THIS AIN’T YOUR DAD’S LINK TRAINER
Or
Desk
Flying the Microsoft Flight Simulators
Scenery Addons
During the last two EDITIONS, I’ve
informed you about the problems with Microsoft’s new FSX Flight Simulator. In their zeal,
to produce an upgraded version of the Flight Sim, the power, memory and video
requirements have surpassed most computer systems thus providing a less than
enjoyable experience. Most people just can’t afford to buy a new computer or to
provide the upgrades needed for FSX. I invested over $1000 in building my new GAMING Computer
and find that it only [just] meets the power needed.
In this article, we’ll look at
reasonable alternatives to upgrade Flight Simulator FS9 (2004 ACOF) to increase
your simming experience. Below are two screen shots of
FSX
FS9 Ultimate Terrain
As you can see, both sceneries
seem comparable. Although, Ultimate Terrain is a bit spendy (in the $60 range),
there are cheaper or free alternatives for FS9 and FS2002.
First is FS Terrain from www.JustFlight.com Currently priced at
$19.98. After joining “Just Rewards” and using my 500 Bonus Points, I received
my copy for $10.49 delivered to my home. Now this is the French Version, but
not to worry. You can download an online English Manual and when you start to
install the program, it asks you what language {ENGLISH} you prefer.
Ultimate
Terrain_FS9 Landing above Libby
FS
Terrain_FS9 Landing in Libby
Now on the Free side is Silver Wings; the download is
available from www.FlightSim.com . It
provides scenery similar to the Nineteen-Sixties (1960s).
Silver Wings_FS9_Flying through Libby
Silver Wings_FS9_Landing
in
Silver Wings_FS9_Kootenai
Silver Wings_FS9_On
the Ramp at
Silver Wings_FS9_Flying
between Afognak and
Here are some other free scenery addons you can find at www.FlightSim.com
USCG Air Station
Kodiak, AK scenery addon_FS9
This is the same hanger seen
in the movie "The Guardian"
Dave Fagan’s addons of USAF/RAF Bases in
In the search box put in Dave
Fagan or RAF Bases.
DET2 Scramble at
RAF
Visiting RAF
Greenham Common_FS9
George Knowles has
created scenery addons for the following USAF/ Royal Thai Air Force Bases:
Takhli, Korat, Ubon, Udorn and Nakhon Phanom.
DET2 38ARRS Takhli
RTAFB_FS9
KODAK 01 landing at
Korat RTAFB_FS9
Many of you remember FS2002 and
Meigs Field,
Boeing YC-14 back
taxiing at Meigs_FS9
This short
field requires a slow approach, Full reverse and hard braking
Besides the scenery, remember
there’s the chance to fly exotic aircraft that challenge your skills.
Night Flyer 01 is
airborne_FS9
Many Computer
Pilots never use their Simulators to the full capability. How about dialing
your weather to IFR conditions, then set your Flight Planner to go from Fairchild
AFB (KSKA), WA to Libby Airport (S59), Montana GPS Direct. The ATC Controller
will demand your attention. If this is too easy for you, program an engine or
instrument(s) to fail, sometime during the flight.
ENJOY
YOUR FLYING!
Steve