Is the Autoland utility still to be released (don't remember the author's name) and if so, when?Thanks

I'm on the fence regarding release of it. I recently helped Dreamwings with their Dash 8 400, but I was recovering from my illness during the time, not as focussed as I should have been, and made a rather stupid mistake which caused a great deal of grief with the FDE for the aircraft.But after reading some of the selfish, rude comments by the losers who think that freeware is owed them for a living, I've grown a bit cold on spending my time releasing more work just to read more junk like what I've seen regarding the Dreamwing's product.So I am taking an indefinite break from all projects, other than one I've been helping Zane Gard with. And I'm sorry to say Autoland 2004 is included. I guess you can say I just have had enough of a community that has members that don't give a hoot whether I'm alive or dead--they just want their blankity blank perfection.-John

Hello John,As one who has been around this hobby for more years than I care to remember, I can understand your point. The longer I stay in this venu, the more I see spoiled children of all ages who have learned to expect near perfection for free, have no patience with others who give us great material for free, and just want it now, no matter that they have NO right to demand anything because it IS free.Along those lines, I have watched countless designers of freeware, toss in the towell because they are tired of dealing with these brats -- and although I have watched many a good program and designer walk away from our hobby, I can't blame them one bit.We have forgotten even to say thank you to the people who spend countless hours for OUR enjoyment and ask nothing in return but perhaps a 'great job', 'wonderful stuff' or 'thank you so much'.Oh, and lets not forget the little genius's who have to 'hack' everything and post on sites giving away payware for free because they think it is their right to have it free, or they are ###### at the mfgr for not jumping right to attention when they have a problem with something they have bought . . . nevermind that sometimes there is a total time difference involved (from another part of the world), or family matters, or just someone does like to sleep and get some rest once in awhile. I won't say what I would do if I found someone hacking MY payware if I had some, but believe me, it would get VERY UGLY, "oh, you hacked my payware . . .gee, I just blew up your car . . .sounds fair to me" guess that's why I'm not in that business LOL, and because I don't even have the talent required. You know, sometimes I really believe we just should go back to the old west and all carry firearms and that would lend to lots of people NOT doing some of the stupid things they now do, or, we'd have lots of dead-stupid people .Anyways, I know I'm a bit on the radical fringe, but all this was to say I agree with you 1000%, and understand your position. wouldn't it be nice if parents would teach their children how to behave and appreciate things . . . their children of ALL ages.Best to you and don't give up, not everyone in this hobby is a total moron! you are appreciated.Best to you and yours,Claywww.dreamfleet2000.com/Previews/727/preview_home.html|http://www.dreamfleet2000.com/gfx/images/Forum_Banners/Dopke01.jpgClayton T. Dopke (Clay)Major, USAF (retired)"Drac"

John,I agree with you (and Clay), but the morons who take you creators for granted will eventually end up with an all payware sim and it won't necessarily be 'good' or new stuff (I paid for 'Big Jets' from alpha software back in '98. Turns out, it was mostly pirated freeware.). I for one, would hate to see you go the way of Project Freeware, among others. I still enjoy your creations as much as ever (and Project Freeware's too, as long as I keep using FS2002).Glad to see you are still with us. I hope you stay, but if you give it up, I will understand, and support you in your choice to do so. I know the frustration you are feeling.Thanks for all you have done for us, and all the best to you.Smooth flights...Bob

Thanks Clay and Bob...Out of respect for those who did take the time to beta and offer suggestions for my program, I just finished uploading it to Avsim's library. It should show up as soon as the library managers have done their due diligence.FDSConnection from Flight Deck Software is required since that's what Autoland 2004 uses to "talk" to FS2004. I've put a link in my documentation for that utility, and it's a very small download from their site.Also, I have tested the program with both old and current versions of FS2004. The 9.1 release was the final delay since I had to flight test the program with the patch installed.Also, in the FDSConnection package offered at Flight Deck's site, dll's are also available for FS2000 and FS2002. Autoland 2004 may work with those programs, but I can't guarantee results. But Autoland 2002 (also at Avsim) will stil work, although my newer program is more refined thanks to the help of my beta team.I was very explicit in my readme that this is the first and last version of the program. Considering my feelings expressed above, I won't be supporting the package with any more releases. Again, it's only that I feel I owe my testers and those who've shared the same respect the two of you have that it was released at all...Regards,John

Thank you John. R-

Yes John,Thank you, again, for what I know will remain one of the best utilities I have for FS. I went ahead and got the FDSConnect from Flight Deck so I can be ready when it hits the library.BTW, I have FS2004 also, bought it cheap, but never took it out of the box. I'll probably install it when FS2006 comes out. That way, I don't have to wait for all the addons. And, if FS2006 gets really rave reviews from a lot of flightsimmers, I may install it and skip FS2004 altogether. In case you're wondering why I shelved FS2004, it was because I would have lost a lot of good aircraft, etc. that I have collected since FS98, and I really don't want to have 2 editions of FS installed simultaneously. I still fly some of Project Freeware's planes regularly.All the best..Bob

Update--Autoland 2004 is now available for download in the library here.-John

John,Saw it early this morning and grabbed it. Installation was very straightforward and it cranked right up. I thought your earlier versions greased 'em on... this is the best yet !! The loss of auto spoilers/reversers is no biggie, as you can enable these with Rob Barendregt's groundhandling gauges if you want to make your landings that automatic.My old approach distance/speeds seem to work fine in the new version, so I don't have to make any new charts for all the different aircraft types.As usual, nice work John, I am going to enjoy this, and now I am ready for FS2004, should I ever choose to install it.Thank you very much,BobNOTE: Users of the 'RunwayInfo' gauge may want to update their Prwydata file with 'elevation' data. It's lots easier to look up that way.

Great news John... thanks for giving us at least one more try. I too have released several freebies and yes get all sorts of responces. Here's what I've learned:1. It tends to be easier to complain rather than compliment (human nature?) I think there are lot's more of good natured hobbyists out here than losers but but losers need to be heard like "mommy - look at me!"2. I never even hinted at releasing something until it was ready. Who needs the hassles of "Is it ready yet?". Then when it is out, it's a nice surprise.3. I got so many nice emails from all over the world it made all the little complaints minute... plus I just ignore them!4. Life is too short to let some unknown from "loserville, USA" to put a damp rag on your enjoyment.5. Take a break - either from creating add-ons or from flightsimming in general for awhile. Or on an opposite note, don't look at the forums for awhile and just fly! It's too easy to get caught up in all the bull^%# when your too active... too involved.These have at lease kept my sanity...

John,Do you have any opinion as to why FDSConnection hasn't caught on to any great extent?

"Do you have any opinion as to why FDSConnection hasn't caught on to any great extent?"Probably many reasons--it's complex writing an interface, and Flight Deck is probably short staffed in terms of support. Version 1.2 falls short in many areas--I was amazed I could get Autoland 2004 off the ground at all. No fault of Flight Deck's--there's only so much time for working on something so complex I'm pleased I could write for their interface, because maybe my program will be the incentive for other authors to write add-ons using FDSConnection as well. -John

>I'm pleased I could write for their interface, because maybe>my program will be the incentive for other authors to write>add-ons using FDSConnection as well. One can only hope for such. It has to start somewhere, and giving it exposure will certainly help.

John,Well, I for one won't be downloading it, as I am of the 'old school', and getting older in age, LOL, and I like to do my flying by hand with as little help from the AP as possible, however, a big thanks for releasing it . . . even with your obvious feelings, and tons of us standing behind you for feeling that way, I applaude your decisionto release your software.I've said it before, but I'll say it again, I think you're a class act! Carry on, Sir!Best to you and yours -- have your back any time.Claywww.dreamfleet2000.com/Previews/727/preview_home.html|http://www.dreamfleet2000.com/gfx/images/Forum_Banners/Dopke01.jpgClayton T. Dopke (Clay)Major, USAF (retired)"Drac"

Thanks for releasing the Autoland, even though I may not use it. What developers might remember, is for every person who complains, there are probably more than 1000 users who enjoy your work. More might make positive remarks, but after reading others, feel they have nothing new to add. Years ago, I released some scenery of airports Id created. Didnt stop because of complaints, but because others made so many which were so much better. Some are talented, and it shows, mine were just run of the mill additions. Thanks again, for contributing to this fantastic hobby. Bob