Cayri Online Flying Software Update

Posted: Wednesday, June 6, 2007 - 22:51
In a press release today, Dan Schultz has informed us of an update to his software. Cayri is an interface which allows users of popular online flying organizations to view currently connected pilots and controllers. Some of the new features include a map filtering functionality to hide the aircraft and controllers that do not match the filters you apply. A client listings window also makes it easy to quickly find any client who's connected to a specific network, and a airport search utility to easily find nearly any airport in the world. Cayri also visually shows the flight path aircraft are flying, and how much time it will take before that plane reaches its destination. For more information about this product, visit the Cayri website.

AlphaSim Saab Gripen Released

Posted: Wednesday, June 6, 2007 - 1:38
The Saab Gripen Swedish 21st century Swedish fighter is depicted in this latest AlphaSim package. Released in both single and two-seater variants, texture schemes included for all the main operators outside Sweden. The press releases goes on to say: A HUD is included and great care was taken in the creation of the Multi Function Displays.
Effects in the form of AB flames, smoke contrails and flashover bring this aircraft to life. A full FSX version brings you bump-mapping and self-shadowing effects, For full product details visit AlphaSim

SE5A & The Western Front by AlphaSim

Posted: Tuesday, June 5, 2007 - 3:40
Senior staff reviewer Gene Davis goes back to the days of wood and cloth with AlphaSim's SE5A combined with The Western Front scenery package. "In total, there were over 5,000 SE5A’s built during the course of WW1 and they were built by six different manufactures, but the first series of SE5’s were inherently unstable. The real SE5A flew at a top speed of a 138 MPH with a maximum range of 300 miles and a service ceiling of 17,000 feet."

"From the skies of WW1 comes the SE5A to our virtual skies of flight simulator. This time around you are placed in the seat of an old single engine bi-plane made of wood and cloth. The Alphasim SE5 is a virtual treat as it is nicely detailed with all of the traditional moving parts as well as an exceptionally detailed exterior model. The SE5A is designed for both FS9 and FSX."

"The SE5A from Alphasim also has a nice variety of effects, from takeoff to landing you will notice things like a functioning exhaust system with smoke effects and flame effects coming from the engines. There is also a nicely done damage model. If you come in too fast and crash on landing or wipe out on takeoff, the plane will actually break."

"Seen as advanced for its time, the SE5A cockpit is a journey into a different time and place. The panel is made of wood and the seating looks rather uncomfortable. The single mounted Lewis machine gun sits atop the wing and a set of very basic instruments adorn the cockpit. There is no GPS or advanced avionics, just the ones needed to monitor things like the engines RPM, speed and a compass."

"The scenery package from Alphasim was a little disappointing for me, as when I read the title it said Western Front. From that I assumed that it would include some portion of the actual war front to fly over. In reality, it only includes the airfield along with several AI aircraft that fly about the surrounding airspace. The airfield itself is nicely detailed and does offer a nice base of operations as it is littered with WW1 era style buildings, vehicles, planes and tents for the bases personnel."

Wrapping up this WWI tour of duty, Gene closes the SE5A & the Western Front review with, "Alphasim releases are just getting better and better. Is the SE5A worth its price tag? Yes, if you are into the era of flight this aircraft represents. How about the scenery? Well, that is a whole other issue and I would have to say that it is worth it if you absolutely have to have a WW1 style airbase. With Alphasim's tradition of good quality add-ons, you really can’t go wrong."

VoxATC for Flight Sim X has been released

Posted: Tuesday, June 5, 2007 - 1:58
ADVERTISEMENT:
The new version of VoxATC-X for Microsoft Flight Simulator X is now in production and is on final approach to the Avsim Store

VoxATC-X comes in both a basic and deluxe version. The deluxe version is also supplied with 16-bit natural-sounding AT&T voice paks. VoxATC is the first ATC product for FS-X with true voice recognition. With auto-switching FAA and European procedures as you cross the Atlantic VoxATC also generates visual virtual traffic seamlessly integrated with ATC traffic. Check it out today at the Avsim Store and get your pre-order placed. Shipping mid-June.

Ultimate Traffic FSX Upgrade Released

Posted: Monday, June 4, 2007 - 1:07
Flight One Software has released an upgrade to their classic Ultimate Traffic to provide FSX compatibility. This version ships with a new schedule current for the Summer of 2007. The “ultimate” sandbox for AI Traffic generation in Flight Simulator, experts can use the advanced tools to create their own traffic environments, Virtual Airline's can use the tools to have their airlines fly around in the FSX AI traffic system. For beginners, all you have to do is point and click your way to all new traffic in FSX. For more product details visit Flight One Software .

Operations Manual for FSX 767

Posted: Monday, June 4, 2007 - 0:08
Flight1 Software and Level-D Simulations are pleased to offer a FREE DOWNLOAD of the Operations Manual for the FSX 767. The 196 pages of information will give you an idea of the features in the upcoming FSX version of the product, as well as an understanding of the systems. The manual is in PDF format (11.3 MB) from Flight One Software .

Avsim Library Technician Volunteer Positions

Posted: Sunday, June 3, 2007 - 12:16
The AVSIM File Library has two or three "Library Technician" volunteer openings. The job description of a L.T. is to review/approve/deny files, communicate with authors and library users via e-mail, and to work with the Library Director, Library Managers, and other Library Technicians. Interested individuals must be able to keep a commitment and have an open schedule. There is flexibility in scheduling. It would be between you and the other library staff members to coordinate when is convenient. The selected individuals will be volunteer Library Managers after a ninety-day probation period. All interested applicants must be familiar with e-mail clients and web browsers. Serious applicants please e-mail Chase Kreznor Executive Library Director with subject "Regarding Library Position" Thank you!

Captain Mike Ray Article "The EICAS"

Posted: Sunday, June 3, 2007 - 11:26
Computer Pilot and FSVisions publishes EICAS, the Engine Information and Crew Alerting System by Captain Mike Ray. A 7 page PDF file and part of a collection of articles published by Computer Pilot and presented online by FSVisions is available June first. you can read this and the other four articles about the primary flight displays at the FSVisions website

FS2Crew Released For Feelthere Airbus

Posted: Saturday, June 2, 2007 - 3:27
FS2Crew is pleased to announce that its first ever Airbus Edition is now available. This addon is custom programmed to work with the FeelThere A320. FS2Crew allows users to fly like a real pilot using Airbus specific procedures in a multi-crew environment from the perspective of the Captain. Fs2Crew now offers a brand new interface with enhancements. This software is compatible with both Fs9 and FSX. A discount is available for existing customers. For more information on this product, visit the Fs2Crew Website.

Abacus Releases CoPilot Upgrade

Posted: Saturday, June 2, 2007 - 0:14
CoPilot Pro, the fourth major revision of this popular software, has been released by Abacus. "For more than eight years, CoPilot has remained one of the most widely used navigation add-ons for Flight Simulator and this newest version packs in even more impressive features," says the Abacus team.

CoPilot Pro has these key features:

Global Map - integrated map provides worldwide coverage of airports and navaids along geo-political boundaries. Instaneous zoom in, zoom out, pan. Bonus - major roads for USA.
Navaids - intelligently displays airports, approaches, fixes, VORs NDBs, intersections and air spaces.
Flight Planning - quickly create a variety of plans. Routes are easily changeable on map with point and click. Plans are fully FSX and FS2004 compatible.
GPS - simple, yet ingenious instrument takes you anywhere in the FS world. Incorporates top notch moving map page, multiple info pages, traffic (TCAS) page, more.
AutoPilot Link - GPS automatically couples for "hands-off" navigation. Using a CoPilot flight plan, it can fly your aircraft right down to decision height for any approach.
GPS Setup - Fast two-click operation installs the GPS in any of your aircraft
Airman's Guide - prints handsome area maps, flight plans, airport and taxiway diagrams, approach planes. Convenient "flight package" prints all documents required for a single flight. Save hundreds of dollars with this feature alone.

CoPilot Pro is available on CD-ROM for FSX and FS2004 and also available via download. Already own a previous version of Copilot? Registered users are eligible to upgrade to CoPilot Pro. For more information about CoPilot Pro go to the Abacus website.

FScene Palm Trees

Posted: Saturday, June 2, 2007 - 0:09
Ruud Faber of FScene has sent us this press release: reports: "Some users reported early warning signs of global warming in North-America and Northern-Europe using FScene4X in FSX. They found the growth of tropical trees in some of the colder parts of the world. There's no reason for alarm though. Only 7 autogen files had to be revisited to change the FScene4X world for the better". Please visit the FScene website for more information.

Flight 1 Updates FSDiscover

Posted: Thursday, May 31, 2007 - 1:14
Flight 1 Software has released version 1.10 update for FSDiscover! users. In addition to what this product already contains, the update adds the ability to import and export FS flight plans, creates an additional 139,000 geographic names for buildings worldwide, and displays elevation, bearing, and the longest runway for airports.

FSDiscover! is a Flight Simulator sightseeing guide, a navigation tool, and a simple flight planner, all in one single product for Flight Simulator X and Flight Simulator 2004. FSDiscover! is preloaded with over 3.6 million geographic names from all over the world. There are also 1900 specialized points of interest for FSX, and 600 specialized points of interest for FS2004, including all the "Easter eggs" and unique landmark buildings within these simulators.

For complete information, screenshots, and a demo, visit the Flight 1 website.

Active Sky X & X Graphics From HiFi Simulation

Posted: Wednesday, May 30, 2007 - 12:34
HiFi Simulation Software announced the official release of TWO brand new products exclusively for FSX, Active Sky X is a brand new weather simulation system. A complete redesign incorporating graphical mapping, high-fidelity weather synthesis and depiction, hurricane simulation and X Gauge weather graphical user interface and much more. X Graphics is a suite of high-quality texture and audio enhancements with comprehensive user control that gives nearly limitless variation realism and beauty to your FSX experience. Categories such as Clouds, Sky Color, Water, Airport Surface & Signs, Highways, Roads, Sun, Flare, Lightning, Wx Sounds are easily configured. Both products were developed for tight integration with each other, and full Weather-Influenced Selections are supported. Active Sky X and X Graphics are offered as separate products or can be purchased in a bundle for extra savings and convenience. For a closer look at these new products visit HiFi Simulation Software

Flight1 Aviation Technologies Two New Products

Posted: Wednesday, May 30, 2007 - 12:05
Flight1 Aviation Technologies has released two new products, The Avidyne EXP5000 PFD multi-media courseware and Avidyne Student Simulator. The Avidyne EXP5000 PFD multi-media courseware has been developed in co-operation with Avidyne and has been FAA FITS accepted. It has been designed to familiarize and train pilots to efficiently operate the Flight Max Entegra EXP5000 Primary Flight Display. The Avidyne Student Simulator emulates the Avidyne Entegra series flight deck system in great detail. Avidyne Student allows students and pilots to practice procedures and familiarize themselves with the Avidyne system and supporting components. The Student version is designed to be used on a single PC setup or can be networked with Flight1 Techs upcoming VIS (Visual Instructor Station) making it an excellent student/instructor platform, ideal for flight schools, universities and individualized training. Avidyne Student requires a PC and Microsoft's Flight Simulator 2004. For more information about these two new training aids visit Flight1Tech web site..

Admiral Kuznetsov & Su33 from AlphaSim

Posted: Wednesday, May 30, 2007 - 3:49
Staff reviewer Fred Clark goes ballistic from the flight deck with AlphSim's Admiral Kuznetsov and the Su33 Naval Flanker.

"The first flight put things into perspective. I had always thought that Alphasim made ‘out of the box’ aircraft. Ones that you can just pick up and fly. And to a certain extent I was right. The frame rates of both the scenery and the aircraft seem to reflect those of simple add-ons. With Alphasim there wasn’t any drop, and even when flying through the worst weather toward the carrier, the frame rates remained at the amount I had locked them to."

"The aircraft will easily climb to 45000 ft at max takeoff weight of 72,750 lbs, and on initial climb will still build airspeed as you power through 10000 feet. It tends to struggle a bit as you reach the colder altitudes, but you will be well clear of ground fire by then. To many potential Flanker buyers, the real selling point of this aircraft will be its amazing maneuverability, and its ability to do post-stall maneuvers. This includes tail slides and back flips. Alphasim say in the manual: “The Su 33 is capable of all advanced acrobatics and can perform post-stall maneuvers”. I found this to be true for the majority of flight. Its claim to be stable in slow flight was certainly not a lie and when crawling along you will not be in fear of loosing control."

"The admiral Kuznetsov Scenery does not come with working arrestor cables, and doesn’t come with working catapults. The latter is actually accurate, however for owners of Abacus’s Flight Deck 4, both can be added using the supplied files. Because of the lack of arrestor cables, the tail hook is ineffective and another means of slowing down is needed. The breaks are therefore more powerful on the model to compensate. This can result in very bumpy landings though, which can spoil the perfect approach you worked so hard to make."

"Overall, I am extremely impressed with the panel. It is fully capable of IFR flight, although if you are using the autopilot you might want to keep speeds low, as the turning circle for 30 degrees of bank will grow much bigger at mach 1 and you can easily overshoot waypoints. As far as I could make out, all gauges were custom made for the model."

Landing back onboard, Fred comments, "I have certainly enjoyed my time in this aircraft. The addition of the carrier certainly adds for a flying challenge and getting the aircraft down on deck safely will take more than a few hours of practice. All in all, a big thumbs up to Alphasim for producing the Admiral Kuznetsov and the Su33 Flanker."

Sky Simulations MD-11 Update

Posted: Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - 18:00
In a news submission sent to Avsim today, Sky Simulations proudly released Service Pack 2 for the Mc Donnell Douglas MD-11, One of the primary needs for this update was fixing the Fuel system, it is now fully operational on any PC. The addition included an upgraded Elevator trim indicator, Rising Ground indicator and many other improvements, For more information and to download this update please visit the , Sky Simulations website

Wings Over Europe , Vietnam & Korea Update

Posted: Monday, May 28, 2007 - 22:52
RazBam are proud to announce the release of their new product range for combat flight simulation , These titles replace the stock terrain in wings over Europe, Vietnam and Korea with high resolution photoreal terrain taken from actual aerial photography of the regions. The press release goes on to say now the Terrain is as good as the Aircraft! This Photoreal terrain LOOKS BETTER than FSX or any other Flight Sim, and you can enjoy fluid air to air, air to ground and air to sea warfare available in Wings Over Europe, just like Microsoft Fight Simulator with realistic guns, missiles and bombs.You can find out more about this product with a visit to Wings Over Europe Vietnam & Korea Terrain Product Info

2007 AVSIM Conference and Exhibition

Posted: Sunday, May 27, 2007 - 1:44
It's been just over a week since we announced the opening of the registration for the 2007 Conference and Exhibition to be held at the Bellevue Hilton (Seattle) from Friday, November 9th through Sunday, November 11th.

The registrations are starting to trickle in and the vendors are excited about coming back to the west coast, especially with having Microsoft onboard again. The total package cost is $145, the same as last year, this gets you in to all of the social events as well as the vendor display area and the white paper sessions. If you are local and plan on a day pass (actually a weekend pass) to view the displays and vendors, then it's $15.00. This would be a perfect way to introduce the budding simmer to see what the excitement is all about. You can pre-register for the day pass or walk-in and pay at the door.

Complete details can be found on the Conference Registration Page including information on booking your hotel. The guaranteed hotel rate is $129/night. Plan your fall vacation time now as you won't want to miss out on our 2007 Conference and Exhibition.

DC-10 Collection Now Out

Posted: Saturday, May 26, 2007 - 4:23
The DC-10 Collection for FS2004 and FSX is now available from Just Flight. It is available both on DVD-ROM and as a 302Mb Download.

Featuring 38 high-quality global liveries spread over 15 model variations, the DC-10 is the latest release in their F-Lite range, and has been designed by the experts at CLS (Commercial Level Simulations) to be both very high in quality and yet easy to operate. Also included as a bonus in this package are the USAF KC-10A Extender and Royal Dutch Air Force KDC-10A air-to-air refuelling tankers with animated fuel drogues and boom!

The F-Lite range is designed to provide aircraft that are not only extremely high in detail and visually impressive but also less demanding to fly than complex procedural simulators.

BluePrint Simulations Releases KIAD

Posted: Saturday, May 26, 2007 - 3:59
BluePrint Simulations is pleased to announce the release of KIAD, The Washington Dulles International Airport scenery add-on for Microsoft Flight Simulator. As usual, the scenery is available in two versions.

Blueprint Simulations states, "The FS2004 version pushes the limit of detail and accuracy without sacrificing performance and incorporates numerous changes and improvement projects currently underway at Dulles. The models in the FSX version were built from the ground up using tools provided in the FSX SDK. Both versions include highly detailed custom-made models of all major buildings on the field. High resolution textures applied to all models were customized for each version. Reflective effects that were only available for aircraft models in previous versions have now been implemented in FSX scenery models."

Complete details can be found at the Blueprint Simulations website.