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.

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.

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.

Flight Replicas DeHavilland DH 114 Heron

• • Aircraft, Payware
FR_DH114

A lovely 1950’s retro airliner released this week by Flight Replicas in the shape of the Flight Replicas DeHavilland DH 114 Heron. This machine has connections in NZ Australia having been operated by NAC and others, only one local repaint but surely others on the way from 3rd parties…

Discover the qualities of one of the iconic airliners of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. With a full passenger cabin, you can experience not only the challenging role of the pilot at the front, but also sit back in one of the 14 passenger seats and enjoy the views out of the large windows as the world goes by. And being a purposely-built rugged design, you are not confined to just large sophisticated airports but can also take your passengers and cargo to and from out-of-the-way places, sometimes (e.g. Barra, Scotland) with no runway at all!

see: Flight Replicas page

Review: A2A Piper Cherokee

• • Addons, Aircraft, Payware, Reviews
A2A_cherokee

You can never have enough reviews of payware aircraft especially when they’re of models that are detailed, sophisticated, and as a result a little pricier than the average garden publication. Anything from a vendor like A2A however is a safe bet, it’s just a matter of how much pocket money you have. Nice review here this week then of their Piper Cherokee

It is hard to sum up this gem in few words but I can say that it is an experience to fly, fun and forgiving. A2A has carved out a niche in the high demanding flight sim world and the A2A Cherokee is a sure hit. The plane is easy on the frames (I averaged 30fps) and is certainly easy on the eyes. With a price of $49.99 US it is a great plane for the price. From budding aviator to armchair pilot, this plane has a lot to offer as well a giving an inside taste of getting the real aircraft off the ground and maintaining it’s day to day operations.

see: Review Page

AirbusX in Jetstar ’10 Year Anniversary’ Livery

• • Aircraft, Repaints
jetstar_10_year_anniversary

Nice new special edition livery released at Avsim today by Brendan Dodds for the Aerosoft Airbus X model. Filename is: “jetstar_vh-vgf_10_year_anniversary_livery.zip”

Jetstar ’10 Year Anniversary’ Orange Livery painted on the Aerosoft Airbus X Extended. Note that this is just a texture repaint, and requires the base ‘Aerosoft Airbus X Extended’ to be purchased prior.