Update for Sky Simulation's DC-9

Posted: Saturday, April 24, 2010 - 5:18
Sky Simulations has released Service Pack 1(SP1) for McDonnell Douglas DC-9 for FS9. The SP1 includes updated based on user requests, which would improve the Pneumatic system, Automatic Pilot, Fuel System ,Flight dynamics, quality of the Panel bitmaps, etc., Also a new feature has been included known as "The Wing Views" for the entire DC-9 Series.

Also Sky Simulations are releasing the last batch of liveries for both the FS Versions.

For more information For more information Sky Simulations Website

Service Pack for FS Global 2010

Posted: Saturday, April 24, 2010 - 5:13
FS Global 2010 has released Service Pack 1(SP1). Due to the nature of SRTM in flat areas high buildings are often mistaken for hills. It is usually impossible to solve this issue by reworking data using a special algorithm.

FS Global 2010 team has therefore decided to switch data sources for North America. Instead of SRTM they have used alternative data in latest versions of FS Global. SP1 addresses issues of this nature in the area of Florida.

For more information FSSim Website

La Réunion Full HD Released

Posted: Saturday, April 24, 2010 - 0:57
France Touristique Scenery announces the new scenery "La Réunion Full HD" for Flight Simulator X. Using the best photorealistic resolutions, 50cm pixel, you'll get a total immersion in the unforgettable overflights of the most beautiful French Islands. The airodromes and airports are correctly positioned within the textures and relief, taxiways and hangars conform to their correct dimensions. Charts of the aerodromes are also included in a pdf format.

Brisbane International Airport Released

Posted: Friday, April 23, 2010 - 14:37
Orbx is pleased to announce the release of YBBN Brisbane International Airport, their most detailed major airport created thus far. Encompassing over 65 square km of 60cm, 15cm and 7cm imagery and modeled entirely in 3DStudioMax, YBBN is a technological marvel and pushes the boundaries of what is possible in FSX to faithfully reproduce every aspect of this gateway airport.

YBBN provides full support for AI traffic, has kinetically animated aerobridges, NIGS guidance, custom modeled ground services vehicles and also includes the Fisherman Island Docks percent, landable ships offshore, the twin Gateway Bridges, the International, Domestic and GA terminals, plus all cargo and maintenance facilities. YBBN is now available as an instant download and soon on limited edition DVD.

Toncontin Int'l Airport from LatinVFR

Posted: Friday, April 23, 2010 - 6:45
Staff reviewer Vikto Lakatos heads to Honduras to fly into and explore LatinVFR's Toncontin International Airport (MHTG). "Toncontín Airport (TGU/MHTG) is on the plains of south Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras. Toncontín International was the 7th largest Central American airport in 2008 handling 565,000 passengers. Its asphalt runway is 7,096 feet/2,163 meters long (rather short) with the direction of 02/20. This measure limits the aircraft types to land in Tegucigalpa to a maximum of Boeing 757s. This airport is known as one of the smallest international and most dangerous airports in the world."

"The airport texture is relatively well shaped, but not containing overly complicated buildings. We can find static ground handling vehicles on the apron (i.e. stairs) and a few cars at the parking area. There is very light traffic on the road passing by the main terminal building. Light means a bus and two cars. An approach by night followed by a missed approach shows the good general quality of lights."

"The unique runway 02 approach puts Toncontín to the discussion of the most dangerous airports. The glide path of runway 02 leads just above the bushes on the ground, some land also had to be removed at the RWY 02 threshold to provide enough safe area for landing aircraft. The available runway length is extremely short and your job is not completed with touchdown; you have to make your wheels stop on the runway. Real airmen fly runway 02 approaches here, 20 is for beginners."

"LatinVFR’s Toncontín Intl. Airport scenery is: an inexpensive, friendly add-on that really makes our Latin flights alive. The scenery is compatible with the definite must-have Aerosoft AES (and it is a great advantage). I strongly recommend this add-on for pilots who are interested in challenging (sometimes dangerous) airports worldwide."

FSGenesis Hawaii Terrain Adjustment Pack

Posted: Thursday, April 22, 2010 - 11:43
FSGenesis has released the Hawaii Airport Terrain Adjustment Pack for FSX, fixing plateaus and other issues at 31 airports. This addon can be used with any third-party terrain mesh product with a resolution of 10m or higher, including FSDreamscapes and FSGlobal, as well as, of course, FSGenesis Base Terrain Mesh products. It's a download-only product, being just a shade under 4 Mb, so can be downloaded and installed quickly and painlessly. Now fly anywhere in The Aloha State free of airport plateaus! For more detailed info and to purchase, go to FSGenesis for the complete list of features.

Autower V2.0 For FS 2004

Posted: Thursday, April 22, 2010 - 11:33
Autower is an automatic tower position utility for FS 2004, version 2.0 is an almost complete re-write of the program with some massive improvements, visit the Autower Homepage for complete details and download.

HJG - 4th Anniversary Website Update

Posted: Wednesday, April 21, 2010 - 14:33
Celebrating its 4th anniversary of service to the international FS community ...the new HJG (Historic Jetliners Group) would like to announce its 1st website update for 2010... featuring new and upgraded B707, B720, B727, BAe 146, CARAVELLE, DC8, and DC9 files for FS2004 and FSX.

All this ...and much more classic jetliner nostalgia... is available for your free FS enjoyment and at the Historic Jetliners Group Homepage.

767-200ER/300ER from Just Flight/CLS

Posted: Wednesday, April 21, 2010 - 3:48
Staff reviewer Eduardo Ocampo climbs aboard Commercial Level Simulations' 767-200ER/300ER. "After the A300 (the first commercially successful wide body twin), it’s the most important aircraft of its type and paved the way to a whole new market niche: Long range twin engine jets."

"This is where the 767 made by CLS stands out. The shape of the airframe has been reproduced with fidelity. The quality of the textures that CLS has created is remarkable and they definitely scores points for the team; they are clear, crisp and have great definition in their lines. “Attention to detail” are the keywords to define these texture sets."

"The panel is nicely done, showing some very nice graphics. It is perfectly readable and the bitmaps are very crisp. CLS clearly states this is a “lite” product, so it doesn’t have full systems implementation. The virtual cockpit overall, looks very good but I found the gauges a bit hard to read, particularly the EICAS (Engine Indications and Crew Alert System). The VC is easy on PC resources and is also fully clickable."

"The strong points in this CLS 767 aircraft are the visuals, the animations and the aircraft model. For those who were looking to find a medium 767 simulation, something not as “hard” as the Level-D 767, I will sadly say “keep looking”. However, for those who like to get up in the air immediately with no complex procedures, this is your aircraft. The expansion packs for the 767 were released officially the 28th of January. AWACS, tanker, cargo, wingleted pax and wingleted cargo aircraft models are the contents of the pack; they also include 13 new liveries."

DC-9 Service Pack 2 from Sky Simulations

Posted: Tuesday, April 20, 2010 - 10:15
Sky Simulations has released DC-9 Service Pack 2 for FSX. The Service Pack 2 will upgrade fuel, pneumatic systems, flight dynamics, Panel bitmaps, engine performance and some other features

For more information visit Sky Simulations website.

A300 from Aerosoft/Simcheck

Posted: Tuesday, April 20, 2010 - 3:27
Staff reviewer Alan Bradbury looks at the original Airbus with SimCheck's A300. "Now this may not be the Airbus you’ve been desperately waiting for, but just think about this: It’s an Airbus, but it has a cockpit that is about halfway between how a Boeing and an Airbus are equipped, so there is a conventional yoke and steam gauges, but a clever computer to help you fly it too, pleasing both camps."

"Upon installation, it very soon becomes apparent that you get a lot of bang for your bucks. For a kick off, you get both the A300B2-200 and the B4-200 variants, the main differences between these being MTOW, fuel capacity and range, and as a consequence, a very slight variance in placard speeds. You also get a lot of paint jobs, 23 to be precise, and since there is also a paint kit there are likely to be plenty more kicking about on the ‘net’ before too long."

"Most of the interior of the SimCheck A300 is modeled, but despite there being passenger variants in the repaint selections, the only interiors are cargo variants and these are fairly detailed. Once seated in the cockpit, a quick glance around reveals that most of the switches are operable in the VC including the INS, I could only fine one operable switch requiring the use of a 2D panel. Not every single system is simulated, but to be fair, it comes pretty close and is certainly more sophisticated than a lot of fancy add-on FS airliners out there."

"With an array of computer-aided gizmos, an INS navigation system and full auto land capability, like the real deal, you could theoretically barely touch the yoke and get the SimCheck A300 from A to B. It has a genuine ‘heavy’ feel to it when flown manually, with lots of inertia, yet manages to also seem sure-footed thanks to a very faithful emulation of the real aircraft’s superior aerodynamics. Or to put it another way, it’s pretty damn convincing and great fun to fly."

"The SimCheck A300 is really rather hardcore when you look at how realistic the systems simulation is, but because it is a simulation of an airliner that was meant to be easier to fly than its contemporaries, in practice hardcore does not mean hard to do. Thanks to the great tutorial documentation it ends up being something that is just different enough and just challenging enough to be entertaining and an important aircraft that is kind of the missing link between all the old steam gauge airliners and the glass cockpit wonders of today. In short, this is a really great add-on for FSX."

UK-based 737 Simulator Experience

Posted: Monday, April 19, 2010 - 14:47
LROPS, the flight simulator training company, is now offering their UK customers the chance to fly a full, fixed-base Boeing 737 NG Simulator at a UK location. More information, and other details can be found at the LROPS website.

Flight Simulation Hardware from VRinsight and Wilco Publishing

Posted: Monday, April 19, 2010 - 12:56
VRinsight and Wilco Publishing announced the availability of two new flight simulation hardware modules,compatible with FSX and FS9:
GPS 5 With a large integrated display, the GPS 5 features a realistically shaped and fully functional GPS, based on the famous Garmin 500 model.
Prop Cockpit Trainer VRinsight Prop Cockpit Trainer is a realistic propeller type cockpit training device with full control and instrument display system for VFR/IFR flight.
For more information visit Product Page.

Thank You for Applying

Posted: Monday, April 19, 2010 - 9:03
Our Library staff would like to express their appreciation to all who applied for the Library Manager position, we will be calling one of them in the near future to fill a second vacancy.

Thank you for the interest.

Approaching Innsbruck X from Aerosoft

Posted: Sunday, April 18, 2010 - 22:58
Staff reviewer Jon Murchison heads to Austria and comments, "Aerosoft’s Approaching Innsbruck X is, in this reviewer’s eyes at least, unique in that it does three things. 1 - It provides detailed scenery of Innsbruck Airport. 2 – It provides localized scenery of Innsbruck city itself and surrounds, and most importantly 3 – It provides flightsim enthusiasts with the opportunity to fly one of the most dynamic and exciting approaches and departures of any airport in the world."

"The overall level of detail is one of the outstanding features of the scenery with lots of custom built buildings and other scenery items that adds 3D context to the underlying photoreal base. Where Innsbruck Airport and surrounds excel in my view is when the sun sets and the lights come on. I have never seen such clarity in textures as those featured on the main terminal windows, the effect achieved is as real as it gets."

"The resolution of the photo real base looks to be around 1 or 2 meters per pixel given the level of detail provided, with coverage across both approaches and well into the mountains on either side. This makes for some very impressive views as you climb out. Some featured effects include smoke and at night, flashing lights to help prevent collisions. The road network is another impressive feature with amazing bridges spanning deep ravines and tunnels running through the mountains."

"While you can fly any aircraft around in FSX happily enough if you went disregarding any level of realism, you might as well not bother flying in Innsbruck because the real depth that is present in this region is not so much the pretty scenery but the challenge of flying in it. I do encourage anyone considering this scenery to take a look at the charts and learn how to fly these approaches by the book. Of course Innsbruck isn’t just about the non standard procedures and heavy aircraft, or even fixed wing aircraft for that matter. Helicopter operations are well supported with a couple of helicopter pads available for use."

"Approaching Innsbruck X is another quality product from Aerosoft. Heavy jet flying and learning the approaches can be a steep learning curve but a rewarding one, and then adding layers of difficulty via weather takes it to another level. Add chopper sorties and gliding and I feel you have a real destination for fun flying rather than just another airport on the way to somewhere else."

Cessna Corvalis For X-Plane Released

Posted: Sunday, April 18, 2010 - 17:59
X-Aviation, in conjunction with JGX-Designs, is pleased to announce the release of their new Cessna Corvalis TT (C400). This aircraft boasts a highly functional Garmin G1000, 40 different liveries to choose from, a highly detailed 2D and 3D cockpit, full documentation and an accurate flight model based on the real world POH. This aircraft also contains manipulator technology that you are used to seeing from products published by X-Aviation!

X-Aviation feels this aircraft will be good in any hangar, but particularly in the hangars of those people who like to interact and click buttons. The G1000 simulation is also the first natively run in X-Plane to date without using external software. Check out screenshots and information about this amazing new aircraft at the X-Aviation website.

FS2Crew For The Maddog

Posted: Sunday, April 18, 2010 - 6:45
Staff reviewer Marlon Carter looks at FS2Crew's Voice Commander for the Maddog. "I have always said it would be a lot easier and realistic if there was a simulated first officer. While aircraft and flight simulators have come a long way, the aspect of the entire work load being on one pilot has detracted somewhat from a true to life flying experience, if you don’t believe me try flying the Maddog all by yourself as accurately as possible!"

"After starting the FS2Crew control panel, the 30 minute preflight routine was started. The First Officer came into the cockpit and asked how I was doing today, after replying “good” he then started to carry out all of the pre-start checklist items. Be mindful though, that you are required to complete certain checklist items on your own before starting the FS2Crew program in order for the FO to carry out his flows correctly. After the FO completed his Pre-Start check, I then asked if he was ready for the departure brief to which he said yes. We continued on from there..."

"One of the things I can’t over emphasize is the fact that all of these functions are carried out without the click the mouse on a control panel to prompt the various commands. All of this is done simply by speaking as in real life. It is also important to say that using the voice commander will take some getting use to since there are various trigger words which have to be said in order for the program to work correctly."

"I highly recommend this program to anyone who owns the Maddog2008 or any other aircraft which is supported by FS2Crew Voice Commander. I no longer have to wonder what it would be like to have a true to life flying experience within the confines of Microsoft Flight Simulator."

Eaglesoft Citation X Extreme News

Posted: Saturday, April 17, 2010 - 23:18
Eaglesoft Citation X Extreme V2.0 Hotfix 1.84 for FS9 or FSX has been "rolled into" the current Citation X Extreme 2.0 download. Current FS9 or FSX Version owners need only redownload and reinstall using personal key and password. V2.0 Hotfix 1.84 includes FSX Enhanced 3DVC and improved HyperGauge Technology for improved Fluidity and FPS within Microsoft Flight Simulator.

Pacific NorthWest From Orbx

Posted: Saturday, April 17, 2010 - 20:02
Staff reviewer Philip Wilson flies around his home territory with Orbx's Pacific NorthWest. Orbx states, "We chose to begin our North American series of regions in the Pacific Northwest simply because it offers some of the most diverse and beautiful areas in the entire planet to explore in Flight Simulator X. It's a bush flyer's paradise and for good reason, with spectacular geographical features unlike anywhere else on Earth."

Philip adds the compatibility notes from Orbx in case you have other 3rd party sceneries added to your sim. He then explains all the texture and eye candy features of the product. "Orbx reworked nearly 450 FSX default airports within the PNW region, correcting the various faults in the stock airports. This is an overwhelming makeover and now every airport they have touched has lots of eye candy in the form of vehicles, aircraft, and military helicopters to name a few items."

Since this is a scenery review, it wouldn't be useful unless there were screenshots. Philip has added a sampling of the various areas covered to give you a good idea of the treats you are in for. He adds, "the detail of this scenery package is unbelievable. The manual has 5 pages dedicated to FSX slider settings and explaining what works best and why."

Wrapping up the review of the Pacific NorthWest Philip concludes, "the textures and terrain mesh are breathtaking and flow accurately from the majestic mountains and valleys of Washington State to the rolling hills and farmland of central Oregon. Beautiful coastlines from northern Vancouver, BC to Bandon, Oregon, and photo real city textures finish off an exceptional product. This is definitely a must have package for every FSX user."

Just Flight's Alex Ford Podcast

Posted: Saturday, April 17, 2010 - 18:19
Alex was recently interviewed by freelance journalist James Woodcock. While most of the interview was Just Trains related, Alex does mention items with regards to Just Flight as well.