FlightSim Google Group

Posted: Wednesday, September 5, 2007 - 2:12
FSAdventureSky (Gera Godoy C), developer and editor of Freeware Adventure Flights(FS9/FSX) has opened a Google Group for all pilots flying his adventures as well as bush pilots that like to fly into very dangerous skies surrounded by mountains, jungles, rivers, lakes and all kinds of hard to get places. His adventures span the globe from Alaska to Nepal giving the rugged bush pilot very dangerous flights in his Sim. By joining the group you will be able to participate in flights full of danger "before" they are published as well as a friendly FBO to meet fellow pilots, ask questions about the adventures, place photos and just chat about our wonderful hobby.

Attention European Simmers

Posted: Wednesday, September 5, 2007 - 1:45
SimWare Simulations organises its SimWare Simulations Show ‘08 on November 2nd, 3rd and 4th 2007 at the Cinquantenaire down in the centre of Brussels. This exhibition provides everyone with a good opportunity to see, test and buy all latest developments and new software in the simulation field.

Among others, some important titles are:
- Microsoft to present their Flight Simulator X - Acceleration Pack, the latest addition to their Flight Simulator X.
- Electronic Arts/Kuju to present their Rail Simulator - New railroad simulation !
- VStep to present their Ship Simulator 2008 - Ship simulation published by VStep.
- Eagle Dynamics/Ubisoft to present their Black Shark - Long awaited Combat Helicopter simulation !
- Cimflightdeck to demonstrate their full motion platform.
- Saitek to present their brand new flight controls products "Pro Flight"

This event is co-organized with the Automobile Museum in Autoworld’s premises at the Cinquantenaire along with their "Icarus’s Dream" focusing on light and micro-light aviation. Entrance to the museum grants free access to the SimWare Simulations Show as well as to the “Icarus’s Dream” exhibition. Free parking available throughout the whole exhibition duration.

Boeing 737 Flight Simulator Video

Posted: Wednesday, September 5, 2007 - 1:14
AviaFilms Production has announced the release of their new Boeing 737 Full Flight Simulator video. The film gives you a chance to witness what it is like to fly a full motion simulator of a 60 ton airline. The video is packed with both interesting and at the same time educational footage which was filmed from all kinds of view perspectives. In order to diversify the film they fly from several different airports and perform various traffic circuits. Explanatory subtitles have been added in order to explain the viewer the flying procedures and warnings which occur throughout the whole flying session. This should bring back some memories for those that attended the AVSIM conference in Denver.

XGraphics from HiFi Simulations Software

Posted: Monday, September 3, 2007 - 20:20
Staff reviewer Allen Lavigne completes his look at the second of 2 releases by HiFi Simulations Software, X Graphics. "You can buy Active Sky X and XGraphics separately, or as a bundle. Not that they are in any way uncomplimentary. Nor are they inseparable. You can completely enjoy one without the other."

"X Graphics is an application that is only used before launching FSX in order to pre-install appropriate weather-influenced or a user’s desired set of textures, and is no longer used once FSX has begun to load, it can then be closed. If you also have Active Sky X installed, the simplest way to use XG is to use its weather-influenced choice of textures."

"There are 52 themes in XG. Not every theme will alter each and every texture option from your previous theme selection. You may go from one theme to another without changing certain textures. However, quite a few are altered. You can tell just how many by fast switching between two selections of themes while observing one of the four sub-page categories of Cloud/Sky/Sun, Water, Airports/Roads, and Lights/Sounds. Surprisingly, frame rates using the highest quality were fine on my system. Personally, I always try for the best quality to the detriment of high fps."

Allen's review contains many screenshots to show examples of what is acheivable within XGraphics. Products of this nature are best seen with descriptive captions. In his summary he says, "there are two ways I like using X Graphics. First and best liked is the weather influenced selection available only through Active Sky X, which I find relevant and easy to use. Second, without ASX installed, the use of themes is very easy and most sets produce excellent results without much fuss. This is not just a bunch of textures made to look nice, it is a massive texture installation engine."

The Final Mike Ray Article

Posted: Monday, September 3, 2007 - 17:00
The 8th article is the final one in this series and in this article Mike is comparing the Boeing and Airbus cockpits. The articles are all available from the FSVisions website. The articles are free for download, thanks to a cooperation between Computer Pilot, Captain Mike Ray and FSVisions.

Google Earth Easter Egg: Flight Simulator

Posted: Sunday, September 2, 2007 - 18:54
Apparently, the latest version of Google Earth has an easter egg: a flight simulator. It's not quite like Microsoft Flight Simulator, but it's a promising start.

Pushback Frustrations

Posted: Saturday, September 1, 2007 - 20:08
AVSIM fan Joe Glasper has been frustrated with the lack of detailed instructions within MSFS with regards to the default Pushback Controls. He has asked AVSIM to post his contribution to the simming world with his detailed explanation of the pushback controls.

Cessna 441 Conquest II by Flight 1

Posted: Saturday, September 1, 2007 - 19:33
Staff reviewer Alan Bradbury looks at the updated Flight 1 Cessna 441 Conquest II. "In essence, the 441 is a pressurized Cessna 404 Titan with turboprop engines and slightly longer wings, although many think of it as the turboprop version of Cessna’s 421 Golden Eagle."

"Starting from the outside, what you have is a visually pleasing aeroplane that is well modeled and looks impressively shiny for a thirty year-old bus. There’s very little to choose in appearance between the FSX and FS9 model incarnations, and what differences there are, largely come down to the simulation’s display capabilities. Frame rates are good for this model in both FS9 and FSX. This may be because there is no over-the-top modeling of every single wire and tube in the undercarriage wheel wells and most of the fuselage detail is done with excellent texturing as opposed to polygons."

"Inside the cabin, the first thing you notice is that the point of view is just about perfect. With the advent of virtual cockpits, this is not always easy to achieve, but it has to be said that it most certainly has been managed here. The cockpit layout does vary slightly from the real thing, but this has been done sympathetically and with good sound reasoning behind the decision. Consequently, some things have been shifted around ever so slightly to compensate. In high-resolution flavour, the dials are crisp and work smoothly, but obviously there is more fluidity if you go with the lower resolution ones which in most instances do the job well enough. Staying in Flight Sim’s airless 3D realm for the moment, the 441 virtual cockpit is nicely done and well rendered in terms of texture placement and polygon counts, but it perhaps looks a little too crisp and clean for an aircraft of its supposed age."

"Anyone who can fly a default Cessna 172 would certainly not feel overwhelmed by the instrument layout of the 441, and this is perhaps the real beauty of this aircraft over and above everything else. It really does what Cessna originally intended, in that it provides the perfect link between pistons and jets. All of which means that jet fans are going to like it because it has the kind of performance they demand, and piston fans are going to be similarly disposed because they can drive it without going to night school for a year to learn how it all works."

"The FSX version definitely takes advantage of the newer sim’s improved flight modeling. And although the FS9 variant is no slouch in this department, you can tell the difference. Both variants have a pleasing flight model, and in both cases the flight model adheres faithfully to what the book says the 441 will do. With such benign handling characteristics, it should come as no surprise that the 441 should not be feared with an engine failure. Decent aileron and rudder authority, combined with nice trim controls for both, mean that it is quite possible to trim the thing to fly hands-off with an engine out, and the feathering procedure is mercifully simple too. With all that turbo power on tap, it can easily maintain height on one engine."

"The Cessna 441 Conquest II does not exactly push the envelope as far as hugely complex systems go, but what it does, it does well in FS9 and FSX. For anyone who is looking to get into complex flying as painlessly as possible, it is hard to beat, and yet it has enough capability not to disappoint even the most seasoned jet veteran. I think people will like the FSX 441. To quote the original Cessna 441 manual: ‘the propjet that is going to change a lot of travel plans’."

Historic Jetliners Group Update

Posted: Saturday, September 1, 2007 - 18:31
Presenting one of the largest updates by the Historic Jetliners Group (HJG). Rich in authentic classic jetliner nostalgia for FS this HJG website update comprises of a great selection of new textures covering the following world geographic regions and aircraft types :- Asia is represented by an extremly rare B707-120 from Thailand. The African states feature strongly with B707-320C's from Ethiopia, Nigeria, Uganda, Zambia, along with B707-320B and B707-420 aircraft from Mauritius. South America is equally well represented with B707-320C, B720-B, and rare DC8-50F aircraft from Colombia, a spectacularly liveried Chillean B707-320B, a very rare B707-420 featuring the 1960 delivery scheme of a major Brazillian airline, and a selection of other interesting Brazillian B707-320C's of 1980's vintage. A B707-320C freighter and a rare short tail B707-420 aircraft operated by a major German carrier, along with an even more rare B707-420 operated by a lesser known tourist/charter company make up HJG's European selection within this update. North America is well represented by release of the first of a beautiful selection of period liveries featuring B707-320B, B707-320C, and B720-B aircraft operated by a major Mid West based US airline, some rare early model B707-320B's which flew for a major classic US international operator, and release of the first of a small selection of superb "FOTOREAL" natural metal textures for B707/720 aircraft operated a major US trancontinental carrier.

Among more unusual items featured within this update is the CV880 which became a private VIP transport for entertainer Elvis PRESLEY, released in commemoration of the 30th anniversary of "THE KING's" passing. All of HJG's civil B707/720 and military B707/C135 Aircraft Base Packs have been updated. HJG is also pleased to announce release of its updated B707 TYPE panels and gauges. All of these files have been further enhanced with 5 new panels (featuring a more modern 1970 era configuration) added .... for a total of some 16 individual/different B707 TYPE panels. HJG have released a brand new military E3-D SENTRY model (CFM56 turbofan powered version) supported by both panel, sounds, and a selection of high quality comemorative RAF liveries. All this and much more is now available for "FREE" download.

'Junkers 'W' Fleet Collection'

Posted: Friday, August 31, 2007 - 19:31
New from the design studios of Lionheart Creations Ltd. is the 'Junkers 'W' Fleet Collection'. This is a high detail, comprehensive package based on the world renowned Junkers W-33 and W-34. Back in the late 1920's, these planes began to fill the skies of the world, setting new records in aviation and impressing the world with their reliability and durability. Being able to handle the extreme elements of both severe heat and extreme cold climate regions due to its 'Dura-Luminum' corrugated metal allow skins, these aircraft were soon seen all over Europe and the world, from Berlin to London, from Moscow to Stockholm, from Paris to Iran, and even the jungles of South America, and the vast territories of Canada.

This package comes with 17 model platforms, a large amount of various high resolution texture packs that yield 39 different, selectable model variations, 2 totally different instrument panels, a huge amount of various animations such as vent windows, appearing parts, appearing cargo, animated passengers, and many other neat features. The soundpacks that come with this package are extremely realistic and will truly enhance the flight experience. For more information and screenshots, please go to The Lionheart Creations website.

Reader Choice Awards

Posted: Friday, August 31, 2007 - 18:41
AVSIM is pleased to announce that we have opened up the nomination process for this year's Reader Choice Awards. The Reader Choice Awards are given to those freeware and commercial products and add-ons nominated for and voted on by the flight simulation community. Awards are given in a variety of categories, and the process starts with the sim community nominating those products or add-ons that will be voted on in prior to the FANCON in Seattle this year. Those who win the Reader Choice Award are presented a trophy at the event. But in order for a product to be voted on, it first needs to be nominated by you! If you would like to submit a nomination for this year's RCA, please post your nomination here. Please read the rules carefully before you submit your nomination!

AIRAC 0709 Now At Navigraph

Posted: Friday, August 31, 2007 - 17:57
AIRAC Cycle 0709 is now available in the FMS Data section of the Navigraph website. Each cycle costs subscribers 20 credits, independent on the number of addons/downloads you make during that cycle. According to Navigraph, the Project Magenta downloads are currently missing due to a compatibility issue and they will be uploaded as soon as it is resolved.

For more information, fly direct to the Navigraph website.

AlphaSim's Heinkel He-111 Released

Posted: Friday, August 31, 2007 - 17:44
The iconic Luftwaffe bomber has arrived at AlphaSim. The three models demonstrate some common payload setups with droppable bombs and torpedos, the four texture sets are magnificent artwork in their own right, depicting two green camo variants as well as a North Africa scheme and a beautifully-weathered Russian Campaign Winter scheme. The modelling continues on the inside with a captivating VC, complete with an amazing array of mousable levers and accurate period gauges. As usual, a full-FSX standard model is the best way to see this creation, all features (bumps, shads & blooms) are there. Custom effects provide lots of startup smoke (and VC rain & exhaust trails in FS9) and the custom-made Petersen soundset add the final touch. Flight dynamics are accurate, so expect realistic behaviour in all regimes. All in all, a 'Premier Range' model which belongs in the collection of any serious MSFS WW2 fan. For FSX and FS2004 only. Complete details and screenshots are available at the AlphaSim website.

Overland Finalizes Japanese Airports

Posted: Friday, August 31, 2007 - 16:33
Overland has released the final version in its Minna No Kukou Boxed Series for FS2002 and FS2004.

Minna No Kukou 4, the final volume in the series features newly built airports, Chubu International (RJGG) and Kobe (RJBE), which were omitted from FS2002 and FS2004. Other airports included in this package are New Chitose (RJCC), Sapporo (RJCO), Kushiro (RJCK), Obihiro (RJCB), Toyama (RJNT), Okayama (RJOB), Tokushima (RJOS), and Saga (RJFS).

According to Overland, this Gmax scenery package contains detailed airports with approximately four square miles of photo realistic ground textures around each field. The "All Japanese Airports Series" contains the PDF version of the Aeronautical Information Publication Japan (AIP Japan), instrument approach charts, visual landing charts, and standard instrument departure charts.

For more information and screenshots of this product, "follow me" to the Overland product page.

Scotland From Scotflight

Posted: Thursday, August 30, 2007 - 16:31
Scotflight announces Scotflight for FSX: Highlands & Islands. An all-new scenery for Scotland featuring 27 detailed airports and airfields and a host of other features to bring the landscape in this remote and beautiful part of the world to life.

The scenery also includes a new, more detailed coastline for the whole of Scotland. The 27 airports/airfields featured are: Unst, Scatsta, Lerwick, Sumburgh, Fair Isle, Kirkwall, Flotta, Wick, Dornoch, Dingwall/Knockbain Farm, Inverness, Insch/Garioch Aero Club, Aboyne/Deeside Flying Club, Feshiebridge/Cairngorm Gliding Club, Strathallan, Plockton, Oban/North Connel, Glenforsa/Isle of Mull, Broadford/Isle of Skye, Stornoway, Benbecula, Barra, Isle of Coll, Colonsay, Tiree, Islay, Jura, and St Kilda (heliport).

Other features include oil terminals, castles, bridges, towns, ferry ports, marinas, mountain railway, moving road traffic, ships, ferries, boats and yachts, sea routes, lochs, canals, extensive sandy beaches and much more.

Scotflight for FSX - Highlands & Islands is available now via download and can be ordered securely online from Visual Flight.

Maddog Gets A Checklist Manager

Posted: Thursday, August 30, 2007 - 16:27
The SEA Development Group are proud to announce to their customers that the CheckList Manager for the MADDOG 2006 is now available. All customers can download it, free of charge, from the SEA website.

Navigraph News, Server Issues

Posted: Thursday, August 30, 2007 - 14:20
In a newsletter provided by Navigraph, they have reported some issues with their support server. Navigraph writes, "We have had some problems with a malfunctioning spam filter in our e-mail support system. If you have sent an e-mail to support{at}navigraph.com more than a week ago, AND you have not yet received an automatic response containing a ticket ID number, please resend the e-mail as the problem should now be resolved."

Navigraph has also released their AIRAC 0709 cycle, which is available now at the Navigraph site.

AlphaSim Goes Luftwaffe

Posted: Thursday, August 30, 2007 - 14:14
AlphaSim is proud to announce the release of their Heinkel He111. Three models demonstrate some common payload setups with droppable bombs and torpedos. Four texture sets are also included, depicting two green camo variants as well as a North Africa scheme and a weathered Russian Campaign Winter scheme. The modeling continues on the inside with a virtual cockpit included, complete with an array of mousable levers and accurate period gauges.

A full-FSX standard model is the best way to see this creation, all features (bumps, shads & blooms) are there. Custom effects provide lots of startup smoke (and v-c rain & exhaust trails in FS9) and the custom-made Petersen sound set add the final touch. Screenshots can be viewed on the AlphaSim News page.

Flight1 Releases Free FSX Repaint Manager

Posted: Thursday, August 30, 2007 - 1:26
Flight One Software has officially released its FSX Repaint Manager. This free tool will allow you to easily package and install almost any repaint for FSX. If you are a repainter, simply use this tool to distribute your repaint. If you are an end user, you simply use this tool to install the repaint. It is designed to work with almost any aircraft.

It is best to think of this tool as a packager and unpackager that either retrieves or makes all necessary changes to your aircraft configurations (aircraft.cfg files), as well as package and unpackage all the required textures and files (BMP or DDS files for example). This makes distribution of repaints very easy, and it makes the installation of new repaints a simple 2 or 3 click process. This tool is available in Flight1's Free File Library.

Relief For Vista Users?

Posted: Wednesday, August 29, 2007 - 13:56
Relief may be on the way for Microsoft Flight Simulator users running under Vista, who have been hitting OOM (Out Of Memory) problems. There is now a Microsoft fix which, it is claimed, will relieve the pressure on virtual memory that has led to OOM's.

Phil Taylor, our representative-in-residence from Microsoft, has highlighted this fix in his Blog and his advice to Vista users is "Run, don't walk to this download"!