Today's Headlines

The AVSIM Online News:

Wednesday's Files On Downwind

Posted: Wednesday, February 22, 2012 - 12:25

Flight Simulator X - Aircraft Repaints, Textures and Modifications
OLT Express Airbus A320 by Daniel Engelhardt, Project Airbus
Atlas Air Boeing 767-300ER (N641GT) by Gustavo Aguiar, Level-D
Delta Airlines "Habitat For Humanity" Boeing 767-300ER (N171DZ) by Gustavo Aguiar, Level-D
OceanAir Boeing 767-300ER (PR-ONA) v2 by Gustavo Aguiar, Level-D
Florida West International Airways Boeing 767-300F (N422LA) by Gustavo Aguiar, Level-D
United (Retro Colors) Airbus A320 by Daniel Engelhardt, Project Airbus

Flight Simulator X - AFCAD Files
Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (2011) Update V.1.2 by Erik Ingram
KSMF Sacramento International by Mike Funk, AFX

Flight Simulator X - Miscellaneous Files
Boeing 737NG Normal Checklist by Chen Fireshtain

Flight Simulator 2004 - Aircraft Repaints, Textures and Modifications
Iceland Express Boeing 737-500 by Dave Leesley, Wilco/Feelthere
Florida West International Airways Boeing 767-300F (N422LA) by Gustavo Aguiar, Level-D
Atlas Air Boeing 767-300ER (N641GT) by Gustavo Aguiar, Level-D
Thomson Airways Boeing 737-800 (G-CDZL) by Martijn Koster, iFly SimSoft
Thomson Airways Boeing 737-800 (G-FDZF) by Martijn Koster, iFly SimSoft
Thomson Airways Boeing 737-800 (G-FDZX) by Martijn Koster, iFly SimSoft
Westjet Boeing 737 Pack by Ryan Klatt, Colin Lowe, Project Opensky
Aerolineas Argentinas NC (Circa 2010) Airbus A320 by Luis Castro, Project Airbus
Aeromexico "Ford Lobo" Boeing 737-700 by Miguel Arteaga and Igor Koltsov, iFly
Aeromexico "Muppets Movie" Boeing 737-700 by Miguel Arteaga and Igor Koltsov, iFly
Aeromexico "Teleton" Boeing 737-700 by Miguel Arteaga and Igor Koltsov, iFly
Aeromexico "Cirque Du Soleil OVO" Boeing 737-700 by Miguel Arteaga and Igor Koltsov, iFly

Flight Simulator 2004 - AI Aircraft
Small Canadian Operators #4 by Darren Belanger
Qantas Jetconnect Boeing 737-800 "75th 737" by Federico Permutti, AI Aardvark
Qantas Jetconnect Boeing 737-800 by Federico Permutti, AI Aardvark
Qantas Boeing 737-800 "Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia" by Federico Permutti, AI Aardvark
Qantas Boeing 737-800 "Sharing the Spirit" by Federico Permutti, AI Aardvark
Qantas Boeing 737-800 by Federico Permutti, AI Aardvark
World of AI Turkmenistan Airlines Complete AI Package by World of AI

Flight Simulator 2004 - Flight Plans
Empire Air Mail Scheme (EAMS) England to Australia 1938 by Bruce Kennewell

FlightGear 2.6.0 Released

Posted: Wednesday, February 22, 2012 - 12:18
The FlightGear development team is happy to announce the v2.6.0 release of FlightGear, the free, open-source flight simulator. This new version contains many exciting new features, enhancements and bugfixes. Major improvements from v2.4.0 include reduced AI aircraft load times, easier graphics tuning, more sophisticated AI aircraft and improved usability. For further details visit the FlightGear homepage.

Ultimate 737NG Simulation Released.

Posted: Tuesday, February 21, 2012 - 21:46
Not only is this a complete add-on for FSX but also an expansion for the IFLY 737NG FSX package. Ultimate 737NG Simulation includes realistic multi-crew airline missions to replicate real flight operations in a populate aeronautical world ambience with interactive briefing step to step checklists, Speed restriction, Cabin Announcement and much more.

You can choice from three different versions:
FULL VERSION - Includes nine new liveries for both FSX Boeing 737-800 and IFLY 737NG plus two Missions Pack.
IFLY PACK - Includes nine new liveries for IFLY 737NG plus Missions Pack (You need to have iFly 737NG package installed in order to fly missions and new liveries)
SPECIAL BUNDLE - Includes two box sets - IFLY 737NG FSX and Ultimate 737NG Simulation IFLY Pack.

DBS Terrain Awareness and Warning System

Posted: Tuesday, February 21, 2012 - 12:26
DBS Terrain Awareness and Warning System TAWS helps to avoid Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT).
DBS TAWS system can be used with any aircraft or helicopter in Flight Simulator X. As a universal system - DBS TAWS can be simply added to an aircraft as a standalone window or adapted to a specific panel by editing panel.cfg file and dbs.taws.cab xml gauge. Head over to the DBS Studio Homepage for further details.

Aerosoft News

Posted: Tuesday, February 21, 2012 - 6:24
Canadair Regional Jet CRJ-200 for X-Plane 10 - The Canadair Regional Jet CRJ-200 done by JRollon is now available from Aerosoft. It utilizes Navigraph`s FMS Data to run the advanced flight management computer so you can follow real world, up to date routes. With this addition the CRJ effectively starts a new era for X-Plane and is the first aircraft in the X-Plane flight simulator to integrate Navigraph`s real world data into the systems. The visual effects include simulated rain, ice, vapor condensation, working windshield wipers, global lighting, self-shadowing cockpit and various independent light sources for an ultimate night-flight experience.

AES 2.21 Released - Airport Enhancement Services has just been updated to version 2.21. This new version has better looking vehicles (with much better animations and better support for the A380), new human figures with much better animations and added support for Aerosoft Frankfurt Hahn X, UK2000 East Midlands xtreme, Aerosoft Maastrich-Aachen, Aerosoft Stavanger X, Aerosoft/Drzewiecki Krakow, FSDreamTeam Los Angeles, LatinVFR Miami and FreeZ Zuerich X Live 1.10. As always this is a free download and very easy to update, just run the installer. Oh by the way, zero credits needed for Maastricht-Aachen.

Djerba X For FSX/FS2004 - It's a fine scenery depicting the Djerba island in all its magical glory. This is Arabia as you never have seen it before, you can almost smell the desert wind. The airport itself is highly detailed down to the smallest details and has great day and night textures. When you've flown your airliner to Djerba, pick up a small aircraft and explore the island.

Maastricht-Aachen For FS2004 - The airport which is a popular cargo and charter/holiday flight hub is situated in the south of the Netherlands and very close to the borders of Belgium and Germany. Airlines that come here frequently are Germanwings and Ryanair who profit from the good commercial location. One of Aerosoft's most experienced designers, Andras Kozma, has again done a brilliant job with this scenery in creating a realistic and very lively environment.

Friedrichshafen X - The next airport of German Airports 1 is now "ready for departure" in FSX and FS2004. In good tradition, the award winning German Airports team provides this scenery of Friedrichshafen airport in a stunning quality. This add-on of Friedrichshafen airport represents the latest status of development of the real airport. The terrain has been edited to be compatible with other add-ons. One of many highlights of this scenery are the Dynamic Airport Enhancement Services AESLite which brings a near to life virtual reality into the scenery. Discover the other great features.

Just Flight News

Posted: Tuesday, February 21, 2012 - 6:14
DC-6B Released - This great new collection of DC-6B passenger airliners includes the Intercontinental four-window model and the five-window Domestic day plane variant both with and without radar and propeller spinners. Pilots can enjoy high quality 3D virtual cockpits, ten stunning liveries, custom flight dynamics, a high fidelity sound set for the distinctive Pratt & Whitney Double Wasp engines and checklists and reference documents. Download and Boxed versions are available.

X-Plane 10 - X-Plane 10 for PC and Mac is now in stock. This new version of X-Plane is packaged in a tin (it comes on eight Dual-Layer DVDs!) and includes Global Scenery of the entire world. New features include a brand new system for auto-generating plausible scenery for the entire world, many new high-quality aircraft models, a new cloud and weather rendering system, a more accurate and more powerful flight model and a completely reworked ATC and AI Aircraft system.

On The Horizon - Airline Sharks

Posted: Tuesday, February 21, 2012 - 6:06
Airline Sharks is a financial domination board game where each player is the owner of any of 12 airlines, past or present. Through the acquisition of airport leases, each airline will establish a base of operations at each leased airport to provide passenger flight service. Competing airlines will pay a rental fee if they are cleared to taxi and hold short at any stopline of another players airport tarmac. Each Shark will expand their empire through the construction of additional airport passenger terminals, and ultimately the construction of a control tower. With each costly improvement, the rent increases generating more revenue for the airline owner. If the competing airline is unable to pay their rent, then property must be liquidated to avoid Bankruptcy. Whomever acquries, all of the airport leases, wins the game.

The main airport hub is where each Shark begins their trek. Each Shark circumnavigates the board and returns to the starting gate at the hub. Each airline Board of Directors will determine budget increases based upon total number of properties leased. Other factors that impact gameplay involve weather, FAA regulation changes, emergency situations and interaction with law enforcement and the U.S. Postal Service. There are a variety of situations that can be costly to each airline, or can be rewarding, from equipment upgrades required by the FAA to the capture of illegal contraban and surrendered to authorities!

Airline Sharks is the first game of its kind to be completely modeled after the airport industry. All airport markings are in accordance with FAA standards/nomenclature.

Airline Sharks gameplay is accomplished via pilot/controller communication in accordance with FAA standards. Simulated equipment include airport radar and departure/arrival flight strips. Airline Sharks is educational as well as entertaining for the entire family. The user not only learns about making sound financial decisions, but also learns the mysterious terminology found only
within the aviation community.

Take On Helicopters from JustFlight/Bohemia Interactive

Posted: Tuesday, February 21, 2012 - 5:44
Senior staff reviewer Gene Davis heads to the Emerald City (Seattle Washington) to fly a civilian style game centered on flying helicopters. "Take On Helicopters has several different modes of play as there is an option for Single Player and Multiplayer game play from the main menu as well as an options menu to set the in-game settings for optimal performance during play. From the single player menu you can access Free Flight, Career, Challenges, and the Editor."

"The Free Flight mode is where I spend most of my time because it allowed me to fly any chopper and lets me explore Seattle and its surrounding areas to my heart’s content. The Single Player Campaign in TOH is where the nuts and bolts of this game exists, while most of the campaign is scripted it will have you flying contract missions that range from Civilian to Government, passenger transport, emergency services to heavy lift operations while flying different helicopters that you can purchase or upgrade as you progress through the campaign."

"The choppers in TOH are based on real world helicopters. Take the light version for instance. It is based on the MD500, the Medium chopper is based on the 412 and the Heavy chopper appears to be based on the Sikorsky S-92 and their respective military variants. The exterior models are simply gorgeous and offer a lot of eye candy depending on what model you choose to fly and what I found most impressive was the shadowing both inside and out of each helicopter, as it really brings them to life in the game."

"Take On Helicopters far exceeded my expectations when I witnessed how beautiful the game was and how well it ran on my system. I know this review only covers the tip of the iceberg when it comes to TOH, but every time I go to use the game again I find something new. If you like choppers, Seattle Washington, graphically intense games then TOH is for you."

Perfect Flight Ultimate 737NG Simulation

Posted: Monday, February 20, 2012 - 12:22
Ultimate 737NG Simulation, not only a complete game add-on for Microsoft Flight Simulator X but also an expansion for IFLY 737NG FSX package. Ultimate 737NG Simulation includes realistic multi-crew airline missions to replicate real flight operations in a populate aeronautical world ambience with interactive briefing step to step checklists, Speed restriction, Cabin Announcement and much more. You can choice from tree different versions: FULL VERSION - Includes nine new liveries for both FSX Boeing 737-800 and IFLY 737NG plus two Missions Pack. IFLY PACK - Includes nine new liveries for IFLY 737NG plus Missions Pack (You need to have iFly 737NG package installed in order to fly missions and new liveries) SPECIAL BUNDLE - Includes two box sets - IFLY 737NG FSX and Ultimate 737NG Simulation IFLY Pack. For more info about the Ultimate 737NG Simulation series visit their Product Page.

Round the World Race is Now Running!

Posted: Saturday, February 18, 2012 - 21:47
The annual flight simulation "round the world race" launched at 1630 UTC today! Teams from AVSIM, Flightsim, IFlyOnline, and Sim Outhouse are once again contending for this year's title run. This race has been held annually since 2003, and has grown considerably since. If you would like to observe the race first hand, you can watch over the shoulders of the AVSIM team in the _blank">AVSIM RTW Race Forum here.

FS2Crew Voice Commander V1.1 for Wilco feelThere 737 Evolution

Posted: Saturday, February 18, 2012 - 13:07
Are you a Wilco feelThere 737 PIC Evolution pilot? If so, please note that FS2Crew Voice Commander for the Wilco feelThere 737 'Evolution' has been updated to Version 1.1. The update makes FS2Crew compatible with the Version 1.2 of the 737 Evolution, which was released just recently. FS2Crew owners need to login to their FS2Crew accounts to download Version 1.1. FS2Crew develops advanced airline crew simulations and training programs for Microsoft Flight Simulator and Apple Mobile devices. Please taxi to the FS2Crew Voice Commander Product Information Page.

FSFlyingSchool Cockpit for iPhone and Android

Posted: Saturday, February 18, 2012 - 4:29
FSInventions announces the release of a new add-on FSFlyingSchool Cockpit for iPhone and Android, now you can use your iPhone or Android to interact with FSFlyingSchool PRO. You can ask the instructor for information and even control your flight progress using the exciting set of command buttons now available on your phone with this unique add-on for FSFlyingSchool PRO.

You can get all kinds of information: details of your destination runway, weather, sky condition, flight plan progress and much more. Even a simulated bird strike on demand, to find out more, watch movies, download free demo, etc, head over to the FSFlyingSchool Website Homepage.

New Digital Aviation Radio Navigation Simulator Apps

Posted: Saturday, February 18, 2012 - 4:23
Digital Aviation announces today that it has released a lower cost iPhone/iPod touch version of its mobile flight simulator for radio navigation training in the use and management of VOR, VOR-DME and ADF instruments, all displayed with a Directional Gyro on a realistic Flight Panel, with other Flight Panel functionality.

Radio Navigation Simulator (RNS) is flown in a Synthetic Flight Environment, with real world derived aeronautical data, using latitude and longitude mapping, where realistic flight training can take place. RNS is the perfect mobile tool for instructors to demonstrate radio navigation techniques, and for students to consolidate and self test.

Experienced pilots will find RNS valuable to prepare for an instrument rating or proficiency test. for information, including detailed screenshots, and a direct link to download the app from the App Store, visit the Digital Aviation Homepage.

Wilco Releases 737 Pilot in Command EVOLUTION V1.2

Posted: Friday, February 17, 2012 - 13:02
737 Pilot in Command EVOLUTION is today's most advanced, most realistic, most complete Boeing 737-300/-400/-500 simulation for Microsoft Flight Simulator X.

Version 1.2 highlights :
* Ability to change from digital to analogue instrumentation “on the fly” to match the 2D panel selection.
* New additions and improvements and “fixes”
* Numerous fixes and corrections
* And more…

Compatible with Flight Simulator X, 737PIC Evolution - download version - is now available. The CD-Rom version will hit the shelves in March 2012. Information available at Wilco Publishing.

X-Plane 10 Global Edition Released

Posted: Friday, February 17, 2012 - 12:56
The first new global flight simulator in over five years is out now in the UK and rest of Europe. X-Plane 10 Global Edition is the culmination of twenty years of continuous development and one of the best known brands of its genre. This very latest release hails the future of flight simulation.

With almost unlimited flexibility in how it can be set up and with thousands of compatible add-ons, practically any aircraft you can think of is available to pilots within the X-Plane world. Whether you want to fly light aircraft, military jets, helicopters or heavy iron, there is an aircraft waiting for you!

At the core of the simulation is a virtual wind tunnel which allows the most realistic flight dynamics modelling available on a desktop computer. It is so good that X-Plane 10 is FAA approved as a certified training tool. Revolutionary scenery that simulates a ‘plausible world’ created from real-world data sources means that you will see most roads and built up areas as they really are around you.

The completely new rendering engine shows the world in high detail with global illumination so that lights behave like real lights. Air Traffic Control guides you from start-up to shut-down and the ‘AI’ traffic behaves exactly as your aircraft, fighting the same crosswinds on landing, or turbulence in the air. Even runway conditions are simulated, meaning you will need a longer length of runway to stop when conditions are wet. Just like pilots do in the real world, you will watch other aircraft take-off to anticipate what your take-off will be like.

X-Plane 10 also makes the most of the latest home computer technology by the full power of multi-core processors fitted to most modern PCs, yet still performs well with incredible detail even on older more moderate specification machines.


FEATURE SUMMARY: Super accurate flight characteristics using a virtual wind tunnel , Includes 30 aircraft, from gliders to the Space Shuttle, Online flying with other virtual pilots, Air Traffic Control actually controls the other aircraft around you, Detailed terrain for the whole world including very accurate altitude data, Plausible World’ auto-generated scenery that includes almost every road, New rendering engine with innovative global lighting system. Totally flexible and extendable with thousands of existing add-ons. This Global Edition includes highly detailed scenery for Nice (LFMN), Paderborn-Lippstadt (EDLP) and Faro (LPFR) and many other custom scenery additions.

Available from February 17th through all major games retailers, websites, pilot supply shops and flight sim specialists like SimStop .

Round the World Race Begins February 18

Posted: Wednesday, February 15, 2012 - 12:48
The 2012 Flight Simulator Around The World Race will begin on February 18, 2012 at 1500 hours UTC.
Avsims team looks strong this year with a group of Veterans and New Bloods looking to bring home the trophy, the finishing times last year were so close it was anybody's guess right up till the last leg who won. Join in the excitement, follow the preparations and the race with a visit to our Around The World Race Forum for a look through the program of events.

T.16000M Joystick from Thrustmaster

Posted: Wednesday, February 15, 2012 - 2:06
Staff reviewer Benjamin van Soldt gets ahold of a new controller with Thrustmaster's T.160000M Joystick. "Finding a left-handed or ambidextrous joystick that is within reasonable price limits proved to be more difficult than though. You might ask yourself why I would you want an ambidextrous or left handed joystick when I am right-handed. The answer is simple: Airbus aircraft. Enter Thrustmaster T.16000M."

After going into detail about the overall features and setup of the joystick, Benjamin concludes, "The Thrustmaster T.16000M is a fine joystick. It’s comfortable to hold and use. It registers every move you make and translates it into fine and accurate control inputs. The positions of the buttons are generally okay and seem easy to reach."

"While it’s a straightforward process, changing the handedness is a bit of a hassle and may prevent you from actively changing the handedness whenever you want to. I can recommend this joystick to both right-handed and left-handed simmers that are looking to replace their old joystick with some new; something that is 256 times more accurate than what they had before."

RemoteFlight Releases MAP HD

Posted: Tuesday, February 14, 2012 - 12:10
RemoteFlight announces MAP HD, the release of their first iPad native application for simmers, a complete overhaul of their most successful iPhone MAP. The iPad version has got all the features users know from iPhone, but for all of them, there’s a little something extra. Not only does the native resolution simply do the job - the new version has more map options, better and more aircraft icons, and includes wind and vertical speed indicator. Map and aircraft movements are now smoothly animated, a feature most enjoyed on photo aerial map. Flight plans from FSX or FS9 can be displayed on the map providing info on each waypoint distance and direction as you fly. RemoteFlight MAP HD is a joy to use, or even just watch. You will find the app on the AppStore, for more information go to the RemoteFlight Homepage.