André, who lives in the province of Quebec, Canada, is an avid "virtual airlines" pilot. This interview by David Boulay, author of Home made Cockpit of a Dash8-100 presented at the AVSIM 2002 Conference & Exhibition, asked André—as a career airline captain—for his views about simulator realism flying in the virtual skies.

Boulay: André, on September 19th, you celebrated your 75th birthday. First, let me wish you a very happy birthday. You were a real life pilot right ?

André Roy: Yes, I was a pilot for 34 years. I started my pilot's career in 1947 when I was 19 years old.

Boulay: For which companies did you fly?

André Roy: My first employer was Artic Wings based in Churchill Manitoba. The type of flights I flew were bush on Norseman… floaters during the summer and skies during the winter. I worked for them for one year in Hudson Bay. Then, I worked for Fecteau transport on beavers DHC-6 from Senneterre Abitibi Québec to Chibougamau and to James Baie. I also worked one year for them. Then, I worked for Quebecair for 28 years. I flew on Beach 18, DC-3, Canso, Fairchild F27, BAC1-11 (jet) and Boeing 707-100. My career ended when I was 51 years old after a mild heart attack. My logbook showed approximately 28,000 hours of flight time.

Boulay: When did you start your career as a virtual pilot?

André Roy: About 5 or 6 years ago. I started with FS95, then FS98 and now FS2000. I bought FS2002 but I don't use it since I don't like Squawk box with FS2002… it's not like the one with FS2000.

Boulay: You fly a lot… describe your typical day…

André Roy: I get up every day at 6h15. After breakfast, with a coffee, I go for my first flight. I will normally do a second flight before lunch. Then, after my afternoon nap, I'll fly a third flight and a last one around 19h00. It's a bit crazy but that's the way it is.

Boulay: How do you like flying online with voice?

André Roy: I fly online as often as I can. Lately, my ISP is not very stable but let's hope this is temporary. Using Roger Wilco is the cherry on the cake. It adds out-of-the-ordinary realism.

Boulay: You fly for Falcon Airways… why?

André Roy: I have been flying for Falcon airways for two years now. I like that company and what they offer: flight plans, pireps, aircrafts, and good follow-up.

Boulay: What do you like the most and what do you like the least with the current online flying system?

André Roy: What I like the most is the realism… it's like flying for real… it's as real as when I was flying as a real life pilot. What I like the least is that sometimes, the servers are not very stable—usually in the evenings.

Boulay: Do you have any advise for beginners who wants to start their virtual flying career?

André Roy: They have to study the help files from the simulator they use. I don't like very much meeting an airplane at FL350 who is flying in the wrong direction... As you can see, aviation is still very much in me. We are now into the third generation. My son is pilot inspector (IFR tests) for the transport department in Montreal and his daughter is in her third year at the Chicoutimi College where she will graduate this spring with her pilot license.

Boulay: André, thank you for this very interesting interview… I wish you good health and a lot more years with us flying online. You are an inspiration to us all.