SimHQ, a site that covers the entire spectrum of simulation software from air, land, & sea combat, and driving genres, is celebrating ten years of community service starting this week.  One of their contributors, John "Spoons" Sponauer, has written a nice commentary called "Ten years of SimHQ" telling his perspective of those ten years.  He includes a couple of screens showing how the site has changed over time (and he mentions that the site is due for a redesign this year).

On each Monday from now until the end of the year, they will present what they call SimHQ DejaNews.  I'm sure it will bring back many memories of yesteryear in the world of simulation.  This week, they talk about a review done on Jane's F-15, MiG Alley previews, and news related to Rendition and VooDoo2 video cards - boy, those were the days!!  Be sure to check it out before the day is over!

Those of you who have been following the Twin Comanche project in eager anticipation, I have some updates to relay. As you can see above, work on the Bendix/King KI 825 is underway courtesy of Ed Wilson, one of Eaglesoft's talented gauge gurus.  Yep, that's an actual screen capture of it going in FS.  Ron has been steady on updating me with 2-D panel work, and that too is shaping up very well.  In between work on the Columbia 400 for FSX, I am placing panel lines on the exterior paint of the model.  When I get that finished to a satisfactory level, I'll be handing the textures over to Bob for a bit of tweaking only he can provide.

I'm pleased to announce the release of the Cessna CJ1 version 1.5 for FSX. Bill Leaming has completely rebuilt the model using the latest FSX techniques featuring specular and bump mapping technology, and he has done a fine job of it!  Head over to Eaglesoft's website for more details.

[EDIT]-Added correction for my poor English ... thanks Jon for pointing that out!

Breaking news! FSInsider.com has been re-launched in a completely new format! Make sure to head over and take a look!

This was not Kirby's day - first he hits a gate during the race, and then he has this unfortunate incident at the airport.

Top qualifier Paul Bonhomme managed to edge out the competition taking the podium as the winner of today's finals.  A crowd of over 500,000 people gathered to watch the race. Alex Maclean took 2nd and Mike Mangold took 3rd.

British pilot Paul Bonhomme barely edges current series point leader Peter Besenyei by .31 seconds to take the lead in qualifying, putting him as the last pilot to fly in tomorrow's elimination before the finals.  His time of 1:34:05 at speeds exceeding 220 mph shows that he is a force to be reckoned with.

His success today is not going to his head. Paul comments: “I’m very satisfied, but it was only 10 percent of the whole job. The race is my main focus. To fly consistently is the key to success. I should pass the elimination. The quarter-finals will be a new day for me.”

Steve Jones (+.83) and Mike Mangold (+1.17) placed third and fourth respectively, followed by defending Series Champion, Kirby Chambliss at +1.55 seconds.

The surprise of the day came from rookie Hannes Arch placing seventh.  He states: “The increase in performance was enormous. I did not expect it. It’s now up to me to use that potential in the elimination. It’s clear to me though that not all the pilots have reached their performance limit.”

The elimination of the second leg of the Red Bull Air Race series begins at 1pm local (GMT -3 hours).

The Monument Valley Air Race will take place May 12th against the unique backdrop of the Monument Valley Tribal Park surrounded by trees and windblown sand – all comprising the magnificent colors of the breathtaking valley of the Navajo Nation. Only 5,000 tickets will be available for spectator viewing.

Ticket prices will be $25 each ticket including a free program booklet.

Tickets include:

• Red Bull Air Race World Series event
• Public Paddock walk at the Goulding’s airport
• Autograph sessions with 14 of the world’s best pilots
• Cultural entertainment and musical acts
• Program booklet
• Free parking and shuttle to the park

Parking:
Parking available at the Visitor’s Center, the High-School and the Goulding’s Lodge areas.

Shuttles:
Shuttle hours are from 10:00AM to 7:00PM and are available at the Visitor’s Center and the Goulding’s Lodge areas with a drop off at the Park Entrance every 20 minutes. Additional shuttles are also available from Kayenta and Bluff every hour between 10:00AM and 7:00PM.

Source: Navajo Parks & Recreation, Red Bull Air Race

Here are some of the highlights from Sun-N-Fun so far:

• Epic Aircraft reveals two new single engine aircraft (Aero-News)
• Cessna shows the Next Generation Piston concept aircraft (AVWeb)
• Cirrus introduces Generation 3 of the SR-22 (Aero-News)
• MXR introduces new MXS single-place aerobatic plane (Aero-News)
• Avidyne introduces Envision line of avionics (Aero-News)
• Embraer Phenom 300 mock-up on display (AVWeb)
• ViperJet Executive edition unveiled (AVWeb)
• Thousands sign petition against user fees (AOPA)
• Mooney Acclaim sets speed record (AOPA)
• The AOPA Catch-A-Cardinal is on display, showing the brand-new paint scheme (AOPA)

While I was home this afternoon working in my office, I received a phone call on my cell - I looked to see who it was, and I was delighted to see that it was my good friend Roy Wilbanks. I proceeded to answer it and to my surprise, all that I can hear on the other end is what sounded like a wind storm.

"Roy? ... Roy? ... You there?" I asked.

"Owen! Owen! Are you home?" He finally spoke about 30 seconds into the call.

"Yes, I am home, where are you?" I asked, very puzzled.

"Step outside ... I'm in the J-3 flying up the lake at about 800 feet ... get your camera!" I heard him shout above all of the noise.

"Okay!" I shouted.

"I can't hear anything you're saying - I'll talk to you later on!" He shouts, and then the phone goes dead.

Christy Lake had spent the day at home with me, so I gathered her in my arms and grabbed my camera as we headed out the door. Sure enough, moments later, here comes Roy meandering up the lake, barely above stall speed. I managed to grab a couple of shots off as he circled overhead, with the one above being the best of 'em all. What a welcome & unexpected airborne visit. Christy Lake sure enjoyed it - the bright yellow of the J-3 made it really easy for her to see. I told her to wave and she just waved and waved, not really knowing why she was doing so.

Drop by anytime, Roy!