OT: AeroflyFS [Archive]

Bomber_12th

February 8th, 2012, 13:38

Through a very valued connection I was able to get a hold of a copy of this new flight simulator, and I've been quite impressed by it, with just a few flights conducted since Monday.

It is my strong belief that AeroflyFS is the most beautiful flight simulator created to date. The top five things I am very impressed with, are - the flight physics, shaders, scenery textures, scenery mesh, and over-all sense of movement and space. Although the entire scenery (which is quite extensive!) is covered in autogen trees, there are only select locations, near airports, where the scenery has autogen buildings. I am hopeful, however, that this product will continue to be improving/enhancing over time, as, for instance, every time you start the game it very quickly checks online for any avialable updates, like Rise of Flight, but unlike Rise of Flight you are not required to log-in online.

The over all sense of speed/motion is, I feel, better than that experienced in MSFS. Doing some maneuvering with the F-18, looking out through the un-restricted canopy, high above the mountains, was the first time I think I have ever felt a little queezy while using a desktop-based flight simulator - it was great!

All of the following screenshots are completely un-edited, with the exception of cropping to reduce the size of the images, so what you see is what can be seen first-hand in the sim. After taking these screenshots, I realized I still have to dial-in/assign better graphics settings in Nvidia Inspector for this game - right now the edges of the aircraft and shadows are quite jaggy.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/f18_19.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/f18_18.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/f18_17.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/f18_16.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/f18_15.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/f18_14.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/f18_13.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/f18_12.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/f18_11.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/f18_10.jpg

Bomber_12th

February 8th, 2012, 13:39

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/f18_9.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/f18_8.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/f18_7.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/f18_6.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/f18_5.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/f18_4.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/f18_3.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/f18_2.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/f18_1.jpg

Bomber_12th

February 8th, 2012, 13:40

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Image36.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Image27.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Image29-3.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Image28.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Image30.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Image31-1.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Image32.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Image33.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Image34.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Image35-1.jpg

Bomber_12th

February 8th, 2012, 13:41

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Image26.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Image37.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Image38.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Image39.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Image40.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Image41.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Image42.jpg

Bomber_12th

February 8th, 2012, 13:42

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Image43.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Image44.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Image45.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Image46.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Image47.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Image48.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Image49.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Image50.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Image51.jpg

Bomber_12th

February 8th, 2012, 13:44

And finally a few more:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/f18_21.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/f18_20.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/f18_23.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/f18_22.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/f18_24.jpg

Roger

February 8th, 2012, 13:56

Magnificent shots and scenery!

Barvan40

February 8th, 2012, 13:57

Looks good John, any VC shots?

OleBoy

February 8th, 2012, 14:13

For photo-real surroundings I'm impressed. From what I could see the autogen wasn't too bad either. I noticed most of your shots are high altitude. What does it look like at lower altitudes? More autogen? How about some shots from around the cities, coast lines etc. Some shots of the PNW coast would be encouraging. What does it include for aircraft?

Where is the site who sells this sim? :icon_lol:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-jRJOi-H-E

Edit; found it http://www.aeroflyfs.com/index.php/en/

airattackimages

February 8th, 2012, 14:26

From everything I've seen of it online its gorgeous and detailed at all altitudes. I'm intrigued, really would like to check it out but I'm scared it would ruin FSX for me lol.

JohnC

February 8th, 2012, 14:36

From everything I've seen of it online its gorgeous and detailed at all altitudes. I'm intrigued, really would like to check it out but I'm scared it would ruin FSX for me lol.

They both have their strengths and weakness, I actually think it's much more of a compliment to FSX than competition. The systems modeling in Aerofly is very limited, as is the distance you can fly point to point, and there are no naval operations. However, in addition to what John already mentioned; it loads quickly, hasn't crashed on me once, and is smooth as butter even on high graphics settings. I think it's all about what and how you feel like flying.

Bomber_12th

February 8th, 2012, 14:52

Here's some more ; )

For those who don't know much about AeroflyFS, it 'only' covers Switzerland (but to choose anywhere in the world to model, I can't really think of a more beautiful place - some might tie it I'm sure), and the amount of scenery that is, is still quite extensive (when you fly to the outer-bounds of Switzerland, the scenery continues, but it is very low resolution/blurry, so you can definitely tell where the focused scenery ends. Unlike FS2004/FSX, there is no obvious texturing tiling, as far as I can see, with no noticable blurry textures at distance. Everything also loads incredibly fast. The runways, where applicable, have all of the same slopes/contours as the real-life examples - the slopes/contours being just as smooth as in real life too.

It is a very simple game/simulator. As of right now, there is no AI, ATC, or clickable items in the VC's. The flight models/physics and graphics, at least for me, make up for that for now. To fly the Pitts or Extra, they seem to be extremely accurate reproductions when it comes to flight characteristics, which, given the type, is of course great fun!

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Image1-14.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Image2-14.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Image3-13.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Image4-13.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Image5-14.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Image6-12.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Image7-13.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Image8-12.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Image9-13.jpg

Bomber_12th

February 8th, 2012, 14:59

On the topic of FSX and AeroflyFS, AeroflyFS, at least in its current state, is not cutting me short from my continued interest in FSX at all. FSX has far, far more to it right now. AeroflyFS, to me, is a neat novelty, that I hope will continue to grow in depth. Already, as I think most would agree, it is a stunning visual experience. I do know that the Swiss scenery in AeroflyFS is far better than the Swiss scenery I have in FSX (which is just default), so when/if I choose to fly in Switzerland, I know which sim I will choose. I also don't fly any of the aircraft types that come with AeroflyFS, in FSX, so that also provides a change from the norm.

DennyA

February 16th, 2012, 19:39

Is there a good US source of this yet? Totally want to buy it.

Wish they'd offer it for digital download on Steam or something. It's 2012, people.

Ark

February 16th, 2012, 19:46

Is there a good US source of this yet? Totally want to buy it.

Wish they'd offer it for digital download on Steam or something. It's 2012, people.

^^^^ Agreed!

heywooood

February 17th, 2012, 07:08

^^^^ Agreed!

well after seeing these shots I bought it - I hope its worth it :kilroy:

with my luck it'll pop up on Steam tomorrow for 9.99

Gibbage

February 17th, 2012, 12:09

Thanks for the overview of AeroflyFS! I saw the early video's and the FM and animations looked very rigid too me. The scenery does look very good, as does all photo-real scenery, but how does it look down low? The problem I have seen with photo-real is once you get low, things seem to look flat. Since I do all my flying low and slow, this is a concern for me.

sinanziric

February 17th, 2012, 13:04

Anyone can tell us HOW DEEP is flight simulation actually, is it Flight Simulator or Video Game?

Scenery, Aircraft looks good, can't tell the same for clouds :jump: but it's a new game, plenty of time ahead for such things.

Bomber_12th

February 17th, 2012, 13:33

I'm not here to advertise the product, just merely present some screenshots from the sim that I thought were good for showing. I will say that the flight dynamics are exceptional, as far as I'm concerned - I don't know if you'll find better in any other sim (save for perhaps Rise of Flight). I don't really know what else to say other than what I already have stated within this thread. I will add however, that the experience of flying through clouds, is neither like FSX, nor like Rise of Flight, but rather a bit of in-between - it's fairly well done.

Again, I'm not posting these images for anyone to be interested or not interested in this sim, as that doesn't matter to me in the least - there's no forcing you to like it or not like it/to buy it or not buy it. I like it for what it is, and that's all that matters to me.

However, if anyone would like some more screenshots, here are some randoms that I've archived over the last couple of weeks, none of which are of real importance (no studies in screenshot taking, for sure), as I really wasn't shooting screenshots for any purpose, as I was enjoying the experience of the sim, rather than take my time to try and execute better screenshots, or screenshots of any one thing in particular.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/aerofly_1.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/aerofly_2.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/aerofly_3.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/aerofly_4.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/aerofly_5.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/aerofly_6.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/aerofly_7.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/aerofly_8.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/aerofly_9.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/aerofly_10.jpg

Bomber_12th

February 17th, 2012, 13:35

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/aerofly_11.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/aerofly_12.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/aerofly_14.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/aerofly_20.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/aerofly_13.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/aerofly_15.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/aerofly_16.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/aerofly_17.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/aerofly_18.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/aerofly_19.jpg

huub vink

February 17th, 2012, 13:56

Beautiful shots John and thanks for the explanations and comments.

Huub

DennyA

February 17th, 2012, 18:18

Leave it to the Swiss to leave the AIM-9s off their Hornet...

MarkH

February 18th, 2012, 00:22

Definitely looks interesting but i can't see any way to buy it. Who's getting it, and from where?!

jschall

February 18th, 2012, 02:09

Definitely looks interesting but i can't see any way to buy it. Who's getting it, and from where?!
http://www.aeroflyfs.com/index.php/en/produkte-shop/shop-usa.html

Strange, they don`t seem to ship to the UK!

MarkH

February 18th, 2012, 02:32

http://www.aeroflyfs.com/index.php/en/produkte-shop/shop-usa.html

Strange, they don`t seem to ship to the UK!

That page isn't selling AeroflyFS at all as far as I can see.

hairyspin

February 18th, 2012, 02:46

Gorgeous modelling, I'd be interested if it had an SDK and a modeller's toolkit! :jump:

jschall

February 18th, 2012, 02:51

That page isn't selling AeroflyFS at all as far as I can see.
Sure it is, Mark. You have to click on ''Flight Simulators'', then select ''AeroflyFS''.

From $49.99, the price is going up to $64.99 on April 1st...

MarkH

February 18th, 2012, 03:28

Sure it is, Mark. You have to click on ''Flight Simulators'', then select ''AeroflyFS''.

From $49.99, the price is going up to $64 on April 1st...

Their shop is a bit of a mess. I have figured out I have to buy it from the 'International' page if I live in the UK.

jankees

February 18th, 2012, 04:11

a mess indeed, after I filled in my credit card details, I was thrown back to the beginning...

jetstreamsky

February 18th, 2012, 05:04

Almost bought it, got through the whole ordering process, then it slapped on $28 shipping and handling for Canadian delivery from US, Way toooo much for a $50 disk with booklet, I've never charged anything like that for other disk based products from the US. Shame really, but for a sim without particle effects i.e smoke trails for the aeros and no multiplayer connectivity with limited aircraft, I'll save that money for the next A2A or maybe PMDG product.

Lionheart

February 18th, 2012, 06:40

Bomber12th,

Thanks for showing us these screenshots and your feedback. I knew I wanted this when I saw the first YouTube movie of it. I have spent evenings watching YouTube movies on the planes in this sim. The airports look incredible, little airstrips with tons of detail, flags, trees, cars, buildings. I was finally able to afford it the other day, found out I needed to order through the USA branch. They didnt have alot in stock and are having new packages created. I think these guys are going to be overwhelmed with business. The addage; 'Build a better flight sim, and they will come' applies here.

I hope to get my CD's in early next week.

I think its 29 Gigs total for the package on the HD. And, the entire country of Switzerland! Sweeet! I want to fly that Robin so bad.... I have wanted to make one for FS forever, lol...

The word from their HQ is that they are presently making tools for inserting scenery and planes into the sim so people can customize it.

Bill

hairyspin

February 18th, 2012, 08:27

The word from their HQ is that they are presently making tools for inserting scenery and planes into the sim so people can customize it.

Are they indeed? Thanks Bill!

Gdavis101

February 18th, 2012, 13:02

Ordered mine! Can't wait to try it out..

Lionheart

February 18th, 2012, 13:33

Are they indeed? Thanks Bill!

Hey Tom,

Yep. Thats from Frank, who is head of USA sales. He stated; quote: 'They are now working on the tools so that people can add or modify the scenery and planes in the simulator.' end quote.

They sound like really nice people.

Bill

hews500d

February 18th, 2012, 19:04

Just ordered mine :jump: Thanks for posting the pics Bomber! I had decided against this one a few weeks ago after learning that it has non-clickable vc's and basic functionality, but that Pitts looks too nice to pass up.. Plus the scenery and airports look great from the YouTube videos I have watched, and the flight physics sound like they're more like X-Plane than FSX... Most of my flying is just short hops anyway so there is really no need for complicated flight management systems and navigational instruments working.. I've got X-Plane and FSX if I want that :icon_lol:

Can't wait to try this one out!!

Darrell

Gibbage

February 18th, 2012, 21:15

I hope they do an SDK. Right now I dont know if Flight will have an SDK or even have 3rd party stuff, so it would be really nice to have an alternitive and compatition!

DennyA

February 18th, 2012, 21:47

The USA order process is the most broken web form I've used since the mid-90s. If it was anything other than a flight sim, I'd have said screw it. I just hope they fix the format of the address before they mail it.

But, finally ordered, so looking forward to flying it. But I sent them an e-mail pointing out how broken their order process is.

Lionheart

February 19th, 2012, 09:02

Hello Denny,

I looked for the broken link and didn't find it. I clicked on the American Flag in the Sales site for the AeroFlyFS and it took me to the USA/Australia page, from there I clicked on Flight Simulators, and from there clicked on Aerofly FS and it took me to the purchase page.

I linked it here if anyone else would like to go directly to the page;

http://www.aeroflyfs.com/index.php/en/produkte-shop/shop-usa.html

I hope this helps. I tried to buy through the International side, not knowing they had the American side (I didn't know they had started sales to America yet). I was redirected by Frank at AeroFly to go to the USA page, (look for the flag, very large, bottom right).

Lionheart

February 19th, 2012, 09:03

C'mon Tuesday!!!!

I guess I can oil up the Saitek X-52 and prep it for flight... :S

Lionheart

February 19th, 2012, 09:06

I hope they do an SDK. Right now I dont know if Flight will have an SDK or even have 3rd party stuff, so it would be really nice to have an alternitive and compatition!

Flight presently has no SDK available. The scenery and aircraft files are DLL files, all locked. From what MS has stated, Flight will only be expandable through their own shop products, not through add ons by developers.

AeroFly is doing an SDK for Aerofly FS.

Gibbage, did you texture that Evektor? Those seats are freaking brilliant!

DennyA

February 19th, 2012, 11:43

Thanks, Lionheart. Among the problems are that the box for house number doesn't have the mandatory * by it, but you have to put your house number in that box or it kicks you back to the address screen with no explanation. (And it resets the state to blank when it does that, further confusing you and making you think the state is the problem.) When you finally do get past the address entry screen, it formats your address like this in the confirmation mail:
Your Name
Streetname 12345
City, USA
Postalcode state

...which is totally wrong for mailing in the USA, and I hope they correct that before actually sending out the boxes.

But most egregious of all, it does not securely SSL encrypt the form data when it sends it -- there's no secure lock, and the browser even gives you warning that you're about to send your form (including all your credit card data) unecrypted. This is 100% unacceptable for ecommerce.

In the very small sampling of people I know who have tried to order this program, more than half have either given up because of problems with the form, or because of the SSL issue. They're losing a lot of sales this way.

If you do decide you want it, I'd strongly suggest you sacrifice the tiny 3% online ordering discount and order by phone rather than sending your credit card info complete with three-digit verification code unencrypted across the Internet.

Bomber_12th

February 19th, 2012, 12:11

Did a short flight this morning using the Cessna 172 - I hope no one minds me posting some more shots.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/AFLY.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/AFLY2.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/AFLY3.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/AFLY4.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/AFLY5.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/AFLY6.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/AFLY7.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/AFLY8.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/AFLY9.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/AFLY10.jpg

Bomber_12th

February 19th, 2012, 12:13

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/AFLY11.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/AFLY12.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/AFLY13.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/AFLY14.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/AFLY15.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/AFLY16.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/AFLY17.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/AFLY18.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/AFLY19.jpg

flaminghotsauce

February 19th, 2012, 17:34

This looks tremendous. Wish I had $50 to blow. I just bought ROF for $10 and that is going to be it for a while. I spent my play money buying a new joystick.

Dave Torkington

February 20th, 2012, 06:13

a mess indeed, after I filled in my credit card details, I was thrown back to the beginning...

I couldn't resist any longer - it looks too good to pass, especially when there's a possible SDK on the way... Threw all my info. and card details at them and I got a 'link will not complete' or similar message from Firefox like what jankees got. Bummer!

I've sent IKARUS a message so hopefully it'll get sorted. :banghead:

skulleader

February 20th, 2012, 07:59

Hello :salute:

I've have a little question for Bomber_12th, in first congratulation for your incredible screenshots a real masterpiece...:medals:
If it's possible can you give us the complete configuration of your computer because the details and the quality of your screenshots are awesome.
I really love your F/A-18 serie, and it's for this reason that I would like to know your configuration PC's.
Please can you help me ?

A great thank's in advance for all and best regards.
Skull.

Bomber_12th

February 20th, 2012, 09:45

Intel Core i5-2500 CPU 3.30GHz
MSI Nvidia N560GTX-Ti Twin Frozr II Graphics Card (probably the most important piece)
MSI H67MS-E43 Mainboard
8GB of Ram (Corsair)

Nothing too special, but I have been extremely pleased with the performance and the display, for how much/little I spent in putting it together (last spring). I can't imagine, however, the sim (AeroflyFS) looking any different on most any other computer setup - all of the screenshots are completely un-touched, except for cropping (most of those I have posted, show the built-in HDR effect turned on).

newcomer

February 20th, 2012, 10:42

I fully agree, even with the highest graphical settings the game´s framrates are extremely high. AeroflyFS`s performance in that aspect is way above what FSX can deliver (with comparable settings on the same PC)

Lionheart

February 20th, 2012, 14:09

Man... Those photos of the Cessna look real...! arrghh... My discs arent due in till Wed. This is going to be a long 3 days. I hope the ground truck doesnt have a flat tire out there on the highways..

The brightness of the sky, the shading element in shadows, it looks so dang real.... You can always tell in screenshots what sim is which normally, but in these, the planes and buildings look so real, its throws me off.

I have some bad news. Frank emailed me this afternoon. They are now 'out of stock' on USA/English editions of AeroFly FS. I am waiting to find out when they have more in stock. Sorry guys.

Bill

Roger

February 20th, 2012, 14:23

Looks fabulous and great shots John:applause: Just one enhancement that would improve ground shots would be the inclusion of a "detail" bmp that close up gives grass, sharpness as in Fs9 and X.

hews500d

February 20th, 2012, 18:26

I have some bad news. Frank emailed me this afternoon. They are now 'out of stock' on USA/English editions of AeroFly FS. I am waiting to find out when they have more in stock. Sorry guys.

Bill

OH NO!!! Hope it doesn't take too long for them to get more. Was really hoping to get this by this weekend.

Darrell

sinanziric

February 21st, 2012, 03:46

I heard this "simulator" does not support instrument flying, like there are no ATC towers, VOR stations ...

Dimus

February 21st, 2012, 04:21

I took the plunge and ordered it. Now to wait for it to arrive...

Bomber_12th

February 21st, 2012, 06:30

I heard this "simulator" does not support instrument flying, like there are no ATC towers, VOR stations ...

...hopefully in the future we'll see AI and ATC added. Right now it is great for just VFR flying and taking in the scenery.

Gdavis101

February 21st, 2012, 13:29

From what I understand the US shop is out of stock and probably will be for 2-3 weeks.. I ordered mine on Saturday and they sold out on Friday.. Bummer..

Lionheart

February 21st, 2012, 18:46

...hopefully in the future we'll see AI and ATC added. Right now it is great for just VFR flying and taking in the scenery.

I remember flying through the mountains and passes of Southern Colorado (USA) in FS2004 with that Google Tile system online. That was the best several hours of flying I had in ages, exploring the terrain below, finding Silverton in the mountains, etc. Now, the entire country of Switzerland, all photo real, and running smooth like FS9. I can hardly wait. Hopefully mine comes in tomorrow or Thursday.

THE AGONY OF ANTICIPATION!!!!!!!! ACK!

DennyA

February 21st, 2012, 22:27

It's insane that anyone "runs out" of a simulator or game in 2012. It's nuts that they don't have a downloadable version of this. Mine is backordered too. :(

I heard this "simulator" does not support instrument flying, like there are no ATC towers, VOR stations ...
Was it really necessary to put "simulator" in quotes? Comes across as snarky, and is unnecessary. This "simulator" also doesn't support real G-forces, nor does it really kill you if you crash. Every simulator is only a subset of actual flying...

I've spent many days flying VFR in real planes and that wasn't fake flying. :) IFR is only part of the experience.

Flight Simulator X was preceded by many previous versions that only had a subset of its final features. AeroflyFS is only version 1.0. Give it time.

Mithrin

February 22nd, 2012, 06:11

Amen DennyA. I will be fying back home in a few days and then I'll most definitely pick this up!! It has enough strongpoints to make me want to spend money on it!

XLR8

February 22nd, 2012, 10:28

A few question for this sim . I have read that you can't shut down or start up the motors . What aircraft come with the package, and if any are released is payware or freeware . Thanks

Lionheart

February 22nd, 2012, 13:54

Santa dropped this off today. I'll be loading this up after work. :D

heywooood

February 22nd, 2012, 20:27

My copy is supposed to arrive this Friday Bill...have you got it loaded yet - whats your take so far?

jschall

February 23rd, 2012, 03:32

Santa dropped this off today. I'll be loading this up after work. :D
It was Canada Post that dropped mine off. But guess what? The printed manual is in German!

Fortunately, the English version is available online, so I can read how to install and set up this little jewel.

Unfortunately, my PC is in the shop getting its sound card repaired.

So, I was wondering if this long, off-topic thread indicates sufficient interest to merit its own SOH sub-forum?

What do you think?

There is already the AeroflyFS support forum, as well as a dedicated sub-forum on Avsim.

So, wouldn't it be nice to be able to share our thoughts and experiences right here on SOH?

Lionheart

February 23rd, 2012, 11:22

Well, mine will not run. My graphics card doesnt have the latest OpenGL drivers. The ATI card hasnt had an update in 2 years; Feb of 2010. Radeon 2600 XT.

:(

Trying to figure a work around.

Is it hard to 'create' ones own driver?

jschall

February 23rd, 2012, 13:34

Well, mine will not run. My graphics card doesnt have the latest OpenGL drivers. The ATI card hasnt had an update in 2 years; Feb of 2010. Radeon 2600 XT.

Bill, it seems you need a more recent graphics card, or at least one with better support by its manufacturer.

(I saw your thread on the AeroflyFS Forum. Well, at least they answered.)

Lionheart

February 23rd, 2012, 14:16

Yep.

Gdavis101

February 23rd, 2012, 14:23

That really sucks Bill.

Lionheart

February 24th, 2012, 08:25

Hey Gene,

yeah.. :( I will not cry, I will not cry, I will not cry....

I did try it on my Alienware laptop, dual nVidia graphics cards, also a 'fail' to run. I have the most modern Drivers in it, they too do not have the OpenGL technology bits in them, so that didnt work either.

This sim seems to require a nice/newish/modern graphics card, so if your graphics card is 3 years old or more, I think I can safely say it will not be able to run this.

I noted that this is now available at Apple as well for Apple people. Alas, my rig has the older GC or I would try that as well. I have wanted a good Sim for the Mac mode on my iMac. If any of you have Macs, you can buy this in the Mac App store now, $49.00 USD, 16 Gigs download. Remember, modern GC's and Intell chips for Apples 'required'.

Bill

jschall

February 24th, 2012, 12:12

hews500d

February 24th, 2012, 12:41

Hmmmm.. Wonder if the GeForce 9800 GTX+ is supported. I bought mine in 2009.

Darrell

Lionheart

February 24th, 2012, 17:36

My Nvidia GForce 7950GT, vintage 2006, that runs FSX very well, doesn't have the OpenGL shader functionality, either.

I really think this limitation should be clearly stated on the AeroflyFS website.

Anybody have any suggestions for a suitable graphics card that'll run AeroflyFS and FSX reasonably well for a reasonable price?

Hey JSchall,

You might sign up at the forum and ask them in the Aerofly FS room. They might know better.

Also, I think they are so new to this, that they are just finding out about limitations. My own thoughts are that they are just now releasing this (in the past 2+ months) and only just now finding out about what computers can run it, etc. From personal experience, in testing, during Beta, you could get all the bugs squashed and when you release, more bugs surface.

It is a shame that my cards will not work (my laptop, an Alienware with dual nVidia cards, 2, will also not run it), but perhaps this new OpenGL is the thing that allows the most realism (shading seems to be key in this functionality, shader 2.1), and perhaps this is what enables it to run smoothly compared with FSX.

Mind you this is just positive speculation that I am talking about. I want a sim that is better then FSX and runs smooth as glass. This could be the one. I am excited. If its only a GC away, thats better then buying an entire computer.

Bill

heywooood

February 24th, 2012, 21:15

so many trade offs....

un-clickable cockpit
no FSX style flyby view
not much in the way of engine or aircraft controls to map
no night flying
limited area - (this was known)
the terrain has some elements that are very good...and others that are - fairly poor

Granted I just installed it - my printed manual pamphlet is 'stadardtastenbelegung' and I have only put 1/2 an hour on the meter :kilroy:

do I get better FPS? yes - 55-60 steady in Aerofly
in FSX I get 19-25 with the settings I must have

Aerofly stutters...less than FSX - but it is not 100% fluid as I had hoped for
(I have all settings on high, native 1920x1200res and 8x ingame AA)

I hope there will be new regions, planes, paints for the planes and night textures, rain, seasons etc....soon

But I already have all that in FSX now...I'm not sorry I bought it but if I had known exactly what it was, I would have waited until later in the year to get it
after a few patches and maybe some new content

AMD AthlonII x4 635Proc 4Gigs RAM GTX560Ti Win7 64

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v250/heywooood/aeroflyFS-pittss2b-suisse-01-20120224-213150.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v250/heywooood/aeroflypitts.jpg

...Food for thought...

This offering from AeroflyFS and the new MSFlight are extremely similar in scope

*both offer limited flying area, few planes, no ATC or AI and much lighter depth of systems modeling - but with some eye catching graphics and texturing
However - Aerofly cost me around $50 whereas MSFlight will be free

*both will likely charge for every addon but probably not every patch
FSX
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v250/heywooood/2012-2-24_22-46-47-674.jpg

Lionheart

February 25th, 2012, 05:11

Awesome screenshots Heywoood.

I wonder if its possible to repaint the planes now? I deleted it from the HD on my rig. I should have roamed around in it to see how everything is packaged.

Interesting comparison of AFFS to Flight. I hadnt thought of that.

hews500d

February 25th, 2012, 05:35

heywooood

February 25th, 2012, 07:33

Heywood, how would you compare the flight dynamics between the two sims? I've read the fde's are more "believable" in AeroFly, especially in the aerobatics realm. I've watched the YouTube videos and it seems like the planes do behave more "fluid" in Aerofly, whereas in FSX a lot of the times it seems they are on rails, so to speak.

Darrell

I flew the Pitts in AFS and then in FSX

AFS - ground handling is 'slippery' on takeoff...less wheel traction than in FSX
AFS - low airspeed control surface authority and prop torque is mixed with aileron and elevator ok -rudder stronger than expected and torque...well - the throttle levels out from 3/4 to full power - like the power band is lower than it should be...but torque effect is there
AFS - in manoevering flight envelope we get a much better overall feel of a lightweight, powerful biplane interacting with the atmosphere...'feels' more like flying from the visual aspect than FSX
AFS - we get to the top of the loop where all the options are - continue loop, rotate to immelman, hammerhead, tail slide etc and it behaves 'differently' from FSX - maybe better in most aspects of torque, innertia and control surface authority - but not perfect.
AFS really needs a flyby view so we can examine sideslip better
AFS - crashing on the ground is modeled - I really dislike the FSX 'green banner of crash' frozen frame sparky smokey deal - so AFs is an improvement of sorts there
* I just realized that I haven't checked wings level stall characteristics yet lol

The terrain in FSX with FTX is beter than AFS...the new sim looks better in some aspects -but it looks like Take on Helicopters terrain (and clouds) overall
I know that wasnt part of the question but what can I say - also - the water even on 'ultra' isn't terrific

again - I'm not sorry I purchased it, so if you have already pulled the trigger and are waiting for your copy - no worries - its worth it for the better performance alone and overall improvement in FM.
I am getting 55-60 FPS pretty much everywhere with fairly high settings and like Lionheart, thats what I really wanted most - FSX is great but for its lack of smooth, fluidity...I just wanted to see a sim with these visuals run like liquid - like flight is supposed to be - without the immersion killing render lag and stutter.
AFS comes the closest to providing that - it performs better than RoF on my rig

jschall

February 25th, 2012, 09:24

Hey JSchall,
You might sign up at the forum and ask them in the Aerofly FS room. They might know better.

I did ask at the IPACS Forum. This is the answer I got:
''The problem is not, that your 3D card doesn't support Shaders (your card does that just fine), but your card is missing to important extensions (texture arrays and RG textures) that are required by aerofly FS. These cannot be added by updating the drivers, they are real "hardware features".''

So, I`d love to know what Nvidia cards have the right stuff to run AeroflyFS? My CPU is an AMD dual-core at 3.28 GHz. Is my CPU a limiting factor?

It is a shame that my cards will not work (my laptop, an Alienware with dual nVidia cards, 2, will also not run it), but perhaps this new OpenGL is the thing that allows the most realism (shading seems to be key in this functionality, shader 2.1), and perhaps this is what enables it to run smoothly compared with FSX.
l

Bill, did you install the update to 1.0.0.7? As soon as I did that, the sim would run, but at low frame rate (12 t0 15 fps). And there is no photo scenery at all. No horizon, no hills. Just the airport buildings and a few local houses. Clouds work, but the rest of the world is just not there.

Another thing I did was install DoctorGL, a utility for analyzing the OpenGL capabilities of your graphics card:
http://www.ononesoftware.com/support/607/
When I run it on my 7950GT, it gives:
====================================
Video Card Vendor: NVIDIA Corporation
Renderer: GeForce 7950 GT/PCI/SSE2/3DNOW!
OpenGL Version: 2.1.2
GLU Version: 1.2.2.0 Microsoft Corporation

Current pixel format: 9
====================================

So I don`t know if I just need a more recent graphics card, or if my CPU is too slow, too.

heywooood

February 25th, 2012, 09:40

So, I`d love to know what Nvidia cards have the right stuff to run AeroflyFS? My CPU is an AMD dual-core at 3.28 GHz. Is my CPU a limiting factor?

So I don`t know if I just need a more recent graphics card, or if my CPU is too slow, too.

GTX560Ti works well enough and is not an expensive card

..my AMD AthlonII x4 is slower than your dual core

Gibbage

February 25th, 2012, 12:34

...Food for thought...

This offering from AeroflyFS and the new MSFlight are extremely similar in scope

*both offer limited flying area, few planes, no ATC or AI and much lighter depth of systems modeling - but with some eye catching graphics and texturing
However - Aerofly cost me around $50 whereas MSFlight will be free

*both will likely charge for every addon but probably not every patch
FSX

Thanks for the skinny on AFS. Im also seeing many things similar to AFS and Flight, but I must correct you on one thing. Flight has full systems modeled on there aircraft. VOR and ILS fully work. There is day and night flying, along with weather. Even advanced things like the fuel transfer pumps on the Maule work, were the default FSX Maule did not.

I think the critical difference between AFS and Flight is how its getting marketed. I like AFS's marketing. Its simple, and it works without telling us too much. Flight on the otherhand makes it look like your chasing balloons and coins all day long, and thats simply NOT the case.

All in all, I think these smaller scope sims are the future. You also have Take on Helicopters thats in a very similar position of bring a full flight sim, but offering a limited area (Seattle) and selection of choppers. Even DCS series is similar! I just dont think the size of the current community can support a full world project to the level of detail thats being demanded by the current users. I also think its better to focus on a smaller area then spread yourself thin over the globe. Look at XP10. LA looks like Seattle, NY looks like London, and France looks like Hong Kong. The secenery is just generic and boring. I just dont think a world simulator at a high degree of detail is possible any more.

Overall, compatition means the simmer wins, and im really happy to see these new sims coming to market!

hews500d

February 26th, 2012, 09:55

I flew the Pitts in AFS and then in FSX

AFS - ground handling is 'slippery' on takeoff...less wheel traction than in FSX
AFS - low airspeed control surface authority and prop torque is mixed with aileron and elevator ok -rudder stronger than expected and torque...well - the throttle levels out from 3/4 to full power - like the power band is lower than it should be...but torque effect is there
AFS - in manoevering flight envelope we get a much better overall feel of a lightweight, powerful biplane interacting with the atmosphere...'feels' more like flying from the visual aspect than FSX
AFS - we get to the top of the loop where all the options are - continue loop, rotate to immelman, hammerhead, tail slide etc and it behaves 'differently' from FSX - maybe better in most aspects of torque, innertia and control surface authority - but not perfect.
AFS really needs a flyby view so we can examine sideslip better
AFS - crashing on the ground is modeled - I really dislike the FSX 'green banner of crash' frozen frame sparky smokey deal - so AFs is an improvement of sorts there
* I just realized that I haven't checked wings level stall characteristics yet lol

The terrain in FSX with FTX is beter than AFS...the new sim looks better in some aspects -but it looks like Take on Helicopters terrain (and clouds) overall
I know that wasnt part of the question but what can I say - also - the water even on 'ultra' isn't terrific

again - I'm not sorry I purchased it, so if you have already pulled the trigger and are waiting for your copy - no worries - its worth it for the better performance alone and overall improvement in FM.
I am getting 55-60 FPS pretty much everywhere with fairly high settings and like Lionheart, thats what I really wanted most - FSX is great but for its lack of smooth, fluidity...I just wanted to see a sim with these visuals run like liquid - like flight is supposed to be - without the immersion killing render lag and stutter.
AFS comes the closest to providing that - it performs better than RoF on my rig

Thanks Heywood. My copy is on backorder till mid-March.. Sounding like I may need to invest in a better graphics card to run it, not sure if my GeForce 9800+ will work or not. Oh well, at least this will give me a little time to save up for one. I think my current card is a bottleneck in my system anyway.

Darrelll

Lionheart

February 26th, 2012, 10:08

I did ask at the IPACS Forum. This is the answer I got:
''The problem is not, that your 3D card doesn't support Shaders (your card does that just fine), but your card is missing to important extensions (texture arrays and RG textures) that are required by aerofly FS. These cannot be added by updating the drivers, they are real "hardware features".''

So, I`d love to know what Nvidia cards have the right stuff to run AeroflyFS? My CPU is an AMD dual-core at 3.28 GHz. Is my CPU a limiting factor?

Bill, did you install the update to 1.0.0.7? As soon as I did that, the sim would run, but at low frame rate (12 t0 15 fps). And there is no photo scenery at all. No horizon, no hills. Just the airport buildings and a few local houses. Clouds work, but the rest of the world is just not there.

Another thing I did was install DoctorGL, a utility for analyzing the OpenGL capabilities of your graphics card:
http://www.ononesoftware.com/support/607/
When I run it on my 7950GT, it gives:
====================================
Video Card Vendor: NVIDIA Corporation
Renderer: GeForce 7950 GT/PCI/SSE2/3DNOW!
OpenGL Version: 2.1.2
GLU Version: 1.2.2.0 Microsoft Corporation

Current pixel format: 9
====================================

So I don`t know if I just need a more recent graphics card, or if my CPU is too slow, too.

Hey jschall,

I saw your post and all.

Thanks for the link. I'll check that out.

When I installed the 1.0.0.7 update, the main screen booted up that time! :) At least I got to see that gracefull Pitts hanging in the sky with the Alps in the background, but alas, it didnt run past that point and crashed. Closer though, lol...

Reminds me of when I purchased Silent Hunter III. Installed it and the horizon was HORRIBLE, the ocean was like Lego's and the sun was a wierd black and yellow blotch in the sky. A day later, it occurred to me to see if there was an update and there was and it fixed everything.

For me, the Apple iMac is built like a watch, everything is inside the screen casing like a giant laptop. The Graphics Card is a square that is screwed into the bottom of the logic board with long copper cooling tubes going to its little cooler fan box. I need to find a card that will fit all of that criteria and I do not know if I can find such a thing. The 24" (what I have) was later cancelled and replaced by the 21" and 27" units. There is hope though. There were several cards made that fit this but none that are within a year old (that I know of). I would like to keep my iMac and update it. I love this thing.

You guys that have it and its running, enjoy it! Wish I was. Those little Swiss airports look brilliant. arrgh.......

kilo delta

February 26th, 2012, 12:56

Hey jschall,

I saw your post and all.

Thanks for the link. I'll check that out.

When I installed the 1.0.0.7 update, the main screen booted up that time! :) At least I got to see that gracefull Pitts hanging in the sky with the Alps in the background, but alas, it didnt run past that point and crashed. Closer though, lol...

Reminds me of when I purchased Silent Hunter III. Installed it and the horizon was HORRIBLE, the ocean was like Lego's and the sun was a wierd black and yellow blotch in the sky. A day later, it occurred to me to see if there was an update and there was and it fixed everything.

For me, the Apple iMac is built like a watch, everything is inside the screen casing like a giant laptop. The Graphics Card is a square that is screwed into the bottom of the logic board with long copper cooling tubes going to its little cooler fan box. I need to find a card that will fit all of that criteria and I do not know if I can find such a thing. The 24" (what I have) was later cancelled and replaced by the 21" and 27" units. There is hope though. There were several cards made that fit this but none that are within a year old (that I know of). I would like to keep my iMac and update it. I love this thing.

You guys that have it and its running, enjoy it! Wish I was. Those little Swiss airports look brilliant. arrgh.......

Unfortunately I don't think you have much choice in GFX upgrades for your iMac,Bill.
There's this... http://www.welovemacs.com/6614664.html but the price is prohibitive, and it's not a great card either (though it supports a newer OpenGL version than your own card). If you're fortunate you might find a used one on ebay for a more modest outlay. Failing that....come back to the world of PC.:)

Lionheart

February 26th, 2012, 13:10

Thanks Kilo Delta! Nice find. I might be able to find one 'somewhere' at a 'hopefully' reduced price. I plan to go up to the Mac Pro tower as soon as I scrape together some funds. That will be able to run it fine. But in the mean time, it would be nice to get the iMac up to par.

Failing that....come back to the world of PC.

Kilo Delta

If you had been through what I have been through, and have touched the Apple OS and iWork, you would understand how I am now an Apple person. ;) Its not explainable...

But.. I must say, my second choice will always be (so far) Alienware. They make some powerful equipment...