The addition of upscale FTX scenery to the Australian landscape is truly astounding. It’s realism at its best. The closer you get to the ground the more real it becomes. I started with adding the Blue Temperate South that includes Sydney and Melbourne. I followed this with the new Melbourne International Airport that is a true replica of the actual airport. Out of curiosity, I flew around and over it with a Bell H-13 helicopter taking screenshots as I go. I used the H-13 because, in my opinion, it provides the best computer helo flight dynamics for easy access to all locations. The following six screenshots illustrate just how detailed FTX has become.

This first screenshot is a vertical overview of the entire airport excluding the runways. It is a snapshot of the terminal and all adjacent buildings and roads leading in and out of the airport.


This second screenshot shows an H-13 flying just west of the airport with a good view of all terminals, and buildings and in the distance you can make out the skyline of Melbourne.


This third screenshot is an H-13 making a low pass over the Quantas terminal entrance. Note the elevated roadways and the parked cars on the right as seen under the elevated roadway.


This fourth screenshot is an H-13 making an approach into an area between the main terminal and the adjoining hotel. Note the three levels of roadways, bus and cars, and the walkway with people walking between the hotel and the terminal.


This fifth screenshot is an H-13 making an approach to an area in front of McDonalds that is on the airport property.


This sixth screenshot is the H-13 hovering just in front of McDonalds. Note the store details, the sign on the elevated road above McDonalds, parked cars, and the overall lighting. Like I said earlier, the closer you get to the ground, the more real it gets.


In case anyone wonders where I got the Bell H-13 helo, I plucked it from my FS9 inventory of aircraft. It’s also an aircraft I flew sunup to sundown, almost seven days a week for sixteen months in Korea during the 50s.

I now find myself flying frequently in Australia with FTX activated. The FTX developers have done a stunning job in adding detail and reality into the FSX Australian scenery and their rendition of the Melbourne International Airport is superb.

Looks outstanding.    I love #4 with that early evening sky.
I was trying to check the gas prices at the BP

Definitely realistic. Looks like a must have.

Rich H wrote on Nov 12^th, 2008 at 4:51pm:


My frame rates vary between 15 and 22 depending which direction I am pointing or flying the H-13.

Minte wrote on Nov 12^th, 2008 at 8:08pm:



Go to Orbx Simulation Systems. They do offer a free trial package covering Tasmania.

Flight Ace wrote on Nov 13^th, 2008 at 11:09am:

Same here. If I look away from the city, a nice, smooth 30fps. Facing, a not-so-smooth, 15fps lol

Nice catches! This scenery looks great at night