Walk And Follow Update

Posted: Friday, March 7, 2008 - 13:28
DBS Studio has released a patch for DBS Walk And Follow FSX to solve compatibility problem with Flight Simulator X Acceleration Pack. For more information and to download the fix, visit the DBSim Site.

FTX 'AU BLUE' for FSX Released

Posted: Wednesday, March 5, 2008 - 16:35
Orbx - the company formed by those that brought the Flight Simulation Community VOZ - is today proud to announce the release of FTX – Full Terrain Experience for Microsoft Flight Simulator X. Following three years of continuous research and development with VOZ and twelve months in the making by a team of 30 developers and testers, FTX heralds a new era in flight simulator visual fidelity. For the first time ever, flying at near-ground level provides as much crisp detail as you see from 40,000FT. FTX is completely hand-crafted in painstaking detail, with stunning new ground textures, accurate landclass, coastlines, rivers, full road systems with bi-directional traffic and metro freeways, and a superbly immersive unique 3D lighting system for night flying. FTX is being released in region packs, with today's launch region, AU BLUE, covering the southern half of Australia, an area larger than Western Europe. The website site has many screenshots, videos and technical data on the product range.

Walk and Follow for FSX Released

Posted: Tuesday, March 4, 2008 - 23:42
DBS Studio have released Walk and Follow for Flight Simulator X. Walk and Follow allows the user to freely walk around the Flight Simulator environment and has the unique function of creating FSX Cameras, and saving these for future use. Movement is controlled by the mouse and cursor keys. There are many more features, and these can be found by heading over to the Walk and Follow product page.

Eaglesoft Release Citation X for FSX

Posted: Tuesday, March 4, 2008 - 18:53
Eaglesoft has released the Citation X 1.0 for Flight Simulator X and has been designed to work seamlessly in FSX/SP2/DX9.0C. The package also contains updates to avionics and textures to work with FSX. If you are a prior user you can download a coupon for 30% off. More information at Eaglesoft Website

Europe & Asia Landclass from Scenery Tech

Posted: Sunday, March 2, 2008 - 22:19
Staff reviewer Etienne Martin reforms Europe and Asia with Scenery Tech's Landclass software. "Scenery Tech’s Europe and Asia Landclass products provide accurate terrain mapping data for large areas of the world."

"The Scenery Tech landclass visibly increases both the variety and resolution of the terrain type across the areas covered. The effect is drastic in areas of the world neglected by FSX where pervasive desert textures make the visuals rather bland and uninteresting. I also found the Scenery Tech data refines the transitions by utilizing more classes on the Olson scale, in particular for population areas. This makes urban areas from small villages to large cities magically appear in the terrain, while providing a gradual transition from rural to urban types. The new textures and texture map file impacts mountains and rocky areas significantly. It adds “more rock” to mountains, and second, it eliminates some of the zigzag effects on sloped surfaces."

"Because the additional landclass data must be loaded and processed, one can expect an additional burden on the scenery engine, primarily in load times. This said, I did not notice any frame rate impact on my system outside of a slightly increased load time. It should be noted that landclass data increases the variety of textures loaded, which increases the number of textures cached in memory for a given region."

This screenshot intense review of Scenery Tech's Europe & Asia Landclass is one that has to be seen more than read. "In the narrow confine of terrain classification, Scenery Tech’s landclass does the job well and fills major gaps in the default landclass data. For these reasons, Scenery Tech’s landclass deserves a good look if you’re looking at improving scenery in FSX."

New & Upgraded Historic Jetliner Files

Posted: Sunday, March 2, 2008 - 0:53
Hardly March madness, but more mighty releases from mega-masters at the Historic Jetliners Group. Released today are a mixture of both new classic/historic jetliners and file upgrades. New HJG Boeing aircraft textures this month feature B707-320's in the early 1960's livery of airlines representing an east African island nation, and the colourful livery of a short-lived Vietnamese operator from the mid 1970's. Plus some great looking B707-320C freighters from the 1980's and more recent times for aircraft from Angola, Brazil, the Bosporus, Chile, Colombia, and a real beauty from Thailand

A great new selection of textures for ARNZ/HJG BAe 146-300/RJ-100 aircraft have also been released featuring 4 variations of liveries representing 3 major New Zealand operators from 1994 to 2001, and also including a more recent Scandinavian carrier. Featured among new HJG Douglas aircraft textures this month is a DC8-33 in the rare livery of German charter airline from the late 1960's, and 2 variations of livery for DC8 SUPER 63CF freighters operated by a major Asian carrier during the early 1980's.

But that's not all. 4 superb new B707 3D models have also just been released by HJG and in the interests of authenticity some 30 existing textures have been upgraded especially for these. These new models feature both B707-320B ADVC and B707-320C aircraft fitted with Stage 2 Husk-Kits. From 1983 FAA/ICAO noise regulations forced quieter operation by all civil B707 & DC8 aircraft or mandatory retirement of otherwise fully serviceable aircraft. A new B707 panel has been added to the HJG Boeing panels inventory. This is an alternative/generic panel intended for use with any HJG B707/720/C135 TYPE aircraft and particularly by those whom can't run the groups official Boeing panels or prefer something a little less complex.

All this and a whole lot more is now available to download for "FREE" download at the Historic Jetliners website.

Spitfire from Just Flight

Posted: Saturday, March 1, 2008 - 22:29
Staff reviewer Laurie Aston climbs into Just Flight's latest rendition of the world famous Spitfire. "With this particular package suited not only to today's sim flyer, but it's also designed to include the users of FS2002/FS2004/FSX as well as Combat Flight Sim 2 and 3."

"This package includes 39 (Thirty Nine) Aircraft, covering 14 Marks of the machine. There is a Spitfire variant for every occasion, including a Spitfire floatplane, and covers every theatre of operation. In 2D display mode, or in the increasingly popular VC mode, the instrument layout is clear and concise, differing with the various models and looking very good in either mode. Instrument readings are easily readable, switches are moveable and do what they are supposed to do, and looking around the “office” in VC mode reveals a wealth of detail all around the central seat. The Instruments are very detailed and all move in the correct sense."

"The prototype is probably the slowest in performance with a two blade wooden prop, but it isn’t slouching either. Progressing through the Mks of Spitfire will provide some pleasing differences; the clipped wing models rolling quicker, the float plane is sluggish and awkward, but providing different skills to master, and increasing the pleasure obtained from such a varying package. The Trainer version gives a different view from the normal cockpit, but again adding to the variety in a very different way as you can fly from the pupil or instructor cockpit. Whichever Spitfire you opt for, the test flight is always exciting. There is no aircraft engine that can ever beat the Rolls Royce Merlin for sound, and this package expertly records that event in all phases of flight from start-up and beyond."

Summing up this latest Spitfire offering Laurie says, "At the price for obtaining this package, with the huge variety of Spitfire versions available, anyone still interested in this ageing beauty will happily pay up. I know I would. The pleasure, flying time, experimentation, visits to other airfields, and practicing flying displays will make this package one of the best you ever purchase. The Virtual Cockpit is a joy, and the traditional 2D cockpit is very good too, add to this the variety of Squadrons and countries covered, the authentic paint schemes with wear marks and scrapes, in addition to the external detail, cannon ports, gun ports, gear legs and tail wheel detail, propeller detail too, and this is a super package."

The Aviator Volume 3 2008

Posted: Saturday, March 1, 2008 - 21:24
“The Aviator” Magazine Volume 3 Issue 1 Released (01 March 2008) , the FREE e-magazine for all Aviation Enthusiasts, is now out with its fourth issue of this volume, the online magazine features a variety of Aviation articles, reviews, adventures, and much more. You can download your copy directly HERE

New AviaScan Release

Posted: Saturday, March 1, 2008 - 20:19
AviaScan has released an add-on for the London Control ATC simulator. AviaScan brings the entire country of Germany to life with all approach, low and upper control sectors are avialable for active control. 125 airports, 12000 flights, and 118 control sectors are modeled using real aeronautical data.

FANCON 2008 - Opinion Poll

Posted: Saturday, March 1, 2008 - 19:35
In a reader poll that ended at midnight on December 31st, the AVSIM readership voted for a number of possible locations to hold FANCON 2008. Orlando, Florida won hands down. As we all now know, the economy around the world has grown worse and appears to want to continue in a negative direction. In the AVSIM Board of Directors meeting that occurred this morning, we asked ourselves the question; if the economy gets worse, will we have any attendance at the FANCON? So, we take that question to you, our readers and potential attendees. If you had planned to attend the next FANCON, please take our newly published poll. At the end of the poll you will be emailed a password to complete your submission. Thank you for participating.

New X-Keys Accessory

Posted: Saturday, March 1, 2008 - 16:41
P.I. Engineering, the makers of X-Keys and RailDriver, announces a new accessory suitable for any low light (or no light) environment. A USB powered lamp with just enough light to illuminate your X-keys (or cockpit) without blinding you or throwing a distracting glare on your monitor. A weighted base and flexible gooseneck lets you position the head at precisely the correct angle. Low power consumption and a convenient on/off switch means you can plug the X-keys Illuminator into your laptop without sucking the battery dry. For more information, visit the P.I. Engineering website.

New FSX T-6 Texan / Harvard From AlphaSim

Posted: Saturday, March 1, 2008 - 11:56
AlphaSim announced today the FSX SP2/Acceleration update for the T-6 Texan / Harvard has been released. This new version of the model package now brings it up to date with bump-mapping, self-shadowing V-C included ,reflection and bloom effect. If you have the original FSX (FS9 portover) version, the update will convert your FSX T-6 to the new standard. There is also a standalone FSX version for SP1/SP2/Acceleration installations, full product information can be found at the AlphaSim website

OnCourse Wants Your Voice!

Posted: Friday, February 29, 2008 - 13:15
OnCourse Software is still looking for new voice authors to expand the number of voice packs available within their popular ProFlight 2000 Emulator (PFE). Successful applicants will receive a free copy of PFE Deluxe *PLUS* a free download on any FS add-on of their choice from Aerosoft. Those interested should checkout the free downloads post at the PFE support forum right here at AVSIM.

Grumman A-6 Intruder Released

Posted: Wednesday, February 27, 2008 - 13:39
James Smith has informed us of the release of the Grumman A-6 Intruder for Microsoft Flight 2004 and Flight Simulator X (SP2). The package includes seven different models with three different schemes and load-outs. Also included are mission compatible models for use specifically in FSX Missions. There is a highly detailed fully functional and clickable Virtual Cockpit. No 2D cockpit is provided as the model has been designed to be flown from the Virtual Cockpit. The package has custom gauges, as well as custom sound provided by Sky Song Sound Works. Six thrilling missions are provided that feature special code to simulate the dropping-of ordnance – you can take-off fully loaded, drop ordnance, and land with empty stores as per the real aircraft. To find out more, head over to Razbam

Cheyenne X from Aerosoft/Digital Aviation

Posted: Tuesday, February 26, 2008 - 22:47
Staff reviewer Etienne Martin takes a look at a completed revamped FSX aircraft, the Piper PA31T Cheyenne X. "This is the second iteration of the popular Piper Cheyenne turboprop from Digital Aviation, published by Aerosoft. Updated for Flight Simulator X (including SP2) and Windows Vista, the Cheyenne X is branded as a new product altogether."

"Digital Aviation has delivered good models in the past, and the Cheyenne X is no exception. They have provided four versions of the Piper Cheyenne (I, IA, II and IIXL). Each version has its own model and flight characteristics. All liveries are high gloss and make the aircraft look spanking new out of the factory."

"Based on photographs of the real aircraft, it seems the exterior model shows nearly every exterior detail, from the wing light chrome covers to the contact points on the (functional) windshield wipers. The landing gear is presented in full detail, including inside the wheel wells. The windows and windshield are particularly well done."

"The Cheyenne X has a comprehensive set of 2D panels and has one of the most functional 3D environments to be found in an add-on, with almost every knob and switch functional. The 2D panels are, for the most part, unchanged from the original Cheyenne product for FS9 except for the addition of the weather radar. The 3D office in the Cheyenne X is quite the experience. As with the exterior model, the VC is very detailed and meticulously done. The Cheyenne’s cockpit is relatively small, and nearly all controls are accessible from the pilot’s seat, making the VC very relevant. I would expect very little time to be spent in the rather mundane 2D cockpit after experiencing the 3D cockpit the Cheyenne X has to offer."

"Exterior lighting effects include the navigation, wing light (left wing only), tail, nose and wingtip taxi/landing lights. The interior comes to life at night and gives the Cheyenne X a very convincing, almost photo-real night light for the cockpit, instruments and cabin. The Cheyenne X includes two main new avionics features, namely a multi-mode weather radar capable of displaying navigation and log data, the other, the Trimble 1000 GPS unit. The sound included in the Cheyenne X is recorded from the actual aircraft per the product specifications. The default turboprop startup sound is gone, replaced by a much more accurate turbine spool whine and a very satisfying low rumble, especially when props are out of phase."

Etienne's review contains an enormous number of screenshots to give you an indepth appreciation of this aircraft. He also gives you the low-down on it's flight characteristics as he takes it out for a spin. Concluding this review Etienne says, "Cheyenne X has the right mix of ingredients to duplicate an immersive feel of flight. Digital Aviation joins the ranks of top development teams by taking FSX to a new level with a very effective virtual cockpit and top exterior model. The aircraft itself lends itself well to casual VFR or the faster business of IFR, and as such, the Cheyenne X is a flexible high performance turboprop for anyone’s hangar."

Zurich X from FSDreamteam

Posted: Tuesday, February 26, 2008 - 3:21
Staff reviewer Jon Murchison heads off to Switzerland to review FSDreamteam's Zurich X. "(Flughafen) Zürich, also known as Kloten airport (IATA: ZRH, ICAO: LSZH) is an airport on the move, selected as Europe’s leading airport for the fourth year in a row (World Travel Awards) and with increasing passenger numbers (20.7 Million in 2007) Zürich has become one of the key European hubs."

"Zürich Airport is split into 6 main areas. I was immediately struck by how compact the airport is, a lot is located in a smallish area. One of the first things that comes to mind is ‘modern’. There is nothing 1940’s about this airport. Extensive use of glass in the main hall and midfield terminal mean this airport is very open, allowing the dramatic views of the alps in the distance to be a key feature for visitors, and this scenery is no different."

"I’ll say from the outset that this is a true FSX scenery package, no tweaking the FS9 version to make it work in FSX here. Every building features reflective bump mapped textures of a very high quality, and what really impressed me was the extensive use of transparent materials for glass. The external models for all buildings and facilities have been done to a very high level of detail; this is particularly evident in the main building frontage and the midfield dock, mainly because of the detail that has been built into these."

"One of the challenges in doing reviews of airports, when you have never visited or don’t live close by, is how do you actually know what’s real and what isn’t? It’s easy to say the main building ‘looks realistic’, but how does one say that with any credibility? In this case, I had the advantage of webcams located at Zürich which I was able to access through the official airport website (ZURICH Airport). Overall, I think FSDreamteam have developed a very realistic simulation of the real world equivalent, and have done so in a way that won’t bring your PC to its knees."

"Zürich is quite literally alive with animation. Whether it's the distinctive red airport buses moving throughout the airport grounds, security cars, vans or tugs, the activity levels right across the airport is extreme. Being an area of the world that experiences truly freezing winters, you also have the opportunity to interact with de-icing crews prior to departure."

Concluding his tour of Zurich X, Jon closes with, "Overall, I was very impressed with ZürichX. FSDreamteam have bought together all the elements and produced a scenery that is realistic, alive with animation, and allows FSX users to enjoy the enhancements the latest version of our favorite sim offers. ZürichX caters to machines of varying performance in terms of the ability to not only adjust scenery settings in-sim, but also adjust the config file settings with regards to autogen etc, through the Add-on Manager. If you are a regular flyer through Europe, this is a must have add-on to enhance your Switzerland stop-over’s."

Czech Republic For Condor Soaring Released

Posted: Tuesday, February 26, 2008 - 1:01
Czech Republic 0.5, the first part of Czech Republic scenery by Milos Koch "Cadfael", one of the most talented designer for Condor, is now available. The finished area of Czech Republic Scenery will be twice the size of the default Slovenia scenery. Most advanced techniques have been used to develop this add-on featuring an artwork style with subtle use of photos textures where relevant. Czech Republic 0.5 is a comprehensive and ready-to-fly scenery with a mesh, a realistic landclass and autogen, many custom 3D objects and airports, a complex network of roads, rivers and lakes. Cities are optimized for framerate and thanks to a new technology users can choose between two designs. The thermal map for the Czech Republic was created using a compromise between realism and usual Condor standard i.e. thermals are better than in the Slovakia scenery by the same author, but not fully unrealistic.

The package comes with bonuses: three PDA maps for pilots and a sample of 3D objects and textures for freeware developers. For more information and screenshots, please read this thread on Condor forum. To download the scenery, please visit the download site.

Latest Aerosoft Releases/Updates

Posted: Tuesday, February 26, 2008 - 0:48
TSR Autobrake - This downloadable module connects to FS2004/FSX via FSUIPC and is a near perfect simulation of the Autobrake systems that are standard in larger aircraft. Fully usable for cockpit builders, but also for the advanced flight simmer, braking will never be the same in FS if you have this installed. Land a heavy aircraft on a snowy runway and you will be surprised how short a runway can be. If you take your large airliners serious, this is one for you!

FSMap (Boxed version) - If you have not yet tried FSMap, download the demo file and see why so many simmers are trying to sell their paper charts at this moment. With the release of the latest version 1.02 Aerosoft started producing the box version which is Now available.

Venice X (Boxed version - Venice X has made people wonder why FSX scenery is supposed to be so slow, denser than any other scenery while using all the new features of FSX, it should get you a very solid 20 FPS overall. Having done very well in the download version, it is now available in boxed format.

Digital Aviation Piper Cheyenne X (Boxed version) - Now in the FSX version, Digital Aviation Piper Cheyenne X has become even better in graphics and is equipped with a fully new working weather radar. Up to now only available as download, the boxed version is waiting for you.

Updates - FSMap is now in version 1.02 and this update is advised for all users, including the people who now use the free demo. MyTraffic X has an update to version 5.1b that makes it fully compatible with FSX SP2/Accelerate. Last but not least FS Commander is updated to version 8.22, the last files solve some issues that were found in the 8.20 release. Get all your updates from the FAQ's/Updates section of Aerosoft's website.

AVSIM Server Upgrades, Complete And Continuing

Posted: Monday, February 25, 2008 - 0:48
As you are all aware, yesterday AVSIM took a giant leap forward in storage space and hardware. We are happy to report that the upgrades and repairs went very well. The new storage is prepped and ready. In coming weeks we will move the files to the new RAID Array.

Some folks have been asking us exactly what we did, so we wanted to share with you where all those donations have gone.