Good News for Cockpit Builders

Posted: Thursday, November 1, 2007 - 2:43
FlightDeck Solutions has recently added the A320 PRO-M Series MCDU w/ Built in LCD and B777 PRO-M Series CDU w/ Built in LCD to their ever expanding product line for the builder who wants fully assembled professional quality and fully functioning hardware for their flight decks.

You're cleared direct to FlightDeck Solutions for more info.

SimBucket Open For Business

Posted: Wednesday, October 31, 2007 - 17:29
SimBucket.com has officially opened its doors to the public. Their free service is a website dedicated to Flight Simulation Screenshots for the Flight Sim community to upload and share their pieces of Flight Sim art. Registered members will be able to receive feedback from other members with comments and take advantage of their unique "Diggs" system that is used to rate an image. They have many addtional features available along with monthly contest. Visit their site today to learn more, SimBucket.com.

Calling All Simulation News Writers!!

Posted: Wednesday, October 31, 2007 - 16:46
AVSIM Online is once again recruiting! Ever wanted to be a part of the news we write here on AVSIM? Have a keen interest in writing news and hunting down that killer story? Then AVSIM wants you! We are currently looking for two to three News Editors to join our team. Typical "duty" is three or four days a month of checking news, posting new files stories, and generally seeking out the news!

If interested, please submit a sample story in either MS Word or text format to John Binner, Assistant Managing Editor. Some minor HTML programming knowledge is required to post stories, but we can train!

And for those of you that have news stories for us, don't forget you can always email news stories to us! Just Email the Editors!

Register by Today for the Banquet and Social!

Posted: Wednesday, October 31, 2007 - 16:40
Special Notice!!! Time is running out to register for all the events at the 2007 AVSIM Conference and Exhibition . 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 2400 EDT, TODAY!! After today, 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!

After today you will only be able to register at conference for access to the exhibits and the papers. We hate to close registration but we have to let the hotel know how many attendees we will have for the night events. So if you are planning to attend the Social or the Banquet make sure you register today.

The web site has been updated with a map of the Conference floor and new options for purchasing your tickets. This is your chance to see who will be there and where! Don't miss out! Time is running out! Click here for more information and to register.

Fly the AOPA Sweeps Cardinal!

Posted: Wednesday, October 31, 2007 - 15:10
Only one lucky person will win AOPA's distinctive Catch-A-Cardinal Sweepstakes grand prize early next year. But any AOPA member can now fly the one-of-a-kind refurbished 1977 Cessna 177B Cardinal from the comfort of their home on a personal computer — with a new add-on to Microsoft Flight Simulator X.

"Every AOPA member dreams of winning the sweepstakes airplane," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "The next best thing to owning it is flying it — and now, thanks to our partnering with Flight1 Software, all of our members will have that opportunity."

Free to AOPA members, the virtual sweepstakes Cardinal includes nearly every detail of the sweepstakes airplane, including two Garmin GNS 430 navigators and a Garmin GMX 200 multifunction display — and the two-axis S-Tec System Fifty Five X autopilot.

This is AOPA's third sweepstakes airplane add-on for Microsoft Flight Simulator. Flight1 Software created a virtual Commander 112A for AOPA's 2005 Commander Countdown Sweepstakes, and a Piper Cherokee Six for the Win a Six in '06 Sweepstakes in 2006.

This download is available only to AOPA members. Click here for more information on joining AOPA if you are not a member and to access the download.

Captain Sim Announces XLoad

Posted: Wednesday, October 31, 2007 - 2:02
This expansion pack for the FSX Expansion Pack "Acceleration" includes 2 new aircraft; the F/A-18D and the F-117 Nighthawk. Both aircraft are carrier enabled, have interactive internal or external stores, include many animations and have 6 Missions and 4 Missions respectively. For all the details, visit the Captain Sim website.

Historic Jetliners' October Releases

Posted: Wednesday, October 31, 2007 - 1:55
This months selection is comprised of a small but historically signficant virtual flightline featuring more new textures for HJG's superb B707-120, -120B, -320B, -320C, B720, B720-B & KC135-E models by Gary Carlson representing Central, North, and South American regions along with those of Africa, the British Isles, and the Middle East too. Included among these categeories are nostalgic airline liveries from the 1960's and the earliest days of jetliner services to the 1990's and some of the worlds last remaining examples of these great classic aircraft to remain in commercial airline service. HJG's "B707-120B", and "B707-120B 1965" panels have both been reuploaded to correct a minor and previously undetected error, however, there have been no changes to the groups current B707 panels gauges/sounds files which "DO NOT" need replacing.

All this and much more are available for "FREE" to download for your private FS enjoyment from the Historic Jetliners Group website.

FanCon 2007, Yet More Vendors!

Posted: Wednesday, October 31, 2007 - 0:59
Yes folks, we've had one more vendor sign up for FanCon 2007! Those that downloaded the FanCon 2007 floor plan, a minor change has been made. Visit the File Library for the change, or the link above for the amended file!

Embry Riddle, Official News Release

Posted: Tuesday, October 30, 2007 - 19:12
In a statement earlier this week, Embry Riddle announced the carrier landing competition to be held at FanCon 2007. Embry Riddle writes, "The Embry-Riddle/AVSIM Scholarship will be awarded to aviation enthusiasts in the aviation and aerospace disciplines. The purpose of this scholarship is to recognize individuals that display superior flying skills during the AVSIM flight competition. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) is proud to endorse initiatives that support the goals of men and women interested in studying aviation sciences, engineering, emerging technologies, or management of new technologies."

"ERAU is establishing scholarship awards that range up to $5000 each. These scholarships are to assist students with tuition at Embry-Riddle’s Prescott, Arizona residential campus. Winners may use the scholarships themselves, or pass them on to eligible high school graduates or new transfer students. This allows grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, friends and neighbors to assist students they feel might benefit from a world-class education at Embry-Riddle. Current students, employees, staff, instructors and faculty at Embry-Riddle are not eligible."

"The selection of Embry-Riddle/AVSIM Scholarship winners will be based on the results of the 2007 FANCON F/A-18 Carrier Landing Competition. Individuals may try to earn these scholarships by attending the AVSIM conference and exhibition in Bellevue, Washington, Nov 9-11, and participating in the competition. Using a brand new technology, piloting skills will be graded upon completion of the mission and the program will rank competitors automatically. With FS-SCORE, competitors will know exactly where they stand each time they fly a mission. This patent pending technology was developed by Ray Bédard, Professor of Navigation at ERAU. AVSIM is pleased that Embry-Riddle is awarding scholarships for this exciting and ground-breaking competition. Embry-Riddle, represented by Professor Bédard and his team, will participate at FANCON to promote the scholarship and officiate the carrier landing competition. Interested students and their families are invited to attend this event to learn about the University and the scholarship."

In the fine print Embry Riddle goes on to state, "The holder of the scholarship certificate must complete an application and be accepted to attend the ERAU Prescott, Arizona campus in one of their Bachelor of Science degree programs. The scholarship amount will be in addition to other academic or need-based scholarships that have been awarded. Students cannot exceed the cost of education with total scholarship and grants awarded. Scholarships are applicable towards tuition only. Scholarship certificates have no cash value, may not be sold and cannot be transferred without prior approval from Embry-Riddle authorized personnel. Unused certificates have no cash value. Scholarship certificates expire in January 2009; however, they may be extended until a young student is ready to attend ERAU. To validate the scholarship certificate, the holder must contact Bill Thompson, Director of Admissions at 800-888-3728."

Don't wait, sign up to attend the FanCon 2007 now!

FanCon 2007 Presenter Schedule Released!

Posted: Tuesday, October 30, 2007 - 12:59
AVSIM is pleased to release our 2007 FanCon Presenter Schedule. As in years past, this year has a little bit of something for everyone! Download your copy today from the AVSIM Library, or grab your Schedule Here

North America & Europe Landclass Updated

Posted: Tuesday, October 30, 2007 - 2:36
SceneryTech's North America Landclass has been updated to version 1.3. This update fixes a couple issues that emerged in the previous version involving downtown Chicago and Juneau, Alaska. SceneryTech's Europe Landclass has just undergone the same treatment. In addition to standard fixes to the landclass based on user feedback, the urban data has been upscaled to be on par with the very accurate data found in the North America Landclass product, ensuring that every town on the continent bigger than 1 square kilometer will be visible. The update is free for existing owners of the product. For more information, please visit the Scenery Tech website.

Scottish Charity FlightSim Event Follow-up

Posted: Tuesday, October 30, 2007 - 2:30
"Thank you to everyone who supported the Scottish Charity Flightsim Event 2007 at the Holiday Inn Glasgow Airport . We have had incredible support from UK20000, Flight 1, Angle of Attack, Flightstore, FlightSimX, Classic Flight, FlyByWire, Vatsim UK. Fly UK, Ian Brookes, Dumfries and Galloway Aviation Museum and the West of Scotland Air Cadets and the many others who donated auction prizes. The generosity of those who attended and those who supported us from a far was nothing short of amazing and just saying thank you doesn't seem to fully express our gratitude.

With over £2000 raised from the show this year, ORBIS can will make a huge difference to the many mothers and children in Ethiopia who, as a result, will live free from the triple threat of pain, blindness and poverty that the eye disease trachoma brings. To put that into perspective you can fill eight Singapore Airlines A380's with mothers and children that's sight could be saved, from the money you raised by supporting this event.

The Second stage of our fundraising begins on the 4th November 2007 with the start of World Flight 2007 when nine teams from around the world that will be raising funds for their respective charities. ORBIS will be supported by our selves and team USA.

The flight simulator community's unconditional support has given us an incredible boost to achieving our target of raising £5000 for ORBIS in 2007, while also giving the team the drive to make World Flight 2007 our best year yet."

Aerosoft Announces Mega Airport London-Heathrow X

Posted: Tuesday, October 30, 2007 - 1:39
Developed by the well-known Simwings-Team this package contains the Mega Airport London-Heathrow including the brand new Terminal 5. Discover a exquisitely true to original atmosphere! Simwings did have the BAA as an official partner for this project which makes it as realistic as can be with a foresight in to the future. Using up-to-date 3d files for many buildings according to BAA plans to include even the newest (and some in real life still under construction) layout and buildings. For omplete details visit the Aerosoft website.

Richard Harvey Scholarship Awarded

Posted: Monday, October 29, 2007 - 23:30
AVSIM is pleased to announce that Embry Riddle Aeronautical University has awarded the fourth Richard Harvey Scholarship for the fall semester. This year's recipient is Jonathan Ingerson of Palm Harbor, Florida, who is in attendance at the Daytona Beach campus of ERAU. Congratulations Jonathan! The Richard Harvey Scholarship is an annual award to a deserving student at either of the main ERAU campuses. The Scholarship was established by AVSIM in memory of Richard Harvey, the heart and soul behind the "FLY" series of flight simulators and who passed away in the spring of 2003. Thousands of flight simulation enthusiasts from around the world and corporate sponsors have contributed to the scholarship fund, and today it is a self-endowed scholarship that will run in perpetuity. Congratulations to Jonathan on his achievement, and our gratitude to the flight sim community for making this happen.

FanCon 2007 Floor Plan Released!

Posted: Monday, October 29, 2007 - 14:17
You know time is running out, now see what all the excitement is about! AVSIM is proud to release the floor plan for our upcoming 2007 FanCon! If you've been waiting till now, here is your final chance to see who is coming and come mingle with the flight simulation community at it's finest! Visit the AVSIM Library to download your copy of the floor plan and come see your favorite vendors at the show! But hurry, time is running out, and you only have till October 31 to sign up for the banquet and social! Download the Floor plan now!

FSX Zurich Scenery Released

Posted: Monday, October 29, 2007 - 1:34
VIRTUALI of Italy, one of the oldest companies in the flight sim business (founded in 1993 back with FS4.0) whose last works includes successful products like Cloud9 F4 Phantom, Amsterdam and Los Angeles sceneries for FS9, and the F/A-18 Virtual Cockpit and Gauges for the Microsoft Acceleration Pack, is happy to announce the introduction of a new brand name, to directly publish their products: FSDreamTeam.com

Their first release is an extremely high quality scenery for FSX and FS9 for the airport of Zurich Kloten. Developed using a "backward" strategy, first in FSX then ported to FS9, in order to allow the best possible performances, the scenery is available as a full Try-Before Buy and the same activation will automatically work both for FSX and FS9! This way, you don't have to decide which version to buy: you'll get both for the same price. For complete details visit the new FSDreamTeam website.

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.