Flightsim.to Freeware
Jonelle Rycroft
Welcome to "Freeware Friday - Highlights of Community Releases" - your weekly spotlight on the most outstanding and innovative additions to the flight simulation community. Every Friday, we dive into the world of freeware, showcasing the most wanted and anticipated releases and updates of the week, or those add-ons, that have been highly in demand. Without further ado, let's dive right into our first edition!
The CYSB Sudbury add-on for Microsoft Flight Simulator features the Greater Sudbury Airport (CYSB) in Ontario, Canada and has been created by Community Creator MazerMart. This add-on includes detailed custom hangars and signs, including the terminal. The scenery package also suggests additional items for an enhanced experience, like MazerMart models and Windy Things. With nine operating mines, two mills, two smelters, and a nickel refinery, Sudbury is arguably the hard rock mining capital of the world. For more detailed information and to download the add-on, you can visit it here.
This week we spotlight a nostalgic addition to the flight simulation world: The original Boeing 707 JetLiner. The Microsoft Flight Simulator X port of Charlotte210 features a default 747 cockpit, repainted to resemble the 707's, offering a blend of vintage charm with a modern touch. Note that this mod is a work in progress, with some known issues and dependencies - still it brings you a piece of history to Microsoft Flight Simulator. Download it here.
The IRIS A-10A Thunderbolt II "Warthog Driver" for FSX has been adapted for Microsoft Flight Simulator by Aviator671 and is available as freeware. This adaptation includes two models, with and without weapons, and features like an openable canopy and formation lights. The exterior model is converted to GLTF format with new animations and effects. However, the cockpit remains partially functional and non-interactive. The mod is open for community improvements, and users are encouraged to create and share new liveries, with original FSX paintkit files included for assistance. Download it here.
Eventhough already released back in December 2023, this add-on has lately seen an update with further improvements. The Tauranga Airport mod created by CoolGunS features a redesigned airport with working AI and FSLTL traffic. Version 1.0 includes new taxiways, a terminal, and other details, while version 2.0.1 applies enhanced texturing and lighting, full rework of all textures, including all carparks, all aprons, all grass in and around the airfield, all lines and taxiways. Selected textures now merge into each other. Download it here.
Last but not least, CoolGunS' YPKG Kalgoorlie-Boulder Airport mod for Microsoft Flight Simulator brings life to this Western Australian airport, a crucial point on the GA route from Perth to Alice Springs. Version 1.0 introduces the entire airport, designed for aircraft up to B787/A330 size, and includes operational instructions and a map. The latest update, Version 2.0, enhances the airport with improved texturing, lines, lighting, and corrected artifacts, reflecting over 150 hours of work using the SDK. The mod is focused on delivering a detailed yet framerate-friendly experience. Download here.
I'm not going to search the web to keep up on add ons. Most of them are nice to have, maybe one or two are missed. If an add on is no longer updated on FS.to and it doesnt work after a sim update I remove it and live on. I appreciate what developers do but it goes to far to say im "grateful"
GAIST is a nice example. Nice and must be a lot of work. But 99% of the ships I only see when I open Little Nav Map and flying over water is not my favorite simming experience. What I want to do to obtain an add on is up to me, just as it is the developers choice and right to publish where and what they want. Im pretty sure I will not be missed by those developers and I can live without the hassle.
My question is how did Flightsim.to even come into existence and is now the go to place for FS Freeware? Prior to the release of MSFS no one ever heard of the site. Freeware for FS was released primarily here at Avsim and Flightsim.com. This site came out of nowhere...
Out of nowhere indeed. As long as I remember (freeware) addon libraries always developed from forums as a way for the community to share mods. Flightsim.to is different in that it stands on its own.
Although I could find an earlier registration of the flightsim.to domain on 2021-02-15, according to Whois it sprung to life on 2020-08-27 just when MSFS was launched.
Perhaps those who started the website saw an opportunity to improve on the situation to create a better environment for freeware developers to share their products and for consumers to find them. Since no addons for MSFS existed yet it was the perfect moment to do this. The same applies if someone wanted to "corner the market" for malicious (or business) reasons. Flightsim.to seems to have succeeded in both.
The freeware market is exactly not a market and shouldnt create competition. I also dont mind avsims layout since we are used to it. That being said, i do like flightsim.to for being fast and having nice functions like the scenery map, which, previously only existed on a seperate website for FSX/P3D stuff.
But flightsim.to's rapid ascent raises suspicions for me too. Experience with other platforms* tells me that this is usually the result of a professional marketing concept being applied. Flightsim.to prompts you on ever download to please donate to get premium access. We all know avsim also relies on donations and giving the operating costs of servers this is perfectly understandable BUT all the nice functions of flightsim.to can be part of the strategy to get more donations from people than whats actually needed to cover their expenses. This is, of course, purely conspiracy theory, nothing can be proven here.
*Off topic example: in central europe there were plenty of websites offering the possibility to rideshare. When going somewhere in a car, you could post an announcement and collect people with the same destination to ease up the gas expenses. This was all 100% non-profit and decentralized once, until one particular platform kicked everyone out of the game by massive publicity and convenient functionality until everyone was exclusively using this one. A few years later they turned their service from 100% free to a paid subcription based model.
There's a fresh addition to your hangar. Community creator ariebaba has released a detailed rendition of the North American Rockwell OV-10 Bronco for Microsoft Flight Simulator on Flightsim.to. This model faithfully replicates the unique features and design of the original aircraft, and best of all, it's a freeware add-on. Originally developed in 1968, the OV-10 Bronco is a twin-engine, twin-tail boom multi-purpose airplane designed primarily for reconnaissance, forward air control, and light transport missions.
It's primarily a single-pilot airplane but has room for a second seat, which can be used for an observer or an instructor positioned right behind the pilot. A standout feature of the Bronco is its cargo-bay that allows for the dropping of paratroopers, adding versatility to its range of uses. Pilots appreciated the Bronco for its ability to fly both low and slow, making it a favorite for specific mission parameters.
Te Bronco is powered by two turboprops, with each producing approximately 715 hp. Notably, both engines share a single fire extinguishing bottle. Each of the engines is paired with a three-blade, constant speed, counter-rotating propeller. Pilots can adjust the pitch and reverse thrust using the power levers. Flight simmers are encouraged to download, fly, and explore the myriad of features this detailed rendition of the OV-10 Bronco offers. Download here.
Welcome to Freeware Friday - Highlights of Community Releases - your weekly spotlight on the most outstanding and innovative additions to the flight simulation community. Every Friday, we dive into the world of freeware, showcasing the most wanted and anticipated releases and updates of the week, or those add-ons, that
The flight simulation community has been eagerly anticipating the release of new aircraft for Microsoft Flight Simulator. Now iniBuilds has unveiled a teaser video showcasing their upcoming A350 airliner. This preview has sparked interest amg on the community, as it offers a glimpse into the level of detail and realism
Microsoft Flight Simulator continues to expand its virtual horizons with the release of World Update 17, focusing on the United Kingdom and Ireland. This update brings a new level of realism to the digital representation of these iconic regions, including landscapes and landmarks of England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and
Hihifo Airport is the primary airport serving Wallis and Futuna, an overseas territory of France located in the South Pacific. This free add-on created by CoolGunS enhances Hihifo Airport (NLWW) on Wallis Island in French Polynesia. It improves the scenery around the airport with custom ground textures, 3D models of resorts and bungalows, and over 500 hand-placed objects like palm trees and buildings. You'll also find a private residence area with a pier, helipad, and pub near the coast, accessible by following a dirt road from runway 26. The add-on includes a GSX profile for ground services compatibility, but requires the free UK2000 Scenery Library from the MSFS Marketplace to function fully. For more details, you can visit the addon's page on Flightsim.to here.
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