Xsimreviews

So, we’re coming up on the weekend and we don’t have much on the horizon. Of course we may all end up huddling in caves after this monster gets through with us!

That little fella up there at 10 o’clock is sunspot AR1429, and he’s letting loose some very big indeed sunspots…X-class flares to be more specific (and they don’t get any larger). This is the result of the sun ingesting way too many pinto beans, and guess where this superheated blob of fun is headed? Right you are…your back yard! Satellite and cell phone disruptions are a possibility later this week, as are power grid disturbances. If the hair on the back of your neck begins to sizzle, just remember that the 11 year Solar Maximum cycle is just getting started! Of course if you live in higher latitudes, be on the lookout for more of this type of activity:

This image was captured in Murmansk early Thursday. Looks like a fine location to do some sunbathing, wot? You first.

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• The IXEG has posted this nice, unassuming video of the “cold and dark” start up of a 733. Not a video of their SIM mind you, this was filmed in a “real” simulator, and with 2 three year olds masquerading as pilots.

It is inconceivable to me that toddlers could spell Beoing, let alone start one up.

Oops.

Well, it’s worth a look-see, and, well, it’s like training, ya know?

Sheesh…

(and can anyone think of a more highly anticipated new ACF? Hm-m… the 752? Jack’s 722? That ATR? The XPJets 772? Snoopy’s Doghouse with 3D cockpit?)

• Also of extreme interest here, the AeroFly FS product for the Mac is slated to ship in April. The Windows product is still on sale for less than 50USD, to increase to 65 USD in April.
• And if in the mood to take in one outstanding XP related website, point your browser over to Mr3D’s new digs. You’ll also find some preview videos of his soon to be released ZERO there. Outstanding site, great looking new ACF, and due out very, very soon, too!
• And speaking of another WIP worth checking up on:

And in less earth shattering news:

• Here’s a handy dandy little (and free ’til Monday) iPhone App for those working through that never ending, mind boggling list of ICAO codes. Read more here.
• Are you a CFI, student, line flying pilot in need of a good electronic logbook? Well, if so take a look at LogTenPro Universal. It’s a new universal App that will work via the cloud on iPads, iPods, iPhones, and Macs, AND it’s 50% off right now too.
• Barbara Ganson, an associate professor at Florida Atlantic University, plans to re-create Harriet Quimby’s 1912 historic flight across the English Channel. “I’m extremely excited. It’s a dream come true,” she said. Ganson will join female pilots from around the world in the event, “Across the Channel: Women Unifying Nations.” Sun-Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)
• Angel Flight Northeast has provided free medical flights to Boston for a young child with severe burns. “I consider myself a very lucky guy. I feel it’s my moral obligation to share my good fortune with other people,” said volunteer pilot Andy Anderson. Gloucester Daily Times (Mass.)
• The Transportation Security Administration will start evaluating more risk-based security procedures this month, the agency’s chief, John Pistole, said during a speech on Monday. He also says the agency is working with international cargo airlines to ensure that 100% of air cargo entering the U.S. is screened. Air Transport World
• It was less than two years ago that Blake Swafford was opening the Paulding Northwest Atlanta Airport near the town of Dallas, Ga. Now, he’s picking up the pieces after the field was devastated by a tornado March 2. AOPA Online
• AOPA President Craig Fuller, who is also president of the International Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations, will officially recognize the United Arab Emirates as the newest country to the council. This marks the 70th international organization to join IAOPA. “The Council is growing fast, with Namibia joining just last year.” AOPA Now

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Chris K seems to be one a one man crusade to single-handedly turn the Christchurch, New Zealand area into a real mecca for X-Plane 10 fanatics everywhere! His converted and revised airport (covered just a few weeks ago) has been tweaked, but of even more interest he’s added OSM derived buildings, and tossed in a very nice ortho overlay as well. Let’s take a look:

The image above captures all the elements…from the airport to the shoreline, while the image below reveals more of the outlying buildings added, and with mountains in the distance this makes a sweet looking destination:

Don’t forget to click to enlarge these images, too… Below, more airport imagery:

And below, the ortho and OSM derived buildings on the landscape:

This effort is comprised of three distinct downloads, variations for XP9 are now included, and all these files are available here. Highly recommended for your weekend’s enjoyment.

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NorwegianPilot’s ENRY | Rygge is still in v2.x, but his final v3 is slated for mid-March. Like…next week!

This is a sweet little commercial airport in SE Sweden, and will make a great addition to our Q-Flight arsenal. The roads in XP10 are very near the final approach and look spectacular. This ought to be a “must have file” too!

Yes, it’s still WIP so the terminal is still dark, the ramps too, but this one is looking better and better. We’ll advise when v3 releases!

And, well, that’s it for now. I don’t know how deep you need to dig to evade solar radiation storms, but why bother. Just stand outside and get a nice tan. Fast.

We’ll see you later, and don’t forget to have some pear cider this weekend. We sure won’t! C&S