Has anyone else noticed a sudden squall of really knock-out beautiful freeware aircraft lately? This last week has been a fantastic time to have a broadband internet connection! I mean, c'mon -- LOOK at this stuff! We've got a crop of great Russian aircraft (Tu-154 and An-24), some great bush flying (Bill Lyon's new Cubs for FS9 and the Maule M7 -- both with tundra wheel options!), and even a new whirlybird with Jordan Moore's UH-60 Blackhawk. The only problem I'm having is finding time to try them all out. I guess I'm just excited because the addition of really workable and great looking virtual cockpits is finally catching on. All of the above have payware quality VCs, and I for one couldn't be happier. Sorry, just had to share.thanks,

May I also add the Bellanca Decathlon to the above?It's tiny but it packs a punch!I've been playing with the above aircraft all weekend plus I finally found the time to make that altiport tour in the French Alps that I had promised myself!If you guys haven't paid a visit to these sceneries (perso.wanadoo.fr/bravomike/fs2004.html) you are in for a big surprise and an even bigger challenge!Kind regards

I totally agree!! I have all the above mentioned and they are great. I also found that John Woodward released a wheels only version of his VC Beaver and it is totally flyable from the VC only. Also looking forward to the A109 helicopter package by Al Devins which should be out shortly, Christmas comes early!! LOLGood time to be a VC only flyer!!Regards, MichaelKDFWhttp://mysite.verizon.net/res052cd/mybannercva1.jpgCalVirAir International VAwww.calvirair.comCougar Mountain Helicopters & Aviationwww.cgrmtnhelos.com

"All of the above have payware quality VCs"Pretty soon their going to have say "This payware aircraft has a freeware quality VC", as good as the freeware authors are doing.

Come on Bill and guys... you all know that freeware is dead, doncha? How many times have we heard that over the last three years or so? Next time someone spews forth with that sentiment, remind them of this week in the history of our little hobby. :)Now if I could just figure out how to get that SH-60 off the ground, I would be a happy camper!

Hey don't forget Mike Hill's King Air 200.:-wave

Sorry, Tom. I don't know what I was thinking! Of course, you're right. About the Blackhawk, my problem has been less getting it off the ground than trying to keep it separate from it for more than a couple of minutes ;-). I did find that I have to start another chopper like the Robinson and then switch to the Blackhawk to get it running right. I'm sure there's another way, but not in the five minutes I've had to try it.

Now all we need is some quality freeware scenery... *cough cough*:-jumpyCheck out my work: http://library.avsim.net/search.php?Search...Weik&CatID=Roothttp://vatsim.pilotmedia.fi/statusindicato...tor=OD1&a=a.jpg------------------Kenneth WeikTWVA395 / [email protected]

Get off my back, youngster! Or I'll come over there and... and... dang, I forgot what I was going to do.

Funny you mentioned broardband, I just got DSL installed a few weeks ago, and now I can trully enjoy downloading all these great freeware aircraft for FS9. I can spend more time flying and less waiting. I'm going to get me that Husky "aviatam.zip" tonight. I read a great article about this aircraft in Field in Stream sometime back.Stephen Morose

Is there a new version with a VC? I thought he only had one w/o.

This is a marvellous bit of work by Jordan Moore- it flys beautifully.I'm not a mad keen helicopter pilot but I do like to fly them occasionally and have tried various (including the defaults).Of all that I have tried this one is easily the most pleasurable(is that a real word?) to fly.It is probably the most stable I have used- maintaining a required speed/Alt/hdg is very easy ,not requiring the level of pilot input that most helos seem to require to stop them falling out of the sky.Hover is easy to achieve.Landing in a confined area is also much easier(EG: Oilrig .Aircraft Carrier )On top of that the actual model is extremely realistic and best of all - it's Freeware .If anyone who has previously struggled with flying helicopters wants to try again then this is the one to try with.Dave

"Is there a new version with a VC? I thought he only had onew/o."Yeah, that is the reason I am not flying it, found that it didn't have a VC, very nice exterior, is there another version??Regards, MichaelKDFWhttp://mysite.verizon.net/res052cd/mybannercva1.jpgCalVirAir International VAwww.calvirair.comCougar Mountain Helicopters & Aviationwww.cgrmtnhelos.com

Hey Tom,I found that the BlackHawk won't start if you hit the red switch and leave your throttle(collective) reduced all the way back. Work the throttle(collective)a bit, even half way and you will find (or I found in my system) that the 'Hawk will start. Hope this helps ya...Harry

Another marvelous little gem for your list, Bill : Tim Piglet's Fiesler Storch. Excellent visual model,excellent flight model ( if you like helicopters this one's for you ! ) excellent VC,(including smutsiges fenster) with excellent view outside. Low and slow, way to go ! Jan