October 2007

SimBucket is a new web site dedicated to flight simulator screenshots. This is a neat idea - we’ve all taken our favourite flight sim shots - now you have a chance to share them with the world.

You can vote for your favourite images and they’re running a monthly competition with cash prizes. Worth checking out.

This is a new one on me

A first ever, the AIR.C74.NET “Trick-Or-Treat” Halloween Event.

From Midnight MST OCT 30, to Midnight MST OCT 31, every order on October 31, 2007 with message line “Trick_Or_Treat” will get a random Halloween treat.

There’s A LOT of new items at AIR.C74.NET to see. Cirrus Jet, Cessna Mustang 510, Cessna Skycatcher 162, Gulfstream II, and a lot more new stuff hiding in the wings.

The AADx470 is always free and still in the holiday wrapper from last season. The Columbia 400 is free for anyone to give it their own panel layout. R/C’s are always free but may not be online much longer.

Happy Haunting!

Tags: air.c74.net

This weekend sees the hosting of the “World’s biggest international flight simulation event” at FS Weekend at Lelystad, The Netherlands. It looks like it’s going to be a fantastic event with an impressive line up of exhibitors.

I’d love to be able to make it, but unfortunately won’t be able to this year. If anyone attending would care to write a review to be posted on FlightSimX, let me know

Tags: fsweekend

I love virtual airlines. I’ve tried many in the past and have always enjoyed the experience. The problem has always been that I can’t really commit to “you need to do X flights in X days”. Due to other commitments, my flying is done as and when I happen to have some spare time.

FSAviator has recognised an opening for sim flyers like myself with the launch of their virtual airline:

Although there are many great virtual airlines available, many of them limit the type of aircraft a member can fly.At times, the rules and regulations limit members from enjoying the thrill of free online simulation flight. FSAviator members are not bound by any of these  rules.

Flightsim pilots that wish to fly online but find it difficult to jump right into online flightsim networks like VATSIM will find that FSAviator makes it an easy transition for newcomers to get in the online flightsim community.

FSAviator offer members:

• The ability to fly anywhere, anytime with no restrictions.
• Fly any aircraft and  liveries.
• All flights are honored and accepted towards FSAviator ranks and skycash.
• Skycash - FSAviator economy system - Get skycash for your flight time.
• All FSAviator member will receive there own email account (example: FSA###@fsaviator.com)
• VATSIM - FSAviator uses the best online flight simulation network. Instead of isolating FSAviator from any network, we incorporate the best resources available online to our members.
• A rewarding rank structure, flight pay and reward program.
• Dedicated Teamspeak Server for internal and unicom in flight communications. Meet the members.
• Organization that is professional, friendly and community driven.

I had the pleasure of attending the Scottish Charity FlightSim Show held at Glasgow Airport yesterday, 28th October, 2007.

I made a lot of new friends and had a terrific day, made all the better with the fantastic news that the show managed to raise an incredible £2,000 for Orbis. Steve Masson has issued the following press release following the event:

I would like to thank everyone who supported the Scottish Charity Flightsim Event 2007 at the Holiday Inn Glasgow Airport on the 28th of October 2007. We have had incredible support from UK20000, Flight 1, Angle of Attack, Flightstore, FlightSimX, Classic Flight, FlyByWire, Vatsim UK. Fly UK, Ian Brookes, Dumfries and Galloway Aviation Museum and the West of Scotland Air Cadets. The generosity of those who attended and those who supported us from a far was nothing short of amazing and just saying thank you doesn’t seem to fully express our gratitude.

With over £2000 raised from the 1^st part of our event this year, ORBIS will make a huge difference to the many mothers and children in Ethiopia who, as a result, will live free from the triple threat of pain, blindness and poverty that the eye disease trachoma brings. To put that into perspective, you can fill eight Singapore Airlines A380’s with mothers and children who’s sight could be saved, from the money you raised by supporting this event.

The Second stage of our fundraising begins on the 4^th November 2007 with the start of World Flight 2007, when nine teams from around the world will be raising funds for their respective charities. ORBIS will be supported by ourselves and team USA. 

The flight simulator community’s unconditional support has given us an incredible boost to achieving our target, which is to raise £5000 for ORBIS in 2007, while also giving the team the drive to make World Flight 2007 our best year yet.