CIM Flight Decks Release 737NG Overhead Panel

Posted: Thursday, June 14, 2007 - 2:11
CIM Flight Decks have just announced the launch of their Boeing 737NG ProLine overhead panel, the newest product in its series of panels for the Flight Simulator hobbyist. Now available in the CIM Flight Decks web shop is the luxury version of the exact replica of the Boeing 737NG overhead panel that was brought on the market as a BasicLine product by CIM Flight Decks. After there turned out to be a large demand for these panels, CIM Flight Decks started the ProLine. Only top quality materials are used for CIM Flight Decks panels; the ProLine panels are coated with a high-grade flat paint, giving a scratchproof result. They also have rounded corners and are slightly thicker than the BasicLine. Like the BasicLine products, the ProLine panels can of course easily be integrated and installed in the (self-built) CIM Flight Decks cockpit. The Boeing 737NG ProLine overhead panel is available at the CIM Flight Decks web shop with the option to buy a separate forward or aft panel.

Fix For CLS Business jet and JustFlight VLJ

Posted: Wednesday, June 13, 2007 - 15:51
CLS & Just Flight have announced a fix for the CLS Business Jet and Just Flight VLJ products. This fix is intended only for those customers experiencing crashes to desktop on loading the product in Flight Simulator 9. For CLS customers, please have a look at the CLS Website where you can download the fix. JustFlight and DVD customers can download the fix via the JustFlight Website.

Spitfire Mk IA from Shockwave Productions

Posted: Wednesday, June 13, 2007 - 10:12
Staff reviewer climbs into one of the most famous cockpits of WWII, the Supermarine Spitfire Mk IA from Shockwave Productions. "This is the aircraft that, with the Hawker Hurricane, won the Battle of Britain. Later versions of the Spitfire were faster, more agile, and better armed. But if you are trying to put yourself in the mindset of a British pilot in 1940, when the invasion of his homeland was a real possibility, then the Mk. I is your airplane."

"The visual model is outstanding. While working on this review I’ve looked at a lot of photographs, and when I go back to the sim version, everything is in the right place with the right dimensions and proportion. As good as the modeling is, the surface textures are even better. The Shockwave Spitfire comes with only one livery, but that one livery is superb."

"The inside looks just as good as the outside, however, the 2D cockpit is minimal. The cockpit in this aircraft is a work of art. The colors are rich, the curves are clean, and the animations are smooth. The sounds are just as rich as the visuals. The deep, reliable thrumming of the powerful Merlin engine, the protracted hiss of retracting flaps, the solid clank of landing gear locking in place, the high-pitched whirr of gyroscopes spinning up to speed, the shriek of ignition: all of them are here"

"So how does it fly? I can tell you that at high speed the early Spitfires had sluggish ailerons. Shockwave read the same report because if you wind up the airspeed indicator past 350 miles per hour, the controls on this model will become unresponsive. I also know that the Merlin engine, manufactured by Rolls Royce, lost power when flying inverted. Shockwave got this one right too: roll over and the engine plays dead until you flip back."

"There are several options for flightsim pilots who want to fly Spitfires. Shockwave Productions' Spitfire Mk IA does things well, with substance and style. If you are interested in comparing the Spitfire with other fighters from the same period, Shockwave also has Wings of Power II: WWII Fighters which also includes the Bf 109E, the P-47, the P-51 and the Zero."

Wilco Releases 737PIC For FSX

Posted: Wednesday, June 13, 2007 - 2:56
Wilco Publishing announced it has released the popular 737 Pilot In Command for FSX. Developed by feelThere, current owners of the 737-300/400/500 model can obtain their free upgrade by flying direct to the Wilco website.

CLS Issues SP2 For DC-10 Series

Posted: Tuesday, June 12, 2007 - 19:21
Customers of Commercial Level Simulations (CLS) DC-10 Series are encouraged to stop by the CLS website to download Service Pack 02. The service pack fixes several bugs and comes with an additional livery.

MegaSceneryX: Dallas/Fort Worth Released

Posted: Monday, June 11, 2007 - 23:35
MegaScenery publisher, PC Aviator, today announced the release of the next title in the new MegaSceneryX brand of add-on scenery for Microsoft Flight Simulator X – MegaSceneryX: Dallas/Fort Worth.

MegaSceneryX is a visual scenery add-on for Microsoft Flight Simulator X that is recreated from high resolution aerial photography. It takes advantage of the new scenery engine in Flight Simulator X to display the scenery at 1.19 meters per pixel.

“Since PC Flight Simulation’s advent way back in the early 1980’s, flight simmers have dreamed of a certain standard of scenery realism. Scenery where the real world is recreated in Flight Simulator at a level of clarity that’s about as close as you can get to a real world picture. That scenery is finally here and delivered by the MegaSceneryX brand of scenery for Microsoft Flight Simulator X,” said PC Aviator president, Robert Ferraro.

MegaSceneryX: Dallas/Fort Worth is available and shipping now in a double DVD pack, which includes a set of aeronautical charts.

It will be available in July through a number of retail chains in the USA and is available now through online flight simulator dealers and direct from the publisher at the MegaScenery website.

Piper Navajo from FSD International

Posted: Monday, June 11, 2007 - 10:44
Staff reviewer David Swindle returns from a hiatus and presents FSD International's Piper Navajo/Panther. "Development of the PA-31 Navajo began in the 1960's when William T Piper noticed that there was a need for a medium sized, twin engined aircraft for the corporate world, small cargo carrier and feeder airline market, and decided that Piper could produce an aircraft to fill that gap."

"Although FSX has advanced virtual cockpits to the point where 2D panels are almost unneeded, FSD has included a very impressive 2D panel with the Navajo\Panther package that is actually very useful within FSX. Like other FSD panels, clicking on the primary flight instruments brings up larger versions of them. The gauges are large and sharp enough in the normal panel view that the pop-up gauges probably won't be used much, except on very small monitors. One of the biggest advantages that FSX holds over FS9, is the improvement in virtual cockpit instruments. Despite being a slightly older design, the Navajo/Panther have VC's that hold up very well even when compared to aircraft designed specifically for FSX."

"“Out of the box”, the Panther and Navajo only come with one texture each, but there are quite a few available for free from the FSD website that use auto-installers and the load manager to make installation very simple. The textures cover a wide variety of paint schemes, from well worn cargo carriers to elaborate private schemes, and all are of a uniformly high quality."

"If there is one area that FSD is best known for, it's their ability to create amazingly realistic flight dynamics, especially in the area of twin engine aircraft. The Navajo and Panther really show off FSD's expertise in flight modeling. On both the Navajo and Panther, take off is pretty straightforward due to counter-rotating propellers, and even though both aircraft rotate at about the same speed, the Panther is noticeably quicker to get to rotation speed thanks to the four bladed propellers. In addition to having excellent hand-flying characteristics, FSD have also done a very impressive job with the engine out handling of the Navajo and Panther."

David concludes his review of FSD International's Piper Navajo/Panther with, "My opinion is that the package is indeed worth the money, with two aircraft being represented, each with their own set of superb flight dynamics. Although the Navajo and Porter don't contain all of the bells and whistles that are starting to appear in newer, purpose designed FSX aircraft, they still look extremely good, and the excellent flight dynamics, sounds, and VC more than compensate for any lack of eye candy present in the models."

Ultimate Terrain X USA Released

Posted: Sunday, June 10, 2007 - 7:35
Flight One Software, in co-operation with Scenery Solutions, have just announced the release of their USA scenery add-on for FSX. Ultimate Terrain X - USA Edition has been designed from the ground up to take advantage of the new technologies in FSX, and provide a high quality add-on based on reliable source data. Ultimate Terrain X claims to greatly improve the quality of the FSX environment by adding or enhancing Roads, Rivers, Streams, Bridges, Landclass, Waterclass, and more; all in a single package.
For more information, visit Flight1's Ultimate Terrain X USA Webpage

Flight Enhancer Now Available For FS9

Posted: Sunday, June 10, 2007 - 3:11
This just in: Cielosim has released Flight Enhancer. Flight Enhancer is a scenery utility which enhances the visual quality of Flight Simulator. It does this by enhancing the quality of the sky, the water, the clouds, the sun, runway/airport lights, and the environmental reflection. It includes over 2,700 custom textures. It gives the user the choice to choose from thousands of textures options through an easy yet powerful interface. With Flight Enhancer you will now have stunning blended skies with smoothed visibility, realistic clouds, amazing water with clouds reflections, stunning sun and corona textures, real world airport lights, and ultra realistic environmental reflection. For more information please visit Cielosim

FS2Crew A320 Edition Manual Update Released

Posted: Sunday, June 10, 2007 - 0:56
This release came across the Avsim News Desk this afternoon; The FS2Crew Team is pleased to announce that Update 1 is now available for the A320 Edition. The update corrects three minor issues discovered after the release. FS2Crew also reports that a French Language version of the new A320 Edition is available. Get your update over at FS2Crew

AlphaSim's Lockheed Hudson Available Now

Posted: Saturday, June 9, 2007 - 22:59
In a press release received today AlphaSim has created yet another classic military aircraft in the Lockheed Hudson. The Hudson is depicted in this package in its two final variants, the Mk.5 and the turretless Mk.6. The four texture schemes included are of the highest quality and display very realistic weathering effects. Both USAAF and Royal Australian Air Force schemes adorn the Mk.6, whereas the Mk.5 wears classic RAF Coastal Command schemes. The full FSX version takes advantage of the enhanced graphic features from Microsoft's latest Flight Simulation creation. The usual bells and whistles are included with this product i.e. virtual cockpit, detailed sub panels, and two Pratt Whitney sound sets. For additional information, screenshots, and purchasing options please taxi on over to AlphaSim

Long Standing Freeware Designer Quits

Posted: Saturday, June 9, 2007 - 4:32
Not all news we publish here on Avsim is good. Avsim has received an email from a long standing member of the flight sim community annoucing that they are quitting the flight sim scene. Thinus Pretorius has designed and published his freeware creations since the days of FS98. In more recent times his work has been abused in various ways, and he has since decided quit our hobby.

Lets not forget that Freeware is the foundation of our hobby, and without it our flight simulation experience would not be anywhere near what it is today.

3D Model Trains

Posted: Friday, June 8, 2007 - 13:08
Abacus has announced the release of 3D Model Trains, a new stand-alone package for model train hobbyists.
It is advertised with these features:

Large Ready-to-Use Library - includes hundreds of tracks and train equipment from noted manufacturers including: Roco, Marklin, Fleishmann, Arnold and Trix.
Interactive Design - drag and drop tracks onto your tabletop to create simple or complex layouts. Smart track system prevents misalignments. Add colorful 3D objects to your layouts e.g. trees, buildings, stations, passengers.
Other Features - transformer connections to control speed and direction, sound, moving 3D objects, smart track systems prevents derailments, more.
Video "How-To's - Easy to follow videos show you how to use 3D Model Trains and make advanced tunnels and additional cameras.
Extensible - flexible design lets you create your own trains

For more information, visit the 3D Model Train Product Page

The Real Gatwick

Posted: Friday, June 8, 2007 - 12:54
The United Kingdom Division of IVAO-AERO has announced The Real Gatwick event to celebrate the 49th birthday of London Gatwick Airport. Starting from 1300Z on Saturday June 9th and running until 2200Z, data from over 200 real flights operating from Gatwick on the day has been collected to enable pilots to mimic real airline operations. Full ATC Coverage will be provided from a Virtual Control Room in the UK. Full details about the event can be found on the UK IVAO events page

Replacement Panel for the Default Bell 206

Posted: Friday, June 8, 2007 - 10:25
Do you find it awkward trying to fly the MSFS helicopters? Benchmark Avionics has announced the release of its night-equipped VFR 2D panel replacement for the default Bell 206. BAC tells us that "The panel features BAC's new GaugeInput™ technology which allows you to easily assign any key or joystick button to key controls without dependence on the limits of FS's in-game assignments. This means you can now start your helicopter using your mouse, keyboard, or joystick even though using add-on controls which do not exist in the default aircraft. You can use real world procedures for the first time with the controls you want to use. With GaugeInput™ if you have rudder pedals and your primary joystick has a twist grip you can use it to adjust throttle! Start with your hands on your throttle and starter where they belong, not on the mouse (unless you prefer). The highly configurable panel features accurate simulation of detailed avionics with high quality artwork and fully functional mult-level lighting, including a functional caution dimmer. Move your instrument or photo-realistic annuciators anywhere you want to match your real world helicopter's panel. Quality, crisp instruments with extras like an altimeter that will display either hPascal or mbars at the click of your mouse. Full cockpit tooltips throughout to help you quickly learn the cockpit, or just get a reading easily if you enable them. No special configuration that prevents you from switching aircraft easily is required. With BAC SmartPanel™ technology, the presence or absence of the optional warning horn mute button kit will result in an accurate change in functionality of related systems and require changes in procedures. If you want to fly helicopters realistically, this is the panel for you. A VC and model are planned in the near future."

For more information on this product, visit the Benchmark Avionics site.

June's Treasure Chest

Posted: Friday, June 8, 2007 - 2:30
Contributing reviewer Trevor Clark submits his second volume of the Treasure Chest. A comprehensive look at some of the fine freeware products available at various websites and here within the AVSIM Library.

This month's contribution includes 4 aircraft, a scenery and a "spaceship". Definitely something for everyone this month. So enjoy this month's Treasure Chest covering the HS 780 Andover, the Potez-Fouga Magister, a Cessna C-150, and a Sailplane, along with Pellston, MI Scenery, and the Jupiter-2.

Looking For Staff Reviewers - Updated

Posted: Friday, June 8, 2007 - 1:44
AVSIM now has some vacancies for additional staff reviewers. If you have enjoyed reading the reviews posted on our website and think that you have the write stuff to compose an unbiased, comprehensive, technical review of FS aircraft, scenery and utilities, with a sprinkling of hardware, then we're looking for you. Our reviewers live all over the world, and with most files being sent electronically, I'll have no problems getting product to you.

Please read the following in its entirety, a simple "I want to write for AVSIM" email will not suffice. Your application and resume will consist of a review sample of anything in your inventory (perhaps something you just purchased) and a short bio of your FS career. Good grammar and language skills are required, but English doesn't have to be your first language. After you have submitted your sample review, I will critique it and follow-up with more details about the position if you are chosen to become a staff reviewer.

You will be expected to produce 1 review per month based on the availability of products I have available, and do I have products available. The remainder of the details about reviewing will be supplied in a private email. If you have questions before commiting yourself, please send them to me.

All reviewer applications will be replied to. As this is an ongoing hiring process, there is no time limit. A good review takes days to produce, so don't hurry your submission. Quick reviews that are thrown together are easy to weed out :-( For further details and reviewer applications submissions, contact the Reviews Editor.

New Just Flight VFR Scenery

Posted: Thursday, June 7, 2007 - 23:35
Just Flight have just announced the release of VFR RS - Isle of Wight and VFR RS - Birmingham, Coventry and Wolverhampton brings two very different parts of the country to a download audience. The Isle of Wight volume includes the entire island and all the principle towns - Newport, Cowes, Ryde, Sandown, Shanklin, Yarmouth and Ventnor. There is also a fantastic 3D rendition of The Needles (including the lighthouse). A unique feature of Just Flight’s VFR Real Scenery series is the way the coastlines have been carefully edited to make them blend realistically against the sea in Flight Simulator X.

For anyone who wants to fly round the busy conurbations of the Midlands, then Birmingham, Coventry & Wolverhampton is just the ticket. It covers a huge area and as well as the cities in the title it also includes Dudley, Kidderminster, Tamworth, Nuneaton and Stourbridge. The individually edited night lighting present in the entire VFR Real Scenery series is particularly impressive in this region, with its many road junctions and the inland waterways show off the water effects brilliantly. For more information on these two products, head over to the Just Flight website.

VOZ Software Now Available On CD

Posted: Thursday, June 7, 2007 - 17:05
Vista Australis are pleased to announce that VOZ 1.4 on CD is now available. The CD is provided at very minimal profit for those users who have trouble downloading the large distribution files or for those who simply would like a backup copy on disc. The disc includes all distributions from VOZ 1.1 through to the latest 1.4 release as well as the VOZ AI 1.1 and 1.1.5 packages and is delivered on an un-printed CD in a slim-line, coloured jewel case. To find out more about this press release, visit the Vista Australis website.

Level-D 767 Flies The FSX Skies!

Posted: Thursday, June 7, 2007 - 0:05
Level-D Simulations and Flight One Software are pleased to announce the release of the Level-D 767 for FSX.

The press release goes on to say: "What's new for the 767 for FSX? You can expect the same high quality simulation experience plus a lot more, to make this the most spectacular version of the 767 to date. In short, the systems simulations have been painstakingly worked on to become even more advanced and realistic. There is an updated visual model that is true FSX, and exhibits unique lighting effects that are FSX specific. New effects have been added to the Virtual Cockpit, plus there is so much more that it can't be completely listed here." For those of you who own the Fs2004 version, then there is a discount available for you. So, why not head over to either Level-D or Flight One for more information.