Airports Of The Dominican Republic

Posted: Friday, January 19, 2007 - 7:11
Dominican Aerodromes has released a full pack of the complete selection of Airports of the Dominican Republic. This pack includes Santo Domingo's Las Americas MDSD, San Isidro Airforce Base, Higuero Int'l, Punta Cana Int'l, Puerto Plata Int'l, La Romana Int'l and Santiago's Cibao Airport. For complete information visit the Dominican Aerodromes website.

Airliner XP Comes To Life

Posted: Friday, January 19, 2007 - 6:43
Reality XP has been silently working with the aviation training industry and co-founded Airliner XP to bring professional airliner simulation products to the desktop PC. Airliner XP's management and staff includes producers, artists, designers, and developers with experience from leading publishers and titles in the industry including Dreamfleet, FlightScenery and Reality XP.

"In today's market, there is little room to deliver next-generation simulation products that don't meet market expectations," said Jean-Luc Dupiot, co-founder of Airliner XP. "At Airliner XP, we are taking best practices and experiences and marrying that with the best in the industry from around the world to assure seamless and top notch product design and development technology within each level of the production pipeline. And we couldn't be more pleased to partner with Dreamfleet and FlightScenery, companies we respect and admire for their legacy, pedigree and amazing talent."

To keep abreast of developments and the progress of new products, visit Reality XP's website.

Ground Environment from Flight 1

Posted: Friday, January 19, 2007 - 6:07
Sr reviewer Alexis Esguerra re-covers the world with his look at Flight 1's Ground Environment. "GE is not like any of the available world scenery packages who’s textures are designed to maximize the accuracy of the appearance of any one area. Instead, it is a set of general textures that were designed to improve upon the ones that are supplied with FS2004, complementing the general appearance of a location. Major landmarks, such as famous structures, landmasses, and airports themselves remain unaffected."

"Autogen scenery goes through a change, with primary emphasis being on alignment and appropriate placement. How many times have you looked down and wondered why Building A was canted at a severe angle to Road A? Flight 1 looked into this in GE, and worked their magic. In reworking of the textures, the program seemed to be coded to acknowledge placement or no placement of autogen objects based on whether or not the texture was appropriate to the object. Textures that suggest any undeveloped, open fields are vacant of any structures, the roads appear clear of any clutter that would hinder virtual car traffic, and where the buildings are plopped down suggests a good degree of orderly placement."

Summarizing Ground Environment, Alexis notes, "There is no denying that GE really makes the grade in improving the appearance FS2004 default world. I personally would not hesitate to recommend GE to FS2004 users."

AlphaSim's F7U Cutlass Released.

Posted: Friday, January 19, 2007 - 2:07
Long absent from FS, the F7U Cutlass has now been "unsheathed" at AlphaSim. The package includes three loadout variations - missiles, tanks/missiles and 'clean'. Sharp textures and a subtle reflective shine really bring out the unusual shape of this early US Navy interceptor.

AlphaSim reports, "The soundset goes well with the amazing animated afterburner effects and smoke. Other effects include wingtip vortices, wing surface flash and afterburner 'glow' on the fuselage. The panel and VC have a nice 50's 'weathered' look and are fully interactive, with a set of high-quality pop-up panels for the other essential functions. A carefully-researched flight model rounds out this package."

This release is for both F2004 and FSX. For complete details and a selection of screenshots, visit the AlphaSim website.

AlphaSim's Tu-160 Blackjack Out Now

Posted: Thursday, January 18, 2007 - 1:15
AlphaSim has recreated this massive, supersonic Cold War bomber for FSX and FS2004. The Tu-160 Blackjack package includes a detailed VC and panel with authentic Soviet-era gauges. The external model features weathered textures with the classic all-white, as well as 'Prototype' and 'Fictional Black' paint schemes. Animations include the dual bomb bays (displaying the multi-launchers inside), the refuelling probe in the nose, and automatically operated swing wings, flaps and slats.

Animated afterburner effects along with smoke and vapour trails, together with the thunderous soundset, combine for a classic 'Blackjack' take-off ! An unusual addition to this package is a set of pop-up Navigator's Station panels - these were created by a real-life Tu-160 Navigator and are said to be highly authentic in appearance, although functionality is limited to the Moving Map and the fwd-looking 'TV' (TV is FS9-only).

For all the details on this latest release, vist the AlphaSim website.

Flight Tracker Upgraded For FSX

Posted: Thursday, January 18, 2007 - 0:53
In an announcment today, Keith Lovell has announced that the utility Flight Tracker is now compatible with FSX. To read more about this latest release of their software vist the Flight Tracker website.

Russian AI Re-Opens For Business

Posted: Wednesday, January 17, 2007 - 23:08
In a press release submitted by Alexander Petrenko, he is happy to announce that the Russian AI Traffic System web-site is online again. Alexander goes onto say: "After reworking, we opened our web-site with some more russian AI packages with the likes of Airlines 400, Ebrus Avia, Alania and some updates for our Russian GA project - Aero Rent, Shans Air, Sirius Aero, S-Air. And also we are happy to announce, that our team started a final beta-testing for Russian main carriers packages like Air Union, Aeroflot, Aeroflot-Don, Aeroflot-Nord, etc."

They are looking forward to seeing you visit their websiste. For more info on this news article, visit the Russian AI Traffic website.

Premier Aircraft Design Freeware Lear 60

Posted: Wednesday, January 17, 2007 - 20:07
In a news article sent to Avsim today, Premier Aircraft Design (PAD) announces the freeware release of the Bombardier Learjet 60 for FS2004 Century of Flight and FSX.

PAD go on to say: "The release contains five complete aircraft in real world liveries from USA, Canada, Germany and Great Britain. Each model is a complete package of aircraft, panel with internal views, DVC (Dynamic Virtual Cockpit) and fully modelled luxury passenger cabin. Custom sound, full ground handling module with push back and taxi speed control also included."

For more information on this latest release, Visit the Premier Aircraft Design website.

Supronov Design Releases 15 New Liveries

Posted: Tuesday, January 16, 2007 - 10:03
Suprunov Design has released some new liveries for the Yakovlev-40 version 2.0.1. The 15 liveries include the Aeroflot USSR and classic Russian, S7, UTAir and KrasAir. For more information please visit the Suprunov Design website.

Aeroworx Releases B200 v.2.2 Patch

Posted: Tuesday, January 16, 2007 - 8:06
Aeroworx has announced that the version 2.2 patch for the X-treme King Air has been released. This patch increases performance in the simulator while reducing system overhead. It is recommended that all users upgrade to version 2.2 for best performance. Please visit the Aeroworx website for more information.

Reviewers Still Needed

Posted: Sunday, January 14, 2007 - 18:06
AVSIM still has reviewer positions open. If you have a keen interest in all facets of the flight simulation world and can write in-depth, detailed and informative reports on current and new products, then AVSIM would like to hear from you.

Potential reviewer candidates can send a review sample of anything in their hangar to the Reviews Editor in either Word, Text or HTML format with a style similar to what you have seen here on the website. I ask that you do not submit a review that you have written on the spur of the moment, as reviews take time to evaluate all aspects of the product to get a sense of what the product is all about. Not all products are created equally, and we're looking for an honest, unbiased opinion of the products you will be assigned.

Interested hobbyists are to note that these positions take a serious amount of dedicated time. You will be expected to review a product at least once a month. You can expect to be assigned aircraft, scenery, utilities or hardware to review as supplied by the Reviews Editor. Most of these products come in FS9 and/or FSX format. If you are partial to one or the other, please indicate so in your initial contact email.

These positions will be filled as successful reviewers are identified. These positions are open to anyone, anywhere in the world. A good working knowledge of written english is essential. All submissions will be answered. As this is an ongoing process, applications can be submitted at anytime. If you require more general information or have questions about the position please contact the Reviews Editor.

Razbam Productions Has Moved

Posted: Sunday, January 14, 2007 - 17:16
Razbam Productions has launched their new website effective January 1st 2007. The new site includes a forum that allows you to get in touch with the development team or share experiences with other users.

ImagineSim Releases KCVG Cincinnati

Posted: Sunday, January 14, 2007 - 16:03
ImagineSim has released their seventh add-on airport. A fully specified recreation of KCVG Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International Airport, USA. Cincinnati is a major Delta hub and is served by all the US majors to points across Europe, Central America and the Caribbean. Cincinnati features custom made ground textures and runways, terminal, cargo and hanger buildings rendered to 5cm per pixel scale, smoothly operating jetways that dock with your aircraft's forward door with an interactive docking system to park you right on your mark, taxiways with highly realistic concrete textures, full airport taxiway and runway signage, 3D approach lighting and full ILS navigation. Also included are hundreds of airport vehicles and ground personnel, aircraft can be found parked at custom textured parking positions, all hangers, cargo and airport auxiliary buildings are modeled, there is even a perimeter fence. TO check out all the features and grab your copy, visit the ImagineSim Site.

FSXPilot Update Released

Posted: Sunday, January 14, 2007 - 15:58
Scientific networks reports that there is a new free update for FSXPilot available. Changes in V 1.22 include: Frequencies of VOR's and NDB's directly display on the EFIS; all ILS frequencies are now directly shown at the base of the ILS T; AI and multiplayer planes display more reliable; V 1.22 offers a better click-selection of AI and MP targets on EFIS. For ATC-controllers, the EFIS can now be set to 'tower mode'(north orientation): enter 'set tower mode on/off'. In addition, there is new information on page one of the NAV display such as ambient wind, QNH, gear, flap position and percentage of fuel left. The update is available at the FSXPilot Site.

FSDiscover! from Flight 1

Posted: Saturday, January 13, 2007 - 21:35
There's scenic flights and then there's informative scenic flights. Staff reviewer David Wilson-Okamura describes the numerous features in Flight 1's new release, FSDiscover!

"With EZ-Landmark, you could look out the window of your aircraft and see labels over the landscape. If you wanted to know what a lake was called, the name was right there in front of you, hovering over the lake. In FSDiscover!, it works the same way, but there are several new features: a basic map with flight planner, more named objects, a new system for displaying names without cluttering up the screen, a mechanism to add placenames while you are flying, and the option to see your flight path painted on the landscape in front of you."

"Currently, there are four categories of names that you can show: airports, geographic names, your flight plan (if you have one), and "points of interest." According to the product description, FSDiscover! has a database of "over 3.6 million geographic names from all over the world". Also, FSDiscover! has an interface that lets you add landmarks while you are flying. This involves pointing at the object (by slewing the aircraft) and typing the landmark’s name."

David says, "there is a lot of great scenery out there, both freeware and payware, but we don’t always see everything that’s there. FSDiscover! can help with that. Easy to use and also to expand, this is a tool not just for exploring new places, but for discovering new things about the places we already know."

Default FSX 747 Edition Of FS2Crew Update

Posted: Saturday, January 13, 2007 - 13:46
Service Update 1 for the Default FSX 747 Edition of FS2Crew is now available. It corrects two minor issues that were found in the addon. This update is for the Default FSX 747 Edition only and should not be confused with the PMDG 747 Edition of FS2Crew. FS2Crew has also started updating its products that use the Flight1 E-Commerce Wrapper with a new version of the Flight1 Wrapper that works in Vista. 747 FSX Captains are cleared via direct to The FS2Crew Website to download the latest update.

France VFR Releases St. Maarten/St. Barthelemy

Posted: Saturday, January 13, 2007 - 13:33
France VFR has just announced the release of its new photoreal St. Maarten - St. Barthelemy scenery for FS2004. The scenery covers the St. Maarten and St. Barthelemy islands with photorealistic textures from aerial photography, not satellite images. The islands also feature many customized 3D objects, full autogen coverage and a custom mesh for the entire area. The 3 airports included in the package feature detailed buildings and realistic AI traffic based on real aircraft and liveries. France VFR have also thrown a 'Twin-Otter' aircraft into the package for flying around your new scenery. For more information, visit the France VFR Website

SkyUnlimited's P-38 Lightning Reviewed

Posted: Saturday, January 13, 2007 - 4:22
Another classic warbird reviewed. This time it's the P-38 Lightning from SkyUnlimited as presented by contributing reviewer Chris Kiehl. "Say P-38 to any WWII or big aircraft fan, and they immediately picture this odd, though very beautiful, plane."

"The modeling done on this P-38 is some very decent work. Four different P-38 models are included in the ‘Late’ P-38’s Volume I and they are the P-38J, P-38K, P-38L, and the F-5 photo recon aircraft. The main detail I noticed was, all of the smooth curves and edges on the real P-38s are modeled very faithfully on this craft. Looking at the intercooler bulges on the sides of the booms/nacelles, it just looks dead-on accurate to the real thing."

"The 2D panel in the P-38 package is relatively functional more than anything, still possessing a quality of making you feel as if you are in the real deal. All regular and required gauges are present, most being default or common gauges. The sub-panels included are simplified or default panels for radios, autopilot, and engine controls. The virtual cockpit incorporates most everything you’ll need for a wide range of different flight types, and just about everything is clickable. The virtual cockpits are nearly identical for all P-38 models included, aside of the photo recon VC, which includes a small panel with camera shutter controls just to the left of the mags."

"Flying this P-38 is a whole new set of challenges and pleasures, and as with any new aircraft that flies realistically, it will take some adjusting time. You will find takeoffs are wonderfully easy in this plane, the counter rotating props simply eliminate that takeoff ‘swing’. The P-38 can make it to 20,000 ft in around 6.5 to 7 minutes, so you can imagine the kind of power strapped to your back."

In summary of SkyUnlimited's P-38, Chris says, "The SkyUnlimited P-38 definitely fills a realism gap, they’re simply what I call the best P-38’s for the FS world. If you’re a WWII Warbird or P-38 fan, this is simply right up your alley. If not, consider giving it a try, you might find warbirds to be more to your liking than you thought."

Abacus, Free FSX Scenery Editor

Posted: Friday, January 12, 2007 - 20:25
One of our staff members here at AVSIM has discovered a nice little freebie from Abacus. Abacus writes on their site, "Over the years, thousands of our Flight Simulator customers have told us that they enjoy new scenery second only to new aircraft. So we've made it our goal to find an easy way for these users to make new scenery. There's good news! For those of you who have Microsoft Flight Simulator X Deluxe Edition you can be making your own new scenery designs, in just a few minutes."

The Abacus Scenery shortcut allows you to take mission-generated scenery and convert it to fully available FSX scenery. "The Mission Builder component for designing scenery is called the Object Placement Tool. This is a flexible utility that lets you select and place 3D objects in the mission with "drag and drop" ease." According to Abacus their Scenery Shortcut tool then allows you to save this permanently to the FSX world. For more information and to grab your free copy, visit the Abacus Scenery Shortcut page. For use with FSX Deluxe Only!

Cloud9 Releases Bergen for FSX

Posted: Friday, January 12, 2007 - 16:15
Cloud9 is happy to announce the release of the Bergen Flesland Airport scenery, another Flight Simulator X native product. Frame rate friendly, this new scenery includes all new features allowed by FSX. Available, as all other cloud9 products, in trial version (full features, with a time limit only.) For more information, visit the Cloud9 Website.