Hi simmers, I'm happy to announce that my next project is around the corner! It is the well-known (or unknown?!) flying bedstead that was used for NASA Apollo pilots during training to practice lunar landing. My project will include detailed systems simulation based on available documentation including the "lunar sim" mode with automatic wind compensation and real attitude-rockets based stabilization PID control. Expected release later this year, stay tuned!

Safe landings, best regards
Adrian

Some nice moments at Ellington field, where real test flights were made:

Sunday 5th November - What's New in the World of X-Plane

Welcome to our weekly roundup of everything X-Plane. 

Here you find a snippet of this week's major events, including standout freeware releases, X-Plane 12 news, developer updates, plus reviews from the guys and gals at XPlaneReviews.

If you enjoy staying up to date with all things X-Plane, please consider following the Weekly Digest (remember you need to be registered).

X-Plane 12 News

The above image was taken from one of our featured articles...

Payware Releases 

YBCS - Cairns International Airport Australia

https://store.x-plane.org/YBCS--Cairns-International-Airport-Australia_p_1810.html

Flying Low: Flying the Boeing 737 (Regular and Zibo) in X-Plane 12

https://store.x-plane.org/Flying-Low-Flying-the-Boeing-737-Regular-and-Zibo-in-X-Plane-12_p_1809.html

Payware Developer News

F-104 FXP 'Starfighter' by COLIMATA

Beta testers needed: 

https://forums.x-plane.org/index.php?/forums/topic/258017-f-104-fxp-starfighter-by-colimata/&do=findComment&comment=2626616

Eurofighter Typhoon XP12

Afterburner animation: 

https://forums.x-plane.org/index.php?/forums/topic/284123-eurofighter-typhoon-xp12/&do=findComment&comment=2624999

R12S - VL3 Evolution

Work in progress renders:

https://forums.x-plane.org/index.php?/forums/topic/295306-r12s-vl3-evolution/&do=findComment&comment=2625036

C-560XL Informational and Tutorial Videos

https://forums.x-plane.org/index.php?/forums/topic/285444-c-560xl-informational-and-tutorial-videos/

For additional insights and updates, make sure to delve into the recent posts in the portal. Remember, the newsletter and portal work hand in hand to keep you informed.

Freeware Developer News

Freeware Skyvan Project

Update from the author: 

https://forums.x-plane.org/index.php?/forums/topic/284222-freeware-skyvan-project/&do=findComment&comment=2625049

SpaceX Starship - Experimental Model

Starbase scenery update

https://forums.x-plane.org/index.php?/forums/topic/241706-spacex-starship-experimental-model/&do=findComment&comment=2624556

Freeware Files

Here are some of this week's standout freeware files.

Scenery

X-Plane 12

Photoreal SABE Aeroparque Jorge Newbery, Buenos Aires, Argentina. 1.0.3

https://forums.x-plane.org/index.php?/files/file/88542-photoreal-sabe-aeroparque-jorge-newbery-buenos-aires-argentina/

By ssemmartin

UKBB Boryspil International Airport 1.0

https://forums.x-plane.org/index.php?/files/file/88550-ukbb-boryspil-international-airport/

By Soltas

RKSS Gimpo International Airport (Seoul, South Korea) Enhanced by Heroes 2.7r1

https://forums.x-plane.org/index.php?/files/file/87974-rkss-gimpo-international-airport-seoul-south-korea-enhanced-by-heroes/&changelog=35297

By Jude Kim

X-Plane 11

KLEB Lebanon 1.0

https://forums.x-plane.org/index.php?/files/file/88548-kleb-lebanon/

By leroy29

Aircraft

X-Plane 12

Messerschmitt" Red Tag Bf 109 E4 1.3

https://forums.x-plane.org/index.php?/files/file/83091-messerschmitt-red-tag-bf-109-e4/

By Tieman68

AS365 N2 Dauphin 1.33

https://forums.x-plane.org/index.php?/files/file/84086-as365-n2-dauphin/

By apn

RAF2000 GTX 1.0.1

https://forums.x-plane.org/index.php?/files/file/88529-raf2000-gtx/

By ghscott

SlingsbyT21B.zip 1.0.2 (Apologies, I missed this last week)

https://forums.x-plane.org/index.php?/files/file/88470-slingsbyt21bzip/

By airtourer

X-Plane 11

Airbus A330 neo 2.2.1

https://forums.x-plane.org/index.php?/files/file/40465-airbus-a330-neo/

By riviere

If you’re a freeware developer working on a project and have some news you would like to share, please contact me via PM and I will cover it in the next update.

XPlaneReviews

Don't forget to check out the latest articles from the guys at XPlaneReviews:

Aircraft Update Review: Embraer E-Jets Family v1.03 by X-Crafts

https://xplanereviews.com/index.php?/forums/topic/12814-aircraft-update-review-embraer-e-jets-family-v103-by-x-crafts/

By Stephen Dutton

Aircraft Review: F-15C Eagle by FACO Simulations

https://xplanereviews.com/index.php?/forums/topic/12944-aircraft-review-f-15c-eagle-by-faco-simulations/

By Nick Garlick

Airport of the Week

Can you guess the name of the airport below?

If so, why not attach a screenshot in the comments section...but DO NOT mention the name (gives others a chance) ?

Clue: In the shadow of where Celtic coasts entwine, an airstrip lies, once humming with military prime. Whispers of an age long past can be traced, where ancient mounds stand, time encased. 

 

Well done to Gason, Dennis Powell, Tim_GA_Pilot, WalSch, royaloak, and Usimp, who correctly guessed last week’s airport, which was Mexico City International Airport (MMMX).

Wingtip Wit
Prepare for another hearty dose of humour as we delve into this week's Wingtip Wit section! Unleash your creativity, unleash your puns, and let's see who can concoct the wittiest caption this time around. So, fasten your seatbelts, engage your funny bones, and let's get started! 

Did You Know
The first successful flight of a diesel-powered aircraft took place in 1928. It was a Stinson SM-1DX Detroiter, equipped with a Packard DR-980 radial engine. The use of diesel brought about a significant advantage in fuel efficiency. In fact, the Packard DR-980 set an endurance record in 1931, keeping the aircraft airborne for over 84 hours straight. This record was not broken until 55 years later by the Rutan Voyager.

This week's X-Plane Videos

Coming soon: Aerobask Shark UL | X-Plane 12

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vokIMHv8280

YBCS - Cairns International Airport Australia | X-Plane 12

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-zFtCjNU2o

DHC-2 Beaver - DGS Series by Thranda | X-Plane 12

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Iv7pXtFnZE

 

Stay safe and see you next week!

Dominic "Lightman"

______________________________________

?Christmas Logo Competition?

_______________________________

 

Hello everyone,

As we approach the end of the year, it's time to gear up for the festive season (no it's not too early).

As such, we're excited to announce our Christmas Logo Competition ???

We invite all our talented members (yes, even you), to design a special Christmas-themed logo for X-Plane.Org, with the winning design being prominently featured on our website throughout the festive period. 

Competition Details:
Submission Deadline: 3rd December 2023

Prizes:

There will be secret prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners. What are they? Sorry, that would be telling, but rest assured, they're well worth it! 

Submission Guidelines:

• All entries must be submitted via PM to me, Dom.
• Entries should be in PNG format (zipped) and suitable for downscaling (500x100).
• Should include all text from the existing logo.
• Ensure your design is original and embodies the spirit of both X-Plane and the festive season.
• Winners will be announced shortly after the deadline, with the 1st place design becoming our official logo for the festive period. 

We can't wait to see your festive creations! 

Regards

Dom

Just for some Halloween fun, match pairs of X-Plane.org Store Utilities as quickly as possible!

 At last, it's here. The book so many people have been asking for. Get the Book here
You cannot fly an airliner "seat of the pants" style. The whole point of airliner flying is a structured approach.
The problem that most people have when looking at these giant, complicated machines is: "where to start". Ramming the throttles forward in an "engines running" state won't get you far. Once you realize that, you search YouTube and the X-Plane forums for an easy way to get started. After a while, the enthusiasm for flying one of these "tubeliners" becomes severely dampened. "It's just too much work, and anyway, I don't understand what on earth they are talking about."

Does this sound familiar?

This e-book attempts to address this frustration in a practical, hands-on way. The book has two purposes: to give you a taste of what it's all about and a firm enough grounding that further study is no longer so daunting. Get it here

The PDF e-book has 315 pages (157 Double spreads)
You need only purchase this book once - all future updates are free - re-download it from your store account when I publish an update.

Part 1 is a heavily illustrated step-by step tutorial that uses the default Boeing 737-800 that comes with X-Plane (you can use part 1 with the demo version of X-Plane 12). It is a simple sightseeing flight flown using the default Boeing 737-800. The flight leaves from the demo Portland Airport and returns to KPDX, so you can use just the demo version of X-Plane to fly it. This flight gives you a feeling for what is involved and a sense of satisfaction that it's not quite as difficult as it may appear. This first flight will be dangerously simplified, without using ATC, but still complex enough to give you a feel for what it's like to fly an airliner. The emphasis will be on programming the Flight Management Computer.

Part 2 is a more detailed,, heavily illustrated step-by-step tutorial that uses the freeware ZIBO mod Boeing 737-800. It is a more realistic - more detailed flight using the ZIBO mod of the 737-800. We'll dive in more deeply and execute a complete flight from one airport to another, starting from a cold and dark situation and ending with a stepped descent and a CAT III ILS landing.

This e-book will not teach you how to become an ATP [Air Transport Pilot], but it will (hopefully):
• De-mystify some of the incredible complexity of these magnificent machines.
• Introduce you to that frightening thing called a CDU/FMC [ Computer display unit / Flight Management Computer ] and help you tame it.
• At the same time, provide a step-by-step set of instructions to get you into the air (You might crash on landing, though!)
• Be a fun, satisfying experience!

Simply out of consideration for the complexity involved, I have had to simplify many procedures - often debating whether to include more detail on this or that. There are many items I have happily glossed over, which would make a real ATP CFI cringe, but again, my defense is that this book aims to introduce you to the concept of airline flying. 
Also included are various X-Plane-specific tips, practical "How-tos", and interesting trivia.
This is the book I wish I had when I first tried to fly one of the "heavies" and got horribly frustrated.

If there are enough sales of this book, I will expand it to include another flight using the freeware EADT B737-800. Updates and expansions of all my books are always free - you only buy the book once! 

Hi, here is a complete flight with the upcoming new update v1.2 LFMN > LFPO  - 5 parts

Find more information here : https://forums.x-plane.org/index.php?/forums/forum/799-fps-embraer-e-195/

Sunday 29th October - What's New in the World of X-Plane

Welcome to our weekly roundup of everything X-Plane. 

Here you find a snippet of this week's major events, including standout freeware releases, X-Plane 12 news, developer updates, plus reviews from the guys and gals at XPlaneReviews.

If you enjoy staying up to date with all things X-Plane, please consider following the Weekly Digest (remember you need to be registered).

X-Plane 12 News

The above image was taken from one of our featured news tems…

Payware Releases 

CYLW -Kelowna International Airport XP12 /11

https://store.x-plane.org/CYLW-Kelowna-International-Airport-XP12-11_p_1237.html

PHNL - Honolulu International + Pearl Harbor XP12

https://store.x-plane.org/PHNL--Honolulu-International-Pearl-Harbor-XP12_p_1808.html

EC130 B4 X-Plane 12

https://store.x-plane.org/EC130-B4-X-Plane-12_p_1792.html

Payware Developer News

VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot': SR-71-TB (X-Plane 12) - [Work in Progress]!

Not long now…hopefully: 

https://forums.x-plane.org/index.php?/forums/topic/282493-vskylabs-test-pilot-sr-71-tb-x-plane-12-work-in-progress/&do=findComment&comment=2622176

For additional insights and updates, make sure to delve into the recent posts in the portal. Remember, the newsletter and portal work hand in hand to keep you informed.

Freeware Developer News

Freeware Skyvan Project

Looks like we now have an estimated release date: 

https://forums.x-plane.org/index.php?/forums/topic/284222-freeware-skyvan-project/&do=findComment&comment=2623844

SpaceX Starship - Experimental Model

To infinity and beyond: 

https://forums.x-plane.org/index.php?/forums/topic/241706-spacex-starship-experimental-model/&do=findComment&comment=2621967

Aero Commander Project

Status update from the author: 

https://forums.x-plane.org/index.php?/forums/topic/289247-updates-from-my-aero-commander-project-in-development/&do=findComment&comment=2621883

Freeware Files

Here are some of this week's standout freeware files.

Scenery

X-Plane 12

UKLI Ivano-Frankivsk International Airport 1.0

https://forums.x-plane.org/index.php?/files/file/88495-ukli-ivano-frankivsk-international-airport/

By Soltas

X-Plane 11

Athens Ellinikon - LGAT (XP11/XP12) 1.4

https://forums.x-plane.org/index.php?/files/file/88201-athens-ellinikon-lgat-xp11xp12/

By jasonbrix123

Aircraft

X-Plane 12

R12S - Quickie Q2

https://forums.x-plane.org/index.php?/files/file/88531-r12s-quickie-q2/

By R12S

A-60+_Airship_XP12

https://forums.x-plane.org/index.php?/files/file/88494-a-60_airship_xp12/

By jpb63

RAF2000 GTX 1.0

https://forums.x-plane.org/index.php?/files/file/88529-raf2000-gtx/

By ghscott

X-Plane 11

Douglas C-47 Dakota for X-Plane 3.2.6 (also for X-Plane 12)

https://forums.x-plane.org/index.php?/files/file/40334-douglas-c-47-dakota-for-x-plane/

By Johan van Wyk

If you’re a freeware developer working on a project and have some news you would like to share, please contact me via PM and I will cover it in the next update.

XPlaneReviews

Don't forget to check out the latest articles from the guys at XPlaneReviews:

Updated Aircraft Review: Eurocopter EC130 B4 v1.2 X-Plane 12 by HSF

https://xplanereviews.com/index.php?/forums/topic/12772-updated-aircraft-review-eurocopter-ec130-b4-v12-x-plane-12-by-hsf/

By Stephen Dutton

Scenery Review: PAWG - Wrangell Airport by Northern Sky Studio

https://xplanereviews.com/index.php?/forums/topic/12788-scenery-review pawg-wrangell-airport-by northern-sky-studio/

By Dominic Smith

Scenery Review: Telluride Regional Airport UHD by X-Codr Designs

https://xplanereviews.com/index.php?/forums/topic/12811-scenery-review-telluride-regional-airport-uhd-by-x-codr-designs/

By David York 

Airport of the Week

Can you guess the name of the airport below?

If so, why not attach a screenshot in the comments section...but DO NOT mention the name (gives others a chance) ?

Clue: In the midst of a sprawling metropolis that once stood as an ancient empire's heart, this gateway sees many touch the sky. Surrounded by history, from floating gardens to grand palaces, it’s a starting point for countless tales and adventures.

 

Well done to Gason, Stefan_Joensuu, Lysan, WalSch, J.K., and Kiwiflyer, who correctly guessed last week’s airport, which was New Plymouth Airport (NZNP).

Wingtip Wit
Prepare for another hearty dose of humour as we delve into this week's Wingtip Wit section! Unleash your creativity, unleash your puns, and let's see who can concoct the wittiest caption this time around. So, fasten your seatbelts, engage your funny bones, and let's get started! 

Did You Know
The SR-71 Blackbird's windshield was made of a special quartz designed to withstand the immense heat from air friction during high-speed flight. The temperature of the exterior could exceed 500 °F (260 °C) at Mach 3.2, which is hotter than your average oven's maximum temperature. Because of this, pilots could feel the warmth through their flight gloves when touching the interior windowpane, even though the outside air temperature was well below freezing! 

This week's X-Plane Videos

X-Plane 12 Incoming Storm Cell

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFeukXVYY3s

VSKYLABS Hungarocopter HC 02 | X-Plane 12

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbBhAul5buM

 

Stay safe and see you next week!

Dominic 

______________________________________