Just Flight VFR Real Scenery
By Nigel C. Martin
8 October 2007
 ell, I never
thought I would be putting some words together for an add-on for
Microsoft's new Flight Simulator X, so soon, after the investment,
but here I am doing just that...
Images from Volume 1
So, despite your particular reason for the upgrade to FSX, I can
bet a pound to penny (or cent to a dollar...or whatever!) that
you want all the same visual and sound experiences currently enjoyed
in FS2004, provided by the various add-ons currently available. I know I
do, but MORE! OK, guess we are going to have to wait a while for FSX
to catch up, (introduction of FS Nav and Squawkbox, etc.) but, we are
now seeing an ever increasing list of products that will, I am sure,
further enhance the new visual and sound experiences within FSX.
Typically some of the first add-ons I noticed were from the
hobbyist, the developers fast on the tail.
I am delighted to say, that developers are desperately trying to
provide backward compatibility for FS2004 key products.
I do hope however, the developers not only provide backward
compatibility, but improve the package to take full advantage of the
FSX engine. We are now seeing specifically designed products for FSX,
this range of scenery reviewed, is just such a package.
Images from Volume 1
I was also delighted to see that the scenery range is rapidly
increasing, currently, there are three releases from Just Flight
covering South East England (Volume 1), Central & Southern England
(Volume 2) and Wales and South West (Volume 3). Northern England is
the next to be released (Volume 4).
Some of us are real speed freaks and nothing under Mach 1 will do.
Some however, enjoy a slightly slower pace, a Tiger Moth on a lovely
sunny day, map in hand wind whistling past your face, and some
accurate scenery to assist navigation under true visual flight
rules. Now is your chance...
Well, these offerings once installed will truly enhance the
scenery, and of course your 'flying' experience.
Images from Volume 1
INSTALLATION
This process is effortless. After removing the DVD's from the
sturdy plastic case (I adore the case dimension standardization
enabling your collection will sit neatly). Here is the old chestnut:
READ the instructions. They provide you with some invaluable
information and 'typical questions and answers', which believe me,
proved to be invaluable. Please, please read them guys.
Typically with all Just Flight's DVD's they auto-run and all you
have to do is follow the clear on-screen instructions, and hew presto
all done.
Images from Volume 2
IN-USE
Well installation over and complete, I have to say I selected the
FSX with a little trepidation, expecting a massive frame rate hit...
(as I am sure we have all experienced with various products in the
past in FS2004?)
The program took considerably longer to 'boot-up' than normal.
actually that is considerably longer than FS2004! Oh well, the boot up
was complete, I was extremely eager to see the results. (The slow
boot-up did not occur again).
Images from Volume 2
So, what can you expect from this, massive piece of data?
I selected Shoreham, situated on the South East Coast of England,
took off climbed to a height of 900 AGL, and the ground started to
'focus', continued to climb to 3000 AGL and the ground detail became
'alive' with detail. Oh yes, here is the detail, in the instructions,
yes folks the instructions, there was a great tip that suggested that
the scenery is viewed at a slight angle (15%) not a vertical view, VC
option selected, hit the hat key and looked around at the unfolding
scenery, very impressed with the sight, I decided to 'pop-out' and
have a greater view. As far as I am concerned the detail held up and
this allowed me to take in the 360 degree vista.
In the instructions there is a section that will allow you to get
the most from your computer's configuration and setting optimization.
Take heed, because it really helps; if it does not have the desired
effect, leave as is.
Images from Volume 2
To gauge the effectiveness try and select an area that you may
well be aware of. I lived in Chichester on the south east coast, so
this is an area of the coast I know well, so flying on a south west
track above the shoreline, the buildings, and roads coastlines and
tributaries became recognizable such is the satellite mapping.
I continued on this path until reaching Portsmouth, turned west
towards the Isle Of Wight, crossing the coast (some lovely water
effects) at 3500 AGL, the scenery 'focused' and the detail seemed
very accurate, I have in the past landed at Sandown, and looked very
familiar.
I am tempted to 'rattle' on about many other areas covered, but I
will just cover the London area.
Starting from London City in a helicopter allowed me to climb
vertically to 3000 AGL and had a good look around. Any area that
casts a good shadow looks excellent, in fact the trees and field and
road detail look great. Flying along the River Thames provided some
lovely views, left and right.
I have not mentioned the night lighting as yet. Well predictably,
this is presented at the high standard as alluded to above. I did
feel that the lighting was a little sparse in places, especially at
dusk.
Images from Volume 3
CONCLUSION
If you are looking for some scenery enhancement, to improve your
VFR capabilities, with smooth running graphics, then you will have to
add this ensemble to your collection.
With another area due for release soon (Northern England), this will
allow some interesting UK based VFR flights. It has to be said, the
default scenery within FSX is extremely good, but this package is
some 64 times more accurate, which can only be an enhancement, and
allow for better and more accurate flying.
And I must mention Part 3 Scenery is a step up from the incredible
Parts 1 and 2. I really hope the trend continues for Part 4 Northern
England.
In the instructions, it does mention that because of the improved
mapping accuracy, some default airports can appear to be below your
visual ground level post installation. I must add after some 9 hours
flying around the geographic area covered, I did not encounter such a
limiting issue. If this does occur however, there are ways to
minimize this effect, guess where? Yup in the instructions! OK, I
did encounter a little hassle, this relates to some runway and
taxiing markers; these post installation shifted, but not to a point
where I felt the urge to rectify.
Images from Volume 3
Oh yes, I was filled with trepidation, why? FRAME RATES! We have
all been there, well my brethren, no detrimental effects at all.
As you climb, the 'focusing' effect becomes apparent, but this is
not a negative issue. And I may add, my computer is not a 'super
doper' high spec machine, it can be best described as a fairly
standard one. So, if I have not encountered any major issues then you
should not either. In fact, a little bit strange, I honestly felt the
game moved quicker post installation.
I would recommend, a good clean-out (I used C-Cleaner, an
excellent free programe) getting rid of any rubbish that may be
lurking, defrag your machine, before installation, minimizing any
potential issues.
Please remember this program is to enhance the VFR ground
scenery, and you will not see any discernable detail much below
1000 AGL, so do not expect to land your Bell JetRanger in your
garden next to the fishpond, opposite the decking, near the croquet
lawn. Well not yet anyway!
Price, they can be found at approximately £21.99 ($39.00) each.
There are some really good package deals available right now, well
worth a look.
So if you want incredible scenery which will enhance the flying
experience to new heights, and enjoy real VFR Flying then, this will
be for you.
I don't know how many times I have said it, but the detail and
superb effects gained amaze me, where are the developers going to
take us, say in ten years time?
I can't wait to see.
System Requirements:
- Microsoft Flight Simulator X
- Processor 2.5 Ghz
- DVD Rom drive
- Windows XP or Vista
- Hard Drive 12 Gb
- Ram 1.0 Gb
- Video Card 125 Mb
System Used For Review:
- AMD 64X 2 Duel Core Processor 3800+
- 2 Gig Ram
- Nvidia G-Force 7900 GT
Onwards and upwards...
Nigel C. Martin
n.c.martin@btinternet.com
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