AVSIM Store To Expand

Posted: Friday, March 16, 2007 - 16:21
The AVSIM Store will soon announce details about an exciting new program for publishers and developers... a "consignment" program for CD and DVD sales. Many shareware developers and small publishers have found it difficult to place their products with retail and web distribution channels due to the high cost that retailers must assume by carrying large inventories. This new program will allow publishers to have all their products immediately offered for sale on the Avsim Store on a consignment basis.

Please stay tuned... as details will be announced later in the month.

Please refer any questions about this program to Marty Arant

VoxATC For Windows Vista

Posted: Friday, March 16, 2007 - 15:53
Bob Sidwick of VoxATC writes, "We have uploaded a new build of VoxATC-X at our VoxATC Site. You will find a new Vista compatible version and an updated version for Win XP." For more information or to download, head on over to the link above!

Flight Deck Companion! Live Cockpit from Aerosoft

Posted: Friday, March 16, 2007 - 6:42
Staff reviewer Jeff Skyluk fills that empty void called the left seat with Aerosoft's Flight Deck Companion! Live Cockpit for FSX developed by OnCourse Software. "FDC was originally released in 2002, and since then, has been revised and improved in many ways."

"Flight Deck Companion Live Cockpit! (FDC) is a third-party add-on that provides a Virtual Co-Pilot (VCP) for just about any fixed-wing aircraft in your FSX hangar. The VCP will provide interactive audio checklists that will help you as the Pilot-In-Command to manage all of your cockpit chores. The VCP will also automatically perform many cockpit tasks such as correctly setting flaps, gear, spoilers, speedbrakes, reverse thrusters, and the autopilot, leaving you to concentrate on flying. FDC is flexible enough to provide cockpit support for many of the existing FSX aircraft, and can be configured to accept most, if not all, third-party fixed-wing aircraft, including jets, turboprops, and general aviation aircraft. In fact, FDC is open to a great deal of user customization, as you can adjust how the VCP performs his or her tasks, you can specify exactly which call-outs you want to hear in your interactive checklists (and even which call-outs are to be interactive), you can choose from 16 different cockpit crew voice sets and 6 different flight attendant voices (or you can record your own custom voice sets), and you can set up over twenty hotkeys, including customizing functions that use the buttons on your flight controllers."

"In a typical flight, you choose which aircraft you wish to fly, and then connect FDC, which runs outside of FSX into your flight sim. You and your VCP will run through checklists where the VCP reads out items and you interactively respond to them. The VCP is capable of making many settings on his or her own, and can correct your mistakes. FDC monitors your flight progress from departure to arrival. All along the way, the VCP will give you helpful audio cues as you master your checklists. In addition, FDC can create a log of your flight that you can save and review after your journey is complete."

"What FDC does best is to provide an immersive audio environment for your cockpit. If you are used to flying all by yourself, it's something different and special to have a virtual Co-Pilot helping you handle the cockpit workload. FDC is simple enough for a novice to use, but can also provide challenge to more hard-core users as well."

Jeff sums up Flight Deck Companion! with "Back in 2002, FDC got some very good reviews. Five years later, it's still a quality product, although I feel that MSFS and other developers have caught up somewhat to the high level that FDC enjoyed in the beginning. That being said, FDC gives good value for the money in 2005, and Dave March, the lead developer, promises some exciting new developments for FDC in the future!"

TweakFS Releases New Aircraft Editor

Posted: Friday, March 16, 2007 - 1:42
Developer TweakFS has just announced its latest software release. TweakFS has released a new edition of TweakAircraft, designed exclusively for Microsoft Flight Simulator X. The press release goes on to say: "TweakAircraft is a user-friendly Aircraft Config File Editor that allows you to quickly and easily adjust hundreds of settings in each Aircraft.Cfg file ranging from Titles and Descriptions right through to certain flight characteristics, engine data, autopilot and special effects."

"Above all you can make any custom changes with complete impunity – TweakAircraft has an automatic backup and restore function. If you’ve always wanted to be a Flight Simulator “aircraft mechanic” but were too scared to try in case you should “break” something, TweakAircraft helps by providing a safe environment in which to make/undo changes and guides you through the process with informative balloon pop-up notes on each Aircraft.Cfg file setting."

To download a free, fully-functioning 30-day demo, please visit the TweakFS Website.

AlphaSim Carrier and Su-33 Flanker Package

Posted: Thursday, March 15, 2007 - 23:41
AlphaSim has announced the release of Admiral Kuznetsov and Su-33 Naval Flanker. This dual carrier / aircraft package is crammed with features. The press release goes on to say: "The Su-33 is a full aircraft model package with three variants, sounds, highly detailed v-c and very accurate flight dynamics. The Kuznetsov carrier comes with TEN locations, a working 'ski jump', fully functional AI Su-33's, full night-lighting, and wire traps are possible when used in conjuction with Abacus FD3/4 or similar package". Currently this is only for F2004, but an FSX update is planned. To find out more about this release, visit the Alpahsim Website.

Avsim 2007 Convention

Posted: Thursday, March 15, 2007 - 21:23
You may have read a few days ago that the Avsim Convention 2007 has been annouonced. In case you missed the post, here are a few details.

AVSIM is pleased to announce its 2007 Convention and Exhibition, which this year we are entitling "The AVSIM Sim Con", short for the AVSIM Simulation Convention! In prior years, the AVSIM Convention was held in September. This year, we are doing something very different. The AVSIM SIM CON will be held starting Friday, Novemember 9th and ending on Sunday, November 11th. Where will it be held, you ask? Seattle! Thats right, AVSIM is going to Seattle for the 2007 event or more specifically, we are going to Bellevue, Washington, just outside of Seattle. Our venue will be the Bellevue Hilton Hotel, the largest venue that we have ever booked for the AVSIM event.

Commitments from exhibitors are pouring in, and we guarantee that this will be the biggest AVSIM event ever... In fact, the biggest event in flight simulation this year.

So... Set the dates aside, put your vacation schedule in to your boss, and prepare for the biggest event ever in flight simulation!

We will be providing more detail, sign up pages, and payment details in the coming weeks. YOU ARE GOING TO LOVE THIS!!!

CYBW Released By CanUk

Posted: Wednesday, March 14, 2007 - 14:22
CanUk scenery has released CYBW (Calgary Springbank) as a freeware addition to their CYYC (Calgary International Airport). The scenery was made in GMAX and has some special new features to CanUk scenery design. To peruse CanUk's other available sceneries, head on over to their website and while you're there, check out online flying in Canada's beautiful Maritime Provinces.

F11F-1 Tiger from AlphaSim

Posted: Wednesday, March 14, 2007 - 5:09
Staff reviewer Trevor Clark takes us back to the hectic days of fighter development with AlphaSim's F11F-1 Tiger. "The F11F Tiger entered service with the US Navy in 1956 and less than 4 short years later was relegated to training duties, thanks (in part) to the speed of aircraft development in the late 1950s."

"Many artists will tell you it helps to have an attractive model when creating a portrait; the same rule can apply in computer 3D modeling and the designers at AlphaSim have used this to their advantage. In real life, the Tiger was a classic beauty; simple lines and sweeping curves, this model captures this elegance perfectly. The aircraft comes with three default paint schemes, the Blue Angels aircraft #6 in clean configuration; an operational fighter armed with 4 sidewinders and an auxiliary fuel tank equipped aircraft which comes with its own (less agile) flight model."

"On entering the cockpit, one first notices the wonderful reflections on the instrument faces, these look very realistic indeed. All the normal advanced cockpit animations (including moving levers and switches) are present, enabling the aircraft to be flown entirely from the virtual cockpit. After spending a few hours in the virtual cockpit, I can easily see why this aircraft served the Blue Angels so well and for so long. If you enjoy performance aircraft of this period (like the F100 or Hawker Hunter), you will love flying the Tiger."

Wrapping up the review of AlphaSim's F11F Tiger, Trevor notes, "Over the past few years I have bought a lot of AlphaSim products; they have always given me enjoyment. With the recent improvement in modeling apparent in the Tiger, I find myself keeping a very close lookout for AlphaSim's regular releases. This is not the perfect aircraft for everyone that flies in MSFS, but if you love the Grumman Tiger or aircraft from this era, I suggest you pop over and visit AlphaSim."

FSD Releases Piper Saratoga II TC

Posted: Tuesday, March 13, 2007 - 23:16
FSD International has released the Piper Saratoga II TC for both Flight Simulator 2004 and FSX. The Saratoga incorporates the very latest in design techniques with designated file sets for each version of Flight Simulator. The Piper Saratoga II TC represents the very best standard of excellence in its aircraft model, virtual cockpit, flight model and 2D panel. The FSD Load Manager is there for adding additional paint schemes and custom configuring the aircraft according to your own specifications. For more information visit the FSD International product page.

CaptainSim Upgrades 757 Captain ACE For FS9

Posted: Tuesday, March 13, 2007 - 9:11
CaptainSim has released the upgrade for the '757 Captain' ACE Utility for FS9. This is at CaptainSim referred to as Block C. For more information and how to upgrade your ACE please visit the CaptainSim website.

Real Sky v3 from Sandon Lyon

Posted: Tuesday, March 13, 2007 - 4:10
Staff reviewer Allen Lavigne repaints the sky with Sandon Lyon's Real Sky v3 which includes both the FS9 and FSX versions. "Although Real Sky, by the same author, has already been reviewed, this version of Real Sky 3 (also called REAL SKY V3 EXTRA EDITION) and its textures are not a previous version of REAL SKY with a new name, and are not randomly generated."

"Regardless of what textures you had installed before, they can be reinstalled if required. If you find that you would prefer any previously used textures to the ones Real Sky gives you, these can be retrieved individually from the backup folder (rs3backup) in your main texture folder. What does it change? Cloud, lights, water reflections, and sky textures. For the better, IMHO."

"I noticed that the default water textures do not have the sun reflection ‘broad line’ on the water, as is the case with Real Sky. Since Real Sky comes with new cloud textures, these are different from the default set and are nicer in my opinion. Also, the ocean field height file seems to generate a wider and mode distinct wave pattern. The water textures themselves are an obvious improvement. The lens flare effect is much more subtle with Real Sky 3. The native FS9 has distinct squares in succession, which is not very real."

While the pictures speak many more words than the text implies, seeing this software in action is the real test of what it can do. Allen sums up his review of Real Sky 3 with, "In my opinion, the Real Sky textures show a significant improvement in realism. I’m keeping this Real Sky 3 on my system for use with FSX until something much better can be made. Those not anticipating any other purchases of more expensive add-ons in the future may be interested in getting Real Sky 3, as it is a significant improvement to the default environment (in my opinion)."

Attn: Freeware Developers

Posted: Tuesday, March 13, 2007 - 1:30
Do you love developing freeware for FSX? Have you posted items to the AVSIM Library? Then we may have an adventure for you.

Our friends on the Flight Simulator Community team have too many ideas and not enough time to implement them! Want to share your passion? They’re looking for individuals interested in developing aircraft, scenery, and missions for non-profit organizations (such as museums) and for the community itself to enjoy. Ideas being kicked around include historic recreations, ill-fated flights (can you do better?), tests of skill, and plain old fun. Your reward will be your 15 minutes of fame.

If you’re interested in something like this, please forward your name, email address and a short list of items you have developed and published in the past to the Reviews Editor.

New Flight Sim Community Online

Posted: Monday, March 12, 2007 - 22:37
Have you ever wondered if there are other flight simulation enthusiasts close to your hometown?

Simbuddy.com is a new online community dedicated to flight simming enthusiasts that can help you locate and meet others who share the passion of flight simulation. "Simbuddy’s", as they are affectionately known, are able to create their own unique profile, upload their photo, choose their favorite flying locations, send messages to other Simbuddy’s and add Simbuddy’s to their friends list.

For more information and to setup your profile, please visit the Simbuddy.com website.

AVSIM Asked - The Community Responded!

Posted: Sunday, March 11, 2007 - 18:19
Yesterday AVSIM posted a news item about re-opening our international forums and asked for volunteers to man them. Since we posted that article, the community has responded and volunteers have stepped forward. Today, we have forums in German, Turkish, French, Dutch, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese. We fully expect to be adding more international language forums and are looking for volunteers to moderate Japanese, Chinese, Swedish, Danish, Finnish, Russian and others. If you would like to volunteer as a moderator and speak one or more of these languages, please send an email to forum@avsim.com and let us know of your interest.

Avsim Goes International

Posted: Sunday, March 11, 2007 - 16:16
As many long time AVSIM readers know, AVSIM started off its forum system catering for non-native English speakers. We would like to bring back native language forums for our Dutch, Spanish, French, Nordic, Japanese, Germany, Portugese, Italian and Chinese readers. In order to do so, we need your help! If you are a native speaker of any of these languages and would like to join the largest flight sim team on the net, then please let us know by sending an email to forum@avsim.com. We are looking for team members who will start by moderating specific language forums, and who will transition to providing web content as we expand our site to include communities from around the world. Please contact us if you are interested!

Budapest 2007 from Aerosoft

Posted: Saturday, March 10, 2007 - 21:45
New staff reviewer James Li takes us on a tour of the Budapest airport as presented by Aerosoft. "Budapest Ferihegy International Airport was opened in 1950. Originally opened with one terminal, runway, and hangar, Ferihegy was only a shell of what it was destined to become."

"The scenery itself was very impressive and made the most out of a smaller airport. Personally, I am always impressed by the little details and Aerosoft has not held back in this aspect. Speaking of the details, the ground and building textures were all very sharp and pleasing to the eye. Both building and ground textures in the airport were sharp and lacked the blurriness that some sceneries have. Budapest 2007’s detail doesn’t stop with the airport, the detail extends to the city with the entire area being covered in a photoscenery with new terrain mesh."

"At first, I was slightly dismayed over the performance of Budapest 2007. It seemed to be slightly below the average benchmark set by other developers with much larger airports. However, the newly released patch seemed to do wonders for me."

In summary of Budapest 2007, James says, "Overall, Budapest 2007 left me with a very good impression. I was very impressed with the attention to detail. It has to be one of the better sceneries that I have seen in terms of accuracy and details. Even if Budapest is not the hottest, biggest hub that the entire Flight Sim community has been clamoring for, Aerosoft has executed Budapest 2007 very well and has given us another wonderful scenery."

AVSIM Announces the 2007 Convention!

Posted: Saturday, March 10, 2007 - 20:14
AVSIM is pleased to announce its 2007 Convention and Exhibition, which this year we are entitling "The AVSIM Sim Con", short for the AVSIM Simulation Convention! In prior years, the AVSIM Convention was held in September. This year, we are doing something very different. The AVSIM SIM CON will be held starting Friday, Novemember 9th and ending on Sunday, November 11th. Where will it be held, you ask? Seattle! Thats right, AVSIM is going to Seattle for the 2007 event or more specifically, we are going to Bellevue, Washington, just outside of Seattle. Our venue will be the Bellevue Hilton Hotel, the largest venue that we have ever booked for the AVSIM event.

Why Seattle? We are going to leave that to your imagination for the moment. But we can tell you that this year's AVSIM event will be like no previous AVSIM Convention. Commitments from exhibitors are pouring in, and we guarantee that this will be the biggest AVSIM event ever... In fact, the biggest event in flight simulation this year.

So... Set the dates aside, put your vacation schedule in to your boss, and prepare for the biggest event ever in flight simulation!

We will be providing more detail, sign up pages, and payment details in the coming weeks. YOU ARE GOING TO LOVE THIS!!!

Navigraph Releases Enroute

Posted: Saturday, March 10, 2007 - 19:45
Navigraph has announced that enroute charts are now available in newly released nDAC 3.0. New and existing users are invited to download the new nDAC 3.0, available now. nDAC 3.0 contains several improvements to the previous version – the most noticeable being the addition of downloading updated woldwide information covering Enroute Charts. nDAC information is delivered by the data provider, European Aeronautical Group (EAG). For more information, visit Navigraph.

ScruffyDuck Software Announces Scenery Design Engine for FSX

Posted: Saturday, March 10, 2007 - 18:06
The Scenery Design Engine (SDE) can read FS9 and FSX scenery files based on XML Source. This covers Airports (including files generated by AFCAD2) waypoints, boundaries, geopols; Navigational aids, Scenery Objects including library objects, effects, triggers, windsocks and generic buildings; Extrusion Bridges (FSX)and Exclusions. SDE can also read in XML files created by other tools such as SceneGenX.

The Engine is currently made available via a simple user interface. Please note this is not a map type interface. Future versions will include graphical interfaces. The resultant information is shown in a tree view and the properties of objects can be modified using a simple property grid. SDE can display information about the scenery in several formats including XML. The program can add, or remove, elements from the scenery tree. It can then compile the resulting scenery into an FSX scenery file.

For more details and to download this utility visit the ScruffyDuck website.

SkyUnlimited Releases The Bf-109

Posted: Saturday, March 10, 2007 - 18:01
The Messerschmitt Bf-109 was the standard fighter of the Luftwaffe for the duration of WWII. The Bf-109 scored more air-to-air victories in WWII than any other aircraft, and thanks to an excellent design, it served in various roles, including air superiority fighter, escort fighter, interceptor, ground-attack and reconnaissance aircraft.

Now you can fly this WWII classic from SkyUnlimited. Included in the release are the G-2, G-4, G-6, G-8, G-10, and G-14 models along with several variations plus 13 highly detailed and historic paint schemes. The Paint Kit and Manual is included in the G-6 aircraft folder Some of the listed features include:
- a VC, with many functioning parts and 3D gauges;
- Custom flight dynamics that portray this aircrafts attributes including challenging ground handling characteristics;
- Working MW emergency boost system in the appropriate models;
- Revi16B and ReviC12D gunsight folds out of the way and can be turned on and off;
- Droppable Drop Tanks, that remove weight and fuel from the aircraft.cfg; and
- Vintage pilot with accurate pilot flight suit and flight helmet.

Complete details about this latest release can be found at the SkyUnlimited website.