FlightGear wiki - User contributions [en]

FlightGear Newsletter December 2011

2011-12-27T15:57:23Z

Sealbhach: /* FlightGear on YouTube */

{{Draft|newsletter|Please read [[FlightGear Newsletter November 2011|the latest edition]].}}

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

== Development news ==

=== Feature freeze for the 2.6.0 release ===
(placeholder) http://www.mail-archive.com/flightgear-devel@lists.sourceforge.net/msg34864.html and http://flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=14627

=== Aircraft maintenance ===
Some bug fixes and improvements require aircraft to be adapted/fixed to remain airworthy, to be working correctly, or to be taking full advantage of latest FlightGear version. This is why some developers now went ahead and created a check list including guide lines on maintaining aircraft, please see [[Aircraft maintenance]] for more info.

=== Improving random trees & buildings ===
Some core developers have been thinking about ways to improve our random scenery, in particular buildings and vegetation. For more details see [http://www.mail-archive.com/flightgear-devel@lists.sourceforge.net/msg35035.html].

=== Marketting of 2.6.0 via FS Break podcast ===
The idea was raised to market FlightGear using the FS Break podcast, for more details please check: [http://www.mail-archive.com/flightgear-devel@lists.sourceforge.net/msg35023.html]

=== Trying to get more performance out of the 3D clouds! ===
There has been quite a lengthy discussion on optimizing FlightGear's 3D clouds even more, for more info please see: [http://www.mail-archive.com/flightgear-devel@lists.sourceforge.net/msg35092.html] and [http://www.mail-archive.com/flightgear-devel@lists.sourceforge.net/msg35100.html].

=== Improvements to the radio code in FlightGear ===
The FlightGear radio code has been recently overhauled, for more info please see: [http://www.mail-archive.com/flightgear-devel@lists.sourceforge.net/msg35010.html].

=== Sound support for AI traffic ===
Erik has been working on implementing an FGFX class for AIModels and is pretty much done, a first stab at the sound code has been committed now. For more info see [http://www.mail-archive.com/flightgear-devel@lists.sourceforge.net/msg34985.html].

=== New performance dialog ===
FlightGear core developer ThorstenB has added a new subsystem and a dialog to monitor FG performance. It's replacing/improving the original code which was only capable of writing statistics data to the console (presumably, few people ever used or were even aware of the old option). The new GUI dialog is available in the menu: "Debug" => "Monitor system performance". More info is available here: [http://www.mail-archive.com/flightgear-devel@lists.sourceforge.net/msg34886.html]. A screen shot can be found here: http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/521/fgfsscreen031.png/

=== Shaders ===
Shader development continues at a breakneck pace! We now have a nice wet runway effect:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

At the same time, we've enhanced the shader controls. Users can now control (almost) every single shader through sliders. The Performance vs Quality slider in the <tt>View > Rendering Options</tt> dialog provides basic control. It does act slightly different than before, setting it all the way to the left (Performance) will disable all shaders. At the right most position, all shaders will be shown at maximum quality. Most shaders are simple on/off, but some of the more demanding shaders have intermediate steps.

Powerfull graphics cards have no problem with the maximum quality setting, but most cards (even modern ones) need a finetuned setting to maintain reasonable framerates. You can change individual shader's settings in the Shader Options dialog, which can be reached via the button in the Rendering Options dialog.

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

=== New terrain textures ===
Some new terrain textures have been created, mostly based on USGS aerial imagery. The textures have a warmer, summer theme which fits better with some parts of the scenery. The material mappings are best used for Corine-enabled scenery, and the materials file works only for recent Git snapshots. However, the textures can be used with any materials file. All textures are GPLv2 so they can be freely distributed within the Flightgear repository.
More info and screenshots in this forum [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=14254 thread]. This is still work in progress, of course.

== Logo & banner contest ==
[[File:Fg26banner2_by_someguy.jpg]]

A contest has been set up to create new banners and logos depicting the latest developments of FlightGear 2.4+ (these new banners and logos are specifically meant to demonstrate new capabilities of FlightGear 2.6.0). Everybody is invited to participate. See [http://flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=67&t=14597 the forum thread] for the latest submissions and send in your own ideas.

== Interview with a contributor (Olivier Jacq) ==
''In each edition we have an interview with a contributor. Suggestions for possible questions are available on [[interview questions]], you are invited to come up with new questions and interview ideas obviously! Anyone is free to write an interview (with him-/herself or others) for next month's newsletter! If you'd like to help interview a contributor or get interviewed, please do consider adding yourself to the [[list of interview volunteers]]! To keep this going and less awkward, we are currently trying to come up with the convention that former interviewees become next month's interviewers.''

* '''How long have you been involved in FlightGear?'''
I've been following FG closely since [[FlightGear 0.9.8]]. So, checking on the Wiki, this already dates back to... 2005!

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

* '''What project are you working on right now?'''
This is HIGHLY confidential! But because Christmas is coming soon, I'll give you a small written preview on this early present! Still under
development, I'm working on automated scripts to add/delete/update shared or static scenery objects/positions within FG, in order to ease the actual submission process, both for the user and the scenery maintainers. The tool to add unitary positions is now in production (see below)!

* '''What do you plan on doing in the future?'''
I have at least a few months before all scripts are finished and under production, so I think when they're all done, I'll take some time to use them and add more objects positions into FG myself!

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

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

* '''Are there any "hidden features" you have worked on in FlightGear that new users may miss?'''
I was at the origin of the photorealistic scenery for Brest. To be precise, I had the idea and asked for the permission to use the data (as it is CC-BY-SA). Then Nels and others have been working on the patch for SG, etc.

* '''What advice can you give to new developers who want to get started on their first aircraft/new feature/Nasal script?'''
Well, they have to check that noone is already working on it, or to get in contact with him. Most of all, I would advise them to start on small
projects first. For instance, a LOT of cockpits need enhancement. So try to make existing aircrafts better, rather than try to build yet another one from scratch. Keep this for later and focus on what needs to be enhanced now. FG will then look so much better to our fellow downloaders.

* '''Have you previously used other flight simulators or simulation software in general?'''
I remember having a flight simulator called "ILS" on my TRS-80... and next I moved, as a lot of people, on Microsoft Simulator when I was 7 or 8 on 10 Mb hard drives ;-)

* '''Do you remember what first got you interested in FlightGear? How did you learn about FlightGear? In other words, why did you actually download and try FG?'''
FG was the only free and open source advanced flight simulator I found under GNU/Linux, so when I decided to moved my computer fully to GNU/Linux, the choice was quite easy. Its success and improved quality over the years confirmed this choice was good!

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

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

* '''Have you ever used FlightGear professionally or for educational purposes?'''
I've been talking about it in my job, so show its quality, even sometimes compared to professional ones I have seen there. I would definitely recommand a stronger relationship between FG and professional/educational worlds.

* '''On average, how much time do you spend working with/contributing to FlightGear?'''
For a few weeks, I've been working for around 3 to 4 hours per week developing scripts. It's been a while since I haven't been having a flight in FG!

* '''Which of the more recent FlightGear developments do you consider most interesting/appealing?'''
I would definitely vote for the work on fgfs-contruct and 8.50 data format support. The anaglyph support is amazing too.

* '''Is there some feature that you'd truly like to see in FlightGear one day?'''
I hope sometimes we'll be able to add GPL-photorealistic pictures on top of actual layers. Looking forward to OSM-based roads scenery release too and multi-core support.

* '''What do you think could be done to attract even more new users and contributors to FlightGear?'''
The fact that FG software is not localized into other languages can be a real drawback for some users and is often shown as such when magazines or forums talk about FG. If this support is added back, I will definitely work on the French translation!!

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

* '''Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?'''
The future of FG belongs to you: each of you can make it better, whatever your skills or interests are. So don't say: this is missing, try to add it or ask the community what you can do for help!

Stay tuned for next month's interview, featuring FlightGear contributor XXXXXXXX

== Snapshot releases ==
Every now and then, easy-to-install development snapshots are created. These snapshos depict a recent state of the development version of FlightGear. By using them users can test out features that will be included in the upcoming release. Testers are encouraged to file bugs at [http://code.google.com/p/flightgear-bugs/ the issue tracker].

The snapshot can be download via the links at the bottom of this page: http://www.flightgear.org/download/. Updates and feedback can be found [http://flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=10488&p=144233&hilit=snapshot#p144233 at the forum].

== Nasal for newbies ==

== New software tools and projects ==

== FlightGear addons and mods ==

== In the hangar ==

=== New aircraft ===
==== CASA C-101 Aviojet ====
[[File:C-101screenshot_02.png|thumb|250px|CASA C-101EB with "Patrulla Águila" colors]]
The Spain-Latinamerica's community [http://www.vivefg.org Vive FlightGear!] recently introduced the [[CASA C-101 Aviojet]] to FlightGear hangars. The Aviojet is a two-seat military turbofan trainer, designed and built in Spain, where it's used for jet training and aerobatics in the "Patrulla Aguila" team. It's also used in other countries like Chile, Honduras and Jordan, where it can enforce a light ground-attack role.

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

[http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=14523 CASA C-101 official forum post]

=== Updated aircraft ===
====Learjet 35-A====
The [[Learjet 35-A]] has received another major update. She is not a sweet beast any more, she will bite when the pilot mistreats it. The sound configuration is completely different. The FDM is as real as the real thing according to the literature I could find. Even the fuel consumption is close to real as long as it flies. She has a new HUD only showing the controls so the pilot can focus on flying and the instruments. She has an accurate display for N1 and ITT. She is prepared for version 2.6.0., including the flight recorder. She is ready now for a though review.

=== Liveries ===

== Scenery corner ==
=== Custom Poland scenery ===
Have you got your Christmas present yet? If not the Polish Team has made custom scenery of most Poland territory. Major contributor is SP-MMA who generated terrain and created some objects. Feel free to download it and take your favorite plane. There are some really nice areas just perfect for long VFR routes! 
[[File:roztocze_1.png|200px]][[File:roztocze_2.png|200px]][[File:roztocze_3.png|200px]] 

Download! (none yet)

=== Southwest Colorado Scenery - beta 4 ===
New custom built scenery has been made available for the region of Southwest Colorado, for more info please see: [http://www.mail-archive.com/flightgear-devel@lists.sourceforge.net/msg34986.html the mailinglist].

=== EBAW (Antwerpen - Deurne) ===

Belgium got a complete full modeled and textured airport: Happy holidays at EBAW :)

This scenery, is sadly enough, not yet available with terrasync. You can download it from the [https://gitorious.org/dvanmosselbeen/flightgear-custom-scenery Belgian scenery git repo].

[[File:Ebaw_textured_01.jpg|200px]][[File:Ebaw_textured_02.jpg|200px]][[File:Ebaw_textured_03.jpg|200px]]

Tip: If you want to make some EBAW-EHAM flight, copy the Objects/e000n50/e004n51 and Terrain/e000n50/e004n51 into the terrasync folder.

=== Tools ===
[[File:Fg_submission_form.png|thumb|250px|FG scenery submission tool]]
Added on December 2011, 15th, a useful webtool to ease the insertion of shared models positions within the FG scenery database. We hope this will make the number of positions increase!

The steps are very easy to follow :

* Place the object within FG.
* Take the data and copy/paste it within the form (please double check the content of what you're inserting!).
* Add a small kind comment for Martin, telling him what you're doing.
* Give the captcha what it wants (sorry for this, but it's to avoid unwanted automated robots).
* Click submit and the request is done!

The data is inserted in the database as soon as the reviewer has checked it. It may take a few days to see it appear through Terrasync.

More improvements (mass import, edit, delete) are to come, so [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=14671&p=144878 follow the forum thread] if you're interested.

=== Airports ===

== Aircraft of the month ==
== Airport of the month ==
December, cold, dark, snow. But also skiing, gluhwein and Santa Claus.

It's time to go to Austria and visit [[Innsbruck Airport]]. Take along your skis. You will find amazing scenery here, made by Mother Nature and by the volunteers that have re-created the area.
[[File:LOWI december.jpg|600 px]]

Merry X-mas!

== Screenshot of the month ==

P.A.F. ( LFLG home base ) wish you a Merry X-mas!
[[File:LFLG Lancair Chrismas.png|1200 px]]

Merry X-mas!

PAF link : http://equipe-flightgear.forumactif.com/t835-hangar-de-la-paf

== Suggested flights ==
===Ngorngoro===
For this [[VFR]] trip we need a strong machine since we will go up from 4000 to about 10,000 feet and since we are in Africa, Tanzania , what better choice is there as the Cessna 208 Caravan, on wheels. We will take off from HTLM, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Manyara Lake Manyara], runway 12 (124.5 deg), that has an elevation of 4150 feet. Hit Shift-B so we don't drop off the runway.
[[File:Map Ngorngoro Crater.jpg|thumb|200px|left|Heightmap with visual reference points]]
We will have to change some settings before we take off. There is no snow where we are so: View=> Rendering Options=> Snow line=> Set to max. (5000M). We need a reasonable clear sky since there are quite a few bumps we could hit: Environment=> Global weather=> METAR source=> Fair weather.

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

We pass over the airstrip towards lake Manyara and turn left keeping the mountains close to our left side, on an initial course of about 30 deg. We keep the mountains to our left and follow our path, our heading will slowly go from 30 to North and takes about 15 mins. During our path we should slowly gain altitude.
[[File:Ol Doinyo Lengai.jpg|thumb|250px|Mt.Kerimasi (left), Mt.Ol Doinyo Lengai (ahead)]]
On the '''image''' we see two distinct mountains. The nearest is Mt.Kerimasi, a fun place for hang-gliders, and North Mt.Ol Doinyo Lengai, an active volcano. We are heading straight towards [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ol_Doinyo_Lengai Mt.Ol Doinyo Lengai]. Just before we would collide we take a sharp left turn heading 225. You will see why we need the altitude now.

The mountain ahead, [http://www.ntz.info/gen/n00161.html#id03702 Mt.Embagai], we see does not appear to be anything spectacular. Aim towards it since we have to go over it.
Coming nearer, if you are high enough, 9000 feet, you will see why this mountain is well worth a visit. It is a crater with a lake inside, lake Embagai (Empakaai). Enter the crater and look around, careful not to loose any height since we'll have to get out again, we need about 10 000 feet. Mesmerized we grab our compass and take a course of 225 again. To get out we might skim against a cloud, be careful. If you don't see a way out take a turn again to wait for the clouds to move out of sight.

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

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

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

Don't scare the wildebeast!

Notecard:
<tt>
#Fair weather, no snow
#HTLM RW 12 4150 feet
#Course 30 to 0 deg 15 mins, mountains close left
#Head towards /\volcano
#Sharp left turn course 225 deg altitude 9000 feet
#Volcano, lake, 10 000 feet
#Course 225 deg, slow descend 9 min
#Large lake, course 123 deg 5 mins
#River left, road right. Follow road
#Landing 124.5 deg 4150 feet.</tt>

*More amazing flights can be found at [[Suggested Flights]].

== Aircraft reviews ==

== Wiki updates ==
===Updated articles===
*[[Learjet 35-A]] is updated matching the true Aircraft flight manual (with FlightGear limitations). On the Wiki it is one of the best described aircraft.
*[[Unique Features]] now contains a massive list of what makes [[FlightGear]] unique.
*[[De/Flughöhe]] is close to complete matching the English version.
===New articles===
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===New aircraft articles===
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===Most popular newsletters===
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type=hot
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categoryRoot=FlightGear Newsletter
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== Community news ==
=== FlightGear on Google+ ===
Following up on last month's launch, the [http://gplus.to/flightgear FlightGear page on Google+] welcomed its 100th follower! If you haven't done so already, please add us to your circle and stay up to date on the latest FlightGear news, cool screenshots and release info.

=== FlightGear on YouTube ===
{{#ev:youtube|VBWZ6JZe_Mw|400|winter video by planetacancun2 showing FlightGear's snow.}}
{{#ev:youtube|2eGOdBsd8Os|400|F-4E formation training at TFFG}} (Also see [[Toward real close formation flight]])
{{#ev:youtube|9_4zOOZTWqI|400|Santa Claus doing a practice run for his big night in December.}}

=== New tutorials and screencasts ===
=== Forum news ===
The headers on [http://flightgear.org/forums the forum] have been replaced by some snow/christmas ones to give you the right winter feeling. Did you spot Santa already?

=== Multiplayer ===
=== Virtual airlines ===
=== FlightGear events ===

== Useful links ==
== And finally ... ==
=== Contributing ===
One of the regular thoughts expressed on the FlightGear forums is "I'd like to contribute but I don't know how to program, and I don't have the time". Unfortunately, there is a common mis-conception that contributing requires programming and lots of free time. In fact, there are a huge range of ways to contribute to the project without needing to write code or spending days working on something.

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

=== Call for volunteers ===
* The [[OpenRadar]] project is looking for a new maintainer.
* The [[FGFSPM]] (FlightGear Package Manager) is looking for a new maintainer.

=== Did you know ===
You can turn on [[Anti-aliasing]], I know I didn't.
[[Category:FlightGear Newsletter|2011 12]]

FlightGear Newsletter November 2011

2011-11-21T19:24:23Z

Sealbhach: /* FlightGear on YouTube */

{{newsletter}}
{{TOC_right|limit=2}}

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

== Development news ==

'''Shaders'''

Emilian and Vivian have been very busy over the last months updating and improving our shaders. The plan is to rationalize some into one "aircraft" shader, to use just one method of computing fog, and to improve the appearance of the sea by adding foam and aligning the waves with the surface wind. Along the way the appearance of wakes was improved [[Image:Wakes.jpg|thumb|left|USS Vinson (CVN-70) and USS Lake Champlain (CG-57)]]. There is still much to be done, but the work should start to be uploaded to git soon.

It's not without cost to the frame rate, so you will need a pretty powerful video card to run all the features at the same time with the slider set to high quality: nVidia GTX 260, or the ATI equivalent is probably the minimum. By selecting a lower slider setting the old shaders will still be available.

== Interview with a contributor (NAME) ==

* How long have you been involved in FlightGear?
* What are your major interests in FlightGear?
* What project are you working on right now?
* What do you plan on doing in the future?
* Are you happy with the way the FlightGear project is going?
* What do you enjoy most about developing for FlightGear?
* Are there any "hidden features" you have worked on in FlightGear that new users may miss?
* What advice can you give to new developers who want to get started on their first aircraft/new feature/Nasal script?

== Snapshot releases ==

== Nasal for newbies ==

== New software tools and projects ==

== FlightGear addons and mods ==

== In the hangar ==
=== New aircraft ===

=== Updated aircraft ===

=== Liveries ===
The [[FlightGear livery database]] is re-opened for contributions! Due to some problems in the uploadscript no submissions were accepted for several weeks.

The uploadform has been redesigned, to allow quicker and easier processing of livery packages. Comments and ideas are highly appreciated. And so are liveries of course, [http://liveries.flightgear.org/contribute.php at this link]!

== Scenery corner ==
[[Image:2011-11-20_-_scenery_buckets.png|thumb|left|Scenery buckets of FG mapserver.]]
As of November 20th, there are 1,122,603 objects positions known in [[FlightGear Scenery Databas|FlightGear's scenery database]].
It is now possible to show on FG scenery map the scenery buckets. This may be useful for our fellow contributors. Thanks to Martin, Tuxklok and Elmaxo for this nice and useful update. Never seen FG's scenery mapserver? Click [http://mapserver.flightgear.org/map/?lon=-3.77802&lat=48.29945&zoom=9&layers=B00000TTFFTTFFTTTFTF here] to see how it looks like and play with the different layers to the upper right. Enjoy!

=== Airports ===

== Aircraft of the month ==
== Airport of the month ==
== Screenshot of the month ==

== Suggested flights ==
'''Ketchikan to Juneau'''

It's cold where we will go so dress up warm and if we are lucky we might see whales during our flight. Don't fly too high to enjoy the amazing views, and there is a small challenge at the end. The runways we will use are long enough for bigger aircraft (7000+). Total length of the trip will be around 245 NM. So, hop in the cockpit of your favourite airliner.

Alaska, here we come! Enjoy!
#Park your aircraft on PAKT, [http://www.borough.ketchikan.ak.us/airport/airport_history.htm Ketchikan International], runway 11. The wind is coming from '''South''', change the weather if needed (SE is ok too).
#Fly North towards [[NDB]] Fredericks Point on 372.0 for 94 NM.
#Fly towards [[NDB]] Five Fingers on 295.0 for 39 NM.
#Fly towards [[NDB]] Gustavus on 219.0 for 77 NM.
#Fly towards [[NDB]] Coghlan Island on 212.0 for 32 NM.
#Set the [[ILS]] on 109.9 and land your aircraft (after 4 NM) on PAJN, [http://www.juneau.org/airport/ Juneau International], runway 08.
If you feel warm after this landing, you just crossed a NORAD microwave site, so that is why.

More amazing flights can be found at [[Suggested Flights]].

== Aircraft reviews ==

== Wiki updates ==
Now that aircraft [[Formalizing Aircraft Status|can be rated]] (on completeness/status), it made sense to put these aircraft into categories, based on their status. A small adjustment to the [[:Template:Infobox Aircraft|aircraft infobox]] made this process completely automated. All you, as wiki-aircraft-article author need to do is add the ratings to the infobox.

All status categories can be found under [[:Category:Aircraft status]].

===New articles===
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===Most popular newsletters===
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categoryRoot=FlightGear Newsletter
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== Community news ==
=== FSweekend ===
[[File:FSweekend 2011 group picture.jpg|thumb|300px|Proudly presenting FlightGear, from left to right: Gijs, Lindsay, Jorg, Mathias, Durk, ThorstenB, TorstenD, Martin, and Hans.]]

* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=UJ8hH7uOsiE#t=82s A video, shot by a visitor], featuring our 10 screen [[Howto: Build your own procedure trainer|procedure trainer]] setup.
* [http://www.simflight.nl/2011/11/05/fsweekend-de-fotos-3/#more-29284 Various pictures] of FSweekend exhibitors (including two of our booth, all the way at the end).

=== FlightGear on YouTube ===

A video on draoi99's Youtube channel showing some scenes of [http://youtu.be/4M-lYYkPaaw various aircraft flying in coastal areas]. The video has a "weather forecast" theme and a new feature in development - white wave tips in stormy weather - can be seen.

=== FlightGear on Google+ ===
Since this month, FlightGear is also [https://plus.google.com/111978238381658236898/ active on Google+]! Another way to reach users and promote FlightGear.

=== New tutorials and screencasts ===
=== Forum news ===
Five years ago, on November 29 2006 the [http://flightgear.org/forums FlightGear forum] was created.

'''ADD STATISTICS'''

=== Multiplayer ===
=== Virtual airlines ===
=== FlightGear events ===

== Useful links ==

== FlightGear in the news ==
=== LINUX Format ===
FlightGear 2.4 is featured in the December issue of [http://http://www.linuxformat.com/ LINUX Format], published in the UK, the software is included on the cover disc and there is a 1-page review in the magazine. FlightGear got an overall rating of 8/10: 9/10 for Ease of use and Documentation and 6/10 and 7/10, respectively, for Performance and Features. See the review below:

[[File:Lxformatdecllfg.jpg|300px|LINUX Format Review|alt=LINUX Format Review]]

=== MicroSim ===
As promised in the previous edition, French magazine [http://microsim.over-blog.com/ MicroSim] published a tutorial for new Flightgear users.

[[File:MicroSim_nov2011_1.png|300px]]
[[File:MicroSim_nov2011_2.png|300px]]

[[File:MicroSim_nov2011_3.png|300px]]
[[File:MicroSim_nov2011_4.png|300px]]

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

Sadly the tower won't be decorated in real life this year; due to construction work after a fire earlier this year. Luckily FlightGear is not affected :-)

=== Contributing ===
One of the regular thoughts expressed on the FlightGear forums is "I'd like to contribute but I don't know how to program, and I don't have the time". Unfortunately, there is a common mis-conception that contributing requires programming and lots of free time. In fact, there are a huge range of ways to contribute to the project without needing to write code or spending days working on something.

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

=== Call for volunteers ===
* The [[OpenRadar]] project is looking for a new maintainer.
* The [[FGFSPM]] (FlightGear Package Manager) is looking for a new maintainer.

=== Did you know ===

[[Category:FlightGear Newsletter]]

FlightGear Newsletter June 2011

2011-06-29T11:19:23Z

Sealbhach: /* FlightGear on YouTube */

{{newsletter}}
{{TOC_right|limit=2}}

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

== Development news ==
On June 17th, FlightGear development entered a "feature-freeze" state for the upcoming 2.4.0 release scheduled for release on August, 17th 2011. Those of you that run the development version of FlightGear (Git) are requested to go bug hunting and report issues at the [http://flightgear-bugs.googlecode.com/ bug tracker].

Please refer to the [[release plan]] for details on the rest of the release-process.

== Nasal for newbies ==
== New software tools and projects ==

== FlightGear addons and mods ==
== In the hangar ==
*The lightmap has been extended by a "factor property". Aircraft authors can now bind the intensity of a lightmap to a property (eg. <tt>/controls/lighting/panel-norm</tt>), making the lighting more vivid. Read more in the [[Howto: Lightmap|lightmap howto]].
*[[JSBSim]] welcomed a new feature this month. Setting the <tt>(/fdm/jsbsim/)propulsion/tank[n]/external-flow-rate-pps</tt> property will either draw fuel from, or insert fuel into the respective tank. This allows one to simulate complex fuel systems, relatively easy. See [[Howto: Write a fuel system in JSBSim]] for a guide on writing such systems.

=== New aircraft ===
=== Updated aircraft ===
==== Bf-109 G14 ====
The [[Messerschmitt Bf 109]] now has a [[Howto: Use the normal map effect in aircraft|bump- and specmapped]] 3D model, a revised FDM and an improved 3D cockpit with functional controls. Apat from that the logo selection system has been added, along with some new liveries. The throttle now sets the desired manifold pressure and maintains it, even with changing altitude.

Note to livery makers: the external textures have been consolidated into one file for easier maintenance.

{{Gallery|Improved cockpit|109-7.png|New liveries|109-3.png|Bump- and specmapped|109-5.png}}

==== Boeing 747-400 ====
Thanks to a report at the [http://flightgear.org/forums FlightGear forum], Gijs found out that there was a (eternal) fuel-leak in the [[Boeing 747-400|744]]'s fuel system. This was quite a problem for long-haul flight lovers, as it severely limited the aircraft's range.

Now that system is rewritten (making use of the new JSBSim function that you can read more about [[FlightGear Newsletter June 2011#In the hangar|earlier on in this newsletter]]) the fuel leak is closed! This does not only please long-haul flyers, it affects every pilot, because weight balancing is much better now.

The aircraft also got some updates for its autopilot and all [[JSBSim Mass and balance|masses]] have been checked and (if needed) moved around. By doing so, the center of gravity moved a lot, leading to more realistic flight charecteristics.

==== IAR-80 ====

In anticipation of the new release, the [[IAR_80|IAR 80]] has been subjected to a revision of its [[YASim|YASim FDM]], as well as many cosmetic improvements.

The appearance of the details of the [[Howto: Use the normal map effect in aircraft|bump- and specmap effect]] has been much improved by switching to .dds files for textures. This also brings a slight increase in performance, as well as lower loading times.

Animations and particle effects are now made visible over multiplayer.
{{Gallery|IAR-80 over water|IAR80-in-flight.jpg|Ready for startup|IAR80-onrwy.jpg|Wing detail|IAR80-wing-detail.jpg}}

=== Instruments ===
James started to work on extended [[navigation display]] (ND) functionality, including:
* airports
* flight plan routes
* stations
* tuned navaids
* waypoints
So far his work hasn't been released. More details, screenshots and updates at [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=12499 the forum].

=== Liveries ===
[[File:Livery Database Stats.png|thumb|270px]]
Slightly more than three months after its 400th contribution, the [http://liveries.flightgear.org/ livery database] welcomed its 500th livery on June 29! As of that date:
* '''58 authors''' contributed liveries for
* '''62 aircraft''', based on
* '''277 airlines''', airforces and other aircraft operators

Contributions are accepted at the [http://liveries.flightgear.org/contribute.php contribute page].

== Scenery corner ==
=== Skyline of Dubai ===
[[File:Dubai_skyline.png|thumb|270px]]
Gijs started modeling one of the highest, fastest changing and most interesting skylines in the world: Dubai's. The former village in the desert is
nowadays home to the tallest structure in the world, the largest shopping mall and it has more supertall skyscrapers than any other city. A perfect city to discover by [[C172p]], or one of the [[Helicopter|helis]]. With a great deal of challenging landing spots for the later vehicles.

So far little over 20 buildings have been modeled, some of which are currently untextured and low-poly. Nevertheless they help give you the right Dubai-feel!

=== Airports ===

== Aircraft of the month ==
== Airport of the month ==
== Screenshot of the month ==

== Suggested flights ==
== Aircraft reviews ==

== Wiki updates ==
===New articles===
<DynamicArticleList>
type=new
count=10
</DynamicArticleList>
===New aircraft articles===
<DynamicArticleList>
type=new
count=10
categoryRoot=Aircraft
</DynamicArticleList>
===Most popular newsletters===
<DynamicArticleList>
type=hot
count=5
categoryRoot=FlightGear Newsletter
</DynamicArticleList>

== Community news ==
=== FlightGear on YouTube ===
* A [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7DeDf2quf0 nice video] (even though the pilot didn't pay much attention to his altitude) of a [[Tu-154B]] flying by ''Christ the Redemeer'' in Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.

* A [http://youtu.be/7r2gQ4k97Ac video uploaded by xsaint] showing a preview of the Sukhoi Superjet in development in Flightgear for Cresdernixrof Virtual Airways.

* The channel [http://www.youtube.com/user/flightgearuk flightgearUK] has been set up on YouTube by Liam, and will soon feature tutorials, video reviews and promotional videos of high quality to show the latest and best features in FlightGear.

It is hard currently to find any high quality videos of FlightGear (with the exception of Oscar and Skyop's channels of course), especially with the most modern of features, crisp of graphics and based primarily on Civil aviation- which other mainstream Flight Sim users seem to do well, so it is a personal ambition of of the channel to greatly improve the popularity of the sim through various media, including audio reviews, Git update insights, tutorials, etc. Few videos have been added as ot yet and no reviews or anything other than test videos. But it's already worth to check out the channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/flightgearuk.

Comment, rate and subscribe. And get our sim more popular!

=== FlightGear on Facebook ===
Started in December, the [http://www.facebook.com/FlightGear FlightGear group at Facebook] welcomed its 4000th member in mid June!

The [http://flightgear.org/forums forum] is still the place to be when you're looking for support; the facebook page should be seen as a way to provide a periodic dose of what's new, cool or fun in FlightGear.

=== New tutorials and screencasts ===
=== Forum news ===
=== Multiplayer ===

The [http://fgrc.tk/ Flightgear Rotor Club] is kicking off it's 2nd multiplayer event on July 2, 2011. This month's event is a Combat Search and Rescue scenario, which involves going deep behind enemy lines into Laotian territory to rescue two downed airmen.

See the [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=12379 forum topic] for more information about the event.

=== Virtual airlines ===

=== FlightGear events ===
[[BRT Virtual Airlines]] is proudly announcing that their will be event!
* '''When:''' Saturday July 2nd 2011
* '''Where:''' [[Frankfurt am Main Airport]] (EDDF)
* '''What time:''' New York- 9:00 AM , UK & Portugal- 14:00, Berlin- 15:00, Ukraine- 16:00, Russia - 17:00 , Dehli- 19:30 , Singapore - 21:00
* '''What:''' An event. We will be flying from EDDF to EDDK . And Having Fun :)
* '''Who:''' Virtual Star Alliance, BRT Virtual Airlines, Creder Nixrof Airlines, Merlion Virtual Airlines and Many More!

We reccomend [[FGCom]] and hope to see you there! We're still looking for air traffic controllers; feel free to apply for that job.

More info at http://www.brtvirtualairlines.com and the [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=12503 forum post].

== Useful links ==
== And finally ... ==
=== Contributing ===
One of the regular thoughts expressed on the FlightGear forums is "I'd like to contribute but I don't know how to program, and I don't have the time". Unfortunately, there is a common mis-conception that contributing requires programming and lots of free time. In fact, there are a huge range of ways to contribute to the project without needing to write code or spending days working on something.

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

=== Call for volunteers ===
* The [[OpenRadar]] project is looking for a new maintainer.
* The [[FGFSPM]] (FlightGear Package Manager) is looking for a new maintainer.

=== Did you know ===

[[Category:FlightGear Newsletter|2011 06]]

FlightGear Newsletter June 2011

2011-06-29T11:19:04Z

Sealbhach: /* FlightGear on YouTube */

{{newsletter}}
{{TOC_right|limit=2}}

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

== Development news ==
On June 17th, FlightGear development entered a "feature-freeze" state for the upcoming 2.4.0 release scheduled for release on August, 17th 2011. Those of you that run the development version of FlightGear (Git) are requested to go bug hunting and report issues at the [http://flightgear-bugs.googlecode.com/ bug tracker].

Please refer to the [[release plan]] for details on the rest of the release-process.

== Nasal for newbies ==
== New software tools and projects ==

== FlightGear addons and mods ==
== In the hangar ==
*The lightmap has been extended by a "factor property". Aircraft authors can now bind the intensity of a lightmap to a property (eg. <tt>/controls/lighting/panel-norm</tt>), making the lighting more vivid. Read more in the [[Howto: Lightmap|lightmap howto]].
*[[JSBSim]] welcomed a new feature this month. Setting the <tt>(/fdm/jsbsim/)propulsion/tank[n]/external-flow-rate-pps</tt> property will either draw fuel from, or insert fuel into the respective tank. This allows one to simulate complex fuel systems, relatively easy. See [[Howto: Write a fuel system in JSBSim]] for a guide on writing such systems.

=== New aircraft ===
=== Updated aircraft ===
==== Bf-109 G14 ====
The [[Messerschmitt Bf 109]] now has a [[Howto: Use the normal map effect in aircraft|bump- and specmapped]] 3D model, a revised FDM and an improved 3D cockpit with functional controls. Apat from that the logo selection system has been added, along with some new liveries. The throttle now sets the desired manifold pressure and maintains it, even with changing altitude.

Note to livery makers: the external textures have been consolidated into one file for easier maintenance.

{{Gallery|Improved cockpit|109-7.png|New liveries|109-3.png|Bump- and specmapped|109-5.png}}

==== Boeing 747-400 ====
Thanks to a report at the [http://flightgear.org/forums FlightGear forum], Gijs found out that there was a (eternal) fuel-leak in the [[Boeing 747-400|744]]'s fuel system. This was quite a problem for long-haul flight lovers, as it severely limited the aircraft's range.

Now that system is rewritten (making use of the new JSBSim function that you can read more about [[FlightGear Newsletter June 2011#In the hangar|earlier on in this newsletter]]) the fuel leak is closed! This does not only please long-haul flyers, it affects every pilot, because weight balancing is much better now.

The aircraft also got some updates for its autopilot and all [[JSBSim Mass and balance|masses]] have been checked and (if needed) moved around. By doing so, the center of gravity moved a lot, leading to more realistic flight charecteristics.

==== IAR-80 ====

In anticipation of the new release, the [[IAR_80|IAR 80]] has been subjected to a revision of its [[YASim|YASim FDM]], as well as many cosmetic improvements.

The appearance of the details of the [[Howto: Use the normal map effect in aircraft|bump- and specmap effect]] has been much improved by switching to .dds files for textures. This also brings a slight increase in performance, as well as lower loading times.

Animations and particle effects are now made visible over multiplayer.
{{Gallery|IAR-80 over water|IAR80-in-flight.jpg|Ready for startup|IAR80-onrwy.jpg|Wing detail|IAR80-wing-detail.jpg}}

=== Instruments ===
James started to work on extended [[navigation display]] (ND) functionality, including:
* airports
* flight plan routes
* stations
* tuned navaids
* waypoints
So far his work hasn't been released. More details, screenshots and updates at [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=12499 the forum].

=== Liveries ===
[[File:Livery Database Stats.png|thumb|270px]]
Slightly more than three months after its 400th contribution, the [http://liveries.flightgear.org/ livery database] welcomed its 500th livery on June 29! As of that date:
* '''58 authors''' contributed liveries for
* '''62 aircraft''', based on
* '''277 airlines''', airforces and other aircraft operators

Contributions are accepted at the [http://liveries.flightgear.org/contribute.php contribute page].

== Scenery corner ==
=== Skyline of Dubai ===
[[File:Dubai_skyline.png|thumb|270px]]
Gijs started modeling one of the highest, fastest changing and most interesting skylines in the world: Dubai's. The former village in the desert is
nowadays home to the tallest structure in the world, the largest shopping mall and it has more supertall skyscrapers than any other city. A perfect city to discover by [[C172p]], or one of the [[Helicopter|helis]]. With a great deal of challenging landing spots for the later vehicles.

So far little over 20 buildings have been modeled, some of which are currently untextured and low-poly. Nevertheless they help give you the right Dubai-feel!

=== Airports ===

== Aircraft of the month ==
== Airport of the month ==
== Screenshot of the month ==

== Suggested flights ==
== Aircraft reviews ==

== Wiki updates ==
===New articles===
<DynamicArticleList>
type=new
count=10
</DynamicArticleList>
===New aircraft articles===
<DynamicArticleList>
type=new
count=10
categoryRoot=Aircraft
</DynamicArticleList>
===Most popular newsletters===
<DynamicArticleList>
type=hot
count=5
categoryRoot=FlightGear Newsletter
</DynamicArticleList>

== Community news ==
=== FlightGear on YouTube ===
* A [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7DeDf2quf0 nice video] (even though the pilot didn't pay much attention to his altitude) of a [[Tu-154B]] flying by ''Christ the Redemeer'' in Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.

* A [http://youtu.be/7r2gQ4k97Ac video uploaded by xsaint] showing a preview of the Sukhoi Superjet in development in Flightgear for Cresdernixrof Virtual Airways.

* The channel [http://www.youtube.com/user/flightgearuk flightgearUK] has been set up on YouTube by Liam, and will soon feature tutorials, video reviews and promotional videos of high quality to show the latest and best features in FlightGear.

It is hard currently to find any high quality videos of FlightGear (with the exception of Oscar and Skyop's channels of course), especially with the most modern of features, crisp of graphics and based primarily on Civil aviation- which other mainstream Flight Sim users seem to do well, so it is a personal ambition of of the channel to greatly improve the popularity of the sim through various media, including audio reviews, Git update insights, tutorials, etc. Few videos have been added as ot yet and no reviews or anything other than test videos. But it's already worth to check out the channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/flightgearuk.

Comment, rate and subscribe. And get our sim more popular!

=== FlightGear on Facebook ===
Started in December, the [http://www.facebook.com/FlightGear FlightGear group at Facebook] welcomed its 4000th member in mid June!

The [http://flightgear.org/forums forum] is still the place to be when you're looking for support; the facebook page should be seen as a way to provide a periodic dose of what's new, cool or fun in FlightGear.

=== New tutorials and screencasts ===
=== Forum news ===
=== Multiplayer ===

The [http://fgrc.tk/ Flightgear Rotor Club] is kicking off it's 2nd multiplayer event on July 2, 2011. This month's event is a Combat Search and Rescue scenario, which involves going deep behind enemy lines into Laotian territory to rescue two downed airmen.

See the [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=12379 forum topic] for more information about the event.

=== Virtual airlines ===

=== FlightGear events ===
[[BRT Virtual Airlines]] is proudly announcing that their will be event!
* '''When:''' Saturday July 2nd 2011
* '''Where:''' [[Frankfurt am Main Airport]] (EDDF)
* '''What time:''' New York- 9:00 AM , UK & Portugal- 14:00, Berlin- 15:00, Ukraine- 16:00, Russia - 17:00 , Dehli- 19:30 , Singapore - 21:00
* '''What:''' An event. We will be flying from EDDF to EDDK . And Having Fun :)
* '''Who:''' Virtual Star Alliance, BRT Virtual Airlines, Creder Nixrof Airlines, Merlion Virtual Airlines and Many More!

We reccomend [[FGCom]] and hope to see you there! We're still looking for air traffic controllers; feel free to apply for that job.

More info at http://www.brtvirtualairlines.com and the [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=12503 forum post].

== Useful links ==
== And finally ... ==
=== Contributing ===
One of the regular thoughts expressed on the FlightGear forums is "I'd like to contribute but I don't know how to program, and I don't have the time". Unfortunately, there is a common mis-conception that contributing requires programming and lots of free time. In fact, there are a huge range of ways to contribute to the project without needing to write code or spending days working on something.

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

=== Call for volunteers ===
* The [[OpenRadar]] project is looking for a new maintainer.
* The [[FGFSPM]] (FlightGear Package Manager) is looking for a new maintainer.

=== Did you know ===

[[Category:FlightGear Newsletter|2011 06]]

FlightGear Newsletter June 2011

2011-06-29T11:18:17Z

Sealbhach: /* FlightGear on YouTube */

{{newsletter}}
{{TOC_right|limit=2}}

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

== Development news ==
On June 17th, FlightGear development entered a "feature-freeze" state for the upcoming 2.4.0 release scheduled for release on August, 17th 2011. Those of you that run the development version of FlightGear (Git) are requested to go bug hunting and report issues at the [http://flightgear-bugs.googlecode.com/ bug tracker].

Please refer to the [[release plan]] for details on the rest of the release-process.

== Nasal for newbies ==
== New software tools and projects ==

== FlightGear addons and mods ==
== In the hangar ==
*The lightmap has been extended by a "factor property". Aircraft authors can now bind the intensity of a lightmap to a property (eg. <tt>/controls/lighting/panel-norm</tt>), making the lighting more vivid. Read more in the [[Howto: Lightmap|lightmap howto]].
*[[JSBSim]] welcomed a new feature this month. Setting the <tt>(/fdm/jsbsim/)propulsion/tank[n]/external-flow-rate-pps</tt> property will either draw fuel from, or insert fuel into the respective tank. This allows one to simulate complex fuel systems, relatively easy. See [[Howto: Write a fuel system in JSBSim]] for a guide on writing such systems.

=== New aircraft ===
=== Updated aircraft ===
==== Bf-109 G14 ====
The [[Messerschmitt Bf 109]] now has a [[Howto: Use the normal map effect in aircraft|bump- and specmapped]] 3D model, a revised FDM and an improved 3D cockpit with functional controls. Apat from that the logo selection system has been added, along with some new liveries. The throttle now sets the desired manifold pressure and maintains it, even with changing altitude.

Note to livery makers: the external textures have been consolidated into one file for easier maintenance.

{{Gallery|Improved cockpit|109-7.png|New liveries|109-3.png|Bump- and specmapped|109-5.png}}

==== Boeing 747-400 ====
Thanks to a report at the [http://flightgear.org/forums FlightGear forum], Gijs found out that there was a (eternal) fuel-leak in the [[Boeing 747-400|744]]'s fuel system. This was quite a problem for long-haul flight lovers, as it severely limited the aircraft's range.

Now that system is rewritten (making use of the new JSBSim function that you can read more about [[FlightGear Newsletter June 2011#In the hangar|earlier on in this newsletter]]) the fuel leak is closed! This does not only please long-haul flyers, it affects every pilot, because weight balancing is much better now.

The aircraft also got some updates for its autopilot and all [[JSBSim Mass and balance|masses]] have been checked and (if needed) moved around. By doing so, the center of gravity moved a lot, leading to more realistic flight charecteristics.

==== IAR-80 ====

In anticipation of the new release, the [[IAR_80|IAR 80]] has been subjected to a revision of its [[YASim|YASim FDM]], as well as many cosmetic improvements.

The appearance of the details of the [[Howto: Use the normal map effect in aircraft|bump- and specmap effect]] has been much improved by switching to .dds files for textures. This also brings a slight increase in performance, as well as lower loading times.

Animations and particle effects are now made visible over multiplayer.
{{Gallery|IAR-80 over water|IAR80-in-flight.jpg|Ready for startup|IAR80-onrwy.jpg|Wing detail|IAR80-wing-detail.jpg}}

=== Instruments ===
James started to work on extended [[navigation display]] (ND) functionality, including:
* airports
* flight plan routes
* stations
* tuned navaids
* waypoints
So far his work hasn't been released. More details, screenshots and updates at [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=12499 the forum].

=== Liveries ===
[[File:Livery Database Stats.png|thumb|270px]]
Slightly more than three months after its 400th contribution, the [http://liveries.flightgear.org/ livery database] welcomed its 500th livery on June 29! As of that date:
* '''58 authors''' contributed liveries for
* '''62 aircraft''', based on
* '''277 airlines''', airforces and other aircraft operators

Contributions are accepted at the [http://liveries.flightgear.org/contribute.php contribute page].

== Scenery corner ==
=== Skyline of Dubai ===
[[File:Dubai_skyline.png|thumb|270px]]
Gijs started modeling one of the highest, fastest changing and most interesting skylines in the world: Dubai's. The former village in the desert is
nowadays home to the tallest structure in the world, the largest shopping mall and it has more supertall skyscrapers than any other city. A perfect city to discover by [[C172p]], or one of the [[Helicopter|helis]]. With a great deal of challenging landing spots for the later vehicles.

So far little over 20 buildings have been modeled, some of which are currently untextured and low-poly. Nevertheless they help give you the right Dubai-feel!

=== Airports ===

== Aircraft of the month ==
== Airport of the month ==
== Screenshot of the month ==

== Suggested flights ==
== Aircraft reviews ==

== Wiki updates ==
===New articles===
<DynamicArticleList>
type=new
count=10
</DynamicArticleList>
===New aircraft articles===
<DynamicArticleList>
type=new
count=10
categoryRoot=Aircraft
</DynamicArticleList>
===Most popular newsletters===
<DynamicArticleList>
type=hot
count=5
categoryRoot=FlightGear Newsletter
</DynamicArticleList>

== Community news ==
=== FlightGear on YouTube ===
* A [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7DeDf2quf0 nice video] (even though the pilot didn't pay much attention to his altitude) of a [[Tu-154B]] flying by ''Christ the Redemeer'' in Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.

----

* A [http://youtu.be/7r2gQ4k97Ac video uploaded by xsaint] showing a preview of the Sukhoi Superjet in development in Flightgear for Cresdernixrof Virtual Airways.

----

* The channel [http://www.youtube.com/user/flightgearuk flightgearUK] has been set up on YouTube by Liam, and will soon feature tutorials, video reviews and promotional videos of high quality to show the latest and best features in FlightGear.

----

It is hard currently to find any high quality videos of FlightGear (with the exception of Oscar and Skyop's channels of course), especially with the most modern of features, crisp of graphics and based primarily on Civil aviation- which other mainstream Flight Sim users seem to do well, so it is a personal ambition of of the channel to greatly improve the popularity of the sim through various media, including audio reviews, Git update insights, tutorials, etc. Few videos have been added as ot yet and no reviews or anything other than test videos. But it's already worth to check out the channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/flightgearuk.

Comment, rate and subscribe. And get our sim more popular!

=== FlightGear on Facebook ===
Started in December, the [http://www.facebook.com/FlightGear FlightGear group at Facebook] welcomed its 4000th member in mid June!

The [http://flightgear.org/forums forum] is still the place to be when you're looking for support; the facebook page should be seen as a way to provide a periodic dose of what's new, cool or fun in FlightGear.

=== New tutorials and screencasts ===
=== Forum news ===
=== Multiplayer ===

The [http://fgrc.tk/ Flightgear Rotor Club] is kicking off it's 2nd multiplayer event on July 2, 2011. This month's event is a Combat Search and Rescue scenario, which involves going deep behind enemy lines into Laotian territory to rescue two downed airmen.

See the [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=12379 forum topic] for more information about the event.

=== Virtual airlines ===

=== FlightGear events ===
[[BRT Virtual Airlines]] is proudly announcing that their will be event!
* '''When:''' Saturday July 2nd 2011
* '''Where:''' [[Frankfurt am Main Airport]] (EDDF)
* '''What time:''' New York- 9:00 AM , UK & Portugal- 14:00, Berlin- 15:00, Ukraine- 16:00, Russia - 17:00 , Dehli- 19:30 , Singapore - 21:00
* '''What:''' An event. We will be flying from EDDF to EDDK . And Having Fun :)
* '''Who:''' Virtual Star Alliance, BRT Virtual Airlines, Creder Nixrof Airlines, Merlion Virtual Airlines and Many More!

We reccomend [[FGCom]] and hope to see you there! We're still looking for air traffic controllers; feel free to apply for that job.

More info at http://www.brtvirtualairlines.com and the [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=12503 forum post].

== Useful links ==
== And finally ... ==
=== Contributing ===
One of the regular thoughts expressed on the FlightGear forums is "I'd like to contribute but I don't know how to program, and I don't have the time". Unfortunately, there is a common mis-conception that contributing requires programming and lots of free time. In fact, there are a huge range of ways to contribute to the project without needing to write code or spending days working on something.

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

=== Call for volunteers ===
* The [[OpenRadar]] project is looking for a new maintainer.
* The [[FGFSPM]] (FlightGear Package Manager) is looking for a new maintainer.

=== Did you know ===

[[Category:FlightGear Newsletter|2011 06]]

FlightGear Newsletter June 2011

2011-06-29T11:17:44Z

Sealbhach: /* FlightGear on YouTube */

{{newsletter}}
{{TOC_right|limit=2}}

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

== Development news ==
On June 17th, FlightGear development entered a "feature-freeze" state for the upcoming 2.4.0 release scheduled for release on August, 17th 2011. Those of you that run the development version of FlightGear (Git) are requested to go bug hunting and report issues at the [http://flightgear-bugs.googlecode.com/ bug tracker].

Please refer to the [[release plan]] for details on the rest of the release-process.

== Nasal for newbies ==
== New software tools and projects ==

== FlightGear addons and mods ==
== In the hangar ==
*The lightmap has been extended by a "factor property". Aircraft authors can now bind the intensity of a lightmap to a property (eg. <tt>/controls/lighting/panel-norm</tt>), making the lighting more vivid. Read more in the [[Howto: Lightmap|lightmap howto]].
*[[JSBSim]] welcomed a new feature this month. Setting the <tt>(/fdm/jsbsim/)propulsion/tank[n]/external-flow-rate-pps</tt> property will either draw fuel from, or insert fuel into the respective tank. This allows one to simulate complex fuel systems, relatively easy. See [[Howto: Write a fuel system in JSBSim]] for a guide on writing such systems.

=== New aircraft ===
=== Updated aircraft ===
==== Bf-109 G14 ====
The [[Messerschmitt Bf 109]] now has a [[Howto: Use the normal map effect in aircraft|bump- and specmapped]] 3D model, a revised FDM and an improved 3D cockpit with functional controls. Apat from that the logo selection system has been added, along with some new liveries. The throttle now sets the desired manifold pressure and maintains it, even with changing altitude.

Note to livery makers: the external textures have been consolidated into one file for easier maintenance.

{{Gallery|Improved cockpit|109-7.png|New liveries|109-3.png|Bump- and specmapped|109-5.png}}

==== Boeing 747-400 ====
Thanks to a report at the [http://flightgear.org/forums FlightGear forum], Gijs found out that there was a (eternal) fuel-leak in the [[Boeing 747-400|744]]'s fuel system. This was quite a problem for long-haul flight lovers, as it severely limited the aircraft's range.

Now that system is rewritten (making use of the new JSBSim function that you can read more about [[FlightGear Newsletter June 2011#In the hangar|earlier on in this newsletter]]) the fuel leak is closed! This does not only please long-haul flyers, it affects every pilot, because weight balancing is much better now.

The aircraft also got some updates for its autopilot and all [[JSBSim Mass and balance|masses]] have been checked and (if needed) moved around. By doing so, the center of gravity moved a lot, leading to more realistic flight charecteristics.

==== IAR-80 ====

In anticipation of the new release, the [[IAR_80|IAR 80]] has been subjected to a revision of its [[YASim|YASim FDM]], as well as many cosmetic improvements.

The appearance of the details of the [[Howto: Use the normal map effect in aircraft|bump- and specmap effect]] has been much improved by switching to .dds files for textures. This also brings a slight increase in performance, as well as lower loading times.

Animations and particle effects are now made visible over multiplayer.
{{Gallery|IAR-80 over water|IAR80-in-flight.jpg|Ready for startup|IAR80-onrwy.jpg|Wing detail|IAR80-wing-detail.jpg}}

=== Instruments ===
James started to work on extended [[navigation display]] (ND) functionality, including:
* airports
* flight plan routes
* stations
* tuned navaids
* waypoints
So far his work hasn't been released. More details, screenshots and updates at [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=12499 the forum].

=== Liveries ===
[[File:Livery Database Stats.png|thumb|270px]]
Slightly more than three months after its 400th contribution, the [http://liveries.flightgear.org/ livery database] welcomed its 500th livery on June 29! As of that date:
* '''58 authors''' contributed liveries for
* '''62 aircraft''', based on
* '''277 airlines''', airforces and other aircraft operators

Contributions are accepted at the [http://liveries.flightgear.org/contribute.php contribute page].

== Scenery corner ==
=== Skyline of Dubai ===
[[File:Dubai_skyline.png|thumb|270px]]
Gijs started modeling one of the highest, fastest changing and most interesting skylines in the world: Dubai's. The former village in the desert is
nowadays home to the tallest structure in the world, the largest shopping mall and it has more supertall skyscrapers than any other city. A perfect city to discover by [[C172p]], or one of the [[Helicopter|helis]]. With a great deal of challenging landing spots for the later vehicles.

So far little over 20 buildings have been modeled, some of which are currently untextured and low-poly. Nevertheless they help give you the right Dubai-feel!

=== Airports ===

== Aircraft of the month ==
== Airport of the month ==
== Screenshot of the month ==

== Suggested flights ==
== Aircraft reviews ==

== Wiki updates ==
===New articles===
<DynamicArticleList>
type=new
count=10
</DynamicArticleList>
===New aircraft articles===
<DynamicArticleList>
type=new
count=10
categoryRoot=Aircraft
</DynamicArticleList>
===Most popular newsletters===
<DynamicArticleList>
type=hot
count=5
categoryRoot=FlightGear Newsletter
</DynamicArticleList>

== Community news ==
=== FlightGear on YouTube ===
* A [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7DeDf2quf0 nice video] (even though the pilot didn't pay much attention to his altitude) of a [[Tu-154B]] flying by ''Christ the Redemeer'' in Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.

----

A [http://youtu.be/7r2gQ4k97Ac video uploaded by xsaint] showing a preview of the Sukhoi Superjet in development in Flightgear for Cresdernixrof Virtual Airways.

----

The channel [http://www.youtube.com/user/flightgearuk flightgearUK] has been set up on YouTube by Liam, and will soon feature tutorials, video reviews and promotional videos of high quality to show the latest and best features in FlightGear.

It is hard currently to find any high quality videos of FlightGear (with the exception of Oscar and Skyop's channels of course), especially with the most modern of features, crisp of graphics and based primarily on Civil aviation- which other mainstream Flight Sim users seem to do well, so it is a personal ambition of of the channel to greatly improve the popularity of the sim through various media, including audio reviews, Git update insights, tutorials, etc. Few videos have been added as ot yet and no reviews or anything other than test videos. But it's already worth to check out the channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/flightgearuk.

Comment, rate and subscribe. And get our sim more popular!

=== FlightGear on Facebook ===
Started in December, the [http://www.facebook.com/FlightGear FlightGear group at Facebook] welcomed its 4000th member in mid June!

The [http://flightgear.org/forums forum] is still the place to be when you're looking for support; the facebook page should be seen as a way to provide a periodic dose of what's new, cool or fun in FlightGear.

=== New tutorials and screencasts ===
=== Forum news ===
=== Multiplayer ===

The [http://fgrc.tk/ Flightgear Rotor Club] is kicking off it's 2nd multiplayer event on July 2, 2011. This month's event is a Combat Search and Rescue scenario, which involves going deep behind enemy lines into Laotian territory to rescue two downed airmen.

See the [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=12379 forum topic] for more information about the event.

=== Virtual airlines ===

=== FlightGear events ===
[[BRT Virtual Airlines]] is proudly announcing that their will be event!
* '''When:''' Saturday July 2nd 2011
* '''Where:''' [[Frankfurt am Main Airport]] (EDDF)
* '''What time:''' New York- 9:00 AM , UK & Portugal- 14:00, Berlin- 15:00, Ukraine- 16:00, Russia - 17:00 , Dehli- 19:30 , Singapore - 21:00
* '''What:''' An event. We will be flying from EDDF to EDDK . And Having Fun :)
* '''Who:''' Virtual Star Alliance, BRT Virtual Airlines, Creder Nixrof Airlines, Merlion Virtual Airlines and Many More!

We reccomend [[FGCom]] and hope to see you there! We're still looking for air traffic controllers; feel free to apply for that job.

More info at http://www.brtvirtualairlines.com and the [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=12503 forum post].

== Useful links ==
== And finally ... ==
=== Contributing ===
One of the regular thoughts expressed on the FlightGear forums is "I'd like to contribute but I don't know how to program, and I don't have the time". Unfortunately, there is a common mis-conception that contributing requires programming and lots of free time. In fact, there are a huge range of ways to contribute to the project without needing to write code or spending days working on something.

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

=== Call for volunteers ===
* The [[OpenRadar]] project is looking for a new maintainer.
* The [[FGFSPM]] (FlightGear Package Manager) is looking for a new maintainer.

=== Did you know ===

[[Category:FlightGear Newsletter|2011 06]]

FlightGear Newsletter June 2011

2011-06-29T11:17:20Z

Sealbhach: /* FlightGear on YouTube */

{{newsletter}}
{{TOC_right|limit=2}}

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

== Development news ==
On June 17th, FlightGear development entered a "feature-freeze" state for the upcoming 2.4.0 release scheduled for release on August, 17th 2011. Those of you that run the development version of FlightGear (Git) are requested to go bug hunting and report issues at the [http://flightgear-bugs.googlecode.com/ bug tracker].

Please refer to the [[release plan]] for details on the rest of the release-process.

== Nasal for newbies ==
== New software tools and projects ==

== FlightGear addons and mods ==
== In the hangar ==
*The lightmap has been extended by a "factor property". Aircraft authors can now bind the intensity of a lightmap to a property (eg. <tt>/controls/lighting/panel-norm</tt>), making the lighting more vivid. Read more in the [[Howto: Lightmap|lightmap howto]].
*[[JSBSim]] welcomed a new feature this month. Setting the <tt>(/fdm/jsbsim/)propulsion/tank[n]/external-flow-rate-pps</tt> property will either draw fuel from, or insert fuel into the respective tank. This allows one to simulate complex fuel systems, relatively easy. See [[Howto: Write a fuel system in JSBSim]] for a guide on writing such systems.

=== New aircraft ===
=== Updated aircraft ===
==== Bf-109 G14 ====
The [[Messerschmitt Bf 109]] now has a [[Howto: Use the normal map effect in aircraft|bump- and specmapped]] 3D model, a revised FDM and an improved 3D cockpit with functional controls. Apat from that the logo selection system has been added, along with some new liveries. The throttle now sets the desired manifold pressure and maintains it, even with changing altitude.

Note to livery makers: the external textures have been consolidated into one file for easier maintenance.

{{Gallery|Improved cockpit|109-7.png|New liveries|109-3.png|Bump- and specmapped|109-5.png}}

==== Boeing 747-400 ====
Thanks to a report at the [http://flightgear.org/forums FlightGear forum], Gijs found out that there was a (eternal) fuel-leak in the [[Boeing 747-400|744]]'s fuel system. This was quite a problem for long-haul flight lovers, as it severely limited the aircraft's range.

Now that system is rewritten (making use of the new JSBSim function that you can read more about [[FlightGear Newsletter June 2011#In the hangar|earlier on in this newsletter]]) the fuel leak is closed! This does not only please long-haul flyers, it affects every pilot, because weight balancing is much better now.

The aircraft also got some updates for its autopilot and all [[JSBSim Mass and balance|masses]] have been checked and (if needed) moved around. By doing so, the center of gravity moved a lot, leading to more realistic flight charecteristics.

==== IAR-80 ====

In anticipation of the new release, the [[IAR_80|IAR 80]] has been subjected to a revision of its [[YASim|YASim FDM]], as well as many cosmetic improvements.

The appearance of the details of the [[Howto: Use the normal map effect in aircraft|bump- and specmap effect]] has been much improved by switching to .dds files for textures. This also brings a slight increase in performance, as well as lower loading times.

Animations and particle effects are now made visible over multiplayer.
{{Gallery|IAR-80 over water|IAR80-in-flight.jpg|Ready for startup|IAR80-onrwy.jpg|Wing detail|IAR80-wing-detail.jpg}}

=== Instruments ===
James started to work on extended [[navigation display]] (ND) functionality, including:
* airports
* flight plan routes
* stations
* tuned navaids
* waypoints
So far his work hasn't been released. More details, screenshots and updates at [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=12499 the forum].

=== Liveries ===
[[File:Livery Database Stats.png|thumb|270px]]
Slightly more than three months after its 400th contribution, the [http://liveries.flightgear.org/ livery database] welcomed its 500th livery on June 29! As of that date:
* '''58 authors''' contributed liveries for
* '''62 aircraft''', based on
* '''277 airlines''', airforces and other aircraft operators

Contributions are accepted at the [http://liveries.flightgear.org/contribute.php contribute page].

== Scenery corner ==
=== Skyline of Dubai ===
[[File:Dubai_skyline.png|thumb|270px]]
Gijs started modeling one of the highest, fastest changing and most interesting skylines in the world: Dubai's. The former village in the desert is
nowadays home to the tallest structure in the world, the largest shopping mall and it has more supertall skyscrapers than any other city. A perfect city to discover by [[C172p]], or one of the [[Helicopter|helis]]. With a great deal of challenging landing spots for the later vehicles.

So far little over 20 buildings have been modeled, some of which are currently untextured and low-poly. Nevertheless they help give you the right Dubai-feel!

=== Airports ===

== Aircraft of the month ==
== Airport of the month ==
== Screenshot of the month ==

== Suggested flights ==
== Aircraft reviews ==

== Wiki updates ==
===New articles===
<DynamicArticleList>
type=new
count=10
</DynamicArticleList>
===New aircraft articles===
<DynamicArticleList>
type=new
count=10
categoryRoot=Aircraft
</DynamicArticleList>
===Most popular newsletters===
<DynamicArticleList>
type=hot
count=5
categoryRoot=FlightGear Newsletter
</DynamicArticleList>

== Community news ==
=== FlightGear on YouTube ===
* A [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7DeDf2quf0 nice video] (even though the pilot didn't pay much attention to his altitude) of a [[Tu-154B]] flying by ''Christ the Redemeer'' in Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.

----

A [http://youtu.be/7r2gQ4k97Ac video uploaded by xsaint] showing a preview of the Sukhoi Superjet in development in Flightgear for Cresdernixrof Virtual Airways.

The channel [http://www.youtube.com/user/flightgearuk flightgearUK] has been set up on YouTube by Liam, and will soon feature tutorials, video reviews and promotional videos of high quality to show the latest and best features in FlightGear.

It is hard currently to find any high quality videos of FlightGear (with the exception of Oscar and Skyop's channels of course), especially with the most modern of features, crisp of graphics and based primarily on Civil aviation- which other mainstream Flight Sim users seem to do well, so it is a personal ambition of of the channel to greatly improve the popularity of the sim through various media, including audio reviews, Git update insights, tutorials, etc. Few videos have been added as ot yet and no reviews or anything other than test videos. But it's already worth to check out the channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/flightgearuk.

Comment, rate and subscribe. And get our sim more popular!

=== FlightGear on Facebook ===
Started in December, the [http://www.facebook.com/FlightGear FlightGear group at Facebook] welcomed its 4000th member in mid June!

The [http://flightgear.org/forums forum] is still the place to be when you're looking for support; the facebook page should be seen as a way to provide a periodic dose of what's new, cool or fun in FlightGear.

=== New tutorials and screencasts ===
=== Forum news ===
=== Multiplayer ===

The [http://fgrc.tk/ Flightgear Rotor Club] is kicking off it's 2nd multiplayer event on July 2, 2011. This month's event is a Combat Search and Rescue scenario, which involves going deep behind enemy lines into Laotian territory to rescue two downed airmen.

See the [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=12379 forum topic] for more information about the event.

=== Virtual airlines ===

=== FlightGear events ===
[[BRT Virtual Airlines]] is proudly announcing that their will be event!
* '''When:''' Saturday July 2nd 2011
* '''Where:''' [[Frankfurt am Main Airport]] (EDDF)
* '''What time:''' New York- 9:00 AM , UK & Portugal- 14:00, Berlin- 15:00, Ukraine- 16:00, Russia - 17:00 , Dehli- 19:30 , Singapore - 21:00
* '''What:''' An event. We will be flying from EDDF to EDDK . And Having Fun :)
* '''Who:''' Virtual Star Alliance, BRT Virtual Airlines, Creder Nixrof Airlines, Merlion Virtual Airlines and Many More!

We reccomend [[FGCom]] and hope to see you there! We're still looking for air traffic controllers; feel free to apply for that job.

More info at http://www.brtvirtualairlines.com and the [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=12503 forum post].

== Useful links ==
== And finally ... ==
=== Contributing ===
One of the regular thoughts expressed on the FlightGear forums is "I'd like to contribute but I don't know how to program, and I don't have the time". Unfortunately, there is a common mis-conception that contributing requires programming and lots of free time. In fact, there are a huge range of ways to contribute to the project without needing to write code or spending days working on something.

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

=== Call for volunteers ===
* The [[OpenRadar]] project is looking for a new maintainer.
* The [[FGFSPM]] (FlightGear Package Manager) is looking for a new maintainer.

=== Did you know ===

[[Category:FlightGear Newsletter|2011 06]]

FlightGear Newsletter December 2010

2010-12-12T02:11:59Z

Sealbhach: /* Republic of Ireland */

{{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. So if you know about any FlightGear related projects such as for example updated scenery or aircraft, please do feel invited to add such news to the newsletter.''

==2010 annual==
2010 was the year in which:
* FlightGear 2.0 was released.
* most of the existing virtual airlines were merged into [[Atlas Virtual Airlines]], making it the largest and by far most active FlightGear based airline.
* shaders started to be used all over the sim, introducing some new graphical eye candy as semi-realistic water reflections, 3D cities.
* the CVS servers broke down after a hardware failure, leading to our move to Git.
* detailed landclassing was created for various locations around the world.
* anaglyphic (3D) was introduced; making FlightGear the first flightsim with built-in 3D support.

== FlightGear events ==
== Call for volunteers ==
The [[OpenRadar]] project is looking for a new maintainer.

The [[TerraGear GUI]] project is looking for programmers to help create a GUI frontend for [[TerraGear]] [http://flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=7485#p102005].

The [[FGFSPM]] (FlightGear Package Manager) is looking for a new maintainer.

== Development news ==

== Nasal for newbies ==
== New software tools and projects ==

== FlightGear addons and mods ==
== In the hangar ==
=== New aircraft ===

==Bell AH-1 Cobra==
[[File:Cobra.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Cobra in action.]]The Developers at [http://alphashangar.co.nr/ Alpha-J's Hangar] have started making the Bell AH-1 Cobra. Development is going well and can be tracked [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=10130 here.] The Bell AH-1 Cobra is a two-bladed, single engine attack helicopter manufactured by Bell Helicopter. It shares a common engine, transmission and rotor system with the older UH-1 Iroquois. The AH-1 is also referred to as the HueyCobra or Snake.

=== Updated aircraft ===

====F5E Tiger II====
Has many updated aspects, please follow the link : [http://flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=10327] . For direct download: [http://www.mediafire.com/?h3i7otzhd69h84s]
[[File:Fgfs-screen-014.png|200px|thumb|left|F5E Tiger II.]]

====Short S.23 Empire flying boat====

[[File:Sperry_A-2.jpg|thumb|250px|The control unit of the Sperry A-2 automatic pilot in a Short S.23 Empire flying boat.]]

The [[Short Empire|Short Empire flying boat]] has been updated with a Sperry A-2 automatic pilot by Anders, filling one of the remaining empty spots on the dashboard.

====Lockheed L-1011 Tristar====
Fresh off a 1/10 rating, the TriStar is closer to having a working cockpit. Currently there are three working photorealistic instruments. A full cockpit update is planned to be sent to the repository soon.

=== Liveries ===

== Scenery corner ==
===Land Cover===
====Eastern Europe====
Detailed scenery is under development for the E20N40 area, with the following countries partly or fully covered:
* Albania
* Bulgaria
* Hungary
* Kosovo
* FYR Macedonia
* Poland
* Romania
* Serbia
* Slovakia
* Turkey

The scenery is using Corine land classification data, road and railroad data from OpenStreetMap and SRTM v4 elevation data from CGIAR.

[[File:E20n40.png|thumb|400px|left]]
 

==== New England ====
More New England coverage as western Massachusetts has been added to the map server and therefore has been made part of the default scenery package. The next scenery release will allow users to fly from New York John F. Kennedy Int'l to Burlington, Vermont without having to pass over any vmap0 (current) scenery. More coverage is planned as well.

====Republic of Ireland====

Detailed scenery made from CORINE land cover data is now available for the Republic of Ireland. Road and railroad data is from OpenStreetMap, elevation data is SRTM v3. A nice feature of this scenery is that the coastline is rendered using the Corine shapes, so flying along the coast looks a lot prettier than the in the default vmap0 scenery. The scenery pack also contains a terminal building for Knock Ireland West Airport (EIKN) not previously seen.

See some screenshots [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=10326 here] and for further details see the [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=10354 forum announcement].

=== Airports ===
====Charlottesville Albemarle Airport (KCHO)====
[[File:DevelopmenofKCHOPart1.jpg|200px|thumb|left|KCHO under development]]I (Catchatyou) am currently working on making a new airport for FlightGear! It is Charlottesville Albemarle Airport (KCHO). I must say that I am new to Blender and FlightGear, but I am excited to be a part of it. I hope that my creation will eventually sprout into a beautiful product as time goes by. I have no set date on when this should be completed, but I hope that I can make it as soon as possible.

[[File:eddm tower.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Development version of EDDM tower]]I am not just making the airport building. I'm hoping to eventually add in the parking lot and other various objects.

Thank you for making contributing so easy.

====Franz Josef Strauss Airport Munich (EDDM)====
[[:User:D-79|D-79]] started modelling EDDM in October and is dedicated to make this the most detailed airport in Germany. So far, both terminals have been modelled, as well as most of the additional buildings on the aprons. One of the most difficult tasks proved to be setting up ground vehicles. But now they're running as an AI scenario of [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GhGbV7n0Uk eight busses and trucks]. The ground network is also near completion. The AI scenario and the ground network will probably be uploaded to GIT soon, and a first version of all buildings has been sent to Martin of the [[FlightGear Scenery Database]].

====Aeroporto "Gianni Caproni", Mattarello, Trento (Northern Italy) (LIDT)====
[[File:LIDT-Mattarello.jpg|200px|thumb|left|LIDT-Mattarello]]LIDT is a small touristic airport located in Mattarello, very close to Trento (Trentino Alto Adige-Sued Tyrol), and is dedicated to Giovanni Caproni, an Italian pioneer of aviation, born in Arco, near Trento.
Beside the terminal building there is an Aviation Museum containing some aircraft built by the Caproni Factory in early XX century.

The LIDT airport is home to the [http://www.protezionecivile.tn.it/frame.asp?Site=11&Area=29&Sect=221&Subs=260 "Gruppo Elicotteri Vigili del Fuoco Trento"] (Trento Fire Dept Helicopter Group), involved in many rescue operations on the Alps.

Scighera has modeled the Main Building (Air Terminal, Tower and Aerhotel), the Caproni Aviation Museum and various hangars, including the one of the Fire Dept Helicopter Group.

The 3D models are available for download at [http://digilander.libero.it/scighera_fg/index.html scighera's Homepage] and have been issued to Martin for inclusion in the [[FlightGear Scenery Database]].

== Aircraft of the month ==
== Airport of the month ==
== Screenshot of the month ==

== Suggested flights ==
== Aircraft reviews ==

== Wiki updates ==
===Video tutorials===
Over the past year, more and more [[Video Tutorials]] have been produced for FlightGear, so that it seemed sensible to set up a special wiki site for them, sorted by categories. Feel free to 1) make more video tutorials and 2) add them to the list. When making a video tutorial, please try to keep a certain standard: Video tutorials should have a good video resolution so that users can see what's happening on the screen, and they should have text or voice comment so that users understand what's being done.

[[File:Asi.png|thumb|120px|Airspeed indicator]]

===Instrument glass reflection tutorial===
Horacio has written an excellent short tutorial to show how to add glass reflection effect to instruments, using graphic tools, so that the reflection effect is already contained in the main instrument image, and not depending on shaders meaning less CPU load. The result is widely satisfactory and very realistic.

[[Howto: Glass reflection effect for instruments]]

===Helipad category===
We have a new wiki [[:Category:Helipads|category for helipads]], as a sub-category of the [[:Category:Airports|airports category]]. So far, only the [[oil platforms]] can be found there, but others could be added, like hospital helipads or ANWB/ADAC/ÖAMTC heliports.

[[:Category:Helipads]]

===New articles===
<DynamicArticleList>
type=new
count=10
</DynamicArticleList>
===New aircraft articles===
<DynamicArticleList>
type=new
count=10
categoryRoot=Aircraft
</DynamicArticleList>
===Most popular newsletters===
<DynamicArticleList>
type=hot
count=5
categoryRoot=FlightGear Newsletter
</DynamicArticleList>

== Community news ==
=== FlightGear on youtube ===
=== New tutorials and screencasts ===
Check out Zexe's video Tips and Tricks for Flightgear. Tips include how to Target-track, overlay instrument numbers, and so on. You can find them here on the wiki at [[Video_Tutorials#Advanced_options|Video Tutorials (advanced options)]] and on the [http://flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=9811 forum].

=== Forum news ===
=== Multiplayer ===
=== Virtual airlines ===

== Useful links ==
== And finally ... ==
=== Contributing ===
One of the regular thoughts expressed on the FlightGear forums is "I'd like to contribute but I don't know how to program, and I don't have the time". Unfortunately, there is a common mis-conception that contributing requires programming and lots of free time. In fact, there are a huge range of ways to contribute to the project without needing to write code or spending days working on something.

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

=== Reminder: Google's Summer of Code 2011 ===
We would like to remind all readers that the FlightGear project is planning to participate in [[GSoC]] 2011. However, doing that really requires a fair amount of work, planning and organizing. This is not something that can be done by a single person. It really needs a coordinated team effort, or otherwise FlightGear won't be able to apply/participate at all.

So all users are invited to help us progress further with our preparations for GSoC 2011. If you have any questions or other feedback, please use the forum to [http://flightgear.org/forums/viewforum.php?f=38 get in touch].

=== Did you know ===

[[Category:FlightGear Newsletter|2010 12]]

FlightGear Newsletter December 2010

2010-12-12T02:05:45Z

Sealbhach: /* Land Cover */

{{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. So if you know about any FlightGear related projects such as for example updated scenery or aircraft, please do feel invited to add such news to the newsletter.''

==2010 annual==
2010 was the year in which:
* FlightGear 2.0 was released.
* most of the existing virtual airlines were merged into [[Atlas Virtual Airlines]], making it the largest and by far most active FlightGear based airline.
* shaders started to be used all over the sim, introducing some new graphical eye candy as semi-realistic water reflections, 3D cities.
* the CVS servers broke down after a hardware failure, leading to our move to Git.
* detailed landclassing was created for various locations around the world.
* anaglyphic (3D) was introduced; making FlightGear the first flightsim with built-in 3D support.

== FlightGear events ==
== Call for volunteers ==
The [[OpenRadar]] project is looking for a new maintainer.

The [[TerraGear GUI]] project is looking for programmers to help create a GUI frontend for [[TerraGear]] [http://flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=7485#p102005].

The [[FGFSPM]] (FlightGear Package Manager) is looking for a new maintainer.

== Development news ==

== Nasal for newbies ==
== New software tools and projects ==

== FlightGear addons and mods ==
== In the hangar ==
=== New aircraft ===

==Bell AH-1 Cobra==
[[File:Cobra.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Cobra in action.]]The Developers at [http://alphashangar.co.nr/ Alpha-J's Hangar] have started making the Bell AH-1 Cobra. Development is going well and can be tracked [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=10130 here.] The Bell AH-1 Cobra is a two-bladed, single engine attack helicopter manufactured by Bell Helicopter. It shares a common engine, transmission and rotor system with the older UH-1 Iroquois. The AH-1 is also referred to as the HueyCobra or Snake.

=== Updated aircraft ===

====F5E Tiger II====
Has many updated aspects, please follow the link : [http://flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=10327] . For direct download: [http://www.mediafire.com/?h3i7otzhd69h84s]
[[File:Fgfs-screen-014.png|200px|thumb|left|F5E Tiger II.]]

====Short S.23 Empire flying boat====

[[File:Sperry_A-2.jpg|thumb|250px|The control unit of the Sperry A-2 automatic pilot in a Short S.23 Empire flying boat.]]

The [[Short Empire|Short Empire flying boat]] has been updated with a Sperry A-2 automatic pilot by Anders, filling one of the remaining empty spots on the dashboard.

====Lockheed L-1011 Tristar====
Fresh off a 1/10 rating, the TriStar is closer to having a working cockpit. Currently there are three working photorealistic instruments. A full cockpit update is planned to be sent to the repository soon.

=== Liveries ===

== Scenery corner ==
===Land Cover===
====Eastern Europe====
Detailed scenery is under development for the E20N40 area, with the following countries partly or fully covered:
* Albania
* Bulgaria
* Hungary
* Kosovo
* FYR Macedonia
* Poland
* Romania
* Serbia
* Slovakia
* Turkey

The scenery is using Corine land classification data, road and railroad data from OpenStreetMap and SRTM v4 elevation data from CGIAR.

[[File:E20n40.png|thumb|400px|left]]
 

==== New England ====
More New England coverage as western Massachusetts has been added to the map server and therefore has been made part of the default scenery package. The next scenery release will allow users to fly from New York John F. Kennedy Int'l to Burlington, Vermont without having to pass over any vmap0 (current) scenery. More coverage is planned as well.

====Republic of Ireland====

Detailed scenery made from CORINE land cover data is now available for the Republic of Ireland. Road and railroad data is from OpenStreetMap, elevation data is SRTM v3. A nice feature of this scenery is that the coastline is rendered using the Corine shapes, so flying along the coast looks a lot prettier than the in the default vmap0 scenery. The scenery pack also contains a terminal building for Knock Ireland West Airport (EIKN) not previously seen.

See some screenshots [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=10326 here] and for further details see the [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=1035 forum announcement].

=== Airports ===
====Charlottesville Albemarle Airport (KCHO)====
[[File:DevelopmenofKCHOPart1.jpg|200px|thumb|left|KCHO under development]]I (Catchatyou) am currently working on making a new airport for FlightGear! It is Charlottesville Albemarle Airport (KCHO). I must say that I am new to Blender and FlightGear, but I am excited to be a part of it. I hope that my creation will eventually sprout into a beautiful product as time goes by. I have no set date on when this should be completed, but I hope that I can make it as soon as possible.

[[File:eddm tower.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Development version of EDDM tower]]I am not just making the airport building. I'm hoping to eventually add in the parking lot and other various objects.

Thank you for making contributing so easy.

====Franz Josef Strauss Airport Munich (EDDM)====
[[:User:D-79|D-79]] started modelling EDDM in October and is dedicated to make this the most detailed airport in Germany. So far, both terminals have been modelled, as well as most of the additional buildings on the aprons. One of the most difficult tasks proved to be setting up ground vehicles. But now they're running as an AI scenario of [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GhGbV7n0Uk eight busses and trucks]. The ground network is also near completion. The AI scenario and the ground network will probably be uploaded to GIT soon, and a first version of all buildings has been sent to Martin of the [[FlightGear Scenery Database]].

====Aeroporto "Gianni Caproni", Mattarello, Trento (Northern Italy) (LIDT)====
[[File:LIDT-Mattarello.jpg|200px|thumb|left|LIDT-Mattarello]]LIDT is a small touristic airport located in Mattarello, very close to Trento (Trentino Alto Adige-Sued Tyrol), and is dedicated to Giovanni Caproni, an Italian pioneer of aviation, born in Arco, near Trento.
Beside the terminal building there is an Aviation Museum containing some aircraft built by the Caproni Factory in early XX century.

The LIDT airport is home to the [http://www.protezionecivile.tn.it/frame.asp?Site=11&Area=29&Sect=221&Subs=260 "Gruppo Elicotteri Vigili del Fuoco Trento"] (Trento Fire Dept Helicopter Group), involved in many rescue operations on the Alps.

Scighera has modeled the Main Building (Air Terminal, Tower and Aerhotel), the Caproni Aviation Museum and various hangars, including the one of the Fire Dept Helicopter Group.

The 3D models are available for download at [http://digilander.libero.it/scighera_fg/index.html scighera's Homepage] and have been issued to Martin for inclusion in the [[FlightGear Scenery Database]].

== Aircraft of the month ==
== Airport of the month ==
== Screenshot of the month ==

== Suggested flights ==
== Aircraft reviews ==

== Wiki updates ==
===Video tutorials===
Over the past year, more and more [[Video Tutorials]] have been produced for FlightGear, so that it seemed sensible to set up a special wiki site for them, sorted by categories. Feel free to 1) make more video tutorials and 2) add them to the list. When making a video tutorial, please try to keep a certain standard: Video tutorials should have a good video resolution so that users can see what's happening on the screen, and they should have text or voice comment so that users understand what's being done.

[[File:Asi.png|thumb|120px|Airspeed indicator]]

===Instrument glass reflection tutorial===
Horacio has written an excellent short tutorial to show how to add glass reflection effect to instruments, using graphic tools, so that the reflection effect is already contained in the main instrument image, and not depending on shaders meaning less CPU load. The result is widely satisfactory and very realistic.

[[Howto: Glass reflection effect for instruments]]

===Helipad category===
We have a new wiki [[:Category:Helipads|category for helipads]], as a sub-category of the [[:Category:Airports|airports category]]. So far, only the [[oil platforms]] can be found there, but others could be added, like hospital helipads or ANWB/ADAC/ÖAMTC heliports.

[[:Category:Helipads]]

===New articles===
<DynamicArticleList>
type=new
count=10
</DynamicArticleList>
===New aircraft articles===
<DynamicArticleList>
type=new
count=10
categoryRoot=Aircraft
</DynamicArticleList>
===Most popular newsletters===
<DynamicArticleList>
type=hot
count=5
categoryRoot=FlightGear Newsletter
</DynamicArticleList>

== Community news ==
=== FlightGear on youtube ===
=== New tutorials and screencasts ===
Check out Zexe's video Tips and Tricks for Flightgear. Tips include how to Target-track, overlay instrument numbers, and so on. You can find them here on the wiki at [[Video_Tutorials#Advanced_options|Video Tutorials (advanced options)]] and on the [http://flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=9811 forum].

=== Forum news ===
=== Multiplayer ===
=== Virtual airlines ===

== Useful links ==
== And finally ... ==
=== Contributing ===
One of the regular thoughts expressed on the FlightGear forums is "I'd like to contribute but I don't know how to program, and I don't have the time". Unfortunately, there is a common mis-conception that contributing requires programming and lots of free time. In fact, there are a huge range of ways to contribute to the project without needing to write code or spending days working on something.

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

=== Reminder: Google's Summer of Code 2011 ===
We would like to remind all readers that the FlightGear project is planning to participate in [[GSoC]] 2011. However, doing that really requires a fair amount of work, planning and organizing. This is not something that can be done by a single person. It really needs a coordinated team effort, or otherwise FlightGear won't be able to apply/participate at all.

So all users are invited to help us progress further with our preparations for GSoC 2011. If you have any questions or other feedback, please use the forum to [http://flightgear.org/forums/viewforum.php?f=38 get in touch].

=== Did you know ===

[[Category:FlightGear Newsletter|2010 12]]

FlightGear Newsletter October 2010

2010-10-08T21:22:58Z

Sealbhach: /* FlightGear on youtube */

Howto:Place 3D objects with the UFO

2010-10-08T21:08:46Z

Sealbhach:

The [[UFO from the 'White Project' of the UNESCO|UFO]] aircraft is a superb tool for placing a new (or old) 3D object at any arbitrary location in the scenery with just a few clicks of the mouse.

Placing objects in the scenery is a really easy way to contribute to the FlightGear project. It doesn't require any programming knowledge, and you can contribute something valuable in 15 minutes.

Below is an overview of placing, editing, & saving objects using the UFO. You can get a brief overview of the movement and editing commands by pressing ''?'' while flying the UFO.

==Choosing your object==
The first thing you need is a 3d model to place in the scenery. The FlightGear Scenery Database ([http://scenemodels.flightgear.org/ http://scenemodels.flightgear.org/]) maintains a huge library of generic models, which will have been included in your FlightGear installation.

If you have created your own model you should save it in a subdirectory of your FG root folder. Two options seem reasonable, although others are possible as well:

a) Save it in the directory Flightgear/data/Models/. That is the standard directory where the UFO will go when you press the Space bar. Let's say you have created a CAT III marker, called catii-iii.xml. In this example, we create a subdirectory Flightgear/data/Models/Tabu/ and save our catii-iii.xml there. The downpoint: The directory Flightgear/data/Models/ is the place where all shared models from the FG Scenery Database are saved and as your universe of own models grows, you might confuse both.

b) You can also save your own models in an other subdirectory like Flightgear/data/mymodels (or any other name). Or if they are shared models which have only one fixed position, like the KSFO terminal, you can save them in the respective subdirectory of the Scenery folder, e.g. Flightgear/data/Scenery/Objects/w130n30/w123n37/mymodels (or directly in w123n37). To browse objects anywhere on your computer, press ''l'' when using the UFO.

If creating your own object, make sure it is the correct size! In Blender, units are meters and the Caliper script may help. Note that you should not use Google Earth to determine the correct size. See [http://flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=3356 here] and [http://flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=3415 here].

==Selecting the ufo==

[[Image:Placing_objects_with_UFO_html_m49fbed81.jpg|400px]]

Now start Flightgear, and choose UFO as your aircraft.

==Placing objects==
Once Flightgear has been started, fly with the UFO to the place you want the model to be positioned.

Note that you should not use Google Earth to determine the correct position due to licensing problems. See [http://flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=3356 here] and [http://flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=3415 here].

[[Image:Placing_objects_with_UFO_html_5fa8d7b1.jpg|400px]]

Let's say we want to position the catii-iii.xml object at the end of a taxiway. We stop the UFO just above this intersection and press the space key, a Select Model window will open up where the contents of the Flightgear/data/Models/ directory will be shown (or press "L" and you can go to any desired directory). Select your model from this list, then close the window. The selected model path/name will be display in green text at the bottom left of the FlightGear screen.

[[Image:Placing_objects_with_UFO_html_m184fb381.jpg|400px]]

To place the object, simply left-click on the position that you want to place it. By default it is placed completely horizontal and rotated to point North. It will probably not have the correct orientation and it will be partly covered by the surrounding terrain, but we can adjust that.

[[Image:Placing_objects_with_UFO_html_12ee70a1.jpg|400px]]

==Rotating objects==
Fly closer to the ground with the UFO, so that you can see it better.

Now press TAB (or Ctrl-I), and use the resulting sliders to adjust the latitude/longitude/elevation/heading of the model. NB: "Pitch" and "roll" will not be saved, so using them might be fun, but won't help eventually.

[[Image:Placing_objects_with_UFO_html_439816e9.jpg|400px]]

See the [[UFO from the 'White Project' of the UNESCO]] page for more information on the UFO command keys and exported file locations, or press ? while in FlightGear.

==Deleting objects==
There are three different ways to three different situations in which which you want to delete an object:

You want to delete the last object that you placed in this session:
: Press the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Backspace backspace button].
You want to delete an object that you placed in this session, but you have placed one or two models after it:
: That means that it is no longer active. Activate it by placing one more model '''on''' the object you want to delete, press the backspace button. Result: The model you want to delete starts blinking, which tells you that it is active.
You want to delete an object that is already saved in the corresponding .stg file and you don't know where it is:
: You don't know the filename: The model you want to delete is probably a shared model. You find it in the [http://scenemodels.flightgear.org/ scenery database]. Now you know the model's file name (e.g. [http://scenemodels.flightgear.org/modeledit.php?id=45 generic_skyscraper_01.ac] or [http://scenemodels.flightgear.org/modeledit.php?id=537 Office26x22.xml]).
: You still need to know where you find it. Place any model on that building and press ''d'' to know in which file you find it (see [[#Exporting the result|Exporting the result]] below). If there are several objects of that type and you want to delete only one of them, find the one closest to the coordinates of your model placed on top.
: Open the .stg file, delete the whole model entry (see [[#Exporting the result|Exporting the result]] below). Done.

==Exporting the result==
Now that the model is correctly positioned, press the ''d'' key to dump the model position data to the terminal. A few lines will be printed on the console, providing the necessary orientation data.

[[Image:Placing_objects_with_UFO_html_m4cf0cbf7.jpg]]

The most important lines are the last ones:

# e000n50/e008n50/3089154.stg
OBJECT_SHARED Models/Tabu/catii-iii.xml 8.57928135 50.03667992 105.9972 111.1

The first line identified the location of the scenery file for the object. The OBJECT_SHARED line indicates the objects name, longitude, latitude, altitude and orientation. This can be read by FlightGear itself and can be ([http://scenemodels.flightgear.org/contribute.php submitted]) to the FlightGear Scenery Object Database.

You can also save these coordinates into your own scenery file so that your changes will not be lost the next time you start FlightGear.

==Saving the changes to your scenery==

In the terminal window, you get three sections printed out by the UFO with very detailed information about what's going on. We need the lines at the end.

As noted above, the UFO helpfully exports the name of the scenery file where the object's coordinates have to be saved. In our example

e000n50/e008n50/3089154.stg

The default location for scenery files is Flightgear/data/Scenery/Objects/. Simply open the referenced .stg file, add the OBJECT_SHARED line to the bottom and save the file. Now you have your object's position saved, and it will appear inside the scenery every time you start Flightgear!

In our example we would open 3089154.stg in Flightgear/data/Scenery/Objects/e000n50/e008n50/ and add the following line.

OBJECT_SHARED Models/Tabu/catii-iii.xml 8.57928135 50.03667992 105.9972 111.1

For a short video demonstrating the .stg method, see here:
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2BSUOMyiIg YouTube video]

==Saving to XML==

Alternatively, if you press the ''e'' key while developing scenery with Ufo, fgfs will generate an xml file with the dump of your current work in a "ufo-model-export.xml" file.

Under Unix, the file is saved to directory ''~/.fgfs''

Under Windows it is saved to ''%APPDATA%\flightgear.org''. Under a typical Windows installation the file will look something like this:

C:\Documents and Settings\{YOURUSERNAME}\Application Data\flightgear.org

(Note that some FlightGear 1.9.1 users have reported that pressing ''e'' gives an error message to the console and fails to save the XML file. The [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3170&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&sid=a14a7a3a2f2084f44295880fca7e2932 problem is outlined here] and [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3170&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=15 solution given here]--simply add a line to ~flightgear~/data/Nasal/IORules reading "WRITE ALLOW $FG_HOME/ufo-model-export.xml".)

==Loading the XML file as part of FlightGear scenery==
You can later reload this XML file with --config= command-line parameter:

Example for Linux:
fgfs --config=$HOME/.fgfs/ufo-model-export.xml

In Windows, this is done using the Advanced dialog, found on the last panel of the FG Run GUI. Click Advanced and, under General, click the double-dot button, browse to the ufo-model-export.xml file and click OK.

[[Category:Howto|Place 3D objects with the UFO]]
[[Category:Scenery enhancement|Place 3D objects with the UFO]]

Howto:Place 3D objects with the UFO

2010-10-08T21:07:41Z

Sealbhach:

The [[UFO from the 'White Project' of the UNESCO|UFO]] aircraft is a superb tool for placing a new (or old) 3D object at any arbitrary location in the scenery with just a few clicks of the mouse.

Placing objects in the scenery is a really easy way to contribute to the FlightGear project. It doesn't require any programming knowledge, and you can contribute something valuable in 15 minutes.

Below is an overview of placing, editing, & saving objects using the UFO. You can get a brief overview of the movement and editing commands by pressing ''?'' while flying the UFO.

==Choosing your object==
The first thing you need is a 3d model to place in the scenery. The FlightGear Scenery Database ([http://scenemodels.flightgear.org/ http://scenemodels.flightgear.org/]) maintains a huge library of generic models, which will have been included in your FlightGear installation.

If you have created your own model you should save it in a subdirectory of your FG root folder. Two options seem reasonable, although others are possible as well:

a) Save it in the directory Flightgear/data/Models/. That is the standard directory where the UFO will go when you press the Space bar. Let's say you have created a CAT III marker, called catii-iii.xml. In this example, we create a subdirectory Flightgear/data/Models/Tabu/ and save our catii-iii.xml there. The downpoint: The directory Flightgear/data/Models/ is the place where all shared models from the FG Scenery Database are saved and as your universe of own models grows, you might confuse both.

b) You can also save your own models in an other subdirectory like Flightgear/data/mymodels (or any other name). Or if they are shared models which have only one fixed position, like the KSFO terminal, you can save them in the respective subdirectory of the Scenery folder, e.g. Flightgear/data/Scenery/Objects/w130n30/w123n37/mymodels (or directly in w123n37). To browse objects anywhere on your computer, press ''l'' when using the UFO.

If creating your own object, make sure it is the correct size! In Blender, units are meters and the Caliper script may help. Note that you should not use Google Earth to determine the correct size. See [http://flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=3356 here] and [http://flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=3415 here].

==Selecting the ufo==

[[Image:Placing_objects_with_UFO_html_m49fbed81.jpg|400px]]

Now start Flightgear, and choose UFO as your aircraft.

==Placing objects==
Once Flightgear has been started, fly with the UFO to the place you want the model to be positioned.

Note that you should not use Google Earth to determine the correct position due to licensing problems. See [http://flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=3356 here] and [http://flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=3415 here].

[[Image:Placing_objects_with_UFO_html_5fa8d7b1.jpg|400px]]

Let's say we want to position the catii-iii.xml object at the end of a taxiway. We stop the UFO just above this intersection and press the space key, a Select Model window will open up where the contents of the Flightgear/data/Models/ directory will be shown (or press "L" and you can go to any desired directory). Select your model from this list, then close the window. The selected model path/name will be display in green text at the bottom left of the FlightGear screen.

[[Image:Placing_objects_with_UFO_html_m184fb381.jpg|400px]]

To place the object, simply left-click on the position that you want to place it. By default it is placed completely horizontal and rotated to point North. It will probably not have the correct orientation and it will be partly covered by the surrounding terrain, but we can adjust that.

[[Image:Placing_objects_with_UFO_html_12ee70a1.jpg|400px]]

==Rotating objects==
Fly closer to the ground with the UFO, so that you can see it better.

Now press TAB (or Ctrl-I), and use the resulting sliders to adjust the latitude/longitude/elevation/heading of the model. NB: "Pitch" and "roll" will not be saved, so using them might be fun, but won't help eventually.

[[Image:Placing_objects_with_UFO_html_439816e9.jpg|400px]]

See the [[UFO from the 'White Project' of the UNESCO]] page for more information on the UFO command keys and exported file locations, or press ? while in FlightGear.

==Deleting objects==
There are three different ways to three different situations in which which you want to delete an object:

You want to delete the last object that you placed in this session:
: Press the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Backspace backspace button].
You want to delete an object that you placed in this session, but you have placed one or two models after it:
: That means that it is no longer active. Activate it by placing one more model '''on''' the object you want to delete, press the backspace button. Result: The model you want to delete starts blinking, which tells you that it is active.
You want to delete an object that is already saved in the corresponding .stg file and you don't know where it is:
: You don't know the filename: The model you want to delete is probably a shared model. You find it in the [http://scenemodels.flightgear.org/ scenery database]. Now you know the model's file name (e.g. [http://scenemodels.flightgear.org/modeledit.php?id=45 generic_skyscraper_01.ac] or [http://scenemodels.flightgear.org/modeledit.php?id=537 Office26x22.xml]).
: You still need to know where you find it. Place any model on that building and press ''d'' to know in which file you find it (see [[#Exporting the result|Exporting the result]] below). If there are several objects of that type and you want to delete only one of them, find the one closest to the coordinates of your model placed on top.
: Open the .stg file, delete the whole model entry (see [[#Exporting the result|Exporting the result]] below). Done.

==Exporting the result==
Now that the model is correctly positioned, press the ''d'' key to dump the model position data to the terminal. A few lines will be printed on the console, providing the necessary orientation data.

[[Image:Placing_objects_with_UFO_html_m4cf0cbf7.jpg]]

The most important lines are the last ones:

# e000n50/e008n50/3089154.stg
OBJECT_SHARED Models/Tabu/catii-iii.xml 8.57928135 50.03667992 105.9972 111.1

The first line identified the location of the scenery file for the object. The OBJECT_SHARED line indicates the objects name, longitude, latitude, altitude and orientation. This can be read by FlightGear itself and can be ([http://scenemodels.flightgear.org/contribute.php submitted]) to the FlightGear Scenery Object Database.

You can also save these coordinates into your own scenery file so that your changes will not be lost the next time you start FlightGear.

==Saving the changes to your scenery==

In the terminal window, you get three sections printed out by the UFO with very detailed information about what's going on. We need the lines at the end.

As noted above, the UFO helpfully exports the name of the scenery file where the object's coordinates have to be saved. In our example

e000n50/e008n50/3089154.stg

The default location for scenery files is Flightgear/data/Scenery/Objects/. Simply open the referenced .stg file, add the OBJECT_SHARED line to the bottom and save the file. Now you have your object's position saved, and it will appear inside the scenery every time you start Flightgear!

In our example we would open 3089154.stg in Flightgear/data/Scenery/Objects/e000n50/e008n50/ and add the following line.

OBJECT_SHARED Models/Tabu/catii-iii.xml 8.57928135 50.03667992 105.9972 111.1

For a short video demonstrating the .stg method, see here:[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2BSUOMyiIg YouTube video]

==Saving to XML==

Alternatively, if you press the ''e'' key while developing scenery with Ufo, fgfs will generate an xml file with the dump of your current work in a "ufo-model-export.xml" file.

Under Unix, the file is saved to directory ''~/.fgfs''

Under Windows it is saved to ''%APPDATA%\flightgear.org''. Under a typical Windows installation the file will look something like this:

C:\Documents and Settings\{YOURUSERNAME}\Application Data\flightgear.org

(Note that some FlightGear 1.9.1 users have reported that pressing ''e'' gives an error message to the console and fails to save the XML file. The [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3170&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&sid=a14a7a3a2f2084f44295880fca7e2932 problem is outlined here] and [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3170&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=15 solution given here]--simply add a line to ~flightgear~/data/Nasal/IORules reading "WRITE ALLOW $FG_HOME/ufo-model-export.xml".)

==Loading the XML file as part of FlightGear scenery==
You can later reload this XML file with --config= command-line parameter:

Example for Linux:
fgfs --config=$HOME/.fgfs/ufo-model-export.xml

In Windows, this is done using the Advanced dialog, found on the last panel of the FG Run GUI. Click Advanced and, under General, click the double-dot button, browse to the ufo-model-export.xml file and click OK.

[[Category:Howto|Place 3D objects with the UFO]]
[[Category:Scenery enhancement|Place 3D objects with the UFO]]

Howto:Place 3D objects with the UFO

2010-10-08T21:06:14Z

Sealbhach:

The [[UFO from the 'White Project' of the UNESCO|UFO]] aircraft is a superb tool for placing a new (or old) 3D object at any arbitrary location in the scenery with just a few clicks of the mouse.

Placing objects in the scenery is a really easy way to contribute to the FlightGear project. It doesn't require any programming knowledge, and you can contribute something valuable in 15 minutes.

Below is an overview of placing, editing, & saving objects using the UFO. You can get a brief overview of the movement and editing commands by pressing ''?'' while flying the UFO.

==Choosing your object==
The first thing you need is a 3d model to place in the scenery. The FlightGear Scenery Database ([http://scenemodels.flightgear.org/ http://scenemodels.flightgear.org/]) maintains a huge library of generic models, which will have been included in your FlightGear installation.

If you have created your own model you should save it in a subdirectory of your FG root folder. Two options seem reasonable, although others are possible as well:

a) Save it in the directory Flightgear/data/Models/. That is the standard directory where the UFO will go when you press the Space bar. Let's say you have created a CAT III marker, called catii-iii.xml. In this example, we create a subdirectory Flightgear/data/Models/Tabu/ and save our catii-iii.xml there. The downpoint: The directory Flightgear/data/Models/ is the place where all shared models from the FG Scenery Database are saved and as your universe of own models grows, you might confuse both.

b) You can also save your own models in an other subdirectory like Flightgear/data/mymodels (or any other name). Or if they are shared models which have only one fixed position, like the KSFO terminal, you can save them in the respective subdirectory of the Scenery folder, e.g. Flightgear/data/Scenery/Objects/w130n30/w123n37/mymodels (or directly in w123n37). To browse objects anywhere on your computer, press ''l'' when using the UFO.

If creating your own object, make sure it is the correct size! In Blender, units are meters and the Caliper script may help. Note that you should not use Google Earth to determine the correct size. See [http://flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=3356 here] and [http://flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=3415 here].

==Selecting the ufo==

[[Image:Placing_objects_with_UFO_html_m49fbed81.jpg|400px]]

Now start Flightgear, and choose UFO as your aircraft.

==Placing objects==
Once Flightgear has been started, fly with the UFO to the place you want the model to be positioned.

Note that you should not use Google Earth to determine the correct position due to licensing problems. See [http://flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=3356 here] and [http://flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=3415 here].

[[Image:Placing_objects_with_UFO_html_5fa8d7b1.jpg|400px]]

Let's say we want to position the catii-iii.xml object at the end of a taxiway. We stop the UFO just above this intersection and press the space key, a Select Model window will open up where the contents of the Flightgear/data/Models/ directory will be shown (or press "L" and you can go to any desired directory). Select your model from this list, then close the window. The selected model path/name will be display in green text at the bottom left of the FlightGear screen.

[[Image:Placing_objects_with_UFO_html_m184fb381.jpg|400px]]

To place the object, simply left-click on the position that you want to place it. By default it is placed completely horizontal and rotated to point North. It will probably not have the correct orientation and it will be partly covered by the surrounding terrain, but we can adjust that.

[[Image:Placing_objects_with_UFO_html_12ee70a1.jpg|400px]]

==Rotating objects==
Fly closer to the ground with the UFO, so that you can see it better.

Now press TAB (or Ctrl-I), and use the resulting sliders to adjust the latitude/longitude/elevation/heading of the model. NB: "Pitch" and "roll" will not be saved, so using them might be fun, but won't help eventually.

[[Image:Placing_objects_with_UFO_html_439816e9.jpg|400px]]

See the [[UFO from the 'White Project' of the UNESCO]] page for more information on the UFO command keys and exported file locations, or press ? while in FlightGear.

==Deleting objects==
There are three different ways to three different situations in which which you want to delete an object:

You want to delete the last object that you placed in this session:
: Press the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Backspace backspace button].
You want to delete an object that you placed in this session, but you have placed one or two models after it:
: That means that it is no longer active. Activate it by placing one more model '''on''' the object you want to delete, press the backspace button. Result: The model you want to delete starts blinking, which tells you that it is active.
You want to delete an object that is already saved in the corresponding .stg file and you don't know where it is:
: You don't know the filename: The model you want to delete is probably a shared model. You find it in the [http://scenemodels.flightgear.org/ scenery database]. Now you know the model's file name (e.g. [http://scenemodels.flightgear.org/modeledit.php?id=45 generic_skyscraper_01.ac] or [http://scenemodels.flightgear.org/modeledit.php?id=537 Office26x22.xml]).
: You still need to know where you find it. Place any model on that building and press ''d'' to know in which file you find it (see [[#Exporting the result|Exporting the result]] below). If there are several objects of that type and you want to delete only one of them, find the one closest to the coordinates of your model placed on top.
: Open the .stg file, delete the whole model entry (see [[#Exporting the result|Exporting the result]] below). Done.

==Exporting the result==
Now that the model is correctly positioned, press the ''d'' key to dump the model position data to the terminal. A few lines will be printed on the console, providing the necessary orientation data.

[[Image:Placing_objects_with_UFO_html_m4cf0cbf7.jpg]]

The most important lines are the last ones:

# e000n50/e008n50/3089154.stg
OBJECT_SHARED Models/Tabu/catii-iii.xml 8.57928135 50.03667992 105.9972 111.1

The first line identified the location of the scenery file for the object. The OBJECT_SHARED line indicates the objects name, longitude, latitude, altitude and orientation. This can be read by FlightGear itself and can be ([http://scenemodels.flightgear.org/contribute.php submitted]) to the FlightGear Scenery Object Database.

You can also save these coordinates into your own scenery file so that your changes will not be lost the next time you start FlightGear.

==Saving the changes to your scenery==

In the terminal window, you get three sections printed out by the UFO with very detailed information about what's going on. We need the lines at the end.

As noted above, the UFO helpfully exports the name of the scenery file where the object's coordinates have to be saved. In our example

e000n50/e008n50/3089154.stg

The default location for scenery files is Flightgear/data/Scenery/Objects/. Simply open the referenced .stg file, add the OBJECT_SHARED line to the bottom and save the file. Now you have your object's position saved, and it will appear inside the scenery every time you start Flightgear!

In our example we would open 3089154.stg in Flightgear/data/Scenery/Objects/e000n50/e008n50/ and add the following line.

OBJECT_SHARED Models/Tabu/catii-iii.xml 8.57928135 50.03667992 105.9972 111.1

==Saving to XML==

Alternatively, if you press the ''e'' key while developing scenery with Ufo, fgfs will generate an xml file with the dump of your current work in a "ufo-model-export.xml" file.

Under Unix, the file is saved to directory ''~/.fgfs''

Under Windows it is saved to ''%APPDATA%\flightgear.org''. Under a typical Windows installation the file will look something like this:

C:\Documents and Settings\{YOURUSERNAME}\Application Data\flightgear.org

(Note that some FlightGear 1.9.1 users have reported that pressing ''e'' gives an error message to the console and fails to save the XML file. The [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3170&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&sid=a14a7a3a2f2084f44295880fca7e2932 problem is outlined here] and [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3170&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=15 solution given here]--simply add a line to ~flightgear~/data/Nasal/IORules reading "WRITE ALLOW $FG_HOME/ufo-model-export.xml".)

==Loading the XML file as part of FlightGear scenery==
You can later reload this XML file with --config= command-line parameter:

Example for Linux:
fgfs --config=$HOME/.fgfs/ufo-model-export.xml

In Windows, this is done using the Advanced dialog, found on the last panel of the FG Run GUI. Click Advanced and, under General, click the double-dot button, browse to the ufo-model-export.xml file and click OK.

For a short video demonstrating the .stg method, see here:[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2BSUOMyiIg YouTube video]

[[Category:Howto|Place 3D objects with the UFO]]
[[Category:Scenery enhancement|Place 3D objects with the UFO]]