AVRO CF-105 "Arrow" from Xtreme Prototypes

Posted: Tuesday, March 10, 2009 - 3:00
Staff reviewer Laurie Aston goes supersonic from the past with Xtreme Prototype's CF-105 "Arrow". "The Avro Canada CF-105 Arrow is a delta wing, high altitude interceptor, designed and built by Avro Aircraft Limited (Canada) in Malton, Ontario, Canada, as the culmination of a design study that began in 1953. Considered to be both an advanced technical and aerodynamic achievement for the Canadian aviation industry, the CF-105 held the promise of Mach 2 speeds at 50,000 ft+ altitude, and was intended to serve as the Royal Canadian Air Force's interceptor for the 1960's and beyond."

Laurie goes through the exterior and interior descriptions and put's the CF-105 through its paces while exploring this extreme prototype. "The aircraft is beautifully streamlined, and not that heavy as interceptors go. So, with two good power plants putting out a huge amount of thrust, speed is excellent, and going through Mach 1.0 is as easy as slipping on an icy path from the house to the garage. At high altitude, where this aircraft is in its element, it runs straight and true with neat contrails being streamed behind the ship and high speed turns creating vortices that are a joy to observe."

Eaglesoft Citation X 2.0 FS9 Update

Posted: Monday, March 9, 2009 - 18:42
Eaglesoft Development Group releases their Citation X 2.0 FS9 Update. This Update addresses every known issue presented and adds additional documentation, more realistic operation and a sample flight with STAR approach. Owners may redownload and reinstall using existing key and password to obtain the Update. More detailed information can be found at the Eaglesoft Development Group Forums.

AirTrafficFX from Flight1/Mudpond

Posted: Sunday, March 8, 2009 - 19:45
Staff reviewer Allen Lavigne manages his AI with AirTrafficFX. "AirTrafficFX is not a global airline nor general aviation AI management installer, it is a real time traffic generator for localized and enroute flight plan AI traffic only. It can use any of the airplanes in your directory, it is not restricted to AI."

"What is the purpose of a localized generator? If you have a favorite airfield(s) which your AI airline or general aviation management generator does not populate with any or sufficient AI, this little application can easily make the place busy, or just look visited with static aircraft. The most selling feature is in its ability to do so in real time, while FSX is running, and become an active part of your AI traffic immediately, without having to reboot FSX. Other features include formation flying, IFR flight plan based AI, static AI, and real time radar display."

"AirTrafficFX has its niche. It is a very small installation with specialized use. My favorite attribute of AirTrafficFX is in its ability to use the highly detailed payware aircraft I have as AI. The formations made and unmade while enroute were a good diversion from the doldrums of a long flight. So, if you want to make localized AI for your favorite out of the way airport or air strip, AirTrafficFX can be most useful to you."

MD-11 (FS9) from PMDG

Posted: Saturday, March 7, 2009 - 19:10
Staff reviewer Marlon Carter revisits PMDG's MD-11 and gives you a look at the FS9 version of this aircraft. "After doing a brief walk around of the aircraft, the detail is simply amazing. Almost mind boggling how PMDG managed to cover every inch of this aircraft with accurate textures and precise detail. The model features 100% moving surfaces."

"The cockpit can only be described as the best that I have come across from PMDG. This gives a true pilot's view of the cockpit. The displays on the panel are very clear and precise in terms of operations; it still is amazing how complex this panel and all of the systems are. Another feature that was very original, is the lighting effects on the 2D and virtual cockpit panel."

"This isn�t your normal FS add-on aircraft. If you don�t setup the aircraft correctly, your flying experience will not be what you expect it to be, "please read the manual". The sound of the PW and GE engines are truly amazing. First officer callouts and AP warning sounds are also great."

"I must admit that I was simply stunned with how great the performance of PMDG's MD-11 was on my low end system. I just barely made the minimum requirements for this product and it works almost as great as the default FS9 aircraft. This aircraft is truly amazing given the fact that it is a high end product and I am sure it will blow you away."

GoFlight releases new software drivers

Posted: Friday, March 6, 2009 - 16:10
GoFlight Inc is proud to announce the release of a new support software, version 1.81.GF Config is a convenient application that lets you assign a wide variety of avionics, instrument panel, autopilot, and other functions to your GoFlight hardware. It automatically detects installations of Microsoft Flight Sim 2002, Flight Sim 2004, and Flight Sim X on your system. The new software supports all GoFlight products including the EFIS module. A total of 16 modules are now supported. This release is compatible with both 32- and 64-bit versions of Microsoft Windows XP and Windows Vista operating systems. The GoFlight FSX Data Bridge is compatible with Microsoft Flight Simulator X w/Service Pack 1A and later.
For more information visit GoFlight website

New Review - Around The World In 80 Flights

Posted: Friday, March 6, 2009 - 0:27
Staff reviewer Alan Bradbury goes Around The World In 80 Flights with First Class Simulations' product of the same name. "Around the World in 80 Flights eh? Now there's a challenge. In fact, there�s 400 hours worth of challenges courtesy of this FSX/FS2004 add-on package. You get to go completely around the Flight Simulator world, visiting 112 countries en-route, as you complete a 35,000 mile trip; and in a piston-engine 1930s-era Lockheed Electra."

"As a concept, Around The World In 80 Flights is as vast as your own imagination, and that for me, is what makes it such a thrilling title; it�s the tool with which to create your own epic airborne adventure, which is something that appeals to me as much as aviation itself does."

"Without giving too much away, as you progress on your orbit of the Earth, you�ll find yourself over cities, vast seas, mountains and deserts; you�ll land at large high altitude airports where your engines struggle to keep you in the air, glacial airstrips in the frozen wastelands where your touchdown is critical on runways that seem too short for even your small aircraft. You�ll see the Pyramids in Egypt, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, the vast tracts of Central Africa, the Himalayas as you skirt Pakistan, you�ll cross South East Asia, the Pacific, Australia, island paradises in the middle of oceans, the Grand Canyon and all the major famous sights on the North American continent, before eventually heading out across the north Atlantic and skirting the Arctic Circle, where you might get a glimpse of the Northern Lights if you are lucky (yes, they are present in both FS2004 and FSX). From there you�ll come down through Scandinavia and on to Germany and the heartland of Europe, before heading back to the British Isles, where you�ll pay a visit to my local airport at Manchester on the penultimate flight, before finally heading back to Farnborough where you started out.

"Around the World in 80 Flights will take you to places in FS that you might otherwise never have thought to fly over or land at, and there�s a lot to see in that crazy mixed-up virtual world. If you want to write your own story about a flight around the globe, I don�t think you�ll find a better soundtrack for it than the one those two big old radial engines will provide. I also recommend you get hold of a nice map of the world on which to track your progress, it adds a lot to the fun of this title."

Another Mike Ray Article

Posted: Thursday, March 5, 2009 - 20:37
FSVisions is happy to announce a new Mike Ray article, Due to our coop with Computer Pilot magazine and FSVisions' personal friendship with Mike Ray, they are able to provide the article as a free pdf file for all simmers. The March article is about the CRJ. Captain Mike is trying to explain how to fly the CRJ aircraft. He is doing this the way he has become famous with: Lots of illustrations and easy to read. The article is downloadable directly through the FSVisions website. All previous published articles are still available for free download as well.

Classics Hangar Fw 190 A

Posted: Thursday, March 5, 2009 - 14:51
Classics Hangar releases it's first project for Microsoft Flight Simulator X, the Fw 190 A with the four early production variants of the WW II Luftwaffe's second major fighter aircraft, the Focke Wulf Fw 190 A-1, A-2, A-3 and A-4. The package consists of 9 different model variations and 34 liveries, recreating the early operational history of this legendary German fighter aircraft. Founding members of the Groundcrew Design Group Mathias Pommerien and Alessandro Biagi have teamed up for this project with Master Aerofile Designer Greg Pierson of AvHistory.org to bring the best possible Warbirds experience to the passionate PC Pilot. For a look at some screenshots and further information visit the Classics Hanger .

FMSeminars Coming to FANCON 2009!

Posted: Wednesday, March 4, 2009 - 23:36
The attractions at the AVSIM FANCON 2009 continue to grow! FMSeminars, is coming to FANCON 2009! FMSeminars, a newly formed organization consisting of Captain Mike Ray, University of Temecula Press, Professor Ray B�dard of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and Bill Van Caulart, of Flightlevel Publishing will be providing training seminars on the Thursday and Friday before the commencement of the FANCON events. Here is how they describe the event; "We are planning to offer some training seminars in conjunction with the AVSIM FANCON 09 conference in Dayton, OH 4-6 September 2009. The seminars would take place on Thursday 3 September and Friday 4 September, before the start of the FANCON activities. This is a great way for you to get some excellent training and extend your trip by only 1 day." They would like your input in to the syllabus, and have asked that if interested in attending, that you take a short survey, which you can find here. Join FMSiminars at FANCON 2009 and take part in this year's largest flight simulation event!

AVSIM Announces 2009 FANCON Key Note Speaker

Posted: Wednesday, March 4, 2009 - 2:34

Capt. R. Randazzo, PMDG

The Staff of AVSIM is very pleased to announce our 2009 FANCON Key Note Speaker! Robert Randazzo, of PMDG! Here is a bit about Rob:

Captain Robert S. Randazzo is the founder of PMDG and an Airline Transport rated pilot with more than four thousand hours of pilot�in�command experience. He has flown nearly two dozen aircraft types from Cessnas to complex, restored warbirds and holds type ratings on five aircraft types from the BAe JS4100 to the Boeing 747-400.

Robert has been working on, under or near airplanes since the age of fifteen, and spent almost all of the past twenty years in the airline business. He began his career with United Airlines as a part time cabin/lavatory cleaner working an overnight shift, but, convinced that such endeavors would eventually lead to the flight deck, Robert capitalized on many job opportunities presented by United. He served on the employee team that opened Denver International Airport, served as a Negotiator/Account Executive in Washington, DC., was a member of the Critical Incident Response Team, and was a member of UAL's operational management team at Washington Dulles International Airport.

In November of 1999, Robert accepted a First Officer position flying Jetstream 3200s for United Express carrier Atlantic Coast Airlines out of Washington, Dulles Airport. In January, 2001, he upgraded to Captain flying the Jetstream 4100 on routes throughout the eastern United States. A year later Captain Randazzo was promoted to the Chief Pilots team where he assumed responsibility for drafting an airlinewide operational plan that was largely credited with giving industry leading on�]time performance to Atlantic Coast Airlines and follow�]on carrier Independence Air.

An �Original Simmer,�Robert has been involved with computer flight simulation since the 1981 release of SubLogic�fs Flight Simulator for the Apple II, and has owned nearly every advanced desktop simulator yet released. He founded PMDG in 1997 with the intent to leverage his airline industry experience to bring an advanced level of realism to the simming community, and in concert with a team of skilled and dedicated developers has seen PMDG through the release of a growing list of world class flight simulation titles.

No longer �flying the line, Captain Randazzo lives in western Nevada from where he runs PMDG continued development operations. He owns a race team that competes annually in the US. National Championship Air Races. (2nd place in heat, 2008.) He flies a restored WWII SNJ-6, a Twin Commander, and makes himself available as an airline operational consultant, a contract pilot and an aviation media expert.

Rob is sure to present one of the more memorable keynotes at this year's fancon, and we are confident that you will not want to miss this event. Register for the 2009 FANCON today!

Instant Mission Maker from Flight 1

Posted: Wednesday, March 4, 2009 - 2:15
Staff reviewer Robert Mariani gets creative with Flight 1's Instant Mission Maker. "The Instant Mission Maker is simple and very easy to use. The documentation is more than adequate to get you going, and the program features are something we have not seen in the FS world since the days of the old FS4 and the adventure files. By that I don�t mean the graphical and visual experience, but the flexibility to add on another dimension to the Flight Simulator that lies hidden in its intricate web of files and folders."

"this program is great and with its reasonable price I would recommend it to anyone who likes the missions in the FSX and anyone who thinks that they have a creative streak. Instant Mission Maker rekindled the old interests, opened up the old doors, dusted of the old books and magazines, and made me remember why this hobby was such great joy to pursue."

"With the unfortunate twist that cut off the ACES team from the continuation of the FS development as we know it today, Instant Mission Maker can serve as an important tool that will keep the FS flame alive for a while longer with many users. It features a powerful GUI that will be great for the first-timers as well as well as those who can be very creative and have the knowledge of inner structure how the missions work."

CLS Sydney Professional X Released

Posted: Wednesday, March 4, 2009 - 0:37
Commercial Level Simulations is pleased to announce the release of CLS Sydney Professional X. This new Sydney scenery, special made for FSX, has many new features and improvements. The new scenery is available at the CLS webshop, and will soon be available at our resellers. For an overview and lots of pictures of this new release, have a look at for our product page. For current CLS Sydney owners, there will be a special discounted version available shortly. Keep an eye on their website!

Simplates X is available at the Avsim store

Posted: Tuesday, March 3, 2009 - 14:12
Simplates X is a collection of over 30,000 approach plates. Simplates X is a standalone software and is a great complement to FS 2004 or FSX. For the USA, virtually all IFR plates are included. Simplates X also includes hundred of countries worldwide. For each airport you will get all the approach types. ILS, VOR, VOR/DME, NDB, LLZ and many more. Even includes SIDs and STARs.
Visit the Avsim Store today

Cielosim Gets A Make-over

Posted: Tuesday, March 3, 2009 - 1:56
Cielosim announces their new website. Along with a new website, Cielosim has released two new service packs, one for Live ATC Chatter, and one for Instant Enhancer. Go visit the new Cielosim today.

727 Captain Pro Pack (FSX) v2.1

Posted: Tuesday, March 3, 2009 - 1:20
Captain Sim is pleased to introduce a new product in 'CAPTAIN' series, the '727 Captain'. The '727 Captain' is a remake of the famous 'Legendary 727', rebuilt to meet modern Captain Sim quality standards and provide a full spectrum of FSX features. The '727 Captain' delivers brand new re-modeling and texturing, re-programming from a scratch of all systems and number of additional features.

Latest Releases From Aerosoft

Posted: Tuesday, March 3, 2009 - 1:02
German Airports 3 - Hamburg
- An up to date Hamburg Fuhlsb�ttel airport was sorely missed in FS up to today. It's an important airport for the region and there just was no good coverage so far. But the German Airports developers done their magic again and Aerosoft now has started selling the download FS2004 version. The FSX (free for those who buy the FS2004 version) and boxed versions will follow soon. Looking at the images you know that German Airports 3 - Hamburg will be a sweet airport to start or end your flights.

F-16 Mission Pack -
The F-16 Fighting Falcon was just screaming for some good missions to keep the pilot occupied and Aerosoft now has one available with the F-16 Mission Pack. In ten very different missions you'll need to be able to use the full capabilities of the aircraft to complete these missions and get your awards. From low level attacks to putting a laser on a target for another attacker, you'll be busy for many hours.

Raw Grit: PNG Bushpilot Released

Posted: Monday, March 2, 2009 - 14:26
Pacific Islands Simulation, LLC is pleased to announce the long-awaited public release of its Papua New Guinea (PNG) FSX scenery titled Raw Grit: PNG Bushpilot.

Generally, Raw Grit: PNG Bushpilot is every bushpilot's dream mega-playground. And although the package is grounded on high altitude rough terrain and sea level short strip flying, there is also room for drivers who prefer international hops/stopovers with medium range aircrafts. For those seaplane and chopper operators, there are 10 sceneries in total that should keep everyone busy faring tourists and executives here and there. These include flying from village seaports to seaports, and heliports to super cruiseliners (yes there are helipads on them) with short to medium distances between.

Visit Pacific Islands Simulation's website for more information and pictures or head directly to SimMarket to purchase product.

B747-200/300/200F from Just Flight (CLS)

Posted: Saturday, February 28, 2009 - 19:38
Senior staff reviewer Angelique van Campen goes heavy with the Just Flight (CLS)Boeing 747-200/300 and -200F. "You need to start with the base package, also known as �747-200/300 Series�. For those who want to expand their 747 fleet even further, three upgrade packages are available. The available packages are: Classic Liveries Upgrade Pack; Cargo Upgrade Pack; and Passenger & Combi Upgrade Pack"

"In general, the external �clean� Aluminum is so realistic that CLS definitely used digitalized images to create this which isn�t a problem at all. Looking to some close-ups of the engines and it doesn�t matter if this is a General Electric, Pratt & Whitney or Rolls Royce, this is so real."

"The VC itself without the gauges is really awesome. It looks so real that it�s almost the same as when you�re sitting in a real 747-200/300. This is true since the cockpit creation is based on a real KLM 747-300. The 2D cockpit is not as impressive as the VC version and not all the sub panels are based on digitalized images. While looking to the captain's and additional co-pilot's panels, I must say that this artist did a nice job."

"When you choose to fly a FMS based model, there�s not too much to configure. The only thing you need to do is make a flight plan with, for example, the help of the default MSFS planner. When you plan to use an INS based airplane, then a little more must be done. The EZ dynamics gives the aircraft a more default MSFS character, but is indeed intended for those who really need to start flying these big jets."

"The external model of the Just Flight (CLS)Boeing 747-200/300 is really great. I�ve hardly seen external models with that many details as this JF/CLS aircraft. When you don�t want to dig into comprehensive manuals and want an easy to handle aircraft, I think this is a very good choice."

Editor's Note: We would like to clarify the situation with regards the unlocking procedure for Just Flight�s 747 200/300 Series.

In the review it was indicated that when purchasing the DVD boxed version of this product the user would be required unlock the product via an activation code online. We have now been informed that this is incorrect. Only the download version of the product requires online activation. The three additional model and livery packs that can be purchased online are indeed included on the DVD and they can be purchased and unlocked via the disc.

The Vote Begins!

Posted: Saturday, February 28, 2009 - 17:52
The nominations for the AVSIM Reader's Choice Awards (RCA's) are now closed and the voting begins! The RCA's are your opportunity to vote for the best add ons to our hobby and they cover ten categories. The winner of each category will be presented at the AVSIM 2009 FANCON in Dayton, Ohio this coming September. The RCA voting continues until midnight, July 31st. Cast your vote and ensure that your favorite add on wins! You can vote here.

Instant Mission Maker Update

Posted: Saturday, February 28, 2009 - 0:35
Flight1 is pleased to announce an update for Instant Mission Maker to version 1.02. The update allows easily creating mission rewards and includes several bugfixes.

Instant Mission Maker is an easy to use tool for making Flight Simulator X missions. It allows designing a wide range of missions using a very intuitive GUI and offers live preview and editing of many mission objects directly in FSX. For more details please visit the product webpage.