Multicore Environment Advanced Utility from FSPS

Posted: Friday, July 9, 2010 - 11:01
Flight Simulator Platform Solutions has released Multicore Environment Advanced a useful utility software. A lot of software run only on one core of your computer, while running multiple applications, Multicore Environment allows you to customize each application to run to a specific core or core's by setting the profiles for that application. For example you can set FS9 to run on core 2 & 3 , and Active Sky on core 4, leaving FS9 to be the only one using these cores , users can create up to 10 profiles for any kind of application.

For more information visit website.

Reviews Editor's Screenshot Contest

Posted: Thursday, July 8, 2010 - 23:22
Iceberg Interactive has donated several DVD copies of "Wings of Prey", a combat sim that we recently reviewed, as a token of their appreciation. The Reviews Editor has decided to run a "warbird" screenshot contest and reward the top pics with a copy of "Wings of Prey".

The contest will run until 23 July 2010 and the winners will be announced in the last week of July. Please submit your screenshots with a Title along with your Name and Address to the Reviews Editor.

Flight1 Europe Open Day 18th July 2010 Details

Posted: Thursday, July 8, 2010 - 23:08
The Flight1 Europe Open Day at Shoreham in the UK is drawing closer and they are delighted to be able to announce FREE landings and many more details. As a reminder the Flight1 Open day at Shoreham Airport is free to all, and whilst anyone is welcome to simply turn up on the day, if you pre-register they'll have a bag full of free stuff waiting for you.

Free Landing At Shoreham Courtesty of Flight 1 - Beg, borrow or rent a plane and fly in to Shoreham for the Open Day and they will pay your landing fee. There's no catch, they just want to see as many pilots as possible - but please YOU MUST let them know via the registration page if you intend to fly in. they will provide you with the required details to prior to your arrival to your registered email address. For any questions on this please contact them.

Free Stuff For Everyone - They've decided to celebrate the weekend by giving all those who register a bunch a full priced add-ons from their range. The lovely chaps at PC Pilot will be giving away copies of their magazine to all who pre-register. Obviously you have to turn up on the day to collect your freebies!

The Line Up - For those that came to our inaugural event, you will remember that it was the mix of people and friendly atmosphere that made it such a great day. Flight 1 is again pleased to have the attendance of friends both old and new - each of whom will be on hand to share their knowledge and show you what's new...VATSIM, RAFSIM, DODOSIM, PC PILOT MAGAZINE, RC SIMULATIONS, ALPINE COMPUTERS, TRANSAIR.

Training Lectures & Talks - They will be hosting a number of lectures/Q&A sessions during the course of the day. Check out the schedule when you arrive. The lecture room this year is just opposite the cabins in the main terminal. The plan is to have local commercial and flight instructors covering key topics - with lots of time for you to ask questions.

CALL! for the E-Jets (EMB 170 and EMB 190)

Posted: Thursday, July 8, 2010 - 22:55
feelThere announces that CALL! for the E-Jets (EMB 170 and EMB 190) has been released for FS9 and FSX. CALL! for the E-Jets is a First Officer, Flight Attendant simulation. This easy to use software brings great realism into your virtual cockpit making you "feel there".

The First officer reads the following checklists:
-Cockpit Safety Inspection
-Power Up
-Pre Flight
-Before Start
-After Start
-Before Takeoff
-After Takeoff
-Descent
-Parking
-Power Down
-Flight Attendant

After reading each item it will wait for your action making sure you are properly following the checklist flow. The Flight Attendant SAFETY feature will initiate a safety briefing before takeoff. Upon landing She will automatically remind the passengers to remain seated until full stop.

Treescapes UK released

Posted: Wednesday, July 7, 2010 - 1:08
Earth Simulations is pleased to announce their latest project "TREESCAPES UK" is now available to purchase by download in a series of three volumes to match Generation X Photographic Scenery from their online store now.

"Treescapes UK" will transform your UK photographic scenery into a picturesque three dimensional landscape with depth, shape and a vastly improved perspective. Literally millions of frame rate friendly autogen trees as far as the eye can see and way beyond. Treescapes UK uses exceptionally accurate data provided by the Ordinance Survey. The data is the very latest available providing every forest, woodland, copse and small cluster of tree vegetation depicted in OS mapping today. Also including brand new High Resolution colour balanced tree textures as an optional extra which will compliment your VFR photographic scenery and that are designed to reflect the vegetation found in the United Kingdom.

"Treescapes UK" is by far the largest scale project that Earth Simulations has undertaken to date as an independent developer of Flight Simulation add-ons. It is the first time Autogen has been placed with this level of accuracy on such a scale...but of course the desire to populate the United Kingdom photographic scenery with accurately placed 3D objects has always been their goal, and is the driving force behind Earth Simulations unyielding commitment to advancing realism in your Flight Simulator. Treescapes UK represents a major step forward.

Virtavia B-1B Lancer For FSX

Posted: Tuesday, July 6, 2010 - 13:48
Virtavia has released their B-1B Lancer. a year in the making and is a very comprehensive package. The 4 models and 8 texture sets depict various B-1B eras of war and peace, the three different weapons bay loadouts match the needs of each period. As much as possible was crammed into the VC, dozens of custom gauges and features, night lighting and superb TSS sounds with a special afterburner roar really bring this superlative modern bomber to life. A 37-page manual explains all you need to know and carefully-researched flight dynamics mean you will be experiencing a high level of realism. More info and screenshots at the Virtavia Homepage .

Cessna 140 from SimFlight 3D

Posted: Tuesday, July 6, 2010 - 2:47
Staff reviewer Philip Wilson takes a look at SimFlight 3D's Cessna 140. "The Cessna 140 was originally equipped with an 85 or 90 horsepower Continental engine. This model has a metal fuselage and fabric wings with metal control surfaces. The final variant of the Cessna 140 introduced in 1949 was the 140A which had a standard Continental C90 engine producing 90hp, aluminum covered wings and a single strut replacing the dual "V" struts and jury struts fitted on earlier models."

"The aircraft modeling is good and gives a true representation of the real aircraft. I feel there are areas where the model could have been a bit better, such as the interior door handles and all window frames, but given the low cost of this package, it’s an acceptable sacrifice. The textures are “photo realistic” and as such offer some good results and some not so good results. Performance on all models was excellent and I didn’t see a single drop in FPS due to the aircraft."

"One area that was very disappointing was the panel. Although it’s “photo realistic”, it doesn’t look good at all. Both 2D and 3D panels were well below what I would consider acceptable for a commercial product. The panel contains default FSX primary gauges with a few non functioning static gauge images from the original photo used to make the panel. While the aircraft includes the traditional "six pack" and basic FSX radio, the text descriptions on the panel for buttons and such are unreadable. The lower quality gives you higher performance, but I would rather sacrifice a few fps for a higher quality panel than have a substandard panel as we have here."

"The SimFlight 3D C-140 is a basic aircraft title within financial reach by nearly everyone. It is truly fun to fly and looks good in the air. For those simmers who don’t care about hard core by the book flying and want a great representation of the classic C-140, then this product is for you."

Boeing 787 for X-Plane Released

Posted: Tuesday, July 6, 2010 - 1:03
MyVirtualHanger has released the Boeing 787 Dreamliner for X-Plane 9.5. This release with 17 liveries in high-resolution features aAccurate dimensions based on drawings supplied by the Boeing Corporation and is UFMC V2.1 Compatible. The virtual cockpit based on the real 787 Dreamliner. Other features include: detailed wing textures with awesome wingflex; an accurate and smooth flight model; drop-down overhead panel with use of 40+ datarefs; and pop up panels (radio, FMS, throttle) for easier navigation.

Falco F.8L for X-Plane

Posted: Sunday, July 4, 2010 - 16:47
Senior staff reviewer Angelique van Campen looks at another X-Plane product. This time it's X-Scenery/X-Aviation's Falco F.8L. "A great looking General Aviation model that not only looks great, it comes standard with a 2D cockpit and a Virtual Cockpit or 3D cockpit. The overall package is not just the Falco F.8L software. It’s a little more than that."

"This external model looks really gorgeous. During daylight operations no tiny detail has been forgotten. My first impression was and still is “I don’t see any rivets, dents, bolts or other non aerodynamic protrusions”. Believe me, more real is not possible. This X-Aviation model is as real as it gets! The Falco is mainly made of wood. This means that the wing, horizontal and vertical stabilizer are composed, as done in the good old days; of a mixture from wooden ribs with a plywood skin. This applies also for the wooden fuselage frames with again a plywood skin and worth mentioning; the firewall (separation between the engine and fuselage/cockpit compartment) which is also made of wood."

"The simulated Falco comes with a 2D and 3D or Virtual Cockpit (VC). Keeping the frame rates in mind, just go for the VC and by the way, there’s hardly any difference between the 2D and 3D panel or at least, I haven’t seen it. Most important, the VC is really a pleasure to fly and sit in. Even the simulation of the control stick is a pleasure to look at. With the AP engaged, you still see the small corrections that are made because of external influences."

"I can tell you; when you like GA airplanes, this model is an absolute must for your GA collection. The model is gorgeous and then I don’t mean the external model or the cockpit panel. It’s the Falco itself that offers all what a GA lover likes. The recorded sound is a pleasure to listen to as long as you’re not in a stall or spin. Overall, this X-Scenery Falco F.8L seems “almost” the perfect match! Sequoia Falco F.8L …. It’s really a Ferrari in the Air!"

New Staff Reviewers Wanted

Posted: Saturday, July 3, 2010 - 19:41
AVSIM is looking for keen, dedicated simmers who have an interest in writing about the hobby they love so much. The subject material includes add-on aircraft, scenery, utilities and hardware that comes on to the market weekly. We coordinate the material, you provide the write-up. I currently have 40 titles waiting to be reviewed.

This endeavour is not to be taken lightly. You must have the ability to write in a professional manner in a form similar to what you have seen published on the AVSIM reviews site. You will be expected to produce a review at least every 4-6 weeks. A sample review of something in your FS collection is required as your application. Having a good technical background in FS aviation is a plus, but you don't have to be a "rivet counter" to apply. Age is not a limiting factor, but we have had some younger simmers apply who haven't mastered the art of journalistic writing, nor did they have any realistic stick time within the world of FS.

Interested simmers are requested to submit a sample review (word/text doc is fine, no graphics required) to the Reviews Editor along with a brief bio of their real world and/or sim world avaiation experience. "I like this airplane, it flys good and looks good too" will not cut it.....and yes, I have had that sentence submitted as a review sample. Good reviews take time to complete, there is no rush...our review doors are always open. Reviews should be honest and unbiased. If it's a good product, say so; if it's bad, say so with tact and have the ability to stand up for your statement.

I look forward to your submissions. I've had several reviewers come aboard for 1 or 2 reviews and then disappear into the ethernet, so think seriously about your time commitment. Real world obligations come first.

Robert Whitwell
Reviews Editor

DBS FollowMe V1.3 For FSX

Posted: Saturday, July 3, 2010 - 19:25
DBS Studio announces the following features in their latest release of FollowMe. Transparencty processing of BGL scenery files, while scenery files loading to simulator - not needed to run the Database Update Tool after append scenery to simulator and from previous updates. Menu "Addons/FollowMe Window" opens the main dialog window without keyboard shortcuts. Setting dialog to adjust car speed, car distance, car type, and keyboard shortcut.

Freeware Release - F-117 Nighthawk

Posted: Saturday, July 3, 2010 - 18:58
PRE-Flight RC Simulator announces the release of the PRE-Flight F-117 Nighthawk as a free download. The Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk was the first operational aicraft designed with stealth technology. A brainchild of the Skunk Works, its operation was shrouded in complete secrecy for 7 years before its existence was finally acknowledged in 1988.

This PRE-Flight model of the Nighthawk features fully-functioning control surfaces and operating landing gear. It also has a special "Farewell" paint scheme with Stars and Stripes painted on the flat underbelly which was used on one of the last flights of this remarkable plane before its retirement in 2008.

Oregon from MegaSceneryEarth

Posted: Friday, July 2, 2010 - 22:36
Senior staff reviewer flies to the Pacific Northwest to check out MegaSceneryEarth's Oregon. "With this latest addition you get 47,000 square miles (47.8%) of high quality, hi-resolution scenery covering the western region of the state and more of the visually spectacular Pacific Northwest region of the USA. Coverage expands from Portland all the way down to the California border. Some famous places and landmarks include: Cities of Portland, Salem, Eugene, Roseburg, Grants Pass, Klamath Falls. Mt Hood and its 11,000 ft peak, Crater Lake, Klamath Lake, numerous National forests and 200 miles of Pacific Ocean coastline. There's so much to see, too much to mention here but you're in for nothing short of a spectacular VFR flying experience - day and night!"

"This small US state has stolen my heart and I really mean that. Not only is the 1.19 resolution is ok, also the ground colors and thus the ground textures, are realistic. Overall an impressive piece of software that doesn’t have any FPS effect."

Cayo Largo, Cuba From Taxi2gate

Posted: Friday, July 2, 2010 - 20:26
Taxi2gate has released their new scenery for FS2004: CAYO LARGO, CUBA (MUCL) Vilo Acuña Airport or Juan Vitalio Acuña Airport (IATA: CYO, ICAO: MUCL)
MUCL is an international airport serving Cayo Largo del Sur, a small coral island in Cuba. The airport resides at an elevation of 10 feet (3 m) above mean sea level and has one runway with an asphalt surface measuring 3,008 by 45 metres (9,869 × 148 ft).

FSFlyingSchool2010 Contest

Posted: Friday, July 2, 2010 - 20:18
FSInventions are giving away 10 licenses of their new FSFlyingSchool2010 Boeing 737 Detail Pack, for more information on FSFlyingSchool2010 and the Contest visit the FSFlyingSchool Homepage.

WW2 Gloster Gladiator for FSX

Posted: Friday, July 2, 2010 - 20:07
Simon Smeiman's latest creation is the WW2 bi-plane Gloster Gladiator for FSX. Simon is constantly improving his skills and the new Gladiator is of excellent quality reports Francois Dumas of FSAddon Publishing.
It comes in three different variants, including a model on skis and in addition has Seven Liveries.
There are also lots of animations included, like a complete maintenance crew working on the Gladiator when parked, and even the four .303 Browning canon, of course the fully functional interior (VC) and exterior are modeled (no 2D supplied) after a real one at the Old Warden's Shuttleworth Collection in the UK.

Avsim Store has selection of instant downloads

Posted: Friday, July 2, 2010 - 16:03
The Avsim Store has a great selection of instant download products.
From Aerosoft, we have My Traffic 2010. It is the latest version of the popular and successful My Traffic series. My Traffic 2010 generates more than 800,000 flight a day, worldwide. From Aerosoft we also carry popular planes like the F16 Falcon or the DHC2. From Wilco you can get the classics like the Boeing 777 or the CRJ Regional Jet.
From Carenado, you can get the latest F33 Bonanza, the Mooney 20-J , the C172N Skyhawk and others.
From Team SBD, we have just added the Ligthning Strikes Scenery on top of US Airfields 1 and 2.

Visit the Avsim store today

Update from Virtual Dispatch

Posted: Friday, July 2, 2010 - 11:03
Virtual Dispatch has released version 0.3.1. Virtual Dispatch is your free and ease to use flight planning software for Microsoft Flight Simulator.

This new update includes customizable company forms (American Airlines, American Eagle and Cargolux available for download), permits export to SquawkBox 3+4 and several bug fixes.

For more information visit Virtual Dispatch website.

Concrete Municipal Airport from Orbx

Posted: Friday, July 2, 2010 - 10:57
Orbx announces the release of 3W5 and WA56. Beautiful Skagit County hosts Concrete Municipal Airport which shares real estate with the high school set in the center of the town of Concrete.

Enjoy exploring the whole town including the gray tall Portland Superior Cement Silos, some of the numerious local churches, gas stations, coffee stand, local grocer, Lower Baker Dam, the Old Town of Concrete and many buildings accurately modeled. The airport itself is a rendition of the real thing, based on hundreds of photos taken on site.

As a bonus for 3W5 customers, Orbx is giving away completely free WA56 Israel's Farm at Sedro-Woolley, which is located 15 miles east of Concrete. This private strip features 30 km sq. of photoreal 5-seasons image and custom modeled objects based on hundreds of photos taken on-site. This free airport offer only applies during the month of July.

For more information visit website.

Updated from FS2Crew

Posted: Friday, July 2, 2010 - 10:32
FS2Crew has announced release of Service Pack 3 for FS2Crew's Leonardo Maddog Edition. The Leonardo Maddog Edition of FS2Crew is a realistic airline crew simulation custom designed for the Leonardo Maddog 2008 and 2010 series.

Furthermore, FS2Crew is also recruiting new Voice Talent for its upcoming Level-D 767 Voice Commander Edition. Please contact FS2Crew if you'd like to lend your voice to the project.

For more information visit FS2Crew website.