of the airport."

"Puerto Plata is another resort town on the northern Dominican coast, with capability to support all types of commercial air traffic with its 10,108 ft. (3081 m.) long runway. Some static GA planes are sprinkled around, and night lighting is done well here, as is on all the other airports."

"The first thing I noticed about La Romana is the way the runway is textured. Gone is the grey or black of the concrete and asphalt and instead there is the creamy beige runway. The distance markers on the runway are barely noticeable, as they do not offer much contrast to the light shaded runway covering. Plenty of detail at this airport as well, good night lighting, and animated folks ready to wave you in to your parking position."

"The San Isidro Air Base is not documented, or at least I could not find a manual for it, but it is mentioned on the developer’s website. It features plenty of static aircraft and an opening hangar, as well as detailed portions of the highway leading to the airport and some custom power lines that can be seen behind the buildings. Unlike all other airports, this one has two runways."

After this whirlwind tour of the Dominican Republic, Robert sums up this scenery review with, "while on the ground or within the airports approach path, the drop in fluidity and slow performance of my system reduced the previously high excitement levels significantly. If you have the system that can deal with all the eye candy, or you don’t mind the slowish performance on final, this scenery is the only choice as far as the area covered is concerned. I think the scenery could have been better optimized. However, I applaud the authors for the enormous amount of detail, as well as the great demo policy and two freeware airports they provide."

FSWidgets Electronic Flight Bag for FSX

Posted: Sunday, March 4, 2007 - 2:25
FSWidgets, creators of gadgets for MS Flight Simulator and X-Plane, have released the FSX version of their Electronic Flight Bag (EFBFSX) solution. This is one of the first applications of its kind to use the new SimConnect API for FSX.

The EFBFSX is a simulated avionics unit that allows you to display an unlimited number of aviation documents such as aircraft operating manuals, performance data, sectionals, approach charts and checklists, all from within Flight Simulator X. It also includes a moving map with FSX flight plan overlay, "heads-up" audio checklist support, the ability to connect to real-time weather radar, satellite images and other online resources. It will also display the FSX NAV log for the currently loaded flight plan.

A free demo version can be downloaded at the FSWidgets website as well as all the details of this latest release.

P-38 Lightnings Updated For FSX

Posted: Saturday, March 3, 2007 - 20:04
Sky Unlimited has updated their P-38 Lightnings of WWII
Volume 1 For FSX. Some features included:

*Four Highly Detailed versions of the P-38. Included in volume 1 are the P-38J, P-38K, P-38L, and F-5E.
*Beautifully rendered virtual cockpits, created in the most stunning detail, with virtually everything animated and labeled.
*Fifteen highly detailed and historically accurate paint schemes.

Too many features to completely list them all. For more detailed information of festures and screenshots please check out this Legacy of the Sky at Sky Unlimted.

New T-6 Texan/ Harvard Trainer From Alphasim

Posted: Saturday, March 3, 2007 - 16:30
Alphasim release the T-6 Texan/ Harvard Trainer with several different paint schemes including the US Navy SNJ-5, USAF AT-6F & T-6G, RCAF Harvard 4 and an RAF Harvard 2. Custom startup effects and a photorealistic panel are just some of the features available on this new design from Alphasim. Taxi on over to Alphasim and view some screenshots and get more detailed information on this trainer aircraft.

Sky Simulations Releases MD-11 Service Pack1

Posted: Saturday, March 3, 2007 - 16:21
Sky Simulations has updated their MD-11. One of the basics of the update was the flight dynamics; which have been updated and refined, making the aircraft easier to fly. The Fuel system has been upgraded, now with this, the system administrates in a more efficient way the fuel consumption. The exterior model has been modified too, adding more details. Also a pair of utilities have been released: The Paintkit, and two Payload Models (Freighter and passengers version) to be used with FS Passengers For more information and to download this update please browse the MD11 Product page at Sky Simulations

Exciting News from Microsoft, FSX

Posted: Friday, March 2, 2007 - 20:03
Microsoft has some exiting news to share as of this afternoon! The ACES team has been busy working away on the next two updates for Flight Simulator X; Service Pack 1 and the DirectX 10 update, but they also wanted to give you a first look at something even bigger that’s coming soon. This fall, Microsoft will be releasing their first expansion pack in years: Flight Simulator X: Adrenaline!

Microsoft ACES Team writes, "This latest addition to the award-winning “Flight Simulator” franchise will introduce new features, including multi player air racing, new missions, and all-new aircraft, including the legendary P-51 Mustang. Building on the rich visuals and amazing realism of our platform, Flight Simulator X: Adrenaline will be available this holiday season for Flight Simulator X customers running either Windows XP or Windows Vista. In addition, Flight Simulator X: Adrenaline will take advantage of Windows Vista and DirectX 10 to deliver breathtaking graphics and dynamic environments for an even more immersive experience."

Service Pack 1 for Flight Simulator X is tentatively scheduled for an April release and will include a targeted set of performance and content enhancements to address the most common customer requests. In addition, work continues on the DirectX 10 visual update for Flight Simulator X, which will be available as a free download around the launch of Flight Simulator X: Adrenaline. Keep an eye right here on Avsim.com for further details!!

Perfect Flight Goes Heavy

Posted: Friday, March 2, 2007 - 14:08
Perfect Flight releases Fly The Heavies for Flight Simulator X and FS2004. Fly The Heavies includes: Airbus A380 Edelweiss and Northwest Airlines, Boeing 747 Air France and Malaysia Airlines, Boeing 777 Continental and Singapore Airlines, Lockheed L1011 Tristar Pan Am and United Airlines, McDonnell Douglas MD-11 Alitalia and American Airlines and fully animated moving parts with interior views.

Cockpit views includes right and left seat, radio stack, overhead panel, and engine controls. Also included are Fs-X Camera, missions and adventures; enjoy the product using 16 new missions designed by using the new Flight Simulator X features (but you can also use it in FS2004 as ABL Adventures are included in the FS2004 Version). Experience an emergency landing or a bumpy ILS approach, evaluate your crosswind technique or challenge your self in a visual approach to Kai Tak old airport, landing in bad weather condition or take the control of you heavy plane in an IFR flight. Visit Perfect Flight for more info, screenshots or to watch a Video clip of Fly The Heavies.

Carenado Makes All Releases FSX Compatible

Posted: Friday, March 2, 2007 - 13:49
In a letter from Carenado, Fernando Herrera writes, "On March 1st, 2007 Carenado announced that since today every of its aircrafts includes a specific patch that makes each aircraft compatible with FSX." In addition, patches are available for every Carenado’s customer “Update and patches” section. These specific patches are the only ones needed in order to run a Carenado’s aircraft in FSX without any problem. The only aircraft that does not have a patch is the Piper Cherokee, which will be re-launched in a couple of weeks with enhanced features and at a new price. This patch replaces the one released in November, 2006. For more information visit Carenado's Website.

DreamFleet Releases Piper Archer III

Posted: Friday, March 2, 2007 - 13:46
DreamFleet and Reality XP are pleased to announce the release of the Piper Archer III for FS2004 (FS9). Based on the real Archer III, the latest version produced by Piper Aircraft, and one that is owned by a former Pan Am pilot, the DreamFleet Archer III is the first-ever FS GA aircraft to feature a complete set of Reality XP's smooth running Flight Line T and Flight Line N gauges in both the 2D panels and Virtual Cockpit. In addition, Reality XP's GNS430, S-TEC 55X autopilot and ST360 Altitude pre-select unit are also featured.

The DreamFleet Archer III is the follow-up to the DreamFleet Archer II, released five years ago. Aside from the Reality XP gauges, the Archer III features a detailed Virtual Cockpit, the ability to remove the landing gear fairings, two engine sound sets, choice of male or female pilot models, two included liveries plus 10 other free liveries available via download, DreamManager for easy repaints, and many other features. Those who purchase the Archer III will be entitled to receive the the FSX version for free upon its release. Learn more about the DreamFleet Archer III by visiting the DreamFleet website.

Red Baron Releases Roads & Rivers

Posted: Friday, March 2, 2007 - 1:33
Red Baron Entertainment has just released their Roads & Rivers of Victoria scenery; the companion product to Mountains in Victoria. Now you can visit Australia's Garden State with the capital of Melbourne and experience the real thing. Victoria is famous for it's scenic high country, rugged coastlines, ancient volcanic plains, and isolated desert land. Just like their New Zealand terrain, Red Baron gives you the complete set of roads and water bodies. Visit Red Baron for more information.

GoFlight Updates GF-RC Pedals

Posted: Friday, March 2, 2007 - 1:31
GoFlight has updated their GF-RC pedals. GoFlight writes, "Our new and improved GF-RC has been nipped, tucked, pinched, squeezed
and fine tuned to perfection. The new "aero-dynamic" styling looks awesome and handles even better than the original."

GoFlight even has some surprises up their sleeves at their site! Visit GoFlight for more information.

SimFlyer Releases FSX Gauges

Posted: Thursday, March 1, 2007 - 21:06
SimFlyer has just released the second installment in the “Series X” product line. The all-new GMX-SX is now available! This avionics suite features over a dozen different gauges -- some in multiple configurations -- including both the GMX200 and GNS480 units, which have been completely re-designed using the latest XML programming techniques making them fully functional in FSX while maintaining backwards compatibility with FS2004. Also included in the GMX-SX Avionics Suite are multiple audio panels, transponders, the S-Tec55X and S-Tec30 Autopilots, Garmin VOR Heads and much more. The new gauges are frame rate friendly in both the FS9 and FSX platforms. More information on this product and others by visiting Sim Flyer website.

Widetraffic and WidevieW 1.6 for FSX

Posted: Thursday, March 1, 2007 - 1:17
Widetraffic is a new add-on module for FSX, ideal when WidevieW is used, providing AI traffic synchronization throughout the LAN, so the same airplanes fly exactly in the same spot on each computer. This feature was long requested by many users of WidevieW.

WidevieW can be used to create cockpits with panoramic scenery view, through multiple monitors on networked PCs. There is no limit on how many PCs can be linked together, and view angles can be easily customized, to get perfectly matching images throughout the LAN.

For complete details visit the WidevieW homepage.

ActiveSky v6.5 Service Update 1

Posted: Thursday, March 1, 2007 - 1:09
ActiveSky v6.5 is a comprehensive weather engine for FS9 and FSX that offers features such as advanced weather depiction, a private weather server system with live data or historical archives, weather planning and much more. This update adds enhanced Vista support and fixes a few small problems reported by users. All ASv6.5 users should update free of charge. For more information please visit the ActiveSky website.

5 Caribbean Airports from Tropical Sim

Posted: Wednesday, February 28, 2007 - 3:19
New staff reviewer Allen Lavigne debuts with a review of 5 Caribbean Airports from Tropical Sim. "Although I've reviewed 5 airports sets, they are available as single downloads and/or as bundles."

"The 5 airports are MYNN Nassau, MMUN Cancun, MDPC Punta Cana, TNCB Flamingo (and 2 other airports; TDCF, TDPD), and SBMO Maceio Brazil . So there are actually 7 included in this review. In Nassau, the runways and taxiways have borders that merge well with the surrounding ground texture tiles and other runways/taxiways. This makes for a noticeably realistic visual approach. At night, the tarmac lighting is dispersed rather than cone shaped. I like its effect. On approach to Cancun, the view while on approach is more realistic than most. I find their airports blend very nicely with surrounding textures. Punta Cana is on the eastern end of a topographically delightful large island, but the nice mountains are on the other end. So it’s flat at our destination. Flamingo (TNCB), on a rather deserted island, is quite pretty. The colors are truly pleasant and the architecture is nice: A real jewel in the middle of nowhere. This is indeed the nicest airport of this set. Taxiways are wide enough for a 747 to pass without much ado."

As this is just a taste of what Allen has written about, his complete review of Tropical Sim's Caribbean Airports goes into all the details. He sums up this multi-airfiled review with, "let me say that these 5 airports (actually 7) are quite well done considering there are only two guys making up TropicalSim. Would I buy these? As singles, maybe one, my favorites being MYNN and SBMO. As of now, I only see an FS2004 bundle (you’d get 40 small airports to hop to and from) with one maybe two in the package for FSX."

Military AI Announced

Posted: Monday, February 26, 2007 - 22:30
In a press release today, Desmond Burrell has announced MAIW Millitary AI Works. Desmond goes on to say: "The purpose of the is to help increase user interest in what has historically been the "red headed step child" of the FS9 AI community.

Military AI during this week will be releasing at least one new package per day for an entire week. It will show case some of the hard work and skill put together to produce top quality military AI packages for everyone's simming pleasure at the unbeatable price of absolutely FREE. If you want to add some of this AI to your flight simulator, then drop into the MAIW website to see what its all about.