FlightProSim

As many people will be aware, there is a new flight simulator product that is being widely and actively marketed at the moment - FlightProSim (also promoted as ProFlightSimulator, FlightSimPro). As it is almost entirely based on FlightGear, there is some confusion between the two. To help provide some clarity, and answer some common questions, we (the core FlightGear development team) felt it was appropriate to make a statement, and provide a FAQ.

FlightGear is an open-source flight simulator that was started in 1996. It is released under the GNU General Public License v2, and as such, it is free to use, modify and distribute with few restrictions. It has been developed with the collaboration of a large number of individuals over the last 12 years. FlightGear can be downloaded at no cost from http://www.flightgear.org.

Flight Pro Sim is a commercial product very heavily based on FlightGear. Investigation by a number of the FlightGear developers has found no difference between this and the FlightGear v1.9.1 release other than a change of name. FlightProSim is in no way endorsed or supported by the core FlightGear development team. Given the similarities between Flight Pro Sim and FlightGear, we would recommend that prospective buyers download FlightGear for free and satisfy themselves that FlightProSim provides worthwhile value for money before purchasing it.

I bought FlightProSim, what to do?

If you have bought FlightProSim, try to get your money back as soon as possible. You can have (almost) the same software for free nevertheless! They guarentee a 60 day money back trial period, so this should be no problem if you react quickly.

The FlightGear developers are interested in the package to see whether the package complies with the GNU GPL terms or not. Therefore we would like to receive a package for inspection. If you own a package and were unable to get your money back, please contact the developers through the mailing list.

Legal or illegal?

The GNU GPL license under which FlightGear is released allows reselling under certain terms. Many FlightGear developers have difficulties with the way FlightProSim is acting and doubt if they are acting legally. If you have any (inter)national law knowledge, please contact the developers at the mailing list, they will welcome any legal support.

What are the differences between the two?

As far as we have been able to make out, the only difference between FlightGear v1.9.1 and FlightProSim is a change in name throughout the software, and the fact that you have to pay for it.

Why did you refuse a money offer from FlightProSim?

After considerable negative criticism from the FlightGear community, FlightProSim offered to fund a competition in which developers of new features might be rewarded with a sum of money ($250). The FlightGear developers have more or less un-officially decided to ignore this offer. Some reasons reasons include:

• If the people behind FPS really is interested in improving a flight sim, he would input his addons/improvements back into the FlightGear community so the software can be further developed.
• Anyone is allowed to sell FlightGear, as long as they comply with the GNU GPL v2 license. Prior to complaints from the community, FPS did not even acknowledge that their product was derived from GPL software or content, or make any effort to comply with the terms of the license. The current compliance constitutes the barest legal minimum, i.e one (small) link from the FPS website.
• FlightProSim copied all content from this wiki (and initially, also the main website), further reinforcing the feeling that they are more interested in appearing to have a product of their own, than helping to collaborate or develop a community project.

Why do FlightGear developers allow this?

The freedom to modify and enhance FlightGear is a core part of the project, and of open-source in general. Restricting the modifications that are allowed and what people can do with the software goes against that ethos.