A320 NEO options for flightsim

• • Aircraft
A320-NEO

Given the NEO has only recently rolled out the hangar door it’s pretty cool to think we can already fly a simulated version right now. There are two options available to the simmer at present, no doubt these will receive service packs over time once the real world performance figures and cosmetic details settle in as the aircraft approaches delivery and enters service with clients. All of these are running a CFM56 engine but the initial production release of the NEO appears to be a P&W powered machine so re-engining is on the cards too.

The other players potentially with NEOs in the works I assume will be Blackbox Simulations and their AirbusXtreme and the FlightSimLabs A320 which has yet to see the light of day but promises to be nicely done given their track record.

Airbus’ first A320neo reaches completion

• • Aircraft, Aviation News
A320_NEO_REVEAL

Good news for Airbus PR wise (despite the recent A350 cancellations) as the first NEO rolls out the hangar door. Looks like the machine is set to start test flights in September. Air New Zealand recently announced an order for 13 new NEOs which will be serving on trans-Tasman routes so we’ll see them soon enough down-under as well.

The assembly of Airbus’ first A320neo has been completed following painting of the aircraft and the mounting of Pratt & Whitney PW1100G-JM engines. MSN6101, which will be the first A320neo to fly, will soon start its ground tests to prepare for first flight

see the Airbus press release

Razbam EMB120 WIP shots

• • Aircraft
Razbam-EMB120

Latest work in progress shots of the Razbam Embraer 120, a lovely looking turbo-prop and ideally suited for short-haul stuff in the Pacific. Not an aircraft that’s been on the NZ register as far as I know but a bunch have appeared in Australia over the years. Really looking forward to this one as had a couple of real-world legs in them in California a few years ago.

see: https://www.facebook.com/RazbamSims

 

Review: AusScene’s Sydney airport

• • Reviews, Scenery
ausc0509

Flightsim.com published a Bill Stack review this week of AusScene’s upgrade to their Sydney airport for FSX. There’s a fair amount of review content here and lots of screenshots and Bill ends up summing up with a fairly positive response to this update. We are sadly lacking a detailed YSSY and have been for some time so anything is welcome really, but the reader would do well to take a look at the screenshot comparison Bill provides and note that the improvements seem to be very minor. Also worth considering is the upcoming project from FlyTampa which will be more expensive of course, but also a heck of a lot more detailed.

read the review here.

PCAviator July Sales

• • Sales and Specials
PCAviator-sale

Holy cow, if you’ve got some pocket money burning a hole in your wallet at present take a look over the massive list of sale items at PCAviator.com.au this week. Lots of aircraft with Pacific connections, e.g. Razbam Metroliner, Flight1 BN-2 Islander, the Lancaster and Wellington from First Class Sims, Vans RV8 from Vertigo, Diamond Star DA40 from Lionheart, the Nemeth Huey and Squirrel, WSS Diamond DA42 and DA20, or maybe a Warbirdsim P-51 Mustang.

Something for everyone in this one. Sale page here.