Just now, Just Flight and DC Designs have released their F/A-18 Super Hornet for FSX and Prepar3D simulators. This F/A-18 package includes the E, F, and G variants of the Super Hornet. “The ‘E’ Hornet is a strike attack and fleet defence fighter, supported in both roles by the twin-seat ‘F’ version, while the EA-18G ‘Growler. Got a new livery or mod? Publish it here. German Air Force TF-104 27+27. By Hans-Juergen Kasper. Date submitted: Feb 12, 2015. Royal Jordanian Air Force F. Texture for Spanish Air Force EF-18B, 15-70, Ala 15, based in Zaragoza AB. 75,000 hours livery. You need the model by Captain Sim, Xload. By Antonio Diaz. Screenshot of SAF EF-18B on runway. fltsim.XX title=CS F18D Ala15 15-70 75.000 hours.
Captain Sim All-in-One
This 'All-in-One' pack delivers a complete collection of 18 the most popular C-130 variants.Main features:- Full set of 18 highly detailed and accurate C-130 Models- Realistic textures of 25 popular liveries- Hundreds of custom 3D Animations- Highly detailed 3D Virtual Cockpit- 5 high resolution full-screen 2D Panels- 17 additional 2D Panels- Extensive Systems Programming.
- Publisher: Captain Sim
- Home page:www.captainsim.com
- Last updated: April 11th, 2013
IDAutomation.com Code 128 Font Adv Package
Code 128 Barcode Fonts, also known as GS1-128, UCC-128, EAN-128 and others, can be used on any operating system such as Windows, Linux, Unix and Macintosh that supports TrueType, OpenType, PostScript and PCL fonts.vAll Code 128 Fonts require special formatting so that the data, when the barcode font is applied, will be scannable.
- Publisher: IDAutomation.com
- Home page:www.advancemeants.com
- Last updated: January 24th, 2010
Cash88 Adv Bar
This useful toolbar is a program where thousands of people are watching at the post info, the use can publish their news for free and it is a place where they can make some money too. The toolbar includes: finance, real-time news, job finder, real state, make friends...
- Publisher: Cash88.com
707 Captain (FREE DEMO)
707 Captain Free Demo is an excellent flight simulator. Some of its key features are: Captain Sim visual quality and realism, DirectX 9/10 compatible, Accurate digital replica of the Boeing 707-320B Adv aircraft, 4X** High resolution Textures of Pan Am livery...
- Publisher: © 1999-2011 Captain Sim
- Home page:www.captainsim.com
- Last updated: July 27th, 2011
ACE
The ACE utility works with all variations of the '757 Captain' (-200, -300, Freighter) and provides the following features:- Add new '757 Captain' liveries to FSX.- Preview any existing (installed) '757 Captain' livery.- Delete any existing '757 Captain' Sim livery from FSX.- Edit AIRCRAFT VARIATION text.- Edit DESCRIPTION text.
- Publisher: Captain Sim
- Home page:www.captainsim.com
- Last updated: November 8th, 2012
737 Captain (737-100 Exterior Model)
Key Features:-Captain Sim quality and realism-DirectX 9/10 compatibleExterior:-Accurate digital replica of the Boeing 737-100-4X high resolution textures of three popular liveries-Hundreds of realistic animations-Animation control panel-3D transparent windows-Passengers-Stewardess model (various airline uniforms)-Wing flex-Wing vortices-Self-shade-Pre-saved views
- Publisher: Captain Sim
- Home page:www.captainsim.com
- Last updated: October 4th, 2011
737 Captain (737-200)
737 Captain (737-200) is a program that delivers interior, systems and sounds to all of the expansion models (-100, -200C/F, ADV). It contains the accurate digital replica of the Boeing 737-200 original aircraft, hundreds of realistic animations and 3D transparent windows.
- Publisher: Captain Sim
- Home page:www.captainsim.com
- Last updated: April 30th, 2012
HorizonADV
HorizonADV is a program that offers a flexible and dynamic user interface designed to easily guide you through the data collection and review process. This program operates with standard ADV, MicroADV, and real-time ADVOcean systems. It allows you to collect data using one ADV.
- Publisher: SonTek/YSI Inc.
- Home page:www.sontek.com
- Last updated: August 5th, 2012
767 Captain
KEY FEATURES:• No obligations, hidden fees, registrations, banners, adware etc• Unparalleled visual quality and realism• Designed according to FSX standards• DirectX 9/10 compatibleExterior:• Highly detailed and accurate Boeing 767-200• High resolution texture of AA Livery• Stewardess model (various airline uniforms)
- Publisher: Captain Sim
- Home page:www.captainsim.com
- Last updated: December 23rd, 2011
CaptainSim 757-200 PRO
CaptainSim 757-200 PRO contains 4 highly detailed and accurate Boeing 757-200 Models.This product has unparalleled visual quality and realism, it is designed according to FSX standards,it has High resolution textures of 45 Liveries, exclusive visual Effects and more
- Publisher: Captain Sim
- Home page:www.captainsim.com
- Last updated: March 30th, 2009
777 Captain Boeing 777-200
777 Captain Boeing 777-200 is a pack which delivers interior, systems and sounds to all of the expansion models. It offers you accurate digital replicas of the Boeing 777-200ER (including GE, PW and RR engine variants) and Boeing 777-200LR aircraft, with highly detailed and functional flight deck.
- Publisher: Captain Sim
- Home page:www.captainsim.com
- Last updated: August 20th, 2013
757-200 Base Pack
4 Highly detailed and accurate Boeing 757-200 Models (including PW and RR variants)• High resolution textures of 36 Liveries• Hundreds of Custom Animations• Animation Control Panel• Stewardess model (various airline uniforms)• Wing Flex• Wing Flaps Vortices• Blended Winglets• Custom Self-shade• Custom Views
- Publisher: Captain Sim
- Home page:www.captainsim.com
- Last updated: November 8th, 2011
767 Captain (767-300 Base Pack)
Five highly detailed and accurate Boeing 767-300ER Models (including GE, PW and RR variants).Features:- Unparalleled visual quality and realism- Designed according to FSX standards- DirectX 9/10 compatible- Five highly detailed and accurate Boeing 767-300ER Models (including GE, PW and RR variants)- High resolution textures of 14 Liveries
- Publisher: Captain Sim
- Home page:www.captainsim.com
- Last updated: March 28th, 2012
767-300 Base Pack
767-300 Base Pack delivers interior and systems to all models except the -400.Main Features:- Unparalleled visual quality and realism- Designed according to FSX standards- DirectX 9/10 compatible- High resolution textures of 14 Liveries- Hundreds of custom 3D Animations
- Publisher: (c) 2009 Captain Sim
- Home page:www.captainsim.com
- Last updated: July 27th, 2009
757-300 Expansion Model
Highly Detailed Exterior Models are available in the following 4 variations:- 757-300 RR- 757-300 RR with winglets- 757-300 PW- 757-300 PW with wingletsKey Features:- Outstanding visual quality and realism- Designed according to FSX standards- DirectX 9/10 compatible- Stewardess model (various airline uniforms)- Wing Flex
- Publisher: Captain Sim
- Last updated: February 29th, 2012
727-100 Base Pack
727-100 Base Pack delivers interior and systems to all of the 727 models.Main Features:- Unparalleled visual quality and realism- Designed according to FSX standards- Realistic Flight Model- ACE - Aircraft Configuration Editor- Authentic Sound Set- Exclusive visual Effects- Extensive Manuals
- Publisher: Captain Sim
- Home page:www.captainsim.com
- Last updated: March 28th, 2010
B-52 Driver
B-52 Driver is an add-on for Microsoft Flight Simulator X.Main Features:- Realistic flight model.- Authentic sound set.- ACE: Aircraft Configuration Editor.- Extensive manuals in 3 parts.- Presaved flights.- Repaint kit.- Growing number of free liveries.- DirectX 9/10 compatible.
- Publisher: Captain Sim
- Home page:www.captainsim.com
- Last updated: March 18th, 2013
C-130 for FSX - All-in-One Pack
C-130 for FSX - All-in-One Pack delivers a complete collection of 18 the most popular C-130 variants.Main features:- Realistic textures of 25 popular liveries.- Hundreds of custom 3D Animations.- Highly detailed 3D Virtual Cockpit.- 5 high resolution full-screen 2D Panels.- 17 additional 2D Panels.
- Publisher: Captain Sim
- Home page:www.captainsim.com
- Last updated: June 13th, 2012
“What add-ons should I buy to make my FSX look like yours?” If you are new to Flight Simulator or Prepar3d – take a look at my “must have” list.
- Most important add-ons (basic improvements)
- Mesh
- Weather add-on set
- Terrain improvements
- Area sceneries
- Photosceneries
- Airport suggestions
- Quick glance on aircraft market
- Tools
Introduction
People ask me how to make their FSX look like mine. The answer is easy – it’s all about add-ons and configuration. Today I will focus on add-ons.
I need to warn you (yes – this is a disclaimer) – I have strong personal preferences that affect my judgement. I will not try to be objective here. I do not feel that I have to. I am presenting my set-up. “My” is the operative word here. That means that you may find some other suggestions – some of them equally good (or even better). But if you like my screenshots – this is why they look as they look.
(Obligatory) starter set
FSX users
- SimConnect (FSX:SE users only)– free
- FSUIPC (all users) – free or payware
- DX10 Fixer (all users) – payware
- UIAutomationCore (legace FSX users only) – free
Prepar3d users
- FSUIPC (all users) – free
Read more
Read more about the first steps in upgrading your FSX. The part concerning FSUIPC is also applicable to all P3D users.
People using the legacy FSX (non steam versions) should also read the beginning of my tweak guideto know how to install UIAutomationCore.dll.
Mesh (freeware)
I strongly recommend freeware FreeMeshX. Read my review of this add-on.
Weather
Weather add-ons can be divided into two groups:
- Weather engines – Active Sky Next
- Cloud and sky textures – REX 4 Texture Direct HD with Soft Clouds
Weather engine
The weather engine (Active Sky Next) is responsible for weather data and cloud drawing. ASN injects winds, clouds and precipitation into the Flight Simulator and manages weather changes while you fly. A good weather engine (I consider ASN to be very good) uses real time, real world data to keep your weather as realistic as possible. This includes real-world winds at all altitudes.
Cloud and sky textures
Texture software (like REX 4 Texture Direct HD with Soft Clouds) that I use replaces default low-resolution clouds with images that are much sharper and much more detailed. In REX 4 you can choose clouds that are 512 square pixels in size, or 1024 sq px, 2048 or even 4096 sq px (the higher, the better but higher resolution comes at a price of performance). Together with new cloud textures REX 4 gives you new sky colors (daytime, dusk and dawn) and new water textures. It also improves runway/taxiway textures at default airports (and some payware too).
There is some confusion between REX 4 TD and Soft Clouds. REX TD uses sharp textures that look great form a distance. Soft Clouds add-on ads clouds that appear to be volumetric (although they are not). You can spot both types on the image below. I suggest you buy REX TD with Soft Clouds (both add-ons can be purchased separately).
Some HD clouds and some soft clouds next to PMDG Boeing 777
Moon
For high definition moon during night flights – download a freeware MoonHD add-on. I described it in “Moon, roads, rocks… for FSX”.
FSX / P3D
All add-ons I mentioned here work with FSX (including Steam Edition) and Prepar3d.
Ground Textures
Basically you have two options. You can go with a freeware ground textures or you can buy them. In my opinion – freeware and payware add-ons have nothing in common – there is such a difference in how they change users experience. That is why I strongly recommend the payware solution. If you do not have money for FTX Global – consider using freeware add-ons.
Freeware ground textures
I wrote three articles about replacement textures for FSX:
Payware ground textures – ORBX FTX Global Base
If you can afford it (normal price – AUD$99.95, Christmas Sale price – AUD$64.95) you should buy FTX Global Base from ORBX.
For details – read my review. In short – this add-on will completely change your experience in FSX (P3D) – almost all ground textures will be replaced.
FTX Global + Aerosoft’s Twin Otter
Realistic terrain – area sceneries
Global and large area sceneries
ORBX published FTX Global Vector. This scenery replaces default FSX vector objects (roads, rivers, coastlines…) with an updated set.
- you need to have FTX Global Base to install Vector
ORBX also offers their FTX Global openLC (Europe and Canada/Alaska). This add-on replaces the default landclass (terrain type definition) and ads new textures (improving FTX Global Base).
- you need to have FTX Global Base to install openLC
F18 Sim
Regional area sceneries
ORBX made several regional area sceneries. They do the same as Global+Vector+openLC set but they do this better – they take changes much further. You can choose:
Northern California (local photoscenery)
I reviewed some of those sceneries:
If you are not decided to pay for such scenery – I suggest you try a demo from ORBX. You can use Tasmania (Australia) and Olympic Peninsula (Washington state, USA) under FSX and the latter scenery under P3D. I really enjoyed flying over Tasmania – you can even install ORBX freeware Launceston Airport with this scenery.
Photosceneries
Sceneries based on aerial images are a different kind. They show the real world image of the ground but they are usually more expensive and they take a lot of space on hard drive.
I recently reviewed:
Apart from MegaSceneryEarth which offers almost all states of U.S. and several European countries you should get familiar with BlueSkyScenery – this website provides the best freeware photosceneries of the USA. Also Netherlands and Italy have a good freeware photosceneries.
Aerosoft’s Catalina and freeware photoscenery of Italy + some nice clouds from REX
Airports
It is difficult to give you a simple suggestion on what you should buy first. I will not suggest a single airport – it’s entirely up to you. I will only suggest that if it is your first payware airport – you should buy something that you really like and you should not go for a cheap product – choose high quality instead. Look for an airport that has good reviews (here or elsewhere). Take a look at the screenshots – if you like them – there is a better chance you will like the product you bought.
One of my favorite airports – Palm Springs. Sky color – thanks to REX Texture Direct
If you are looking for something extraordinary – pick one of the airports I rated with 6 stars:
Monterey Airport
Freeware airports
If you wish to try some add-on airports for free – there are several I can recommend.
Zegrze Pomorskie (5* review) is a small ex-military airport in Poland. It’s quality is superb. Heringsdorf by Captain7.de is even better! Give them a try. If you like Heringsdorf – there is a payware Magdeburg from the same developer (read my review of Magdeburg Airport).
A2A’s Piper Cub in Heringsdorf
Payware airport developers that I can recommend (based on my personal experience – alphabetical order)
- 29Palms (and 29Palms together with Captain7)
- Aerosoft
- Akesoft
- Drzewiecki Design
- FlightBeam
- Flytampa
- ORBX
- UK2000
- Vidan Design
Aircraft
I know that it may be confusing when you look at all those aircraft and wonder which one should you buy. Let me share my favorites with you.
Top quality, immense realism
There are two brands that assure you of the top quality – it’s A2A and PMDG.
A2A offers general aviation and historical aircraft. They have made the best Cessna 172 for FSX. They also made my favorite Piper Comanche. In earlier planes they sold AccuSim (the realism expansion pack) separately – like in this Spitfire + AccuSim for Spitfire. Currently (in recently published general aviation planes) AccuSim is built in the base product.
PMDG makes airliners. I have their 777, 737 and Jetstream 4100. They are all great. You can read my multi-part review of 777.
Both companies use separate licences for FSX and P3D add-ons.
737-600 (PMDG)
Aerosoft
Aerosoft’s planes that I tried varied. They were superb – like the . Their Katana looks great (I have not tried it yet). Some of their add-ons got 4* in my reviews (like Wilga). No Aerosoft plane that I flew would get anything less than 4 stars. This means quality. I like their planes for that – they are reliable and sometimes – great.
Captain Sim
I have several aircraft from this developer. I am satisfied but I am not amazed. Good, reliable, correct…
Carenado and Alabeo
Carenado and its sister company makes beautiful planes but has an easy (or lax) attitude to systems and some details. Their planes get 3* and 4* reviews at my blogs. I like them… but… there is always something that could be improved.
More about planes
I need to translate a text that I wrote about the planes that I have. Expect it soon. If you need more suggestions – I also recommend Quality Wings BAe 146 / Avro RJ, Sibwings An-2, RealAir Duke, Cera Sim helicopters (Bell 212 and 222), Vertigo Studios Panther and Lionheart Kodiak.
Lotus L-39 Albatros (honorable mention)
I also need to mention Lotus L-39. It is a great military jet trainer.
Tools
You are often asking me about my screenshots – angles and camera positions.
Camera – EZDOK
I use Flight1 EZDOK camera. It gives me freedom of movement and makes looking around a little easier in flight.
TrackIR
F18 Captain Sim Free Torrent Online
When I fly small planes and military jets I often use TrackIR head tracking software. I strongly recommend it for all military and aerobatic pilots!
PFPX
For flight planning (in IFR flights) I use Professional Flight Planner X.
Ground Services X
An add-on that brings airport service vehicles.
GSX in action
TacPack
Weapons add-on – a must have for anyone flying military aircraft (check your aircraft compatibility before buying).
Aerosoft’s F-14 hit by a TacPack generated missile