FlightGear Newsletter November 2012: Difference between revisions

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== Release preparations ==
== Release preparations ==
The next FlightGear version will be released around February 17, 2013. In order to provide a stable and smooth release we've set up a [[release plan]]. We keep you up to date with our current state through various channels, including the [[mailing list]], [http://flightgear.org/forums forum] and [http://facebook.com/FlightGear Facebook page].
The next FlightGear version will be released around February 17, 2013. In order to provide a stable and smooth release we've set up a [[release plan]]. We keep you up to date with our current state through various channels, including the [[mailing list]], {{forum link|text=forum}} and [http://facebook.com/FlightGear Facebook page].


Coming December 17, our [[Git]] repository will be declared "frozen". This means that no new features or major changes shall be pushed. This period is for preparing the code for the release and make sure there are no major issues. It lasts for four weeks until creation of the release branches (January 17).
Coming December 17, our [[Git]] repository will be declared "frozen". This means that no new features or major changes shall be pushed. This period is for preparing the code for the release and make sure there are no major issues. It lasts for four weeks until creation of the release branches (January 17).
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<div style="width: 400px">{{GitStatus}}</div>
<div style="width: 400px">{{GitStatus}}</div>
== Development news ==
Note to all contributors: Please also copy your newsletter additions to the changelog of the upcoming release: [[Changelog_3.0.0]].
=== Random Buildings ===
<!-- These are currently just a bunch of placeholders for the latest projects (as of 08/2012)  -->
=== Project Rembrandt ===
=== Canvas System ===
<!--additions should also be added to:http://wiki.flightgear.org/Changelog_3.0.0#Some_of_the_major_changes_include: -->
=== High Level Architecture ===
=== FlightGear an Android ===
=== Usability Improvements ===
=== Mailing list digest ===
(by far the easiest option to populate the newsletter with contents is copying/pasting stuff from the forum and the mailing list or the git logs)
=== Forum digest ===
=== Git digest ===
=== Getting involved as a programmer ===
Please see [[Howto:Start core development]]
== Release ChangeLog ==
This section lists changes committed this month that will be available in the next release, these will be copied to the release changelog shortly before a release (for each month), so that we hopefully get a comprehensive list of new features.
== Interview with a contributor (NAME) ==
''In each edition we have an interview with a contributor. Suggestions for possible questions are available on [[interview questions]], you are invited to come up with new questions and interview ideas obviously! Anyone is free to write an interview (with him-/herself or others) for next month's newsletter! If you'd like to help interview a contributor or get interviewed, please do consider adding yourself to the [[list of interview volunteers]]! To keep this going and less awkward, we are currently trying to come up with the convention that former interviewees become next month's interviewers.''
* How long have you been involved in FlightGear?
* What are your major interests in FlightGear?
* What project are you working on right now?
* What do you plan on doing in the future?
* Are you happy with the way the FlightGear project is going?
* What do you enjoy most about developing for FlightGear?
* Are there any "hidden features" you have worked on in FlightGear that new users may miss?
* What advice can you give to new developers who want to get started on their first aircraft/new feature/Nasal script?
More questions are being collected here: [[Interview questions]].
Stay tuned for next month's interview, featuring FlightGear contributor XXXXXXXX
== Snapshot releases ==
Every now and then, easy-to-install development snapshots are created (usually, twice montlhy). These snapshos depict a recent state of the development version of FlightGear. By using them users can test out features that will be included in the upcoming release. Testers are encouraged to file bugs at [http://code.google.com/p/flightgear-bugs/ the issue tracker].
The snapshot can be download via the links at the bottom of this page: http://www.flightgear.org/download/. Updates and feedback can be found [http://flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=10488&p=144233&hilit=snapshot#p144233 at the forum].


== Translators required ==
== Translators required ==
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|La FlightGear wiki todavía necesita ayuda para traducirla a varios lenguajes. Si estás interesado en hacer la FlightGear wiki multilingüe, entonces comienza en [[:es:Help:Traducir|Help:Traducir]].
|La FlightGear wiki todavía necesita ayuda para traducirla a varios lenguajes. Si estás interesado en hacer la FlightGear wiki multilingüe, entonces comienza en [[:es:Help:Traducir|Help:Traducir]].
|}
|}
== Nasal for newbies ==
== New software tools and projects ==
== FlightGear addons and mods ==


== In the hangar ==
== In the hangar ==
All the way back in May 2011, we addopted a new status-rating system for aircraft. So far, only a few have actually been rated, so please consider rating some aircraft. All you'll need to know/do is described at [[Formalizing Aircraft Status]]. If you'd just like to get started contributing to FlightGear, this would also seem like an excellent way to get started.


All the way back in May 2011, we addopted a new status-rating system for aircraft. So far, only a few have actually been rated, as can be seen in the list 'hockenberry' set up at [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0ApzphjA4w05ndF94Y2F0bzJTbHQ5QTJXZXJRcUVRbWc&hl=en_US Google Docs]. If you're an aircraft developer and your aircraft is/are not on the list, please consider rating their status. All you'll need to know/do is described at [[Formalizing Aircraft Status]]. If you'd just like to get started contributing to FlightGear, this would also seem like an excellent way to get started.
=== Updated aircraft ===
==== Mudry Cap10B ====
New update of the [[Mudry Cap10b|Cap10B]] by PAF team. Full Rembrandt compatibility (lights, transparency, 3D), full dual control (perfect for aerobatic learning), rating system, new texture, new shader...


=== New aircraft ===
=== Updated aircraft ===
'''Mudry Cap10B :''' New update of the [[Mudry_Cap10b|Cap10B]] by PAF team. Full Rembrandt compatibility (lights, transparency, 3D), full dual control (perfect for aerobatic learning), rating system, new texture, new shader...<br/>
Download available on [http://equipe-flightgear.forumactif.com/t835-hangar-de-la-paf-paf-team-hangar PAF team hangar]
Download available on [http://equipe-flightgear.forumactif.com/t835-hangar-de-la-paf-paf-team-hangar PAF team hangar]
=== Liveries ===


== Scenery corner ==
== Scenery corner ==
=== Airports ===
=== New TerraGear GUI version ===
[[File:TerraGear GUI download San Francisco.png|thumb|The download page with the San Francisco bay area selected.]]
The latest version of the [[TerraGear GUI]], a graphical interface to generate scenery for FlightGear, includes a couple of striking improvements. A short overview:
* It now uses the latest version of TerraGear. The so called "tg-construct" provides a quicker and more stable tool for complex scenery. Another improvement is the addition of [[TerraGear texmapped line data|textured lines]], that can be used to correctly texture roads and railroads.
* An [[OpenStreetMap]] map allows you to simply select an area on the map, without fiddling with coordinates and bounding boxes. This map is a very recent addition, so there are some issues to be solved, but the basic functionality works. A screenshot of the updated download page can be seen on the right.
* The GUI will have some additional warnings, informing you about wrong settings and other problems.


== Aircraft of the month ==
More information and download links are available in the [[TerraGear GUI]] article or in the {{forum link|t=7485|text=forum topic}}. Please give it a try and report bugs or general feedback at the forum!
== Airport of the month ==
== Screenshot of the month ==


== Suggested flights ==
== Suggested flights ==
===4 in a row===
[[Image:Drivinghorses.jpeg‎|thumb|Driving horse in FlightGear]]
A proposal for fun based on my personal flight experiences with the Awesome [http://www.marc-kraus.de/fg| Lake of Constance Hangar] contributions.
A proposal for funny flight experiences with [http://www.marc-kraus.de/fg The Lake of Constance Hangar] awesome contributions.
[[Image:Antenna-polar.png|thumb|Antenna far-field gain plot]]


===Driving horses with helicopter===
===Driving horses with helicopter===
[[Image:Antenna-polar.png|thumb|Antenna far-field gain plot]]
[[Image:Antenna-polar.png|thumb|Antenna far-field gain plot]]
Yes, you've heard it clear. The lake of Constance Hangar runs by incredible D-MKF1 offers you the opportunity to drive a horse by helicopter, yeah¡ ride it on through vastness of FlightGear.
Yes, you've heard it clear. The lake of Constance Hangar run by D-MKF1 offers you the opportunity to drive a horse by helicopter, even ride on it through vastness of FlightGear.


===Radio Range - Direction Finder Navigation over Dual Control===
===Radio Range - Direction Finder Navigation over Dual Control===
[[Image:Antenna-polar.png|thumb|Antenna far-field gain plot]]
For those whose pervade the vintage's way to fly, the radio finder navigation over MP will satisfy your dream to fly, live back into the golden years of aviation, flashback guarantied.
For those whose pervades the vintage's way to fly, the radio finder navigation over MP will satisfy your dream to fly, live back into the golden years of aviation, flashback guarantied.


Just try the DO-X from the Lake of Constance Hangar with your friends over dual control. We recommend Saint Martin TNCM - Saint Barth's area.
Just try the [http://www.marc-kraus.de/fg Dornier DO-X] from the Lake of Constance Hangar with your friends over [[dual control]]. We recommend [[Princess Juliana International Airport|Saint Martin TNCM]] - Saint Barth's area.


Your mission is to fly the area, training pilot-copilot quick coordination, improve your visual orientation because once you are out of island visual range you'll need to be ready to use the radio finder as a real copilot. Our goal is that you'll improved your real nav skills, getting back to the roots of radio. The radio range - Direction Finder Navigation age.
Your mission is to fly the area, training pilot-copilot quick coordination, improve your visual orientation because once you are out of island visual range you'll need to be ready to use the radio finder as a real copilot. Our goal is that you'll improve your real nav skills, getting back to the roots of radio. The radio range - Direction Finder Navigation Age.


Have you tried it with a couple of aircrafts on Mode42 - Four friends two planes?  
... Are you missing in the middle of the Caribbean Sea?  
follow the <Beep.. Beep....Beeep> audio signal in morse code of the selected radio station if it is in range. The more accurate your radio tuning operation, the more accurate will be your heading.


No matter is you are on 42, 15, 35, 60 or 91 years old. You must try.
Do you know that [[radio propagation]] can also affect your radio range?


Have you tried it with a couple of aircraft on Mode42 - (Four friends two planes)?


are you still missing in the middle of the Caribbean Sea?.
No matter if you are 42, 15, 35, 60 or 91 years old. You must do it.


Long Life to the radio range for FlightGear.


Do yo know that [http://wiki.flightgear.org/Radio_propagation| Radio and propagation] can also
=== Flying Banana Co. Container Stevedore===
affects your Radio Range.
Searching for skilled pilots. The "Famous Flying Banana Co" air freighter need pilots for their annual banana's harvest campaign at the end of year.


We kept the moment to tell the newbie we are, the young FG is.
Become a Bananaco pilot, your task is to move containers. You can use CH47, H-21C their famous flying bananas also called "Bananacos" a word that means Huge Bananas.
 
Long Life Radio Range for FlightGear.
 
=== Flying Banana Co. Container Stevedor===
Searching for skilled pilots. The "famous Flying Banana Co" air freighter need pilots for their annual banana's harvest campaign at the end of year.
 
Became in a Bananaco pilot, your task is to move containers. You can use CH47, H-21C their famous flying bananas also called "Bananacos" a word that means Huge Bananas.


They'll pay well for your skills.
They'll pay well for your skills.
Only FG pilots.
Only FG pilots.
Flying Banana Co. a company where freedom to fly matter operates in Saint Barth's.
Flying Banana Co. a company where freedom to fly matter, operates in Saint Barth's.


===Ferry MP on a lake===
===Ferry MP on a lake===
So far to be a normal lake. We are in the epicenter of creativeness.
So far to be a normal lake. We are in the epicenter of creativeness.


MP-LODI-TABOR Demo for "ferry" action on the "Lake of Constance"  
Everything can happen with the MP-LODI-TABOR Demo for "ferry" action on the "Lake of Constance", the last and funny adventure from [http://marc-kraus.de/fg The Lake of Constance Hangar]
 
the last and funny action by [http://marc-kraus.de/fg| The Lake of Constance Hangar]
 
== Aircraft reviews ==
 
== Wiki updates ==
===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 ==
=== FSweekend 2012 ===
=== FSweekend 2012 ===
For the seventh year in a row, a team of FlightGear developers represented FlightGeat at the largest anual flight simulator weekend in the world. [[FSweekend 2012]] was another succes.
For the seventh year in a row, a team of FlightGear developers represented FlightGeat at the largest annual flight simulator weekend in the world. [[FSweekend 2012]] was another success.


* [http://www.flickr.com/photos/durktalsma/sets/72157631936384731/ Photo gallery #1]
* [http://www.flickr.com/photos/durktalsma/sets/72157631936384731/ Photo gallery #1]
Line 183: Line 97:


=== FlightGear on YouTube ===
=== FlightGear on YouTube ===
{{#ev:youtube|1kB5KqaSRGo|400||Who said you need a yoke to fly? With a little DIY-ing, you can control an aircraft with your bare hands!}}
{{#ev:youtube|1kB5KqaSRGo|400|left|Who said you need a yoke to fly? With a little DIY-ing, you can control an aircraft with your bare hands!}}{{-}}


=== New tutorials and screencasts ===
=== Forum news ===
=== Multiplayer ===
=== Virtual airlines ===
=== FlightGear events ===
=== Review of Flightgear ===
=== Review of Flightgear ===
A new user of Flightgear blogged a review.
A new FlightGear user Fblogged a review. Read it at [http://shallowreviews.blogspot.dk/ Shallow Reviews].
Read it here [http://shallowreviews.blogspot.dk/ Shallow Reviews].


== Useful links ==
== And finally ... ==
== And finally ... ==
===A christmas present for you===
[[File:Gerbrandytoren_christmas.jpg|thumb|270px|World's (and thus FlightGear's) largest Christmas tree.]]
Do not forget to pay a visit to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerbrandy_Tower Gerbrandytoren] in the Netherlands. With a height of 366.8m and 120 lights, it is the world's largest Christmas tree between December 11 and January 6. The tower is located 21 nm South East (HDG 120) of [[Amsterdam Airport Schiphol]] ([http://mpmap02.flightgear.org/?ll=52.009982,5.053582&z=15 location on MPMap]) and accurately modeled in FlightGear, including the Christmas decoration!
=== 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.  
Line 201: Line 112:
For ideas on starting to contribute to FlightGear, you may want to check out: [[Volunteer]].
For ideas on starting to contribute to FlightGear, you may want to check out: [[Volunteer]].


To learn more about how the project works, please see [http://flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=15267#p149971 this short essay] written by Thorsten.
To learn more about how the project works, please see {{forum link|p=149971|text=this short essay}} written by Thorsten.


=== Call for volunteers ===
=== Call for volunteers ===
Line 210: Line 121:
* The [[FGFSPM]] (FlightGear Package Manager) is looking for a new maintainer.
* The [[FGFSPM]] (FlightGear Package Manager) is looking for a new maintainer.
* The [http://mpserver15.flightgear.org FGTracker Web] is looking for a web programmer. Details are [http://mpserver15.flightgear.org/modules/news/article.php?storyid=14 here].
* The [http://mpserver15.flightgear.org FGTracker Web] is looking for a web programmer. Details are [http://mpserver15.flightgear.org/modules/news/article.php?storyid=14 here].
=== Did you know ===


[[Category:FlightGear Newsletter|2012 11]]
[[Category:FlightGear Newsletter|2012 11]]

Latest revision as of 20:22, 7 June 2019

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. Core developers are encouraged to add news about their latest work to the newsletter's development section and the changelog of the upcoming release.

Release preparations

The next FlightGear version will be released around February 17, 2013. In order to provide a stable and smooth release we've set up a release plan. We keep you up to date with our current state through various channels, including the mailing list, forum This is a link to the FlightGear forum. and Facebook page.

Coming December 17, our Git repository will be declared "frozen". This means that no new features or major changes shall be pushed. This period is for preparing the code for the release and make sure there are no major issues. It lasts for four weeks until creation of the release branches (January 17).

Aircraft in fgdata may be handled as an exception from the frozen state. Any change to aircraft may be pushed to the repository if it is guaranteed that this change does not affect any other aircraft or system and if no file outside the root directory of that specific aircraft is changed. Aircraft defined as part of the base package (e.g. the c172p) enter the frozen state and shall not undergo major changes in the upcoming period.

Keep in mind that the people that are able to commit your stuff are just as busy finishing their own work as you are! Therefore it is important that you create merge requests for everything that you'd like to see included in the upcoming release, as soon as possible. This includes new aircraft and updates to existing aircraft. This will also give everyone more time to check for bugs.

Current release: 2020.3.19 (18 Oct 2023)
Next release: 2020.3.20
See release plan for details.

Translators required

En.gif The FlightGear Wiki still needs help for translating it into various languages. If you are interested in making the FlightGear Wiki multi-language then start at Help:Translate.
De.gif Das FlightGear Wiki benötigt immer noch Hilfe bei der Übersetzung in verschiedene Sprachen. Wenn Du Interesse daran hast, das FlightGear Wiki Mehrsprachig zu machen, dann fang doch mit Help:Übersetzen an.
Nl.gif De FlightGear Wiki kan nog steed hulp gebruiken bij het vertalen van artikelen. Als je interesse hebt om de wiki meertalig te maken, raden we je aan om een kijkje te nemen bij Help:Vertalen.
Es.gif La FlightGear wiki todavía necesita ayuda para traducirla a varios lenguajes. Si estás interesado en hacer la FlightGear wiki multilingüe, entonces comienza en Help:Traducir.

In the hangar

All the way back in May 2011, we addopted a new status-rating system for aircraft. So far, only a few have actually been rated, so please consider rating some aircraft. All you'll need to know/do is described at Formalizing Aircraft Status. If you'd just like to get started contributing to FlightGear, this would also seem like an excellent way to get started.

Updated aircraft

Mudry Cap10B

New update of the Cap10B by PAF team. Full Rembrandt compatibility (lights, transparency, 3D), full dual control (perfect for aerobatic learning), rating system, new texture, new shader...

Download available on PAF team hangar

Scenery corner

New TerraGear GUI version

The download page with the San Francisco bay area selected.

The latest version of the TerraGear GUI, a graphical interface to generate scenery for FlightGear, includes a couple of striking improvements. A short overview:

  • It now uses the latest version of TerraGear. The so called "tg-construct" provides a quicker and more stable tool for complex scenery. Another improvement is the addition of textured lines, that can be used to correctly texture roads and railroads.
  • An OpenStreetMap map allows you to simply select an area on the map, without fiddling with coordinates and bounding boxes. This map is a very recent addition, so there are some issues to be solved, but the basic functionality works. A screenshot of the updated download page can be seen on the right.
  • The GUI will have some additional warnings, informing you about wrong settings and other problems.

More information and download links are available in the TerraGear GUI article or in the forum topic This is a link to the FlightGear forum.. Please give it a try and report bugs or general feedback at the forum!

Suggested flights

Driving horse in FlightGear

A proposal for funny flight experiences with The Lake of Constance Hangar awesome contributions.

Driving horses with helicopter

Antenna far-field gain plot

Yes, you've heard it clear. The lake of Constance Hangar run by D-MKF1 offers you the opportunity to drive a horse by helicopter, even ride on it through vastness of FlightGear.

Radio Range - Direction Finder Navigation over Dual Control

For those whose pervade the vintage's way to fly, the radio finder navigation over MP will satisfy your dream to fly, live back into the golden years of aviation, flashback guarantied.

Just try the Dornier DO-X from the Lake of Constance Hangar with your friends over dual control. We recommend Saint Martin TNCM - Saint Barth's area.

Your mission is to fly the area, training pilot-copilot quick coordination, improve your visual orientation because once you are out of island visual range you'll need to be ready to use the radio finder as a real copilot. Our goal is that you'll improve your real nav skills, getting back to the roots of radio. The radio range - Direction Finder Navigation Age.

... Are you missing in the middle of the Caribbean Sea? follow the <Beep.. Beep....Beeep> audio signal in morse code of the selected radio station if it is in range. The more accurate your radio tuning operation, the more accurate will be your heading.

Do you know that radio propagation can also affect your radio range?

Have you tried it with a couple of aircraft on Mode42 - (Four friends two planes)?

No matter if you are 42, 15, 35, 60 or 91 years old. You must do it.

Long Life to the radio range for FlightGear.

Flying Banana Co. Container Stevedore

Searching for skilled pilots. The "Famous Flying Banana Co" air freighter need pilots for their annual banana's harvest campaign at the end of year.

Become a Bananaco pilot, your task is to move containers. You can use CH47, H-21C their famous flying bananas also called "Bananacos" a word that means Huge Bananas.

They'll pay well for your skills. Only FG pilots. Flying Banana Co. a company where freedom to fly matter, operates in Saint Barth's.

Ferry MP on a lake

So far to be a normal lake. We are in the epicenter of creativeness.

Everything can happen with the MP-LODI-TABOR Demo for "ferry" action on the "Lake of Constance", the last and funny adventure from The Lake of Constance Hangar

Community news

FSweekend 2012

For the seventh year in a row, a team of FlightGear developers represented FlightGeat at the largest annual flight simulator weekend in the world. FSweekend 2012 was another success.

FlightGear on YouTube

Who said you need a yoke to fly? With a little DIY-ing, you can control an aircraft with your bare hands!


Review of Flightgear

A new FlightGear user Fblogged a review. Read it at Shallow Reviews.

And finally ...

A christmas present for you

World's (and thus FlightGear's) largest Christmas tree.

Do not forget to pay a visit to the Gerbrandytoren in the Netherlands. With a height of 366.8m and 120 lights, it is the world's largest Christmas tree between December 11 and January 6. The tower is located 21 nm South East (HDG 120) of Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (location on MPMap) and accurately modeled in FlightGear, including the Christmas decoration!

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.

To learn more about how the project works, please see this short essay This is a link to the FlightGear forum. written by Thorsten.

Call for volunteers

  • The FGRadar project (standalone ATC client) is looking for people to join the project, give ideas, requests or opinions.
  • The Flightgear On Android team is looking for testers
  • The Target4Today team is looking for volunteers to help improving FlightGear's combat support
  • The OpenRadar project is looking for a new maintainer.
  • The FGFSPM (FlightGear Package Manager) is looking for a new maintainer.
  • The FGTracker Web is looking for a web programmer. Details are here.