Flight Illusions Introduces B737 Radio Stacks

Posted: Sunday, April 23, 2006 - 16:31
Flight Illusion is proud to announce the introduction of the B737 radio sets. The radio unit features a 1/1 highly detailed design, modeled after existing avionics. In contrast with known encoders, these units work with a mechanical STRONGCLICK® system that allows for a true life feeling during the dial up of the frequency. The dual encoders act as real concentric encoders, with the heavy tactile feel to it The STRONGCLICK® mechanism and the front plate have been designed in collaboration with Engravity, the Dutch based panel maker.

All front panels are fully painted, laser engraved and highly accurate reproducing the differant radio's. They all come with an aluminum back plate. The radio set includes 2 COMM radio’s, 2 NAV radio’s and an ADF radio set. The transponder unit will be released in July. The COMM unit, NAV unit, ADF and transponder each have a specific design, as it is in a real plane.

The central interface (GSA-55) is necessary to connect the units to the computer. Each unit is then daisy chained to the central interface unit. Flight Illusion has developed the electronic unit and software to connect to Flight Simulator. They also assemble the unit before shipping it. The units will be available through several channels, to be communicated later, but both Engravity and Flight Illusion websites will offer the products.

Features:
• full scale unit
• standby and active frequencies
• STRONGCLICK® mechanism for true heavy tactile feel
• Fully DZUS compliant
• shallow depth (less than 1 inch)
• linked with FS and Project Magenta
• no need to wire or program, fully plug and play
• authentic backlighting

Pictures and more information are available at Flight Illusion

PMDG Releases Type Rating Lesson 2

Posted: Sunday, April 23, 2006 - 12:24
In a press release to Avsim PMDG has announced the release of the second in their new series of type rating lessons for the PMDG 747.

According to the release, "We've just released PMDG 747-400 Type Rating Course LESSON 2: TAKEOFF. This Lesson is 24 pages long and includes 8 pre-saved scenarios covering detailed procedures and techniques for takeoff, including thrust selection, rotation, light and heavy weight takeoffs, light and heavy weight rejected takeoffs, engine failures during takeoff and low visibility takeoffs in visibility as low as 600'."

Interested simmers can get this newest addition to the PMDG 747-400 Type Rating Course directly from The PMDG downloads page here under "Documentation."

Fly Tampa's "Vienna" Reviewed

Posted: Saturday, April 22, 2006 - 20:16
Avsim reviewer Lydell Stelmack takes us on a scenic journey around Vienna with Fly Tampa's latest release Fly Vienna.

"Vienna is featured in skillfully realistic detailing around every nook and corner. Attention to airport lighting, from buildings, terminals, taxi and runway lighting, to light poles and the animated vehicle traffic are highly detailed. Available hangar space, detailed inside and out, for your heavy can be found as well as ample parking areas for both commercial and general aircraft. As described in previous reviews of Fly Tampa sceneries, performance is once again outstanding," says Lydell about this release.

Summing up his review, Lydell comments, "this scenery is a delicate balance of performance and detailing as well as developing a product for an ever evolving flight sim community."

Real Ops Helsinki Fly-in

Posted: Saturday, April 22, 2006 - 16:43
On the 13th of May 2006 a huge real ops fly-in will be arranged at EFHK (Helsinki-Vantaa) on the Vatsim network. The organizers,FS Nordic, have created a complete flight booking system which has all the real flights listed for that day from 1500 UTC onwards. You can book your flight via their online booking system and they will send you a flightplan ready to use via e-mail. Random flights are also welcome. During the event there will be full ATC coverage at Helsinki-Vantaa airport, and Tampere and Rovaniemi control radars will be staffed. For more information and flight booking, please visit the fly-in website, hosted by FS Nordic.

Wilco Announces Legacy

Posted: Friday, April 21, 2006 - 20:48
Wilco Publishing and feelThere.com announce Legacy, "The Luxury Aircraft Collection." With an interior offering the top of comfort, with supple leathers, fine hardwoods, and many high-tech fittings, access the Jet Set of modern aviation. charming stewardess will welcome you and serve you on board. The LEGACY, Embraer's first class business jet, is the first Wilco Publishing's title to be released in the new series 'The Luxury Aircraft Collection'. With exclusive features such as animated flight attendant, in-flight information on screen, head-up display navigation, along with all systems simulation and a complete and ultra-realistic flight computer, the Legacy will definitely set a new standard. The Legacy - download version - is expected May 2006. The boxed version will hit the shelves as soon as compatibility towards Flight Simulator X will be guaranteed. For more information, visit the Wilco Publishing site.

Flight One Announces Super-80 News

Posted: Friday, April 21, 2006 - 16:02
Flight One Software, in partnership with CoolSky, is exited to officially announce 2 important news items related to Ultimate Airliners - The Super 80. First, is the official announcement of the Ultimate Airliners - The Super 80 - Service Pack 1. Service Pack 1 is a major update to the original product. Hard-core users will discover greater accuracy in many areas including: Many instrumentation enhancements and fixes, new 2D side view graphics for the cockpit, added a freighter version of the aircraft, performance increase in different areas, improved visual and flight models and much more.

We would also like to announce that the boxed edition has been officially released and is now available from the Flight1 Website. For those on the European side, Flight1 Europe, Ltd. has shipped the title to retail outlets, as well as other catalog and mail-order outlets in Europe. The boxed edition contains Service Pack 1 as well as a printed manual and a full color panel poster-size panel guide. Flight1 will be launching the title at the London Air show this weekend. So if you are there, please stop by our booth! For more information on Ultimate Airliners - The Super 80, with its highly advanced features and unique in-cockpit training system, please visit the Flight1 Website.

Perfect Flight Releases FS Approaches, Vol 2, USA

Posted: Friday, April 21, 2006 - 14:11
Perfect Flight announces that FS Approaches! - Vol 2 USA is now available. The Vol. 2 - USA features: 200 Approach Flight/Adventures over all major airports in the USA as well as Navigation Charts and Airport Facility information available during the flight, as in real life Also, if you are one of those who has sent suggestions for Approaches to be included in the package, check out to see if you are one of lucky winners of a free copy FS Approaches Vol 2. Product is available as Download version and, first time at Perfect Flight, also a Boxed Version. For more information visit Perfect Flight.

CLS Announces Limited Editions!

Posted: Friday, April 21, 2006 - 14:08
Commercial Level Simulations is proud to announce the release of a unique package. The "CLS Limited Spring Edition" is a box with all current CLS aircraft (A36R, Beluga, A345, A346 and Beluga). There will only 25 copies available World Wide! Every box has a unique number (1 to 25) and will be registered on your name. You will always be able to prove that you have this unique Limited product! This limited edition is available on CLS Website.

JustFlight Releases Download Version of Spitfire & Tempest

Posted: Wednesday, April 19, 2006 - 23:38
Two of the most famous fighters of World War II are heading for Flight Simulator 2004 by JustFlight

The Spitfire is arguably the most famous of all fighters from the World War II era, where it featured heavily in determining the outcome of the Battle of Britain. Spitfires took part in every theatre of the war, including the Pacific and North Africa. For tropical service the Spitfire acquired a large air filter under the nose to keep the sand out of the engine.

The Hawker Tempest appeared later in World War II and proved itself a versatile air and ground attack fighter.

Now you can take to the skies in these amazingly detailed reproductions for Flight Simulator 2004. The aircraft modelling has been carried out in-house by Just Flight’s Marc Segal and these two beauties are available exclusively on download from Just Flight’s Download Shop.

The Spitfire Mk VB model is a representation of an aircraft from 401 (Canadian) Squadron from May 1942.

The Spitfire Mk VB Tropical model is of a 249 Squadron aircraft based at Takali (Malta), March 1943.

The Tempest Mk V is one from 3 Squadron based at Hornchurch in 1944.

Detailed features
• Accurate and detailed model of Spitfire Mk VB, Spitfire Mk VB Tropical and Tempest MkV
• 2D and 3D cockpits
• Custom sound sets included
• Animated canopy, Spitfire door and radiator flap, animated pilot
• Firing gun effects. Flame, sound, smoke and dropping cartridge cases
• AeroPaint tool to help you create your own personalised versions of the aircraft.

Check out screenshots and much more on the JustFlight product page

AEROSOFT Online Has Released Lukla – Mount Everest Today

Posted: Wednesday, April 19, 2006 - 21:44
Most people have probably not heard of Lukla, but it is one of the most exiting airfields in the world. Located at over 9000 feet and with a sloped runway that seems only large enough for an ultra light it is killing ground for pilots who are not prepared. How many airfields you know where a (massive) helicopter wreck is not even cleared away because there will be another one next climbing season? The main staging post for almost any climbing expedition to Mount Everest, this is a strange airport. AeroSoft has added two more airfields, mesh like you never seen before and covered it all with a highly expensive image. Mount Everest only looks better in the real world. A strange product for sure, but one we and our beta testers loved during development.

Lukla - Airport at the top of the world features:

o Lukla airfield with its spectacular very short, very sloping runway, at 9000 plus altitude.
o High definition mesh for the entire area.
o Based on commercially available satellite image (expensive stuff, believe us).
o Lukla village in great detail.
o Nearly all villages in the area at their exact location with every single house based on official Nepalese maps. Nepalese style and not standard autogen of course.
o High resolution mesh terrain and texture resolution of Mt. Everest Mountain provided by no other commercial addons
o Mount Everest base camp (helicopter destination) and other camps higher on the mountain.
o Two additional strips nearby; Phaplu and Syngboche (even higher than Lukla at 12286ft!)
o Some of the villages have typical Nepalese stupas (shrines) and the famous Tengboche Monastery is included.
o Not a single road in the scenery!
o Two missions dangerous enough to get you killed.
o Manually placed Landclass, plus all rivers and lakes.
o Extensive manual, with chapters on high altitude operations (available in French very soon as well).

Check out screenshots and more on the product page.

Flight1 Releases Update 1.06 for Ground Environment.

Posted: Wednesday, April 19, 2006 - 7:39
Flight1 has released an update for Ground Environment the following are the improvements since last version. Do not forget to download the KoorbyGen Textures if you like them better.

- Improvements made to various green textures such as suburbs for USA.
- Also, some grass mountain textures adjusted for improved Europe greens and fall textures.
- It should also be noted that much of Asia is also improved in suburbs and towns to reflect a more diverse range of colors with particular attention to green tones.
- This update removes the "white squares" on the side of the mountains in Europe.
- Fixed texture on the 40F2HW5.BMP.
- Several autogen fixes i.e. palm trees in Tropical regions added.
- Further enhancements to some trees and shrubs areas to give a dryer more barren winter look.

New Version of FlightGear Available

Posted: Tuesday, April 18, 2006 - 21:28
The free, open-source, and multi-platform flight simulator, FlightGear, has been released in version 0.9.10. Among the highlights of this release are: much improved multiplayer support; a very nifty interactive 3D object placement system built into the UFO aircraft; complete scenery texture overhaul; many new and updated aircrafts; upgraded to version 2.0 of the JSBSim config file system; and an updated and improved manual.

Precompiled versions (including Windows, Linux, SGI, Solaris, and Mac OS X) and the source code for FlightGear are available for download from FlightGear's homepage.

UK Autogen Library Released

Posted: Tuesday, April 18, 2006 - 15:52
The VFR Addons development team have announced that their long-awaiting freeware custom UK Autogen Library version 1.0 has been released. The library will introduce features such as animated birds buzzing the air or feeding off the land as animated combines harvest the grain; migrating geese; JCBs and lorries, working in real time on construction sites; animated horses; authentic-looking greenhouses; British cars as well as numerous other autogen objects that will provide a British touch.

In order to download the library or to watch a demonstration video, visit the VFR Addons homepage.

Flight Simulator Flight Club: Improved Website

Posted: Tuesday, April 18, 2006 - 10:16
The Flight Simulator Flight Club announces its new, improved website. The Club has just launched its completely revamped, revised and remarkable site at www.toomuchfs.com.

The Flight Simulator Flight Club is a group of virtual aviators from diverse backgrounds who take their fun seriously, but not themselves. They share a love of flight and telling stories about their experiences. Among many things, the Club features a hangar full of fantastic repaints, online shopping, aviation links, and for something different, Flight Club International Airways. As great as these features are, the center of the action at the Club is the “Flight of the Month.” Every month a new adventure is featured that takes virtual pilots to just about any point on the earth to test their skills and learn something more about this great planet.

AlphaSim B-47E Stratojet cleared for takeoff

Posted: Tuesday, April 18, 2006 - 2:31
This classic Cold War bomber has fiinally arrived at AlphaSim after a long development period. Wearing superb bare-metal reflective SAC textures, the B-47E can be flown in three variations - either as the water-injected version with or without aux. tanks, or as the amazing RATO version, complete with no less than 33 jettisonable RATO bottles. Both the water-inj. and rocket-assisted version have special take-off smoke effects, thick black and thick white respectively ! This spectacle is brought to life even more with a thunderous soundset. The cockpit is faithfully recreated and has numerous animations, including many active switches, users can also slide back into the rear cockpit for a different viewpoint. Other points of interest are the animated crew entry with ladder, bomb bay and a pop-up authentic fuel management panel. The flight model is by the book, the RATO version uses specially-modified flight dynamics to simulate that extra 'urgency' on take-off. Source textures are also available for repainters. This is an unmissable addon for SAC and Cold War jet enthusiasts and is the ideal companion to our Barksdale AFB scenery, compete with its B-47 AI models. Have a look at the screenshots and or purchase this beauty at Alphasim

Gatwick Pro Released For FS2004

Posted: Monday, April 17, 2006 - 22:39
UK2000 Scenery Announces the release "Gatwick Pro" for FS2004. Made to an amazingly high level of detail yet still maintaining a friendly frame rate, It uses animation to bring the airport alive and detailed images of the real Gatwick airport taken from the millennium map, used under licence. Gatwick Pro represents the next generation of scenery products from UK2000 Scenery, using a new methods and modeling systems which allows us to make truly amazing airports. London Gatwick is the busiest single runway airport in the world. Gatwick has two main terminals, South and North that are linked by a transit train (animated in the scenery). Gatwick dates back to 1946 when it was a basic grass strip. In 1953 it was decided that Gatwick was to become London’s second airport, mainly for the use of charter flights. Since then it has continued to grow and grow with the latest addition being the new Pier 6 and famous passenger air bridge which aircraft taxi beneath. Download a FREE demo version of this or go all out and purchase this exciting and very detailed scenery at Gatwick Pro

PMDG 747-400/400F Type Rating Course Is Available

Posted: Monday, April 17, 2006 - 22:30
The PMDG 747-400/400F Type Rating Course will take beginning or advanced simmers through the proper power up procedures, starting the aircraft, programming the FMS, takeoff, departure procedures, VNAV/LNAV use, basic flight maneuvers, descent planning, and a wide range of approaches including CAT IIIb autoland, VOR approaches, DME Arcs, NDBs, holding pattern entry and much more. Please check it out over at PMDG

Project Opensky Releases 737-700

Posted: Monday, April 17, 2006 - 22:22
Project OpenSky team proudly announces the release of the Boeing 737-700. This is the second model release as part of our 737NG series. They contain all the features from the 737-800 released earlier this year. We hope all of you will enjoy this release. Model includes: Fully new Flex Wing system, walking Pushback staff, internal Airstair and for Cargo door. And more for you to discover. There are 25+ high quaility official paints available on release, with more to follow. Checkout this exciting new freeware aircraft at Project OpenSky

Sandy Lyon's "Real Sky" Reviewed

Posted: Monday, April 17, 2006 - 19:13
Reviewer Brian Fletcher adds more outside detail to his flying experience, by taking a look at Sandy Lyon's Real Sky. "With Real Sky you will now have a more realistic ground glazing sunrise, accurately toned daytime textures, and a blazing orange sunset that leaves the default textures in the dark. Even the night sky takes on a whole new look, with or without the four new foggy weather themes included with this package."

"It is kind of difficult to find a big difference between the Real Sky and default day textures at first glance, but after a deeper look I noticed three advantages to Real Sky. First, the sun appears with a more brilliant white and yellow texture with a larger haze. Second, I personally found the multiple shades of blue from after dusk to before dawn to be much more realistic. And third, I definitely prefer the clouds now that they reflect a mild glare off the sun, especially around the edges. Comparing the Real Sky and default night textures was like....well, it’s like night and day", says Brian. There are also 4 "foggy" weather themes included in this package.

Brian flies a 24 hour flight to demonstrate all of the features of this add-on and to visualize the changes over time. While visual preference is an individual choice, the screenshots show the details that are hard to put into words. Read his complete review and see how this add-on compares to the default atmospheric scenery.

737 Pilot In Command In Avsim Store

Posted: Monday, April 17, 2006 - 18:39
ADVERTISEMENT: The 737 Pilot in Command by Wilco will leave your SPEECHLESS. Here's why: Cockpit rendering: simply check the cockpit pictures by yourself !Autopilot : All the real 737 Autopilot functions are simulated FMS : Very complex Flight Management Computer IRS: Fully working Inertial Reference System. Very complex system simulation Procedures guide included, written by Captain Mike Ray, UAL pilot. 737 Pilot in Command offers all the features of other highly acclaimed Pilot in Command products, with new exciting and exclusive features that raise the realism altimeter to new heights ! Tested by active Boeing pilots, 737 Pilot in Command gives simmers the meticulously detailed panels, the true-to-life Flight Management Computer (FMC) and realistic simulation systems. Get your copy today in the Avsim Store