Sky Blue Radio

Sky Blue fam... buckle in because the Big Blue Christmas Giveaway is officially LIVE! From Dec 12th through Dec 23rd, we''re broadcasting non-stop fun, live DJ sets, flight sim challenges, listener call-ins, holiday trivia, and DAILY prizes from some of our favorite partners in the flight sim community! Here''s how to WIN: Tune in EVERY DAY for the on-air keyword Send it to contest@skyblueradio.com with your name & location OR enter online at skyblueradio.com and jump into the Discord for bonus entries! Prize Highlights (thanks to our awesome sponsors):? 5 Keys to the Bluebird Simulations 757? 2 Keys for the TFDi MD-11 for MSFS 2024 4 FREE Admissions to **Flight Sim Expo 2026...and so much more holiday magic dropping daily!

The team behind Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 has officially released Sim Update 4 (version 1.6.32.0), bringing a wave of performance improvements, bug fixes, and a few new touches aimed at polishing the core sim experience.

Players on PC and Xbox will notice a range of ground-zero fixes - from corrected crashes in the ATC system, flight planner, radar, airport vehicle simulation, terrain rendering and more - to broad performance optimizations: grass rendering, scenery and traffic simulation, texture management, and main thread CPU usage have all been refined, helping to ease stutters, loading hiccups, and other hang-ups.

On the user-facing side: the "World Photographer" mode now only shows the title of the objective you hover over; the avatar-creator page gains a loading spinner; and console users get a new option to toggle seatbelt display graphics. Helicopter pilots get a new benefit too - vortex ring protection assistance, helping with safer rotorcraft handling.

For those still part of the public beta cycle, the devs caution that outdated community-folder packages may lead to instability or long loading times. If you run into trouble, temporarily moving community mods out of the folder before launch is recommended.

Overall, Sim Update 4 represents a substantial cleanup and optimization pass - a solid step toward smoother skies and a more reliable flight sim experience for the community.

The post Sim Update 4 Lands - Big Fixes and Smoother Skies Ahead appeared first on Sky Blue Radio.

via: https://skyblueradio.com/sim-update-4-msfs-2024

Bright holiday greetings from the Sky Blue Radio family! This year, we're going full throttle on festivity with Big Blue Christmas - a spectacular 12-day celebration of music, flightsims, giveaways, and community spirit. From December 12 through December 23, tune in for a nonstop sleigh-ride of seasonal fun that blends the skies, the sounds, and the spirit of giving.

What to Expect: A Unique Winter Adventure
Each day during Big Blue Christmas brings something fresh and festive:

Live DJ sets spinning holiday classics and seasonal surprises.

Flight-sim challenges and group-flight events for the aviation-obsessed and curious alike.

Listener call-ins, holiday trivia, and interactive fun to keep the community engaged.

Daily prize giveaways - courtesy of our generous partners across the flight-simulation and music community.

Then, for the grand draaaama: on Christmas Eve, we'll host a Grand Finale Broadcast - a full day of songs, laughs, and the long-awaited reveal of our Grand Prize Winner.

How to Make Your Holiday Wish Come True
Entering is simple:

Listen each day for the on-air clue or "keyword."

When you hear it, email contest@skyblueradio.com with your name, location, and that day's keyword. You're in!

For extra chances: join live events, hop onto our Discord or website, and participate in group flights. Bonus entries await.

What You Could Win
Our sponsors have stocked Santa's sleigh with some fantastic prizes - including:

5 license keys for the Bluebird Simulations 757 add-on

2 license keys for the TFDi MD-11 for MSFS2024

4 free admissions to Flight Sim Expo 2026

And that's just a sampling - there'll be plenty of stocking-stuffers, merch, and surprises to keep the cheer going.

Don't Miss the Magic
Whether you're a die-hard simmer, a music lover, or just someone in the mood for holiday feels - Big Blue Christmas is for you. Tune in, jump on Discord or our live events, and join our sky-high celebration. This season, we're making the skies merry and bright - and you might just land with a prize under the tree.

Sky Blue Radio wishes you all a joyous holiday season. See you on the airwaves!

The post Sky Blue Radio Presents: Big Blue Christmas - 12 Days of Holiday Cheer appeared first on Sky Blue Radio.

via: https://skyblueradio.com/sky-blue-radio-12-days-of-christmas-giveaway

Flight Sim Expo Tickets for FSExpo 2026 going on sale!!!! https://skyblueradio.com/flightsimexpo-2026-tickets

Western Australia's busiest aviation hub has landed in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024. Orbx has officially released YPPH Perth International Airport, delivering a highly detailed and immersive rendition of one of Australia's most important gateways. Perth connects millions of travelers each year across Australia, Asia, and beyond. This new [...]

via: https://skyblueradio.com/orbx-brings-ypph-perth-international-airport-to-microsoft-flight-simulator

Just Flight has officially released version 2.4 of the 146 Professional, marking one of the first major regional airliner updates built with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 in mind. The aircraft is now fully compatible with both MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024, and the update focuses heavily on performance improvements and [...]

via: https://skyblueradio.com/just-flight-releases-146-professional-v2-4-with-full-msfs-2024-support

Honeycomb Aeronautical has introduced the Echo Aviation Controller, a compact yet feature-rich flight simulation controller designed for serious simmers. With onboard throttles, trim control, rudder paddles, and dedicated aircraft functions, it offers an accessible alternative to full-size cockpit hardware for Microsoft Flight Simulator users.

via: https://skyblueradio.com/honeycomb-echo-aviation-controller-unveiled

Thousands of Airbus A320 aircraft have been grounded worldwide following a critical flight-control software issue. Learn what caused the grounding, how airlines are responding, and what travelers can expect.

via: https://skyblueradio.com/airbus-a320-global-grounding

Today, we're giving thanks for you - our amazing listeners all around the world and at every altitude! Whether you're cruising FL350, taxiing for departure, or relaxing at home with family and friends, we're grateful to be part of your journey. Thank you for tuning in, sharing the music, supporting [...]

via: https://skyblueradio.com/happy-thanksgiving-from-sky-blue-radio

Navigraph has officially launched Navigraph Academy, a new free learning platform designed for flight simulation enthusiasts of all experience levels. The academy offers a structured path for virtual pilots, featuring step-by-step lessons built around real-world aviation training methods. Inside the platform, users will find interactive courses created by aviation fans [...]

via: https://skyblueradio.com/navigraph-academy-is-now-open