FlightGear Newsletter December 2011: Difference between revisions

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== Community news ==
== Community news ==
=== FlightGear on YouTube ===
=== FlightGear on YouTube ===
* A [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBWZ6JZe_Mw winter video] by planetacancun2 showing FlightGear's snow.
{{#ev:youtube|VBWZ6JZe_Mw|400|winter video by planetacancun2 showing FlightGear's snow.}}
* A [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyBUPlf5NSw&feature=youtu.be diamond formation flight] by jano, [http://wiki.flightgear.org/Toward_real_close_formation_flight explanation here].
{{#ev:youtube|LyBUPlf5NSw|400|diamond formation flight by jano}} (Also see [[Toward real close formation flight]])


=== New tutorials and screencasts ===
=== New tutorials and screencasts ===

Revision as of 13:18, 12 December 2011

Magagazine.png
Welcome to the FlightGear Newsletter!
Please help us write the next edition!
Enjoy reading the latest edition!


We would like to emphasize that the monthly newsletter can not live without the contributions of FlightGear users and developers. Everyone with a wiki account (free to register) can edit the newsletter and every contribution is welcome. So if you know about any FlightGear related news or projects such as for example updated scenery or aircraft, please do feel invited to add such news to the newsletter.

Development news

Shader development continues at a breakneck pace: we mow have a nice wet runway effect:

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/571/fgfsscreen011.jpg/

http://imageshack.us/f/859/fgfsscreen013.jpg/

We have already combined all our model shader effects into one: light map, bump map and reflect map, and now we have added to ability to add a dirt effect over time (dirt map?). We call this the uber-shader.

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/189/fgfsscreen024.jpg/

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/703/fgfsscreen025.jpg/

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/6/fgfsscreen026.jpg/

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/18/fgfsscreen027.jpg/

http://imageshack.us/f/525/fgfsscreen020.jpg/

It also gives us the ability to have a good glass reflection with a scratched appearance, although this last effect needs a bit of fine tuning.

This is all in fgdata in Gitorious now - use --materials-file=materials-dds.xml and enjoy. A nVidia 8400 or its ATI equivalent should be sufficient to run these shaders with a recent driver. No update to source code is required.

Uploaded with [URL=http://imageshack.us]ImageShack.us[/URL]

Interview with a contributor (Olivier Jacq)

In each edition we have an 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 following FG closely since FlightGear 0.9.8. So, checking on the Wiki, this already dates back to... 2005!

  • What are your major interests in FlightGear?

At first, I was using FG as a "casual" user, mainly contributing positions in my local area (Brittany) and especially the Brest area (cause I'm not that good at 3D modelling!). So I would say my major interest is in definitely in the scenery side of FG - and HHS choppers!

  • What project are you working on right now?

This is HIGHLY confidential! But because Christmas is coming soon, I'll give you a small written preview on this early present! Still under development, I'm working on automated scripts to add/delete/update shared or static scenery objects/positions within FG, in order to ease the actual submission process, both for the user and the scenery maintainers. I'll let you know as soon as it's available - the newsletter will be the first to know!

  • What do you plan on doing in the future?

I have at least a few months before all scripts are finished and under production, so I think when they're all done, I'll take some time to use them and add more objects positions into FG myself!

  • Are you happy with the way the FlightGear project is going?

I am especially happy to see the latest developments in FG, as the release plan and the many works going to make the scenery better: shaders, weather, and especially scenery which needs to be regenerated and enhance (have a look at the apt.dat 8.50 work in the forums, it's awesome!). FG is really becoming better and very much comparable to other sims.

  • What do you enjoy most about developing for FlightGear?

FG is relying on so many exciting parts: GIS, 3D modelling, database, web, network... and there are so many advanced technologies to implement (eg radio propagation early support)... it's amazing and there is no other software where all this is needed but flight sims. A real concentrate of technology!

  • Are there any "hidden features" you have worked on in FlightGear that new users may miss?

I was at the origin of the photorealistic scenery for Brest. To be precise, I had the idea and asked for the permission to use the data (as it is CC-BY-SA). Then Nels and others have been working on the patch for SG, etc.

  • What advice can you give to new developers who want to get started on their first aircraft/new feature/Nasal script?

Well, they have to check that noone is already working on it, or to get in contact with him. Most of all, I would advise them to start on small projects first. For instance, a LOT of cockpits need enhancement. So try to make existing aircrafts better, rather than try to build yet another one from scratch. Keep this for later and focus on what needs to be enhanced now. FG will then look so much better to our fellow downloaders.

  • Have you previously used other flight simulators or simulation software in general?

I remember having a flight simulator called "ILS" on my TRS-80... and next I moved, as a lot of people, on Microsoft Simulator when I was 7 or 8 on 10 Mb hard drives ;-)

  • Do you remember what first got you interested in FlightGear? How did you learn about FlightGear? In other words, why did you actually download and try FG?

FG was the only free and open source advanced flight simulator I found under GNU/Linux, so when I decided to moved my computer fully to GNU/Linux, the choice was quite easy. Its success and improved quality over the years confirmed this choice was good!

  • Compared to other flight simulation software, what are FlightGear's major benefits in your opinion?

Apart from the fact that it is free and opensource, I would say that its central scenery database and mapserver is one of its major features, compared to other flight sims where you have to download here, download there, add patches, etc... what a mess it becomes on your hard drive after a few years of addons!

  • Do you think it is necessary to know how to program in order to contribute to FlightGear?

Not at all, contributing to scenery object positions is for instance very easy (it'll be even easier after my script goes in production ;-). So everyone should be able to contribute to FG (in a proper manner), that's the way to success!

  • Have you ever used FlightGear professionally or for educational purposes?

I've been talking about it in my job, so show its quality, even sometimes compared to professional ones I have seen there. I would definitely recommand a stronger relationship between FG and professional/educational worlds.

  • On average, how much time do you spend working with/contributing to FlightGear?

For a few weeks, I've been working for around 3 to 4 hours per week developing scripts. It's been a while since I haven't been having a flight in FG!

  • Which of the more recent FlightGear developments do you consider most interesting/appealing?

I would definitely vote for the work on fgfs-contruct and 8.50 data format support. The anaglyph support is amazing too.

  • Is there some feature that you'd truly like to see in FlightGear one day?

I hope sometimes we'll be able to add GPL-photorealistic pictures on top of actual layers. Looking forward to OSM-based roads scenery release too and multi-core support.

  • What do you think could be done to attract even more new users and contributors to FlightGear?

The fact that FG software is not localized into other languages can be a real drawback for some users and is often shown as such when magazines or forums talk about FG. If this support is added back, I will definitely work on the French translation!!

  • What about interacting with the FlightGear community? Any tips/experiences you'd like to share?

As many others, I regret the way some people ask for features like: "do this aircraft, I NEED it", or don't even have a look at the Wiki or forums archives to get an answer to their questions. Ask politely, try to understand the way FG community is organised, search for archives, don't pollute threads and everything will be better!

  • Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?

The future of FG belongs to you: each of you can make it better, whatever your skills or interests are. So don't say: this is missing, try to add it or ask the community what you can do for help!

Snapshot releases

Nasal for newbies

New software tools and projects

FlightGear addons and mods

In the hangar

New aircraft

CASA C-101 Aviojet

CASA C-101EB with "Patrulla Águila" colors

The Spain-Latinamerica's community Vive FlightGear! recently introduced the CASA C-101 Aviojet to FlightGear hangars. The Aviojet is a two-seat military turbofan trainer, designed and built in Spain, where it's used for jet training and aerobatics in the "Patrulla Aguila" team. It's also used in other countries like Chile, Honduras and Jordan, where it can enforce a light ground-attack role.

This beta release has 3 versions (EB, BB & CC), each one with different engines and subtle differences. While BB and CC version can use a 30mm cannon, the EB version is capable to dust smoke for aerobatic shows.

CASA C-101 official forum post

Updated aircraft

Liveries

Scenery corner

Airports

Aircraft of the month

Airport of the month

December, cold, dark, snow. But also skiing, gluhwein and Santa Claus.

It's time to go to Austria and visit Innsbruck Airport. Take along your skis. You will find amazing scenery here, made by Mother Nature and by the volunteers that have re-created the area. LOWI december.jpg

Merry X-mas!

Screenshot of the month

Suggested flights

Ngorngoro

For this VFR trip we need a strong machine since we will go up from 4000 to about 10,000 feet and since we are in Africa, Tanzania , what better choice is there as the Cessna 208 Caravan, on wheels. We will take off from HTLM, Lake Manyara, runway 12 (124.5 deg), that has an elevation of 4150 feet. Hit Shift-B so we don't drop off the runway.

Heightmap with visual reference points

We will have to change some settings before we take off. There is no snow where we are so: View=> Rendering Options=> Snow line=> Set to max. (5000M). We need a reasonable clear sky since there are quite a few bumps we could hit: Environment=> Global weather=> METAR source=> Fair weather.

Give full throttle and take off. Bank left and make a full circle so we gain some altitude and make a mental note of the airstrip, since this is the only one nearby. Look at the road West towards the airfield. You will notice that the airstrip is at the edge of a mountain ridge, the lake to the East is quite a lot lower.

We pass over the airstrip towards lake Manyara and turn left keeping the mountains close to our left side, on an initial course of about 30 deg. We keep the mountains to our left and follow our path, our heading will slowly go from 30 to North and takes about 15 mins. During our path we should slowly gain altitude.

Mt.Kerimasi (left), Mt.Ol Doinyo Lengai (ahead)

On the image we see two distinct mountains. The nearest is Mt.Kerimasi, a fun place for hang-gliders, and North Mt.Ol Doinyo Lengai, an active volcano. We are heading straight towards Mt.Ol Doinyo Lengai. Just before we would collide we take a sharp left turn heading 225. You will see why we need the altitude now.

The mountain ahead, Mt.Embagai, we see does not appear to be anything spectacular. Aim towards it since we have to go over it. Coming nearer, if you are high enough, 9000 feet, you will see why this mountain is well worth a visit. It is a crater with a lake inside, lake Embagai (Empakaai). Enter the crater and look around, careful not to loose any height since we'll have to get out again, we need about 10 000 feet. Mesmerized we grab our compass and take a course of 225 again. To get out we might skim against a cloud, be careful. If you don't see a way out take a turn again to wait for the clouds to move out of sight.

After you managed to get out of the crater keep on the course of 225 while descending slowly for about 9 mins. There are some bumps to avoid, like Mt.Olmoti we keep to the right and Mt.Losirua on the left.

After a small hill we enter one of the most amazing places in Africa, the Ngorngoro Crater, the second biggest crater in the world. A micro climate and amazing wildlife. Examine the crater and you will notice two lakes, head towards the biggest lake, lake Magadi. When you are above it take a course of 123 to get out of the crater.

After leaving the crater it takes some time before we are near the airstrip again. After about 5 mins we will see a river (left) and a road (right). Follow the road since it will lead us to the airstrip again.

Don't scare the wildebeast!

Notecard:

  1. Fair weather, no snow
  2. HTLM RW 12 4150 feet
  3. Course 30 to 0 deg 15 mins, mountains close left
  4. Head towards /\volcano
  5. Sharp left turn course 225 deg altitude 9000 feet
  6. Volcano, lake, 10 000 feet
  7. Course 225 deg, slow descend 9 min
  8. Large lake, course 123 deg 5 mins
  9. River left, road right. Follow road
  10. Landing 124.5 deg 4150 feet.

Aircraft reviews

Wiki updates

New articles

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New aircraft articles

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Most popular newsletters

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Community news

FlightGear on YouTube

EmbedVideo was given an illegal value for the alignment parameter "winter video by planetacancun2 showing FlightGear's snow.". Valid values are "left", "center", "right", or "inline".
EmbedVideo was given an illegal value for the alignment parameter "diamond formation flight by jano". Valid values are "left", "center", "right", or "inline".

(Also see Toward real close formation flight)

New tutorials and screencasts

Forum news

Multiplayer

Virtual airlines

FlightGear events

Useful links

And finally ...

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.

For ideas on starting to contribute to FlightGear, you may want to check out: Volunteer.

Call for volunteers

  • The OpenRadar project is looking for a new maintainer.
  • The FGFSPM (FlightGear Package Manager) is looking for a new maintainer.

Did you know