JANUARY 2013
Flights 3.0 preview is unveiled
by HighFlyer, published: 02/01/2013
San Andreas Pilots Council uncovered the official preview of the long-awaited Flights 3.0 gamemode. The gamemode is being produced due to declining server activity. Ultimately, it is believed that it will revolutionize the functionalities in the gameplay at SAP.
Approximately two minutes after midnight into the new year, [SAP]Torran implemented a teaser version of the new gamemode. Players were able to preview the new housing system, a cockpit to cabin system implemented in selected civil aircrafts, a small group of unlockable achievements and new medic spawns with newly mapped hospital helipads. Additionally, cosmetic changes have been applied; new private vehicle entry message and a new Area 69 skin.
[SAP]Torran concluded the announcement by wishing the community a "Happy New Year", hopefully meaning that the changes ahead will be extremely positive in raising the morals of San Andreas Pilots.
UPDATE: The teaser has since been removed.
San Andreas Pilots Council uncovered the official preview of the long-awaited Flights 3.0 gamemode. The gamemode is being produced due to declining server activity. Ultimately, it is believed that it will revolutionize the functionalities in the gameplay at SAP.
Approximately two minutes after midnight into the new year, [SAP]Torran implemented a teaser version of the new gamemode. Players were able to preview the new housing system, a cockpit to cabin system implemented in selected civil aircrafts, a small group of unlockable achievements and new medic spawns with newly mapped hospital helipads. Additionally, cosmetic changes have been applied; new private vehicle entry message and a new Area 69 skin.
[SAP]Torran concluded the announcement by wishing the community a "Happy New Year", hopefully meaning that the changes ahead will be extremely positive in raising the morals of San Andreas Pilots.
UPDATE: The teaser has since been removed.
Civil Aviation Club crashes at the Rocky Island
by Walther, published: 06/01/2012
ROCKY ISLAND - A series of explosions shook the faraway community, known as Island 5, when two AT-400 aircraft crashed into a mountainside while approaching the infamous runway 07. Heading there as a part of the 8th weekly Civil Aviation Club event, they were supposed to do their second stopover in this remote location, before proceeding to Barry Isles. A picture taken by [SAP]Torran provided investigators with valuable data in determining the cause.
The event followed the usual routine developed by CAC. A procession of aircraft was supposed to visit a series of airports and come back to the original location. This time, however, AT-400 aircraft were used, the largest available in the state of San Andreas. Their large size and high speed made it dangerous to maintain visual contact with the leading plane, as the gap between planes would be too short to react if an emergency situation was to occur. However, as in all crashes, there was more than just one cause.
During the flight, it emerged that the leader of formation, [SAP]John, was experiencing difficulties with the navigation aids, and had led the formation straight into the world boundaries, which resulted in low-to moderate damage being inflicted on following aircraft. Despite the incident, all aircraft remained airborne, and were finally led on approach to runway 07, the most dangerous one of all - surrounded by tall trees and rocks, requiring a steep approach. The leader of formation was apparently unaware of the conditions, and led the following aircraft straight into the rock formation, resulting in loss of 2 aircraft.
Despite the crash, the aircraft formation continued on its route, and even successfully managed to land in zero visibility conditions at Island 4, considered one of the most dangerous airports to operate in. The only further incidents to occur were collisions with the leader's aircraft on the ground, due to his usage of non-supported aircraft modifications. The investigating committee have released a report, calling for more training to be provided to large jet aircraft pilots, and instrument navigation skills to be refreshed, in order to avoid such incidents in the future.
ROCKY ISLAND - A series of explosions shook the faraway community, known as Island 5, when two AT-400 aircraft crashed into a mountainside while approaching the infamous runway 07. Heading there as a part of the 8th weekly Civil Aviation Club event, they were supposed to do their second stopover in this remote location, before proceeding to Barry Isles. A picture taken by [SAP]Torran provided investigators with valuable data in determining the cause.
The event followed the usual routine developed by CAC. A procession of aircraft was supposed to visit a series of airports and come back to the original location. This time, however, AT-400 aircraft were used, the largest available in the state of San Andreas. Their large size and high speed made it dangerous to maintain visual contact with the leading plane, as the gap between planes would be too short to react if an emergency situation was to occur. However, as in all crashes, there was more than just one cause.
During the flight, it emerged that the leader of formation, [SAP]John, was experiencing difficulties with the navigation aids, and had led the formation straight into the world boundaries, which resulted in low-to moderate damage being inflicted on following aircraft. Despite the incident, all aircraft remained airborne, and were finally led on approach to runway 07, the most dangerous one of all - surrounded by tall trees and rocks, requiring a steep approach. The leader of formation was apparently unaware of the conditions, and led the following aircraft straight into the rock formation, resulting in loss of 2 aircraft.
Despite the crash, the aircraft formation continued on its route, and even successfully managed to land in zero visibility conditions at Island 4, considered one of the most dangerous airports to operate in. The only further incidents to occur were collisions with the leader's aircraft on the ground, due to his usage of non-supported aircraft modifications. The investigating committee have released a report, calling for more training to be provided to large jet aircraft pilots, and instrument navigation skills to be refreshed, in order to avoid such incidents in the future.
SAP Reunion and Airshow leads to an activity boost!
by Nodroz, published: 06/01/2013
After the successful reunion, and amazing airshow, the average player count skyrocketed. As expected, the statistics started raising mid-December, with the start of the holiday season. The increase was a little less than we'd predicted, until the day of the Reunion & Airshow. As you can see on the graph below, this is when the statistics really started rising. In this time, the average player count jumped from a measly 1.5, to over 5 in just a matter of days. This is the greatest rise in players we have witnessed since our data recording began. After the reunion, many players dropping in, old and new, caused the server to be constantly busy, with almost always 10 players online at any given time, a feat not accomplished for a long while.
Despite such a rise in activity, as the saying goes, "What goes up, must come down". Will this ring true for our average player count? We are unsure as to whether or not it will drastically fall again, only time will tell. Will it drop as fast as it has risen, or will it be consistent, or possibly rise even higher? Despite all of these speculations, we do expect a slight drop in activity, as for the majority of our players, the school season is either about to begin, or has already begun. Just how big of a drop, if any, will this be? Stay tuned to find out!
After the successful reunion, and amazing airshow, the average player count skyrocketed. As expected, the statistics started raising mid-December, with the start of the holiday season. The increase was a little less than we'd predicted, until the day of the Reunion & Airshow. As you can see on the graph below, this is when the statistics really started rising. In this time, the average player count jumped from a measly 1.5, to over 5 in just a matter of days. This is the greatest rise in players we have witnessed since our data recording began. After the reunion, many players dropping in, old and new, caused the server to be constantly busy, with almost always 10 players online at any given time, a feat not accomplished for a long while.
Despite such a rise in activity, as the saying goes, "What goes up, must come down". Will this ring true for our average player count? We are unsure as to whether or not it will drastically fall again, only time will tell. Will it drop as fast as it has risen, or will it be consistent, or possibly rise even higher? Despite all of these speculations, we do expect a slight drop in activity, as for the majority of our players, the school season is either about to begin, or has already begun. Just how big of a drop, if any, will this be? Stay tuned to find out!
Still no sign of the Flights 3.0 update
by Logan, published: 19/01/2013
Monday led to disappointment for many, as the promised deadline for the long-awaited Flights 3.0 update came and went without any sign of life. A few weeks earlier, [SAP]DPhelps had mentioned that Monday the 14th of January would be the deadline for the release, but it appeared to all be a misunderstanding on his part. He expressed that he awaits the update as much as the next player, but 3.0 could not possibly be released at this time. Will the gamemode update take the same route as the long-awaited video game, Half-Life 3, that no gamer has heard anything about since rumours of production first surfaced years ago?
Flights 3.0 promises to be an update by the players, for the players, with almost every aspect determined by player suggestions. It was first announced that such an update would be produced back in September 2012. Since then, everyone has had their voice heard, submitting ideas and maps that could be voted on, as to whether or not they should be included in the update. Such notable additions, that have been accepted, include an achievement system, a train system, a new skin for the Area 69 pilot, and aircraft & houses that can be owned by regular players, which caused quite a controversy, as it is the very thing senior SAP members have been rejecting for a long time. When will this release see the light of day? Stay tuned to find out.
UPDATE: [SAP]Torran has stated that the scripting for the Flights 3.0 update is roughly 90% complete.
Monday led to disappointment for many, as the promised deadline for the long-awaited Flights 3.0 update came and went without any sign of life. A few weeks earlier, [SAP]DPhelps had mentioned that Monday the 14th of January would be the deadline for the release, but it appeared to all be a misunderstanding on his part. He expressed that he awaits the update as much as the next player, but 3.0 could not possibly be released at this time. Will the gamemode update take the same route as the long-awaited video game, Half-Life 3, that no gamer has heard anything about since rumours of production first surfaced years ago?
Flights 3.0 promises to be an update by the players, for the players, with almost every aspect determined by player suggestions. It was first announced that such an update would be produced back in September 2012. Since then, everyone has had their voice heard, submitting ideas and maps that could be voted on, as to whether or not they should be included in the update. Such notable additions, that have been accepted, include an achievement system, a train system, a new skin for the Area 69 pilot, and aircraft & houses that can be owned by regular players, which caused quite a controversy, as it is the very thing senior SAP members have been rejecting for a long time. When will this release see the light of day? Stay tuned to find out.
UPDATE: [SAP]Torran has stated that the scripting for the Flights 3.0 update is roughly 90% complete.
ETNU receives a major overhaul as script is updated to 2.9.9
by Walther, published: 23/01/2013
FORT CARSON - Tonight, the residents of the small city woke up to the roar of construction machinery, as their local airfield was transformed into a minor regional airport. Situated right next to the oil fields, ETNU has long required an aesthetic overhaul, ever since the landmark green railway house was demolished. [SAP]Barry, the mastermind behind the project, had long envisioned to transform the small airfield into a prominent location for aviation enthusiasts, and has indeed succeeded in doing so.
The rebuilt airport now features a brand new concrete runway featuring safety grooves, bright white markings that comply with international standards, visual approach slope indicator (VASI), and a new type of edge lighting. By moving the refueling area south of the runway, it was possible to significantly expand the parking area, which now easily accommodates up to 5 medium-sized aircraft, with enough space left for a few small planes. An FBO building and an ATC tower have also been added, which makes the airport suitable for commercial airline operations. The dreaded MATZ has been slightly adjusted, to allow for safe aircraft operations at all times of the day. It is unknown, however, if there are any plans to build a railway station nearby - something rather useful, given the fact that trains are making a return in Flights 3.0. Neither any information has been released regarding the long-term parking restrictions; only 2 parking spaces have been taken by [SAP]DPhelps, who now lives just south of the airport. The aircraft of now-defunct SAAA still remain on-site.
The script update also brought a new military spawn location at Cheyenne Mountain Airbase (CMA), where a fleet of hydras, the formidable MI-3 bomber, and a unique military beagle are located. The latter received long-awaited AWACS capability, which will help Barry Isles defend against any invasion from mainland, should such occur. Extremely stubborn pilots can also take it on a trip to Carrier via Mt. Andy, and engage in more advanced naval operations. It has also been mentioned that new refueling points have been added, but SANA has been unable to pinpoint the exact locations. Having said that, we have to point out that this might be the last update before the switch to Flights 3.0, which is reported to be 90% complete script-wise.
FORT CARSON - Tonight, the residents of the small city woke up to the roar of construction machinery, as their local airfield was transformed into a minor regional airport. Situated right next to the oil fields, ETNU has long required an aesthetic overhaul, ever since the landmark green railway house was demolished. [SAP]Barry, the mastermind behind the project, had long envisioned to transform the small airfield into a prominent location for aviation enthusiasts, and has indeed succeeded in doing so.
The rebuilt airport now features a brand new concrete runway featuring safety grooves, bright white markings that comply with international standards, visual approach slope indicator (VASI), and a new type of edge lighting. By moving the refueling area south of the runway, it was possible to significantly expand the parking area, which now easily accommodates up to 5 medium-sized aircraft, with enough space left for a few small planes. An FBO building and an ATC tower have also been added, which makes the airport suitable for commercial airline operations. The dreaded MATZ has been slightly adjusted, to allow for safe aircraft operations at all times of the day. It is unknown, however, if there are any plans to build a railway station nearby - something rather useful, given the fact that trains are making a return in Flights 3.0. Neither any information has been released regarding the long-term parking restrictions; only 2 parking spaces have been taken by [SAP]DPhelps, who now lives just south of the airport. The aircraft of now-defunct SAAA still remain on-site.
The script update also brought a new military spawn location at Cheyenne Mountain Airbase (CMA), where a fleet of hydras, the formidable MI-3 bomber, and a unique military beagle are located. The latter received long-awaited AWACS capability, which will help Barry Isles defend against any invasion from mainland, should such occur. Extremely stubborn pilots can also take it on a trip to Carrier via Mt. Andy, and engage in more advanced naval operations. It has also been mentioned that new refueling points have been added, but SANA has been unable to pinpoint the exact locations. Having said that, we have to point out that this might be the last update before the switch to Flights 3.0, which is reported to be 90% complete script-wise.
There's land in sight! Server is updated to 0.3x
by Logan, published: 31/01/2013
The server was updated to the new version of SA-MP, 0.3x, by [SAP]Torran earlier today, along with the new Flights 2.9.9.2 update. This update has been highly anticipated by all, ever since its announcement. With it comes a huge increase of draw distance for custom maps, which means that islands and airfields will render from a considerably further distance than before, which comes as a very welcome to feature for all pilots, so there is now no excuse to miss the runway due to short render distances!
Roughly 14 hours prior to the 2.9.9.2 update, [SAP]SWilson had implemented the Flights 2.9.9.1 update, which fixed the #tn spacing bug, and increased the Raindance and Leviathan fuel capacities, amongst other things. A full, combined changelog of the two updates can be found below:
The server was updated to the new version of SA-MP, 0.3x, by [SAP]Torran earlier today, along with the new Flights 2.9.9.2 update. This update has been highly anticipated by all, ever since its announcement. With it comes a huge increase of draw distance for custom maps, which means that islands and airfields will render from a considerably further distance than before, which comes as a very welcome to feature for all pilots, so there is now no excuse to miss the runway due to short render distances!
Roughly 14 hours prior to the 2.9.9.2 update, [SAP]SWilson had implemented the Flights 2.9.9.1 update, which fixed the #tn spacing bug, and increased the Raindance and Leviathan fuel capacities, amongst other things. A full, combined changelog of the two updates can be found below:
- Raindance and Leviathan fuel capacities increased
- #tn spacing bug fixed
- 1000~5 Lottery bug hopefully fixed
- Some script optimisation completed
- Server updated to 0.3x
- Draw distance of maps drastically increased