Cloud9 Releases SP1 For Phantom

Posted: Wednesday, September 6, 2006 - 22:35
Cloud9 released the Service Pack 1 for the Phantom. Included in this update are some different improvements and some bugs fixes. The complete list of items improved and changed with this update is included in the “readme” file provided with the update. The Service Pack 1 must be used with the Phantom 1.00 version only. The new full 1.01 version of the product already includes the SP1. For more information you can visit the Cloud9 website.

FS Earth Version 3.2 Is Available

Posted: Wednesday, September 6, 2006 - 8:38
FS Earth acts as an interface between Flight Simulator 2004 and Google Earth, letting to follow a flight in real time, over the satellite images generated by Google Earth. Flights can be saved, and many options are available for fine tuning the performance, as well as the map's style (zoom, tilt, orientation). Works on a single computer running FS2004 and Google Earth all together, or, for best experience, can be used on two networked computers running respectively FS2004 (master) and Google Earth (slave). Supports flight plan, AI traffic and multiplayer aircraft display inside Google Earth. Version 3.2 adds important new features, like course prediction for own aircraft and multiplayer traffic, more zoom options, a "click and fly" command and more. For full details please visit the official FS Earth website.

Historic Jetliners Group Updates Again !

Posted: Tuesday, September 5, 2006 - 11:50
The FS mastercraftsmen at the Historic Jetliners Group have done it once again. In a surprise mini-website update HJG have just released a small selection of brand new files featuring some very rare Canadian B707's, as well as improvements to a number of previously issued DC8-70F textures. Michael Verlin has also completed a new DC8-70 panel based around modern EFIS type instrumentation, this now increases the number of DC8 panels currently offered by HJG to 5 different variations for the entire aircraft family. HJG's original 4 custom DC8-10, -50, -60, & -70 analogue type panels have also been further upgraded. These new and updated files form part of a large pool of quality FS resourses dedicated to B707/B720/C135 series, CV880, Cv990, & DC8 comprising of models, textures, panels, sounds, and effects developed especially for each aircraft type/sub type. Visit the Historic Jetliners Group website for more information and downloads.

Godzone's New Zealand - 2 Part Scenery Review

Posted: Tuesday, September 5, 2006 - 2:49
New staff reviewer Hector Davila takes us on a two part journey in New Zealand with Godzone's airports in Wanaka & Tekapo and Rotorua & Tauranga. "The first thing that might pop into your head about New Zealand could be a Kiwi; but for me, its New Zealand's beauty," says Hector.

About these different airfields, Hector comments, "The first thing that comes to mind when you land or start at Tekapo is how small the airport is. Wanaka is larger and has a lot more features than Tekapo. Both airports share amazingly modeled and textured buildings as well as photo realistic surrounding scenery." About the other two, "Rotorua is an incredible add-on. Geothermal features and the lakes are directly attributable to continuing volcanic activity which has formed and reformed the surrounding landscape. Tauranga city airport is a medium sized airport with 4 runways; 3 of which are grass strips. What makes this scenery so great is not only the great airport, but also the surrounding scenery."

Summing up this 2-in-1 review Hector says, "Definitely a must buy for all you New Zealand flyers and a good buy for all you GA lovers. Godzone has made a work of art with their scenery. You will get your money's worth with this package and more; you have to see it to believe it and you have to believe it to love it." Read both reviews of Wanaka & Tekapo and Rotorua & Tauranga, and see what you've been missing in the land where the "Lord of the Rings" was filmed.

Just Flight To Release New Scenery For FSX

Posted: Monday, September 4, 2006 - 20:28
When Just Flight published VFR Photographic Scenery for FS2002 it was greeted with a warm reception by simmers. Now Just Flight has teamed with Infoterra Ltd, a leader in the provision of aerial data, in order to produce another series of amazing photographic scenery packages for Flight Simulator X. ‘VFR Real Scenery’ is due for release at the same time as Flight Simulator X and is set to transform the scenery of the British Isles for virtual pilots. Initial coverage will be of England and Wales with other areas scheduled for the near future. For more information check the JustFlight web site.

SibWings Releases SAAB 91 Safir

Posted: Monday, September 4, 2006 - 20:28
SibWings Lab, which is a new name on the FS market, has just released its first hi-end add-on, the SAAB 91 Safir . This product is a result of more than one year of FS professionals' hard work. It includes four different aircraft that are identical to real aircrafts models created with the help of their owners. Also in this add-on you will find gauges, sounds recorded from the real Safir aircrafts and realistic flight dynamics tested by real Safir pilots. The designers want users to know that the SW-lab team promises to make an update for the coming soon FSX and their customers will get it for free. The FS 2004 version is available on SW-lab website along with screenshots, free repaints and the SW-lab forum.

Flight 1 Releases Ground Environment Pro II

Posted: Monday, September 4, 2006 - 20:26
Flight One Software, it partnership with Peter Wilding, Anthony Vos, and Carl Hackman, has officially released a major update to the popular Ground Environment Professional program for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004. For current users of Ground Environment Professional, you now have these new features: color customizable night textures with presets, new desert and boreal textures, many new interface items, full integration and co-operation with ACTIVE SKY V6 to better coordinate the new environments with the weather used by Active Sky and much more. This update is FREE to all previous Ground Environment Professional customers. Users of the standard edition of Ground Environment, you can still get a discount coupon to upgrade to the Pro edition. For more information on Ground Environment Professional II, please visit the Flight 1 web site.

Flyware FsXpand 5.2.3 Released

Posted: Monday, September 4, 2006 - 20:26
Gert Heijnis has let AVSIM know that a new version of FsXPand has been released by Flyware. Version 5.2.3 is available as a complete installation. For those with a slow connection, the file can be downloaded in 2 parts. The new features include: a more straight forward connection, made from the client, joystick and sound handling is now based on DirectX 8. Having at least DirectX 8 is a requirement for both FsXPand and FsClient. - The manual has been updated, both online and in the application. The details and download on www.flyware.nl.

FFS Saab 340 Package Released

Posted: Monday, September 4, 2006 - 11:39
After more than 3 years of development and upsets of having to start from scratch, regional sim enthusiasts can now be spoiled with one of the most anticipated aircraft add-ons for Microsoft Flight Simulator. The FFS Saab 340 package has been built to suit even the most hard-core virtual pilots. Our programmer's have been able to emulate nearly all of the Saabs systems as well as create some custom gauge logic that is sure to please everyone, including real world Saab pilots. The package consists of 5 different models which include the Saab 340A, Saab 340B, Saab 340 Cargo, and two Swedish Air Force versions. One of those known as the Argus. With custom sounds designed by Aaron Swindle, and nearly fully modeled systems, this Saab package will definitly be a dream come true for many virtual pilots. For more information, see Flight Factory Simulations.

FSD Piper Navajo v2 Released

Posted: Monday, September 4, 2006 - 5:25
In celebration of the Labor Day holiday in the US, FSD has released version 2.0 of their very popular Piper Navajo. The Navajo Version 2.0 works in FS 2004 and is compatible with FS X. There are now two models in the software package, the Navajo Panther Colemill model from version 1, and by popular request, a standard Navajo. Version 2.0 incorporates many improvements in terms of visual modeling, virtual cockpit functionality, and frame rate performance. A discount upgrade for present Navajo Version 1.0 license owners is available. See the FSD Piper Navajo page for details.

FS2004 Screenshot Competition

Posted: Monday, September 4, 2006 - 1:06
Screenshotprints.com is holding a Flight Simulator 2004 screenshot competition. Sponsored by Donationware.net, the winner will recieve their excellent B-17 E/F/G package! There is no theme, so submit your very best un-edited FS2004 shot. Initial judging will be done by a member poll to decide the top 5 finalists. The winner will be chosen from these five by a panel of Donationware.net and SSP.com staff. To enter, post your shot in the competition thread at Screenshotprints.com. You must be a registered member of Sreenshotprints.com with at least 5 posts to enter. To view the prize, visit Donationware.net. Registration is completely free for both sites! Think you have what it takes? Then stop over at Screenshotprints and show us your screenshot taking skills!

Italian AI Traffic Project Team Formed

Posted: Sunday, September 3, 2006 - 19:42
The Italian AI Traffic Project Team which is composed by Massimiliano Leveratto amd Vittorio Tenerini, both known creative simmers of AI Traffic for FS9 has been established to create AI Traffic for the most important Italian and some foreign airlines. This will be accomplished in collaboration with Federico Permutti and Roberto Siciliano. The web site is available both in English and Italian.

Aircraft Package Review - Airbus Collection

Posted: Sunday, September 3, 2006 - 19:16
Staff reviewer Jeff Shyluk looks at a handful of aircraft released in one package. The Airbus Collection fron Just Flight's F-Lite series. "The Airbus Collection is a re-issue of Airbus add-ons originally released by developer Commercial Level Simulations as downloadable payware. Just Flight is re-issuing the CLS airplanes under their own "F-Lite" brand."

"The cornerstone of this add-on is definitely in the flight dynamics of the various airframes, the "True Feel" system was created based on the experiences the CLS developers had in FAA Level D flight simulators. The Airbus Collection does a nice job of representing the variants of the A300 and A310. The choice of liveries is from around the world, with many of the real-word paint schemes originating from Europe and the Middle East."

"As far as the models go, the variety of airframes is good and there are some interesting choices given that all of the aircraft are twin-engined. The A300-600R and the A310-200/300/304 do resemble each other on a basic level as their airframes are all designed to the same purpose. In terms of what you can do in the cockpit, the Airbus Collection provides a good level of refinement over the default MSFS cockpits without being overwhelming for the novice or casual sim-pilot. All of the usual basic controls and gauges, such as heading indicators, autopilot controls, radio stack, engine read-outs (EICAS), and so forth, are modelled."

Jeff sumarizes his look at the Airbus Collection with, "This add-on for FS2004 can either be downloaded or purchased on DVD. This package comes loaded with A300-600R, A310-200/300/304 variants, including passenger planes, freight haulers, military transports, and air-to-air refuellers. Did I forget to mention the inclusion of the A300-600ST Beluga? Aimed at the casual sim pilot, the Airbus Collection is suitable for the novice pilot who wants more realism than the default MSFS planes, right up to experienced veteran simmers who want to get up into the sky and enjoy flying a realistic-seeming jetliner without having to run through a fifteen-minute checklist just to start the engines. Every plane in Airbus Collection looks good, sounds great, is frame-rate friendly, and comes loaded with animated parts. For the average casual user, Airbus Collection provides a stable, robust, and most importantly, fun add-on for MSFS."

FSGenesis Now On DVD

Posted: Sunday, September 3, 2006 - 8:24
Culminating nearly five years of intense development and refinement, FSGenesis is pleased to announce that we have consolidated the entire FSG Terrain Mesh collection onto six DVDs that are now available for purchase from the FSGenesis Store. FSGenesis has added a free World Buffer Terrain with the purchase of any DVD, and they offer free worldwide shipping. The DVDs may be purchased individually by geographic area or bundled to get get significant discounts. DVDs will begin shipping on Tuesday, September 5th. For more info please visit www.fsgenesis.net.

PMDG 747 Edition of FS2Crew Released

Posted: Sunday, September 3, 2006 - 8:18
FS2Crew is pleased to announce that the highly anticipated PMDG 747 Edition of FS2Crew is now available for sale. The PMDG 747 Edition of FS2Crew was custom programmed from scratch to
work exclusively with the PMDG 747.

Featuring a brand new interface system and the voice of a real-world 747 Captain, FS2Crew adds new functionality to the PMDG 747, as well as a full flight, cabin and ground crew who operate in accordance with the same SOPs used by a real-world 747 operator.

A discount coupon is available for previous FS2Crew owners. PMDG 747 Captains are cleared via direct to FS2Crew's hompage to download the new FS2Crew release.

Plane Design Spitfire XVI Released

Posted: Sunday, September 3, 2006 - 8:11
Plane Design's third product, a Supermarine Spitfire XVI with cut down "rear view" fuselage, has been released. It has been developed using authentic Supermarine drawings, and the flight model has been tested by real world Spitfire pilots. The highly detailed virtual cockpit is fully clickable and has full smooth 3d gauges. Features include: -Fully detailed brand new external model and VC, developed using the factory blueprints; -Authentic Rolls Royce Merlin Sound Set; -Custom effects including wingtip vortices and VC lighting; -Accurate flight model developed by Jerry Beckwith, verified by real world Spitfire pilots; -Nearly 200 custom animations; - all switches and levers in the cockpit move, and where possible their function has been modeled; -Custom modeled accurate Merlin engine start-up sequence; -Droppable drop tanks and bombs (including weight changes); -Total of ten different paint schemes; -Detailed manual giving a brief history of the aircraft, and full operating procedures; and much more.

Plane Design gratefully acknowledges the assistance of The Shuttleworth Collection and Canadian Warplane Heritage in developing this package. For all the details visit Plane Design's homepage.

AVSIM 2006 Convention, Vendors Sneak Peak!

Posted: Saturday, September 2, 2006 - 23:56
It's under two weeks away, and we're ready! Wanna take a sneak peak at the vendor list? Well we've got you covered! Head on over to the files area of AVSIM, and download the Avsim 2006 Vendors Power Point Show! Download from the files area (File ID# 90617), or click here to pick up the file directly! If you don't have powerpoint installed you can still view the file. Get the Microsoft Free Powerpoint Viewer. We'll see you at the show!

ActiveSky 6 + Ground Environment Pro Upgrade

Posted: Saturday, September 2, 2006 - 23:51
Active Sky Version 6 and Ground Environment Professional have been upgraded! The upgrades are now available for download to all existing ASv6/GE Pro users.

For ASv6, this new service upgrade adds several exciting new improvements, including full integration with Ground Environment Professional. New additions include GE Pro integration options, new automatic ActiveRadar installation monitoring and repair, improved databases and coverage, and much more.

For GE Pro, this upgrade includes new stunning and color-customizable night textures with presets, new beautiful desert and boreal textures, a completely redesigned and revamped interface, new Dutch textures with night lighting and aligned autogen, new halo bitmap and of course full integration with ActiveSky version 6.

By themselves these upgrades represent a significant enhancement over the previous versions. Together, a seamless, coordinated and beautifully-combined Ground/Sky/Weather visual environment all with conditional weather influence is now finally available.

For more information or to download these products/updates, please visit the respective websites at Active Sky and Ground Environment Professional.

PSS 757 Released

Posted: Saturday, September 2, 2006 - 20:15
Phoenix Simulation Software (PSS) is pleased to announce the general release of their Boeing 757 for FS2004. This release includes 84 liveries for the 752-200 Freighter, 757-200 and the 757-300. The release also includes the Pratt& Whitney versions and the Rolls Royce versions. Overall there are 12 variants offered. All the liveries are included in the base purchase. Some of the features include: Full animation, fully functioning VC, weather radar and more. For more information go to The PSS Site. In addition, PSS is releasing Update Patch 2 for the 777. It is available to previous download purchasers by downloading from the support page.

PSS Releases 757 For PreOrders

Posted: Saturday, September 2, 2006 - 11:02
Phoenix Simulation has released the Boeing 757 for their customers who pre-ordered. The Boeing 757 will be available from Phoenix Simulation within 24 hours for everyone else.