October 22, 2007 - October 29, 2007

Register by the 31st for the Banquet and Social!

Posted: Monday, October 29, 2007 - 1:27
Special Notice!!! Stay tuned later today for a map of the Conference floor! This is your chance to see who will be there and where! Don't miss out! Time is running out! 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 midnight, October 31st. That is 2 days away! After that date, 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!

Combat Jets Are Approaching Your PC

Posted: Sunday, October 28, 2007 - 0:19
Three of Just Flight's combat jet classics are now available to purchase by download direct to your PC. Harrier Jump Jet, FS Falcon and RAF Tornado are ready to streak across the Internet to your PC.

FS Falcon 2004 - Fly the F-16 in a fantastic selection of liveries - 65 for FS2004, 29 for FS2002 and three bonus liveries for CFS3 aircraft. A wide variety of the World's air forces are represented and you'll even find the celebrated Tiger Meet liveries. Compatibility: FS2002/FS2004/CFS3

RAF Tornado (FS2002/FS2004/CFS3/FSX) - The Tornado expansion for FS2004/FS2002/CFS3 is a true classic and the aircraft has now been fully updated for Flight Simulator X. The FS2004/2002 versions also includes in-flight refuelling and airfield scenery of RAF Marham, RAF Lossiemouth and the Luftwaffe base at Norvenich.

Harrier Jump Jet - This is the total VSTOL experience, with 17 Harrier variants; it includes a total of 23 aircraft, stunningly realistic Falklands scenery and 20 combat missions. Compatibility: FS2000/FS2002/CFS2

Aerosoft Releases “Seahawk & Jayhawk X”

Posted: Saturday, October 27, 2007 - 20:47
Currently in download version only (box to follow soon), Aerosoft has released the completely redesigned version of the Seahawk. Combining two previous award winning helicopter add-ons, the new version includes all the features that make FSX aircraft look so much better, as well as some additional systems like a control that lets the Winch Operator control the helicopter, and six ships that can be placed using Google Earth. Of course, the complex and highly realistic Stability Augmentation System and Automated Flight Control Systems are fully functional as they were before. Get all the details at the Aerosoft Product webpage.

Trinidad and Tobago Collection Build 2.0

Posted: Saturday, October 27, 2007 - 20:34
Lionheart Creations Ltd. are pleased to announce the latest release of their Trinidad and Tobago Collection Build 2.0 which now features a dual installer for both flight simulators FSX and FS2004. The FS9 models are now fully functional in FSX. Some of the new features include: improved airfiles tuning for more realistic performance at slower speeds, enhanced graphics in the Virtual Cockpit, a new female pilot who is optional as both a passenger and/or actual pilot, increasing the package selections by three-fold, (3 models of passenger layouts for each texture pack, for 'both' aircraft). This is a free update for existing LHC Trinidad and Tobago customers. Simply redownload your package. Go to the Lionheart Creations webpage for more information.

FLT and FLN Analogue Gauges For FSX

Posted: Saturday, October 27, 2007 - 19:32
Reality XP is announcing the release of their Flight Line T and Flight Line N analogue gauges for FSX. "With today's announcement of latest FSX product, we are officially ushering in a new era in true next-generation simulation" said Jean-Luc Dupiot "The award winning FLT and FLN gauges feature powerful technologies and capabilities that have never been brought together in our products before”.

The FLT and FLN for FSX features an entirely new graphic engine for Flight Simulator with ultra high-res images in 32 bits next-gen graphics and the latest generation of high speed vector drawing True Display XP. Completely rewritten from scratch with the new Reality XP Gauge XTreme technology, developed for the Airliner XP Airbus, it offers sharper, better, life-like visuals which are simply not possible to achieve with the default Flight Simulator SDK!

Existing customers will enjoy the included compatibility mode which permits running the new gauges and their next-gen graphics with FS9. These products are also compatible with both Win XP and Vista. Complete details can be found at the Reality XP website.

FriendlyPanels Boeing 737-400/800 Pack v4.0

Posted: Saturday, October 27, 2007 - 17:11
FriendlyPanels Boeing 737-400/800 Pack for FS9 and FSX contains two 2D panels for B737-400 and B737-800. All gauges visible in one screen (except for FMC, that requires a separate windows) keeping an excellent readabilty. Aircraft Virtual Cockpits adapted as far as possible. Antialiasing vectorial EADI/PFD which includes Autopilot annunciators, IAS trend indication, radio height and ground speed readout. Vectorial EHSI/MFD with multiple screen modes. Displays indication of distance to reach altitude selected in autopilot. GPWS and Traffic Info (FSX version only). Lateral and vertical navigation implemented via FMC. An FMC that can manage flight plans created with Microsoft Flight Simulator FS9 or FSX, or any add-on which can export flight plans in the FS format. Friendly Panles have eliminated the complex way in what you have to plan your flight in current commercial FMCs implemented in some of the commercial airliners existing for Microsoft Flight Simulator but keeping the feeling of a real FMC-CDU

FMC-CDU features: Follow a flight plan. Flight direct to a FLP waypoint (by passing the ones wanted) and continue from there. Choose any waypoint in Microsoft database to flight direct to without a flight plan loaded. Select an Arrival procedure for destination airport. Follow lateral and vertical navigation desired, speeds and altitudes. Automatic calculation of vertical navigation (airspeeds and altitudes). Display information concerning airports and navaids and information concerning fuel and winds. Pass VOR, ADF and COM frequencies from navaids or airports to aircraft radios. Visit the Friendly Panels website for details

Accelerate Your Aviation Career

Posted: Friday, October 26, 2007 - 22:07
Earlier this week, Microsoft released their first Flight Simulation add-on pack in quite some time. Microsoft writes, "Developed by ACES Studio, "Flight Simulator X: Acceleration" adds a wealth of new content and features, allowing gamers to race against each other in amazing, highly-detailed locations around the world. Aviators are able to test their skills and heroism in many new missions while enjoying three exciting new aircraft and the ability to share rewards, photos and videos with friends and the broader flight simulator community." For the full story, visit FS Insider.

AVSIM, Microsoft and Embry Riddle Prescott are proud to announce a special fly-off competition at this year's FanCon 2007! Embry-Riddle, using Microsoft's Acceleration add on and custom software developed by Raynald Bédard of ERAU, will award the top pilots a share of $25,000 in scholarship money!

Don't miss this special chance to not only get your hands on the newley released "Flight Simulator X: Acceleration" add-on but a chance to win $25,000 in scholarship money! There is still time left, but don't miss the conference! Register today!

Scottish Charity Flight Sim Show

Posted: Friday, October 26, 2007 - 17:43
The Scottish Charity Flight Sim Show in Support of ORBIS and the Flying Eye Hospital is now just days away. Gary Summons of UK2000 will have his latest release Edinburgh Extreme available at the show with 25% of the sale price going direct to ORBIS. Flight 1 will have all there new releases available with 50% of all sales going direct to ORBIS.

Chris Palmer of Angle of Attach will be previewing his soon to be released 747-400 Queen of the Skies training DVD. For the fighter pilots Ian Brookes will have his amazing converted Delfin L29 2 seat Cockpit nose at the event. With Vatsim, Classic Flight, Flightstore Pilot Supplies, FlightSimX and many more there is something for everyone. There will be an auction with flight sim hardware, software, and loads of other goodies available to bid on.

A second auction will go live during World Flight 2007 so if you can’t make the event you will still be able to take part. Watch The Airbus A300F Simulator for further information.


A380 Makes First Commercial Flight

Posted: Friday, October 26, 2007 - 15:00
One lucky Simmer and community member got to see the first A380 commercial flight first hand! Arnie Lee from Abacus writes, "Today I flew into Sydney. My 14 hour flight from Los Angeles arrived at Kingsford Smith Airport at 6:00 in the morning local time. Coincidentally, the first commercial flight of the Airbus A380 was to land less than 12 hours after my arrival."

Arnie was lucky enough to not only make it back in time, but to snap some great shots! Visit his first hand account on the Abacus site.

Navigraph Offers Annual Subscription

Posted: Friday, October 26, 2007 - 2:01
Navigraph customers will now be able to purchase annual subscriptions to the FMS Data it provides. According to Navigraph, the additional subscription option was added to better provide service to those customers who update their FMS Data monthly. Customers may still purchase the data on a month-to-month basis.

On a side note, Cycle 0711 is now available in the FMS Data section, and again supports the Wilco/Feelthere Airbus Series products.

For further details, fly direct to the Navigraph website.

JustFlight Releases Spitfire FSX

Posted: Wednesday, October 24, 2007 - 22:48
JustFlight announced today that their Spitfire package previously for FS2004 is now available for download with full compatibility for FSX. The package contains over 40 aircraft in 14 different variants and is licensed by the Royal Air Force. For additional information and purchasing please visit their website here.

Public Flight Simulator Demonstration

Posted: Wednesday, October 24, 2007 - 21:28
Flight Simulation New Brunswick (FSNB) in co-operation with Future Shop of Cananda will be conducting their third annual public demonstration of flight simulation. Working in close co-operation with VatCan and many international virtual airlines, they are able to bring the public a better appreciation of flight simulation as a hobby and introduce those in attendance to the exciting world of virtual flight. Last years events drew over 600 in attendance.
Scheduled events are for October 27th in Saint John NB., and November 10th in Moncton NB. All events are held at the respective Future Shop locations and start at 0930 LT and run until 1400 LT.

Commercial Level Simulations Update Announced

Posted: Wednesday, October 24, 2007 - 11:25
Commercial Level Simulations is pleased to announce the release of Service Pack 01 for their Airbus A330/A340 product. This update and addtional information may be found here

NL2000 Releases Service Pack !

Posted: Tuesday, October 23, 2007 - 20:42
The NL2000 Scenery design team has released Service Pack 1 for NL2000 Version 3.0. This is a small ZIP file that can be downloaded from the AVSIM File Library. Using user feedback, the update includes improved AFCADs, ILS for RWY 18R, corrections to taxi signs at Schiphol (EHAM), improved approach lights at Eelde (EHGG) and many more. Visit the AVSIM File Library for this and more available from the NL2000 Scenery design team.

HiFi Simulation Launches New Website

Posted: Tuesday, October 23, 2007 - 20:30
HiFi Simulations announced today the launch of their newly designed website. The makers of such great products as the ActiveSky series invites you to browse their great products and view their new site. Just click on the following link to see the new HiFi Simulation site.

Airbus Series Volume 2

Posted: Tuesday, October 23, 2007 - 16:09
Wilco Publishing and FeelThere.com announced today that their new Airbus Series Volume 2 is now available for download. This new release features four great airbus models: A330-200, A330-300, A340-300, and the A340-600. All models feature a selectable difficulty level, flexible wings, Fuel Planner and Load Editor, and many more great features to numerous to list here. If you have been waiting for a very realistic Airbus package, it has arrived. Available for download for FSX and FS9. For additional informationa and screenshots please visit Wilco Publishing .

AVSIM FanCon '07, Just Two Weeks Away!

Posted: Tuesday, October 23, 2007 - 3:37
Simulation fans, you are running out of time! Don't miss the show! The flight simulation event of the year is coming to Seattle (Bellevue) November 9-11! Will you be there? Two weeks is all that remains until the jetway swings up to the main doors of the Bellevue Hilton and the Conference gets underway. Don't miss your chance to schmooze with the AVSIM staff, rub elbows with your fellow simmers and meet the vendors you have done business with and read about on the AVSIM website.

Here is a list of the confirmed Vendors to date:

  • Microsoft ACES Team

  • Natural Point

  • Aerosoft

  • Abacus

  • Fly2Pilots

  • Charity Flight

  • PMDG

  • Flight Motion

  • Transload Airlines

  • Capt. Mike Ray

  • Just Flight

  • Flight 1

  • Embry Riddle Aeronautical University

  • LiberalGeek Audio & Scenery

  • Matrox Graphics

  • Train Master

  • DreamFlyer

  • MidContinent Airlines

  • Intel

  • Teq-Air

  • Precision Flight Controls

  • Saitek

  • SimTube

  • ....plus others finalizing their plans.

    Advanced registrations close Oct. 31st for the Friday Night Social and Saturday Night Awards Banquet. See who you picked for the Reader's Choice Awards, and the coveted AVSIM "Bravo Zulu" Awards. If you missed last year's Conference in Washington D.C., here's your chance to meet AVSIM Staff, Microsoft ACES, the vendors who support your hobby and your fellow simmers!

    Want to be a vendor at the AVSIM portion? Then we want you there! Visit the AVSIM Vendor signup page for more information!

    Are you a developer? Want to spend the whole week with Microsoft and AVSIM? Then check this out; "If interested, please send a one-paragraph description of who you are, what your interests are in the Flight Simulator or Train Simulator Development Communities, and what you hope to get out of the conference, to the Conference Manager (please mark the subject “DevCon Request").

    Once approved, you will be sent an official invitation and information on how to register. Please note that signing of a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) and Technical Preview Agreement (TPA) will be required before entrance to the DevCon is allowed. This means that anything you learn at the DevCon portion of the event is confidential and cannot be discussed in any public fashion, as well as providing for any technical feedback to be potentially implemented in future Aces offerings.

    Seats are limited, and it’s a first-come, first-served offering. If you've been sitting on the fence about attending, now you have 2 reasons for being there. Don’t delay – and we hope to see you there!"

    Visit the AVSIM FanCon 2007 website now!

    Embry Riddle to Award Scholarships at FANCON!

    Posted: Tuesday, October 23, 2007 - 3:35
    Avsim is pleased to announce that the Prescott Campus of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) will be giving away more than $25,000 in scholarships to winners of the FANCON carrier landing competition at this year’s AVSIM conference and exhibition in Bellevue, Washington Nov 9-11. Using a brand new technology your piloting skills will be graded automatically upon completion of the mission, and it will rank you against other pilots in the competition. With FS-SCORE you will know exactly where you stand each time you fly the mission. This patent pending technology was developed by Ray Bedard, Professor of Navigation at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Avsim is pleased that Embry Riddle is awarding scholarships for this exciting and ground-breaking competition. This is a chance to win a scholarship of a lifetime. Details will follow. If you have not yet signed up for the simulation event of the year, you can do so today!

    Abacus Announce Winner of Civil Air Patrol Contest

    Posted: Monday, October 22, 2007 - 18:41
    As part of Abacus' ongoing support for the Civil Air Patrol, this year they sponsored a contest to give away a super-fast gaming computer to run Microsoft Flight Simulator X and CAP Search & Rescue add-on.

    They initiated the contest at the CAP National Conference held in Atlanta in August. It was open to all CAP members. The winner agreed that the computer system would be available to the other members of the squadron for training purposes.

    Abacus are now happy to announce that the winner is Kevin Weaver of CAP Squadron 902, Willow Grove JRP in Pennsyvania.

    For further details see the Civil Air Patrol website.

    Wilco/feelThere Airbus Series Volume 2 Download Available

    Posted: Monday, October 22, 2007 - 17:27
    Following the release earlier this year of the Wilco/feelThere Airbus Series Volume 1, Volume 2 is now available as a download from the Wilco Publishing website.

    Volume 2 comprises the larger aircraft in the Airbus range, namely the A330-200, A330-300, A330-300 Multi-Role Tanker Transport, A340-300 and A340-600.