Microsoft has announced that "Flight Simulator X" has gone gold and is on schedule for a release on October 17th.

"With this 10th addition to the Flight Simulator franchise from ACES Studio, gamers can immerse themselves in a beautifully rich and realistic world that offers a completely new and innovative gaming experience. With the addition of more than 50 missions, Flight Simulator X is more than just a simulator, challenging aviators to beat the clock in the infamous Red Bull air races or to drop relief materials in exotic locations. Through increased online game capabilities, gamers can also choose their role, from air-traffic controller to pilot or co-pilot, as they interact with other aviators worldwide.

Available in both standard and deluxe versions, Flight Simulator X features a newly detailed environment with incredible graphics and added realism that includes weather, time of day and seasons. Flight Simulator X also introduces new aircraft from the deHavilland DHC-2 Beaver floatplane and Grumman G-21A Goose to the AirCreations 582SL Ultralight, and includes more than 24,000 airports to depart from."