X-15 for FS9 / FSX

Posted: Saturday, April 19, 2008 - 0:57
Xtreme Prototypes is proud to announce the release of version 1.1 of its X-15 add-on rocket aircraft package for Microsoft® Flight Simulator X and FS2004. Featuring fully functional 3D virtual cockpits, an automatic ignition sequence, new X-15 custom sounds, 10 new camera definitions for FSX and 12 saved flights based on actual X-15 missions.

The upgrade is now available online at no additional cost for registered users of version 1.0. Version 1.1 is a major revision of version 1.0 and contains many new features in addition to those found in the original package, including four different virtual cockpits. Each VC contains over 900 parts and nearly 200 animated gauges, switches, levers, light indicators and flight instruments. Like in the advanced 2D instrument panels of the previous version, the virtual cockpits have been meticulously created to conform as closely as possible to the cabin of the real X-15 rocket aircraft. The VCs allow a total 3D immersion into the X-15 flying environment and come with new internal spotlights, switches, control sticks, handles and levers with tooltips. Some switches have also been replaced on the 2D panels. Virtually all switches in the VCs and 2D panels are clickable and can be used to simulate nearly every step and procedure required in a typical X-15 mission. The main 2D panel now has multiple side views and 10 new camera definitions, some of them corresponding to the real-world X-15 external bug-eye cameras, are now available in the FSX version of the aircraft.

The X-15-1 now has her own custom sound effects for both FSX and FS2004. In addition to the basic FS sound set (igniter idle, rocket engine, flaps and gear), extra sound effects (APUs, turbopump, engine precool/prime and fuel jettison effects) are included in the FSX version. The X-15-1 addon has a special feature that renders the VC canopy “invisible” to give the user the impression that the aircraft is equipped with a “bubble” glass canopy for more visibility and a spectacular outside view when flying in the VC.

The Xtreme Prototypes X-15-1 rocket aircraft package comes with the original X-15-1 (over 100-page, PDF format) utility flight manual and a 20-page VC manual supplement (English and French), both inspired from the real-world X-15 manuals. The VC supplement is available as a free download on the Xtreme Prototypes website.

In Memory of Tim Westnutt

Posted: Friday, April 18, 2008 - 17:15
Mark Beaumont wanted to let all of the AVSIM Family know about the passing of Tim Westnutt. Tim was a musician, pilot and friend to many including those in The AVSIM community. His services are to be held on Monday, 21st of April, 2008, at 12:15 p.m at
Crematorium Zaanstad
Wibautstraat 282
1505 Zaandam
the Netherlands

Directly following the service, his friends will gather at the pub for a drink to celebrate Tim's life at
Trefpunt Café
Hogendijk 28b
1506 AH Zaandam
The Netherlands
(075) 615.8524

Mark also sent along a notice that can be read here.

Latest Releases From Just Flight

Posted: Thursday, April 17, 2008 - 18:59
Just Flight have announced the release of three new products. The first is the boxed version of the F-Lite Airbus Collection Long–Haul is now available. The second announcement is the release of more areas of VFR Real Scenery, this time Leeds & Bradford and also Cardiff are available to purchase for those wanting to try areas of VFR Real Scenery without forking out for an entire volume. You are cleared direct to Just Flight for more information.

Lukla X and Twin Otter X from Aerosoft

Posted: Thursday, April 17, 2008 - 1:16
Staff reviewer Jon Murchison takes Aerosoft's Twin Otter X for some approaches and landings in Aerosoft's Lukla X scenery pack. "Lukla’s runway can only be approached from one direction due to it being snuggled up to a rather large mountain, is on a precarious 19O angle and has a 2000 foot drop at the end. So access is restricted to either Helicopter or STOL aircraft, which leads me nicely into the aircraft known as the DHC-6 Twin Otter."

About the Twin Otter, Jon starts on the outside. "My initial impressions upon seeing the Twin Otter was, Aerosoft had developed a classy model. The download and boxed editions come with five versions that include the DHC-6-100 with wheels and another with skis, and feature 4 liveries depicting various military, private and airline operators. The DHC-6-300 also comes with a wheels model, one with floats for water operations, another with a skis/wheels combination and then 11 liveries across these 3 types, like the 100, these also cover a diverse range of operators."

"Two panel types are provided as standard equipment but these are only in VC view, no 2D panel is included. The panel itself is well laid out. All the standard gauges are placed in front of you and given this aircraft was developed in the 60’s, all the gauges have that weathered well used look about them. Both pilots have a ‘steering wheel’ which is connected between both pilots using a Y shaped bracket that disappears into the floor in the middle of the cockpit. Most of the switches on the panel work but not all, given the level of detail included in the model it would have been cool if they all did. The interior lighting is excellent, bringing atmospheric across the panel and throughout the rear cabin."

"On the taxi, I found the Twotter to be very nimble, the throttles only needed to be open slightly to get her moving and the effective brakes were used repeatedly until I got a feel for her. Once lined up and I opened the throttles I was away as the Otter really loves to fly. I did like the ability to slow my descent and approach considerably using reverse thrust in flight, which is the first time I have actually come across this in FSX. The Floatplane version of the Otter is a real bugger to taxi, you either have to control it much like you would a sail boat and use the wings to help move you into position, or, if you have a flight yoke, use separate power inputs into the engines to help assist making turns."

Moving on to Lukla, "LuklaX is not just an airport scenery, nor is it improved mesh or photoreal scenery. The sum of all these parts makes up LuklaX as a whole, creating a transformation across the region with particular emphasis on Lukla Airport and Mt Everest."

"The foundation of this package is its mesh and landclass. The area covered by these is a large rectangle that starts just south of Phablu in the lower left corner and extends to finish just north and east of Mt Everest. The Photoreal areas are small and limited to Lukla Village and Mt Everest itself, with the textures used being around 5m/pixel (5 meters equals 1 pixel). This certainly enhances both these areas, with Mt Everest looking particularly impressive."

"The terminal facilities sit at the far end of the ramp area with various scenery items such as freight, people and another aircraft sitting on the ramp with you, all adding atmosphere and detail. The control tower is located on the other side of the runway as is the rest of Lukla village that lines the walking track that heads further up the mountains. All the buildings use what appear to be photo textures and provide suitable enough detail. The village, and in fact all buildings throughout the scenery, use purpose built autogen with textures more fitting the construction types for the region."

Concluding this in-depth look at Aerosoft's Lukla X and Twin Otter X Jon says, "Singularly, both packages bring enough to FSX to make them worthwhile, but put them together and you have something quite unique. There is no doubt LuklaX adds a level of detail to the region it covers that leaves the default FSX scenery in its dust. Flying in and out of Lukla brings with it enough challenge to make this a region you are likely to want to fly around in for some time. The DHC-6-100/300 Twin Otter is the best twin engine prop I have flown to date. Aerosoft has captured the aircraft's shape well, packed it full of details and wrapped it in flight models that seem to be very realistic. The quality on all aspects of the visual model show a real dedication to this aircraft. The fact different interiors and types, such as floats and skis, have been included adds real value to the product. I can certainly recommend both packages, the Otter in particular, if you are looking for a highly functional and realistic Twin prop."

FS2Crew Has Released Update to Airbus Series

Posted: Wednesday, April 16, 2008 - 1:31
FS2Crew has recently released an update to its Wilco/feelThere Airbus Series - Special Edition. Service Update 1 is a free upgrade for customers, which incorporates many important fixes and updates. Customers should head over to FS2Crew to download.

New Gauges At Flight Illusion

Posted: Tuesday, April 15, 2008 - 9:34
Flight Illusion is proud to present its latest addition to the range of analogue panel gauges. The turn and bank coordinator was the missing piece in the basic 6 setup. With this new gauge, all kinds of setups, from general aviation to military aircraft can now be made. The gauge is based on a dual stepper motor configuration, allowing one axes to drive the ball and the other to turn the small airplane. Yet another gauge is based on the existing attitude indicator. However, the pitch bar and bank ring are now full black & white, giving the gauge an "old warbird" look. The gauge has been developed for a Messerschmitt simulator project, but can easily be used in all kinds of panels as found in vintage aircraft. Both gauges can be hooked in a daisy chain configuration to other instruments or directly to the central interface. The 80 mm diameter gauges are lit by 2 LED's. For more information, visit Flight Illusion

FSDreamTeam Says Thanks

Posted: Tuesday, April 15, 2008 - 1:15
FSDreamTeam is happy to announce the release of a free scenery for FSX. It's the Greystone (17FL) airfield, home of the Jumbolair aviation community, with the largest private residential runway in the US. This airport is quite famous because John Travolta's house is located on its grounds. This is were he parks his own Boeing 707.

The scenery is for FSX only, and is offered as a free download for all Chicago O'Hare customers, it will automatically run registered if the users has bought O'Hare, otherwise it will only run in Trial Mode. However, it's not possible to purchase Greystone separately.

Regardless of its small size, the scenery has been made just like any payware product: it has an hi-resolution 26 cm/pixel photo-realistic background with autogen that blends nicely with the surrounding area, several animations of birds, cars and people, AFCAD with a parking stand big enough for a jumbo jet in front of the house and, of course, John Travolta's house fully modeled and textured in 3D. Runway texture has been enhanced too with skid markings.

This release will hopefully be the beginning of a new offering from FSDreamTeam: small free "bonus" products, offered to all existing customers as a token of appreciation for their support.

Aeroscene Seeks Dedicated Testing Team

Posted: Monday, April 14, 2008 - 14:12
Aeroscene Simulations is looking to assemble a 'Dedicated Testing Team'. We are looking for a diverse group of honest individuals who wish to make sure our products are accurate, and meet the needs of our customers. A Dedicated Testing Team needs to be in place that is unbiased, and disconnected from the development. They would need to cover a broad spectrum of testing experience, computer knowledge, and product knowledge. Aeroscene Simulations would like to make clear that testing is an extremely important aspect of the product development cycle. The testing cycle will require that an individual spend several hours per week downloading, installing, testing, reporting, discussing, providing screenshots, or save files and the responsibility involved is not to be taken lightly. If you are interested, then please review our application (PDF) which contains more information, and how to apply.

"Across The Strait" - FSX Scenery

Posted: Monday, April 14, 2008 - 0:14
Cook Strait divides the North and South Islands of New Zealand, and the two 'Real New Zealand' scenery projects which border the strait are now available together in 'Across the Strait', exclusively for FSX. This compilation combines 'Real NZ' Wellington and 'Real NZ' Marlborough, and adds 3 local missions and supporting aircraft repaints developed by the folk from ARNZ-X. (www.flightsim.co.nz) For existing owners of this scenery, the missions are available for free download from ARNZ-X. I'm proud to be involved with what I hope will be the first of many collaborative releases, complimenting the 'Real NZ' scenery with quality missions. 'Across the Strait' is available from Godzone Virtual Flight.

Mission Skills Contest

Posted: Monday, April 14, 2008 - 0:07
IVAO and Aerosoft, presents an exhilarating event ‘Lukla Air Bridge’ on Saturday , 19 April 2008 , this event promises to put every pilot’s skills to the ultimate test among the ranges of the Himalayas. Mission is to transport as much cargo as possible from Kathmandu to Lukla within the six hour window provided. Air Traffic Control services will be provided at Kathmandu and at Lukla. Also, aircraft types will be limited and your weight/balance sheet will be checked at Lukla to ensure accuracy. The team or individual who transports the greatest amount of cargo to Lukla will receive 10 FREE DOWNLOAD PRODUCTS courtesy of Aerosoft. The second place team will receive nine download products, etc, all the way to 10th place who will receive one product. Complete details are available in the rules.

Free B737NG Tutorial Video

Posted: Saturday, April 12, 2008 - 16:23
Would you like to see a full-size Boeing 737NG cockpit simulator driven by MSFS? If so, WingBest is now offering a complete, 25-minute tutorial video for free! The video explains some of the basics of flying a big airliner and a sophisticated flight simulator. The featured B737 cockpit simulator is exhibited at The House Of Future Exhibition in Budapest, Hungary, where visitors first have to watch the tutorial video before taking the pilot's seat. WingBest is offering another free documentary featuring Andras Kozma, an excellent sitar artist, renowned scenery designer, and builder of the 737NG cockpit. These free videos were created by the same people that have produced a number of unique aviation DVDs entitled "Secrets of Ferihegy Airport", "Cockpit Secrets", and recently "Flavours of Flight: Sierra Kilo Delta". For the free Boeing 737NG flight simulator video tutorial and more, you're cleared direct to the WingBest website and look for the FREE Movies link under Categories.

Tim Westnutt Takes Final Flight

Posted: Saturday, April 12, 2008 - 15:07
Mark Beaumont from the MAAM-SIM Team has lets us know that Tim Westnutt has passed away this week at age 54 from a heart attack at his home in Holland. Tim was very much a part of the development testing at MAAM-SIM, and flew over for the MAAM show on occasions.

Tim was an accomplished pilot in his own right, he rarely went anywhere without getting some stick time in, one way or the other. On a recent trip to New Zealand, he even got himself cleared for landings at Milford Sound in the South Island! Tim flew the Pilatus PC-12 professionally in Switzerland too.

Tim will be sorely missed. Urgently, his girlfriend Brenda Jones is keen to trace all friends of his to keep them up to date with any arrangments made on his behalf. Her email is BJ_Jones@ntlworld.com. She woould appreciate all ofhis friendsbe in touch with her, although as of today arrangements are still in abeyance.

Messages can also be left at Tim's MySpace page http://www.myspace.com/timwestnutt

Cirrus II Category II Hardware Review

Posted: Saturday, April 12, 2008 - 2:42
Senior staff reviewer Zane Gard flys with Precision Flight Control's Cirrus II Category II hardware. "PFC was one of our exhibitors at the AVSIM FanCon in Seattle last November. Eric Whiteside, their special projects manager, brought two full units out to show at the event. One was a full Cat III system utilizing their newest C2 console, complete with manual elevator trim wheel which was hooked up to the electric trim yoke switch… neat stuff. The other was a full Cat II system using the Cirrus II console (one of their most popular training units ever)."

"If I told you that this has transformed my simming experience, would you believe me? Finally… FINALLY I have found hardware that gives a feeling of being in the cockpit and not having to touch the keyboard or mouse from engine startup to shutdown. When I set up the Cirrus II, I made sure to program one of the yoke buttons for the push-to-talk for use with VoxATC, so just like when in a real cockpit I want to talk to the tower or approach, I dial in the correct frequency, wait to confirm no one else is talking then key up and speak… look Mom, no mouse, no keyboard! I’m also utilizing my TrackIR4 Pro but when I setup the yoke button for view selection, I made the decision to make it a switch. Push it one way for the 2D panel, press the other direction for the VC. So I can enjoy the smooth hi-res gauge movement of the 2D and if I want to look out my windows, I can switch to the VC and pan around using the TrackIR."

"PFC pedals are heavy; steel and aluminum in construction with springs and are self centering. Their travel may be less than most aircraft I have flown but the overall feel is very realistic, the further you press them the harder they get to push. The toe brakes take some setting up to calibrate them so that you like their feel, and they can take a considerable push to get them to stop the aircraft and this is not far from reality."

"The digital avionics radio stack is a thing of beauty; dual knobs, labeled buttons that really work. It was designed to emulate the Bendix/King line of radios found in a majority of training aircraft and includes the radial feature on the nav radio. This allows you to alternately display the standby frequency or the radial from the tuned VOR station. The ADF has all the settings like the real unit including flight elapsed timer, and stopwatch functions. The autopilot and altitude preselect use MSFS variables so they will work with all default and many aftermarket aircraft (as long as the programmer used these same variables they should work)."

"I couldn’t wait to get a twin up so I changed the power quadrant out for the twin engine one. Easy job, just unscrew two thumbscrews, pull off the single engine quadrant and push the twin quadrant on and replace the thumbscrews."

Zane's in-depth review of Precision Flight Control's Cirrus II Category II hardware wraps up with, "this is really highly specialized equipment, so I don’t expect it to be for everybody. It costs more than many computer/sim hardware combinations out there, so I can understand an initial sticker shock. I can’t imagine any simmer that wouldn’t want it or envy someone that does have it.I would considering getting PFC’s flight sim combo which consists of their yoke, quadrant and rudder pedals. The cost is roughly double of buying plastic equipment, but its an investment that years later will give the satisfaction of money well spent. In fact, add a radio stack to the latter and you can have a Cat I PCATD."

Real Scenery Airfields – Denham

Posted: Friday, April 11, 2008 - 13:11
The first in the new series of super-detailed British airfield sceneries for Flight Simulator X, Real Scenery Airfields – Denham, is now released. The package faithfully re-creates the well-known airfield situated to the north-west of London. The detailed scenery and objects at the airfield are up to date. A wholly new feature in this release is the appearance of snow on the ground during December and January, thanks to unique technology not found in any other product. For a look at some screenshots and further information visit Just Flight .

FlightRiviera - Airport Pack #1 Nice et Cannes

Posted: Friday, April 11, 2008 - 1:12
The new scenery from France VFR, Riviera JetSet is now available in FSX version. When purchasing France VFR’s first AirportPack you will be delivered both the FS2004 and FSX versions. For the ones who already own the first version (FS2004), a free patch can be downloaded from their web site. In order to promote the new scenery of FlightRiviera JetSet X, France VFR has set up the Collection of Riviera Basepack and Autogen that is required for using the Riviera JetSet X. Complete details are available at the France VFR website.

Aeroscene Releases Fife Airport

Posted: Friday, April 11, 2008 - 1:08
Aeroscene Simulations is pleased to announce the release of Fife Airport for FS2004. Fife Airport is an under-developed airfield in Flight Simulator and Aeroscene Simulations brings it to life. Fife Airport is a small General Aviation field located north of Edinburgh, Scotland. It has one runway, along with a small apron. We have include custom ground work, markings, buildings, textures, even small details such as fuelling pumps, bins, gates, entrance ways, signs, and more. Only the restaurant located at the airport is lit at night as per the real airport. The real airport attracts visitors from all over the UK, and sometimes from Europe too. Aeroscene Simulations hopes you might like to take a trip to Fife Airport.

Embry Riddle announces Summer Flight Sim Camp

Posted: Thursday, April 10, 2008 - 13:16
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU), with participation from Avsim, is pleased to announce the first "Flight Sim Camp," to take place from June 16 to June 21 at the ERAU Campus in Prescott, Arizona. You will be able to test your skills, participate in a virtual Search & Rescue Competition, spend time in the ERAU simulators with wrap-around visuals and exciting flight scenarios, visit the Robertson Safety Crash Center Reconstruction Site, and compete for some great awards and prizes. A video preview of the recent Avsim visit to ERAU is available on YouTube.

HJG 2nd Anniversary Website Update

Posted: Wednesday, April 9, 2008 - 23:31
Historic Jetliners Group - who are celebrating their 2nd Anniversary – have announced many new releases. There are new and upgraded versions of B707/720, BAe 146-300/RJ-100, CV990-A, DC8, & KC135. Additions to HJG's Boeing inventory include extremely rare B707-120 freighter conversions operated by lesser known carriers from Switzerland and Colombia during the early 1970's. Adding to the Douglas inventory is a DC8-33 in a rare/experimental Capitol Airways livery trialled during 1979, the DC8-50F & Super 62F freighters operated by African registered carriers from more recent times and a rare DC8 Super 63CF operated during the mid 1970's. by a major Asian carrier. Last but by no means least of all HJG's 2nd anniversary website update also features final edits for previously released B707-320B/C's textures now upgraded to their correct S2HK (Stage 2 Hush Kit) models, along with a new B707-120 freighter model, complete with operating forward fuselage main-deck cargo door and a belly full of containers. All this and a great deal more are available now.

New Space Shuttle Mission 2007™ Add-On

Posted: Wednesday, April 9, 2008 - 23:22
Exciting Simulations ™ is proud to announce the release of the first free add-on for the award-winning Space Shuttle Mission 2007™ simulator. The new package adds Space Shuttle mission STS-122 to the existing SSM2007 missions set. STS-122 was supposed to be launched on December 6th, 2007 but due to multiple External Tank ECO (Engine Cut-Off) sensor troubles detected during tests, it has been rescheduled, and finally had lift-off on February 7th, 2008. The main mission goals included the installation of the Columbus module and replacement of ISS Astronaut Daniel Tany (Flight Engineer) who returned home on-board Atlantis, with Astronaut Leopold Eyharts - who remained behind on the ISS. The mission was extended by two days due to medical issues with Astronaut Hans Schlegel which delayed EVA-1 by 24 hours, and to allow for additional time to activate the Columbus research module. STS-122 was concluded with an uneventful landing of Atlantis on February 20th, 2008 on Runway 15 at the Kennedy Space Center. In the best SSM2007 tradition, the STS-122 free add-on allows budding Virtual Astronauts to experience the launch, on-orbit activities, docking with the ISS, all EVA activities including the deployment of the Columbus module, and return to Earth by manually landing the Atlantis at KSC. More information about this mission can be found at NASA. The free STS-122 add-on and the Space Shuttle Mission 2007™ are available online in downloadable format at the SSM2007 official website.

VFR Real Scenery Vol's 3 & 4 from Just Flight

Posted: Tuesday, April 8, 2008 - 2:25
Senior staff reviewer David Wilson-Okamura goes on a scenic tour of England with Just Flight's VFR Real Scenery: Vol 3 & Vol 4. "These last two volumes of the series covers Wales and Southwest England and Northern England respectively."

"For photographic ground scenery, the main determinant of image quality is the photo source. For VFR Real Scenery, the photo source is identified as GeoPerspectives, a commercial supplier of aerial photography for all of England and Wales. The photos have a resolution of 25 centimeters per pixel; which is to say, that the smallest object you can see in the source photographs is about one foot. After processing by Just Flight, this resolution is reduced to 1 meter per pixel; which is to say, that the smallest object you can see in the finished scenery is about one yard. This is a massive improvement over what was possible in the previous version of the sim."

David comments on VFR Real Scenery Vol 3 and Vol 4, "like nearly all similar products, VFR Real Scenery has only one season, spring; again, that is standard. At night, lighting will be visible on major roads and in towns; this is a common feature for this type of add-on, but not quite standard, and I am glad we have it here. Unless the product includes autogen, which this one doesn’t, photo-sceneries tend to have better frame rates than other types of scenery, because there’s less for the rendering engine to calculate. Expect, then, to get better frame rates than you would have had for the same area in the default sim. Bottom line: this product will perform about as well as other products in its class (i.e., photo-sceneries with no autogen)."