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.

A Flight Sim Book Review

Posted: Sunday, February 3, 2008 - 20:35
Senior staff reviewer Jeff Shyluk has University flashbacks as he completes a book report about Microsoft Flight Simulator X For Pilots: Real World Training, published by Wiley Publications Inc. "The authors, Jeff van West and Kevin Lane-Cummings, are both experienced pilots and writers. In fact, both men are CFIs, Certified Flight Instructors. Not only are they experts in the field of flight training, they are also both seasoned authors. They successfully channeled their real-world experiences into the world of virtual flight, and wrote an extremely clear manual on how to fly."

"The text of FSX For Pilots is clearly written and easy to read. The lessons are logical and progress from the very basics of flight in a Piper Cub on a sunny and calm afternoon and go all the way up to the rigorous standards set for Air Transport Pilots in zero-visibility IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) conditions. You can read the lessons in any order, given your personal level of flying experience. As well, you can download content that supplements the book, including custom-made flights that let you immediately try out the lessons you just read about in the book."

"Every aspect of real-world flight that is modeled in FSX is explained in detail and made simple through excellent tutorials. The things that FSX fails to model correctly are also covered; however, the focus is on flying with FSX rather than on real-world flight instruction. Some parts of the book do get complicated; even so, the authors do their best to shed light on even the most obscure facets of aviation."

"FSX For Pilots has lessons for VFR (Visual Flight Rules) and IFR flights, including instrument and GPS approaches. After the student has mastered FSX as a solo pilot, the book also introduces the dynamics behind learning to fly (or control traffic) with the on-line multiplayer system in Flight Simulator."

"FSX For Pilots has it all! There is a heavy amount of reading involved, and a few descriptions of crashes which might be disturbing to some readers, but FSX For Pilots will keep sim pilots like me soaring for years to come."

"The measurements of the book are 9 ¼ inches by 7 ¾ inches by 1 ½ inches thick. I am telling you this because this is the amount of room you must make on your flight simulator desk for this book. If you have that space available, I would strongly recommend that if you are interested in a great realistic manual for FSX aircraft, you should fill that empty space with a copy of Microsoft Flight Simulator X For Pilots: Real World Training."

IVAO New Pilot Client For FSX

Posted: Sunday, February 3, 2008 - 17:10
IVAO-AERO has announced the release of an updated version of their pilot client software for FSX - “IvAp v1.9.6”. This update optimizes compatibility with FSX Service Pack 2 and Acceleration Pack with other improvements including increased stability, more flexible hotkey handling, updated realistic ICAO flight plan and several other bug fixes. For more information and to download this new update, please visit IVAO-AERO to get your copy.

Live For Speed Racing Series

Posted: Saturday, February 2, 2008 - 7:07
AVSIM recently reviewed Live For Speed, an online car racing sim. Since our simmers also like to run on rails and on the road, we've decided that we should cover other genres of sims as well. Afterall, we have forums for them so why not reviews.

Now FeelThere have announced their first racing series at Live For Speed using the FIA F1 points system for those of you who like to exercise your frustrations on the blacktop instead of on the air racing circuit. Complete details can be found at their website.

737 PIC For FSX

Posted: Saturday, February 2, 2008 - 6:58
Just Flight is pleased to announce the release of 737 Pilot In Command for Flight Simulator X. The -300, -400 and -500 versions of the 737 have been modelled and come with a choice of over 70 airline liveries. The beauty is more than skin deep - 737 Pilot In Command has advanced avionics and a highly accurate flight model. Other features include working weather radar and a printed manual that comes with a bespoke tutorial from the acclaimed trainer Captain Mike Ray. The new FSX version includes some extra features including innovative in-flight passenger screens. 737 Pilot In Command is also fully compatible with Windows Vista and the Flight Simulator SP2 service pack.

Existing owners of the Just Flight FS2004 version of 737 Pilot In Command can obtain a free upgrade to FSX/Windows XP, whilst owners who wish to upgrade to FSX/Windows Vista can purchase a download. Full details of both upgrade options are available from the Just Flight website.

Some of the detailed features include:

- Fully functioning weather radar, showing cloud density and precipitation. Now virtual pilots can fly safely around dangerous weather conditions.
- Accurate flight dynamics based on manufacturer specifications and tested by real pilots.
- Authentic animations include primary flight surfaces, hydraulic gear suspension, flaps, roll spoilerons, speed brakes and more.
- Highly realistic autopilot operation - all the real aircraft autopilot operations are simulated.

NEW features for FSX include:

- Fully compatible with FSX airport animations including fuel truck, jetway, baggage truck, pushback truck.
- In-flight passenger information screens that show multiple pages of information, fed directly from the cockpit instruments. The information covers flight time, winds, speeds, height and temperature.
- During the take off roll the co-pilot now makes call-outs "thrust set", "80 knots, throttle hold".

FSCheckride Challenge

Posted: Saturday, February 2, 2008 - 6:46
CAT III Software's FSCheckride was recently reiewed here at AVSIM. Now they have announced an FSCheckride Challenge. You will need to create an aviation related in-game “test” using the FSCheckride software. Whoever creates the best, most innovative and feature-rich test wins the challenge. First prize includes a Saitek Pro Flight Yoke system, as well as software from FS2Crew and Tweak FS. There are also 2nd and 3rd place prizes. This contest ends March 28th, 2008. Complete details can be found on thier website under Checkride Challenge.

FSGlobal X 2008 from Flight 1

Posted: Saturday, February 2, 2008 - 0:43
Staff reviewer Etienne Martin covers the world with Flight 1's FSGlobal X 2008. "FS Global 2008 delivers a completely new flight experience in the virtual skies by adding a massive topographic database to the default scenery in Flight Simulator. The package contains four DVD's, a double-sided pair for the FS9 version, and a pair for FSX. FS Global 2008 is all about enhancing the simulator’s visuals and bringing the terrain to life."

Since this program enhances your scenery files, the majority of the review is explained through screenshots and commentary. Etienne says, "FS Global X 2008 brings an incredible level of detail to the entire world except for the Arctic and Antarctic, and this should entice anyone to fly outside the high detail areas included in the default scenery. I found myself leaving my high altitude heavies in the hangar in favor of the down low, down slow exploration. This is definitely a product that once installed will not likely be removed."

Abacus Releases Commuter Xpress 2

Posted: Friday, February 1, 2008 - 16:53
Flight Simulation is a varied hobby, some like flying long-haul, and some like the low and slow of bush flying. However, if your tastes are suited to flying commuter routes then Abacus has just released Commuter Xpress 2 for Flight Simulator X. Featuring instantly recognizable aircraft such as the Bombardier CRJ-900, de Havilland DHC-8-200, Dornier 328, Dornier 328JET, Embraer ERJ-190, and Saab 340B, in which, you can fly for over six different airlines from all over the globe, and choose from 1000’s of routes to fly. If this sounds good to you, then you are cleared direct to Commuter Xpress 2

New Mooney Panel From FriendlyPanels

Posted: Thursday, January 31, 2008 - 18:15
FriendlyPanels announces the release of their Mooney Bravo Virtual Cockpit and 2D Panels Pack for FSX. This all new panel features numerous equipment additions to enhance your enjoyment of this flight sim favorite. For addtional information and to download, please visit Friendlypanels at their website.

Project Tupolev Released

Posted: Thursday, January 31, 2008 - 15:38
Project Tupolev announced today that they have released the long awaited Tupolev Tu-154M. Featuring original sounds, accurate flight dynamics and a highly detailed cockpit, this is a great addition for fans of the Tupolev. A 260 page english manual is also included to guide you in enjoying this great aircraft. For more information, screenshots and to download, please visit Proteam at their website.

Cachya Head Tracking Software V2.1 Released

Posted: Wednesday, January 30, 2008 - 12:24
Joe White from Cachya Software e-mailed us recently to announce the release of v2.1 of its webcam based Head-tracking software. Version 2.1 is Windows Vista compatible and has Microsoft FSX native 6 Degrees Of Freedom support. Newly introduced server-client architecture can help to eliminate heavy CPU load on the game machine. GUI interface is redesigned for easy software configuration. In addition to FSX, by simulating virtual joystick and mouse device, Cachya can work with many other 3D games that support mouse look or can use joystick axes (analog input) to control point of view. More details can be found by going to Cachya website.

It's Volunteer Hiring Time Again

Posted: Tuesday, January 29, 2008 - 2:29
AVSIM's reviews department is in need of new reviewers. We've had a few reviewers leave us and move on to bigger and more important things in their lives. This is what happens in the "volunteer" world when real life takes priority. However, that means you now have an opportunity to fill those gaps.

If you have the time and dedication to write reviews and feel that you can submit an article every month, then I want you. You should be an experienced simmer, have a relative in-depth knowledge of simulated aircraft operations, what to look for in scenery and how to put hardware through it's paces (can you break it?). You should be proficient in the English language but it doesn't have to be your first language. You should also be able to capture screenshots of your flights. Reviews don't happen overnight. They take many hours of flying and note taking, so I don't expect to see them flying in within hours. This will be an ongoing process, as many apply but few get accepted.

We receive product from developers on an ongoing basis, in fact, sometimes more than what we can assign. Many simmers tell us that they wait for our reviews before they make an educated decision to purchase something that has just been released. Do you think you have an unbiased opinion to tell your fellow simmers "you gotta have it" or "let this one pass"?

If you think you have what it takes to write thorough, comprehensive, unbiased and informative reviews, then please send us an email. I will ask that you send me a review of something in your hanger or inventory in the style similar to what you have read on the AVSIM website. Don't worry about format just yet, I want to see if you can write. All emails will be answered but make sure you have read this "Help Wanted" notice fully. If you have questions to be answered before submitting a sample review, please send them my way. Contact the Reviews Editor to submit your review samples or to make enquiries.

FSNightingale Updated

Posted: Tuesday, January 29, 2008 - 1:03
FSNightingale Cessna6 v1.1 has been released and is available for download. This release fixes some reported issues. They've added a 'User Guide' to illustrate how to: Set up the connection between FSNightingale Server and FSNightingale Cessna6; Calibrate the altimeter; Set the TAS card on the IAS gauge according to the outside temperature; Modify the 'artifical horizon' pitch indicator; and Modify the background colour/image.

The Major Fixes include: Fixed the constant 132 degree offset on the compass card gauge and fixed the inability to select the shipped images as background tiles. While they have also modified the installer to remove the version number from the install path and the shortcut menu and added a link to the "User Guide".

From AVSIM Conference To Your PC

Posted: Tuesday, January 29, 2008 - 0:59
Embry-Riddle Aviation University used their software to score the "Flight" competition at AVSIM's 2007 Conference and Exhibiton. Now this scoring system is available live online. Currently there are 2 missions to download to test your flying skills and a forum to banter back and forth on. Think you have what it takes to become #1? Visit the FS Score website and see who can take the top spot and have bragging rights until they're moved down the ladder.

Advanced Flight Tracking System (AFTS) for FSX

Posted: Sunday, January 27, 2008 - 23:42
SimFly.EU's AFTS System has now been officially launched. This system includes some very advanced features: Virtual Airline Management; Detailed VA and Pilot Statistics; Live Flight Tracking, with Flight Route Indications; Global Pilot Rankings; Global VA Rankings; SimPax (FSX Passengers); Custom Signature Images; and Free Teamspeak for all VA's with AFTS based Administration.

AFTS features full Virtual Airline management and lets you manage your pilots, fleet, schedules, flights, statistics, as well as provide you with link kits so that you can show all this information on your own website. One of the key, and most important features of AFTS is its ease of use, it has been coded from the ground up using their own bespoke software, so its power is unlimited. The client application is around 1mb in size, and requires no installation. This is what is so simple about AFTS, using thei powerful dedicated servers they do all the difficult complications for you leaving your FSX free to do the job of flying. Coupled with the fact that they offer VA Teampseak, which is fully manageable via AFTS by Virtual Airline CEO's, this makes AFTS the most complete VA management system around. Even if you are not in a VA you can use AFTS for SimPax, an FSX Passengers game where you earn virtual money and points for transporting passengers. AFTS is completely free to use and is available from the SimFly website.

Team VOZ Updates Airports Down Under

Posted: Sunday, January 27, 2008 - 15:22
Team VOZ at Vista Australis now brings you an updated Kingsford-Smith International (YSSY), Canberra (YSCB) and Maroochydore (YBMC). Western Australia has a list of 40+ fields added to it and there is a lot more for you to explore and find in the new VOZ 1.6. Head on over to Vista Australis for more detailed information and download instructions.