Get flightsim screenshots on your desktop

mySIMSHOTS.NET launched a free Windows sidebar/desktop gadget showing the latest screenshots uploaded on the site in a slideshow directly on your desktop. This will allow you to stay up to date with the latest additions without the need of checking the site every day.

The gadget is avaialble for Windows Vista and 7 operating systems.

Detailed instruction on how to download and install can be found on their blog.

Freeware Nemeth Design helicopters

Nemeth Design is offering a couple of their wonderful helicopters for free. Unfortunately they are only FS9 models, but if you are still using the sim and like helicopters it's a good opportunity to try them. I have flown the Sikorsky S76 and the EC120B and they are truly wonderful.

To see the free helicopters you will need to go their official site: http://www.nemethdesigns.com/freeware.html#pay01

Free airport and airline databases

I was working on a website project and was in need for a free open source database with airports and airlines. Here are a couple I could find:

Openflights
Provides two different csv databases, one with airports and the other with airlines. Airport database contains close to 6000 entries covering most of the big airports around the world. Airline database is quite big as well (over 9000 entries). Also the websites offers a route database. The OpenFlights Airport, Airline and Route Databases are made available under the Open Database License.

OurAirports
Largest public domain airports database I could find. Contains over 43000 airports from around the world. The files are released under public domain.

The Global Airport Database
Over 9000 airports under Common Public License.

Free aviation photos

A couple of free high resolution aviation photos to use in your projects. They can be used for both free or commercial purposes.

Free aviation photos

(collection is being updated constantly)

Free flight simulators

Here is a list of some free flight simulator software available:

Flightgear
Available for multiple OS (windows, mac, linux), with multiple aircrafts and scenery for entire world. Good graphics. Quite realistic.

Aces High
Fighter simulation game. Online and offline modes. Community.

Freeware FSX AS332L2 - Eurocopter Super Puma lauched

I have just downloaded and flew one of the newest and most promising freeware helicopter for Microsoft Flight Simulator X Acceleration. It is the AS332L2 Super Puma model by Dirk Fassbender available at hovercontrol.com and Avsim.

The feature list looks amazing for a freeware product:

working autopilot, internal cargo, FSX acceleration external cargo possible, FSX acceleration hoisting possible, HSI and sector mode on screens, skywatch made out off the default FSX radar, working floats, detailed engine deck, several door animations, realistic cockpit night lighting effects, windscreen icing effect, wind screen wipers with effect, six paintings included but only from real L2's, equipment visibility options via the FSX default payload menu, FSX GPS, animated sunvisors, animated door windows, search light, two flir pods, passengers, crew in VC visible if wanted, rotorhead fully animated, easy checklist.

I am currently test flying it and will be writing a review about it. I have to say this looks to be the most complete helicopter for FSX I have ever flew.

For more informations you can visit the producer's website.