FlightGear Newsletter November 2011: Difference between revisions

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FlightGear Newsletter November 2011 (view source)

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'''This newsletter contains some very important information for contributors, so read it carefully!'''
'''This newsletter contains some very important information for contributors, so read it carefully!'''
Since we publish our newsletters at the end of the mind, I'd like to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy new year! An early present is waiting for you at the end of this page, but don't open it before December 11. ;-)


== Development news ==
== Development news ==
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== Interview with a contributor (Stuart Buchanan) ==
== Interview with a contributor (Stuart Buchanan) ==
See [[FlightGear Newsletter: Interview questions]] for more questions.
''Since the previous edition, we try to have a monthly interview with a contributor. Questions are available on [[interview questions]] and anyone is free to write an interview (with him-/herself) for next month's newsletter!''
 
* How long have you been involved in FlightGear?
''I've been contributing for the last 5 or so years, and was using it before that.''
 
* What are your major interests in FlightGear?
''I dip in and out of lots of things. I've spent a lot of time in the last couple of years working on the 3D clouds, and before that random vegetation. I've created a couple of aircraft (vulcanb2, flash2a, pittss1c), and maintain a couple more (c172p, a4f, Cub). I also help maintain The Manual. I'm one of the moderators on the forums, and I sometimes remember to write something for the Newsletter.''
 
''Like many contributors I spend way more time messing around with things rather than actually doing flights! I enjoy warbirds (the p51d is a big challenge for me), and the c172p or Cub for some easier flying.''
 
* What project are you working on right now?
''Trying to get more performance out of the 3D clouds! I'm also looking at improving the HTML output of The Manual, so it's easier to use online.''


* What do you plan on doing in the future?
* '''How long have you been involved in FlightGear?'''
''Less fiddling, more flying! I have a 14 month old daughter so my FG time has been constrained, and will become more so in the future.''
I've been contributing for the last 5 or so years, and was using it before that.


* Are you happy with the way the FlightGear project is going?
* '''What are your major interests in FlightGear?'''
''Absolutely. FG has never been healthier. With all the hard work people like James Turner and others have put into our Jenkins build server we're now able to produce releases every 6 months. That's a massive step forward from even two years ago. The range and quality of aircraft in the hangar continues to increase, and Martin's continual work on improving our scenery infrastructure will pay huge dividends in the future.''
I dip in and out of lots of things. I've spent a lot of time in the last couple of years working on the 3D clouds, and before that random vegetation. I've created a couple of aircraft ([[Avro Vulcan|vulcanb2]], [[Mainair Flash 2 Alpha|flash2a]], [[Pitts S1C|pittss1c]]), and maintain a couple more ([[c172p]], [[Douglas A-4 Skyhawk|a4f]], [[Cub]]). I also help maintain The Manual. I'm one of the moderators on the forums, and I sometimes remember to write something for the Newsletter.


* What do you enjoy most about developing for FlightGear?
Like many contributors I spend way more time messing around with things rather than actually doing flights! I enjoy warbirds (the p51d is a big challenge for me), and the c172p or Cub for some easier flying.
''Getting the chance to work with a great group of people, even if I never get the chance to meet them in real life.  Coming across a really nicely modelled aircraft or some new feature I never knew existed.''


* Are there any "hidden features" you have worked on in FlightGear that new users may miss?
* '''What project are you working on right now?'''
''Well given the number of people that fail to RTFM, my work on The Manual :)''
Trying to get more performance out of the [[3D clouds]]! I'm also looking at improving the HTML output of The Manual, so it's easier to use online.


''I also think people get used to new features very quickly, so they effectively disappear.  When I created the first proper forests (with a lot of help from Tim Moore), it was pretty exciting as we'd never been able to have that density of foliage before. Nowadays we all take it for granted.''
* '''What do you plan on doing in the future?'''
Less fiddling, more flying! I have a 14 month old daughter so my FG time has been constrained, and will become more so in the future.


* What advice can you give to new developers who want to get started on their first aircraft/new feature/Nasal script?
* '''Are you happy with the way the FlightGear project is going?'''
''Start small. Modify an existing aircraft rather than create a new one from scratch. It's tempting to start something new, but the amount of time and effort required to actually create a worthwhile aircraft with any realism is huge. We stand on the shoulders of giants in FG, so you might as well take advantage as much as possible!''
Absolutely. FG has never been healthier. With all the hard work people like James Turner and others have put into our Jenkins build server we're now able to produce releases every 6 months. That's a massive step forward from even two years ago. The range and quality of aircraft in the hangar continues to increase, and Martin's continual work on improving our scenery infrastructure will pay huge dividends in the future.


== Snapshot releases ==
* '''What do you enjoy most about developing for FlightGear?'''
Getting the chance to work with a great group of people, even if I never get the chance to meet them in real life. Coming across a really nicely modelled aircraft or some new feature I never knew existed.


== Nasal for newbies ==
* '''Are there any "hidden features" you have worked on in FlightGear that new users may miss?'''
Well given the number of people that fail to RTFM, my work on The Manual :)


== New software tools and projects ==
I also think people get used to new features very quickly, so they effectively disappear. When I created the first proper forests (with a lot of help from Tim Moore), it was pretty exciting as we'd never been able to have that density of foliage before. Nowadays we all take it for granted.


== FlightGear addons and mods ==
* '''What advice can you give to new developers who want to get started on their first aircraft/new feature/Nasal script?'''
Start small. Modify an existing aircraft rather than create a new one from scratch. It's tempting to start something new, but the amount of time and effort required to actually create a worthwhile aircraft with any realism is huge. We stand on the shoulders of giants in FG, so you might as well take advantage as much as possible!


== In the hangar ==
== In the hangar ==
=== New aircraft ===
=== Updated aircraft ===
=== Liveries ===
=== Liveries ===
The [[FlightGear livery database]] is re-opened for contributions! Due to some problems in the uploadscript no submissions were accepted for several weeks. The uploadform has been redesigned, to allow quicker and easier processing of livery packages. Comments and ideas are highly appreciated. And so are liveries of course, [http://liveries.flightgear.org/contribute.php at this link]!
The [[FlightGear livery database]] is re-opened for contributions! Due to some problems in the uploadscript no submissions were accepted for several weeks. The uploadform has been redesigned, to allow quicker and easier processing of livery packages. Comments and ideas are highly appreciated. And so are liveries of course, [http://liveries.flightgear.org/contribute.php at this link]!
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As of November 20th, there are 1,122,603 objects positions known in [[FlightGear Scenery Database|FlightGear's scenery database]].
As of November 20th, there are 1,122,603 objects positions known in [[FlightGear Scenery Database|FlightGear's scenery database]].
It is now possible to show on FG scenery map the scenery buckets. This may be useful for our fellow contributors. Thanks to Martin, Tuxklok and Elmaxo for this nice and useful update. Never seen FG's scenery mapserver? [http://mapserver.flightgear.org/map/?lon=-3.77802&lat=48.29945&zoom=9&layers=B00000TTFFTFFFTTTFTF Click here] to see how it looks like and play with the different layers to the upper right. Enjoy!
It is now possible to show on FG scenery map the scenery buckets. This may be useful for our fellow contributors. Thanks to Martin, Tuxklok and Elmaxo for this nice and useful update. Never seen FG's scenery mapserver? [http://mapserver.flightgear.org/map/?lon=-3.77802&lat=48.29945&zoom=9&layers=B00000TTFFTFFFTTTFTF Click here] to see how it looks like and play with the different layers to the upper right. Enjoy!
=== Airports ===
== Aircraft of the month ==
== Airport of the month ==
== Screenshot of the month ==


== Suggested flights ==
== Suggested flights ==
'''Ketchikan to Juneau'''
=== Ketchikan to Juneau ===
 
It's cold where we will go so dress up warm and if we are lucky we might see whales during our flight. Don't fly too high to enjoy the amazing views, and there is a small challenge at the end. The runways we will use are long enough for bigger aircraft (7000+). Total length of the trip will be around 245 NM. So, hop in the cockpit of your favourite airliner.
It's cold where we will go so dress up warm and if we are lucky we might see whales during our flight. Don't fly too high to enjoy the amazing views, and there is a small challenge at the end. The runways we will use are long enough for bigger aircraft (7000+). Total length of the trip will be around 245 NM. So, hop in the cockpit of your favourite airliner.


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More amazing flights can be found at [[Suggested Flights]].
More amazing flights can be found at [[Suggested Flights]].
== Aircraft reviews ==


== Wiki updates ==
== Wiki updates ==
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# Browse to the new image and click the upload button. You'll get asked whether you really want to overwrite an existing file. Say yes. Don't worry if you make a mistake, the wiki moderators can retrieve overwritten files easily.
# Browse to the new image and click the upload button. You'll get asked whether you really want to overwrite an existing file. Say yes. Don't worry if you make a mistake, the wiki moderators can retrieve overwritten files easily.
# Refresh your browser (F5), to show the new image.
# Refresh your browser (F5), to show the new image.
===New articles===
<DynamicArticleList>
  type=new
  count=10
</DynamicArticleList>
===New aircraft articles===
<DynamicArticleList>
  type=new
  count=10
  categoryRoot=Aircraft
</DynamicArticleList>
===Most popular newsletters===
<DynamicArticleList>
  type=hot
  count=5
  categoryRoot=FlightGear Newsletter
</DynamicArticleList>


== Community news ==
== Community news ==
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=== FlightGear on YouTube ===
=== FlightGear on YouTube ===
 
* A video on draoi99's Youtube channel showing some scenes of [http://youtu.be/4M-lYYkPaaw various aircraft flying in coastal areas]. The video has a "weather forecast" theme and a new feature in development - white wave tips in stormy weather - can be seen.
A video on draoi99's Youtube channel showing some scenes of [http://youtu.be/4M-lYYkPaaw various aircraft flying in coastal areas]. The video has a "weather forecast" theme and a new feature in development - white wave tips in stormy weather - can be seen.


=== FlightGear on Google+ ===
=== FlightGear on Google+ ===
Since this month, FlightGear is also [https://plus.google.com/111978238381658236898/ active on Google+]! Another way to reach users and promote FlightGear.
Since this month, FlightGear is also [https://plus.google.com/111978238381658236898/ active on Google+]! Another way to reach users and promote FlightGear.


=== New tutorials and screencasts ===
=== Forum news ===
=== Forum news ===
Five years ago, on November 29 2006 the [http://flightgear.org/forums FlightGear forum] was created. In five years time:
Five years ago, on November 29 2006 the [http://flightgear.org/forums FlightGear forum] was created! In five years time:
* 4,885 '''users'''
* 4,885 '''users'''
* created 11,452 '''topics'''
* created 11,452 '''topics'''
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=== FlightGear FGPanel in Action ===
=== FlightGear FGPanel in Action ===
==== C172 Mini Cockpit Project ====
==== C172 Mini Cockpit Project ====
[[File:C172MiniCockpit1.jpg|thumb|right|Completed [[Cessna C172P]] Mini Cockpit using FGPanel.]]
[[File:C172MiniCockpit1.jpg|thumb|Completed [[Cessna C172P]] Mini Cockpit using FGPanel.]]
[[File:C172MiniCockpit2.jpg|thumb|Mini Cockpit - behind the scenes...]]
[[FGPanel]], the new FlightGear utility to drive cockpit instrument panels like the [[Howto:_Build_your_own_procedure_trainer | PMPT]], has been used in another cockpit project: the ''C172p Mini Cockpit'' by ThorstenB. The project used the "standard" [[Howto:_Build_your_own_procedure_trainer#The_Almighty_USB_HID_Controller | ATMEL USB HID controller]], a second-hand TFT (13€), a piece of wood, some paint - and lots of buttons and switches. The project literally finished the night before FSWeekend - ready to be added as another exhibit at the FlightGear booth.
[[FGPanel]], the new FlightGear utility to drive cockpit instrument panels like the [[Howto:_Build_your_own_procedure_trainer | PMPT]], has been used in another cockpit project: the ''C172p Mini Cockpit'' by ThorstenB. The project used the "standard" [[Howto:_Build_your_own_procedure_trainer#The_Almighty_USB_HID_Controller | ATMEL USB HID controller]], a second-hand TFT (13€), a piece of wood, some paint - and lots of buttons and switches. The project literally finished the night before FSWeekend - ready to be added as another exhibit at the FlightGear booth.


More photos documenting the making of the C172p Mini Cockpit are available
More photos documenting the making of the C172p Mini Cockpit are available
[http://www.flickr.com/photos/70866411@N05/sets/72157628178412177/detail/ here].
[http://www.flickr.com/photos/70866411@N05/sets/72157628178412177/detail/ here].
[[File:C172MiniCockpit2.jpg|thumb|right|Mini Cockpit - behind the scenes...]]


''Prize picture puzzle'': if you spot the tiny detail revealing that some photos were taken just before FSWeekend, which took place on November 5-7th in Lelystad/the Netherlands, then write to the author or newsletter editor. First correct reply wins a (now famous!) ''virtual FlightGear bottle of finest Scotch whisky'' (no "e")... ;-)
''Prize picture puzzle'': if you spot the tiny detail revealing that some photos were taken just before FSWeekend, which took place on November 5-7th in Lelystad/the Netherlands, then write to the author or newsletter editor. First correct reply wins a (now famous!) ''virtual FlightGear bottle of finest Scotch whisky'' (no "e")... ;-)
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More information available at the [http://susestudio.com/a/sBTdmU/flightgear-fgpanel SUSEStudio FGPanel] project.
More information available at the [http://susestudio.com/a/sBTdmU/flightgear-fgpanel SUSEStudio FGPanel] project.


=== Multiplayer ===
=== Virtual airlines ===
=== Virtual airlines ===
==== TSA - Tristar Airlines ====  
==== TSA - Tristar Airlines ====  
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[http://tsavirtual.fr.nf/index.php Tristar Airlines website]
[http://tsavirtual.fr.nf/index.php Tristar Airlines website]
=== FlightGear events ===
== Useful links ==


== FlightGear in the news ==
== FlightGear in the news ==
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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 11]]
 
[[Category:FlightGear Newsletter]]
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