ActiveSky Version 6 Service Update 4 Released

Posted: Tuesday, June 13, 2006 - 23:07
HiFi Simulation Software has announced the release of Service Update 4 for ActiveSky Version 6 + Graphics. This update contains several fixes and enhancements, and is recommended for all ASv6 users. SU4 can be downloaded from the HiFiSim website .

ActiveSky Version 6 + Graphics is the latest full-featured weather and sky environment engine + complete sky graphics upgrade made exclusively for FS2004 and beyond. With roughly 5 years of ongoing development, the ActiveSky product line continues to evolve bringing new features based on user feedback and advances in new software technology. AS is designed, built, and tested by an assortment of real pilots, experienced simulation enthusiasts and meteorological experts. For more information please visit the website.

Yellowstone Natl. Park - The First in Georender's U.S. Parks Series

Posted: Tuesday, June 13, 2006 - 14:49
Georender announces their most extensive photorealistic scenery series yet released for Flight Simulator, the U.S. Parks Series. This series will feature a broad range of North American National Parks, State Parks and the larger National Monuments.

Hot on the heels of the award-winning Alaska Cinematic Series, the U.S. Parks series will incorporate full autogen, plus all of the latest geospatial methods, processing and art techniques. The world's first national park - Yellowstone - will contain as much detail as technically possible, including high-resolution terrain which will allow you to discover almost every feature.

Ponder the mysterious Yellowstone Lake, its apparent serenity hiding a dark secret! Explore the 'Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone' and look deep into the earth's interior. Marvel at the beautiful Absaroka and Gallatin mountain ranges. Perhaps you can even spot some wildlife from your aerial vantage point!
All 8,000 kilometres of the park, and more, are yours to explore. See all the details at the Georender website.

Something a bit different - A stroll around a P-51

Posted: Tuesday, June 13, 2006 - 5:22
AVSIM's publisher, Tom Allensworth, is in Adelaide, Australia today on business, but was able to take an hour or two out of his schedule to get up close and personal with a friend's P-51D located there. The P-51D "Flying Undertaker" was formerly located in Melbourne, Australia and was flown to Adelaide yesterday and placed in her new home. Tom has posted to the real aviation images forum some of the many shots he took today, and will be posting more in the coming days. In the meantime, have a look at what he has put online and enjoy some images of one the most famous of all warbirds, the P-51D.

A Quick Review Around The Islands of Malta

Posted: Tuesday, June 13, 2006 - 2:09
A new staff reviewer Gavin Hendrie takes us on a quick tour of the Island of Malta as presented by Aerosoft. The Republic of Malta is an archipelago of three islands: Malta, Gozo and Comino. It is situated in the centre of the Mediterranean; (58 miles from Sicily, 180 miles from Libya).

"The islands are quite small and, as I remember it from the time I went there in 1986, quite barren in appearance. The docks look good and the terrain mesh is excellent, giving nicely formed sharp cliffs where you’d expect them, and subtle changes in the landscape across the islands. The airport is a massive improvement on the default version."

"One thing I did particularly like about the airport is the marshal who guides you into your stand. There are no piers here so aircraft are positioned in a row in front of the terminal building much like your average municipal or regional airport. The marshals actually do give you signals to move left, right and stop, which is a nice touch."

Gavin wraps up this short review with, "Overall, two or three things let this product down in my opinion. The bland appearance of the island of Malta does little to inspire pilots. If you are a resident of Malta then this may be of interest to you."

Conference Registration - Forum Name/Callsign

Posted: Tuesday, June 13, 2006 - 1:36
Many of you have asked if you could have your "Forum Name or "Callsign" on your nametag at the conference so people can recognize each other from their online experiences. Well, the answer is yes.

If you have already registered and would like to have this feature added to your Conference nametag, please email the Registrar and we will add it to our database. If you haven't registered yet, please keep this feature in mind when you do register. If you are going to be registering on site, we will create your nametag at the door.

FSLog : Available Now

Posted: Monday, June 12, 2006 - 22:37
FSLog is a complete VA package: with a FS client and a website. It provides a state of art of the shelf solution for emerging a VA and for well established Virtual Airliners it offers as extras several maps, statistics, admin pages and roster. For maximum flexibility the package is FSAcars compatible and is provided as freeware. For more information go to the FSLog website.

Captain Sim Release AC-130E "Spectre" Expansion

Posted: Monday, June 12, 2006 - 12:18
The AC-130 'Spectre' has just been released by Captain Sim.

The Spectre model is available in the following variations:

- Clean (no exterior fuel tanks)
- With 2 exterior fuel tanks
- No dynamic shine (for matte liveries)
- With dynamic shine
- Flight Deck and wing view
- Combat Deck and wing view
- EICAS equipped cockpit
- Classic 'steam gauge' cockpit

In total, 12 model variations are available!

List of the AC-130 'Spectre' Model specific features and enhancements:

EXTERIOR MODEL:
Animated Multi-sensor Platform
2KW Illuminator
Pitot Static Booms (3)
Black Crow Radome
Animated Radome Shield
Animated 20MM Guns (2)
Infrared Reconnaissance Set
Reconnaissance Set Cooling Airintake
Reconnaissance Set Cooling Exhaust
7.62 Minigun Loopholes (2)
Animated 40MM Automatic Gun
Beacon Tracking Radar
Animated 105MM Gun
Illuminator Operator Canopy
Scanner/Observer Window
Removable Engine IR Shields (4)
Modified Animated Emergency Exit
New Antennas (7)
Ammo Rack
Used Brass Collector Tun
Consoles Operators Compartment
Modified Aft Door Windows
Ground Maintenance Gear Doors position

VIRTUAL COCKPIT (COMBAT DECK):
IR and EWO Console
EWO's Seat
IR Operator Seat
Crew Rest Seats (2)
TV Console
TV Operator Seat
105MM Ammo Rack (FWD)
20MM Ammo Rack
Scanner/Observer's Seat
Animated Multi-sensor Platform
20MM Guns (2)
7.62 Minigun Loopholes (2)
40MM Automatic Gun
105MM Gun
Illuminator Operator Canopy
Scanner/Observer Window
Removable Engine IR Shields (4)
Modified Emergency Exit
Illuminator Operator Bench
Ammo Rack
Cargo Compartment Rack
Used brass Collector Tun
Modified Aft Door Windows
Weapon Control 2D panel

All information can be found at Captain Sim's website.

The Next Generation FS - For Free

Posted: Monday, June 12, 2006 - 7:54
Those who were fortunate enough to attend the E3 Gaming Conference held recently, were able to see the very early version of Micorsoft's FS-X on display. AVSIM reader "Yak Yak" was one of those fortunate few and posted quite an article in the AVSIM forums on his time spent with FS-X. If you have not read Yak Yak's post, we suggest you do. What will be on display at the September AVSIM 2006 Convention and Exhibition will be much closer to the final release version, if not the final release version itself. We don't know, because Microsoft is not telling us, but you can be assured that what will be on display at the AVSIM Convention will nearly be the real deal or the real deal itself. And, best of all, 400 lucky attendees to the AVSIM Convention could return home with a free copy! You did not read that wrong... 400 FREE COPIES. All you need to do to get your free copy of Microsoft's next generation Flight Simulator - X, is be one fo the first 400 to register for the event. We can tell you that registrations are coming in at a furious pace. So, if you want to have a chance to get a free copy of FS-X, register today!

AVSIM Increases Storage Capacity

Posted: Sunday, June 11, 2006 - 1:55
We are pleased at AVSIM to announce that we recently purchased and installed three 146 GB SCSI hard disks to our servers. The three disks are being used to expand our file library capacity and to provide a backup disk to support our web site and other functions. Our goal is to continue expanding our services to the community and the infrastructure that supports those services. This is another in our continuing improvement of AVSIM infrastructure and reliability.

AlphaSim C-7 Caribou Released

Posted: Saturday, June 10, 2006 - 18:21
AlphaSim has announced the availability of the C-7 Caribou. This classic transport aircraft is depicted in five texture schemes, representative of its use by air forces around the world for several decades. One of the notable features of this package is the virtual cockpit - a very high level of detail and functionality has been squeezed in, and the fuselage interior is also included in case you want to 'stretch your legs' and have a walk around in-flight. The large radials come to life with the included soundset and an all-xml panel features pop-ups for radios, autopilot and electrics. The peculiarities of the Caribou's STOL flight dynamics have been captured in an authentic flight model, and even the Bou's trick 'nosewheel landing' can be replicated. More information is available at the AlphaSim site.

2 Classic Warbirds from Just Flight Reviewed

Posted: Saturday, June 10, 2006 - 4:38
Staff reviewer Joseph Ellwood looks at two classic warbirds of British fame, the Spitfire and the Tempest as presented by Just Flight. "The models that are included are simply a joy to view. The models clearly display the Spit and Tempest in all their glory."

"I was honestly surprised at the two panels for the aircraft," joe says, "They both feature well designed panels with all the necessary gauges and switches to maintain knowledge of the aircraft's performance status. The Virtual Cockpits (VC) included are very nice. But, I feel there’s less attention to detail in the “inside” of the Tempest. The Spit’s VC however, is a very different story."

"Flying these two beauties is really a thrill. The minute you open up the throttle, the aircraft will leap down the runway. Both aircraft get airborne reasonably quick. Both aircraft have the “rough” sound in the cockpit, which gives one the feeling of immense power at their fingertips."

Joe summarizes his review with, "I recommend downloading this release, grab some RAF scenery and do some aerobatics over the U.K. – this will complete the experience."

Fpanels Releases Cessna Series

Posted: Friday, June 9, 2006 - 17:38
FriendlyPanels announces the release of their Cessna 172-182 Family Aircraft Pack. Package includes: four Cessna 172 and 182 aircraft, Cessna Turbo Skyline II T182RG Retractable Gear, Cessna Reims Skyhawk II F172P, Cessna Skyline 182S and Cessna Skyhawk 172SP. Includes seven diferent instrument equipment packages, eight liveries, reflective textures, full moving parts, and more! visit Friendly Panels for more information.

Flight Replicas Releases Me-262

Posted: Friday, June 9, 2006 - 17:34
Michael Flahault, owner of Flight Replicas has released his Me-262 Schwalbe, and SkyUnlimited is the first to bring this product to your desktop. The Me-262 is one of the most acclaimed WWII fighters in history. It's turbojet engines, sweptback wings, tricycle landing gear, and 4 30mm cannon armament made it one of the deadliest aircraft to fly the skies of WWII. Now you have the chance to fly this remarkable aircraft in Flight Replicas's beautiful rendition of the first combat jet aircraft ever. For more information and to see this new release in action, visit Sky Unlimited.

Aerosoft Releases German Football Stadiums for Free

Posted: Friday, June 9, 2006 - 15:56
Visit the stadiums you see on TV now also in FS! For a large part of the world, the next few weeks will be focussed on football as the best teams of the world will decide who is champion. Clearly this means a lot less time will be spend in Flight Simulator, but what if you could visit the stadium in FS? Aerosoft makes it possible with a free(!) addon covering the twelve stadiums in Germany in great detail. Every stadium is placed on a small section of photographic scenery and perfectly matched with all the other German scenery sold by Aerosoft (but it also works fine on a default FS2004). As a special feature, you can even hear the supporters cheer when you get close, using some special scenery technology, IntelliScene (A sample but remember, this is compressed mp3, not like it sounds in FS2004.) . A simple tool allows you to select the stadiums with or without supporters. When the championship is over you will be left with 12 of the most visible landmarks in Germany, many of those located close to airports so they will look great when you fly land there. The manual is in English, German, Spanish and French. We hope you will enjoy this free gift to our customers and friends!

How to get this product
This product can be downloaded by everybody who is either already a Aerosoft customer or is willing to leave valid email address so we can send you some PR stuff (only one time, you can opt out, of course after that). You know us, we don't spam, okay? There will be a special page where you can leave you name and address and we'll give you the download url and send you the free registration code by email.

To get your free copy visit Aerosoft's website

Eaglesoft's Liberty XL2 - Reviewed

Posted: Friday, June 9, 2006 - 3:19
Avsim staff reviewer Lydell Stelmack looks at the "Miata" of GA aircraft, Eaglesoft's Liberty XL2.

Well rounded and skillfully crafted, Eaglesoft has modeled the Liberty XL2 in a true likeness of the real deal. Described as a two-seater trainer or touring aircraft, the XL2 butterfly style canopy doors offer a high visibility “glass cockpit”.

Operation of various switches was simple enough in both VC and 2D views. Featured in the XL2 is the “Vision Tech” digital engine display gauge, an all-in-one instrument displaying engine parameters with a functioning CHT/EGT button. Also featured in the Liberty XL2 is the “DigiTrak” autopilot. The real prize here is the Garmin radio stack including the Garmin, GTX 330 transponder, GMA 340 audio panel, GNS 430 GPS and GNS 530 GPS.

It can be said just turn the key and start flying much like driving your car. With the FADEC engine system of the XL2, the need for propeller, mixture, and carb heat controls have been eliminated. Starting up the XL2 consists of turning on the battery, turn on FADEC, boost pump on and start her up. That’s it. All engine power settings for take off, climb and cruise are adjusted simply with the throttle, no fuss, no muss.

Lydell says it all in his review's closing remarks, "Simmers looking for a challenging busy cockpit may want to pass this one up. Yet if your looking for the modern, well equipped GA aircraft of today, with less workload for the pilot and more time flying, then this would be a great start."

FSD Pilatus PC6 Porter Released

Posted: Thursday, June 8, 2006 - 21:36
FSD International announces the release of the long requested ski version of the popular Pilatus PC6 Porter. The ski version represents the 3rd version of this popular and versatile aircraft. The landplane and amphibian models have also been upgraded to version 2.0, incorporating many improvements. Version 2.0 of all three models will be supported for compatibility with the upcoming Flight Simulator X at no additional charge. A discount is available for both the version 2.0 upgrade and ski model for present license owners of the Pilatus Porter Version 1.0, originally released in 2003. Visit the FSD website for more details.

Finnish Division IVAO Fly-In

Posted: Thursday, June 8, 2006 - 20:59
The newly formed Finnish division of IVAO is pleased to announce it's first online event, the Finnish Opening Fly-in. The event takes place on Saturday 17th of June 2006, from 17.00 to 23.00 UTC with the capital of Finland, Helsinki (EFHK), as the central point of the fly-in. All necessary ATC positions in Helsinki will be staffed, and naturally also the area control centers along the way in both Finland and Sweden.

All needed information, including procedures, scenery and charts, can be found from the fly-in's website. Please make sure you visit this page before your flight.

Welcome to explore the land of the Midnight Sun, now also on IVAO!

VideoFlyRec Announces New Kingair DVD

Posted: Thursday, June 8, 2006 - 19:59
Videoflyrec is pleased to announce that its latest production is now available for purchase. Videoflyrec B200 is a Multicrew Coordination Course (MCC) produced in collaboration with Aeromadrid. This course is performed by professional pilots in a real B200 King Air simulator where we explain step by step, both normal and emergency procedures.

The first part of the DVD explains the use of every cockpit switch, knob and control. Then we perform in detail every phase of the normal ground procedures, engine start, preflight checks, cockpit preparation, etc. We then proceed to explain a full flight from Madrid to Palma Mallorca where the pilots perform the normal procedures and viewer may see how the crew coordinate their actions. Once the flight is concluded, emergency procedures are executed like engine failure, sudden decompression, landing gear failure, etc. The video ends by listing some of the characteristics and limitations of the B200. For more information, visit the Videoflyrec Website.

Flight1 Teams With Airbus

Posted: Thursday, June 8, 2006 - 19:52
Flight One Software is excited to announce today an official partnership with Airbus Military (AMSL) for the replication of the A400M military transport aircraft to be used in Microsoft's Flight Simulator. Following the success of the manufacturer-endorsed ATR 72-500, Flight One will be working closely with Airbus engineers and staff to develop an officially sanctioned version of the A400M, which will replicate in intricate detail this new airlifter for the 21st century.

With an all new cockpit for its type, the A400M cockpit will feature an advanced glass avionics cockpit featuring fly-by-wire systems and a Flight Management System that operates similarly to the Airbus A380. The advanced 3D aircraft model will include a fully animated aircraft exterior, as well as provide an in-depth virtual cockpit and a virtual cargo hold. As you'd expect, the Flight Model will be validated by Airbus staff to be as accurate as possible. Flight One have already stated that they will be "pushing beyond the boundaries of what has been seen in PC flight simulation to date." Flight One is scheduling release in the first half of 2007, and it is anticipated that all the new features of the new FSX version of Flight Simulator will be used in order to make this a fun, as well as realistic, aircraft to fly. For more information, visit the Flight1 Site.

A New Look at Just Flight's C-130 Hercules

Posted: Wednesday, June 7, 2006 - 3:04
"It’s considered one of the most successful designs ever to grace the skies in the short history of aviation, and for those who might disagree, the military and civilian organizations of some 60 countries might argue the point. Sr Staff Reviewer Alexis Esguerra is talking about the C-130 Hercules from Just Flight (Captain Sim), "quite literally the jack of all trades that does it all."

"I feel it important to reiterate that the meat and potatoes of C-130 Hercules is basically the same as previously released by Captain Sim as Legendary C-130," says Alexis, "much of the details of the add-on remain the same, including some rather excellent modeling of the interior/exterior, sounds, aircraft systems, ACE Configurator, and other related niceties that are, in regards to this specific plane, second to none."

"The revised C-130 Hercules brings a total of 52 skins to the hangar, covering each of the three major variants. With so many schemes, one wonders if it’s possible to get tired of flying this aircraft. A second bonus feature is the inclusion of the optional Lyneham Air Base scenery. This UK facility, located at the city of Wiltshire, is the staging base for all RAF Hercules squadrons. It is perfectly at home in C-130. Just Flight's C-130 Hercules also features the capability to refuel the ‘Herc’ in-flight."

"The original may have had a shaky start, but rest assured that the performance bugs of Legendary C-130 were well ironed out prior to this current release by Just Flight." Alexis concludes in his review, "in my humble opinion, it soundly beats down any prior MSFS incarnation of the ‘Herc’ I’ve ever seen, and might even create a few new fans of the C-130 Hercules."