alsummers

Hi guys,Some time ago I saw a fantastic set of screenshots in the screenshots forum, depicting an unbelieveable looking VFR flight high over the Austrian alps. The scenery was photoreal, and absolutely fantastic to look at.Having searched the forums, and the internet, I can find only a reference to 'Austria Professional 2004', by Aerosoft. However, screenshots of this particular scenery don't seem to resemble the beautifully 'green' textures that I saw in the screenshots post.Is anyone able to point me in the direction of which Austrian scenery package this might be?Any help appreciated!Many thanks!Al.EDIT - Further searching is making me think that maybe it was FlyLogic's Switzerland Professional. This definately resembles the scenery I saw.

Captain Sim C-130.Aeroworx completion of the FFS Saab 340 project (hope this one sees the light of day!).Project Fokker F-28.LDS 757.I'm sure there are others that slip my mind right now!Al.

Fantastic scenery. I visited Shoreham in a 'Slingsby' during my PPL back in 1997. Fantastic little coastal airport. Looking forward to this!Could anyone enlighten me as to the aircraft being used? Payware, freeware? Available from where?Regards,Al.

This has no doubt been said countless times in the last couple of weeks, but I just wanted to make yet another big shout about the latest incarnation of ActiveSky. I believe ActiveSky was my best purchase during 2004, and the latest version cements that view entirely. Its a whole new experience!Yesterday I departed from Dehli in the late evening, bound for Kingsford Smith Intl, Sydney. I was flying a fictional, but superb, United Nations repaint of the Level-D 767 (love UN repaints, even if they are fictional! Means you can pick two random airports anywhere in the world, and fly between them in the knowledge that the reality of the flight is vaguely feasible!). The (real-world) weather around Dehli was very unpleasant, severe thunderstorms, rain, and although surface winds were 'honest', I soon new what kind of departure I was in for at around 500' agl! Aside from the driving rain, alarming thunder and lightening, the take-off run was smooth and controlled. But at 500' agl, my very heavy 767 was already being buffetted about by severe turbulence. I was blind between about 800' and FL160, but frankly the turbulence was frightening! Climbing through FL200, with the sun beginning to set behind me, I was in awe of the towering CB's extending thousands of feet above me. The turbulence was lighter out of the cloud, but whenever my flight path took me too close to one of the anvils, I was back to being thrown about like a light aircraft! At initial cruising altitude of FL290, all was well. But for an hour or so after departure from Dehli, I was still negotiating my way through turbulence filled anvil towers of CB's. I reduced my mach number to a safe turbulence penetration speed, as the red ticker was appearing with alarming regularity on the PFD whenever I was being buffetted about! Magical! I only WISH I had set up FSScreen and got some screenies to post in the screenshot forum, alas I was too busy watching my 767 ride out the rough weather!Massive thanks to the creators of ASV for continuing to bring an unsurpassed realism to FS2004, yet again!Regards,Al.

I wouldn't call it a 'reworked' version. Owen built it from the ground up in Gmax. His VC is very good, and fun to fly from. Its simply that all the systems aren't modelled/designed into the cockpit. So its mostly just photo bitmaps, plus default gauges, but along with the usual animated light switches/engine start controls etc. But its not meant to be a $40 payware VC. The point is that you get the T-38 (also freshly updated in Gmax), plus the C-17, and all for $12. A steal in my opinion.I doubt Owen will be updating it any further, as he has now left FSD, and as they are still the ones selling it, perhaps they've bought the rights to his model or something?Anyway, I think its just brilliant as it is! Great fun!Al.

For the benefit of those asking about the FSD C-17 Globemaster, it is made by Owen Hewitt, who was with POSky a few years back, and worked on their model. He's been working on his Gmax version for some time, and its now released by FSD (his most recent group, although he has just recently moved on again).It comes with a nice VC, default 747 panel, and a superb model with normal eye candy, animations etc. The VC is not in the league of LDS 767 kind of quality, but Owens time was I am sure being utilised elsewhere, so it was never meant to be perfect. It is nonetheless very very good, and one must remember that the C-17 is accompanied by a model of the T-38, so you get both aircraft for 12 dollars. Can't say fairer than that!I love it, and can't stop flying it!Al.

Bought it yesterday, and am REALLY enjoying it. It really is amazing.Well done to Carenado, another superb model!

I saw on the Avsim front page earlier today, about the recently announced 182 from Carenado, but alas, I have not been able to access their website for MANY months. Evidently most people can, but there are a few of us who can't, as I've seen people mention it before.Would love to see the 182 screenshots (and more importantly be able to access the website to buy it when its released!)...can anyone shed any light on trouble with accessing the website?Regards,Al.

I love the C-123 'Provider'. Shame that there is only one available for FS2004 to my knowledge. Its very nice, but I feel its let down by a very poor quality VC...no disrespect intended to the author, I certainly don't have the skills to make a nice model like he has, its just that I think the VC detracts from the package considerably.

Its been down for a long time. At least a couple of months I would say. Not sure what the problem is, although explorer informs me that the webpage doesn't even exist now, whereas it used to be that it just couldn't access carenado.com (for the usual reasons). So maybe they have closed it down.

Thanks Dan,I'm usually a stern manual reader, and whenever I encounter a problem thats exactly where I go, but believe it or not its that long since I flew the Yak, that I couldn't find the manual! Obviously not looking hard enough, as of course I did find it after I'd read your post, glaring right at me in the 'start' menu!Anyway, all is well now! I read in another Yak thread, a post by yourself regarding the 1.3 patch, and the problems you had with it. Mine seems to work OK. I agree that the stabiliser is vastly over sensitive, but aside from that I can't find any other problems...yet. I checked their website and I see that no files (1.2 or 1.3) are available at present, and that they are working on v2.0. I always felt that its takeoff/climb performance is a bit strange. Never having seen a real Yak 40 takeoff, I have no frame of reference, but its just appears ridiculously underpowered to me. Aside from that, a great aircraft, and model.Thanks again for you help.Regards,Al.

Hi guys,Its been a while since I cranked up this superb aircraft and today I decided that it was time to get back into that gorgeous VC and have a flight. However, I haven't flown it since installing an update (several months ago now!), and I find that the model now loads with the rear stairs open. Wing fold, tail hook, shift+E+2 don't seem to close it, so I was wondering if any other owners of this fine addon could inform me of what key command closes the #### thing!Thanks in advance!Regards,Al.

I'll be in line to get the Herc the day its released. My faith in Captain Sim remains sturdy as ever. What exactly is the complaint with the 707? Mine works fine? It looks good, flys well (albeit with minor bugs, but it remains workable), and I use it for plenty of successful long-haul flights worldwide, coupled with the CIVA INS. I also own and fly regularly the CS Starfighter, Mig, 727, and I even enjoy some fun in the Yak quite regularly.I hope that the CS team realises that not everyone is dissatisfied with their products.Keep working Captain Sim, and rest assured your efforts are appreciated in some quarters.

Hi again Bill,The Project Open Sky models don't include custom panels (although that may change as I believe they have a panel designer in the group now). Their downloads, once installed, will usually make use of a default FS2004 panel, but its up to the avid simmer to search Avsim etc, and find themselves a more suitable, or specific, panel for the aircraft in question.If your a 'heavies' fan, you'll certainly love their models...some of the best.Regards,Al.

Hi Bill,Project Open Sky (POSky) are one of, if not THE, leading design groups for freeware aircraft models for the flight sim series. They have been around for about 5 years, and constantly update their fleet of Boeing and Airbus models as each new version of FS is released. Some of their models have VC's, others don't. Currently available are the following - Boeing 757 (-200 and -300), with VC. Boeing 767 (released only a couple of weeks ago, and only the -300 variant at present, a VC is expected in an update in the coming weeks, as are models of the -200, and -400 variants). Boeing 747, -400, -300, -200 (-100 expected sometime I believe. These models don't have VC's). Airbus A330 (-200, and -300), both with VC's. Airbus A340 (-200, -300), both with VC's. Bombardier CRJ-200, and CRJ-900 (both with VC's).Check this page Bill, to see the aircraft downloads listed by type, and repaints available, sub-listed by continents...http://www.projectopensky.com/downloads-index.phpCheck this page, for all sorts of info about Project Open Sky...http://www.projectopensky.com/Some of their installation procedures, particularly where VC's etc are involved, can be quite daunting for the newer flight simmer. However, help is always at hand on their forums, and in their FAQ's. Failing that, post here on the Avsim forums.Hope this helps!Regards,Al.

http://forums.avsim.net/dcboard.php?az=sho...46935&mode=fullAlready been discussed! But the Herc sure does look nice.

I just visited the CS website a few minutes ago and found this out too.They haven't actually opened up a new forum yet, as far as I can see, so I'd guess that there will still be voices of dissent with regards to CS and their products/product support. (Not that I've ever had a problem myself)However, there is a very nice new preview for the C-130, which is apparently about to go to Beta testing. Nothing new from the exterior model, as there have been shots of that about for a long time, but there are stunning shots of the VC...looks unbelievable. The entire cargo-bay/flightdeck appears to be modelled. Can't wait for this to grace my hard drive!So, if your CS fan, head on over and take a look. If your not, well, with a truly sincere respect for your opinions, can we not turn this into an anti-CS thread, and just leave it as a heads up for those that still believe CS can put out some exciting products.Thanks.Al.

Sorry to hear that Todd. Like you, I long to fly a fantastic Tristar model in FS2004. Sadly it hasn't happened yet, and this weak example certainly doesn't go towards filling the gap. Charles Dayhuff's admirable freeware model is no doubt better than the Perfect Flight attempt.As far as I can see, Perfect Flight's 717 was the closest they came to actually making a model that resembles its real world counterpart. Their MD-11, like the Tristar, is very poor. When compared to the the IFDG model, its like comparing an FS2000 model to a Gmax model from FS2004. And their A380 is also well below the standard of Robert V's freeware example.Since many of my fellow FS users considered my views somewhat presumptuous, I hope that if nothing else, this thread simply alerts more people before they throw their hard-earned at Perfect Flight models.On the other hand, if anyone owns, and enjoys Perfect Flight models, then long may you continue to enjoy them. Each to his own.Regards,Al.

Well, upon reading new replies to this thread, I am glad that there are some people like me, who can see that this laughable product is a sub-standard money grabbing attempt, without actually having to buy it first.For those that believe my comments are unjustified, I did wake up this morning thinking that I may buy this product, just in order to post a review of it. But upon first checking the price, and then upon once again taking a glance at the screenshots, I figured I was being stupid even considering buying it. I have to say I missed the screenshots that Paul Golding pointed out, displaying the no.2 engine fan, JUST inside the tail engine inlet! A novel piece of engineering indeed! Turbine shafts that can do an S bend!Utterly laughable.

"You are confusing 2 companies and projects. Pilots Gmbh is not "Perfect" Flight, the two couldn't be further apart in fact.One is a good company out of Austria, the other a load of crap out of Italy."No, my initial thought on seeing the Avsim news item 'Lockheed Tristar released', made me THINK that perhaps the Pilots L1011 had been released (and indeed it does look very good). But upon further investigation, it was this Perfect Flight release. A company that I am very aware release nothing more than bottom end freeware standard models...but charge for them.On a seperate note, I've read countless testimonials on these, and other forums, from customers regretting Perfect Flight purchases. I don't recall ever seeing them being flamed for opinions such as in most of the replies to this thread. I'll know not to post my 'uneducated' opinions in future. To those who believe that the Perfect Flight L1011 will be a quality product, please, do buy it and dispell my views.

With all due respect, have you seen their other products? I've never heard a good word spoken about their 717, MD-11, or A380. I don't think you actually need to own any of their products. Apart from being common knowledge, just check the screenshots, they speak for themselves. My arguement is, that they shouldn't be able to charge for something that is well below the par of most freeware.I never said people shouldn't buy it. I wouldn't be so presumptuous as impose my own 'buying' standards onto other people, but I just hope that people aren't disappointed with it if they do, as its blatantly another of Perfect Flights sub-standard money grabbing attempts.

Upon seeing the news on Avsim front page...'Lockheed Tristar released'...I hoped that perhaps the 'Pilots L1011' had been released (they claimed Feb 2005, but then they have 'claimed' released dates for nearly two years!). For lack of anything else, this Tristar model looks from the screenshots to be a fairly good representation. It can be seen at www.l1011tristar.comBut, sadly, my momentary interest was deflated when I noticed who this new release was by...Perfect Flight. For lack of anything else to do, I followed the link to their website, hoping that I may gain some mild amusement from the screenshots of what is no doubt a travesty to both the legendary old lady herself, but also to flight simulation in general. Sure enough, its a joke. The visual model is laughable, the VC unmentionable...need I continue?I would never state my opinions on any freeware release, as it involves hours of hard work by like minded flight sim fans, and the end result, no matter the quality, is free. But as this (and all other Perfect Flight products too) is payware, I feel I can justifiably state that this company are a stain on the face of flight simulation.My sincere condolences if anyone is suckered into buying this product, which would struggle to better even the most basic freeware releases.I hasten to add that I don't own any Perfect Flight releases, so someone could tell me I'm wrong about these models...but I wouldn't believe them.I'll just continue to hope that someday, somewhere, I get to see either a superb freeware L1011, or an equally superb payware version.Till then, I can only dream.Al.

Well, I will stand up as a loyal Captain Sim supporter. I bought the 727 when it was a couple of months old, and flew the rear end off it for years. Its given me endless hours of pleasure. I bought the Yak, and the Starfighter - and although they don't see as much flight time as they used to, I still value them as superb addons.I was lucky enough to be selected to receive the 707 beta from Captain Sim, but sadly (for me, as it probably means I won't be afforded the same privilege again in the future!) I wasn't accessing the email account that it went to for several months, and therefore it was about to be released by the time I got to try it out. I bought it on release, and still fly it regularly - coupled with the CIVA INS, much like the 727, it brings hours of enjoyment. Granted, apparently there are things about it that people take issue with, but I can't find any that bother me. Perhaps I'm easy to please.The C-130 is the addon that I have been looking forward to the most, for as long as I can remember. I will buy it as soon as it hits the virtual shelf. No question. My faith that it will be the most outstanding reproduction of the Herc is unaffected by anyone elses 'dim' view of Captain Sim. I can't wait to get it.As for 767's - Well, I am looking forward to the Project Opensky model. Its not on my list of priorities for payware purchases. But that doesn't mean that I won't be buying future Captain Sim products past the C-130. I'll continue to keep an eye out for each Captain Sim release.Keep up the good work Captain Sim!Regards,Al Summers.P.S. And if you ever thought of producing a Tristar...:-)

Hi everyone,I wondered if I could tax some brains on this little issue, which has been present ever since I bought FS2004 upon its release. Presumably its something that affected everyone, and yet I have seen no fixes documented anywhere for it.So the problem...my default Innsbruck (LOWI) runway, is the wrong surface type, ie FS reads it as grass, despite obviously being correctly textured as tarmac. My chosen aircraft always bounce along it with mud/dust effects emerging from the tyres!I believe this is a known bug, and although I haven't experienced it anywhere else myself, I am sure there are various airports at which it does happen.So, can it be fixed? If so how? Am I right in thinking that it could be fixed via AFCAD?Any help/directions appreciated.Best regards,Al.

I'm afraid I'm in full support of all who the no-CD 'crack' (although a word I prefer is 'workaround').I spent about a year using the CD 4 in my drive, but about 6 months ago searched out the small file download that does away with this annoying requirement. I play several games, most of which require a CD in the tray. If I can reduce that number it makes my life easier. Simple enough proposition isn't it? I am not distributing this file, I simply downloaded it so that if I choose to play FS2004, I don't have to root out my CD 4. I paid my money, and thus have no qualms with using an alledged 'crack'.Added to which, until recently my CD drives both carried out particularly long and annoyingly loud spin-up actions whenever a new disk was loaded. This could go on for several minutes, and was yet another reason why I chose to download the 'crack', the result being that the only noise I hear when I play FS2004 now, is the throaty roar of pistons/props, and turbines. A welcome change!