New Review - Commuter Xpress 2 from Abacus

Posted: Tuesday, June 27, 2006 - 6:12
The "Cap'n", Brian Fletcher, looks at Abacus' Commuter Xpress 2, which provides six commuter aircraft, each with six liveries, and a flight creator that can be used to add a storyline to this package. The aircraft in this package include the Bombardier CRJ-900, de Havilland DHC-8-200 (Dash 8), Dornier 328 prop and jet models, Embraer ERJ-190, and the Saab 340B, all of which can be found operating in the Hub and Spoke system as commuter aircraft.

Taking a look inside and out of these aircraft, Brian comments, "My first impression of the exterior models was one of complete disappointment. The texturing appeared sub-par at best, and I was not overwhelmed by any of the six liveries, including Airlux, Ciel, Prestige Air, Sucaba Aviation, Swift Connection, and Zwaan. No matter how hard I searched I could not find any indication of rivets, screw or bolt heads, wear, dirt and exhaust effects, or anything else that would suggest any effort put forth to make these models suitable for FS9. I was not very surprised to see interior modeling considerably inferior to most of the recent payware releases. I have closely examined the virtual cockpits to find that they are actually not too far off from there real-world counterparts, but it can be hard to tell with the substandard texturing."

About the flight dynamics, Brian reports, "As far as I can tell each of the aircraft flight dynamics in this collection seem to be moderately authentic, but I would have to say that they all tend to favor the novice simmer. In fact, I have been quite successful at operating each of these aircraft with just my mouse and keyboard. All in all I am not overly exited about the airfiles, but I am not as disappointed as I was with the rest of the aircraft."

Wrapping up the review, Brian says, "it is with great regret that I am unable to recommend this product. The models are accurate but the detail is simply sub-par at best. It is not my goal to bash this product, at least not intentionally. There may very well be some of you who would like this package as is, or with a few modifications."

Luxury Aircraft Collection Released

Posted: Monday, June 26, 2006 - 20:41
Wilco Publishing and feelThere.com are pleased to announce release of their Legacy 'The Luxury Aircraft Collection'. With an interior offering the top of comfort, with supple leathers, quality wood, and many high-tech equipment, the time has come to access the Jet Set of modern aviation. A charming stewardess will welcome you and serve you on board.

The LEGACY, Embraer's first class business jet, is the first Wilco Publishing's title to be released in the new series 'The Luxury Aircraft Collection'. With exclusive features such as; animated flight attendant, head-up display navigation, in-flight information on screen, along with all systems simulation and a complete and ultra-realistic flight computer, the Legacy will definitely set a new standard.

The download version is now available. The boxed version will hit the shelves as soon as compatibility towards Flight Simulator X will be guaranteed. For more information, visit the Wilco Publishing Page.

KLAX by Cloud9 Reviewed

Posted: Sunday, June 25, 2006 - 1:32
KLAX is the world’s fifth - and the US’s third - busiest airport. Sr Staff Reviewer Alexis Esguerra flies us in and out of this release by Cloud9.

"I give Microsoft kudos in the fact that KLAX is one of the better default airport sceneries in FS2004," says Alexis, "but it takes something like Cloud9’s rendition to do it justice. The main terminals take centerstage, and the efforts are immediately apparent. The southside of the airport now has new life breathed into it in the form of various cargo carrier and GA ramps."

"Animation and interactivity are rapidly becoming the norm these days in scenery add-ons, and Cloud 9 decided not to make an exception here. If you happen to look towards the ‘Theme Building’ at night, you might discern a sudden change in its appearance as it changes colors. As for interactive details, selected gate positions around the terminals all have animated jetways and marshallers."

Alexis was really impressed with the framerates achieved with this add-on, "Using MSFS default aircraft under the baseline settings, I was shocked to find myself getting framerates during the day in the 26-28 FPS range. It isn’t very often when a commercial payware scenery goes this easy on the system, and it’s a rarity when one takes into account the extra animation that’s been thrown in around the place." Alexis sums up this airport offering with one word, "Excellent. That’s all I have to say about Cloud9’s latest offering to the sim world. Now if you excuse me, I’ve got a little more Socal flying to do."

SimFlyer “Series X” Update and Important News

Posted: Sunday, June 25, 2006 - 1:02
SimFlyer is pleased to announce that the Series X Product Line - which they Guarantee to be FSX ready - is progressing well and is still scheduled for release sometime around mid-summer 2006. By customer request, SimFlyer will not be discontinuing the Premium and Standard Product lines as previously planned, however no further updates or service releases are expected for these products once the “Series X” becomes available.

In addition to being FSX Ready, the “Series X” product line will offer expanded functionality and realism as well as offer more gauges in each pack with many more configurations possible than in previous versions. For more information please visit the SimFlyer website.

New Dominican Republic Airport Scenery

Posted: Saturday, June 24, 2006 - 19:40
Dominican Aerodromes has released Santiago Cibao Int'l Airport Scenery. This is the scenery of Dominican Republic's second biggest city. Cibao Int'l Airport MDST was inagurated in 2002 and since then it has been the bridge for thousands of people that fly to and from this beautiful city located in Dominican Republic. Our main goal from this package is to give you the chance of knowing Santiago de los Caballeros (The first Santiago of the western hemisphere) and enjoying it. This version is the only version which is freware with many features, Including: Cibao Airport and all of its buildings fully detailed, Animated jetways, Marshallers at each gate, landclass of the entire Cibao Region, and much more!! Visit Dominican Aerodromes website for more info and downloads!

Historic Jetliners Group Announces "Massive" Update

Posted: Saturday, June 24, 2006 - 19:35
Hot on the heels of its last update, the HJG team are proud to announce yet another new and this time "MAJOR" website update. Featured among new releases this time around are 20 new aircraft repaints .... some representing rare liveries for DC8 & B707 aircraft of lesser known operators from the USA, South America, Central America, Africa, Europe, Middle East, & the Caribbean.

The news only gets better too. At long last a decent panel is now available for HJG B707 & B720 models. It's been a long time coming .... "BUT YES" .... it's true ! FS master craftsmen George CARTY has in fact tailored not just one but several different panel versions especially for the HJG B707 series. Each features variations in instrumention reflecting the evolution of these aircraft or their respective powerplants. The very earliest of these panels even comes complete with water/methanol system used to boost take-off performance of these early jetliners. Other features include authentic engine startup sequences with cockpit/ground support, a working INS system, an operating F/E panel with functional fuel, electrical, and presurisation systems, and dual Captain and F/O 2D main panel options complete with a full suite of interior cockpit views.

Significant FDE improvements have also now been incorporated into HJG's virtual B707 flightline (B707-120 thru -420 & B720 series only so far) even further improving aircraft performances. In fact, if you believe you had mastered flying B707's previously, then you're most likely going to need to learn how to fly'em all over again .... are you ready for the challenge ?

New "heavy smoke" effects have also been created which spectacularly replicate the classic sooty engine exaust signiture of very early B707 jetliners. All these advances combine to not only improve the "feel" and "performance" of these fine virtual aircraft, but also make them "look great" too.

Complete with custom soundpacks representing all principal versions of B707 powerplants, the quality of this entire classic jetliner experience has been well'n'truely enhanced to all new levels of authenticity and enjoyment.

All files are available now for "FREE" from the Historic Jetliners Group website.

Abacus Announces Flight Deck 4

Posted: Saturday, June 24, 2006 - 16:03
"Nothing beats the thrill and challeges to your flying skill as much as aircraft carrier operations." Abacus annouces the release of their fourth iteration in their well-known series with an all new Flight Deck 4.

The Flight Deck 4 package includes:

F/A-18C Hornet,
F/A-18E Super Hornet,
E2-C Hawkeye,
S-3B Viking,
SH-60 Seahawk,
C-2A Greyhound,
A-6B Prowler,
and the USS Ronald Reagan CVN-76.

Other features include HUD display, IFOLS "meatball" landing guidance, folding wings, operational tail hook, aircraft carrier navaids, dozens of pre-set flights to practice launch and recovery and AI traffic on and off of the carrier. With a new, simplified launch and recovery system for catapult takeoff and cable landings, you'll surely feel the abrupt jarring as you become airborne or make that "trap".

Flight Deck 4 is available on CD-ROM and carries a suggested retail price is $29.95. It is is also available for convenient download delivery for $29. Registered users of the Flight Deck 3 are eligible for a discount. For more information about Flight Deck 4, check out the Abacus website.

Just Flight to release Commercial Level Simulations A340-500/600

Posted: Saturday, June 24, 2006 - 1:29
How do you fancy four engines? Just Flight is pleased to announce that the first title in it's eagerly anticipated F-Lite range - A340-500/600 - will be available at its website. A340-500/600 will be published in Just Flight's usual DVD-ROM packaging but it will also be available to 'buy by wire' from Just Flight's Download Shop.

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. The Airbus A340-500 and A340-600 are real heavy hitters in the airliner world. The A340-500 tips the scales at over 370 tonnes and the -600 is longer than nine double-decker buses. The aircraft feature countless accurate animations including wing droop, thrust reversers, doors, pushback truck and 25 liveries are included. These big beauties will definitely impose their authority on the simulated skies!

Some of the features include:
- The many animations include passenger doors, cargo doors, flaps, rudder, elevators, undercarriage, engine fans, thrust reversers, control surface droop when engines are not running, high and low speed ailerons, spoilers. There's even a pushback truck!
- Unique features include switchable "Easy" or "Normal" flight characteristics and a viewpoint utility
- Flight model uses the acclaimed CLS "True Feel" system for enhanced performance and feel

Includes 25 different liveries and a layered paint kit so you can create your own schemes using a suitable graphics program. The airlines depicted are: Air Canada - Cathay Pacific - China Eastern - Emirates Airlines - Etihad Airways - Iberia - Lufthansa - Singapore Airlines - South African Airways - Thai Airways - Virgin Atlantic

Cloud9 Updates Amsterdam

Posted: Friday, June 23, 2006 - 17:02
Cloud9 has announced the Amsterdam scenery 1.03 update is released. This upgrade replaces the ground textures with a new, optimized, high resolution set. Other changes include improved taxiway lights and taxilines, a general 3D objects structure improvements and other minor changes. The version 1.03 also includes the Addon Manager 1.20 (ready for the coming cloud9 products - Wahsington scenery and F-4F Phantom - available new screenshots). All previous versions of the Amsterdam scenery have been removed from the site and are now available the full 1.03 version and the 1.03 update for all previous versions users. Visit the cloud9 website for more details and download links.

Electronic Flight Bag Goes X

Posted: Friday, June 23, 2006 - 13:55
Last October FSWidgets released the first EFB device for FS2004, which was designated EFB2004 (Electronic Flight Bag for FS2004). They are now also happy to announce the release of EFBXP (Electronic Flight Bag for X-Plane), providing the same benefits of a virtually "paper-less cockpit" for X-Plane by Austin Meyer (Laminar Research).

All the main features from the FS2004 version of the EFB have been carried over to the X-Plane release which includes a moving map and ability to display unlimited numbers of maps, approach charts, manuals or reference material in various formats. It also includes audio checklist support, online weather, FMS plan display and of course, built-in network support for use on a second PC or laptop.

This simulated avionics unit is available as a fully-functional, 20-minute demo per X-Plane session. Note: Present and future registered users of the FS2004 version receive this release for the X-Plane platform for free (and visa versa)! For more details please visit FS Widgets

Project Opensky Releases 737-600

Posted: Friday, June 23, 2006 - 8:38
Today team Project OpenSky proudly announces the release of the Boeing 737-600. This 737-600 has a refined flex wing. A new short fuselage and rear side wing root fairing also the cargo door has been changed. Please enjoy flying the Pocket Rocket. Furthermore the -700 and -800 model has been updated with refined flex wing too. It is available at the Project OpenSky website.

Godzone Virtual Flight Releases Wanaka Scenery

Posted: Thursday, June 22, 2006 - 13:05
In Mission: Impossible III, when Tom Cruise's character mentions a holiday in Wanaka, he's talking about one of the most popular holiday spots in the South Island of New Zealand. Wanaka's other claim to fame is the bi-annual Warbirds Over Wanaka Airshow, the largest airshow in the Southern Hemisphere. Godzone Virtual Flight is pleased to release 'Real New Zealand' Wanaka & Tekapo, two New Zealand airfields, plus surrounding photoreal scenery. Wanaka Airport includes a mini-airshow, recreating the famous Easter airshow. You can view details, and purchase this boxed set from Godzone Virtual Flight.

A Nolstalgic Review of AlphaSim's Barksdale AFB

Posted: Thursday, June 22, 2006 - 5:49
Sr Staff reviewer Brian Fletcher takes us on a nostalgic look at AlphaSim's Barksdale Air Force Base as it looked in the 1950's. "Currently, Barksdale houses B-52’s and A-10’s, and is often frequented by scores of transient aircraft from all over the country. In the 1950’s Barksdale was no less important as it maintained the B-47’s and F-100’s."

"From 3,000 feet I was very pleased with how well the base blended in with the surrounding ground textures," remarks Brian, "Once I landed, I took the opportunity to taxi around the base for a while to get an upclose and personal look. The first thing I noticed was that the ramp was full of static aircraft. Both B-45’s and F-100’s, which I had seen while airborne but could not identify, were scattered throughout the ramp from one end to the other. Taxiing around the rest of the base I came across a few other nice features of Barksdale as well. Ground vehicles, including 2 ½ ton trucks, fire trucks, and forklifts, were scattered around the hangars and other buildings"

"There are a few things missing from Barksdale, but not much. I am otherwise very pleased with this rendition of Barksdale AFB. If you happen to be running a modest system that does not take well to high scenery settings there are some options to help you get the most out of this scenery enhancement without putting a big drain on your frame rates."

Brian concludes in his review of Barksdale AFB, "I certainly had a lot of fun exploring Barksdale Air Force Base the way it used to be, but now it’s time to consider whether or not this scenery add-on has met the requirements to remain in my virtual world. But what about the 20 NZD ($12.64 USD) price tag? I think that it is very fair given the current trend of scenery add-ons. I like AlphaSim’s version of Barksdale, I frequent there regularly, and it will remain in my virtual world at least until someone else can do better."

Aerosoft Announces Award Dinner Sponsorship

Posted: Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 20:06
AVSIM and Aerosoft are pleased to announced their sponsorship of our annual award dinner and banquet. Our annual "Bravo Zulu" dinner is to honor the brightest and the best from the previous year in flight simulation. This year promises to be even bigger, with guest speakers from Microsoft discussing the future of flight simulation! Please help thank Aerosoft by checking out their site!

In addition to the prestigious AVSIM Bravo Zulu awards which will be presented at this year's Convention and Exhibition, we will also be awarding AVSIM Reader's Choice Awards. At our gala Saturday night Awards Banquet, which will happen on September 16th, the Reader Choice awards will be presented for a number of categories of add-ons to Flight Simulator. The Reader's Choice awards are based both upon the nominations of the FS user community, and the voting which will take place in August. To nominate your favorite add-on or utility, please read the rules and then submit your nomination. Nominations close on August 15th, so get your nomination in today! If you have not already, register today and if you are one of the first 400 registrants, you could receive a free copy of Microsoft's next generation flight simulator, FS-X! Questions? Visit the Convention forum.

A Scenic Review of Megacity Hawaii: Honolulu and the Island of Oahu

Posted: Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 3:41
Low and slow. That's how Senior Reviewer Gene Davis says is the best way to see Megascenery's Hawaii, the Island of Oahu.

"The Island Of Oahu has been beautifully rendered in almost crystal clear photo real scenery; the cities have all been enhanced with the Megacity technology thus giving greater detail to populated areas around the island. Whether you are flying over Honolulu, Waimanalo, Kailua Bay, Kaneohe, Laniloa Beach, Turtle Bay, Waimea or Kalaeloa you will find the coverage complete throughout. Because the scenery area is confined to such a small area, this is the first Megascenery title that I have been able to fly just about any aircraft I want with little or no performance hit."

This quick review around this little Pacific Ocean gem is well recommended, "this is a remarkable deal at only $9.95 and I hope that is a sign of things to come as I would love to see ALL of the islands covered in this level of detail."

Captain Keith’s Sandspit Airport Scenery Released

Posted: Tuesday, June 20, 2006 - 22:56
Sandspit Airport in the Queen Charlotte Island chain of British Columbia is one of the most popular and yet often forgotten airports in North America. This area is truly breathtaking, where natural beauty abounds and blossoms with each passing season. Using satellite images, maps and photographs, we have done our best to try to capture the overall feel of the area. From the very detailed and unique terminal building to animated “birds in flight” and Orcas whales splashing about just off the coastline, we have done our best to bring you a taste of what the next generation of flight simulation scenery will offer. Read More, See Screenshots and View a Video Trailer on the product page.

AVSIM 2006 Conference - FINAL Call For Presentations

Posted: Tuesday, June 20, 2006 - 21:11
We have had an excellent response to our Call for Presentations -- this is to announce that the deadline for the submission of abstracts will now be June 30th, for no other reason than we will not have time to process them before that date! As a result, we will be reviewing those abstracts which have been submitted, and selecting presentations across the entire range of aviation and simulation; so we strongly encourage anyone considering taking part to get in touch!