Cool! Just read in the weekly AOPA newsletter that AOPA and Flight1 have teamed to duplicate the Commander sweepstakes aircraft in FS9. They'll be showing it at Oshkosh. The article goes on to say that "The software will later be available to members for download." The article doesn't mention if it will be payware or freeware, but I'm sure hoping it's the latter, if you're a current AOPA member.

Yes, it is true! Look for a press release later today. Regarding your last question... If you are an AOPA member, you should be very happy.:-smile12

Very cool! I am an AOPA member and recommend it wholeheartedly for anyone interested in aviation (I happen to be a pilot but I don't fly that often). It is very hard these day to read a pilot magazine and not have some reference or story on the use of sims for training. It's a real sign of how far we have come as a hobby, largely because of the dedication of companies like Flight1 in elevating MSFS from "just a game". I'm expecting to win the Commander this year, after the twin slipped through my hands last year, but this will keep me busy in the meantime! ;-) It sure would be cool to have a scenery addon for Sportys too (good marketing opportunity there!) Thanks Steve!David

Yes David, the twin did slip through your hands last year. They must have pulled your name, and when they realized you were primarily a simmer, they said "Wait, David just 'plays' flight simulator, what can he do with this, lets give it to a real pilot". Then I guess they then drew the next name...OK, just joking.:-lol:-lol:-lol...But you will really like this 112. It has a glass Chelton, and a whole lot more, much like our commercial releases.

>But you will really like this 112. It has a glass Chelton, and>a whole lot more, much like our commercial releases.112 with a Chelton ???Chelton is a really nice but rather expensive system - I am surprised that something like Commander 112 would be equipped with one.Michael J.

>112 with a Chelton ???>Chelton is a really nice but rather expensive system - I am>surprised that something like Commander 112 would be equipped>with one.>>Michael J.>I think most people agree, but it is a very nice glass unit.We have produced both the PFD and the ND and they are as good as anything we offer. Ok, too much has been said already. Please wait for the press release that will give a bit more info. We are working with AOPA on this so timing and info will be forthcoming from them. But let me reiterate. This is an AOPA members only project. One more reason to sign up with AOPA. ;-) Regards,Jim Rhoads

Like all of AOPA's sweepstake planes, it's one of a kind. They usually puchase an older, well-used plane (last year it was a 1960-something Piper twin) and install a new or rebuilt engine and prop, completely gut and re-do the interior and panel, and strip and repaint the exterior. The last four or five have all had some kind of glass panel retro-fit. IIRC they did a 206 a while back that had one of the first Sandel 3308 EHSI's and Garmin 430/530. I was really lusting after that plane, but they lost my name in that drawing too.

Chelton brags about being #1 selling EFIS retrofit ..Michael J.WinXP-Home SP2,AMD64 3500+,Abit AV8,Radeon X800Pro,36GB Raptor,1GB PC3200,Audigy 2http://www.precisionmanuals.com/images/forum/747400.jpghttp://www.hifisim.com/images/asv_beta_member.jpg

Ha! It's probably better this way as I would have had to take the wings off to get it in the house. Sure would have made a great cockpit though!David

Awesome!! Im an AOPA member and that is one seriously sweet paint job they put on that bird. Eric

>Awesome!! Im an AOPA member and that is one seriously sweet>paint job they put on that bird. >>EricI will add that the FS version is not available yet. It will be "very" soon but wait on AOPA and/or us to make the announcments of when it will be available. I have spent a lot of time in that little airplane and although I am not a huge Commander fan, this is indeed one sweet bird. And so is the FS port. :-) Jim Rhoads

Just checked my AOPA membership and it is good until March 06 w/o any action by me. Looking forward to it!Regards,BobShttp://s95171098.onlinehome.us/junk/aopa.jpgSeems the rage to talk about the "size and speed" of each others computer. Beat this if you can for solving novel/unique problem anywhere in the cosmos. ..Have K&E and know how to use it!

Haha im an AOPA member too! Mine expires in 06 also but me and my dad has been a member since the early 80s and im staying so a commander for me! Woohoo!!!!

Good news Steve! Makes me glad I'm a member :-)

Jim,Ya gone and done pushed me over the line. I signed up with AOPA online today. I've been meaning to join AOPA for a quite awhile now but never seemed to get around to it. Seems like everyone posting these days have the membership graphic in their signature. Thanks for the extra incentive. My FSD Commander has been a favorite for many years and I look forward to seeing the 112. I wish I had driven up to Frederick to see the orginal.Regards,Jeff