Wilco's 737 for Fly!

Wilco Publishing and Terminal Reality are nearing completion of a realistic Boeing 737-500 airliner add-on for Fly!. This add-on will give Fly! fans the first true-to-life simulation of the commercial workhorse, and it has been tested and approved by an active B-737 first officer.

The add-on features moving flaps, spoilers, and other control surfaces, as well as a faithfully reproduced 180-degree-view cockpit with clickable switches, movable levers and controls, and detailed gauges. The cockpit is rendered in 3D, allowing shadows to be used and giving a more realistic perspective than conventional 2D cockpit interiors. The add-on also features genuine sound effects that were recorded on an actual 737 flight deck.

The airliner will come in 14 different versions, including Delta, United, Air France, British Airways, Lufthansa, and Sabena. The airliner simulation will be the first to take fuel and weight distribution into account, making the aircraft fly differently according to the fuel level and balance in the fuel tanks.

Pilots will have the choice to free-fly with air traffic controllers or choose from a variety of predefined flights. Beginners can choose from two automatic engine startup procedures, and experts can choose a manual startup option.

The add-on will be available in late May 2000 in both a CD-ROM version and as a download from the Wilco web site for US$29.95.