Ft Lauderdale Hollywood Int'l Airport (KFLL) from FSDreamTeam

Posted: Wednesday, December 2, 2009 - 1:13
Staff reviewer Mark Kolo heads to his home airport to check out FSDreamTeam's version of Ft Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport (KFLL). "Ft. Lauderdale Hollywood International (KFLL) is located in one of the world’s busiest tourist and business areas, being only a few short miles from downtown Ft. Lauderdale, as well as Port Everglades, and is situated just over 20 miles north of Miami. Its location makes it a very important airport in that it handles much of the area’s domestic traffic as well as international traffic from Canada, the Caribbean as well as any spillover long hauls from nearby Miami International."

"I was immediately impressed by not only the quality of the scenery, but also the relative frame rate friendliness and a few nice touches. As I took the active it was hard to miss the aerated concrete barrier at the threshold of the runway, the high detail taxiway signs, 3D grass around the edges, as well as thousands of 3D taxiway and runway lights. Unlike most airport sceneries, FSDreamTeam chose to do some selective modeling of some of the nearby off airport features that helps to identify FLL."

"The buildings are modeled as well as I have ever seen in FS, matching the real thing almost perfectly (including the front side on departures level). The textures on the buildings are also a perfect match for the style and feel of the FLL terminals, and really help to pull off the look of Ft. Lauderdale International. The ramp around the gates is cluttered with all sorts of ground equipment ranging from baggage trucks and trailers, to catering vans and everything in between, some of this is animated, which I will discuss later. Even the jet blast deflectors near the Spirit terminal are present, which protect cars in a nearby lot."

"I’d like to move on to the animated objects and FSDreamTeam’s YouControl features. YouControl is a “custom action manager” that is part of the Coutal engine mentioned earlier. It has been implemented in FSDreamTeam packages in the past, though this is the first I have used it. Three of the GA hangars have it, as well as the Signature Flight Support, Embraer, and Sheltair FBO hangars."

"All in all, I have to say Ft Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport (KFLL) is definitely one of my favorite scenery packages of all time and is right up there with FlyTampa St. Maarten in realism and fun. Between all the custom animations allowed by the Coutal engine and the extremely detailed 3D and texture aspects of the scenery I never failed to be amazed, finding something impressive around every corner, with every control input to my exploration vehicles. Despite modeling or texturing applied to just about every detail on and near airport grounds, FSDreamTeam was able to keep frames relatively high with use of variable level of detail. I highly suggest downloading the demo to see it for yourself."

Flight1 P-51D Mustang Update

Posted: Tuesday, December 1, 2009 - 15:20
Flight1 announces an update to their recently released P-51D Mustang. Following feedback and requests from customers, they have incorporated the following in the service release:
· Greatly improved textures across all models with significantly improved blending and reflective properties.
· Inclusion of an additional NEW paint scheme: LOUIV now sports a classic wartime, ‘RAF Green’ in addition to the blue schemes seen on current restored aircraft
· The magneto switches have been altered so it’s not now possible to fly with the mags in the wrong position, no matter whether the aircraft was started automatically (CTRL-E) or from the checklist.
· The default FSX radio panel can now be switched on/off using the VHF Radio unit on/off switch in the aircraft.
The Flight1 P-51D Mustang has been developed on the real-life ‘Marinell’ and ‘Janie’ aircraft owned and operated by Maurice Hammond and with considerable input from P51 pilots. It now comes with a total 13 liveries plus a paint kit and comprehensive documentation, including actual performance charts and check-lists,
the update is free to all existing owners who should follow the instructions on the product page.

Space Shuttle Mission 2007T Releases New Updates

Posted: Monday, November 30, 2009 - 4:00
Exciting Simulations has released today a new free Features Mini-Pack v4.25 for the Space Shuttle Mission 2007 simulator. The new Mini-Pack contains specific enhancements to assist with the ISS docking and much more. Also the new, 127-pages Commander’s Reference Manual v3.6 is now available that reflects all the features and additions to the SSM2007 simulator up to and including Features Pack v4.25.

For more information visit Space Shuttle Homepage.

767 Captain & Weather Radar from Captain Sim

Posted: Sunday, November 29, 2009 - 21:20
Staff reviewer Tim Capps climbs aboard Captain Sim's 767 complete with a new Weather Radar along with some of the Expansion Packs available. "The Captain has not provided anything approaching a “lite” airplane. You may not be able to dump your fuel, but you’re covered for normal operations. It is a beautiful airplane, and a challenging one. Captain Sim is taking this seriously. One gets the impression this is their baby, their bona fides to the top tier of developers. That is a ticket this reviewer is happy to punch -- now. It was not always so."

"3D modeling and animation of the undercarriage and other movables is to the usual high Captain Sim standards. The paint jobs are crisp and slightly weathered. There are many external animations accessible via shift+3. Chocks, radome and radar, various doors and the ever-popular uniformed stewardess are just a few. Owners of Aerosoft’s AES are in for a treat: this bird looks fascinating when service vehicles are swarming over it, an engine cowling is open for a quick maintenance check, and other busy-ness is represented."

"The big news is that the 767 interior does not end at first class like LOST’s Oceanic Flight 815 on a bad day. There are all sorts of animations and little graphical touches like Guinness coasters, napkins and juice boxes. It is worth exploring, and gives a good sense of the size of this aircraft. Back in the cockpit, you’ll find the same well-worn glare shield you may be familiar with from the 757. Captain Sim did an outstanding job with the textures and animations up front. Highlights and self-shading really bring out the details on knobs and fixtures in the virtual cockpit. Animations abound, from the rotate-and-flip-up detail of the fuel levers to the Famous Swinging Jacket behind you. The virtual cockpit is a true work of art."

"Many virtual 767 pilots will be satisfied with nothing but the most realistic and complete airplane consumer-grade flight simulation has to offer. Captain Sim provides a lot for normal operations, although, as mentioned before, you cannot dump your fuel. The flight management computer is fully supported by Navigraph and automated flight is possible from beginning to end. Complicated procedures including conditional fixes are supported, as are holds. You have full and easy access to your FSX flight plans through the FMC, and company routes are easily saved. All in all, this airplane is a challenge to operate, rewards study and is a joy to fly."

"Weather Radar is a stand-alone product that is easily installed on any aircraft. It could hardly be an easier diversion on those long cruises, and might even help you avoid simulated weather dangers. It works so well that it takes an effort to realize it is a programming illusion. FSX weather is somehow being translated into colored pixels in a 2D pop-up panel."

"For most simmers, the 767 Captain (and expansions) will be challenging, satisfying and fun. Captain Sim has laid out a feast of 767 models and at least one course remains to come: the 400. Albeit, certainly not everyone will agree. Whether that means the Captain is the new champion, a contender, or pretender can be debated in the forums."

FSBreak Interview With MyCockpit.org

Posted: Sunday, November 29, 2009 - 15:01
FSBreak Podcast Interviews MyCockpit.org . This past week Eric and Danton interviewed Vybhav and Matt, both from the website MyCockpit.org. Listen to the interview with FSBreak Podcast MyCockpit.org and find out what exactly it means to be a "Home Cockpit Builder", how you can get started with your own home cockpit, and what resources are out there for builders. Matt and Vybhav also tell us more about their home cockpits, and how they got started.

Updates/Releases From SkyUnlimited

Posted: Saturday, November 28, 2009 - 18:41
SkyUnlimited has updated its P-38 Lightnings X with lots of new enhancements and upgrades. The new patch takes their last overhaul a step further and refines things even more. New texture refinements with higher resolutions spinners, new bump maps, weathering and more are included. In addition, the models, flight dynamics, and camera views have been improved. The development team comments, "previous glitches have been weeded out and other new features have been added."

C140 Taildragger for FSX - The C140 is a two-seater, tail dragging, single-engine, light utility airplane with a maximum speed of 109 knots (125 mph). Original models came equipped with 85-90 horsepower, 4-cylinder piston engines. The C140 was first introduced in 1946 at the end of World War II, and produced from 1946-50.

FlyTampa Releases 6 New Airports

Posted: Saturday, November 28, 2009 - 0:45
Fly Grenadines - 5 beautiful island airports set in tranquil Caribbean surroundings. Bequia (TVSB), Mustique (TVSM), Canouan (TVSC), Union (TVSU), Carriacou (TGPZ) - Islands covered with Photoscenery, custom Autogen and Mesh. - Sloped runways. - Animated AI-Ships. - FSX Only

Fly Boston - Sitting by the dock of the Bay. Beautiful Boston is back. - Up to date representation of Boston Logan Intl 2009 - Completely re-modelled for FSX & FS9 - Seasonal Photoscenery & Autogen around the airport. - FS2004 and FSX versions. FSX version for FSX-SP2

X-Plane Compatability

Posted: Saturday, November 28, 2009 - 0:41
VRinsight and Wilco Publishing announce that the VRinsight modules MCP Combo, M Panel, and Instrument Radio Stack are all now compatable with X-Plane. They also have a updated their manuals and various pieces of software.

New Releases From First Class Simulations

Posted: Saturday, November 28, 2009 - 0:17
Lancaster - The Avro Lancaster holds a place in history as one of the most beloved aircraft of all time by aviation enthusiasts for its striking design and its superlative handling characteristics. The four engine night bomber helped turn the tide of the WWII in the allies favour as the mainstay of Bomber Command.

Perhaps best remembered for its role in the famous "Dambusters" raid, the Lancaster also excelled in a variety of duties including maritime reconaissance, a rescue role and pilot training. Budding Lancaster pilots can now take to the air in theis collection of 10 aircraft that have been recreated by a skilled team of enthusiasts to capture the magic of this aviation icon.

A range of exciting and challenging missions (FSX only) puts you in the Captains seat to experience first-hand the heart pumping adrenalin of a successful sortie.

Pole to Pole - Fly from the frozen pole to the forzen pole in a challenging odyssey that tests your flying skill to the limit in this sequal to "Around the World in 80 Flights".

Fly your Aero Commander 680 over vast unpopulated tracts of Canada. The route continues with a special traversal of the USA showcasing some of the finest scenery and trickiest airport approaches in the world. Head across the tropical paradise of the Caribbean and make landfall for a once in a lifetime opportunity to explore South America. The majesty of the Andes, the awe-inspiring Amazon basin all pass below your wings as you continue your track southward. Follow in the footsteps of great explorers as you conquer the ravages of Mother Nature and finally reach the South Pole.

Each of the flight legs can be flown individually or consecutively and are comprehensively detailed with flight plans, pilot's notes, full briefings and a guide to many wonders of the world that unfold before your eyes in this adventure.

BAe JS4100 JetStream from PMDG

Posted: Friday, November 27, 2009 - 23:59
Staff reviewer Benjamin van Soldt takes to the skies in PMDG's BAe JS4100 Jetstream. "This product is not a jetliner. It’s not even FS2004 compatible, and it doesn’t have a 2D cockpit: PMDG's latest product is a turboprop not that well known and not widely used. Of the operators that operate the JS4100 (to be called J41 hereafter), only British Airways, British Midland, Eastern Airways and Southwest Airlink are the most notable."

"Apparent from the start is the good overall look of the model. There are no blocky parts or sharp edges. Everything seems as smooth as should be. The reflections of the windows are very nicely executed, giving them a true 3D look. The actual dimensions of the plane seem to be spot on: length is good, width is good, and especially difficult to model parts, like the nose and tail, seem perfectly replicated. Indeed, in short, the entire fuselage is looking just great."

"On our tour of the VC we see a hell of a lot of detail. The smallest details seem to be in there. All the gauges look perfect: sharp and easy to read. The modeling of the knobs, switches, buttons, seats, control yokes… it’s all just great. The texturing is also very good, even though my settings are not at their max. Just look at that copilot’s seat. The sharpness of the textures is staggering, and you’ve got to love the attention to detail that was given to the windows frames. This VC is not just 3D, it’s also textured beautifully, which makes the respective button, panel, etc., not only stand out, but also dissolve into the bigger picture."

"Of PMDG we know we usually get a top notch system simulation. Their 737, 747 and MD-11 are all jam-packed with innovative features and highly realistic systems that work as they do in real life. s the J41 as heavily simulated and hard to learn as the other planes? The answer is a mixed bag: yes and no. It really depends on what you term as “complicated”, “difficult” or “hard”. In my opinion, this aircraft is not very hard to learn. Why not? Mostly because there simply isn’t a lot to know in the classic sense: this is a rather simple plane, compared to the heavies, like the Boeing 747 and MD-11."

"Let me first state that just about everything in the cockpit is simulated. The biggest thing not simulated, is the weather radar on which you can only use the zoom in and zoom out buttons to zoom in or out on the main map on the EHSI. There are some knobs you can’t turn on the audio panel, but that’s about it. For the rest, just about everything can be moved, flipped or turned. I highly value a good soundest, and J41 has one. There is a great multitude of sounds, too! Not just engine sounds and the general set every add-on aircraft has these days, but also individual keys have their own sound."

After taking the BAe JS4100 Jetstream out for a test flight, Benjamin concludes, "there is a lot to do on this plane and that’s what makes it so enjoyable. You feel like you really are piloting the aircraft, and not merely pushing buttons. Couple this to a great looking visual model with great animations (including moving pilots and passengers), a very usable and versatile Virtual Cockpit and a great soundset, and you have got yourself a winner. PMDG has done it again, people. If you are into turboprop aircraft, you will definitely want this add-on."

FS2Crew Releases Voice Commander for 737 PIC

Posted: Friday, November 27, 2009 - 8:57
FS2Crew has released a new “Voice Commander” edition for "737 Pilot in Command" that allows you to interface with your crew using your headset or microphone. This is the first “Voice Commander” edition of FS2Crew that integrates fully with a complex, 3rd party aircraft.

Product features include:

1. Custom integration with the 737 PIC. The FO can control every switch (including those on the overhead) as per his flows.

2. Procedures modeled on real-world 737 SOPs.

3. International voice set for the FO: US, UK, German, French, Irish, Dutch, Australian, Spanish and Finnish.

4. International start crew.

For more information visit FS2Crew Homepage.

Orbx Releases Caloundra Airport for FSX

Posted: Thursday, November 26, 2009 - 12:28
Orbx has released its latest FTX Airport, YCDR Caloundra. This charming location lies at the southern end of the glorious Queensland Sunshine Coast and offers a wondrous playground of waterways, golden beaches, stylish beachfront and luxury apartment living, and plenty to explore inland at the nearby Glasshouse Mountains.

This is a debut airport for Orbx from John "Prof" Hockings, his local knowledge of the area and skills as an architect lend themselves to a stunningly accurate rendition of this busy GA airport and surrounds. Included is the Queensland Air Museum which features some old and not-so-old aircraft lovingly restored and open to the public.

The scenery includes a huge area of pristine 60cm photoreal imagery, meticulously modeled apartment buildings and plenty of atmosphere!

For more information visit Orbx Homepage.

Special Show on Sky Blue Radio

Posted: Thursday, November 26, 2009 - 4:22
Sky Blue Radio is presenting a very special live Flight Simulator in Focus show on Saturday December 5th, 2009 at 18.00z Join Jeff 'JT' Turner and special guests current President of VATSIM David Klain and Vice President of Operations Terry Scanlan as they explore the future of Flight Simulation and the place of VATSIM in the continuing development of Flight Simulation and aviation in general. Listeners will also have a chance to put their questions and/or comments to either David or Terry via the Sky Blue Radio website.

If you have a question you would like to send in now for the show then please your question with your name and location to fsfocus@skyblueradio.com You can tune in with Wee Tune Beastie in your cockpit com2 radio on 123.45, through the Sky Blue Radio website or through the Sky Blue Radio link in the Vroute software. Sky Blue Radio.

For more information visit Sky Blue Radio Website.

Boeing 767 for FS9 from CLS

Posted: Thursday, November 26, 2009 - 4:18
Commercial Level Simulations is has released new Boeing 767- 200/300 product for FS9. The base package includes both the 767-200 and 767-300 passenger models, with about 24 liveries . The Boeing 767 comes with a highly detailed virtual cockpit and also a LITE cockpit. CLS also plans to release an expansion to this package, which includes the AWACS, Tanker, Cargo and Winglet models in December 2009.

For more information visit CLS Website.

Freeware VFR Flight Planning Tool

Posted: Wednesday, November 25, 2009 - 11:33
TASoftware Releases Plan-G. Plan-G is a freeware VFR flight Planning tool for Microsoft Flight Simulator X and 2004. Plan-G, uses the acclaimed Google Maps mapping tool. Any geographical feature which exists in Google Maps can be included in your flight plans, and all the features of Google Maps are now fully available. Waypoints can be added, amended and deleted and track lines dragged to new waypoints with the mouse. Flights can be saved in FS9 or FSX format and existing flight plans created in FS itself can be imported, displayed and modified as required. Plan-G also connects to FS9 or FSX so you can see your aircraft moving across the map as you fly, with the option to also display aircraft instrumentation, heading, altitude, distance to run, course deviation etc. AI aircraft or other aircraft in a multiplayer session within a configurable range may also be displayed. Flight trails can be recorded and weather data can be imported from FS to help calculate headings and leg times.

For more information visit TA Software Website.

Cessna Mustang from Flight 1

Posted: Tuesday, November 24, 2009 - 2:14
Senior staff reviewer Zane Gard, Jr jumps into his personal corporate jet that is represented by Flight 1's Cessna Mustang. "What marks this particular add-on as unique is that Cessna actually partnered with Flight1 for the development of this Cessna Mustang simulation. That means Flight1 had access to information and data normally inaccessible to a sim developer. If you go to the Cessna site for the Mustang, guess what? You’ll find a link to the Flight1 version to take a virtual test flight."

"You will find that there are several repaints including one of the “green” unpainted test aircraft. Depending on how you have your FSX set up you will either find yourself initially in the 2D cockpit or virtual cockpit. Both types of panel displays are included which is good for those that have a preference. The 2D representations of the Garmin displays are easier to read but that is purely a function of how many pixels are available for rendering. If you are using the 2D panels you might notice that they only include standard 4:3 ratio versions of them."

"You will find that navigation of the 2D panels is very intuitive with shadowed arrows you can click on for changing 2D panel views. There is also a panel manager with icons for most of the pop-up panels which displays on the upper right or upper left side of your screen depending on whether you are viewing the pilot’s or copilot’s view."

"The virtual cockpit and virtual cabin are works of pure aviation art. The 3D modeling is very smooth and try as I may, I couldn’t find the odd reflective area or shadowing that I have noticed on default aircraft and many payware add-ons."

"Move to the spot view and you will find the work didn’t end on the interior. The same kind of attention to detail that has earned Flight1 its reputation continues on the exterior model. The Cessna Mustang has a very smooth looking body since it uses a ripple free bonded aluminum construction so you don’t see a bunch of rivets or lines along the body or wings, just long smooth gentle curves."

After taking the Cessna Mustang for a test flight in his local area with a detailed description and a multitude of screenshots, Zane concludes, "this is a highly accurate depiction of its real world counterpart. Taken and viewed in its parts, external visual model, 2D panels, virtual cockpit, virtual cabin, sound set, flight dynamics they are all representative of the state of the art in FSX add-on aircraft. The standout feature I can report is the faithful reproduction of the G1000 avionics suite. If you don’t already have it, put it on your wish list."

New rack from GoFlight: Three-Wide Rack

Posted: Monday, November 23, 2009 - 19:23
Now available at the Avsim store, the new Three-Wide Rack is the most convenient and versatile GoFlight rack to date.
It can sit on a desk, under a monitor, it is stackable and can even be used as a support base for the GF-MCP Pro and the GF-EFIS. This new rack is the latest addition to the GoFlight family following the recent release of the GF-LGTII, landing gear and trim module
Visit the Avsim store today.

Flight1 Releases Ground Environment X Europe

Posted: Sunday, November 22, 2009 - 22:31
Flight One Software is proud to present the latest Ground Environment X version: Ground Environment X Europe for Microsoft Flight Simulator X.

Ground Environment X brings all-new ground textures to FSX, and it boasts an incredible 1 m/pixel texture resolution, using native 1024x1024 pixel images, and includes all seasons, meticulously designed night textures, and the latest techniques in autogen placement and alignment. All this while keeping maximum Flight Simulator performance in mind during development.

This product represents their new approach in texture design. The 1-meter texture resolution format delivers a hi-fidelity image without using excessive disk space or processor power. Their design allows a simulation pilot to enjoy clearly defined visuals from nearly the ground level up to higher altitudes.

The easy-to-use interface will provide for easy installing the new textures, and is designed with Flight1's "keep-it-simple yet powerful" philosophy.

Ground Environment X Europe Features:
Complete coverage of Europe which extends from the Arctic circle through southern Greece;
Enhanced textures to assist in rendering clear visuals as low as 250-500ft in many places;
1m/pixel - 1024 x 1024 Textures - No excessive resolution to render or to fill hard drive;
High volume autogen layout designed to work in tandem with autogen slider position;
Structured texture layout to assist in covering most landclass products;
All seasons including incredible snowy winters and mountain terrain;
Special features/upgrades for Ultimate Terrain X Europe users;
2D enhancements produce simulated 3D depth in textures;
Textures derived from licensed Arial and Satellite imagery;
FSX tree render issue addressed in autogen annotation;
Upgrade for USA-Canada users, no switching required;
FSX road night lighting upgraded (Default and UTX);
Realistic custom designed night textures;
Highly detailed aerial views; and
Natural seasonal blending.

For more information visit GEX Europe, or visit Flight1 directly.

SSM 2007™ New Features Pack v4.20 Released

Posted: Sunday, November 22, 2009 - 22:28
Exciting Simulations has released a new free Features Pack v4.20 for the Space Shuttle Mission 2007 simulator. The latest and updated Demo can also be downloaded freely at the same website.

The new Features Pack contains many graphical additions and changes:
-The ISS and solar panels attitude match the historical data;
-Virtual cockpit + Astronauts visible from outside;
-Significant improvements to the ISS 3D model - more detail, accuracy and high resolution textures and bump maps;
-New and more accurate Zvezda and Zarya modules;
-Improvements to the Space Shuttle 3D model - more detail; and
-New ISS docking assistance: CCTV reticule and PMA ACSMI LEDs.

North Atlantic Terrain from FSGenesis

Posted: Sunday, November 22, 2009 - 14:15
FSGenesis has released North Atlantic Terrain for FSX including coverage of Greenland, Iceland, Faroe Islands, Shetland Islands, and Jan Mayen Island. The terrain features enhanced 76m terrain mesh adjusted to fix airports on plateaus, custom-coastlines, inland water bodies, roads and streams network.

For more information visit FSGenesis Home Page