Aviation Industry Lines Up Behind Flight Simulator 2000

REDMOND, Wash., Oct. 22, 1999 — From British Airways to Cessna, several leaders in aviation are lending their expertise to make Microsoft® Flight Simulator 2000 the most realistic flight simulation available for the PC. Scheduled for broad availability in late October, Flight Simulator 2000, the newest version of the best-selling PC simulation of all time, features everything from flying lessons and accurate flight modeling in each plane to downloadable real-time weather – all provided by the experts.

“With our strong, 17-year product history, aviation industry companies realize the importance of contributing to and standing behind a product like Flight Simulator,” said Bruce Williams, product planner for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2000. “Thanks to these associates, Flight Simulator 2000 is the most realistic and compelling flight simulation consumer software.”

Flight Simulator 2000’s elite list of participating experts include the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA); Bell Helicopter, a subsidiary of Textron Inc.; Bombardier Inc., manufacturers of Learjet; British Airways Plc; Cessna Aircraft Co.; FlightSafety International Inc.; Jeppesen Sanderson Inc.; King Schools; Rod Machado; Mooney Aircraft Corp.; Systems Management Inc.; and Patty Wagstaff.

Throughout the development process, Microsoft worked closely with each participant to enhance, refine and fine-tune features in Flight Simulator 2000 to make this all-new version even better by adding the following:

  • Detailed, improved flight models. Bell Helicopter, Bombardier, British Airways, Cessna Aircraft and Mooney Aircraft provided Microsoft with the “blueprints” and technical assistance for rendering realistic aircraft such as the Concorde and the Cessna 182 and ensuring the accuracy of the flight models.

  • Real navigation aids and airport information. Flight Simulator 2000 features the Jeppesen NavData database with information on more than 21,000 airports worldwide. The information is the same as that used in airliners, corporate aircraft, GPS systems and flight-planning services. Jeppesen, a leader in providing aeronautical data, will also provide hourly feeds of real weather from airports around the globe that can be imported into Flight Simulator 2000. Systems Management built on this feature by detailed information and voice files for the automated weather observation systems simulated in Flight Simulator 2000.

  • A library of flight essentials from training and professional membership organizations. The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association provides Flight Simulator pilots with access to its archives and, for the first time, membership in AOPA. FlightSafety International provides aircraft operational data, checklists, procedures and other essential training information. Cessna makes it easier for virtual pilots to take the next step into a real cockpit with a “learn to fly” program featuring special incentives and offers.

  • Personal instruction programs from top aviation personalities. Leading aviation instructors John and Martha King of King Schools, Rod Machado, and Patty Wagstaff provide valuable instruction for new and experienced flyers by contributing to the expanded pilots manual and instructional videos included with the product.

About Flight Simulator 2000

Scheduled for broad availability in late October 1999, Flight Simulator 2000 marks the most comprehensive update in the 17-year history of the product. For the first time, Microsoft will offer two versions of Flight Simulator: a professional edition that is realistic enough to be used as a complement to formal flight training, and a standard edition for seasoned and novice pilots alike.

Both versions feature new aircraft. The standard edition will include the Concorde and the Boeing 777-300; the professional edition will have these aircraft plus the Mooney Bravo and the Raytheon (Beechcraft) King Air 350. An astounding 21,015 airports are featured in both editions, making it possible to “fly” out of nearly any airport in the world, no matter how large or small. For an additional element of realism, Flight Simulator 2000 features downloadable real-time weather.

More information about Flight Simulator is available at the official Web site at http://www.microsoft.com/games/fs2000/ .

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