I think if we are deigning to say "Investigation by a number of the FlightGear developers has found no difference between this and the FlightGear v1.9.1 release other than a change of name."; then I also think that after "Under the GNU GPL v2 (http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html), this is legal, provided that they distribute the source code (or make it available)," it's fair to mention something along the lines of "Our developers and users have not conclusively determined whether or not the offer from FlightSimPro is indeed in compliance with these terms."
I believe that statement sticks to the facts while expressing our stance of skepticism. Cheers, -R. (MD-Terp) Robert M. Shearman, Jr. Transit Operations Supervisor, University of Maryland Department of Transportation also known as rm...@umd.edu ________________________________ FlightGear Flight Pro Sim Statement: As many people will be aware, there is a new flight simulator product that is being heavily marketed at the moment - Flight Pro Sim. As it is very heavily based on FlightGear, there is some confusion between the two. To help provide some clarity, and answer some common questions, we (the core FlightGear development team) felt it was appropriate to make a statement, and provide a FAQ. FlightGear is a open-source flight simulator that was started in 2006. It is released under the GNU General Public License v2, and as such, it is free to use, modify and develop with few restrictions. It has been developed with the collaboration of a huge number of individuals over the internet over the last 12 years. FlightGear can be downloaded for free from http:// www.flightgear.org. Flight Pro Sim is a commercial product very heavily based on FlightGear. Investigation by a number of the FlightGear developers has found no difference between this and the FlightGear v1.9.1 release other than a change of name. Flight Pro Sim is in no way endorsed or supported by the core FlightGear development team. Given the extreme similarities between Flight Pro Sim and FlightGear, we would recommend that prospective buyers download FlightGear for free and satisfy themselves that Flight Pro Sim provides worthwhile value for money before purchasing it. FAQ: Q: What is the difference between FlightGear and Flight Pro Sim? A: As far as we have been able to make out, the only difference between FlightGear v1.9.1 and Flight Pro Sim is a change in name throughout the software, and the fact that you have to pay for it. Q: Is it legal for the makers of Flight Pro Sim to simply re-brand FlightGear ? A: Yes. Under the GNU GPL v2 (http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html), this is legal, provided that they distribute the source code (or make it available). Q: Is is legal to sell a copy of FlightGear, whether re-branded or not ? A: Yes. Technically, the purchaser is paying for the distribution of the software, and it reasonable to charge a fee for this. In fact, those interested in receiving a DVD containing FlightGear may do so through the main FlightGear website, and directly contribute to the project (though they may want to wait for the upcoming release in the new year). Q: Has Flight Pro Sim paid any money to FlightGear for the rights to the program ? A: No. No such payment is required, as FlightGear is open-source software. Q: Is there any relationship between the makers of Flight Pro Sim and FlightGear? A: Not that we are aware of. As far as we are aware, the makers of Flight Pro Sim are not FlightGear developers. Q: Has Flight Pro Sim contributed to the FlightGear project at all ? A: There is no evidence that the makers of Flight Pro Sim have contributed to the FlightGear project, either through code or money. They did offer to provide money ($250) for a monthly competition, but this offer has not been taken up. Q: I have purchased Flight Pro Sim. Can I get a refund ? A: That is something you will have to take up with the makers of Flight Pro Sim. We understand they offer a 60 day money-back guarantee.
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