FlightGear wiki - User contributions [en]

FlightGear Newsletter June 2010

2010-06-27T08:32:23Z

JPK-042:

{{newsletter}}
{{TOC_right}}

''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.''

==Development news==
===SquawkGear: Bringing VATSIM to FlightGear!===
{{Main article|SquawkGear}}
SquawkGear is the much-awaited client that allows FlightGear users to connect to the largest and most realistic sim server in the world: [http://vatsim.net/ VATSIM]. VATSIM is simply a network that can, in theory, take any sim, although the current ones are X-Plane and Microsoft Flight Simulator. Using addons like SquawkBox for MSFS, pilots must adhere to strict rules about realism. A valid [[flight plan]] must always be submitted before takeoff, for instance. And pilots must contact [[Air Traffic Control]] before any actions.

SquawkGear brings this wonderful server to FlightGear. While installation is not as simple as that of VATSIM clients for MSFS, pilots are now able to connect to the VATSIM network and use chat and voice to communicate with other players and ATC. Since [[scenery]] is very different between sims, aircraft do not always appear where they are supposed to be; a MSFS user might see you hovering a few feet above the ground, for instance.

With its first release, SquawkGear is an excellent addon for pilots wishing to get on VATSIM without having to buy the payware sims. It is strongly recommended that you '''read all manuals''' before connecting to VATSIM; not only because installation is tricky, but also because there are certain rules to be followed on VATSIM. You will find that your [[KSFO]] on VATSIM is a thousand times more under control than your KSFO on one of the [[Howto: Multiplayer|mpservers]]!

''Special thanks to Ivan (Reed) for all of his work!''

===Bombable air combat add-on updated===
The [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=5742 Bombable air combat add-on to FlightGear] received a major update in June. Bombable now has these features:

* Dogfight against other FlightGear pilots over multiplayer with Sopwith Camel, SPAC VII, Fokker DR 1 Triplane, or A6M2 Zero
* Explode/burn when you crash
* Exceeding aircraft limitations (excess g-forces, overspeed) adds damage to your aircraft and finally leads to shutdown/crash
* Shootable/bombable moving AI tanks, jeeps, ships, and aircraft that catch fire, burn, explode, sink, crash, etc.
* AI scenarios that allow you to use FlightGear aircraft for air-to-ground, air-to-sea, and air-to-air combat missions against these targets

==In the hangar==
===Boeing 787 and CRJ-200===
''nickyivyca'' is currently working on the [[Boeing 787]]. He corrected the [[FDM]] and changed some details in the model.
More information [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=8203 in the forums].

He has also been working in the [[CRJ-200]]:

''"The CRJ-200 and 787 were made with very similar systems and such. Neither had a 2.0 compatible AP. So, I found out what was wrong with the one for the 787 first, and made those changes to the CRJ here. Both worked. I also did some FDM improvements, like moving the engines to where they really are and adding gear smoke and contrails."'' - says he [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=8329 in the forum thread].

===Cessna T-37===
''richter'' and ''snipey'' are working together in improving the Cessna T-37. Here is a list of items that have been improved/created:

'''Model:'''
* Completely remodeled canopy;
* Main gear wheel wells and covers.
'''Sound:'''
* Interior-exterior sound level difference.
'''Instruments:'''
* Basic flight instruments.

More information [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=8354 at the forum].

===CH-47 Chinook===
''MOJO'' is tuning the CH-47. He spent some time adding external cosmetics which main purpose is to add more detail to the Chinook. He added antenna and aerials, domed windows, pitot tubes, winch, engine hub details and started with the internal cargo bay. He intends to be adding an animated refuel probe and will be including several liveries. His ultimate aim for the CH-47 Chinook is to attempt to get the model more defined and realistic.

===Cirrus Vision SF50===
''Zexe'' created a SF50 model. It is still at a very early stage. More information [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=8352 here].

===MiG-15bis===
''vitos'' improved the MiG-15bis model, and released it. More information [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=7486 here].

===MB-339 PAN===
The MB-339 PAN aircraft [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=8604 was updated by ''Albert''] to work with [[FlightGear]] version 2.0.0.

===Curtiss P-40 Warhawk===
''jackmermod'' [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=8621 is developing a P-40 model]. It is already complete, and to be done are the animations and textures. Development of the P-40 Warhawk is coming along very quick, although a full release date is unknown.

===X-29A===
''Intel-Qube'' [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=8485 is currently revamping] the experimental X-29A aircraft. Here is a list of items that have been improved/created:

* A new, more realistic [[FDM]] is on the way;
* Landing gear has been redone and is now much more aesthetically pleasing;
* New exhaust will now dilate based on throttle as it should;
* The cockpit panel has been entirely rebuilt, is far more detailed, and will likely have interactive switches in the final release;
* The model is more ''"anatomically correct"''.

===Il-96-400/T===
The Il-96-400/T [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=7439 has been updated] to version 3, with more accurate model and a better panel, among other little fixes.

===San Antonio LPD17===
Browsing through the files, ''HHS'' [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=8351 found a rotorcraft carrier model] and made a scenario to run it, which is available on [[Git]].

==Scenery corner==
===Nighttime London Gatwick===
London Gatwick (EGKK) is being further improved and is in the second phase of development - night textures. All the buildings and features are currently being modified by ''karla'' to give suitable lighting and make London Gatwick even more attractive to FlightGear commercial fliers. Landing or taking off from Gatwick at night should add much to your enjoyment of the game - and most likely extend the hours you enter in your pilot's log.
Further improvements and many minor changes are also being made to the existing models and daytime textures.
The link shows an image of the part completed airport at night http://www.donlavelle.net/flightgear/flightgear19.html.

The new scenery will be released early in July.

===Dubai airport gets busy===
With the terrain updates that were discussed in the [[FlightGear Newsletter March 2010#Dubai is coming up|March edition]] still in our minds, we now have another feature for the area; taking it yet another step closer to a bussy and realistic representation of the real emirate!

After looking jealously at the greatly enhanced airport [[Amsterdam Airport Schiphol|Schiphol]] (EHAM) and the latest highlight Gatwick (EGKK) Mike ([[User:D-SKY1|D-SKY1]]) decided to create [[Interactive_Traffic|interactive traffic]] for [[Dubai International Airport]] (OMDB). Based on the existing airport layout in FlightGear the traffic pattern for taxiing between gates and runways has been created in [[TaxiDraw]] next to a timetable for runway usage.

Although no model work is done (yet) a big bunch of scheduled flights is now added to this important hub in the middle east. As Dubai is home port for Emirates Airlines (UAE) only Emirates flights are included. Within the next weeks more scheduled flights for AI traffic at Dubai will be added. During the process of creating AI traffic he tried to stay as close as possible to the real life timetable for Dubai International Airport querying several sources for double checking.

As Emirates Airlines (UAE) is one of the most important customers for the [[Airbus A380]] (UAE just ordered another 30 units of A380) the Emirates Airlines livery has been added to AI aircraft A380. Additionally some minor errors in several traffic files concerning changed [[ICAO]] codes for some airports have been removed.

All changes are available via [[Git]]. Enjoy the enhancements; and always follow [[SID]]s and [[STAR]]s to prevent collisions.

===Meadows Field and FGSignMaker===
''skyop'' released his improvements to the Meadows Field (KBFL) scenery. Read [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=8466 this topic] for more information.

He is also writing [[FGSignMaker]], a tool to generate taxiway sign codes written in JavaScript. More information on taxiway signs can be found [[Signs|here]].

===Landcover additions===
Connecticut, Oshkosh (Wisconsin, USA) and the Toronto Harbor have been added to the [[FlightGear]] mapserver. They will be released to the public with the next scenery build, or alternatively the shapefiles can be downloaded and compiled by the user.

This is in addition to the other numerous improvements to the land cover which are pending with the next scenery release, which includes (but is not limited to) France; Madrid, Spain; London, England; Bonn, Germany; Western Washington, USA; Northwest Oregon, USA; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Washington, DC, and Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Rhode Island; Hawaii; and Long Island, New York, USA.

Landcover development is ongoing.

===LFLJ and EDDF===
After one year of having released these sceneries (LFLJ/EDDF), ''papillon81'' returned to make changes (some of them big) at them.
More information: [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5238&st=0&sk=t&sd=a#p84745 EDDF], [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=1436&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=30#p84800 LFLJ].

==Multiplayer News==
===Atlas Virtual Airlines' leaders recognized!===
[[Atlas Virtual Airlines]], FlightGear's most populated airline, has been a hit success in its inaugural months since opening in mid-April. The airline, however, couldn't have made it without the guidance of its two current leaders: ''MaverickAlex'' (Alex Park) and ''SkyWlf77'' (Jason Sheperd). Besides sinking their own cash into the airline for site domain and software, these two founding members have sorted out many mis-judgements of Atlas and helped to form a strong and community-bonding airline. Jason, the vice-chairman and moderator, helped revamp AVA's standing on the forums and turned many former anti-Atlas-ers into supporting members, which has been very beneficial for the FlightGear multiplayer community. Thanks to him, members can now feel confident to join an airline that was, just months ago, in the midst of intense controversy. Sheperd has taken a strong stand against arguments and flame wars on the Forums, intent on preventing the locked-topics and arguing members that degraded the VA Community during the VA "Dark Ages". But now, Atlas has flourished into a friendship-filled and happy organization that members find enjoyment and fun in.

Meanwhile, Alex, the current chairman and administrator, independently designed an awesome and top-of-the-line VA website for Atlas pilots. He has also worked with nightmares of coding to get drawing-board ideas implemented. And on top of it all, Alex is finishing up his Bombardier Dash-8 400Q, designed especially for Atlas Express flights. This very nicely modeled aircraft will also be available to the public, underlining how Atlas Virtual Airlines is really benefiting all of FlightGear. Alex is the brains behind it all that makes Atlas so sophisticated. His partner, Jason, has the ideas and people-person skills that gives Atlas the openness and fun that attracts its 50-plus members. So, from all of Atlas and those who follow it, thank you, Jason and Alex!

BRIEFS: Atlas celebrated its 50th member this month, a landmark achievement for a VA that is still newborn!

==Aircraft Review==
'''This month: B-25 Mitchell'''

[[Image:B-25.jpg|thumb|270px|A B-25 in the air near KATL]]
The [[B-25]] served in almost every theater in World War II. From Europe to the Pacific, the Mitchell was there. One of the most famous missions accomplished by B-25s was the Doolittle Raid on Tokyo, when a group of 16 B-25s attacked the Japanese mainland, raising morale in the United States, and changing the priorities of the Imperial Japanese Navy, and possibly changing the direction of the war.

The flightgear model looks good on the outside. The author has done a lot of work on the textures, and this is improved even more by some excellent liveries made by Gooneybird that have been added to the B-25 base package by the author. The landing gear, engines and canopies are all carefully modeled, too.

The Cockpit is a little bit threadbare, with no chairs, two pilot figures, and the standard six instruments, which is more than enough to fly with. The only other issue I could come up with was the lack of weapons, but that is only an aesthetic problem. The B-25 handles nicely both on the ground and in the air. I can't talk about accuracy, however, as I have never flown in a B-25, so I don't know how it 'feels' in the air.

The Mitchell sounds great, too!

''Review by Armchair Ace''

==From the community==
===LinuxTAG===
Once again, a team of FlightGear enthusiasts operated a booth during the four days of this year's [http://www.linuxtag.org/ LinuxTAG], the most important place for Linux and open source software in Europe. Besides to it's main purpose of presenting FlightGear to a public audience, LinuxTag becomes more and more '''the''' place for a meeting of core FlightGear developers and users. A technical discussion between James, Alex and Matthias has the potential to become a ''FlightGear legend'' and will probably lead to a multithreaded processing within the simulator's core. Alex also held a public presentation about the integration of [http://www.linuxtag.org/2010/en/program/free-conference/all-events/details.html?talkid=329 "Android for pilots"] with fgfs. [http://www.linuxtag.org/2010/fileadmin/www.linuxtag.org/slides/Alex%20Perry%20-%20Android%20for%20Pilots%20-%20Integration%20with%20the%20FlightGear%20Flight%20Simulator.pdf]

An exciting first contact was initiated between FlightGear team members and a hardware vendor resulting in an idea to operate a shared presentation of powerful hardware running a powerful flight simulator at the next year's LinuxTAG - to proof the claim "where .com meets .org".

===FlightGear on YouTube===
* ''edubletooth'' captured a [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeQUfnHLs_Q bunch of landings] at the airports with the world's most famous approach: [[Princess Juliana International Airport|Princess Juliana]] in the Netherlands Antilles. Make sure to bend when a 777-200 or maybe even a mighty [[Boeing 747|747]] is passing just meters over your head!
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzCcqtkTUT8 This excellent video] proves that ''Howto'' Oscar (we already mentioned him last month) does more than creating howtos. Together with Don's extremely detailed simulation of Gatwick Airport (EGKK), Oscar's video angles make this an interesting and pleasant video to watch.

==And finally...==
===Your own Copilot===
How about having your own Copilot to help you fly your heavy metal? Imagine: You're at 3000 ft making a hand controlled descent to EGKK 26L in your [[Boeing 777-200|777-200ER]]: "flaps down"; check airspeed and altitude; you're now five miles out; "undercarriage down"; reduce speed a little more; "flaps down"; you seem to be slightly overspeed; "spoilers"; touch down "brakes" then "reverse thrust"; "flaps retract"; now take a look at the detailed scenery while taxiing to your stand; "view" and "zoom out".

Those using Windows can employ '''Shoot''' - a free user-editable voice command utility. This may be used concurrently with FlightGear to recognize spoken words or phrases and carry out keyboard actions - including sequential or Shift/Alt/Ctrl... keying. Unfortunately Linux users do not have access to such a powerful utility.

[http://clans.gameclubcentral.com/shoot Download Shoot 1.6.4] and install it on your PC. You also need the Microsoft Speech API (SAPI) which is also free; the link is given on the Shoot website. The free Microsoft .NET should also be installed using the Shoot link.

Shoot may be edited to obey verbal commands such as "start engines", "maximum thrust", "undercarriage up", "flaps retract", "trim nose down", "deploy spoilers", "reverse thrust", "view exterior" - or whatever you choose. Try it and add more immersion to your flying.

===Did you know?===

* ...that FlightGear is made of roughly 3,000,000 lines of code and would cost more than $42,000,000 if created from scratch? (Metrics from [http://www.ohloh.net/p/flightgear/analyses/latest ohloh.net])

* ...that in version 2.0, fellow pilots' chat messages could be ignored on [[multiplayer]] by checking the ignore box in the pilot list?
For upcoming releases, pilots' aircraft will also be able to be ignored. This is part of a strong offensive against "trolling" that disrupts MP flying. 

* ...that the USS Nimitz [[Howto: Carrier|aircraft carrier]] has deck elevators that can be lowered/raised to go below deck?
Toggle them up/down in your ATC Options menu under Carrier; Check-Apply raises them, unchecked-apply lowers them.

[[Category:FlightGear Newsletter|2010 06]]

FlightGear Newsletter June 2010

2010-06-27T08:30:23Z

JPK-042: Several spelling mistakes fixed. Standardized to American English spelling of certain words.

{{newsletter}}
{{TOC_right}}

''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.''

==Development news==
===SquawkGear: Bringing VATSIM to FlightGear!===
{{Main article|SquawkGear}}
SquawkGear is the much-awaited client that allows FlightGear users to connect to the largest and most realistic sim server in the world: [http://vatsim.net/ VATSIM]. VATSIM is simply a network that can, in theory, take any sim, although the current ones are X-Plane and Microsoft Flight Simulator. Using addons like SquawkBox for MSFS, pilots must adhere to strict rules about realism. A valid [[flight plan]] must always be submitted before takeoff, for instance. And pilots must contact [[Air Traffic Control]] before any actions.

SquawkGear brings this wonderful server to FlightGear. While installation is not as simple as that of VATSIM clients for MSFS, pilots are now able to connect to the VATSIM network and use chat and voice to communicate with other players and ATC. Since [[scenery]] is very different between sims, aircraft do not always appear where they are supposed to be; a MSFS user might see you hovering a few feet above the ground, for instance.

With its first release, SquawkGear is an excellent addon for pilots wishing to get on VATSIM without having to buy the payware sims. It is strongly recommended that you '''read all manuals''' before connecting to VATSIM; not only because installation is tricky, but also because there are certain rules to be followed on VATSIM. You will find that your [[KSFO]] on VATSIM is a thousand times more under control than your KSFO on one of the [[Howto: Multiplayer|mpservers]]!

''Special thanks to Ivan (Reed) for all of his work!''

===Bombable air combat add-on updated===
The [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=5742 Bombable air combat add-on to FlightGear] received a major update in June. Bombable now has these features:

* Dogfight against other FlightGear pilots over multiplayer with Sopwith Camel, SPAC VII, Fokker DR 1 Triplane, or A6M2 Zero
* Explode/burn when you crash
* Exceeding aircraft limitations (excess g-forces, overspeed) adds damage to your aircraft and finally leads to shutdown/crash
* Shootable/bombable moving AI tanks, jeeps, ships, and aircraft that catch fire, burn, explode, sink, crash, etc.
* AI scenarios that allow you to use FlightGear aircraft for air-to-ground, air-to-sea, and air-to-air combat missions against these targets

==In the hangar==
===Boeing 787 and CRJ-200===
''nickyivyca'' is currently working on the [[Boeing 787]]. He corrected the [[FDM]] and changed some details in the model.
More information [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=8203 in the forums].

He has also been working in the [[CRJ-200]]:

''"The CRJ-200 and 787 were made with very similar systems and such. Neither had a 2.0 compatible AP. So, I found out what was wrong with the one for the 787 first, and made those changes to the CRJ here. Both worked. I also did some FDM improvements, like moving the engines to where they really are and adding gear smoke and contrails."'' - says he [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=8329 in the forum thread].

===Cessna T-37===
''richter'' and ''snipey'' are working together in improving the Cessna T-37. Here is a list of items that have been improved/created:

'''Model:'''
* Completely remodeled canopy;
* Main gear wheel wells and covers.
'''Sound:'''
* Interior-exterior sound level difference.
'''Instruments:'''
* Basic flight instruments.

More information [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=8354 at the forum].

===CH-47 Chinook===
''MOJO'' is tuning the CH-47. He spent some time adding external cosmetics which main purpose is to add more detail to the Chinook. He added antenna and aerials, domed windows, pitot tubes, winch, engine hub details and started with the internal cargo bay. He is going to be adding an animated refuel probe and will be doing some more liveries also, his main aim is to try and get the model more defined.

===Cirrus Vision SF50===
''Zexe'' created a SF50 model. It is still at a very early stage. More information [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=8352 here].

===MiG-15bis===
''vitos'' improved the MiG-15bis model, and released it. More information [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=7486 here].

===MB-339 PAN===
The MB-339 PAN aircraft [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=8604 was updated by ''Albert''] to work with [[FlightGear]] version 2.0.0.

===Curtiss P-40 Warhawk===
''jackmermod'' [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=8621 is developing a P-40 model]. It is already complete, and to be done are the animations and textures. Development of the P-40 Warhawk is coming along very quick, although a full release date is unknown.

===X-29A===
''Intel-Qube'' [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=8485 is currently revamping] the experimental X-29A aircraft. Here is a list of items that have been improved/created:

* A new, more realistic [[FDM]] is on the way;
* Landing gear has been redone and is now much more aesthetically pleasing;
* New exhaust will now dilate based on throttle as it should;
* The cockpit panel has been entirely rebuilt, is far more detailed, and will likely have interactive switches in the final release;
* The model is more ''"anatomically correct"''.

===Il-96-400/T===
The Il-96-400/T [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=7439 has been updated] to version 3, with more accurate model and a better panel, among other little fixes.

===San Antonio LPD17===
Browsing through the files, ''HHS'' [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=8351 found a rotorcraft carrier model] and made a scenario to run it, which is available on [[Git]].

==Scenery corner==
===Nighttime London Gatwick===
London Gatwick (EGKK) is being further improved and is in the second phase of development - night textures. All the buildings and features are currently being modified by ''karla'' to give suitable lighting and make London Gatwick even more attractive to FlightGear commercial fliers. Landing or taking off from Gatwick at night should add much to your enjoyment of the game - and most likely extend the hours you enter in your pilot's log.
Further improvements and many minor changes are also being made to the existing models and daytime textures.
The link shows an image of the part completed airport at night http://www.donlavelle.net/flightgear/flightgear19.html.

The new scenery will be released early in July.

===Dubai airport gets busy===
With the terrain updates that were discussed in the [[FlightGear Newsletter March 2010#Dubai is coming up|March edition]] still in our minds, we now have another feature for the area; taking it yet another step closer to a bussy and realistic representation of the real emirate!

After looking jealously at the greatly enhanced airport [[Amsterdam Airport Schiphol|Schiphol]] (EHAM) and the latest highlight Gatwick (EGKK) Mike ([[User:D-SKY1|D-SKY1]]) decided to create [[Interactive_Traffic|interactive traffic]] for [[Dubai International Airport]] (OMDB). Based on the existing airport layout in FlightGear the traffic pattern for taxiing between gates and runways has been created in [[TaxiDraw]] next to a timetable for runway usage.

Although no model work is done (yet) a big bunch of scheduled flights is now added to this important hub in the middle east. As Dubai is home port for Emirates Airlines (UAE) only Emirates flights are included. Within the next weeks more scheduled flights for AI traffic at Dubai will be added. During the process of creating AI traffic he tried to stay as close as possible to the real life timetable for Dubai International Airport querying several sources for double checking.

As Emirates Airlines (UAE) is one of the most important customers for the [[Airbus A380]] (UAE just ordered another 30 units of A380) the Emirates Airlines livery has been added to AI aircraft A380. Additionally some minor errors in several traffic files concerning changed [[ICAO]] codes for some airports have been removed.

All changes are available via [[Git]]. Enjoy the enhancements; and always follow [[SID]]s and [[STAR]]s to prevent collisions.

===Meadows Field and FGSignMaker===
''skyop'' released his improvements to the Meadows Field (KBFL) scenery. Read [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=8466 this topic] for more information.

He is also writing [[FGSignMaker]], a tool to generate taxiway sign codes written in JavaScript. More information on taxiway signs can be found [[Signs|here]].

===Landcover additions===
Connecticut, Oshkosh (Wisconsin, USA) and the Toronto Harbor have been added to the [[FlightGear]] mapserver. They will be released to the public with the next scenery build, or alternatively the shapefiles can be downloaded and compiled by the user.

This is in addition to the other numerous improvements to the land cover which are pending with the next scenery release, which includes (but is not limited to) France; Madrid, Spain; London, England; Bonn, Germany; Western Washington, USA; Northwest Oregon, USA; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Washington, DC, and Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Rhode Island; Hawaii; and Long Island, New York, USA.

Landcover development is ongoing.

===LFLJ and EDDF===
After one year of having released these sceneries (LFLJ/EDDF), ''papillon81'' returned to make changes (some of them big) at them.
More information: [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5238&st=0&sk=t&sd=a#p84745 EDDF], [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=1436&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=30#p84800 LFLJ].

==Multiplayer News==
===Atlas Virtual Airlines' leaders recognized!===
[[Atlas Virtual Airlines]], FlightGear's most populated airline, has been a hit success in its inaugural months since opening in mid-April. The airline, however, couldn't have made it without the guidance of its two current leaders: ''MaverickAlex'' (Alex Park) and ''SkyWlf77'' (Jason Sheperd). Besides sinking their own cash into the airline for site domain and software, these two founding members have sorted out many mis-judgements of Atlas and helped to form a strong and community-bonding airline. Jason, the vice-chairman and moderator, helped revamp AVA's standing on the forums and turned many former anti-Atlas-ers into supporting members, which has been very beneficial for the FlightGear multiplayer community. Thanks to him, members can now feel confident to join an airline that was, just months ago, in the midst of intense controversy. Sheperd has taken a strong stand against arguments and flame wars on the Forums, intent on preventing the locked-topics and arguing members that degraded the VA Community during the VA "Dark Ages". But now, Atlas has flourished into a friendship-filled and happy organization that members find enjoyment and fun in.

Meanwhile, Alex, the current chairman and administrator, independently designed an awesome and top-of-the-line VA website for Atlas pilots. He has also worked with nightmares of coding to get drawing-board ideas implemented. And on top of it all, Alex is finishing up his Bombardier Dash-8 400Q, designed especially for Atlas Express flights. This very nicely modeled aircraft will also be available to the public, underlining how Atlas Virtual Airlines is really benefiting all of FlightGear. Alex is the brains behind it all that makes Atlas so sophisticated. His partner, Jason, has the ideas and people-person skills that gives Atlas the openness and fun that attracts its 50-plus members. So, from all of Atlas and those who follow it, thank you, Jason and Alex!

BRIEFS: Atlas celebrated its 50th member this month, a landmark achievement for a VA that is still newborn!

==Aircraft Review==
'''This month: B-25 Mitchell'''

[[Image:B-25.jpg|thumb|270px|A B-25 in the air near KATL]]
The [[B-25]] served in almost every theater in World War II. From Europe to the Pacific, the Mitchell was there. One of the most famous missions accomplished by B-25s was the Doolittle Raid on Tokyo, when a group of 16 B-25s attacked the Japanese mainland, raising morale in the United States, and changing the priorities of the Imperial Japanese Navy, and possibly changing the direction of the war.

The flightgear model looks good on the outside. The author has done a lot of work on the textures, and this is improved even more by some excellent liveries made by Gooneybird that have been added to the B-25 base package by the author. The landing gear, engines and canopies are all carefully modeled, too.

The Cockpit is a little bit threadbare, with no chairs, two pilot figures, and the standard six instruments, which is more than enough to fly with. The only other issue I could come up with was the lack of weapons, but that is only an aesthetic problem. The B-25 handles nicely both on the ground and in the air. I can't talk about accuracy, however, as I have never flown in a B-25, so I don't know how it 'feels' in the air.

The Mitchell sounds great, too!

''Review by Armchair Ace''

==From the community==
===LinuxTAG===
Once again, a team of FlightGear enthusiasts operated a booth during the four days of this year's [http://www.linuxtag.org/ LinuxTAG], the most important place for Linux and open source software in Europe. Besides to it's main purpose of presenting FlightGear to a public audience, LinuxTag becomes more and more '''the''' place for a meeting of core FlightGear developers and users. A technical discussion between James, Alex and Matthias has the potential to become a ''FlightGear legend'' and will probably lead to a multithreaded processing within the simulator's core. Alex also held a public presentation about the integration of [http://www.linuxtag.org/2010/en/program/free-conference/all-events/details.html?talkid=329 "Android for pilots"] with fgfs. [http://www.linuxtag.org/2010/fileadmin/www.linuxtag.org/slides/Alex%20Perry%20-%20Android%20for%20Pilots%20-%20Integration%20with%20the%20FlightGear%20Flight%20Simulator.pdf]

An exciting first contact was initiated between FlightGear team members and a hardware vendor resulting in an idea to operate a shared presentation of powerful hardware running a powerful flight simulator at the next year's LinuxTAG - to proof the claim "where .com meets .org".

===FlightGear on YouTube===
* ''edubletooth'' captured a [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeQUfnHLs_Q bunch of landings] at the airports with the world's most famous approach: [[Princess Juliana International Airport|Princess Juliana]] in the Netherlands Antilles. Make sure to bend when a 777-200 or maybe even a mighty [[Boeing 747|747]] is passing just meters over your head!
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzCcqtkTUT8 This excellent video] proves that ''Howto'' Oscar (we already mentioned him last month) does more than creating howtos. Together with Don's extremely detailed simulation of Gatwick Airport (EGKK), Oscar's video angles make this an interesting and pleasant video to watch.

==And finally...==
===Your own Copilot===
How about having your own Copilot to help you fly your heavy metal? Imagine: You're at 3000 ft making a hand controlled descent to EGKK 26L in your [[Boeing 777-200|777-200ER]]: "flaps down"; check airspeed and altitude; you're now five miles out; "undercarriage down"; reduce speed a little more; "flaps down"; you seem to be slightly overspeed; "spoilers"; touch down "brakes" then "reverse thrust"; "flaps retract"; now take a look at the detailed scenery while taxiing to your stand; "view" and "zoom out".

Those using Windows can employ '''Shoot''' - a free user-editable voice command utility. This may be used concurrently with FlightGear to recognize spoken words or phrases and carry out keyboard actions - including sequential or Shift/Alt/Ctrl... keying. Unfortunately Linux users do not have access to such a powerful utility.

[http://clans.gameclubcentral.com/shoot Download Shoot 1.6.4] and install it on your PC. You also need the Microsoft Speech API (SAPI) which is also free; the link is given on the Shoot website. The free Microsoft .NET should also be installed using the Shoot link.

Shoot may be edited to obey verbal commands such as "start engines", "maximum thrust", "undercarriage up", "flaps retract", "trim nose down", "deploy spoilers", "reverse thrust", "view exterior" - or whatever you choose. Try it and add more immersion to your flying.

===Did you know?===

* ...that FlightGear is made of roughly 3,000,000 lines of code and would cost more than $42,000,000 if created from scratch? (Metrics from [http://www.ohloh.net/p/flightgear/analyses/latest ohloh.net])

* ...that in version 2.0, fellow pilots' chat messages could be ignored on [[multiplayer]] by checking the ignore box in the pilot list?
For upcoming releases, pilots' aircraft will also be able to be ignored. This is part of a strong offensive against "trolling" that disrupts MP flying. 

* ...that the USS Nimitz [[Howto: Carrier|aircraft carrier]] has deck elevators that can be lowered/raised to go below deck?
Toggle them up/down in your ATC Options menu under Carrier; Check-Apply raises them, unchecked-apply lowers them.

[[Category:FlightGear Newsletter|2010 06]]

User:Ac001/Takeoff

2010-06-12T23:25:01Z

JPK-042: WIP, spelling.

{{Ac001-tutorial-navbar}}

'''Work in progress'''

==Take Off==
The map below shows three classes of aircraft waiting to take off at EHAM Amsterdam.
* Top left on '''36L''' is a '''737 Airliner''' (helijah)
** heavy aircraft for international 10 hr flight
** takeoff speed is 140 knots into headwind
* Bottom left on '''06''' is a '''Beechcraft twin prop''' (trennor)
** nimble small regional aircraft for 1 hour flight
** takeoff speed is 90 knots into a slight side wind
* Bottom right on '''36R''' is '''Citation Bravo twin jet''' (ac001)
** small jet for euro hopping on 3 hour flight
** takeoff speed is 120 knots

[[File:Ac001 eham takeoff1.jpeg]]
===Strategies===
* Each pilot has calculated the speed required to actually take off based on aircraft performance, runway length, weight, air pressure and many, many other factors some featured more below.
* Each pilot has shortened the runway by a "safety margin" (yellow lines) that has been deducted from the runway length, a "gut feel" for headwind, alignment in fog, etc.
* The red dot indicates the point that the aircraft is at enough speed it can safely take off with ONLY one engine.
* The green dot is the point where the aircraft '''has to take off''' as there is not enough runway left to stop.
* The purple dot is the hypothetical point where the aircraft would safely stop and well within runway limits.
** '''737'''
*** This aircraft is heavy with passengers, cargo and fuel and needs some momentum, and therefore requires more stopping distance.
*** The aircraft is just within the "margins" of runway/takeoff parameters.
*** The throttle would be set to TOGA ie max.
** '''Beechcraft'''
*** This aircraft is light and requires little runway to take off at a slow takeoff speed
*** Throttle not full on as there is a lot of runway
*** The aircraft could have entered the taxiway halfway down the runway, and still conducted the takeoff on a shorter runway.
** '''Bravo'''
*** The lighter jet aircraft is taking advantage of the runway length.
*** The plan is accelerate slower and take off further down the runway with a '''[[Flex Temp]]''' takeoff, saving fuel, engine wear and less noise.

===General Info===
Below are some notes on the 'real world' scenario, some of the problems and techniques to get familiar and is biased towards jet aircraft and airliners.
* Airliner
** First the aircraft is aligned to the runway and positioned. Parking brakes on.. this is an effort.. then pre-take off checklists
** Clearance = ATC has said clear for take off
*** The engines are fired up to 10% with the brakes ON. this will give time to warm up the engine and pumps, air bubbles.
*** The 25% period, where the jets are fired up more. Its not full on yet to avoid blowouts caused by air bubbles with in jet..
*** There is stabilized flow thought the engines and the aircraft is accelerating down the line...
*** v1 is achieved.. meaning we can take off.
*** v2 the point of having to take off is reached.. We can stop now. Before this point is a "rejected takeoff"

User:Ac001/Runway Tutorial

2010-06-12T23:23:44Z

JPK-042: WIP, spelling.

{{Ac001-tutorial-navbar}}

'''Work in progress'''

=Orientation=
The map below shows the three tarmac/pavements and six runways at [[EDDF]] Frankfurt.

[[File:Ac001 runways frankfurt.jpeg]]
* Runways ([[RWY]]) are numbered between '''01''' and '''36''' to indicate their '''magnetic heading''' (to nearest 10th degree).
* RWY 36 points north, 18 points south and 07 points NW.
* A runway can be used in both directions and therefore two names, eg '''RWY 18/36'''.
* If there are two or more runways, then '''L''', '''C''' and '''R''' are appended for Left, Center, Right, eg '''07L/25R'''.

=EGLL: 09L/27R=
The diagram shows the detail of the northern runway at Heathrow '''EGLL 09L/27R'''
[[File:Ac001 egll runway icao.jpeg]]
* The DME (top center) is the location of the [[DME]] transmitter and is placed around half way down the runway.
* Below is the label indicating the RWY length, 3901M long and 50m wide and is designed to facilitate huge/heavy/fast aircraft, as well as small ones.
* The lines of the center line are at ?m intervals
* Below the red T, are the green lights of the "threshold", a point at which aircraft are to land or take off after. 09L is a displaced threshold as its further onto the tarmac and a blast zone.
* Under the red '''P''' on both sides are the [[PAPI]] lights next to the "touch down zone", a point past the threshold and the safe landing area.
* TODO - elevation description
* TODO The lead in lights and the ILS position TODO

==27R==
Below is the Google map view of 27R threshold.
* '''T'''is the threshold
* Above the vertical purple lines are the "lead in lights", and these stretch at 25 intervals over a motorway, football pitch and a light industrial area.
* The ILS system is clearly visible
[[File:Ac001 egll 27R threshold map.jpeg]]

The image below is an aircraft fly-by of the northern runway 27R (right entry above)

[[File:Ac001 egll 27R view.jpeg]]
* '''27R''' is clearly marked on the runway tarmac in foreground.
** The parallel 27L (09R threshold) is visible top left.
* '''T''' is the runway '''[[threshold]]''' and green lights. From the opposite side IE 09L these appear as red.
* The [[ILS]] localiser is positioned the other end of the runway near 09L threshold and red lights.
* '''D''' is the approx position of the DME transmitter halfway down the runway.
* The '''P''' are the [[PAPI]] lights, aircraft is high for fly-by.
* The '''Z''' is the target "touch down zone"

===09L===
The image below is a fly-by near the 09L threshold, a few moment after above (exiting to the left above)

[[File:Ac001 egll 09L view.jpeg]]
* '''9L''' is clearly marked on the runway for approaching aircraft
* The '''Threshold''' is marked with "red lights" and from the other side and landing, these are green.
* The threshold is "displaced" from the end of the actual tarmac and a line-up/blast zone.
* The ILS system is beyond the tarmac, the red/white colored box.
* A taxi way is visible leading to or from the runway.

User:Ac001/Airport Tutorial

2010-06-12T23:22:40Z

JPK-042: WIP, Spelling.

{{Ac001-tutorial-navbar}}

'''Work in progress'''

=Airport Tutorial=
* The map below shows the two parallel [[runway]]s '''09L/27R''' and '''09R/27L''' at [[EGLL]] London Heathrow, a busy international airport. [[EGLL]] is the [[ICAO]] code for the airport.
** The runways are not actually parallel, but are aligned 89.67/269.67 and 89.89/269.69, a 0.02 degree difference.
** The north runway is 3,901m (12,799ft) long and the southern runway is 3,660m (12,008ft) in length.
** The yellow squares are the location of the [[DME]] transmitters, around halfway down the runway and used for ILS landings from both ends.
* The '''LON''' [[VOR]]/[[DME]] transmitter is located around 1km north of the airport, in a field and well away from interference by high rise buildings, large metal objects, large glass panels and "radio reflective" objects.
* The orange denotes the "noise abatement" area that are to be avoided.
* The wind is blowing from the SW (blue arrows).
* There would be three ATC controllers for arrival, departure and ground control, coordinating the event sequence and utilising both runways often to max capacity.
* The current configuration is:
** '''27R''' preferred for landing - the northern runway with white arrival path lines
** '''27L''' preferred for takeoff - the southern runway with green departure path lines

[[File:Ac001 egll airport map.jpeg]]
===Departures===
* '''27L''' is the designated and preferred runway for take off (green trails) and [[SID]]s
* '''27R''' is avoided as Cranford is a small village and an [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cranford_Agreement unwritten rule (Cranford Agreement)]. (However, on 15 January 2009, the Government announced that it was ending the Cranford Agreement as part of the controversial [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Expansion_of_London_Heathrow_Airport expansion of London Heathrow Airport.])
* 27L is preference for heavy aircraft, lighter aircraft would take off earlier on 27R and climb higher over Cranford and less noise.
* The purple line is a position roughly 1-2nm from LON VOR. An aircraft is expected climb straight and above 500ft before commencing a turn at this point.
* A red H denotes taxi/runway holding points, waiting to position on '''27L''' ready for take-off.
* A purple H denotes taxi/runway holding points, waiting to position on '''27R''' ready for take-off and are further away from the runway so as not to interfere with the [[ILS]] signal for landing aircraft.

===Arrivals===
* '''27R''' is designated and preferred runway for landing and [[STARS]]
* There is a noise abatement area to the north (orange) and a public picnic park.
* The yellow circles at left end of runways represent the ILS transmitters at the end of the runway
* The yellow lines extending to the right of the runways are the approx extend of ILS "beam".
* The red '''T''' is the runway threshold and the aircraft needs to touch down at or after this point.
* Aircraft waiting to take-off on 27R need to hold hold further away (purple H) so as not to interfere the ILS beam.
* The purple lines show the "missed approach" point, around 2nm from the runway threshold.
** The trail in red shows an aircraft that has executed a missed approach to 27R. It reached decision point and executed a Go Around by flying down the runway center line (to the left slightly) climbing to 3000ft and turning right around 1 LON dme.

User:Ac001/Checklist Tutorial

2010-06-12T23:21:39Z

JPK-042: Navbar, WIP, Spelling.

{{Ac001-tutorial-navbar}}

'''Work in Progress'''
=Checklist=
Every Pilot and flight has a checklist, its an "idiot test" to ensure the pilot's have not missed anything. These have been designed over the years to ensure that some simple detail is not missed. And its easy to miss some vital aspect as focus moves to another issue over a short period of time.
* Before landing checklist - the gear is down (oops forgot will not pass management)
* Pressure enabled - cabin pressure is working (oops all of the pilot and crew fainted with lack of oxygen)
* Crashed into a mountain - nav error (oops I stuck in 4000ft instead of 3000ft)
* (The author spend 10hrs on an ocean flight, and almost perfect landing.. but no gear down. was in garden frustrated for a period realizing stupidity of error in two critical minutes of period)

=Checklists=
Similar to a car journey, there are some idiot check's along the way to ensure the environment safe.

And as both experienced and inexperienced pilots there would be some issues that can cause problem, such as landing without the gear down, or frozen fuel because gear was not up mid ocean.

That is why pilots, whatever flavor have checklists.

These are by designed to ensure accidents do not happen, and for safety.

Within a modern cockpit and PF, PNF there is a dialog whereby the checklist is "checked of" with one "speaking the fact" and the other "confirming" the idiot check.

The "sheet" is normally a laminated charts

==Pre Take Off==
This is a pretend dialog of an aircraft preparing for takeoff..
Ok lets do eh pre-take off checklists...

Runway is 28L - check
Take off speed is 120 - check
Rotate is at 130 knots - check
Autopilot is set for 125 and SID departure at 5% - check
FLAPS are at 3 - check
Auto throttle is set but not armed for TOGA at 160 - check
Takeoff clearance - standby
>> ATC Alpha Charlie Zero Zero One ready for take off clearance.
Clear for take off Alpha Charlie zero Zero One 28L
Roger Pre takeoff Alpha Charlie zero Zero One 28L
>> Take off checklist complete (laminate is put away)
==After take off checklist==
* landing gear is up - check
* Flaps are at min - check
* Stable speed and direction - check
* IAS is set and direction - check
===Before Landing Checklist===

User:Ac001/Navigation Tutorial

2010-06-12T23:19:20Z

JPK-042: Forgot to add navbar, navbar is now added.

{{Ac001-tutorial-navbar}}

'''Work in Progress'''

=Navigation=
Air navigation is based on maritime navigation, a stable and safe, tried and tested technique.
* The NDB is the remnants still used from the original system
* VOR/DME is the main system used and verification for
* EGPS which is the current technique IE augmented GPS

==Non Direction Beacon==

User:Ac001/Navigation Tutorial

2010-06-12T23:18:25Z

JPK-042: Spelling fixes and a work in progress alert.

'''Work in Progress'''

=Navigation=
Air navigation is based on maritime navigation, a stable and safe, tried and tested technique.
* The NDB is the remnants still used from the original system
* VOR/DME is the main system used and verification for
* EGPS which is the current technique IE augmented GPS

==Non Direction Beacon==

User:Ac001/Tutorial Overview

2010-06-11T19:09:34Z

JPK-042: Spelling, some grammar and a bit of rewording. Noted the standard third person rule and fixed it where applicable . Rewriting the simulator part.

{{Ac001-tutorial-navbar}}

'''Work in progress'''

===Pre Intro===
* Welcome to some tutorials in sandbox and idea, working towards a "crash course" or "flight college".
* The "airport" and "area" is London Heathrow and UK
* Feedback, corrections most welcome, etc (just go and edit stuff)
* The format is experimental and intended to make it an "observational" style by presenting a scenario..
* Its hoped that the format can be used for other languages such as France/French, Italy/Italian
* It is assumed that users of this tutorial have a basic understanding of flying in the FGFS.

=Welcome to Flight College=
This is a tutorial and training series to assist new pilots get acquainted with making trips between airports via [[IFR]].
* The series is centered on '''[[EGLL]]''' - London Heathrow Airport, UK.
** Charts from NATS
* UK airspace is governed by the UK's '''Civil Aviation Authority''' ([[CAA]]) who constantly maintain the intricate details, and publish them.
* The charts, data, etc all are available from '''National Air Traffic Services''' ([[NATS]]) an ''air navigation service provider''.
* Euro Control is a sister organization for coordinating airspace in Europe.

If you are a new pilot, then this series will take you through the steps. If the text below doesn't make sense now, it will by the end of this series. Your feedback, corrections and suggestions etc are important and valuable to help other TPs in the future.

==Analogies==

A similar concept to flying an aircraft from A to B is that of driving a car on a long journey.
*Prep
** In a car you have to prepare the car, fuel, check wipers, tires(+spares) etc for up to a 2 hour drive.
** In an aircraft you have to prepare, check wipers, batteries, tires, for up to a 16 hour flight
*Direction
** Leave down the street, then through town, to motorway and the junction heading north.
** Leave down the taxiway, from the parking to the runway, runway heading is SE, take off then head north.
*Cruise
** On the motorway you would typically want to travel at around 75kph, 5kph above the legal speed limit of 70kph
** You would need to be over 80 ias. If you are slower than that, you will stall the wings and drop out of the sky in spectacular explosion.
*Stop
**If car ahead, you can slam on the brakes and with all the kids, wife, picnic and caravan, can come to a compete stoop in about 50m
** When an Aircraft in air, there are no ways to stop safely. Instead you need to fly around up or down and around hazards.
*Navigation
** You could always stop the car and look at the map if you get lost.
** You cannot simply stop the aircraft, however it is common that there are detailed charts aboard.

===Pre Flight Briefing===
This is an example conversation and a briefing by the [[PNF]] to the [[PF]]. In this instance the [[First Officer]] is flying back with the Commander being the monitor.
* [[PF]] is commanding the aircraft
* [[PNF]] is doing the ATC and monitoring pilot
* Within FGFS, you are often both.

It is a common EGLL to EGCC, its SE wind at EGLL so RWY 09R for HON SID, then UL9 FL15 to WAL STAR, then expected NW approach to EGCC 90.

===Reality===
To be a '''real pilot''', you would be required to do a lot of classes and tests, and pilots are often expected to score around ninety-eight percent. Most of the physical training is done in simulators, as crashing real aircraft is costly and dangerous to everyone involved.

===Simulator===
Work in progress

==Overview==

* '''Airport''' - explains the airport environment
* '''Runway''' explains the runway

Aircraft information resources

2010-05-16T22:40:09Z

JPK-042: Deleted www.chipsplace.com as it appeared as a Trojan horse

Please note that as of 04/2009, the section about "Avionics Documents" has been moved to a new page that is to be found at [[Avionics Development Resources]].
Also the section on aircraft operating manuals/handbooks has now been moved to a new dedicated page: [[Aircraft Manuals]].

== Definitions ==
Useful for all aircraft:
* [http://www.goodyearaviation.com/img/pdf/definitions.pdf Tire name size classification]

== Aircraft Resources ==
=== General ===
* [http://www.airlinercafe.com/list.php?c=walkarounds Airlinercafe] Detailed and high resolution pictures of major components on airliners. ('''Recommended''')
* [http://www.aftd.com/Library.html Aeroflight Tech Data Aeronautical Library]
* [http://www.bh.com/companions/034074152X/appendices/default.htm Civil Jet Aircraft Design]
*[http://www.soton.ac.uk/~jps7/Aircraft%20Design%20Resources/Lloyd%20Jenkinson%20data/Aircraft%20data/ Dimension data for various aircraft]
*[http://www.meriweather.com/ Meriweather's flightdeck simulations & photo/video gallery]
*[http://www.myairplane.com/databases/airspec/ Specifications for various aircraft]
*[http://www.smartcockpit.com/ Smart Cockpit]
* http://www2.nlr.nl/public/hosted-sites/hybridge/documents/R5.6%20061_HSCC2005.pdf
* [http://www.flightlevel400.com/manuals.html Numerous Manuals and other Data ] ('''Recommended ''')
*[http://simviation.com/designresources.htm Simviation- lots of 3-views]
===Diagrams and 3-views===
''See also:[[Modeling Resources]]''
*http://www.umt.fme.vutbr.cz/~ruja/modely/podklady.htm Lots of 3 views of early to mid 20th century aricraft.
*http://www.seawings.co.uk/reference.htm Diagrams and other data on seaplanes
*http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/org4-4.htm Navy aircraft
*http://www.aircraftdesign.com/acpix.html Lots of 3-views on prototype and experimental
*http://www.aviastar.org/index.html only helicopters

=== Airbus ===
* [http://www.soton.ac.uk/~jps7/Aircraft%20Design%20Resources/Lloyd%20Jenkinson%20data/Aircraft%20data/atable1.xls Dimension data for all Airbus aircraft]
* '''A300'''
** [http://www.aftd.com/TCDS_PDFS/A35EU_19.pdf A300 Type certificate]
* '''A320'''
**
** http://www.airbusdriver.net
** http://www.e-flight.com/a320.htm
** http://meriweather.com/320/fd-320.html
* '''A330'''
** [http://www.aftd.com/TCDS_PDFS/A46NM_9.pdf A330 Type certificate]
** [http://www.ntsb.gov/events/2001/AA587/exhibits/306430.pdf Partial wind tunnel data]
* '''A340'''
** [http://www.aftd.com/TCDS_PDFS/A43NM_3.pdf A340 Type certificate]
** http://www.a340.net/
** http://www.planningchart.de/340_loc1.gif
** http://www.planningchart.de/340_loc2.gif
** http://meriweather.com/340/340-fd.html
* '''A380'''
** http://www.gillesvidal.com/blogpano/cockpit1.htm

=== Boeing ===
* [http://www.soton.ac.uk/~jps7/Aircraft%20Design%20Resources/Lloyd%20Jenkinson%20data/Aircraft%20data/atable2.xls Dimension data for all variants of Boeing 707, 717, 727, and 737]
*[http://www.soton.ac.uk/~jps7/Aircraft%20Design%20Resources/Lloyd%20Jenkinson%20data/Aircraft%20data/atable3.xls Dimension data for all variants of Boeing 747, 757, and 767]
*[http://www.soton.ac.uk/~jps7/Aircraft%20Design%20Resources/Lloyd%20Jenkinson%20data/Aircraft%20data/atable4.xls Dimension data for all variants of Boeing 777]
* '''737'''
** http://www.737cockpit.com/
** http://www.737ng.co.uk/technical.htm 737's cockpit measurments
** http://www.b737.org.uk/
** http://www.boeing.com/commercial/737family/
** http://www.smartcockpit.com/
* '''747'''
** http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Launchpad/1916/index.htm
** http://meriweather.com/747/fd-747.html
** [http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5141036042437868499 747-400 Flight Deck/EFIS Intro] (video)
* '''757'''
** http://www.757.org.uk
** http://www.artietheairplane.com/redbox.htm
* '''767'''
** http://www.757.org.uk/767/index.html
** http://meriweather.com/767/767-fd.html
* '''777'''
** http://www.planesimulation.com/777a.htm
** http://meriweather.com/777/fd-777.html

=== Cessna ===
* '''C152'''

** [http://www.ginecoweb.com/Piloto%20Privado/Cessna152Manual.pdf Cessna C152 Manual]
** [http://www.fmfa.org/docs/c152_checklist.pdf Checklist]
** [http://www.fmfa.org/docs/c152_emergency.pdf Emergency Checklist]
** [http://www.fmfa.org/docs/c152_complete.pdf Combined Checklist]

** [http://www.texins.org/flyingclub/reference/ApolloGX_QuickReference.pdf 1976 C150 Quick Reference]
** [http://www.texins.org/flyingclub/reference/ApolloGX_UserManual.pdf 1976 C150 User Manual]
* '''C172'''
* [http://www.servantairministries.org/multimedia/C172M_POH_N5141R.pdf C712M Pilot Operating Handbook]
* [http://www.pacificcoastflyers.org/files/POH/C172N_POH.pdf C172N Pilot Operating Handbook]

** http://www.fortmeadeflyingactivity.org/docs/c172p180_n9871fm_combined_procedures_checklist.pdf
** http://www.sierra.aero/Files/172%20RG%20POH%20FULL.pdf
** [http://www.fmfa.org/docs/c172p180_poh_addendum.pdf C172p180 POH Addendum]
** [http://www.fmfa.org/docs/c172p180_n9871fm_standard_procedures_checklist.pdf Standard Procedures Checklist]
** [http://www.fmfa.org/docs/c172p180_n9871fm_emergency_procedures_checklist.pdf Emergency Procedures Checklist]
** [http://www.fmfa.org/docs/c172p180_n9871fm_combined_procedures_checklist.pdf Combined Checklist]

* '''T-41C (military training version of c172)'''
** [http://www.fmfa.org/docs/t41c_poh.pdf Aircraft Manual]
** [http://www.fmfa.org/docs/t41c_checklist.pdf Aircraft Checklist]
** [http://www.fmfa.org/docs/t41c_usaf_checklist.pdf USAF Checklist]
** [http://www.fmfa.org/docs/t41c_emergency.pdf Emergency Procedures]
** [http://www.fmfa.org/docs/t41c_complete.pdf Combined Checklist]

=== Cirrus ===
* '''Cirrus SR 20'''
** http://www.centerlineflight.com/Cirrus%20SR20%20Departure%20Checklist.pdf
** http://www.centerlineflight.com/Cirrus%20SR20%20Takeoff-Cruise%20Checklist.pdf
** http://www.avidyne.com/techpubs2/brochures/AV814_Envision_Cirrus_v01.pdf
** http://servicecenters.cirrusdesign.com/TechPubs/pdf/POH/SR20-003/pdf/13999-003InfoManual.pdf
** http://www.dominicganz.de/dominic/aviation/checklist_cirrus_sr20.pdf
** http://www.ginecoweb.com/Piloto%20Privado/Cessna152Manual.pdf
** http://servicecenters.cirrusdesign.com/TechPubs/pdf/POH/International/OnlineBR21400-001.pdf

=== Diamond ===
''' DA20 Katana '''
** http://www.diamondaircraft.com/library/16/10/DA20-A1-AFM-inc-Rev17.pdf

=== Fokker ===
** http://www.fokkerpilot.net/

=== Dornier ===
* [http://www.awi-bremerhaven.de/Logistics/Aircraft/nuhabu96.pdf Dornier DO 228]

=== Grob ===
* http://freechecklists.net/Resources/Grob/G-115/

=== Lockheed Martin ===
*[http://www.soton.ac.uk/~jps7/Aircraft%20Design%20Resources/Lloyd%20Jenkinson%20data/Aircraft%20data/atable6.xls Dimension data for L1011 (last column)]

=== Iyushin ===
*[http://www.soton.ac.uk/~jps7/Aircraft%20Design%20Resources/Lloyd%20Jenkinson%20data/Aircraft%20data/atable6.xls Dimension data for all variants of Il-62, Il-86, and Il-96]

=== McDonnell Douglas ===
*[http://www.soton.ac.uk/~jps7/Aircraft%20Design%20Resources/Lloyd%20Jenkinson%20data/Aircraft%20data/atable5.xls Dimension data for all variants of DC8, DC9, MD-81, MD-82, MD-83, and MD-87]
*[http://www.soton.ac.uk/~jps7/Aircraft%20Design%20Resources/Lloyd%20Jenkinson%20data/Aircraft%20data/atable6.xls Dimension data for all variants of MD-90, DC-10, MD-11, and MD-12]

=== Mil ===
* Fantastic detail on most aspects of the Mi-2 and Mi-8 including detailed cockpit photos, system diagrams and descriptions from a former pilot (in German). Also excellent sections full of diagrams on aerodynamic theory for both fixed and rotary wing. http://nva-flieger.de/

=== Piper ===
* '''Piper Archer'''
** http://home.stny.rr.com/bkw/ace/PA-28-181-POH.pdf
* '''Piper Arrow'''
** [http://www.fmfa.org/docs/pa28r_checklist.pdf pa28r Checklist]
** [http://www.fmfa.org/docs/pa28r_emergency.pdf Emergency Procedures]
** [http://www.fmfa.org/docs/pa28r_complete.pdf Combined Checklist]

=== Tupolev ===
*[http://www.soton.ac.uk/~jps7/Aircraft%20Design%20Resources/Lloyd%20Jenkinson%20data/Aircraft%20data/atable7.xls Dimension data for all variants of Tu-134, Tu-154, Tu-200, Tu-204, and Tu-334]

== Gas Turbine Data ==
* '''General'''
** [http://www.aircraftenginedesign.com/custom.html1.html Gas Turbine Engine Data]
** [http://www.jet-engine.net/civtfspec.html Civilian Turbojet/Turbofan Specifications]
** [http://www.jet-engine.net/miltfspec.html Military Turbojet/Turbofan Specifications]
**[http://www.soton.ac.uk/~jps7/Aircraft%20Design%20Resources/Lloyd%20Jenkinson%20data/Gas%20turbine%20data/ More gas turbine data]

* '''CFM'''
**[http://www.soton.ac.uk/~jps7/Aircraft%20Design%20Resources/Lloyd%20Jenkinson%20data/Gas%20turbine%20data/btable1.xls Gas turbine data for CFM56-3C1, CFM56-5A1, CFM56-5A2, and CFM56-7B20]

* '''International Aero Engines'''
**[http://www.soton.ac.uk/~jps7/Aircraft%20Design%20Resources/Lloyd%20Jenkinson%20data/Gas%20turbine%20data/btable3.xls Gas turbine data for the following engines by General Electric: CF34-3A, CF34-3B, CF6-80A2, CF6-80C2-A5, CF6-80C2-B1F, CF6-80C2-B2, CF6-80E1A2, and GE90-85B]

* '''International Aero Engines'''
**[http://www.soton.ac.uk/~jps7/Aircraft%20Design%20Resources/Lloyd%20Jenkinson%20data/Gas%20turbine%20data/btable1.xls Gas turbine data for IAEV2500, IAEV2522, IAEV2533, and IAE2525]

* '''Pratt & Whitney'''
**[http://www.soton.ac.uk/~jps7/Aircraft%20Design%20Resources/Lloyd%20Jenkinson%20data/Gas%20turbine%20data/btable2.xls Gas turbine data for JT8D-219, PW2037, PW4052, PW4056, PW4152, PW4168, and PW4084]

* '''Rolls Royce'''
**[http://www.soton.ac.uk/~jps7/Aircraft%20Design%20Resources/Lloyd%20Jenkinson%20data/Gas%20turbine%20data/btable4.xls Gas turbine data for the following engines by Rolls Royce: RB-183-555-15P, RB-211-524H, RB-211-E4/E4-B, SPEY 511-8, TRENT 772, TRENT 892, TAY 611, and TAY 651]

* '''Miscellaneous Engine Manufacturers'''
**[http://www.soton.ac.uk/~jps7/Aircraft%20Design%20Resources/Lloyd%20Jenkinson%20data/Gas%20turbine%20data/btable5.xls Gas turbine data for ALLIEDSIG LF507, ALLIEDSIG LF502R-5, ALLISON AE3007, CFE CFE738, P&W CANADA JT15D, and P&W CANADA PW305B]
**[http://www.soton.ac.uk/~jps7/Aircraft%20Design%20Resources/Lloyd%20Jenkinson%20data/Gas%20turbine%20data/btable6.xls Gas turbine data for BMW:RR BR710, BMW:RR B715-55, WILL:RR FJ44, JASC AVIA D-30KU II, JASC AVIA PS-90A, ZMKB D-18T, and ZMKB D-436T1]

{{3d}}
[[Category:List]]
[[Category:Resource]]
[[Category:Aircraft Resources]]

FlightGear Newsletter May 2010

2010-05-12T01:26:00Z

JPK-042: Spelling makes a news letter look professional. Fixed some minor spelling issues that were in the May 2010 news letter.

{{newsletter}}
{{TOC_right}}

''First, 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.''

==In the hangar==
===Sukhoi-Gulfstream S21===
The Sukhoi-Gulfstream S21 is being developed by ''xsaint'' and should be out by late May. More information [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=7865 here].

===747-400 updates===
Gijs has been updating "The Queen of the Skies" with overhead panel backlighting, an (this time stable) autopilot making one of the best jets in FlightGear even better. In the meantime, effort has been put into the cockpit shell and a 3D model of the upper deck. You can now walk through the cabin, open the animated lavatory doors and nock on the 744's flightdeck door.

==CVS news==
===Local weather system update===
The local weather system by thorsten has been updated to version 0.61. This is a bugfix release. More details [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=7358 in the forum].

==Scenery Corner==
===Europe very active===
The scenery development for Europe (like LIME in Italy; EGKK in Britain; EDDF in Germany and others) has been very active. Europe is currently one of the most detailed scenery areas in FlightGear. Further on in this newsletter you can read about the latest addition: London Gatwick.

===EGKK: Probably the best detailed airport in FlightGear===
London Gatwick has been completely modeled at a high level of detail for FlightGear. The airport was modeled by Don Lavelle ''(karla)'' in Blender and consists of over 40 detailed buildings, features and facilities. The main terminals - north and south - have been accurately detailed with their different style piers and stock jetways. The airport is based on UK CAA 2009 charts and includes the novel passenger air bridge which was re-engineered to clear 747-height tail fins. Many peripheral facilities are also included in this highly detailed airport such as the cargo and maintenance areas and open air car parks which were given a semi-3D effect. Small details such as railings, columns, antennae and rotating radar add to the realistic atmosphere of the scenery. Frame rates will obviously be affected by the wealth of detail but it is expected that pilots will utilize this airport for arrivals, taxiing and departure of commercial aircraft and not for low passes in jet fighters...

[[TaxiDraw]] was employed to update the existing AI taxiways in the current ''parking.xml'' file and should give a reasonably realistic feature for AI traffic. It is intended to improve the various aspects of taxiways in the near future.

A useful readme file has been included and also three ''.stg'' files to help the user load Gatwick to the level of detail required.

So, the UK now has a fully modeled major airport and it is now open to international FG flights - welcome to the UK via London Gatwick!

Latest images are hosted on http://www.donlavelle.net/flightgear/flightgear18.html

'''Planned release date: Friday 14th May.'''

==Aircraft Review: DC-6B==
The [[Douglas_DC-6|DC-6B]] was one of the world's first long-range commercial aircraft. It served under a variety of operators, and served as Air Force One during the 1950's. It's reliability and toughness has kept examples of it in service today.

Now, about the FlightGear model.

Aesthetically speaking, this model is great! The model is highly detailed in various places, and it has an accurate, well made 3D cockpit
All the (old-fashioned) gauges work perfectly, and they look good as well. The control column and rudder pedals are animated too.
My only gripe about the model is the lack of a throttle quadrant.

The DC-6 flies nicely, too. It isn't too responsive, and isn't too sluggish either. I cannot comment too much about the flying characteristics, however, as (sadly) I've never flown a DC-6 in my life.

The DC-6 sounds nice as well. From starting to cruising, the engines on this bird are music to any piston engine fan's ears.

My only complaints about this model are minor, such as the lack of flap and landing gear sounds. Or the lack of seats and/or cargo in the cabin of the DC-6.

''Review by Armchair Ace''

==From the community==
===FlightGear on YouTube===
* A very, very nice [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TeVS0fXEpb0 video] showcasing some of FlightGear's features has been uploaded by "TheMasterofmod". It covers lots of features, including a [[Howto: Carrier|carrier takeoff]], [[Los Angeles International Airport]] some formation flights and lots more!

[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkeApfVUnVk&feature=PlayList&p=3B31CCD15245D0AA&playnext_from=PL&index=0&playnext=1 Watch the FlightGear PlayList] for a collection of all (somewhat) quality FlightGear videos ever uploaded to YouTube.

[[Category:FlightGear Newsletter|2010 05]]

Boeing 777

2010-05-04T04:00:31Z

JPK-042: Deleted Choc's tutorial since the page's only text was 'aaaa'. Not very informative for the user at that point.

[[Image:777-200.jpg|thumb|270px|[[Boeing 777-200]] in British Airways livery]]
[[Image:COA777.jpg|thumb|270px|[[Boeing 777-200]] in Continental livery]]

The '''Boeing 777''' is a long-range, wide-body twin-engine airliner built by Boeing Commercial Airplanes. The world's largest twinjet and commonly referred to as the "Triple Seven", it can carry between 283 and 368 passengers in a three-class configuration and has a range from 5,235 to 9,450 [[nautical mile]]s (9,695 to 17,500 km). Distinguishing features of the 777 include the six wheels on each main landing gear, its circular fuselage cross section, the largest diameter turbofan engines of any aircraft, the pronounced "neck" aft of the flight deck, and the blade-like tail cone.

As of May 2008, 56 customers have placed orders for 1,080 777s. Direct market competitors to the 777 are the [[Airbus A330-300]], [[Airbus A340|A340]], and some variants of the [[Airbus A350|A350 XWB]], which is currently under development. The 777 may eventually be replaced by a new product family, the [[Boeing Y3]], which would draw upon technologies from the [[Boeing 787|787]].

You can see a guide on how to fly this plane on [[User:Vaeronic|Vaeron's wikipage]].

==Variants==
* [[Boeing 777-200]]

==External links==
* [http://sourceforge.net/projects/xpc-777 Boeing 777 aircraft systems simulator ]

{{Boeing}}

Virtual airlines

2010-05-03T22:42:24Z

JPK-042: spelling fixes.

A '''virtual airline''' (VA) is a dedicated hobby organization that uses flight simulation to model the operations of an airline. Virtual airlines generally have a presence on the internet, similar to a real airline. There are over 100 virtual airlines of significance currently active in the internet (supporting a number of flightsims), with thousands of participants involved at any one time each using different simulator platforms.

[[Image:virtualairlines.jpg|thumb|430px|The logos of most of the currently existing Virtual Airlines operating in FlightGear.]]

==Virtual Airlines in FlightGear==
Currently, some number of virtual airlines exist, with airlines made of various experiences, fleets and operations. Here is a list of some of the known virtual airlines to have existed.

===Current Flightgear Virtual Airlines===
These are the current virtual airlines in operation. Major Virtual Airlines include (In order of start announcement):

* [http://transgear.treborlogic.com TransGear Airways]
* [[Star Alliance]]
*[[Atlas Virtual Airlines]]

===Current Flightgear Flying Clubs===
[http://flightgearfans.wordpress.com/]
===Flightgear Virtual Airline Merger Program===
[[Atlas Virtual Airlines]] was borne out of the concept that a VA merger could elminate underpopulation and help consolidate the number of virtual airlines into one, unified VA. In early April 2010, Atlas Virtual, after months of planning, went live to the public. Thus, the number of virtual airlines was substantially reduced, leaving the number of active VAs at 3. As of April 2010, these include Transgear Airways, Star Alliance, and Atlas.
==Airlines merged into Atlas==
*[[Japan Pacific Airlines]]
*[[Coastal Air Systems]]
*[[Skynet International Airlines]]
*[[Europe Airlines]]

===Current Alliances===
* [[Star Alliance]]

*Transgear Airways and Atlas are considered "sister VAs", and work side by side during events. Plans call for a combined TGA-AVA event, and at the moment, each airline helps the other.

===Proposed Airlines===
These are the airlines proposed but not seen actual operations as of today.
* Sandy Oceania Airlines
* Triangle Airlines

==Purpose==
Virtual airlines were started to give a sense of purpose to activities conducted within a flight simulator. This basic premise has evolved over time, along with available technology, to provide increasing levels of immersion but always with the same core purpose. When combined with increasingly powerful personal computers, advancing flight simulation software, and communications networks, virtual airlines are often able to provide compelling, realistic, experiences similar to operations inside a real airline. Virtual airlines also provide an avenue for members to gain access to additional content, such as aircraft and scenery, for use with their simulator. The appeal varies; for younger members, virtual airlines provide a sandbox environment where they can experience the corporate environment of commercial business in the airline industry, without the risk of financial loss. These organizations also provide an outlet for those who are interested in aviation but unable to fly themselves in real life due to financial, health, or other reasons.
Most of all, its one step closer to enthusiasts feeling more involved in an airline environment and share their interests with others.

Virtual Airlines also benefit the flight simulator community by providing valuable services such as ATC, events, and general help and knowledge.

==Common elements==

There are several elements that are common across many virtual airlines:
A website as the focal point of the community
Internet forum where discussion and social interaction can occur
Customized livery that users can download together with aircraft and install in their flight simulator
Route schedules for members to fly in their simulators
Multiplayer events, often on a game network such as VATSIM or IVAO
Less common elements include:
An Online database for recording and reporting flights and membership statistics
Dedicated game server hosting to provide private areas for members to complete flights
Award, rank and recognition systems
Voice over Internet Protocol servers for members to communicate freely by voice

----

==Controversies==

===Copyright Issues===
When a virtual airline is created in the image of a real world airline legal issues can arise out of copyright violations. In 2003, a real world airline, Qantas Airways Ltd, announced a new low-cost carrier by the name of Jetstar Airways. However, a virtual airline named Jetstar International Airlines already existed, complete with a web site. As part of their startup promotion, Qantas sold 100,000 airline tickets at a discount price, and the virtual airline's web site was swamped with would-be customers, job-seekers, and prospective vendors. The virtual airline sued Qantas, claiming that Qantas stole the virtual airline's livery and trademark.

* If you wish to create a virtual airline- Which Flightgear would be eager for you to do, Please do not base it on real life airlines to save copyright issues!

===Association with terrorism===
Claims have been made of the use of both flight simulators and virtual airlines as training devices for terrorist activities, although to date no conclusive link has ever been provided to indicate a situation where a virtual airline has provided flight simulation training to anyone involved in a terrorist activity.
Jermaine Lindsay, one of the four 7 July 2005 London bombings, may have used flight simulators to practice flying an airliner, with an accusation that he was registered with a virtual airline. A person of the same name listed his nearest major airport as Heathrow and clocked up 30 hours in two months with SimAirline.net. The website later denied the member's linking with the bombing, and indicated it was working with the Metropolitan Police to establish whether its former member was the bomber. The website stated that it provides information about airlines and free add-on software for Microsoft Flight Simulator and does not provide flight instruction to its members.
The 9/11 Commission in the US concluded in 2004 that those responsible for flying the planes into World Trade Center and Pentagon had used PC-based flight simulators for training. Despite the initial concerns of the involvement of virtual airlines in these terrorist activities, largely little has come from these claims to date and no changes have been noted as occurring in their operation as a result.

===Underpopulation===
So far, a mere estimate of one hundred people use the FlightGear multiplayer community. Despite this, more and more virtual airlines are emerging and cannot collect as many people as it wishes. Theories of "college students wanting power" and other ideas have been brought up several times inside the FlightGear forum, but has not been dealt with yet in the present. The underpopulation and overorganization issue has made the multiplayer networks confusing to use, possibly scaring users away to other simulators such as X-Plane and Microsoft Flight Simulator, where virtual airlines and multiplayer services are more organized and population-managed. Due to underpopulation, some airlines were forced to close due to hardship of management, including former major airline Euroair.

'''Suggestions to address the underpopulation issue:'''
* Administration and management should be carefully controlled. For instance promoting ranks amongst members. Another management idea is to keep people in charge of certain sectors of the airline, for instance: route management, fleet management, advertising management, application/enrollment management, or whatever else is felt required for an airline. Over-administration is a big issue; In the past the main problem has been that the only people involved in a virtual airline was the creators, and one or two in-active users who didn't bother recruiting or flying- i.e. it was a "ghost airline" and nothing more. It is very important that the airline is not inundated with administrators and actually has a few pilots.
* Fleet size should be kept to the bare minimum, and suited to their routes and serving airports. Real life operators typically use a small fleet size to suit their operations. Ryanair for example operates a total of 146 Boeing 737-800's, as their only aircraft type. This suits their short-haul European destinations and therefore do not require additional fleet models.
* Routes should be also kept to a minimum, accurately maintained, well informed and carefully chosen. A rough guideline would be about five pilots for every route, so an airline with 15 pilots would be suited to an airline with three routes. Once an airline grows rapidly, routes can expand and increase when necessary (or decrease if you lose pilots), which is all part of the fun of expanding a network carefully and sufficiently. Try not to be over-enthusiastic and create a network of say 20 routes when you only have a small number of some 6 pilots, for instance.
* Airports should be chosen for their location, and to suit the fleet using it. Using a large amount of airport's clustered together in a small region is not a good idea, as it would (in real life) mean high airport charges, when airports should be shared and codeshared.
* Hub airports should not be used too often, 1 hub is suitable and looks better over the Multiplayer servers, if it is well used. ATC should be used at the hub airport, at least. This should be a well-modeled base for your flights.
* The website should contain detailed information, accurate maps, Weather data, Navigation data, Airport details, Fleet and suitably house community discussions. It should of course have simple instructions on how to join your airline, as well as an up-to-date list of pilots. It should be intended to attract as many budding pilots as possible!

Colditz Cock

2010-05-03T02:50:49Z

JPK-042: Added extra info on the aircraft.

{{infobox Aircraft
|image =colditz_cock.jpg
|name =Colditz escape glider
|type = Glider for prison escape
|livery =
|fdm =JSBSim
|status =v20070515
|authors = Steve Hosgood, Josh Babcock
|fgname = <tt>colditz</tt>
|download =http://www.flightgear.org/Downloads/aircraft/#colditz
}}
The '''Colditz Cock''' was a [[:Category:Gliders|glider]] built by prisoners of war for an escape attempt from Colditz Castle in Germany, which was used as Oflag IV-C.

==Aircraft help==
This particular glider is automatically positioned 3000 ft above ground level on start up.
Stall speed of this aircraft appears to be 30 knots.

== External links ==
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colditz_Cock Wikipedia article]
* [http://www.virtualcolditz.com/ Virtual Colditz]

[[Category:Aircraft]]
[[Category:Gliders]]

Updating FlightGear on Windows

2010-05-03T02:18:14Z

JPK-042: Minor spelling and captalization fixes.

Some FlightGear users may want to test the latest version currently being developed, before the next stable release version is available as a regular download. Although getting the latest development version of FlightGear usually requires a complicated process of compiling source files (See [[Building FlightGear]]), there is a much easier way to get almost-the-latest development version, by downloading updated data files from the [[FlightGear CVS]], and combining them with a pre-compiled binary executable.

New versions of the FlightGear development branch are available as pre-compiled binaries for Windows. These binaries are compiled from recent snapshots of the [[CVS]] version of the source code files. Combining these pre-compiled binaries along with the current FlightGear "data" from CVS makes it much easier and faster for users to try out very current versions of FlightGear. A big “thank you” to the developers for providing this service.

The following steps make it easy to keep up with the latest developments in FlightGear:

==Download an Updated Windows Binary==

Updated windows binaries are available for download from several FlightGear generous developers listed below. Every binary version is slightly different, based on the date it was built from CVS. Check the file-name to find the latest version.

*[http://blaniel.free.fr/pub/flightgear/snapshots/ Pre-compiled FlightGear executables by Benoit Laniel], look for files like [http://blaniel.free.fr/pub/flightgear/snapshots/fgfs_win32_20100118.7z fgfs_win32_20100118.7z] (Jan 2010)
*[ftp://ftp.abbeytheatre2.org.uk/fgfs/executable/ Pre-compiled FlightGear executables by Vivian Meazza], look for files like [ftp://ftp.abbeytheatre2.org.uk/fgfs/executable/fgfs-20100104.zip fgfs-20100104.zip] (Jan 2010)
*[ftp://ftp.ihg.uni-duisburg.de/FlightGear/Win32/ Pre-compiled FlightGear executables by Frederic Bouvier], look for files like update [ftp://ftp.ihg.uni-duisburg.de/FlightGear/Win32/fgrun+fgfs-osg-win32-cvs-20100117.zip fgrun+fgfs-osg-win32-cvs-20100117.zip] (Jan 2010)

After downloading, unzip the update into your C:\FlightGear\bin\Win32\ folder (or equivalent).

==Update your FlightGear Data using CVS==

An updated version of the FlightGear executable works best with a current version of the FlightGear data from CVS (the base package). This is not only to get the newest developments but also because configuration files or data formats might have changed. And, an older version of the FlightGear executable program (fgfs.exe) may not be compatible with a more recent version of the base data package. Make sure your executable version matches your data version before reporting bugs.

You have to download the newest data from the FlightGear data CVS repository using a CVS client. If you don't have CVS client software already, download and install TortoiseCVS or WinCVS:
* [[Using TortoiseCVS with FlightGear]].
* [[Using WinCVS with FlightGear]]

The following instructions assume you are using TortoiseCVS, but the process for using WinCVS is very similar.

The initial checkout from CVS is a lot of data (about 2 GB) so it helps if you have a fast internet connection.

First go to your desired directory and create a folder named '''Flightgear'''.Now Right click the folder and you will see a menu as follows

[[Image:CVS-Checkout.JPG]]

Click on CVS Checkout. Fill the '''CVS ROOT''' with
:pserver:cvsguest@cvs.flightgear.org:/var/cvs/FlightGear-0.9

'''User name''' with cvsguest

'''Module''' with data

You Should have something like this :

[[Image:CVS.JPG]]

4: Just Click OK. If you are Prompted for Password Enter
guest
You should have something running on like this :
[[Image:CVS-2.JPG]]

5: If you cant keep your PC on for long time till the process completes, you can abort it and then the next time you start just right click the '''data''' folder inside the '''Flightgear''' folder. And click '''CVS Update'''

[[Image:CVS-Update.JPG]]

6: '''Now for the Binaries'''

This is even more Simple. First Go to your Old '''Flightgear 1.0''' folder and copy the '''bin''' directory.
Then Paste it in the new '''Flightgear''' folder

Note: If you don't have the old files, please request at the [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/ forums], and I or someone else will upload them.

7: Now go to the binaries download page -[ftp://ftp.ihg.uni-duisburg.de/FlightGear/Win32/ Binary Page]

Get the latest file with the prefix '''fgrun+fgfs-osg-win32-''' and extract that into '''Flightgear/bin/win32'''

When starting fgrun.exe from that location, click "back" and make sure that the program and FG_root directories are set to the '''new''' location. You can use the scenery from the old location (as in the example below).

[[Image:CVS-changepath.png]]

8: Repeat steps '''5''' and '''7''' regularly to keep updating.

'''Note: "Keep your CVS-data up to the binaries date" AND "DO NOT REPORT BUGS UNLESS YOUR PROGRAM AND DATA MATCH!
"'''

==Checking out an older version of a file or folder==

Sometimes you may wish to get an older version of a file than is at CVS head. As a made up example, let's say you just updated your source code from CVS head and now you get errors when you try to compile. You decide that a single file has been changed and the new version is causing your compile errors. You can get any previous version of that file (or any other file) from the CVS repository.

In Windows explorer, right-click on the file or folder that you want update from a certain date. From the pop-up menu, choose "CVS >" and then "Update special..." Check the "Get time/date" checkbox, select the desired date from the calendar shown and click the "OK" button to begin the checkout.

[[Image:Fgcvsrev.gif]]

All the steps described above are easy if you have read this document carefully.
Have fun with FlightGear!

==See Also==
*[[FlightGear CVS]]
*[[Using TortoiseCVS with FlightGear]]

{{Building}}