Just Flight Announces Coming F117-A

Posted: Friday, May 5, 2006 - 14:40
Just Flight is pleased to announce that it will be publishing F117a Stealth Fighter on 9th June. This incredible aircraft can go pretty much where it pleases and fly undetected thanks to its bizarre shape. Known as the Stealth Fighter, it’s actually a bomber and has been deployed successfully in many theatres of war ever since the first secret flights in the early 1980s. Now the team at CLS has brought this amazing machine to Flight Simulator and armchair pilots can now join the airborne elite and take the Nighthawk anywhere they want in the FS world. The simulation will have a range of features: Accurate 3D model and flight dynamics based on experience of over 50 hours in an official F-117A simulator, the airframe surface has been given a realistic reflective sheen. The finish has a mottled effect to model the RAM (radar-absorbent material) coating. numerous animations including elevons, drag chute, radio antennas, canopy and rudders. custom gauges, effects (navigation lights and cockpit illuminations) and animations. The plane also has optional ‘lite’ cockpit to improve performance on lower spec PCs. There are even ground services which include a bomb truck, chocks and ‘remove’ tapes.

For more information, visit Just Flight.

AI TimeTable Update

Posted: Friday, May 5, 2006 - 4:19
Vincenzo Mercolino has let AVSIM know that geniX Software has released the new AI TimeTable 1.97 build 63. The program contains some small improvements plus the capability to display user IFR flight status directly on FS main window (for registered users only). Take a look at genixsoft website for more information.

Leon Louis Remembered

Posted: Thursday, May 4, 2006 - 21:42
On April 14th, 2006 Leon Louis passed away. For all of you who did not know him, Leon was a great man, his humour was unsurpassable and he had unlimited patience. Our library has 366 files by Leon, they vary from repaints to scenery. Leon will be missed by the community and by all that knew him personally. AVSIM would like to extend its condolences to Leon's family and friends.

FSUIPC v3.60 Released

Posted: Thursday, May 4, 2006 - 21:02
Peter Dowson has released a new version of FSUIPC - the magic program which enables all our other programs to communicate with MSFS. It replaces FS6IPC.DLL for use with FS98/FS2000/FS2002/FS2004 (reverse compatibility for FS98 add-ons).

There are numerous additional features, a revised Tab layout, major changes to the text windows, new offset functions, and much more. As ever it can be used free without registration, although paying for registration gives access to more features, and supports Peter in this most essential piece of software for online flying.

Download it from the Official Peter Dowson Page.

Cockpit Builder News

Posted: Thursday, May 4, 2006 - 18:10
A marriage between sytems! In cockpit building there are two very popular electrical freeware systems for driving external hardware like overhead panels, pedestals, VOR receivers, MCP.'s etc. These are the FsBus system (www.FsBus.de) and the OpenCockpits system (www.OpenCockpits.com). Till now those systems seemed to be incompatible, but this weekend Nico Kaan, from the Netherlands, published a really simple method to integrate those systems. The advantage is clear. Builders who have already invested in one system can, if they desire, continue with the other and vice versa. See Nico Kaan's website Here.

Cloud9 releases KLAX !

Posted: Thursday, May 4, 2006 - 11:32
The Los Angeles scenery has been released and all simmers can now start flight operations on the most detailed scenery ever developed for this airport. This high quality project available on the cloud9 web site has been developed to reach two important goals: the maximum quality allowed by Flight Simulator and the minimum possible impact on the frame rate. In the product you will find high quality ground textures, superb 3D renderings for all airport buildings, special features like the active gates that automatically recognize your aircraft type, an active Marshalling system, animated ground handling equipments for AI aircrafts and many other features to discover. This product is offered, as for all other cloud9 products, with an embedded trial version to give the possibility to try the scenery with full detail before purchase it. The boxed version of the Los Angeles scenery will be available on the cloud9 online shop starting from the end of May.

MegaCity Hawaii Photo-Scenery Available

Posted: Wednesday, May 3, 2006 - 19:31
MegaScenery publisher, PC Aviator, today announced the release of a cameo Hawaii photo-scenery for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 that features the Island of Oahu and Honolulu.

Flight simmers will now be able to explore the entire Oahu Island in detail right down to rooftops on houses, sand traps on golf courses as well as the finely detailed coastline that makes up the beaches that mainlanders all over the world flock to for their vacations.

The scenery is recreated for both day and night flying, and it is available exclusively through the publisher as an instant download. For more detailed information is available at the MegaScenery website.

Mega Airport Vienna Released

Posted: Wednesday, May 3, 2006 - 11:24
In cooperation with the award-winning Fly Tampa team, Aerosoft now present the boxed version of Vienna Schwechat International Airport.

The unique terrain and pavement rendering techniques achieve a most realistic feeling when taxiing along the airport. Different ground texture changes show the typical harsh seasons of the Alps. Even for tough winters there is a special texture layout available. Numerous static and dynamic objects make the airport come alive while docking signs and attendants help the pilots to park the aircraft in the right position. The airport is fully compatible with the favourite Austria Professional scenery. A printed English manual and XXL-Charts are included in the package!

Visit Aerosoft for all the details.

AirsideTV.com Launches Enhanced Website

Posted: Tuesday, May 2, 2006 - 18:35
AirsideTV, the world's first and only online aviation video channel launched its newly enhanced website today at AirsideTV. The redesigned site was unveiled as part of the company’s 5th anniversary. Some of the website’s new features include a redesigned easy-to-use interface, streamlined page size, and enhanced site functionality. The website’s redesign also includes Airside TV’s new Apparel and Accessories Range. The online e-store offers Airside TV viewers a host of customizable shirts, caps and other accessories which may be owner-defined with a selection of attention-grabbing aviation images and text.

New content is being constantly updated to Airside TV, including highlights from the Sport Pilot TV television program broadcast to over 60 million households nationwide. The aviation program covers all aspects of the industry including the men and women supporting the pursuit of flight. Featured segments include aircraft profiles ranging from the ever-popular Goodyear Blimp to the classy and powerful Piper Meridian. The show also features interviews with aviation’s newsmakers including Patty Wagstaff, Sean D. Tucker and members of The US Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration squadron.

Paul Brennan, co-founder and Director of AirsideTV, emphasized the unique mixture of content and functionality the online video platform offers. “This redesign of the Airside TV website enhances the power of our video platform” he said. “The new site is all about ease-of-use, functionality and entertaining content.” Phil O'Reilly, AirsideTV’s co-founder and web development director, described the website’s natural transition over the past five years. “"We've developed the interface's original look and feel of analogue cockpit controls to the emerging era of glass cockpit technology," he said.” This influenced design and functionality is part of our commitment to continually provide our viewers with a powerful Web-based aviation resource."

In addition to the enhanced AirsideTV website, the online aviation portal continues to promote and partner with its sister websites: AirsideTV Brasil, produced and broadcast in Portuguese by our Brazilian-based team (www.airsidetv.com/brasil); and FlightsimTV.com (www.flightsimtv.com), a video portal dedicated to the passion of virtual flight. AirsideTV plans to unveil other products and services in the coming months.

Updated Recorder Module for FS2004 released

Posted: Monday, May 1, 2006 - 20:53
The Recorder module is a freeware addon for FS2004, which can record flights, save them to files and play them back like the FS instant replay and flight video recorder, but with a lot more features. The module records data like aircraft position, speed, etc, so the recordings can only be played inside FS. This has the advantage, that recordings can be watched from different views. Main features: recording flights of unlimited length, replay, jumping/searching forward/backward during playback, playback control via keyboard or control window, loop part of a recording, change playback speed, custom keyboard controls, customizing recorded data. Version 1.05 (final) and version 1.2 beta have just been released. Version 1.05 adds some small improvements and fixes. Version 1.2 adds two exciting new features: Playback of recorded flights using a different (AI) aircraft instead of the user aircraft, and advanced tower and spot views, including multiple tower/spot views, free panning, autozoom, loading and saving of views, etc. The module is available for download right here in the Avsim Library. Or you can find the Recorder Module by following the link.

Just Planes releases CRJ-700 DVD

Posted: Monday, May 1, 2006 - 19:24
There are 6 flights on the CRJ-700 including 5 in the cockpit, 1 in the cabin, an external walkaround and cockpit presentation focusing mainly on the differences between the 200 and 700. Here are some screenshots of footage of this cool DVD. As always Justplanes is the website where you can find many of of your favorite aircraft available to you to view on DVD.

New Naples International Freeware

Posted: Saturday, April 29, 2006 - 18:08
A freeware version of Naples International Airport has been released by Napulevola. A very frame rate friendly design featuring all of the airport's structures, lights, and buildings, everything you need is included in this package. Best of all, it's completely free. Visit the website here for your copy.

SDScene Brest Scenery from SimuDesign Released

Posted: Saturday, April 29, 2006 - 18:01
SimuDesign has announced the release of their SDScene Brest scenery for FS2004. The scenery covers Brest Bretagne (Guipavas), a regional airport located in the west of France. Some of the features are as follows:
Very accurate modeling of buildings with several LODs
Many 3D objects, both static and animated
Realistic night lighting
Photorealistic landclass
Automated lighting system (lights are switched on when the visibility decreases)
3D animated marshaller which interacts with your plane when parking
Frequency controlled animations


You can see some screenshots and get more information regarding this scenery at
SimuDesign's website.

The Islands of Malta Released

Posted: Thursday, April 27, 2006 - 22:43
The Islands of Malta covers all three islands of Malta in great detail. Using all the latest technology sim-wings makes this nation come to life in Flight Simulator. With the main international airport and the rather large heliport you got enough to start your flights to explore this gem in the Mediterranean. Any release of a sim-wings product is something to celebrate, but if you check out the product page you will see why everybody in the Aerosoft office is considering a move to Valetta.

Another E-Manual Landed at Feelthere

Posted: Thursday, April 27, 2006 - 18:58
In co-operation with Mike Ray the author of many popular airplane manuals feelThere is announcing the next release of Mike's e-book "The Unofficial 737 300/400/500 Simulator Checkride Survival Manual". Captain Mike Ray has created something uniquely suited for the PC simmer that makes the transition simple and fun. His new e-book is for both the beginner as well as the expert simmer, and it is availabe at www.feelthere.com

SEA Development's "Checklist Manager" Reviewed

Posted: Thursday, April 27, 2006 - 6:45
Senior staff reviewer Brian Fletcher looks at a utility that every serious simmer has used in one form or another. The checklist. Except this time it's in electronic form. Here's Checklist Manager by SEA Development.

"The aircraft checklist acts as a silent co-pilot that ensures your aircraft is airworthy and walks you through each step of flight from pre-start to shutdown," notes Brian, "What is the Checklist Manager? In short, it is one of the most simple and straight to the point onscreen checklists available for FS9."

"Technically speaking, the SEA Checklist Manager will work with any aircraft in your inventory from the Wright Flyer to the Airbus A380. In order to load the Checklist Manager you will need choose one of the “SEA Checklist Manager” flights from the “select a flight” menu in FS9. Once the flight loads you can then choose any aircraft of your choice and the Checklist Manager will remain active."

"Each of the flights will begin with a cold cockpit where you will follow a series of pre-start inspections to ensure the aircraft is ready for startup. The checklist will begin by requesting an external inspection, a fuel calculation, and suggest that you get a weather briefing from ATIS. The next few steps ask you to verify that your charts are ready for use, the parking brake is set with the throttle controls at idle, and to switch on the battery master switch. Once the pre-start inspection is complete it will be replaced by the startup procedure checklist,....and so on."

The Cap'n wraps up the review with, "Like every add-on ever made, this product comes down to a matter of taste. Some virtual pilots will like the ability to have the on-screen checklist so that they don’t have to take their eyes off the screen. Others may prefer the realism of having a paperback version instead. I have found a few benefits to having a program like this."

AVSIM Reviewers Promoted - New Reviewers Wanted

Posted: Tuesday, April 25, 2006 - 2:36
Congratulations to AVSIM reviewers Brian "Capn" Fletcher, Alexis Esguerra, and Gene Davis. These three busy reviewers have been "promoted" to the ranks of Senior Reviewers. With these promotions, vacancies have become available within the AVSIM family again.

If you have read reviews by these guys, you know the standard to which AVSIM presents to our readers and fellow simmers. Do you think you can produce a review along the same lines as our review staff? Then AVSIM wants to hear from you.

We are calling on all potential reviewers to submit a review of something in your inventory...aircraft, scenery or utility. Write it up in a style similar to what you have seen on the website as a word document, if you can put screenshots into the review, even better. Don't worry about the web coding aspect of the review, I take care of those details when editing.

Reviews shouldn't be rushed. The average review takes 2-3 weeks from the time you receive your assignment to being published. You have to fly or test all aspects of the product and ask the tough questions at the product forum sites. People like you decide to buy, try or disregard products based on what you tell them. Not all products are great, honesty and unbiased reporting is what we are looking for.

So what's in it for me, you ask? You get to be part of a great family of fellow simmers, you get to see your name in lights (OK, on a webpage) and you get the same pay as the rest of us. A multitude of Thanks, because we are all volunteers.

Currently I have over a dozen items available for review. Our current review staff all have 2-3 assignments on their plates and our vendors keep supplying us with more product. So you have to be willing to commit to 1 review per month.

I'd like to see your samples by mid May, but some reviewers may be "hired" before then. Email me your reviews for consideration along with a brief introduction describing your experience in the hobby and why you'd like to be an AVSIM reviewer. All submissions will be critiqued and replies will be sent.

Robert Whitwell
AVSIM Reviews Editor
robertw@avsim.com

Captain Keith Does it Again

Posted: Monday, April 24, 2006 - 19:41
Volume 3 of Captain Keith's Scenery Adventure Pack Series RELEASED! The third installment in the Captain Keith's Scenery Adventure Series is now available! This volume includes 4 new highly detailed airfields and many new adventures. It's not just Scenery... it's an adventure! For more information, screenshots and a video trailer please visit the Volume 3 product page over at Captain Keith's Website.

Dreamscenery Releases KMKE

Posted: Monday, April 24, 2006 - 17:29
Dreamscenery announces the release of "Milwaukee General Mitchell Airport" KMKE). Milwaukee General Mitchell International Airport has a complete and realistic rendition of Milwaukee International Airport (KMKE) and sorrounding neighborhoods. Among its features you have: 1.All the airport terminals (International main terminal, Cargo, International arrivals, etc.). 2.Dynamic Jetways in main terminal and International arrivals terminal. All of them with dynamic realistic movements (frequency controlled). 3.Terminal ground facility vehicles in both, main terminal as well as in cargo area. All of them with realistic movements (frequency controlled). 4.All the airport hangars, most of them with frequency controlled opening doors and making the hangars usable. 5.Taxiway and runway details like custom textures, grass around runways, signage, lights, etc. 6.For the first time you'll have the feature of ice accumulation in the runways for those heavy winter days which hit Wisconsin from January thru March. 7.Terminal interiors. 8.Static objects like cars, terminal vehicles, containers and much more. 9.Dynamic scenery (airport ground vehicles as well as cars coming back and forth from the airport drop off area, as well as going through the streets and avenues around the airport. 10.Real buildings and vegetation around the airport zone (hotels, industrial, commercial, residential, landmarks, trailer homes, etc.) making you feel like being there. For more information stop by DreamScenery

TweakFS Registry Utility Updated to Version 1.3

Posted: Monday, April 24, 2006 - 16:07
FS2004 utility developer TweakFS has updated its popular freeware FS9 Registry path repair tool. Many FS add-ons and their installers rely on the path to the FS9.exe as reported in the Windows Registry. The Registry entry can be deleted by reinstalling Windows, or invalidated after manually copying the FS9 folder to another location or drive. This may in some cases prevent an add-on from working correctly. For folks not comfortable editing the Registry directly, the FS9 Registry Path Utility avoids the need to reinstall FS2004, allowing them to analyze and easily restore the path in the registry. Please visit TweakFS to download this exciting utility.