Win FS2Crew for the Airbus A320

Posted: Saturday, May 19, 2007 - 0:18
Airbus Captains please note, FS2Crew’s “A320 Challenge” is officially underway. Answer five skill testing questions for your chance to win one of 10 copies of FS2Crew’s latest crew simulation: FS2Crew for the Wilco FeelThere A320.

Custom engineered from scratch to accommodate the nuances of the Airbus series and designed to make your flight simulator experience more immersive, the Wilco FeelThere A320 Edition of FS2Crew allows you to simulate true airline style, multi-crew flying from the Captain’s perspective using real Airbus SOPs.

The contest closes on release day, which is scheduled for May 26th at 1700 Zulu. Airbus drivers are cleared via present position direct to the FS2Crew Airbus Page to enter the contest.

Eaglesoft Columbia 400 1.5 Goes Gold!

Posted: Saturday, May 19, 2007 - 0:13
In a news release received today Team Eaglesoft, is pleased to announce that their Columbia 400 V1.5 Package for FSX is now available for purchase! Eaglesoft FSX Columbia 400 V1.5 retains all the great features of our FS9 Columbia 400 V1.0 and adds an FSX 3D Studio Max model with .dds textures, bump mapping, specular lighting, self shadowing, and other great FSX features! Please taxi on over to Eaglesoft for screenshots and discount purchase coupons.

AlphaSim Tu-22 'Blinder' Released

Posted: Saturday, May 19, 2007 - 0:12
There's a new addition to the Russian section - the Tu-22KD 'Blinder'. The Tupolev Bureau's daring 1950's design was the catalyst for many of the now famous Cold War interceptors such as the F-102 and the Lightning. The supersonic bomber was highly advanced and complex for its day, the AlphaSim model package is likewise a technical heavyweight.

AlphaSim notes, "Much effort has gone into reproducing both the challenging flight dynamics and the complicated interface of the panel and cockpit, as well as the subtle sweeps and curves of the 'area rule' classic Blinder shape. A detailed, carefully illustrated procedures checklist helps the user find their way around the unfamiliar panel. Very detailed texturing adds a new dimension of realism with weathering, staining and of course bump-mapping in FSX. The multi-stage afterburner effects, coupled with the thunderous soundset, brings the Cold War to your desktop! The model has some neat tricks too - as a Tu-22KD, it carries a huge stand-off nuclear missile in its belly. The three crew have animated hatches which when opened, allowing the three ejection seats for crew mount / dismount. The afterburner petals are also animated, as are the ring-like intake modifiers. The cockpit is brimming with authenticity, including Russian text and numerous mousable features. The master textures are also made available so repainters can enjoy another dimension of the package and create their own schemes."

This release is for FS2004 and FSX. The filesize is 24MB (FS9) 35MB (FSX). Complete details and screenshots can be viewed on the AlphaSim News page.

Aerosoft Celebrates Canadian Long Weekend

Posted: Saturday, May 19, 2007 - 0:02
Aerosoft North America Ltd. wants to do something special for the AVSIM forum members/readers during this Canadian Long Weekend. Also to celebrate a great Service Pack 1 for Flight Sim X!

During the next three days Aerosoft has placed a very special page in the webshop, where only AVSIM forum members and readers can get to. This link ends on Tuesday morning at 6 AM EST. Canadian readers have a diferent link from the American readers. Please note that you can only get to those pages via these links, they do not show up via the Aerosoft home page.

Aerosoft would also like to offer a “wishlist option”. If the forum members send an email with one product listed in it that they would like to see appearing in the special offers, then the best hits will be placed in these sections on Sunday and Monday!

Hurricane Fighters of WWII for CFS 3

Posted: Friday, May 18, 2007 - 23:50
The Hawker Hurricane is a classic example of an overlooked hero. Few would say that the Hurricane won the war. Names such as Spitfire, Mustang, and Fortress fall into that discussion. However, this forgotten savior bore the brunt of the first few years of the war.

SkyUnlimited has developed each service variant of the Mk.II series as well as the earlier Mk.I’s with the utmost consideration towards detail and realism. Some of the new features include: 9 Highly detailed exterior models of the Hurricane ranging from the Mk.I through Mk.IID including Tropical Versions; Beautifully rendered Virtual Cockpits by Brandon Toomey; Stunning paint schemes by John Terrell; "By the Book" flight dynamics built with the latest in airfile design technology by the acclaimed Jerry Beckwith; Combat Flight Simulator 3 damage and bullet hole effects; Detailed Merlin Engine that can be viewed by opening the bomb bay; Custom Sound sets created by authentic recordings of the Merlin engines, with unique recordings inside and outside of the aircraft; and an original .PDF Flight Manual, as well as an appropriate checklist.

SkyUnlimited hopes you consider enjoying the legacy of one of the most important fighters of all time. For all the details of Legacy of the Sky: Hurricane Fighters of WWII for CFS 3, visit the SkyUnlimited website.

Two New Patches For FScene4X

Posted: Thursday, May 17, 2007 - 20:04
FScene has released two patches for FScene4X. Both the Europe and USA & Canada versions have been updated. If you use the FS9 version of FScene, you don't need them.

You can download these updates from the FScene website.

ATCsimulator®2 Updated

Posted: Thursday, May 17, 2007 - 7:06
ATCsimulator®2 (Build 3.3.0.14) Professional and Standard editions have been updated with current aircraft flight plans and airline schedules. This update is current as of April/May 2007 and involves more than 28,000+ aircraft callsigns across the entire 120 sectors included with the product. For more information, visit the ATCsimulator website.

FSFlyingSchool Version 1.6 Released

Posted: Thursday, May 17, 2007 - 1:00
FSInventions announces a new version of its FSFlyingSchool add-on for FSX and FS2004. Version 1.6 introduces several new features which are free to existing customers and new users alike. Instructors are now looking for pre-flight checks on rudder, elevator, ailerons, flaps and the main exit. What's more, they won't appreciate the exit being opened when unsafe and will be expecting spoilers and reversers to be used appropriately.

The latest version of the program slightly relaxes the demands of the instructors with regard to safe taxiing habits and given that the instructors now have more to say, background chatter is a little less frequent. In addition, the program user interface has been enhanced by the inclusion of detailed pop-up tool-tips for all buttons, prompts and input fields. FSFlyingSchool is now available on CD. To find out more, watch movies, download demo, etc, visit the FSFlyingSchool Website.

More New Files At HJG

Posted: Thursday, May 17, 2007 - 0:56
"It's been a relatively peaceful past 5 weeks at HJG ("HISTORIC JETLINERS GROUP") .... but .... I guess even these dedicated classic jetliner specialist occasionally need to take things easy. The past 3 weeks have seen an interesting selection of some 20 new files being added to the extensive variety of material which makes up the HJG inventory of classic civil jetliner models, panels, sounds, textures, and effects files for FS."

"These latest additions are comprised of some more extremly rare B707 subjects from Asian, African, European, Middle Eastern, North American, Scandinavian, and South American countries. Among which include a very rare Austrian B707-138B, and an even more rare, almost now forgotten, Canadian B707-320C."

"For the military affectionados HJG also has the pleasure of announcing availability of its brand new TC-135S & W models (with CFM turbofan engines) which are supported with a selection of USAF liveries, as well as an updated E-3C AWACS model, which features 2 impressive comemorative NATO liveries as well as updated USAF textures."

All are currently available for download "FREE" from the HJG website.

Piper Warrior 2 & 3

Posted: Thursday, May 17, 2007 - 0:55
Australian Simulation have released their version 2 of the Piper Warrior 2 & 3 for FS2004 and FSX. It comes with detailed models featuring an older "used and abused" plane as well as a brand new plane. For more information, check out the Australian Simulation web site.

Just Flight Releases VFR England Scenery

Posted: Thursday, May 17, 2007 - 0:49
Just Flight has released their Volume 2 of their VFR Real Scenery: Central and S. England. Featuring high resolution textures, you can fly over accurately depicted scenery. Sounds great.

For more information, screenshots or to order, check out the Just Flight product page.

Concensus of Opinion? SP1 Rocks!

Posted: Thursday, May 17, 2007 - 0:06
Okay... "Rocks" may be somewhat of an over statement, but the chatter in the AVSIM FSX forum seems to be indicating a very positive reception to the Microsoft FSX SP1 that was released last night. The inside scoop? The ACES team is reading the AVSIM FSX forum and are very pleased with the feedback occurring there. We are too! Thousands of readers have been participating in the FSX forum today, catching up with the release, issues, the good news, tweaks and more. Some postings have been read over 6,000 times in the less than 24 hours since the SP1 release. Want to join in the fun? Learn from your fellow enthusiasts, and share in the experience of the new FSX? If so, please join us in the FSX Forum!

Microsoft Releases Service Pack 1 for FSX

Posted: Wednesday, May 16, 2007 - 3:30
We have received word from the Microsoft ACES team that the long awaited Service Pack 1 for Flight Simulator X is to be released tonight. Hal Bryan, Flight Simulator Community Evangelist for the ACES team wrote us and had this to say; "FSX Service Pack 1 is going live as I type this, and should be available on the FSInsider site by about the time you read it. It’s currently released in English, French, German, Italian, Polish, and Spanish – Japanese will be available hopefully within 24 hours – just waiting for final signoff from Microsoft Japan.

Visitors to the site will also notice that we’re rolling out the very earliest phase of our FSInsider membership. Anyone who downloads SP1 will be asked to consider signing up for membership – it’s free, quick, and totally optional. We’re planning on offering a lot of fun stuff to members in the near future, and hoping, of course, that customers opt in."

You can download SP1 for FSX by going to the FSInsider site and clicking on Downloads. And read Phil Taylor's (of the ACES team) message on the AVSIM Forums about the SP1 release.

To stay on top of this developing story, share user's insight to the Service Pack release, hints and help, tweaks, install issues, and all things SP1 related, keep your eye on the AVSIM FSX forum - the most comprehensive forum related to FSX in our hobby! Join it here.

The Treasure Chest

Posted: Tuesday, May 15, 2007 - 3:13
Staff reviewer Trevor Clark contributes in the footsteps of Steve "Bearracing" Cartwright with his new monthly review of freeware products that are worthy of all of our readers attention.

He entitles his contribution "The Treasure Chest". We at AVSIM hope that you will enjoy reading his comments about worthy freeware downloads in the spirit of Steve's "Bear Cave". While this is his second actual freeware article, Trevor endeavours to contribute the "Treasure Chest" on a regular basis.

Airport Enhancement Services from Aerosoft

Posted: Tuesday, May 15, 2007 - 2:01
Staff reviewer Michael "DocW' Wehner looks at all of the "extras" that are included with Aerosoft's Airport Enhancement Services. "AES is a tool that offers detailed adjustable and aircraft tailored ground services for certain, mainly Aerosoft distributed airports. It provides you with a fully automated pushback service, a follow me vehicle, an animated 3D marshaller, a visual docking guidance system, moving and well aligned jetways, stairways, catering vehicles and luggage-belt or container vehicles serving your plane."

"The level of detail looks adequate for me and doesn't leave a lot to desire. Let’s imagine you came to a stop in LEPA and gate 18 was assigned to you. You would open the AES-User-Interface, which is similar to the ATC window, with CRTL-SHFT-W, adjust the Gate number with the function keys and then call the Follow Me van. the van will appear suddenly if watched from an outside view, but if you stay in the cockpit, the van will create a realistic visual impression by driving from your peripheral field of vision into the center. You can now follow the VW to the gate."

"Arriving at your gate, the automatic guidance system will direct you into the parking position. Arriving at a stand; the 3D marshaller waves you into position. When he is happy with your alignment, you will be asked to apply parking brakes and soon after be informed that the blocks are now in position and finally the jetways or stairways come into play. I am really impressed by finding out that the little extendable pads of the service trucks indeed extend when they moved themselves into position."

DocW asked several questions directly to the developers and received some detail feedback. In his summation of Aerosoft's AES, Michael comments, "Simming is a lot about immersion. Immersion is a very personal matter, if ground handling is on your list, then AES helps a lot. I had no serious issues with the package whatsoever, everything worked as advertised. AES impressed me as an elaborate, genuine and substantial contribution to FS9 with still lots of promising perspectives."

New From AlphaSim The CH-46 Sea Knight

Posted: Monday, May 14, 2007 - 13:15
AlphaSim has just released their latest product for FS9 & FSX the CH-46 Sea Knight. The famous US Navy workhorse is recreated in three variations, The HH-46D SAR bird of NAS Pt.Mugu painted a stunning red/gray and a pair of NAS North Island Sea Knights - a UH-46D and a CH-46D, the latter in modern lo-vis colors. AlphaSim goes on to mention that detailing is high throughout - the pin-sharp textures come to life in FSX with bump mapping and self-shadowing, the VC has every switch and knob duplicated with its associated text thanks to the real CH-46 manual being used in development. The VC also includes the whole rear cabin which can be viewed in-flight by using the rear view function in 2D panel mode. The submission goes on to mention the animations include rear ramp, side door and steps, winch and cable (FS9 only) and togglable pilot figures (FS9 only), further the custom sounds have been given the thumbs-up from a real CH-46 pilot who also commented favorably on the flight dynamics, the highly accurate and stable flight model comes with a useful checklist and reference card and can be flown comfortably at all difficulty levels and in conclusion a repaint kit is included . For FS2004/FSX only Filesize 18MB (FS9) 23MB (FSX). Price approx.$29.95USD, £14.80, 22EUR. Further details on this product are available Here.

IFC Radio Coming To An End

Posted: Sunday, May 13, 2007 - 14:34
Independent Flightsim Community (also known as IFC Radio) will be coming to an end today (May 13th 2007) at 0800zulu. But don't worry, in-flight entertainment does not stop there because IFC Radio is being replaced by a brand new station - Sky Blue Radio. Presenting FS News, call in’s, chat shows, competitions and interviews. Sim pilots will still be able to tune in to Sky Blue Radio via the com2 radio on 123.45. To celebrate the launch of the new station, Sky Blue radio have announced a ‘LIVE DJ’ day starting at 0800z TODAY! (13th May 2007). Check them out at The Sky Blue Radio Website

OZ FANCON Forum Now Open

Posted: Sunday, May 13, 2007 - 14:10
The Australian (OZ) Flight Simulation Fan Convention support forum is now open on AVSIM! The OZFANCON will take place in late October this year on the Gold Coast of Australia, and will immediately precede the AVSIM FAN CON to take place in Bellevue (Seattle), Washington that follows in November. The two events have teamed up to bring you FAN coverage from around the world. The OZFANCON forum will keep you up to date on the news regarding the event, provide a venue for you to ask questions and seek out friends and fellow community members who may be attending. Log into today and get your up to the minute news on the OZFANCON!

FSInsider Delivers AVSIM News to the Community

Posted: Sunday, May 13, 2007 - 13:35
The AVSIM Team is pleased to announce that its 24 hour a day coverage of the flight simulation community can now also be read on the Microsoft FSInsider site. The FSInsider portal is Microsoft's main entry point for all new and experienced flight sim fans. Providing dynamic news content on the FSInsider portal now gives new users of the flight simulator immediate access to current news and events in our ever expanding community. Check out FSInsider today!

XCity Rome from Cloud 9

Posted: Sunday, May 13, 2007 - 2:13
Staff reviewer Allen Lavigne takes us on a tour of Roma with Cloud9's XCity Rome. "Rome, an entire city with widely varying complex buildings rendered in 3D, covering an area of 100 square miles."

"My first impressions are that Xcity Rome meshes well without a drop in fps at all. Although it is quite visible and in its entirety, it does not clash with its surroundings, which to me is a very important requirement for quality. Approaching outlying neighborhoods of XCity Rome for the first time, entire blocks are wrapped around with one wall touching the outside of streets. What makes the illusion work is that the rooftops are actually cutouts from the underlying area of the matching satellite photo for that rooftop. They’ve made for a fairly good resemblance in my opinion."

"Placement accuracy in the city center is remarkable.Most roofs are simply the section of a satellite photo of what should be underneath that block of buildings. When the building actually does occupy the entire block, this works rather nicely. LIRA, the old Ciampino airport southeast of Rome, has little to offer the candy hunter. With simple generic buildings and an ILS approach for runway 15, its only attribute being that XCity Rome is within sight as soon as you depart from 33."

"There are two customized heliports included in the package, with nice night lighting added. Many bridges along the Tiber river were reproduced, with a couple near the Vatican made in very nice detail, even underneath, and at night are quite pretty. The others are still similar to their counterparts in the real world."

Closing out this tour of Cloud9's XCity Rome Allen notes, "I would strongly recommend getting Xclass for Europe from Cloud9 first, and then if you want to visit Italy, get XCity Rome. Especially if this is a regular stop of yours with enough visits to merit a purchase. The overly generic facades and rooftops could use some work, but that might raise the price of development and affect fps performance which I found to be on par with what FSX default was giving."