Fly Away Simulation

Flight Simulator Industry News & Reviews

Screenshot from FSW, covered in the sections below.Welcome to the Fly Away Simulation flight sim news section - the homepage to where you can find the latest news from the newsdesk at Fly Away Simulation.

Below is a selection of the categories we cover, the latest 3 articles from each section are included but if you would like to read more on each topic, click the "View more posts..." link.  A selection of categories have now been archived because the news is either very old and there is no current news for the topic or the category is now obsolete.  You can still view them at the foot of the page here.

Topics Covered

We feature news, reviews, and editorials for many of the major simulators such as FSW, FSX, FS2004 and of course X-Plane.  Our news is always unique, insightful and usually, opinion based.  We try to feature rich media where we can such as screenshots, images, and videos.

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Microsoft Flight Simulator X

The most advanced and highly detailed flight simulator for the PC; Microsoft Flight Simulator X. Flight Simulator X or as it's know in the community FSX is the latest flight simulator developer by Microsoft and is currently the last flight simulator being produced by Microsoft and the ACES studio. The ACES team were cut from Microsoft's budget leaving no development team to work on the next flight simulator release. It's possible that Microsoft will sell the Flight Simulator franchise to an external company for them to develop a new release, however nothing has been confirmed. This topic features news related to the latest add-ons, software and downloads for FSX.

10+ Best Add-ons to Make FSX Look & Feel More Realistic

Posted on Thu, 28 Mar 2019 19:52:38 GMT (2681 reads)

Realism, attention to detail, and absolute authenticity are at the heart of any top-notch flight simulation experience. Whether it is how authentic the planes themselves look, or the attention to detail on the many famous airports that are themselves household names around the world, it is arguable that the real journey of flight simulation begins once one begins to explore the abundance of extra choices available.

Best Free FSX & P3D Photoreal Scenery Add-ons for 2019

Posted on Mon, 24 Dec 2018 16:38:52 GMT (5343 reads)

Part of what makes virtual flight joyful is the reality and authenticity of the scenery and surroundings. Whether it is the hustle and bustle of the busy metropolis-type cities below, or the wide-open plains of the countryside or mountain regions, after the flight and authenticity of the aircraft itself, it is important to make the “outside”, the scenery, equally authentic so as to achieve as realistic a flight as possible.

20+ Best Freeware FSX: Steam Edition Add-ons for 2019

Posted on Fri, 26 Jan 2018 18:39:01 GMT (16306 reads)

Every year, the simulation community manages to create new and improved aircraft and scenery for many locations around the virtual globe. From top quality designs that perfectly portrays some of the most important airports in the world, to lesser-known aircraft that you may never have heard of, many mods exist.

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X-Plane

X-Plane is one of the most advanced and sophisticated flight simulator packages available. They have released versions for PC, Mac and Linux and now even iPhone. X-Plane provides the end user with a sophisticated flight environment with ultra realistic flight dynamics. While X-Plane isn't the most popular flight simulator, it is growing its user base because of the demise of Microsoft Flight Simulator. X-Plane is destined to become the next biggest flight simulator package for a mix of platforms.

X-Plane 11 vs FSX: Which is Better & Why

Posted on Wed, 03 Apr 2019 18:16:40 GMT (1933 reads)

Perhaps before we attempt to answer the above question, we should point out that whatever Flight Simulation program you opt for – and many simulation pilots have both – each are sound platforms from which to tour the virtual skies. And each has its pros and cons.

10+ Best Freeware X-Plane 11 Add-ons For 2019

Posted on Tue, 31 Jul 2018 22:20:48 GMT (8473 reads)

Once you have installed your basic version of X-Plane-11 you will now probably be looking to customize your experience and add to it by way of the best available, and free, add-ons.

Bergen Airport Scenery for X-Plane Released by Aerosoft

Posted on Fri, 05 Jan 2018 15:57:58 GMT (4643 reads)

Despite being one of the most beautiful nations in the world, the snow-swept land of Norway lies rather barren in the simulation world. Not only does it tend to lack the solidity of detail such a country deserves, many of its airports feel extremely sparse. Bergen Airport is the second largest airport in the nation, and this Aerosoft modification looks to try to provide it with some extra detail.

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Prepar3D

Best Payware P3Dv4 Aircraft & Scenery Add-ons for 2019

Posted on Mon, 01 Oct 2018 15:47:51 GMT (5678 reads)

OK, we all like freebies, free stuff, and offers. However, sometimes even the thriftiest of us have to accept that on occasion you “get what you pay for!” While the virtual world of aviation offers some amazingly high-quality freeware add-ons, some of the payware available simply serves to open up your virtual flying experience. Indeed, they bring some of the most famous, picturesque parts of the world right into your living room via your computer screen, as well as offering some of the most graceful aerial machines to ever take to the skies to visit them in. 

Aerosoft Airbus Professional Series Major P3Dv4 Update

Posted on Thu, 04 Jan 2018 18:19:32 GMT (8056 reads)

As one of the most commonly used Aerosoft releases, the Airbus Professional package has undergone a major reboot and revival. This latest take on the Airbus range covers the A318/319, A320/321 and A330 Professional models previously released. 

Prepar3D v4 Announced by Lockheed Martin

Posted on Thu, 25 May 2017 09:21:37 GMT (4446 reads)

The rumors have been heard on the grapevine for some time – and now, it’s official. Prepar3D, the popular alternative simulator for those looking outside the X-Plane/Microsoft Flight Simulator, is getting a new version. With v3 of P3D now beginning to show a few rough edges, it was felt that it was time for a facelift. Now, we can look forward to the latest and greatest version of P3D: version 4.

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Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004

Flight Simulator 2004 was the flight simulator that changed it all for Microsoft. This product was the best selling flight simulator on the market and produced record sales. With many advanced features and improvements in the weather engine and graphics; aircraft and downloads being produced by freeware developers, this was one of the most customizable flight simulators for Windows. Some fans still think that this is a better simulator than later releases by Microsoft. While slowing down, FS2004 is still a very active topic.

1947 C140 for FS2004 Released by SimFlight3D

Posted on Fri, 21 Sep 2012 23:00:00 GMT (15175 reads)

A new product from SimFlight3D is 1947 C140 for FS2004. 

Flight Planning Made Easy With Virtual Dispatch

Posted on Fri, 07 Sep 2012 23:00:00 GMT (20500 reads)

If you want an advanced tool for planning your flights in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004, you can’t look past Virtual Dispatch. 

Carenado Releases PA32R 301 Saratoga SP For FS2004

Posted on Sat, 04 Feb 2012 09:00:00 GMT (8473 reads)

Carenado announced its release of PA32R 301 Saratoga SP for FS2004 in February 2010. Over the past few years, Carenado has created many products for FSX and FS2004. Their latest release, Piper PA32R 301 Saratoga, offers a high performance single engine aircraft with a trendy design. Carenado previously released an FSX version of the same add-on.

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Software Reviews

Reviews of flight simulator software and add-ons from the review team here at Fly Away. We review many payware aircraft, scenery and enhancement products. Reviews are highly detailed with honest opinions and high quality screenshots. Some of our reviews include 737 Pilot in Command, PMDG 747, PMDG MD-11 and many more.

Just Flight Vickers VC10 Jetliner for FSX/P3D Review

Posted on Wed, 13 Jun 2018 17:10:01 GMT (5005 reads)

The VC10 is an important part of aviation history, playing an important role in the Royal Air Force for quite some time. First taking to the skies in 1962, it was built by Vickers-Armstrong until 1970. That 8-year span, though, produced a memorable aircraft that was still being used by the RAF some time in 2013.

Alabeo Mooney M20R Ovation for FSX/P3D Review

Posted on Sun, 01 Apr 2018 14:04:38 GMT (4419 reads)

As one of a large number of Alabeo released for FSX and P3D, the M20R Ovation, released in September, adds to a growing collection. As part of the Mooney Aircraft Company, the M20 was a very impressive model for its time. This review will take a closer look at the M20R Ovation created by Alabeo, to help you determine if it’s worth trying out.

Aerosoft CRJ 700/900 X for FSX/P3D Review

Posted on Sat, 06 Jan 2018 17:06:18 GMT (6512 reads)

As a wider part of some of the bigger Aerosoft releases in recent times, the new Aerosoft release covering the Canadair Regional Jet (CRJ) 700 and 900 aircraft is a special one. Developed by the Bombardier firm, this aircraft group has been among the most popular of its kind. However, they’ve never been properly translated into a simulation environment in as much detail as this.

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Payware Flight Sim Products

This topic covers all the latest payware add-on releases for all of the flight simulators featured on this website. The payware releases are delivered from our on-line flight sim store SimShack.net. SimShack.net are stockists of hundreds of payware flight sim add-ons for purchase. They deliver physical media (CD versions) and have now started stocking digital downloads for immediate delivery to your desktop with no wait. There are many payware add-ons for FSX, FS2004 and X-Plane.

FSX Fiber Accelerator Now Supports Windows 10

Posted on Fri, 14 Aug 2015 19:00:00 GMT (5978 reads)

For those who had decided to go with the Windows 10 update in recent weeks, you may have noticed that – like any new OS – it struggles to run things quite as well as you may have expected. 

CLS Piper Arrow Now Released as Freeware for Users of FSX & FS2004

Posted on Fri, 15 Apr 2011 11:38:10 GMT (22524 reads)

The CLS Piper Arrow for Microsoft Flight Simulator X and 2004 has now been released as freeware and is available on the SimShack.net flight sim store.  There is no charge to purchase, download or install this previously payware aircraft add-on for Microsoft's Flight Simulator package.  Before it was released as freeware, CLS sold this product as payware - but because it has become somewhat dates and the quality isn't as good as their latest payware products, they have released it to the public for free.

TSS Cessna 172 Sound Pack for FS2004

Posted on Sat, 11 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT (21493 reads)

The TSS Cessna 172 Sound Pack is very cool add-on. This particular one is Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 compatible. It is a fairly small download with a filesize of 20MB. Individuals will find that they will be able to access this add-on, immediately after purchasing it.  The soundpack for the Cessna 172 has been created by Turbine Sound Studios.

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Other flight sim related news

Flight simulator news that does not belong to a specific topic can be found here, or news that spans multiple topics. For example, an add-on for FSX and FS2004 will be included in this category. This topic also features other flight sim related news such as community updates, competitions and payware developer press releases.

iFMS 2.1 App Released for iOS and Android

Posted on Sat, 21 Oct 2017 01:00:00 GMT (5792 reads)

Having been promised to see updates since release, the latest changes to iFMS 2 have arrived. In the 2.1 update, some minor changes were made to help further tweak and improve how the add-on works.

SimControl App for iOS to Control FSX/P3D/X-Plane Released

Posted on Tue, 17 Oct 2017 16:00:00 GMT (5502 reads)

In a bid to keep improving and changing flight simulation, development team Azure Computing has a new mobile sim app available. SimControl is a multi-purpose solution that makes creating training scenarios that are worthwhile easier than ever before. Android users, sadly, will need to wait; at present, this is only available on the Apple Store for iPad devices. This is a must-have for those who are looking to manage flight simulation controls and organization more than ever. 

ATC-SIM Online ATC Simulator Has Been Updated

Posted on Mon, 24 Jul 2017 11:19:46 GMT (3772 reads)

Do you use the browser-based Air Traffic Control simulator, ATC-SIM? If so, it’s just been given a major update. By helping to add a touch of extra depth to the simulation experience, ATC-SIM has seen some pretty big improvements. 

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Virtual Airlines

Joining a virtual airline is a great way to add another element of fun to your flight simulator experience. When you join a virtual airline you can build up your virtual flying hours for an actual virtual airline company who will provide you with flights, routes and flight plans to follow. They usually have a roster to show who has accumulated the most flying hours. Joining a virtual airline will open up your flight simulation world. You can also get payware aircraft from VAs at lower prices than standard retail shops.

VATSTAR Now Certifies With VATSIM P4

Posted on Thu, 07 Jul 2016 17:39:08 GMT (2800 reads)

For flight simulation fans who enjoy using various mods and add-ons together, compatibility is vital. A major issue with using flight simulation mods is finding conflicts in the way that the modifications will operate together. Another issue was trying to learn one mod, whilst another offered different conclusions. 

Eastern Airlines Virtual Adds Boeing 747-400 to Fleet

Posted on Tue, 13 Nov 2012 16:48:53 GMT (15175 reads)

Eastern Airlines Virtual has added Boeing 747-400 to its fleet. Starting with the Boeing 747-400, Eastern Airlines Virtual is rolling out its latest and most up-to-date fleet. The company’s new aircraft will be updated with the most advanced avionics available for both FS9 and FSX, and a newer paint scheme. 

Boeing 747-800i Now At Eastern Airlines Virtual

Posted on Thu, 02 Aug 2012 13:00:41 GMT (13788 reads)

The Boeing 747-8, a wide-body jet airliner, is the fourth-generation Boeing 747 version. The aircraft, which is the longest passenger aircraft in the world and the biggest commercial aircraft built in the United States, features redesigned wings, lengthened fuselage, and advanced efficiency. The 747-8 Intercontinental (747-8I) is the passenger variant of the aircraft.

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Editorial

Our editorial section is one of our most interesting. Editors write about their opinions regarding flight simulators and add-ons, however we have several writers who write about real-life aviation and their flying experiences. Most of the editorials are opinion based, you should read them through and make your own mind up about the content.

Flight Sim World: The Ultimate Guide

Posted on Tue, 25 Jun 2019 13:32:01 GMT (77 reads)

Flight Sim World or FSW as it became know as was the latest flight simulator package released by Dovetail Games.  Flight Sim World's core was based on existing FSX code but it had been brought up to date with heavy modification and rewriting (and of course many new features and functions).

New Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020): The Ultimate Guide & Full Analysis

Posted on Mon, 10 Jun 2019 00:36:11 GMT (1008 reads)

Just announced by Microsoft at Electronic Entertainment Expo 2019 (E3 2019) is their new flight simulator package set for release in 2020 for both PC and Xbox.

Building A Flight Sim Home Cockpit: 5 Examples You Can Learn From

Posted on Thu, 06 Jun 2019 18:21:44 GMT (494 reads)

When we consider the above statement, it is tempting to imagine that someone has literally sawn off the front of a plane and dropped it into someone’s spare room complete with a comfy (and interactive) chair. The thing is, while perhaps a lot less dramatic, should your ambition be such, that first description isn’t far wrong.

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Train Simulator

From time to time we feature news related to train simulation. This is a flight simulator website that focuses heavily on simulated flight, however many of our users are train sim enthusiasts too. One of the popular train simulator packages we cover is Microsoft Train Simulator (which has now been discontinued), Trainz and RailWorks. Included are press releases, industry updates and payware product releases.

RailWorks 3: Train Simulator 2012 Announced for September 23

Posted on Thu, 14 Jul 2011 19:32:57 GMT (33156 reads)

Chatham, UK--July 14, 2011--Railsimulator.com Ltd., the leading innovator of rail simulation and modelling tools, announced today that the sequel to the best-selling and award-winning RailWorks 2 will launch worldwide on September 23. RailWorks 3: Train Simulator 2012.

Microsoft Train Simulator 2 - MSTS2 coming in 2009

Posted on Sun, 18 Jan 2009 04:24:13 GMT (36362 reads)

Microsoft Game Studios has announced Train Simulator 2, the sequel to Microsoft's realistic railroading simulation from 2001, Train Simulator. The new game adds five new highly detailed routes and will let players control a variety of trains, from 200-ton modern diesel locomotives to historical steam engines. The new routes will let players turn back the clock and control trains on the Pennsylvania Railroad's Horseshoe Curve in 1946 or go for high-speed runs through Germany on the Deutsche Bahn AG. Train Simulator 2 also adds dynamic weather and richer environments filled with people, vehicles, and roaming animals.

Rheilffordd Ffestiniog Railway Train-Sim Version

Posted on Mon, 21 Jun 2004 00:44:14 GMT (17170 reads)

The real world Rheilffordd Ffestiniog Railway in Wales, the oldest independent railway company in the world, has an extensive collection of MSTS wagons available for download from their web site as well as an early alpha version of their actual route. 

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Aviation News

Aviation news from the editors at Fly Away Simulation. Featuring the latest aviation and aerospace updates and press releases. We feature content about the latest airplane news and any topics related to real world aircraft, not flight simulation. International airports and general airport news are also included here.

JSTARS Called To Improve Scheduling Speed as the E-8D Marches On

Posted on Mon, 07 Sep 2015 15:36:11 GMT (5388 reads)

Shots were fired recently as Northrop Grumman says that it should not be taking sixteen years for the US Air Force to re-capitalize the Boeing 707 E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System. In the same interview, they released a barrage at the USAF as they also stated it should not take an eleven month “risk reduction” period to get the party started. The storm comes from the recent selection by the USAF for Northrop, Boeing and Lockheed Martin to all have access to the next-generation contracts for JSTARS designs. 

Do You Recognize This Aviation Pioneer?

Posted on Fri, 10 Apr 2015 12:03:56 GMT (6527 reads)

This British aviation pioneer was born near Manchester, England, in 1877, the son of a doctor.  After quitting school at age 14, he travelled to western Canada for a year. Upon returning to England, he worked in railway locomotive shops. He became interested in aviation while observing albatrosses during a stint in the British Merchant Navy.

Do You Recognize This Pioneer Who Dominated Early 20th Century Aviation?

Posted on Wed, 25 Mar 2015 14:55:03 GMT (6606 reads)

Born in 1882 to a clergy family in Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, England, this aviation pioneer formed a long-standing aircraft manufacturing company that designed and produced legendary military and civilian aircraft.

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Other news topics

Below are the categories that have been archived because they are for older or obsolete simulators or don't fit into the sections above.