SPA and FSX

Later this month Microsoft will be releasing Flight Simulator X (FSX), which has been over three years in the making. There are many new enhancements to this product and therefore the requirements to install and operate this version are quite high. The minimal requirements are below, and as most people know to truly operate a Microsoft product you need to double most of these minimal requirements.


Windows XP SP2 / Windows Vista
Processor: 1.0 Ghz
RAM: Windows XP SP2 - 256MB, Windows Vista – 512MB
Hard Drive: 14GB
Video Card: 32MB DirectX 9 compatible
Other: DX9 hardware compatibility and audio board with speakers and/or headphones
DVD Drive
Online/Multiplayer Requirements: 56.6 kbps or better for online play

Based on these requirements, at this time SPA will not be able to support the aircraft and utilities available through our website with FSX. We will continue to support aircraft for the current version of Flight Simulator (FS9) and provide updates as necessary. Once we are able to confirm the aircraft do work, and have the means to test and update the files as necessary we will support FSX. However at this time a timeline is unknown.

If you do decide to upgrade immediately to FSX we look forward to hearing feedback from you on compatibility issues you may encounter with our aircraft, and other 3rd party add-ons. This will help with the process, and could speed up the support timeline as well. However keep in mind, there could be a whole new set of issues once Vista is released in Q1 2007.

We apologize for this stance on support for FSX, however as we donate our time and resources not all of us are able to leapfrog to a new version release on Day 1. You may fly your flights using FSX, however keep in mind the aircraft you fly must be valid for the route you fly in order to file a PIREP.

No matter which version of Flight Simulator, I look forward to seeing you in the skies as we spread the Virtual SPA name.