FlightGear Newsletter May 2011: Difference between revisions

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Final cleanup.
(→‎Scenery corner: Animated jetways)
(Final cleanup.)
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=== New plan for a FlightGear release ===
=== New plan for a FlightGear release ===
Good news: finally, a new FlightGear is planned again. We're aiming to release FlightGear '''2.4.0''' in mid August 2011.
Good news: finally, a new FlightGear release is planned again. We're aiming to release FlightGear '''2.4.0''' in mid August 2011.


Several people have now agreed to restart working on a new release and a new [[Release_Plan | release plan]] for more regular releases has been prepared. We're now aiming to have two releases per year - one in mid February and one in mid August.
Several people have now agreed to restart working on a new release and a new [[Release Plan|release plan]] for more regular releases has been prepared. We're now aiming to have two releases per year - one in mid February and one in mid August.


The current development branch will be used the base for a new release - which will be versioned as 2.4.0.
The current development branch will be used the base for a new release - which will be versioned as 2.4.0.
Original plans to release FlightGear 2.2.0 in February got stalled when a number of the developers involved became too busy/blocked with RL commitments. A 2.2.0 source branch had already been created, but has now been abandoned, since it hadn't been maintained for several months. FG2.2.0 will ''not'' be announced officially, and ''no'' installers/binaries/downloads will be prepared - though the last snapshot of 2.2.0 sources remains available in the source repository.
Original plans to release FlightGear 2.2.0 in February got stalled when a number of the developers involved became too busy/blocked with RL commitments. A 2.2.0 source branch had already been created, but has now been abandoned, since it hadn't been maintained for several months. FG2.2.0 will ''not'' be announced officially, and ''no'' installers/binaries/downloads will be prepared - though the last snapshot of 2.2.0 sources remains available in the source repository.


Preparations for the next release (FG 2.4.0) have already started. The release process will involve a phase of two months for beta testing, starting on June 17th. During this phase several release candidates (complete FlightGear installers) will be provided for testing. Our existing build automation (Hudson) has already been prepared to provide regular installers for Mac and Windows - as well as binaries for certain Linux distros. And of course - sources are available for any supported platform.
Preparations for the next release (FG 2.4.0) have already started. The release process will involve a phase of two months for beta testing, starting on June 17th. During this phase several release candidates (complete FlightGear installers) will be provided for testing. Our existing build automation (Hudson) has already been prepared to provide regular installers for Mac and Windows - as well as binaries for certain Linux distros. And of course - sources are available for any supported platform. Throughout this period, everyone is invited to test bug(-fixes) and report such things at [http://code.google.com/p/flightgear-bugs/ our bug tracker].


For more details see [[Release Plan | here]].
For more details see the [[Release Plan|release plan]].


== Nasal for newbies ==
== New software tools and projects ==
== FlightGear addons and mods ==
== In the hangar ==
== In the hangar ==


=== Rating System ===
=== Rating System ===
After a series of discussions on the -dev list and IRC, a simple rating system has been implemented. Based upon objective scoring of 4 criteria (FDM, Systems, Cockpit and External Model), the aim is to provide a straightforward way for aircraft developers to "rate" their aircraft in the aircraft-set.xml file, and provide an accurate "status" tag.  
After a series of discussions on the -dev list and IRC, a simple rating system has been implemented. Based upon objective scoring of 4 criteria (FDM, Systems, Cockpit and External Model), the aim is to provide a straightforward way for aircraft developers to "rate" their aircraft in the aircraft-set.xml file, and provide an accurate "status" tag.  


Aircraft developers are strongly encouraged to take the 5 minutes it will take to rate their aircraft. Hopefully enough developers will rate their aircraft in time for the upcoming release so that the 2.4.0 download page can be filtered in rating, allowing new (and old!) users to identify the hidden gems.
Aircraft developers are strongly encouraged to take the 5 minutes it will take to rate their aircraft. Hopefully enough developers will rate their aircraft in time for the upcoming release so that the 2.4.0 download page can be filtered in rating, allowing new (and old!) users to identify the hidden gems.


Details can be found on the wiki here: [[Formalizing Aircraft Status]].
Details can be found on the wiki at [[Formalizing Aircraft Status]].


=== New aircraft ===
=== New aircraft ===


==== Bombardier CRJ700 series ====
==== Bombardier CRJ700 series ====
[[User:Skyop|Skyop]] has started constructing the Bombardier CRJ700 series, which will include the CRJ700, CRJ900, and CRJ1000. The original [[Bombardier CRJ-900|CRJ900]] will be phased out as a result. The exterior model, cockpit, and interior will be entirely redone with new skills and techniques he has learned. Currently the flight instruments are being rebuilt; at press time, the PFD ''(primary flight display)'' and MFD ''(multi-function display)'' have been completed and feature a new [[TCAS]] and radar display. The finished product will hopefully set a new standard for regional airliners in [[FlightGear]].
[[User:Skyop|Skyop]] has started constructing the Bombardier CRJ700 series, which will include the CRJ700, CRJ900, and CRJ1000. The original [[Bombardier CRJ-900|CRJ900]] will be phased out as a result. The exterior model, cockpit, and interior will be entirely redone with new skills and techniques he has learned. Currently the flight instruments are being rebuilt; at press time, the PFD ''(primary flight display)'' and MFD ''(multi-function display)'' have been completed and feature a new [[TCAS]] and radar display. The finished product will hopefully set a new standard for regional airliners in [[FlightGear]].
{{Gallery|
{{Gallery|
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[[Image:Airbus1.png|200px]] [[Image:Airbus.png|200px]]
[[Image:Airbus1.png|200px]] [[Image:Airbus.png|200px]]
=== Liveries ===


== Scenery corner ==
== Scenery corner ==
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In addition to that, about 150 generic buildings have been added in Yeouido island, one of Seoul's main business districts. All of this is available through [[TerraSync]].
In addition to that, about 150 generic buildings have been added in Yeouido island, one of Seoul's main business districts. All of this is available through [[TerraSync]].


=== Airports ===
== Aircraft of the month ==
== Airport of the month ==
== Screenshot of the month ==
== Screenshot of the month ==
[[File:Winner.jpg|400px|]]


[[File:Winner.jpg|400px|]]<br>
Screenshot which won Contest for the Best Screenshot of 2011 on Polish FlightGear forum.<br>
Screenshot which won Contest for the Best Screenshot of 2011 on Polish FlightGear forum.<br>
Congratulations for viper29!
Congratulations for viper29!


== Suggested flights ==
== Aircraft reviews ==
== Aircraft reviews ==


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Jentron extended our JSBSim documentation, mainly working on [[JSBSim GroundReactions]] and [[JSBSim Engines]]. A great source for information if you're working on a [[JSBSim]] model.
Jentron extended our JSBSim documentation, mainly working on [[JSBSim GroundReactions]] and [[JSBSim Engines]]. A great source for information if you're working on a [[JSBSim]] model.
===New articles===
<DynamicArticleList>
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</DynamicArticleList>
===New aircraft articles===
<DynamicArticleList>
  type=new
  count=10
  categoryRoot=Aircraft
</DynamicArticleList>
===Most popular newsletters===
<DynamicArticleList>
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  count=5
  categoryRoot=FlightGear Newsletter
</DynamicArticleList>


== Community news ==
== Community news ==
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* http://www.flickr.com/groups/flightgear_simulator/
* http://www.flickr.com/groups/flightgear_simulator/
* http://www.flickr.com/groups/flightgear/
* http://www.flickr.com/groups/flightgear/
=== New tutorials and screencasts ===
 
=== Forum news ===
=== Multiplayer ===
=== Virtual airlines ===
=== FlightGear events ===
=== FlightGear events ===


== Useful links ==
==== TransGear: Horizontal Europe ====
[[TransGear]] is a monthly event, aimed at gathering a group of enthusiastic pilots around certain airports and routes. All of this is guided by realistic (vocal) ATC, via the [[FGCom]] software. In June, the 22nd event will be organised. It will involve 9 airports spread horizontally across central and western Europe. Such events are a great oppurtunity to polish up both your flying and communication skills. But above all it's a lot of fun to be part of a pretty realistic simulation, instead of the notorious KSFO crowd!
 
More details at the:
* [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=12240 forum topic]
* [http://transgear.treborlogic.com/ official website]
 
 
== And finally ... ==
== And finally ... ==
=== On this day in aviation history ===
If you're looking for a good reason to fly a plane, fly over a place, organize a special event etc. Well, just a 'valuable excuse' for launching FlightGear on your PC: check the FlightGear [http://www.sites.google.com/site/flightgearotdia dedicated site] 'On This Day in Aviation History' or the [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=11613 dedicated topic] in the forum. Both show historical aviation-related events that wrote part of worldwide history.
=== Contributing ===
=== Contributing ===
One of the regular thoughts expressed on the FlightGear forums is "I'd like to contribute but I don't know how to program, and I don't have the time". Unfortunately, there is a common mis-conception that contributing requires programming and lots of free time. In fact, there are a huge range of ways to contribute to the project without needing to write code or spending days working on something.  
One of the regular thoughts expressed on the FlightGear forums is "I'd like to contribute but I don't know how to program, and I don't have the time". Unfortunately, there is a common mis-conception that contributing requires programming and lots of free time. In fact, there are a huge range of ways to contribute to the project without needing to write code or spending days working on something.  
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* The [[FGFSPM]] (FlightGear Package Manager) is looking for a new maintainer.
* The [[FGFSPM]] (FlightGear Package Manager) is looking for a new maintainer.


=== Did you know ===
[[Category:FlightGear Newsletter|2011 05]]

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