Boeing 787 takes to the skies

• • Aircraft, AirNZ
Air-New-Zealand-789

As reported by Mike Condon the first Air New Zealand 787-900 has begun promotional and proving rounds at various airfields now that it’s finally resident here in country. Mike has a bunch of great photos on his blog post here…

Air New Zealand’s recently acquired Boeing 787-9 ZK-NZE has taken to the skies again, this time making its first visit to another New Zealand airport – RNZAF Base Ohakea!  The distinctive black machine departed from Auckland on the afternoon of 28 July for the journey south to Ohakea

JustFlight announce Series 50-70 DC8

• • Aircraft, AirNZ, Payware
JF-dc8-jetliner-series-50-to-70

Air New Zealand simmers rejoice !! it was probably inevitable that JF would extend their recent DC8 release to include the series 50 variant as operated by Air New Zealand in the 60s, but now it’s official. Some work-in-progress shots are shown on their product page here and no doubt the repainters will get stuck in once it’s released…

This forthcoming DC-8 Jetliner collection for FSX features the later models of the DC-8 series that featured stretched fuselages, cockpit upgrades and eventually modern CFM turbofan engines. The models feature variations in the cockpits ranging from analogue ‘steam’ gauges to the more modern ‘glass’ instrumentation and come with distinctive custom sounds, authentic livery sets and different flight models for each variant.

 

Majestic Dash8/Q400 update

• • Aircraft, Payware
Majestic-Dash8400

As reported on SimFlight last week the Majestic Dash8/Q400 has had a maintenance release to v1.1. Lots of updates to consider if you’re looking to do some regional turboprop work ,maybe emulating the QantasLink stuff in Australia. Changes include..

New simplified scripting format is introduced, Glideslope and DME receivers will add accuracy by using the newly added by Navigraph Glideslope and DME antenna data, Numerous performance related fixes, FMS airway listing and procedure joining fixes, Improved compatibility with multiplayer by using the standard lights assignments for taxi/landing/nav light

See the SimFlight post here.

Tokyo International Airport v2 from TechnoBrain

• • Airports
Technobrain-Tokyo

Japanese destinations are always welcome by the long haul pacific simmers, sadly many of the Japanese titles are very expensive which is why I haven’t personally splashed out on too many. As reported on SimFlight last week, Japanese developer Technobrain has a new v2 update of their Tokyo product for FSX in the works. You’ll need to use GoogleTranslate to make any sense of the detail on their product page. There are a bunch of before and after shots and the detail looks ok but not quite up to the high standard we’re starting to expect from payware these days.

Farewell ZK-SUH

• • Aircraft, AirNZ
ZK-SUH

As reported over on Mike Condon’s blog this week another of the AirNZ 747’s has left the country for the last time. This leaves a single 747 resident which is itself soon to leave…

Boeing 747-475 ZK-SUH has departed Auckland for the final time lifting off runway 05 right just moments before sunset last evening as ANZ6074 to Los Angeles where it will overnight and then make the short flight to its final resting place at Victorville.

Adelaide International X v2.0 (YPAD) for FSX/P3D

• • Addons, Airports, Payware, Scenery
Adelaide-YPAD

AusScene have released an update for their Scenery addon for Adelaide Airport. Looks pretty tasty and a healthy list of changes in v2. For anyone in Oz or those doing trans-tasman legs this is another nice payware destination

Version 2.0 Now On Offer which includes these updates and improvements:

Redesigned detailed Terminal, Redesigned detailed Aerobridges, High Resolution textures for the Terminal and erobridges, Animated Runway Guard Lights, New VAS Friendly Option, PAPI (RW23 and RW05) accurate representation, Adjusted PAPI RW12 and RW30, Added displaced threshold RW05, Adjusted taxiway light size, Tower view changed to new tower, Various improved textures, Optimised VAS Performance, Adjusted Taxiway Signs, Updated AFCAD

see the product page at PCAviator

Ayers Rock X from Aerosoft

• • Airports, Payware
ayersrock

Simmers in Australia really are spoilt for choice these days. Most of the major airports have payware scenery coverage, much of it to a very high commercial quality. Now Ayers Rock has a second option with this lovely looking payware release from Aerosoft for FSX and P3D. At this price ($13us) I’m going in …

Fly to Australia`s most recognizable natural landmark, the large sandstone rock formation also known as Ayers Rock or Uluru. You can land at Connellan Airport (IATA: AYQ, ICAO: YAYE) a neat airport suitable for jets up to the Boeing 737-800. It handles around 300.000 passengers a year which mainly stay at the “city” of Ulara also featured in this scenery.

see the product page for details

PMDG 777-300ER released

• • Aircraft, Payware
pmdg_773er_exterior

Well the wait is finally over and thousands of wannabe virtual 777 pilots around the globe all collectively breathed a sigh of relief last night and reached for their credit-cards. The much anticipated  300ER variant of PMDGs amazing 777 model for FSX has been released. Not much to say as we all know the level of quality and realism to expect from these guys. All I have to do now is start saving…

PMDG extends the PMDG 777 series with the PMDG 777-300ER!  The ultimate simulation of the Boeing’s incredibly long, Long Hauler is finally here! Experience an airliner simulation unlike any in the history of simulation with this feature rich and magnificently detailed simulation of the Boeing 777-300ER. Packed with detail, authenticity and a plethora of options to keep you learning and experiencing new avenues of flight simulation flying.

See the Official PMDG page

Iris Pro Training Series Pilatus PC-9/A

• • Addons, Aircraft, FSX, P3D, Payware
IRIS-PC9

Any RAAF fans, and anyone hoping RNZAF would find a decent budget, must be looking forward to grabbing a copy of IRIS’s release last week of their updated for realism Pilatus PC9. A fabulous looking machine and will handle like its on rails if their previous PC9 release. Sold as separate FSX and P3D releases.

Our vision with the IRIS Pro Training Series – Pilatus PC-9/A was to create a desktop simulation product which could potentially be used as a real-world training aid. With access to an abundance of public information, we’ve been able to realise this vision and produce our most complex and rewarding product to date.

See the new listing at SimMarket and the official IRIS product page

Boeing 787 demo at Farnborough

• • Aircraft
AirNZ-789-AirShow

Boeing have ruffled a few feathers so to speak at the Farnborough International Air-show this week performing some truly impressive manoeuvres in pre-show rehearsals that resulted in the show organisers blocking other operators from performing touch-n-go’s. Check out this amazing demonstration in this video coz chances are you won’t be seeing this in real life any time soon

In anticipation of the 2014 Farnborough International Airshow, Boeing’s crew took their 787-9 out for a spin. Their rehearsal of the flight programme for the show gives us a chance to check out the show before the show.