FlightGear Newsletter December 2025
We would like to emphasize that the monthly newsletter cannot live without the contributions of FlightGear users and developers. Everyone with a wiki account (free to register) is welcome to contribute to the newsletter. 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.
The new Visual Editor makes editing the wiki as simple as using a Word-processor, and even easier than using the forum as you don't even need to know the syntax for a url. Just hit the 'edit' link and start.
Development news
Related Software tools and projects
Julia photoscenery generator GUI
Photoscenery-GUI
A major update has been released for the Photoscenery GUI, introducing significant accessibility enhancements.
The key addition is full Internationalization (i18n) support, which makes the tool more accessible to a global audience. Users can now switch between languages instantly using new flag icons located in the control panel.
What’s New:
Multi-language Support: The interface now supports multiple languages, including: English, Italian, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese (Simplified), Japanese, Korean, Arabic (with full Right-to-Left layout support), and Russian.
UI Improvements: A new language switcher with flag icons has been implemented. Layout and font sizes have been optimized for better readability across different languages. Spacing in the control panel has been improved for a cleaner interface.
This update is now available in the main branch on GitHub https://github.com/abassign/Photoscenery-GUI.git. Users are encouraged to test the new features and provide feedback regarding any translation errors or suggestions for additional language support.
For more information, see the discussion on the FG Forum: https://forum.flightgear.org/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=39066&start=420
Re-Introducing the Rain Vector Editor Addon
This tool has been around for a while, to reintroduce it there is a short video in the forum link below demonstrating its simple use. Use it to get the exact splash-x, y and z vectors that best look like rain on any specific window. Use that data to code dynamic control over the look of rain on windows and windscreens when introducing wind, prop blast and aircraft velocity through the air.
To explore the Rain Vector Editor project and its assets, you can directly access its repository here:
https://sourceforge.net/p/flightgear/fgaddon/HEAD/tree/trunk/Addons/RainVectorEditor/
We encourage everyone to check it out and contribute feedback!
In the hangar
FGUK
Augusta Westland AW109 "Grand New"
Version 1.0 of the AW109 has been released by the team at FGUK.
This initial release includes a new model with latest fuselage and shader effects, a functional cockpit and basic HDR compatibility.
The FDM, in YASim, is entirely bespoke and tuned to give realistic performance across the flight envelope. V3 of the FGUK heli-autopilot is also included (help available via the in sim documentation)
There are various configuration options selectable either manually or via the liveries (15+ included) to cover HEMS, SAR, Law Enforcement, Passenger and Military equipment levels and loadouts, with a functioning winch operator available in configurations with an appropriate winch.
Details, downloads and discussion/updates are available directly here at the FGUK forum
Boeing 777
A few people have gathered to collaborate on the Boeing 777. They have taken development to a new gitlab repository, and will backport stable releases to FGaddon. Currently Jean-Yves Lebleu is improving the LNAV/VNAV implementation on the 777. Naviat is working on a new 3D model that will eventually replace the current 3D model, and Octal450 will be creating a JSBSim FDE to replace the old YASim.
Isaak has made quite some progress on the hydraulics system that will soon be merged into the stable release. As this is close to finished, below are some pointers of what is possible. Checklists are currently in the working. The hydraulics system operates as close as currently possible to the Boeing 777 FCOM. A few items are still missing because they require a better electric and air system or a fault simulation. They are on a longer term to-do list for when these systems are improved.
These features are implemented:
- There is a new item in the "Aircraft settings" dialog: you can enable realistic hydraulic fluid depletion (due to leaks and wear). This requires the "Store fuel and hydraulic fluid level between sessions" option to be enabled as well. Hydraulic fluid will deplete at a very slow rate, based on which systems and pumps are operating. Isaak will finetune the consumption rate a bit further. The goal is to require a refill of (some) hydraulic fluid every 2 weeks of operation, to add some extra workload to the preflight checks. If a fluid reservoir runs below standpipe level or completely empty, the corresponding pumps will fail and possibly overheat if running without fluid. The hydraulic fluid levels can be checked and refilled via the ground services dialog.
- Hydraulics synoptics screen on the MFD (lower EICAS) is fully functional. It is selectable with the "Hyd" button on the EFIS control panel.
- Hydraulic pumps and valves operate as per FCOM: they require hydraulic fluid in the correct reservoir (at or below standpipe level, depending on the pump), a correct power source...
- If a hydraulic pump or system fails, the corresponding system will fail too: flaps will not extend, brakes might fail if the brake accumulator runs empty as well...
- It has become extremely important to turn on and off the hydraulic pumps in the right order: fluid transfer between the center and right system is implemented (via the brake system) so you can overfill or deplete one of the systems when you enable/disable the right hydraulic pumps at the wrong time. Follow the checklists to prevent this: always turn on the right hydraulic system before powering the others, and only switch it off after the center pumps have been switched off.
- Both the normal and alternate/reserve brake systems are implemented. The brake accumulator can power the brakes if it is pressurized enough. If it pressurizes the parking brake, it will slowly lose pressure over time. After about 10 hours, the parking brake will release (even though the "Parking Brake Set" will remain active on the EICAS display), so for longer times of unpowered parking: use wheel chocks to prevent an unwanted trip with the aircraft. The brake accumulator is powerful enough to bring the aircraft to a complete stop when landing without hydraulic systems.
- The EICAS will throw errors when pumps and/or systems are depressurized
There are some good YouTube videos that can help you understand the Boeing 777 hydraulics systems. Almost all of this is implemented.
- This series provides a good basic understanding of normal and non-normal hydraulic systems and procedures.
- This series provides a deeper insight in the Boeing 777 brake system.
The hydraulics system is currently still in a separate branch, but will be merged into "master" soon.
Octal450 Hangar
Boeing 727
Progress on the new Boeing 727 is continuing, with the virtual cockpit being further 3D modelled and the SP-150 autopilot being developed.
McDonnell Douglas MD-11
The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 has gained the tail fuel CG management feature, an overhauled Auto Thrust System, and improved FADEC logic.
There are a bunch of conditions required for tail fuel CG management to activate and a bunch of complex logic that decides exactly what/how it does this, but in summary, it's automatic and doesn't need babysitting. It will transfer the fuel forward when needed or when descending through ~26750 feet.
McDonnell Douglas MD-80
The McDonnell Douglas MD-80 now has a new pedestal with all the missing controls modelled. Most of them are already hooked up to the aircraft systems, with exceptions to pressurization control. It also now has wingflex.
Scenery corner
Community news
Multiplayer events
Screenshot of the Month
If you want to participate in the screenshot contest, you can submit your candidate to the this subforum 
. Be sure to see the first post for participation rules. For purposes of convenience and organization, at the end of the month or after 20 entries have been submitted, a new forum topic will be started containing all shots in an easy-to-view layout. The voting will then take place there.
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