Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche For FSX

Posted: Monday, November 5, 2007 - 17:30
Team Eaglesoft, is pleased to announce that their Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche Package for FSX has just been released. Eaglesoft has attempted, within simulator limitations, to model a faithful replica of Roy Wilbanks PA-30 Twin Comanche. From Roys beautiful N204WT livery to the included "retro" liveries, we've attempted to capture the essence of the aircraft known effectionately as the "Twinkie". More information can be found at the Eaglesoft website.

Fly Me To The Moon

Posted: Sunday, November 4, 2007 - 18:13
TerraBuilder, Inc. is pleased to announce the release of it's long anticipated Flight Simulator 2004 add-on, TerraBuilder:Moon. TerraBuilder has created an add-on unlike any other and literally out of this world. TerraBuilder Moon is a comprehensive expansion package that turns Flight Simulator's entire Earth scenery into a highly detailed world of craters, lava channels, riles and dusty regolith (lunar soil). This is not just a localized scenery that you can "fly out" of, or an enclosed arena with a roof for a sky that will simulate the lunar environment on a scale of a few square kilometers. The entire Flight Simulator environment, the whole Earth, is completely transformed from a diverse rainbow of landscape variations that our planet offers, to one of the "Magnificent Desolation" (Buzz Aldrin, Apollo 11).

It also includes an all-original LEV (Lunar Excursion Vehicle) "MoonHopper", a rocket-powered 2-seater open cockpit spacecraft with custom flight model, avionics, virtual cockpit and much more. Also included are concepts of lunar outposts with custom effects, texturing and animation. As an added bonus, the Learning Content has been included with an extensive encyclopedia on history of lunar exploration. TerraBuilder:Moon is now available for download. For more information, product details including a large collection of screenshots please visit TerraBuilder's website.

PMDG Releases 747-400X for FSX

Posted: Saturday, November 3, 2007 - 14:24
Robert Randazzo from PMDG writes to say that their long awaited 747-400X has taken to the FSX Skies!

"PMDG has released the long anticipated PMDG 747-400X! Built around the 747-400 passenger and 747-400F cargo variants, the PMDG 747-400X brings the 747-400 experience to the skies of FSX in grand style! Built from the ground up as a native FSX add-on, the PMDG 747-400X takes full advantage of the new features that are available only through FSX!

These features include sound coning, improved textures and lighting, emissive and bump mapped surfaces, vertex animation (allows the entire wing and leading/trailing edge devices to truly flex and warp!) full native use of the FSX simconnect engine, improved flight dynamics and much more! In addition to bringing the PMDG 747-400X into the FSX skies, the PMDG team has focused on providing a great value to customers by taking the opportunity to stuff plenty of new functionality into the product. From optimizations to new sounds and improved performance.

PMDG has also included as part of the product a free update for those FSX customers who also still fly their FS9 version and then topped it all off with a hefty, limited time 50% discount for previous download owners of the PMDG 747-400 Queen of the Skies! All of us at PMDG are thoroughly pleased with to bring this magnificent airliner simulation to FSX, and think that customers will truly enjoy the enhanced beauty and operation of the PMDG 747-400X that only FSX can deliver.

For details regarding eligibility for the 50% discount, please visit the PMDG forum here at AVSIM, or head right on over to PMDG before this generous discount offer expires!"

FSCheckride Now In French

Posted: Saturday, November 3, 2007 - 14:13
Brian York of CATIII Software announced today that a french language version of the FSCheckride manual is now availble and may be downloaded here.

Abacus Releases Flight Deck 5 for FSX

Posted: Friday, November 2, 2007 - 21:46
"To celebrate the worldwide launch of Flight Deck 5, we're on the road to introduce this new product. On October 27th and 28th, we had the first public unveiling of Flight Deck 5 at the OzFlight 2007 Show held in Gold Coast, Australia. On November 9, 10 and 11th, we'll have the first US showing at the Fancon Show in Seattle, Washington. On November 17th, we'll have the first European showing at the Flight & Train Simulator Show in Birmingham, UK.

From the deck of the USS Gerald R Ford, you'll fly these carrier-based aircraft:

F/A-18C HornetTM
F/A-18E Super HornetTM
E-2C Hawkeye
S-3B Viking
SH-60 Seahawk
C-2A Greyhound
EA-6B Prowler

Using our new 3WireX technology, you'll use the steam catapult to launch from the deck as you make your way to perform the challenging missions. Afterwards, you'll return to home base to set her down on the very short moving deck. The package includes 5 full and 60+ mini-missions. NOTE: Missions and 3WireX are for FSX only.

Flight Deck 5 is available immediately for FSX and FS2004 users. Shipments to hundreds of retailers throughout the US and Canada started last week."

For more information, visit the Flight Deck 5 product page.

Flight1 Software Releases FSAVIDYNE

Posted: Friday, November 2, 2007 - 19:08
Flight1 Software is proud to present the Avidyne Entegra flight deck display system gauge pack for Flight Simulator 2004 and Flight Simulator X. Based on Flight1 Aviation Technologies real world Avidyne Student training simulator, The Avidyne system integrates virtually all standard instruments and gauges into a pair of easy to manage, highly informational, color displays. View flight plan information; view traffic, receive traffic warnings, view airspace boundaries, fixes and runway / facility information, engine status plus much more using the high resolution displays; and customize the displays to your specific aircraft with the included settings manager.

The package includes a highly accurate S-TEC Fifty Five X Autopilot that seamlessly integrates with the Avidyne system and includes GPSS anticipated roll steering! Add the FSAvidyne gauges quickly to any aircraft within Flight Simulator using the easy-to-use console interface. Detailed manuals, Flight1's Gauge Config, a highly-customizable settings manager, and an FS Panel Studio demo round out the great features included with this Avidyne Entegra system gauge pack. Experience modern glass panel navigation with Flight1's FSAVIDYNE.

For more information, screenshots, and to download the product, please visit the FSAVIDYNE product page.

AlphaSim Launches An Intruder!

Posted: Friday, November 2, 2007 - 13:57
AlphaSim's A-6E Intruder package is out now. This set of FS models for FSX and FS9 features multiple weapons loadouts, multiple texture schemes, a panel suite, realistic sounds, detailed v-c and realistic flight dynamics. The FSX version further benefits from self-shadowing, bump mapping, reflection bloom and v-c self shadowing (this feature requires SP2/Vista).

Effects include automatic turbine glow and exhaust smoke, wingtip vortices and wing root flashover. The weapons loadouts are extensive; Mk.82's or Snakeyes adorn the TERs, two types of Paveway II guided bombs, Walleye, Harpoon, SLAM, HARM and Maverick as well as various aux fuel tank arrangements.

The release consists of two packages; the Main Package (Pack 1) includes 6 loadout options and 4 texture sets. The more affordable Expansion Pack (Pack 2) consists of 5 new loadout models and 4 new texture sets. This 2-package setup keeps the main package less expensive and downloadable. At the same time provides a wider experience for the true A-6 fans. The Expansion Pack will be 'expanded' with new loadout models as time goes on and requests come in (no additional cost for those). The A-6 has also been tested on the default FSX moving carriers (SP2) and is able to trap. Screenshots can be viewed on the AlphaSim News page.

Perfect Flight Freeware

Posted: Friday, November 2, 2007 - 13:51
Perfect Flight has announced new free FSX missions section on their website. The first work is Live ATC - LFPG Approach. Mission features real ATC recorded in the cockpit of a MD-80 Alitalia. You will fly an approach to Paris Charles De Gaulle International Airport. Package includes Charts, maps, Flight Briefing and adds a new Mission in the “Airline Pilot” Category of FSX Missions Menu. Visit Perfect Flight for more info and free download.

Charity Flight Releases Schedule

Posted: Friday, November 2, 2007 - 13:47
Charity Flight has released it's flight schedule for FanCon 2007! Visit the site to check out if one of your favorite simmers is flying in this event! You can catch all the action LIVE from the FanCon 2007 floor! Visit the Flight Schedule for more information.

FSDreamTeam Releases Zurich 1.1

Posted: Thursday, November 1, 2007 - 17:00
FSDreamTeam announced it has released Zurich 1.1 for FSX and FS9. According to the team, the newest version features higher resolution ground textures from 1.36 m/pixel to 68 cm/pixel, enhanced runways textures and better compatibility with high resolution meshes. Among other enhancements, the update also corrects DME position for RWY 14 ILS and adds ILS RWY 28.

For further details, please visit the FSDreamTeam website.

Good News for Cockpit Builders

Posted: Thursday, November 1, 2007 - 2:43
FlightDeck Solutions has recently added the A320 PRO-M Series MCDU w/ Built in LCD and B777 PRO-M Series CDU w/ Built in LCD to their ever expanding product line for the builder who wants fully assembled professional quality and fully functioning hardware for their flight decks.

You're cleared direct to FlightDeck Solutions for more info.

SimBucket Open For Business

Posted: Wednesday, October 31, 2007 - 17:29
SimBucket.com has officially opened its doors to the public. Their free service is a website dedicated to Flight Simulation Screenshots for the Flight Sim community to upload and share their pieces of Flight Sim art. Registered members will be able to receive feedback from other members with comments and take advantage of their unique "Diggs" system that is used to rate an image. They have many addtional features available along with monthly contest. Visit their site today to learn more, SimBucket.com.

Calling All Simulation News Writers!!

Posted: Wednesday, October 31, 2007 - 16:46
AVSIM Online is once again recruiting! Ever wanted to be a part of the news we write here on AVSIM? Have a keen interest in writing news and hunting down that killer story? Then AVSIM wants you! We are currently looking for two to three News Editors to join our team. Typical "duty" is three or four days a month of checking news, posting new files stories, and generally seeking out the news!

If interested, please submit a sample story in either MS Word or text format to John Binner, Assistant Managing Editor. Some minor HTML programming knowledge is required to post stories, but we can train!

And for those of you that have news stories for us, don't forget you can always email news stories to us! Just Email the Editors!

Register by Today for the Banquet and Social!

Posted: Wednesday, October 31, 2007 - 16:40
Special Notice!!! Time is running out to register for all the events at the 2007 AVSIM Conference and Exhibition . If you want to attend either the Friday night Social or the Saturday night Awards Banquet at the AVSIM FANCON in Seattle, you must register online by no later than 2400 EDT, TODAY!! After today, all openings for the Social and Banquet will be closed! You will not be able to gain access to these events after the 31st; you will not be able to gain access at the door! So, make your reservations now, and join us for two of the most popular events at the FANCON!

Meet your fellow flight sim enthusiasts from around the world, put faces to names, and partake in great food, drink and company! Register today! You can still attend the Exhibition and Paper Sessions by registering at the door! Join hundreds of your fellow enthusiasts in this year's largest flight sim event!

After today you will only be able to register at conference for access to the exhibits and the papers. We hate to close registration but we have to let the hotel know how many attendees we will have for the night events. So if you are planning to attend the Social or the Banquet make sure you register today.

The web site has been updated with a map of the Conference floor and new options for purchasing your tickets. This is your chance to see who will be there and where! Don't miss out! Time is running out! Click here for more information and to register.

Fly the AOPA Sweeps Cardinal!

Posted: Wednesday, October 31, 2007 - 15:10
Only one lucky person will win AOPA's distinctive Catch-A-Cardinal Sweepstakes grand prize early next year. But any AOPA member can now fly the one-of-a-kind refurbished 1977 Cessna 177B Cardinal from the comfort of their home on a personal computer — with a new add-on to Microsoft Flight Simulator X.

"Every AOPA member dreams of winning the sweepstakes airplane," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "The next best thing to owning it is flying it — and now, thanks to our partnering with Flight1 Software, all of our members will have that opportunity."

Free to AOPA members, the virtual sweepstakes Cardinal includes nearly every detail of the sweepstakes airplane, including two Garmin GNS 430 navigators and a Garmin GMX 200 multifunction display — and the two-axis S-Tec System Fifty Five X autopilot.

This is AOPA's third sweepstakes airplane add-on for Microsoft Flight Simulator. Flight1 Software created a virtual Commander 112A for AOPA's 2005 Commander Countdown Sweepstakes, and a Piper Cherokee Six for the Win a Six in '06 Sweepstakes in 2006.

This download is available only to AOPA members. Click here for more information on joining AOPA if you are not a member and to access the download.

Captain Sim Announces XLoad

Posted: Wednesday, October 31, 2007 - 2:02
This expansion pack for the FSX Expansion Pack "Acceleration" includes 2 new aircraft; the F/A-18D and the F-117 Nighthawk. Both aircraft are carrier enabled, have interactive internal or external stores, include many animations and have 6 Missions and 4 Missions respectively. For all the details, visit the Captain Sim website.

Historic Jetliners' October Releases

Posted: Wednesday, October 31, 2007 - 1:55
This months selection is comprised of a small but historically signficant virtual flightline featuring more new textures for HJG's superb B707-120, -120B, -320B, -320C, B720, B720-B & KC135-E models by Gary Carlson representing Central, North, and South American regions along with those of Africa, the British Isles, and the Middle East too. Included among these categeories are nostalgic airline liveries from the 1960's and the earliest days of jetliner services to the 1990's and some of the worlds last remaining examples of these great classic aircraft to remain in commercial airline service. HJG's "B707-120B", and "B707-120B 1965" panels have both been reuploaded to correct a minor and previously undetected error, however, there have been no changes to the groups current B707 panels gauges/sounds files which "DO NOT" need replacing.

All this and much more are available for "FREE" to download for your private FS enjoyment from the Historic Jetliners Group website.

FanCon 2007, Yet More Vendors!

Posted: Wednesday, October 31, 2007 - 0:59
Yes folks, we've had one more vendor sign up for FanCon 2007! Those that downloaded the FanCon 2007 floor plan, a minor change has been made. Visit the File Library for the change, or the link above for the amended file!

Embry Riddle, Official News Release

Posted: Tuesday, October 30, 2007 - 19:12
In a statement earlier this week, Embry Riddle announced the carrier landing competition to be held at FanCon 2007. Embry Riddle writes, "The Embry-Riddle/AVSIM Scholarship will be awarded to aviation enthusiasts in the aviation and aerospace disciplines. The purpose of this scholarship is to recognize individuals that display superior flying skills during the AVSIM flight competition. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) is proud to endorse initiatives that support the goals of men and women interested in studying aviation sciences, engineering, emerging technologies, or management of new technologies."

"ERAU is establishing scholarship awards that range up to $5000 each. These scholarships are to assist students with tuition at Embry-Riddle’s Prescott, Arizona residential campus. Winners may use the scholarships themselves, or pass them on to eligible high school graduates or new transfer students. This allows grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, friends and neighbors to assist students they feel might benefit from a world-class education at Embry-Riddle. Current students, employees, staff, instructors and faculty at Embry-Riddle are not eligible."

"The selection of Embry-Riddle/AVSIM Scholarship winners will be based on the results of the 2007 FANCON F/A-18 Carrier Landing Competition. Individuals may try to earn these scholarships by attending the AVSIM conference and exhibition in Bellevue, Washington, Nov 9-11, and participating in the competition. Using a brand new technology, piloting skills will be graded upon completion of the mission and the program will rank competitors automatically. With FS-SCORE, competitors will know exactly where they stand each time they fly a mission. This patent pending technology was developed by Ray Bédard, Professor of Navigation at ERAU. AVSIM is pleased that Embry-Riddle is awarding scholarships for this exciting and ground-breaking competition. Embry-Riddle, represented by Professor Bédard and his team, will participate at FANCON to promote the scholarship and officiate the carrier landing competition. Interested students and their families are invited to attend this event to learn about the University and the scholarship."

In the fine print Embry Riddle goes on to state, "The holder of the scholarship certificate must complete an application and be accepted to attend the ERAU Prescott, Arizona campus in one of their Bachelor of Science degree programs. The scholarship amount will be in addition to other academic or need-based scholarships that have been awarded. Students cannot exceed the cost of education with total scholarship and grants awarded. Scholarships are applicable towards tuition only. Scholarship certificates have no cash value, may not be sold and cannot be transferred without prior approval from Embry-Riddle authorized personnel. Unused certificates have no cash value. Scholarship certificates expire in January 2009; however, they may be extended until a young student is ready to attend ERAU. To validate the scholarship certificate, the holder must contact Bill Thompson, Director of Admissions at 800-888-3728."

Don't wait, sign up to attend the FanCon 2007 now!

FanCon 2007 Presenter Schedule Released!

Posted: Tuesday, October 30, 2007 - 12:59
AVSIM is pleased to release our 2007 FanCon Presenter Schedule. As in years past, this year has a little bit of something for everyone! Download your copy today from the AVSIM Library, or grab your Schedule Here