Rich 
                                                                                                  Aug-10-00, 02:37 PM (EDT) 
        "SDK Update"
             Everyone,

             I know the SDK release is overdue, so here is an update on where things stand. First, the SDK is *complete*, meaning that the executables,
             source files, samples, and documentation are all finished. You'll probably immediately ask, "then why hasn't it been released!?" There are
             two remaining items holding up the release:

             (1) Our two other in-house projects, 4x4 Evo and Blair Witch, recently hit beta. This has tied up our test team and I have not yet received
             sign-off from them for the new executable. I spoke with our test lead this morning, and he believes they'll be able to finish their testing for
             the SDK release by the end of Tuesday (8/15).

             (2) I was told by my bosses that I have to have legal look over our usage/license agreement text to make sure it is accurate and complete.
             This has already been handed off, and I'm simply waiting for the final sheet to come back to me.

             Once these two items are done, I'll release the files. If I receive the legal text between now and Tuesday, then mark Wednesday the 16th as
             the date you'll see the SDK.

             There have also been alot of questions on what an SDK is, and who should download it. The SDK itself is a programming interface for Fly!,
             using the 'C' language. By itself, it has absolutely NO use by the typical user, and you probably won't see SDK-created add-ons for Fly! for
             weeks or months after the SDK hits the streets. However, there were a couple of fixes that we have rolled into the SDK, since we are not in
             the position to conduct another patch cycle for Fly! 1.0. So, if you get the SDK version (1.01.88) of Fly!, you'll get the following fixes:

             - The 19 plane aircraft limit in the Setup Aircraft screen has been fixed.

             - The weight loadout screen no longer limits to 3 digits (for large aircraft).

             - Logitech force-feedback joysticks no longer thrash uncontrollably.

             - Fly! now supports the use of auto-throttle and auto-brake systems (though they have to be configured and connected by third parties).

             - Windsock orientations have been fixed.

             - Aircraft black box disk logging is now off by default.

             - Plug-in .DLL files now supported (for expanding core Fly! functionality).

             - Some airports would experience floating taxiways; fixed.

             We'll be releasing the SDK in two forms: a developer download (including source code, samples, new executable and SDK documentation),
             and a user download (only containing a new FLY.EXE file). The download will be between 2-3MB for both developers and users.

             For those of you who are developers, here is a preview of the functional areas that the SDK will give you access to:

             - Object creation
             - Messaging (simulation data retrieval)
             - Drawing primitives
             - Text primitives
             - Bitmap primitives
             - Stream primitives (file I/O)
             - Memory management (platform independent)
             - Sound functions
             - Cursor functions
             - Keyboard functions
             - DLL functions (platform independent)
             - Joystick functions
             - Gauge functions
             - Aircraft system functions
             - Database access functions
             - Flight plan functions
             - Object manipulation functions
             - Terrain property functions
             - Weather functions
             - Camera functions
             - Window functions
             - Date & Time functions
             - Movie functions
             - .INI functions
             - Utility functions

             In all, there are over 350 functions or hooks available through the SDK to query, manipulate, or extend the Fly! application. Finally, we
             expect the PC and Mac versions to be available simultaneously.

             Richard Harvey
             Terminal Reality 