FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MAXWELL AFB, Ala. — Civil Air Patrol is partnering with Abacus Software to produce a CAP aircraft add-on package for Microsoft© Flight Simulator. Abacus says the package will be available this summer.

Using the new Civil Air Patrol Pilot add-on, Microsoft Flight Simulator users will be able to “fly” different types of CAP aircraft in a variety of aviation scenarios.

CAP officials are enthusiastic about working with Abacus, the world leader in flight simulation add-on packages, and its association with Flight Simulator, which continues to be the world’s all-time top-selling flight simulation program for the PC.

As part of their agreement, CAP will receive royalties from the sale of Civil Air Patrol Pilot. CAP ultimately will use the funding for its youth development programs. As an official CAP corporate partner, Abacus will receive the right to use the Civil Air Patrol name and corporate partner mark in the company’s advertising, marketing and promotional programs.

“This is the first of its kind for CAP,” said Maj. Gen. Dwight Wheless, CAP national commander.  “By teaming with Abacus, Civil Air Patrol members will not only be able to fly the CAP colors in Flight Simulator, but they will also see tangible benefits in funding for our cadet programs as well.”

Abacus Software, based in Grand Rapids, Mich., develops and publishes entertainment and educational software for the home personal computer market. Worldwide bestseller software titles include Chopper Havoc!, Flight Deck 3, FS Repaint, FS Design Studio and EZ-Landmark - all add-ons for Microsoft Flight Simulator. Abacus products are sold by major retail chains and computer specialty stores, including Best Buy, CompUSA, Frys, Gamestop, Micro Center and online retailer Amazon.com.

Packaging for the new CAP add-on will include information on the volunteer organization and its aviation-based missions.  “This benefits CAP in a number of ways,” said Jim Shea, CAP director, strategic partnerships. “Besides funding some of our cadet program costs, the product will also contribute to public awareness about CAP and its missions.”

According to Abacus president Arnie Lee, “Civil Air Patrol commands great respect in the world of aviation and we look forward to introducing CAP’s aircraft and missions to Flight Simulator users.”

“We’re proud to help raise awareness of CAP members’ dedication to education and saving lives,” said Jim Oldfield, Abacus vice president. “Through Civil Air Patrol Pilot, we hope the Flight Simulator community will become more familiar with CAP and its service to the nation.”

 “I know our members, in particular, are going to enjoy this software,” said Al Allenback, CAP executive director and a former A-10 figher pilot. “I have flown Abacus military aircraft add-ons in Flight Simulator in the past and find them very realistic.”

Civil Air Patrol is a nonprofit organization with some 60,000 members nationwide and is the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force.  CAP performs 95% of continental U.S. inland search and rescue missions as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center and was credited last year by the AFRCC with saving more than 140 lives. CAP volunteers also perform homeland security, disaster relief and counterdrug missions at the request of federal, state and local agencies. Members take a leading role in aerospace education and serve as mentors to the almost 25,000 young people currently participating in CAP cadet programs. CAP has been performing missions for America for more than 60 years. For more information about CAP, go to www.cap.gov.

For more information on Abacus Software, go to www.abacuspub.com