Project Opensky Releases Boeing 747-8F

Posted: Wednesday, June 23, 2010 - 16:11
Project Open Sky has announced the release of Boeing 747-8F, with this release they have the entire 747 model series from 747-100 to 747-400 including 747SP and LCF VC25A and E-4B. Some new features in this release include FS9 Special lighting system, which includes, Strobe reflection and fuselage splash lights and Independent tyre rotation feature.

For more information visit Project Open Sky forum.

Pasped Skylark From Lionheart Creations

Posted: Monday, June 21, 2010 - 22:24
Lionheart Creations have released their latest vintage aircraft "The Pasped Skylark" a classic two seater built in 1936 during the Golden Age of Aviation.
Powered by a Warner radial engine and featuring two doors and a sliding canopy, this rather large low wing plane could nearly qualify as a STOL aircraft, the Pasped Skylark is also fitted with a massive underside airbrake which lowers electrically and feeds its angle data to an electric gauge on the instrument panel.

The flight envelope was developed with input from the aircrafts restoration craftsman, features include a multi-function popup kneeboard with checklists, spec data , and a runway visualizer. There is also a hand compass that shows a 'compass card' .
Drop in to Lionheart's hanger for a gander at his latest creation

REX Software Updates & Server Outage

Posted: Monday, June 21, 2010 - 14:38
Tim Fuchs sent word that Real Environment Simulations is pleased to announce the successful move of operations that have affected their Support Forum, Weather Servers and Website. The network of servers were temporarily inaccessible starting June 13 through June 20th. This outage has caused problems with all REX related software as well as customer support. "We apologize for the inconvenience this has caused, and wish to thank all of our customers for their patience. Our new hosting company is monitoring operations closely now and should be back to 100%.

FSX Super Cub Update

Posted: Monday, June 21, 2010 - 13:59
FSAddon Publishing reports they have released an Upgrade to their popular Super Cub for FSX package , Simon Smeiman the author of the Super Cub has been working hard to not only fix a few problems that popped up after release, but also adding a number of great new features.

Corrections include a new face of the VSI gauge, correction of the compass, fixed cockpit interior seams, and stabilizer texture fix. New to the Updated Super Cub is a switch that will allow you to change the crew inside between a male and a female pilot, and also some combinations of pilot and passenger. There's also a 'tie down' option included and you can see people standing OUTSIDE of the aircraft.
All the changes are explained in the Update Instructions PDF also included in the download file , the Update is free to current owners.

HD Environment 2010 v1.2 Upgrade Now Available

Posted: Saturday, June 19, 2010 - 3:55
As requested, SceneryPRO Software has just released a CUSTOMER UPGRADE version of HD Environment 2010 for customers that have already purchased version 1.0 or higher. Existing customers can simply enter the coupon code "CU102" in the shopping cart when purchasing to receive the special upgrade price.

SimFlyer Announces Series-X Garmin GNS SR3.1

Posted: Saturday, June 19, 2010 - 3:53
SimFlyer's Garmin GNS-SX SR3.1 is available for download! Updates to this version include revised gauge code to provide optimal performance with Flight Simulator X and Direct X 10, as well as Windows 7 support. Upgrades are FREE for existing customers using version SR3.0.

Flight1 Announce 2010 Open Day!

Posted: Saturday, June 19, 2010 - 3:43
Last year Flight1 hosted their first Open Day at Shoreham Airport, and the day was such a huge success that ever since Flight1 have been inundated with requests for more information on the next one!

This year, to try to get slightly better weather they have brought the date forward to July. The only negative comments they had last year were that there were too many people so the other change this year is they have decided to open up for two days, the 17th and 18th July, in order to hopefully make it all the more relaxed for everyone.

The weekend is planned to match the relaxed, fun and interesting atmosphere they achieved last year. With a mix of virtual and real world pilots, experts and novices and of course flight instructors and developers on hand there'll be plenty of people around to answer any questions you have or simply to swap interesting stories and tips.

Weather permitting, there'll be another impressive collection of aircraft on the apron this year too as we have arranged this year's open day to coincide with Shoreham's biggest ever fly-in to celebrate 100 years since the very first flight at what was to become the glorious Shoreham Airport.

On the website are also the details you need to register for the day itself (as with last year the event is completely FREE, but if you register we'll have a goody bag brimming with even more free stuff ready for you when you arrive!).

FSFlyingSchool2010 V3.4 Released

Posted: Saturday, June 19, 2010 - 3:30
FSInventions announces a new version of its FSFlyingSchool2010 add-on for FSX and FS2004. Version 3.4 introduces new features which are free to existing owners of FSFlyingSchool2010.

Users of the FSFlyingSchool2010 Voice Command Pack can train for emergencies by saying "Birds ahead of us!" at which point FSFlyingSchool2010 simulates a bird strike or similar dangerous object causing all kinds of problems with the aircraft. You can say this as many times as you like and each time new problems will occur! A great way to train for engine failures, fires (fires in FSX only), and other serious problems with gear, flaps, and almost all your instruments.

Users of the FSFlyingSchool2010 Cessna 172 Detail Pack will note that when Ctrl Shift B is pressed, the instructor will now also describe the sky condition. All users of FSFlyingSchool2010 will see the following additional features.

Flight Plan Page
Two new buttons have been added to this screen. The "Read FSX's Plan" button will load the flight plan currently in use in FSX into FSFlyingSchool2010. This is a great time saver! The "Real Airport Data" button will open a browser containing detailed real world information about your destination airport with links to lots of useful resources from the excellent AirNav.com website (for U.S. airports) and other websites outside the U.S.
Totals of all your log book data
All your log book data can be seen as totals when you read the "Traditional Log Book" format in FSFS2010. This can be sub-sorted by individual aircraft. How many hours have you flown...?

To find out more, watch movies, download demo, etc, visit the FSFlyingSchool Website

Class 20 Locomotive Collection Released

Posted: Friday, June 18, 2010 - 14:46
For our Train Sim fans, Just Trains has released the download version (253Mb) of the Class 20 Collection. Their latest expansion for RailWorks and Rail Simulator features several versions of the Class 20 locomotive, ranging from the 1950s to the present, with each locomotive having a daytime cab and another with authentic night lighting. A superbly animated FEA-F RHTT (Rail Head Treatment Train), an FNA Nuclear Flask carrier and 12 new scenarios complete the package.

Their exclusive new ActivTrain and ActivWagon technology (RailWorks only) allows the Class 20 engine to control the water spraying and sounds effects of the RHTT and is also employed by the FNA and RHTT to provide an authentic red flashing tail lamp and let the engine headcode numbers and letters be changed. Check out the website for the boxed version as well.

Piaggio P180 Avanti II From Wilco Publishing

Posted: Friday, June 18, 2010 - 14:28
Wilco Publishing releases the futuristic Piaggio P180 Avanti II for Microsoft Flight Simulator, the cockpit employs numerous complex systems and fittings that really bring the VC to life. Glass cockpit arrays and flight consoles bristle with switches and knobs that are great to look at and function like the real thing.
Landing gear operation is highly realistic and detail extends to brake-lines and electrical connections. Landing lights extend and retract and the unique canard forward flap system is authentically modelled and animated.
Luggage hatches open and close as does the port engine cover which conceals a fully-modeled turboprop engine complete with big bore exhaust pipe, hydraulic and electrical lines and more.
Head over to the Piaggio P180 Avanti II Hanger to give the tires a kick.

Flight Collector from France VFR

Posted: Friday, June 18, 2010 - 6:07
France VFR has released boxed version of the Ultimate Flight Collection – that represents the entire product range for FLIGHT. It is a completed product range of France containing all flight scenery: Flight Paris, Flight Alps and Pyrénées, the Flight Mediterranée, Riviera and Corse – 8 Flight Scenery and their 3 extensions: Paris CityPack , Paris VFRPack and Riviera JetSet.

For more information visit FranceVFR Website

Eaglesoft Diamond DA42 For FSX Released

Posted: Friday, June 18, 2010 - 6:01
Eaglesoft Development Group has announced the release of their FSX Diamond DA42 Twin Star.

The DA42-tdi Twin Star is the world's first and only piston aircraft combining an advanced Airframe, Avionics and Twin Engines. The airframe is composed of an advanced aerodynamic and crash-worthy carbon fiber composite structure. With the revolutionary Turbo-Charged Jet Fuel TAE Centurion compression ignition piston engine, the Twin Star is the undisputed piston engine technology leader in GA aircraft. With a remarkably low fuel consumption, the DA42-tdi was the first Diesel-Powered GA aircraft in history to cross the Atlantic Ocean non-stop.

For more information on the FS9/FSX Diamond D42 Twin Star visit the Diamond DA42 Product Page

TerrainMap for FSX By DBS Studio

Posted: Thursday, June 17, 2010 - 14:28
DBS Studio Have released the FSX version of their TerrainMap Addon.
This new product represents on a monochromatic display a relief map of the terrain features before your aircraft and can be used in Bush Flying and on approach in hard weather conditions at mountain airports or any other similar conditions when the terrain isn't clearly visible ...

Battle of Britain from Just Flight

Posted: Thursday, June 17, 2010 - 9:50
Just Flight has announced release of Battle of Britain 70th Anniversary package for Flight Simulator X.Package includes quality simulations of the Hurricane, Spitfire and Messerschmitt 109. Exterior models are built using the most accurate plans available to achieve accurate profiles and shapes. The rear fuselages are modelled like the real thing, with fabric over stringers rear and they are specular and bump mapped where appropriate. All aircraft come with high-fidelity flight models, accurate sound sets, intricate animations, firing gun effects and many more impressive features:

1. Cockpits are fully modelled to high level of detail with every switch, knob and lever working and many with bespoke animation code
2. Range of variants in different paint schemes – a total of 40 different aircraft!
3. Animations include canopies (with jettison feature), pilot figures, undercarriages and opening engine covers that reveal fully detailed engines
4. Comprehensive printed manual with flight tutorials for each aircraft.

For more information visit their Product Page

PBY Catalina from PRE-Flight

Posted: Tuesday, June 15, 2010 - 8:18
PRE-Flight RC Simulator has announced the release of the PRE-Flight PBY Catalina for free download. The PBY Catalina by Consolidated Aircraft was widely used in World War II as bomber, escort, cargo, and rescue plane. Over 4000 Catalina's were produced - making it the most successful amphibious plane in history. This super scale PRE-Flight model of the Catalina is also amphibious, wheels are automatically lowered and wing-tip floats rotated on land operation and is steerable in both land and water.

For free download visit PRE-Flight Website

CH Products joysticks and controllers now available at the Avsim store

Posted: Monday, June 14, 2010 - 16:22
The Avsim store now carries the CH Products joysticks. This includes the Yoke, the Eclipse Yoke, Pro Pedals as well as the Fighterstick.

Visit the Avsim store today.

Ultimate 757 Collection from QualityWings

Posted: Sunday, June 13, 2010 - 19:43
Staff reviewer Marlon Carter stuffs his hangar with aircraft after loading Quality Wings Simulations' Ultimate 757 Collection. "The 757 is an amazing aircraft. The model is unique and by far one of the most widely used aircraft in the skies today. The Boeing 757 is a low-wing cantilever monoplane with a conventional tail unit with a single fin and rudder. The wing is swept at 25 degrees, and the aircraft is optimized for a cruising speed of Mach 0.8."

"Quality Wings has done an amazing job at modeling all variants of the 757. Over the years I have seen many 757 models both freeware and payware, I think at this point I can safely say that this is by far one of the best models I have seen. What makes this one of the best add-on packages is that you get not just 1 or 2 models, but up to 15 models with many features! All of these models come equiped with choice of either 2D or virtual cockpits along with an option for retrofitted ISS EFIS displays."

"The 757 by Quality Sim is not an in depth systems simulation, but the sound package that comes with this aircraft is nothing short of amazing. These sound files were recorded during actual engine run ups both inside and outside of the aircraft not just for one engine type, but for both RR and PW variants."

"QW has made it very clear on their website that this product is not meant to be a full systems simulation. With a motto as “Complexity Simplified” I think it sends a clear message that this is not a product that should be held on par with products that come from PMDG. However, this does not mean that the QW757 is not accurate in terms of the systems that are available. QualityWings has created an aircraft that simply gives you what you need to carry out a realistic flight from point A and B with some functions being carried out automatically e.g.: engine start fuel leveler, almost as if you had a virtual First Officer."

"I can say without any reservation that the Ultimate 757 Collection is one of the best deals I have seen in many years. You not only get a high quality mid level simulation product, but you also get the very best and exclusive sound package along with 15 of the highest quality 757 models."

Ingalls Field (KHSP) Released

Posted: Sunday, June 13, 2010 - 18:18
Pacific Islands Simulation is pleased to announce its release of the Ingalls Field (KHSP), Hot Springs, Virginia. Ingalls Field is a small Virginia airport perched atop the Warm Springs Mountain ridgeline at near 4000ft (1219m) amsl. It is the highest public use airport east of the Mississippi with a single 5600ft (1707m) runway. As one local news reporter covering the airport summarily described, "...it's so inconspicuously located truly in the middle of nowhere that many county residents don't even know it's there." (Most county residents live below the ridgeline, hence "out-of-sight-out-of-mind"). If you're from the eastcoast or Charlottesville, Roanoke, Blacksburg (Virginia Tech), etc, and are familiar with the airport, you'd be pleased to know that Pacific Islands Simulation has done a superb job in relicating this little gem in FSX.

DBS Update Terrain Map For FS2004

Posted: Sunday, June 13, 2010 - 18:13
DBS Studio have released an update to DBS Terrain Map for FS2004. Version 1.0.1 now allows transparency "on-fly" , auto implementation of Terrain Map window into aircraft panel (no need to edit panel.cfg file for assigning Terrain Map to current panel).
Now Terrain Map is always accessible throught the menu DBS Studio/Terrain Map, Visit the DBS Studio Homepage for details and download .

Multicore Environment from FSPS

Posted: Sunday, June 13, 2010 - 18:04
Flight Simulator Platform Solutions has released Multicore Environment a utility for setting the Affinity mask for up to ten programs.
A lot of software is running only on one core of your computer, when 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.