Re: [Flightgear-devel] Airplane model

[<Wol...@t-...>]

David wrote:

>Erik Hofman writes:
>
> > Wouldn't it be time to include a real model of a C172 in the base
> > package (and modify the xml files accordingly)?
>
>That's something everyone wants, but so far no one has found one
>that's compatible with open source (i.e. they all say something like
>"available for private use, but send me e-mail if you want to use it
>in a commercial app");=20

Exactly. I emailed the author of the X-15, since he seems fairly
approachable, but he hasn't answered yet. It is very difficult to
impossible to explain the GPL in a few sentences and make it sound
good. For almost all people in the MSFS Freeware scene it is clear
that only dumb people let their spare time's work be ripped of by=20
commercial companies. I looked at the gnu-website, but it only helps
so much; you simply need to read a lot to understand Gnu and I am not
sure that an MSFS designer is prepared to spend this time.
Much of what the GPL says is diametrically opposed to what they think:
- Freeware has to be free (as in beer), GPL does not.
- Freeware may not be sold, GPL may be
- Many Freeware authors forbid others to change (for example repaint),
  the GPL not only allows it but even encourages it.
I don't want a discussion pro or contra GPL. We are all part of the
open source scene. But to talk to the Freeware people and get their=20
agreement, you must understand at least half way their thinking and
that the GPL has as aims many things that in their minds is evil.
I discusion how to sell them the GPL might help.
You have to realize that they have to take these things *very, very*
seriously.


If people are interested, I can E-Mail them the mail I send to the
X-15 author. With the X-15, I hoped that is is old and therefore the
author doesn't mind too much loosing control.

=46or the C172, the most important person to ask is definitely Chris
Lampard. I haven't done so yet, because I have little time and was
afraid to botch it with him (is that the right word?) once and for
all.

If other people want to formulate something, then I would certainly be
grateful.=20
Maybe people that know a bit about the MSFS Freeware peoples thinking
(David Findlay, me, etc) can help.
Maybe it would make impression if Curt sends the request?

I am very in favour of better 3D models in the base package.

I know of no GPLed MSFS planes, but there are some public domain ones,
many by Chuck Dome. In www.flightsim.com, search for "public domain"
and you will find them.

>All the best,
>
>
>David

Bye bye,
Wolfram.