Captain Sim Announces 727 For FSX

Posted: Friday, February 16, 2007 - 15:46
Captain Sim announces the "727 Captain" Exterior 100 expansion for FSX is out. More info, video and screen shots are available at Captain Sim.

France VFR Releases FlightAlpes Nord

Posted: Friday, February 16, 2007 - 15:44
France VFR has announced the release of their new autogen extension pack for FlightAlpes Nord. The AutogenPack is the second pane of the FlightAlpes Nord scenery and complements the photo-realistic BasePack (required) with buildings and vegetation mandatory to achieve a realistic visual of the area. This add-on provides an Autogen coverage of about 18000 km2 and is made of trees, buildings, warehouses and houses meticulously positioned on the BasePack photo-realistic texture. In order to depict the specificities of the different Northern Alps areas, France VFR developed a set of specific Autogen textures for the towns, industrial areas, villages. France VFR writes, "Our goal during the development of this product was to recreate a realistic flying experience from the eyes of a pilot." For more information, visit France VFR.

Generation X Scenery: England & Wales

Posted: Friday, February 16, 2007 - 15:40
Horizon Simulation announces the release of VFR Photographic Scenery Generation X: England & Wales. Designed specifically for use with Microsoft FSX, VFR Generation X provides flight simmers with the opportunity to fly over realistic and recognizable scenery of England & Wales. Detail and clarity allows you to fly lower and faster than ever before, while significant performance enhancements mean that the scenery stays sharp and in focus throughout your simulated flight. Using real aerial photography for scenery means that the views you see from your virtual cockpit are transformed into the real thing; you literally see exactly what the pilots of the survey aircraft saw when they acquired the aerial photography.

The original VFR Photographic Scenery, created by Visual Flight and the team that evolved into Horizon Simulation, for the first time put the real world into Microsoft Flight Simulator. Horizon has again joined forces with the UK’s leading aerial photography and terrain data suppliers, (Getmapping PLC and Intermap Technologies, Inc.) to bring you the next generation of this scenery. VFR Generation X gives you 16 x more detail in both the terrain and photographic scenery than the original version designed for FS2002/FS2004, meaning that you can fly as low as 500-600 ft and still see pin-sharp photographic scenery; you can even make out white lines painted on the roads! Available as a series of 3 volumes covering England & Wales, VFR Generation X gives you detail from Lands End to the Scottish border. Explore England & Wales, go sight-seeing, rehearse flights, practice VFR navigation techniques (using real aeronautical charts), or simply enjoy spectacular views from your virtual cockpit. For more information or to order the software, visit Horizon Simulation.

Flight1 441 Conquest Updated For FSX

Posted: Friday, February 16, 2007 - 6:42
Owners of the Flight1 Software 441 Conquest II for FS9 can now fly the aircraft in Flight Simulator X.

In a news release, Flight1 announced it has developed a compatibility update for use with FSX. The announcement stated that the update is available at no cost to existing FS9 441 Conquest download and CD ROM owners. Existing download customers can simply download the FSX version and use their existing 441 Conquest key for the FSX installation.

To download the latest FSX version and the CD ROM update, please visit the 441 Conquest Product Page.

Talk To FSX ATC With VoxATC X

Posted: Thursday, February 15, 2007 - 18:52
Certainly one of the limitations to any version of Flight Simulator, including FSX, has been the inability to actually talk to the integrated air traffic controllers. Keyboard commands have been the only way for you to acknowledge or make requests of controllers. Bob Sidwick of RC Simulations says he has a product that changes all of that.

According to Sidwick, VoxATC is now available for FSX and, like it's FS9 predecessor, VoxATC X allows users to utilize headsets and push-to-talk buttons to communicate with Flight Sim's ATC by voice commands. Sidwick said both downloadable versions are available for trial at the VoxATC website and you may order both from the RC Simulations website.

Additional information and discussion on VoxATC X can be found at the Unofficial VoxATC Support Forum.

Sun Valley Airpark Featured On DVD

Posted: Thursday, February 15, 2007 - 16:00
You won't find any of the local residents complaining about the noise of their airport here. That's because they literally have built their homes on the field. In a new documentary released on NTSC DVD, SkyFilm Productions features Sun Valley Airpark, a residential airpark, located in Arizona's Mohave Desert. Director Georg Liigand explains, "Pilots taxi to the runway directly from their front door and the fully lit runway allows them to do it 24 hours a day. This documentary takes you right into the environment and introduces several people living at the airpark."

Liigand said the documentary was only previous available for download and PAL DVD. This new NTSC release is now compatible for DVD playback in the U.S., Canada, and Japan. All available formats are available for purchase at the SkyFilm Productions website.

AlphaSim Rolls Out AH-64A Apache

Posted: Thursday, February 15, 2007 - 15:16
AlphaSim announced it has released it's newest military flight sim add on with the AH-64A Apache combat helicopter for FS2004 and FSX. In a news release, AlphaSim stated the AH-64A Apache cockpit and panel feature a working 'moving map' and authentic tape-style xml gauges for the engine readouts.

For more information and screenshots of this product, please visit the AlphaSim website.

FDC Now Vista Compatible

Posted: Thursday, February 15, 2007 - 6:07
OnCourse Software announced that it's popular FlightDeck Companion is now Windows Vista compatible. Author Dave March said version 3.7 is available to current users by selecting the Updates button from the main menu. Users with Auto Updates turned on will receive the newest version automatically. For more information, please visit the OnCourse Software website.

TweakFS Releases Free FSX SDK Toolbox

Posted: Tuesday, February 13, 2007 - 23:15
The SDK Toolbox is a practical tool for anyone who needs to frequently consult the FSX Software Development Kit. It includes a FSX SDK browser for easy navigation of all SDK documentation, a web browser, a basic Code Editor with Syntax High-lighting for common file types, direct links to most key FSX files (e.g. fsx.CFG, DLL.XML, SimConnect.XML) and folders, with the ability to add an unlimited number of additional links to personal files and other frequently-accessed folders. This utility is available via the Freeware Tools menu at the TweakFS Website.

ELITE Now Compatible With FSX

Posted: Tuesday, February 13, 2007 - 23:13
ELITE Simulations has announced the release of its hardware compatibility drivers for FSX. The drivers are now available at the ELITE Simulations homepage where you can also find out more about ELITE Simulations.

787 Dreamliner from Abacus

Posted: Tuesday, February 13, 2007 - 4:53
New staff reviewer Robert Mariani explores a "paper airplane", in that it hasn't been flown in real life yet. Boeing's 787 as presented by Abacus. "2007 looks promising for Boeing as the next generation of twin aisle, twin-engine airplanes is about to take to the skies."

"The exterior of the plane is modeled based on the drawings, since the real plane is still some time from being “glued” together. If one compares the artist’s renderings of the Boeing from their official web site, to what you get in the flight sim, the exterior model is spot on. All surfaces are nicely textured, and while the windows did seem a bit large at first, the real Boeing will have the largest windows of any airliner in production today. In addition, the flaps, ailerons, stabilizers, gear and doors all open or move as you would expect, but the spoilers seemed to move quite abruptly when deployed. On the inside, ABACUS' model comes with everything you would expect from an FS airplane today. There is a 2D cockpit, Virtual Cockpit, and passenger cabin."

"The 2D panel looks a bit different in the two versions. In FS2004, the gauges are big yet they belong to the FS2002 era if not older. Hardly a way to treat a brand new plane. In the FSX version things are different, but not necessarily better, although again the panel is not FPS hungry. The MFD and ND are borrowed from the 737 and the EICAS comes straight from the CRJ. In the FS2004 VC, the HUD frame is there but there is no display on it. All buttons are clickable and adjustable, although the overhead needs a better 3D appearance for lights switches."

"I found out that if you load the 787 to its Max.-Take-Off-Weight, it will take some time to get up to speed. You can forget about those 5000+ fpm climbs we sometimes saw in 737’s. Designers at ABACUS could only guess here and I found that the performance is different from the default airplanes and requires some planning. The wing also created extra lift on approach, which caused me to float, and float, and float…but that is what the wing is supposed to do. If they just gave the virtual pilots some numbers to fly by, this flight model could just turn out OK – otherwise it's a guessing game."

Concluding this review of the 787 Dreamliner, Robert says, "Some of us like complex airliner add-ons that are as close to the real thing so that even a certified pilot has to use the manual to start it up, let alone fly it by the numbers. Some of us prefer to just go flying and find joy in other aspects of this great hobby. And for some of us, it just depends on the day of the week and the mood we are in. If you are looking for a nice visual model, and don’t mind changing or customizing the panel gauges, this could be your ticket. To the contrary, if you are looking for a detailed FMC, panels integration and systems simulation, you better save your cookie money, add it to the price of this plane, and purchase something more to your liking in future."

MAAM-SIM Announce New Updates

Posted: Monday, February 12, 2007 - 23:29
For those of you who have been on the flight simulation scene for a number of years will be familier with MAAM-SIM. This particular group have announced they are now delivering a new edition of their famous Douglas R4D/DC-3/C-47.

Since appearing on the scene in 1999, they have provided all patches and updates for free and are constantly making improvements to their aircraft. Thier upgrades are available on both CD and download. These recent updates are for FS2002 and FS2004. To find out more about the latest updates, and see 100's of screenshots of their aircraft, visit the MAAM-SIM website.

Alpilot Announces New X-Plane Scenery

Posted: Monday, February 12, 2007 - 23:02
In a press release today, Andras Fabian has announced his latest Overlay Scenery for X-Plane. Andras goes on to say: "It is a vastly improved version over the first release, and was greatly helped (in the visual domain) by a Swiss gentleman called Albert Laubi. Included within this release are regionalized forests, new layers to help the appearance of trees and a new texture set to enhance regions with the lack of dense forests. This will result in better visuals."

There are numerous screenshots to be viewed on the developers website, and he invites you all to drop in and see for yourself. For more information about this product, visit the Alpilot Website.

TrackClip Pro from Natural Point

Posted: Monday, February 12, 2007 - 1:15
Staff reviewer Jeff Shyluk continues where staff reviewer Zane Gard left off, with the continuation of Natural Point's latest piece of hardware, the TrackClip Pro. "This device is a USB-powered tracking clip that can attach to a headset for use with the TrackIR4:PRO system."

"The TrackClip PRO is a sensor device that will clip onto the left side of many headsets. It can be used with either the TrackIR3 or the TrackIR4 PRO models, although it does not include Vector Expansion activation for the TrackIR3:PRO. The TrackClip PRO is small and very lightweight, but I feel it is not as subtle in appearance as the spring steel clip. The TrackClip PRO is constructed of jet black shiny plastic, with the largest mass residing in an adjustable clip that fits on the left side of your headset. Emerging from the clip is a triple-pronged transmitter whose wiry armatures glow with a faint but steady redness from light-emitting diodes (LEDs) at their tips."

"So, just how well does the TrackClip PRO perform? I think it works exceptionally well! This product is an absolute winner. The moment you activate the TrackIR in your sim, your whole environment really comes to life. The feeling of immersion into reality seems both powerful and effortless. I saw that the TrackClip PRO easily and accurately tracked the movements of my head, and that the TrackIR system as a whole did not seem to affect my frame rates in any way. the camera sensor will accurately track the TrackClip PRO, and the user can sit farther away from the camera under lower light conditions and still get excellent responses to head movements. It is a sensitive device, so there is no need to use broad, sweeping head motions to achieve perfect control."

Jeff sums up the TrackClip Pro with, "I am a huge fan of the TrackIR system. To me, a TrackIR is as important a peripheral to a Flight Simulator computer as a joystick and a monitor. I feel that a TrackIR is well worth the investment. The TrackClip PRO is a brilliant add-on for the TrackIR. It integrates seamlessly with my existing TrackIR device. The setup does require a little bit of work, but nothing difficult or strenuous: if you can set up a TrackIR, you can easily set up a TrackClip PRO."

Library Fund Donations

Posted: Sunday, February 11, 2007 - 4:11
Donated to the library fund? Check the new permanent link on the right side of the front page for confirmation of receipt of your donation.

Gauges by Integrated Simvionics Group

Posted: Sunday, February 11, 2007 - 3:58
Staff reviewer David Wilson-Okamura looks at a collection of gauges from Integrated Simavionics Group. This collection includes a Master Control Unit (MCU), which pulls together the various functions of the system, the FMS proper (where flight plans are entered and various data can be viewed), an Enhanced Attitude Directional Indicator (which adds features to the standard horizon ball), and two different route displays: the Primus 1000 Multi-Function Display (MFD) and the Honeywell EFS50 Enhanced Horizontal Situation Indicator (EHSI).

"The driving force behind this project is Ernie Alston, whom some of us know as a controller on VATSIM, and others as the author of FSBuild, which was reviewed here several months ago. The consensus, on VATSIM at least, is that FSBuild is the best flight planning software for pilots who want to fly realistic routings. This same level of realism is now evident in Alston’s gauge offerings. This doesn’t at all mean that you need to have FSBuild in order to use ISG1."

"A great deal of thought has gone into making these new gauges play nicely with the other children in the cockpit. It’s possible to specify that a gauge will be used in the VC, or a pop-up, and the gauge will adjust to use system resources most effectively. There are also special versions of some gauges that include back-lighting."

When describing who the target audience is for these add-on gauges by Integrated Simavionics Group, David says, "The gauges in this package are carefully chosen and well executed. In combination, they simplify pilot workload and increase the precision of several flight maneuvers, including descent, hold, and approach. I like the results, and have no desire to go back. It really is a package, though, for jets and turboprops. If there is an obstacle to the success of this add-on, it is probably that tinkering with gauges and panels is not everyone’s idea of relaxation."

Real Sky V3 Extra Edition Released

Posted: Saturday, February 10, 2007 - 19:11
Real Sky changes the appearance of the sky in your sim to look natural and realistic. For the FS2004 version it also adds water textures, designed to blend with the sky textures to compliment one another to produce a realistic image. This product that can be used with both FS2004 and FSX by use of two separate installers.

For complete details about this product release, visit the sales website.

Aerosoft Releases Budapest

Posted: Saturday, February 10, 2007 - 18:59
Aerosoft reports, "This is probably the largest airport yet released for FSX and while doing it, we got a good idea why there is so little FSX scenery out. It's hard to get it right. But Andras Kozma got it done and got it right. Using all the new technology and tools available we are proud to add this scenery to our product line. When you own the FS2004 version you get this version for free (and vice versa of course)."

Aerosoft also adds these comments, "A serious word of warning though. This is without doubt a frame rate killer. Per polygon it is very fast, but this is a complex, extensive scenery, covering a very large area and you need a very fast PC to really enjoy it."

For complete details of the Budapest release, visit the Aerosoft website.