Carenado Releases The PA-28-181 ARCHER II (FSX)

Posted: Friday, August 28, 2009 - 14:53
This PA-28-181 Archer II is fully FSX and DX10 compatible with high resolution textures (and very friendly FPS). It was developed with all FSX features plus two new features: volumetric normal mapping and Original HQ digital stereo sounds (44100 HZ) recorded from the original aircraft. This NEW Archer is a completely new development which includes three models (with and without fairings and a mix of both) and four different paints plus a blank texture. The FS2004 version is coming coming off the assembly line right behind it.

FS-eXcel for FS2004 - VERSION 1.2 RELEASED

Posted: Friday, August 28, 2009 - 3:16
Developed by FS-eXceleration Software, FS-eXcel is a visual eXcelerator package for FS2004 that greatly enhances the look of the sim with no adverse frame-rate effects whatsoever. All new custom High-Definition sky, cloud, ground, vegetation, airport and autogen textures make FS2004 spring to life. Check it out at the FS-eXcel Website.

SimFlyer Series-X UPDATE 3.101

Posted: Friday, August 28, 2009 - 3:13
SimFlyer has released a new update for their popular GNS-SX Garmin 430/530 Avionics Suite.

This (3.101) update includes custom nav-data changes and prepares the gauges for the next version release, which will include a custom WASS database. It is a critical update for those planning to upgrade to the next version.

The update is free and can be found on the SimFlyer homepage and works with software purchased at any of the online download shops.

African Airstrip Adventures from Aerosoft

Posted: Friday, August 28, 2009 - 2:13
Staff reviewer Alan Bradbury takes off on a series of African Aistrip Adventures, an FSX mission expansion pack from Aerosoft. "There’s a lot of scenic detail in the package, much of it animated, and although at first I struggled to find a position for the sliders in FSX to get the best out of it, with a bit of playing around, I found that you can have it looking pretty and smoothe."

"You get 40,000 square kilometers of realistic Kenyan scenery in the area north of Nairobi, centered around Mount Kenya. This features over twenty airstrips, ranging from large military bases to hair-raising tiny strips carved out of the scrublands and marked out with conveniently placed fifty-five gallon oil drums. And you should be aware that although they mostly have an NDB to locate them (not all of them do), some of those airfields are damn tricky to land on even if you are a seasoned bush flyer, with undulating runway surfaces and potential hazards such potholes, ditches and even wild animals wandering around them. If you fancy yourself a hotshot pilot, this will definitely be up your street. But there’s a lot more to the scenery than that."

"In addition to that large chunk of scenery, you’ll also find a host of other terrain features, such as safari lodges small townships and native villages, and these are extremely well modeled. What is more, the entire place is populated with thousands of animated creatures, from pink flamingoes to giraffes, elephants, leopards, lions, rhinos, zebras – you name it, with many birds flying around the place as well. There are signs at most of the airfields you can find, warning of the dangers when the animals are present, and they are not kidding, this is a wild place!"

"What African Airstrip Adventures does is create an open-ended career in FSX where you can happily fly one ‘mission’ for hours on end, with new tasks cropping up all the time over the radio via the dispatcher’s calls, allowing you to earn money, reputation (and lose it), struggle with aircraft maintenance problems, choose different aircraft to fly, and experience all manner of challenges. You really do have to stay on top of things too. The various flights you make, such as picking up some passengers and flying them to an airstrip, or picking up some cargo and making multiple drops, are often time critical, and since you have to refuel and keep on top of maintenance, it’s not as simple as it might sound."

"I could go on at great length about African Airstrip Adventures, but it really doesn’t need me to do that. That’s because as a concept it is not complex, but that simplicity really belies just how enjoyable it is. What you get here is a reason to indulge in plenty of genuine seat of the pants flying over wonderful varied terrain, with excellent animated wildlife all over the place that is smart enough to be in believable locations, coupled with great airstrip scenery which offers really challenging landings."

"Air America might not have won any Oscars, but African Airstrip Adventures is certainly worthy of one. It’s a simple concept, but the simplest ideas are usually the best. And put in a similarly simple fashion; it’s great fun."

International Fighters from Abacus

Posted: Wednesday, August 26, 2009 - 2:40
Staff reviewer Benjamin van Soldt looks at 11 International Fighters from Abacus. "The package offers you a selection of 11 military aircraft from various countries in various paints, namely the AS 565 Panther, Eurofighter Typhoon, F-111 Aardvark, F-117 Nighthawk, F-15C Eagle, F-35 Lightning II, MiG-29A Fulcrum, Mirage 2000, Saab JA-37 Viggen, SU-33 Flanker and V-22 Osprey."

Benjamin goes through the Exterior, Interior, Panels, Sounds, and Flight Performance of each aircraft individually. "The exteriors are good, the interiors vary from “easy to forget” to “quite nice”, the sounds are the default sounds with some additions, the FDE is very simple and so is the panel. This profile is like that of the default planes, but with better exteriors. A good summary of this package would therefore be: an entry package for the beginner, interested in military planes, who wants more than the default planes but does not wish more complexity."

"Abacus' International Fighters is a very good deal, especially for those in the beginning stages of flight-simming. Do you want to fly fast? Do you want a lot of aircraft? You don’t want more procedures than the default planes? If the answer to all these question is “yes”, then this package is for you."

Latin VFR Releases Cayman Islands For FS2004

Posted: Wednesday, August 26, 2009 - 1:16
Continuing on from their press release a week ago, Latin VFR has additionally released the FS9 version of the Cayman Islands. Comprised within the package the main features are the 2 main airports of the Cayman Islands, Owen Roberts International (GCM, MWCR) and Gerrard Smith International (CYB, MWCB).

New Gliding Race

Posted: Monday, August 24, 2009 - 14:43
Roussillon AeroSimulations has just released a new gliding race in French and English. It's a run over Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean. The lenght of the run is around 130 NM. The difficulty of the race is the weather. You can download the mission on Page 2 of their gliding mission page of the website.

L39 "Albatros" from Lotus Simulations

Posted: Monday, August 24, 2009 - 2:10
Another contributed review. This time it's a look at Lotus Simulations' L-39 Albatros. "The L39 is a smart choice to showcase the very cool multiplayer features in FSX. One of the best features most often overlooked is shared cockpit mode. The L39 was designed to “simulate” failures from the rear cockpit facilitating the training of emergency procedures and boldface checklist items. The front seat pilot has a hood to block his external view to simulate instrument flight conditions as the rear seat instructor can induce failures to train the pilot. Even simulating failures of the pitot and / or static side of the pressure instrumentation."

"So you are thinking, if this L-39 is so fast, it must have cut some corners, right? Something had to be given up in the complex shapes like the inlet splitter and sculpting around the jet pipe. No, the shape is beautiful, and smooth. At one point in the model’s design it was substantially revised based on measurements and notes taken when L39 owners (who are fans of Mike Johnson’s work) invited him to spend time crawling all over the airplane, taking measurements and notes. Some of the design cues in the airplane could have only come from a more “intimate” view that mere pictures and plan form drawings can provide."

"The flight model of Lotus Simulation’s L39 is exceptional, reminding me on first impression of past favorites like Real Air’s SF260. But this one might be even better. The real L39 is not an overpowered aircraft and external tanks and a pair of pilots can load the aircraft up to the point where consideration is needed to depart a relatively short runway at high altitude fields on hot days. Aerobatics in the L39C, like any clean low powered aircraft, is all about managing your energy. You have to think at least one or two maneuvers ahead when putting on impromptu air shows."

"As with the rest of the Lotus Simulation L39, the Virtual Cockpits have been designed with speed and low overhead in mind. The gauges and instrumentation are 3D, which not only reduces the drag of 2D draw calls, but which also has depth that can be particularly appreciated in the Airspeed / Mach indicator and Radio Magnetic Indicator / Vertical Card Compass / Course Deviation Indicator instruments. An advantage of 3D instrumentation is the way it lights up. Also, the Virtual Cockpit loads with this model. There is no stutter, or pause, as the cockpit loads, it is already there. This L39 Albatros is an instant classic"

767 Captain V1.1 Available

Posted: Monday, August 24, 2009 - 1:36
Capt Sim has released their latest version of the 767 Captain. This version includes 4 new exterior models and 10 new liveries. There is a complete list of all the updates on the 767 Captain webpage.

Ultimate Water Advanced FS9 Released

Posted: Saturday, August 22, 2009 - 17:27
Zinertek is pleased to announce the release of Ultimate Water Advanced for FS2004. This new product provides the most advanced water effects ever created for FS2004. Customers who bought Ultimate Water FX will be able to upgrade to this new version FREE OF CHARGE. For more details please visit Zinertek's website.

Book Review - 767 Long Haul and ETOPS Guide

Posted: Saturday, August 22, 2009 - 1:35
Staff reviewer Tim Capps submits a short book review of the 767 Long Haul and ETOPS Guide from LROPS. "The Guide is largely written by a 757/767 pilot, and explains the complexities of real-world North Atlantic crossings for simmers. It is not about flying the airplane. It presumes you know all that. What it seeks to do is roll a sturdy foundation of realism beneath what you are already doing. This means step-by-step instruction on not only planning, but operations."

"The PDF is only 69 pages with many illustrations. There is a tutorial for planning a New York to London flight. Forms are provided to record essential information for your crossing, and an ETOPS checklist will keep you safely in simulated compliance with regulations. Unless everything in the review is old hat to you, you will want this download to add realistic planning and operations to your Atlantic crossings."

TropicalSim Hewanorra International, Saint Lucia

Posted: Friday, August 21, 2009 - 14:28
TropicalSim release Hewanorra International Airport, located in Vieux Fort on the island of Saint Lucia, a tropical gem in the caribbean.

The airport was formerly a military airfield for the US Air Force during World War II with it's old name of Bean Airfield, and later Beane Air Force Base, the old northeast/southwest runway north of today's runway was the airfields runway at the time, which is represented in the scenery in it's condition today, poorly maintained.

TropicalSim has released this scenery for FS9 & FSX , visit their homepage for further information.

Aeroplane Heaven / Just Flight Release Constellation

Posted: Friday, August 21, 2009 - 14:13
Just Flight is pleased to announce the release of the Constellation Professional, developed by Aeroplane Heaven it includes eleven aircraft, spanning three different Constellation types.

The Constellation is a true aviation pioneer and thanks to its distinctive shape it is one of the most easily recognised airliners ever to grace the skies. The C69 Military transport, C69/L049A and the L049A production versions are included in Constellation Professional and span a range of 11 different aircraft. The attention to detail is, as you’d expect, second to none and Constellation Professional has been exhaustively tested by pilots with experience of real Constellation flying. If ever an aircraft deserved the description ‘classic’ then this is it.

The release includes a fully detailed virtual cockpit with ‘liquid-smooth’ gauges and carefully modelled controls such as fuel dump levers, trim controls, autopilot gear and nose-wheel steering, complete flight engineer’s, radio and co-pilot's stations with fully functional equipment and gauges, detail animations including outer, middle and inner marker arrays, course deviation meters, prop feathering gear and prop reversers on the throttles.

Visit the Just Flight Hanger for complete details and look over the Video and screenshots of the " Connie " .

Ultimate Traffic II from Flight 1

Posted: Friday, August 21, 2009 - 2:04
It's been 2 years since we looked at Flight 1's Ultimate Traffic, now staff reviewer Jason McKee looks at their latest release Ultimate Traffic II. "To use some marketing parlance, it has been completely redesigned from the ground up, specifically for FSX. This means that the models are more frame rate friendly than the FS2004 version; that you can use DX10 preview without the grey or white aircraft issues showing up; and overall you can have more traffic than you could have had in the past."

"Included with the package are some very neat tools, including schedules for one or all airlines covered, flight maps, flight routes, aircraft livery configuration and aircraft removal to name but a few. If you have selected 100% traffic and your system can handle it, you are in for a treat. Major airports become bustling areas with traffic going every which way, and GA fields have a nice flow of traffic around them too. Following the AI with the new AI camera option in FSX is great fun. Watching a variety of different aircraft flying around they all seem to fly correctly, taxi well and generally look good."

"Ultimate Trafic II is a great product, designed from the ground up with FSX specific models and features, most aircraft feature moving flaps and reversers. With the range of tools provided and options to change the flight plans of aircraft, it makes a powerful program to manage and adjust your AI. It fills your airports with realistic traffic that follows the latest schedules and assignments. I highly recommend this product if you are looking for a great AI traffic system that is fully customizable to suit your needs."

Abacus Releases FSRepaint V2

Posted: Thursday, August 20, 2009 - 0:15
Thousands of flight simulation fans use FS Repaint to make impressive visual changes to their favorite aircraft easily. With its built-in editor, you'll repaint planes right before your eys and see the changes immediately as they'll appear in Flight Simulator. Just a few easy steps: select a default aircraft or 3rd party aircraft, create a new variation, repaint the aircraft, save it and then run Flight Simulator. Make a "rush repaint" in just minutes, or spend more time to add exacting details.

Compatible with both FSX and FS2004 and available by download or on CD-ROM. Visit the Abacus websitre for complete details.

NEMETH / MILVIZ - BELL UH-1 HUEY

Posted: Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - 21:56
The Bell UH-1 Huey was the US Army's first operational turboshaft-powered helicopter, the Bell UH-1 "Huey", would prove one of the most successful rotorcraft in history, with over 16,000 built. The Huey was and remains a common sight in many of the world's military forces, and still is in first-line service in the US Marines.

The improved version of the UH-1C is the UH-1D (Model 205), distinguished from the Model 204 by the side doors with two windows, and skids at an angle that gave the UH-1D a nose-up attitude on the ground. The UH-1D led to the improved "UH-1H", which is generally similar, but was fitted with the more powerful engine as well as avionics for night and bad-weather operation, and a radio navigation system.

The NEMETH DESIGNS UH-1 features a fully clickable dynamic virtual cockpit with 3D instruments, detailed interior and exterior visual models and HD textures, realistic flight dynamics and full documentation, for a look at this release visit the Nemeth UH1 Homepage .

1958 Cessna 172 from SimFlight3D

Posted: Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - 5:21
Contributing reviewer Chris Kiehl steps back 50 years to review an aircraft that is still going strong today. "The Cessna 172 is one of the most widely produced airframes, and one of the most popular training aircraft on Earth. The "Fastback" or "Straight-tail" 172 is something FS had been missing for quite some time, and it doesn't matter which of those nicknames you use, we finally have ourselves a nice little rendition of it from SimFlight 3D with their 1958 version."

* "One would expect a somewhat basic and modern Cessna panel, but we are looking at the grandparent of the modern 172’s we’re all acquainted with. This panel will be very different to you if you’re used to the modern Cessna in either the sim or real life. It’s not as cramped, and definitely looks like the much older panel of the Cessna 120 I learned to fly in. Bottom line, I don’t think this VC will disappoint. If you’re an early Cessna fan, or just really like the early ‘Fastback’ 172’s, then you’ll really love it."

"The attention to small texture and modeling details shows that the developer actually worked closely with this Cessna, and I love when developers construct a ship they‘re close to for the sim. Small pitot and intake tubes, great weathering effects, or that straight-up tail that looks real; it just has tons of great external detail. Four paint schemes are included, one which represents the ship that the developer of this package actually flew."

"It does fly very closely to the specifications and as many 172 owners and pilots have said, cruise speed is a little optimistic in the book. This ship won't go too fast, but then again, it's a trainer not a touring aircraft. Taking off is pretty much what you'd expect if you've ever touched the default Cessna’s or any other Cessna simulations. Landing follows this pattern as well, but the ground effect seems a little more realistic here than with other sim aircraft."

"SimFlight3D's 1958 Cessna 172 really held its own nicely, in my opinion. It does have some flaws, however, as nothing is ever perfect. For a first aircraft from this developer, it isn’t bad at all."

Avsim Store: New Titles and GoFlight LGT-II

Posted: Tuesday, August 18, 2009 - 15:54
Each month we are adding new exciting titles to the Avsim store.
Recently, we have added Aerosoft to the list of products that can be downloaded, along with Carenado, FS Flying School, Wilco and FS2Crew.
With Aerosoft, you get a great selection of scenery and planes such as Manhattan X or the Beaver DHC2

We have 20+ Carenado planes in our store including the Mooney 20J 201 and the new Cessna 172N Skyhawk float and C172N ski.
Flying School 2009 is a revolutionary tool that will teach you to fly like a pro. Flying School 2009 works with FS9 and FSX. It's available immediately as a download.
FS2Crew products can also be downloaded. The goal of FS2Crew is to simulate flying in a multi-crew environment.
New GoFlight module: LGTII
The GF-LGTII is the new landing gear module from GoFlight. It features a new landing gear switch with locking mechanism, a rudder and an aileron trim. The GF-LGTII will be available for delivery next week, you can pre-order yours today!

Visit the Avsim Store today

Scotflight for FSX: Version 2

Posted: Tuesday, August 18, 2009 - 1:56
Senior staff reviewer David Wilson-Okamura goes VFR over Scotland with Scotflight's Version 2 of the scenery for FSX. "In FSX, the default scenery for Scotland is not bad. All of the (major) airports are represented and there is good terrain mesh; in Glasgow and Edinburgh, there are numerous landmarks. What’s still missing are the smaller airfields, a detailed road network, accurate landclass, accurate shorelines, and rural landmarks (such as castles, wind farms, and broadcast towers). Scotflight: Version 2 addresses most of these shortcomings and then animates the landscape with moving traffic."

David takes us on atour of the various Scottish regions and compares the default scenery with that of Ultimate Terrain and Scotflight. "First, the landclass coverage of UT is much broader than Scotflight’s: it covers all of Scotland (and all of Europe), not just the areas around custom airfields. But the Scotflight landclass, for the areas the areas that it does cover, is hand-tuned. Second, the shorelines in UT are both less angular and more accurate than the shorelines in Scotflight -- and both are much improved compared with the default (as you can see from the screenshots). Third, UT and Scotflight both have more roads, and more road traffic, than the default scenery -- though again, UT has slightly more of both. Finally, Scotflight has something that UT doesn’t even attempt, which is more traffic on the waterways, with boats on three different lochs and ferries running between the islands; the ferry ports are modeled as well."

"A list of new or enhanced landmarks is available on the Scotflight product web page. By my count there are 15 wind farms, 8 broadcast towers, 11 major bridges, 2 oil terminals, 2 canals, 10 forts or castles, 3 new or refurbished structures at Glasgow, 14 ferry ports, 2 marinas, and 4 larger sites that I can’t classify: the Old Man of Hoy formation, the Cairngorm Mountain Railway, the ruins on Iona, and the Knockhill racetrack. Version 1 of this scenery, “Highlands & Islands,” had 27 enhanced airfields. Version 2 has 52."

Freeware Scenery

Posted: Tuesday, August 18, 2009 - 0:43
Looking for some great freeware scenery? Check out the titles over at Flyscenery. They have places like Catalina Airport, the Tacoma Narrows Airport, and their new Mobile 1AZ0 Airport. Their older titles EGLC London City Airport and Tom Field Airport are also available.