CLS Release Sydney Scenery and Patches

Posted: Wednesday, February 13, 2008 - 12:41
Commercial Level Simulations have announced the release of Sydney (YSSY) for Flight Simulator 9 & Flight Simulator X. The scenery has been in development for over two years. In conjunction with the release of this scenery, you can buy the scenery and the Piper Arrow aircraft for a special discounted price. CLS have also released product patches to make the A340-500/-600 and F117A compatible with FSX-SP2. If you like the idea of flying down-under, or flying ultra-long-haul with an Airbus then head over to Commercial Level Simulations

FS Around-The-World Race

Posted: Wednesday, February 13, 2008 - 3:48
The 2008 FS Around-The-World Race is just around the corner, This Saturday to be exact.AVSIM's team has always faired well in this friendly competition in the past. The race is always fun as more people get involved. For specific information on the race, log onto the race website. Good Luck and Have Fun.

MegaSceneryX Las Vegas from PC Aviator

Posted: Wednesday, February 13, 2008 - 3:30
Staff reviewer Angelique van Campen buzzes the Strip and the outskirts of town in MegaScenery X Las Vegas. "MegaSceneryX does not add custom 3D buildings but instead adds photo scenery around the buildings. A great, impressive looking ultra realistic scenery of the surrounding area and of course all the highways, local roads, parks – as far as possible in this desert area – mountains, mountains and more mountains."

"Even though the covered area is limited, there’s still enough to see. 2100 square miles of Las Vegas and surrounding area (approx 45 x 45 miles) created from 1 foot per pixel aerial photos and displayed at 1.19 meters per pixel and includes 10 meter high resolution terrain mesh. Megascenery X provides as realistic a scenery display of the area as is possible by today’s standards. It includes an equally realistic night, dusk and dawn flying experience."

Angelique takes you on a descriptive day and dusk VFR tour of the area covered in this add-on. Summarizing her Las Vegas X review she says, "My overall impression is that it is awesome. The only thing you have to keep in mind is the fact that it doesn't cover a large area but a relatively small area of Nevada. The name says “Las Vegas” and nothing more, so in other words; you shouldn't expect anything else."

Ultimate Terrain X DVD Editions Released

Posted: Tuesday, February 12, 2008 - 20:16
Flight One Software, in partnership with Scenery Solutions, has officially released the DVD Editions of Ultimate Terrain X USA & Ultimate Terrain X Canada for Flight Simulator X. Both DVD Editions have been designed from the ground up to take advantage of the new technologies in FSX, and provide you with the most superior and complete terrain environment to date. As with our download versions, we use only the highest quality commercial source data in our products. Roads, Rivers, Streams, Bridges, Land-class, Water-class, Night Lighting, Coastlines, and more are packed into these Ultimate Terrain X editions. The DVD Editions can be purchased through Flight 1

SimTube Contest Voting

Posted: Tuesday, February 12, 2008 - 19:39
Just a short reminder folks, SimTube's 3rd video contest is still happening.

The winner of the video contest will receive a product of their choosing from CaptainSim.

Head over to SimTubes' Forums to vote for your favorite.

Dreamscenery Releases Indianapolis X

Posted: Tuesday, February 12, 2008 - 17:58
Dreamscenery have today announced the release of Indianapolis X (KIND) for Microsoft Flight Simulator X. Gregory Sokratis said “Indianapolis X brings this forgotten airport in FSX to life, with new levels of realism for you to experience as never before. Not only the airport, but the surrounding area is included too, including; all the city skyscrapers (that means buildings of 12 and more floors) as well as lots of low-rises. All of them are custom-made with photo-real textures. Custom made monuments and landmarks all around the city; churches; hospitals; hotels; public buildings; sporting venues - like the famous Speedway or the Conseco Field to mention just a few. Major and minor custom made bridges that look like the real ones as much as possible and 1m/pixel aerial photo-textures for the areas of: Downtown and Center Township; Speedway and surroundings area; KIND airport and surroundings including night and winter versions.” If this is your home airport, or you fancy flying into a new terminal area, then you area cleared direct to Dreamscenery

Riviera Jet Set - Nice and Cannes

Posted: Tuesday, February 12, 2008 - 0:52
This new add-on is the result of several months of hard work accomplished by France VFR’s Developing Team, aiming to add a new product-concept to the already existing France VFR’s product line: the Airport Packs. They complete the BasePacks and AutogenPacks with further elements like the main airports, airfields and helipads within the same Basepack. These Airport Packs are not stand-alone products but are to be used with their respective BasePack (required) and Autogen (strongly recommended).

This first Airport Pack, named FlightRiviera JetSet is conceived for the Flight Riviera Basepack and contains the airports of Nice and Cannes. The pack represents not only a simple assembly of air platforms in one product, but is developed as thematic scenery. It includes a great number of remarkable buildings and objects situated outside the airports (harbours, boats, seafront, marinas, hotels and malls) as well as varied animations and AI Traffic of Business Jets within a great realism providing real aeronautical environments adapted either to VFR Flights or to leisure flights.

The scenery is conceived for FS9 and the patch FSX will be soon released free on France VFR’s website. In order to promote the new scenery of FlightRiviera JetSet, France VFR has set up the Collection of Riviera Basepack and Autogen's that will be indispensable for using the FlightRiviera JetSet. This New Bundle can be found on France VFR’s web-site and simflight dedicated commercial web-sites. There is also a selection of screenshots.

Library Back Online

Posted: Sunday, February 10, 2008 - 15:20
This morning on a conference call via skype, with several key AVSIM personnel, we have fixed the ongoing cookie issue. Please bear in mind that now means mass people will be trying to download at the same time and this could also cause slow downs.

Again, the library is up, but could be slowed due to the traffic we are sure is coming. As a follow up, on February 23, 2008, at around 2pm EST, AVSIM staff will be on-site at our operations center installing a new storage server. This will greatly increase our size, speed and efficiency of the library.

Thank you to all for your understanding as AVSIM continues our growth for now and the future!

Library Issues

Posted: Sunday, February 10, 2008 - 4:30
As most of you are aware, we have received the emails from you, AVSIM is having Library Cookie issues at present time. We are working dilgently with Network Administrators, the Network Operations Center, and internal staff to correct the issue.

On February 23rd, 2008, AVSIM will be upgrading the library server to ensure the largest, most available bandwidth for flight simulation in the world.

Until we can rectify this situation, we ask that enjoy the other sections of our site to include the largest forum, advertising, and news on the web for flight simulation. WE WILL be back shortly, bigger, faster, and better then ever.

--John Binner
Managing Editor
jbinner@avsim.com

Douglas DC-2 from Flight 1

Posted: Saturday, February 9, 2008 - 23:19
Staff reviewer Angelique van Campen reviews some aviation history with Flight 1's Douglas DC-2. This review is unique in that Angelique has used some artistic license to recreate the atmosphere of this era. You'll have to see the review to figure it out.

"Inspired by the technical success of the DC-1, the DC-2 was introduced less than a year after the DC-1's first flight. The new plane was similar in shape to the DC-1 but had more powerful engines, was faster and was capable of longer flights. More importantly, it was two feet longer and could carry two more passengers."

"I think they created a good looking 2D model with all its in's and out's. There are no separate sub-panels except then for the control steering wheel in view or out of view, a trim sheet and a GPS. Flying in the VC gives the user the best and most realistic experience. Except for a few items which are created by the developer, all the images of sidewalls, panels, overhead, ceiling blankets, and cargo area, all those are digitized images and thus results in a very realistic cockpit."

"My first impression of the external model and victual cabin was that it looks awesome and I really mean this. The external model is so extremely detailed has everything to do with the fact that Rob Cappers worked very closely with the Aviodrome employees. I can only come to one conclusion by observing this external model and virtual cabin and that is, this model – external look and virtual cabin - is an eye-catcher."

Angelique then proceeds to take the DC-2 out for a quick test ride and puts it through some simple manoeuvres to get a feel for the aircraft. "It does represent real flight dynamics, it reacts slowly when a flight control input is given and that’s enough to know. I could make more flights or a longer flight, but there’s not really a need to, since I know what this Douglas DC-2 can do."

There is an exclusive interview with Rob Cappers, the developer of this software. It goes into detail of his love of the real Douglas DC-2 locaed at the Dutch Aviodrome Museum. Angelique wraps up her nostalgic look at the Douglas DC-2 with, "… awesome, see all the screenshots for yourself and then you be the judge. Not only is the external model almost perfect but also the 2D and VC look good and above all, very realistic. The simulated cockpit is so unbelievably real.

Extra Pack I For C-130 X-perience

Posted: Saturday, February 9, 2008 - 17:45
Captain Sim's popular 'Legendary C-130' series originally developed for FS2004, have been rebuilt improved and expanded to provide a full spectrum of FSX features. Captain Sim is pleased to announce the 'C-130 X-perience' for FSX: the most advanced, complete and accurate C-130 available. The C-130 series for FSX consist of the following four separate products: Base Pack; Extra Pack I; Extra Pack II; and Pro Pack. Visit the Captain Sim website for screenshots and details.

A Giant Has Passed

Posted: Saturday, February 9, 2008 - 13:06
The staff of AVSIM is sad to report that Mel Ott, also known as "Captain Tarmac", passed away on Thursday at his home in Florida. Mel was a well known member of our community and as a retired 747 Pilot for Northwest Airlines, shared his experience, insight and humor for many years here on AVSIM and around the flight simulation community. Rob Howard, another long standing member of our hobby, sent us the following; "Since writing to you previously Curtiss and I have had the opportunity to visit and chat with Mel several times, and can report that he was able to spend most of his final two weeks at home; fairly comfortably. (Just a footnote for those that do not know; Curtiss, the wonder dog, was Mel's long time canine companion of 9 years, who Rob inherited during Mel's long illness.)

Many of our discussions have been about flight simulation and the many interesting characters and situations Mel has been involved with over the years; and as you know since his retirement from NWA this community has been a big part of his life.

Mel is going to be remembered in a small and private ceremony; and his previously stated wish for no 'fuss', or cards, flowers, etc. did not change. I do know however that Shirley, Mel's wife is keeping a binder of letters received recently from friends and colleagues; so if you happen to receive any especially appropriate messages from the community I would be pleased to forward them on.

Mel is survived by his son Randy, a pilot with United Airlines, and two daughters and two grandsons."

We are confident that Mel's last approach into Kai Tak was a perfect one.

If you would like to post a remembrance of Mel, you can do so here: Mel Ott's Passing.

FS Dreamscapes and Intermap Technologies™ Join Forces

Posted: Saturday, February 9, 2008 - 0:52
Intermap's 3D terrain data takes Flight Simulator X scenery to a new level. FS Dreamscapes today announced an agreement with Intermap Technologies, a world leader in high resolution terrain mapping, currently mapping the United States and Europe with highly accurate five-meter elevation data. The partnership will bring highly detailed terrain for the United States and Europe called "NEXTMap® ProMesh™" at eight times the resolution of the default elevation mesh. The ProMesh series is built upon terrain data collected as part of Intermap's country-wide NEXTMap 3D digital mapping program. With a vertical accuracy of one-meter or better, the data will provide flight simulator users with a uniquely realistic flying experience.

"FS Dreamscapes has done an outstanding job creating a product that provides the most realistic viewing experience possible for Microsoft Flight Simulator X users," commented Kevin Thomas, vice president of marketing for Intermap Technologies. "Taking our high-resolution 3D digital elevation data and using it to enhance a consumer application in the gaming industry is an amazing use of our data."

"We are thrilled to incorporate Intermap's uniformly accurate NEXTMap data in our Microsoft Flight Simulator X application," said Dean Mountford, FS Dreamscape's president and CEO. "The terrain detail we're able to achieve on such a large scale is unprecedented," he continued. "For the user, it will be like looking out the window of an actual aircraft in flight."

FS Dreamscapes will first release "NEXTMap® ProMesh™ - Hawaii", quickly followed by California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Mississippi, and Florida. Data for Germany, Italy, and France is scheduled for delivery by the end of 2008. The remainder of the contiguous United States will be available in 2009. FS Dreamscapes' NEXTMap ProMesh products will be featured on their website and soon through distributors worldwide.

FSX SP2 Updates For ImagineSim Airports

Posted: Saturday, February 9, 2008 - 0:48
Imaginesim has released FSX SP2 updates for their KCLT Charlotte, KCVG Cincinnati and KLGA La Guardia airport products. If you are using FSX with the Acceleration Pack and/or SP2 then you will need these patches to correct display errors at the airports.

Historic Jet Group Updates

Posted: Saturday, February 9, 2008 - 0:45
The HJG tech team have been working to upgrade/enhance a number of existing products resulting in the following all being released as part of a small but very significant February website update. Texture mastercraftsman Ben HARTMANN has just completed a major upgrade of the groups entire AMERICAN AIRLINES inventory covering all variations of AA livery ever applied to the airlines B707-120, B707-120B, B707-320C (both PAX & freight versions), B720, B720B, and CV990-A aircraft since 1959 and also including a rare DC8-50F leased by the airline during the 1970's. HJG's original AA textures for these aircraft have been completly revised resulting in a "beautiful" fotorealistic natural metal finish for each aircraft, the quality of which really must be seen to be believed. All 19 upgraded "AMERICAN AIRLINES" textures have been reuploaded and are now available.

HJG's product improvement doesn't just start and end there either! Model mastercraftsman Gary CARLSON has similarly upgraded the groups 3 variations of B720-B aircraft models too. Each of these superb 3D models have been reworked to feature the correct early version P&W JT3D fanjet engines complete with small operating suck-in doors on each engine inlet casing. This detail improves the authenticity of HJG's B720-B models and does not affect any of the current B720-B texture sets. A new "B720-B AICRAFT BASE PACK" is now available for you. But that's not all ! Panel/Gauge/FDE mastercraftsman George CARTY has further perfected HJG's DC8 gauge files correcting a minor issue relating to 2 overhead panel switches. A revised "DC8 PANELS GAUGES/CORE FILES" is now available for download.

Of course no HJG website update would be complete without at least a small selection of new classic jetliner repaints. Therefore new releases for February include a rare TWA B720-B from 1961. An attractively liveried Air Bahama B707-320C from 1969. A B720-B resplendant in the smart 1979 variation of AVIANCA Colombia livery. And an extremly rare DC8-33F operated by short-lived Chikko-DAN Airways during late 1983. All this and a great deal more classic jetliner nostalgia is available for "FREE" downloading and your pivate FS enjoyment.

FScene Freebie

Posted: Friday, February 8, 2008 - 17:59
FScene has released its second free Mission for FSX. Over 1500 Simmers took the opportunity to download the Holiday free mission from FScene. This second mission is exactly the same with one catch; it has to be flown in even worse weather. What makes it much more difficult to accomplish; you fly in hard winter. The missions were built using a new tool made by Jim Keir and are scheduled to be released by FSAddon Publishing in the near future. For now though, you can get this individual mission free! Visit the FSCene site to get your free copy of this hard winter mission.

737/747/777 from Friendly Panels

Posted: Thursday, February 7, 2008 - 21:11
Staff reviewer Robert Mariani does some maintenance to his fleet as he replaces the cockpit panels of the 737 / 747 / 777 with Friendly Panels versions. "The default panels that come with FS9 and FSX are functional and work well for the base simulation. For years, many enthusiasts have been making panels to look better or do a specific chore better. Some are made to fit with either the default aircraft or the variety of add-ons. One such offering comes from a payware company called Friendly Panels. The basic premise behind “friendly” in Friendly Panels comes from the fact that all (or at least most) panels are displayed in one window. As the monitors get bigger or more numerous, Friendly Panels allows more to be displayed at one time without the need for “pop-up” panels that are covering parts of the main panel."

"The first thing to note is that these are three separate products, each with its own price and installer. The 737 panel comes with two panels, one for the 737-400 and one for the 737-800. The 747-400 is present in both FS9 and FSX, so the installation is completely automatic unless you want to use those panels with other 747 offerings. The 777 is absent from FSX and the Friendly Panels manual tells you how to copy the default FS9 Boeing into FSX so that you can use the panel there as well."

"In FS9’s default 737-400, the add-on panel looks great. All instruments including the throttle console and radios are on one screen, as well as the partial section of the overhead, which can be turned off or on via the icon. The only pop-up panel that needs to be opened separately is the replacement for the GPS with that of a new FMC-CDU. The Boeing 777-300 2D panel bitmap is good and sharp and just like the 737 panel, all sub panels are incorporated in one window. The panel is also friendly to undocking and moving, but there are several issues with the CDU. The 747-400 2D panel background is done well, just like the other two panels. The window can easily be undocked and arranged over several other monitors. Similar to the other two panels, this one comes with the new PFD, MFD and FMC-CDU. The VNAV mode is also included."

Robert goes into the details featured in each of the 3 Friendly Panels' offerings. "The three panels I reviewed here have the potential to be good add-ons. They are unique because they merge all sub panels together in one window, while still looking realistic and they include the unique feature of VNAV functionality and FMC-CDU interface. Therefore, the authors have succeeded in that the panels are functional and they also look good. Between the three, 737 is the clear winner, as it provides four panels for the price and it works as advertised. All panels do what the authors say they do and the manuals are offered for free on their website so that you can see what you will be getting."

R.A.T.S Release AI Ilyushin IL-76

Posted: Wednesday, February 6, 2008 - 21:25
The Russian AI Traffic System (R.A.T.S) has wrote to us announcing the release of the Ilyushin IL-76 – A Beautiful Beast. This is the first time it has been possible to model all ten variants of the IL-76 for AI. R.A.T.S would also like to announce Project Cargo Airlines of Russia, where you will find almost all Russian cargo carriers who have the IL-76 in their fleets. Painters are working on all possible variations of the IL-76 which are used worldwide. You are cleared direct to Russian AI Traffic System (R.A.T.S)

DHC-6 Twin Otter X Released

Posted: Wednesday, February 6, 2008 - 1:17
The De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter (aka Twotter) is one of those aircraft that should have been replaced by some new aircraft at least a decade ago. But it's not. The DHC-6 still flies and in fact the amount of registered airworthy Twin Otters is rising at this moment. The main reason for it is the fact it is just as much at home at the poles as it is in the tropics. It is used to maintain routes to airports up to 9000 feet and to ferry between islands. It will fly everywhere using wheels, floats or skis. It's a legend. The high end model presented by Aerosoft includes all versions and advanced avionics set. The gauges include two high end Bendix King systems that provide near perfect navigation and communication capabilities. Of course the original panel is also an option. One of the main design goals was to keep the memory and CPU load of this aircraft as low as possible to ensure good framerates. By keeping the number of non essential items in the models low this was achieved. The Twin Otter is only just more demanding then the very basic default aircraft of FSX! Be sure to check out the latest new updates from Aerosoft while visiting their website.

XPlane - USA Forests East V9 Released

Posted: Tuesday, February 5, 2008 - 0:46
After the release of Europe Forest V9 for the new X-Plane 9, the USA scenery has been updated too (fully aligned to the new Global Scenery V9). Though, it still "only" covers the eastern part of the United States (approximately east of 96W) - because of ongoing artwork development for the western region - it nevertheless brings a big improvement. It replaces the much more coarse Global Scenery based forests (which are based on rougher landclass data), with highly detailed ones, which are based on the high resolution National Land Cover Database (NLCD 2001) data, resulting in an as close to reality as possible experience. This is further improved by more detailed and versatile textures, which are varied depending on the ecoregion of the forests (just look at the Everglades for example).

Complete details and screenshots can be found at the alpilotX website. There's even a set of comparative screenshots there for you to see the difference.