Past "Contrails" Articles

Baptism to Ultralights by Aidan Williams

October 1, 2002: The field of aviation has so many twists and turns it is sometimes very hard to keep up with all that is going on. We find much the same in the flight simulation community. If you have been reading the recent reports that have emanated from the Avsim Conference, you will be more than aware that we attended the Reno Air Racing Cham-pionships. As you are also no doubt aware, this is without doubt one of the fastest (and most dangerous) motor sports in the world. But my most recent aviation experience could not be further from the racers at Reno.

I have recently been introduced to the world of Ultralights. With more and more people wanting to get into the world of aviation but finding the ever increasing costs a factor, this might be just what your looking for. Read on so I can share my experience with you.

Adding AI Aircraft Demystified! by Pardave Lehry

September 4, 2002: When Microsoft previewed FS2002 at Fanstock in April of 2000, one of the exciting new components of the simulation was the addition of Artificial Intelligence (AI) aircraft. Finally, for those people that found the thought of flying online using Squawkbox a little intimidating or not practical because of access to the Internet, the system was now in place for them to fly just as if they were flying online. Technology was also now at a point where it could handle the extra burden put on it by AI. With the advent of faster graphics cards, faster CPUs and the "growth" of the Flight Simulator graphics en-gine, now was a good time to introduce AI.

Tom Allensworth and Pardave teamed up to tell you how to augment FS2002's stable of planes and schedules with your chosen aircraft, liveries and schedules. And be sure to download the AI Traffic Guide there for the whole illustrated story!

Using ATC with Radar Contact by Maury Pratt

July 19, 2002: Maury mentioned in the previous edition of 'Contrails' that while setting up a new computer at home he made notes as to how he'd chosen to integrate particular aircraft, flight planning tools, and ATC software in an 'ideal' system for simulated air transport simulation. Building on the earlier discussion of flight planning tools, this 2nd installment—Using ATC with Radar Contact— discusses setting up enhanced ATC for FS2002. Read this continuing series on tips to help enjoy your FS2002 environment.

A Flight Planning Odyssey by Maury Pratt

July 6, 2002: Maury, who in addition to being an Avsim veteran, enjoys meeting with a group of friends at Simflite San Diego. Maury comments "I hadn't really thought about it, but as our discussions got deeper into simulated air transport flying, they talked of the bewildering array of software tools, procedures, and planning decisions they faced.

"As it happens I've been setting up a new computer at home these past few weeks, so I used the occasion to think over how I've chosen to integrate particular aircraft, flight planning tools, and ATC software on this computer—and I wrote down hopefully the more useful parts of my thinking as I went along. The selections I made and the steps I chose are subjective of course—but I hope more than a few readers will find it helpful."

A Flight Simmers Nightmare by Dave Gillespie

March 12, 2002: Avsim published Dave Gillespie's "To Answer the Call" in November, 1999, an account of an aerial search and rescue mission in the Bering Sea. Readers may recall that Dave, now retired from the USCG, was a flight engineer on Coast Guard C-130 aircraft in Kodiak, Alaska.

Now he contributes another fascinating story, "A Flight Simmers Nightmare," his personal account of survival in a fateful C-130 flight late in 1992. He notes that "it has taken me 10 years to be able to put this account to paper." Dave continues, "As an avid flight simmer and aviation enthusiast, I found my job in the U.S. Coast Guard as a C-130 Hercules Flight Engineer to be very rewarding. However, my 15 years and 3500 hours in the air could not have prepared me for what occurred on this particular real world flight."

At Home in the Wild – Bush Flying Unlimited at AVSIM! by Peter Ridge

February 7, 2002: So you say you want to be a bush pilot. Well, real bush flying is no walk in the park. Fortunately, you don't have to risk life and limb to get your wings and a taste of the wild outdoors. The vast improve-ment in consumer flight simulation software and the readily available computing power to run these systems brings the dream of a bush flying adventure to every desktop pilot. In this Contrails installment Peter Ridge recounts Bush Flying Unlimited's early days and introduces its founders—and offers up an array of resources.

Meet the Avsim Library Staff! by Rick Rossner and James Webb

December 28, 2001: We're the guys that work behind the scenes to bring you the latest, greatest flight sim files in the business, and in record time! Our Library is staffed by yours truly and 3 other Library Managers that work around the clock in order to keep our file Library up-to-date and on the cutting edge. Last weekend we had a little "Library Manager Christmas Get-together" in Barstow Calif. We all had a great time and our own James Webb was kind enough to write a summary of the day. Hope you enjoy it!

"Across the Pond" — A little trans-atlantic flight... by PIPER WARRIOR! by Ian P. Sissons for Alex Arvanitakis

October 16, 2001: This story has a difference—it's about flying aeroplanes in one of the most inhospitable environments imaginable to pilots. This is the story of a flight across the Atlantic in a light single engined aircraft—It is a test of their skill and endurance. This is the story of how Alex Arvanitakis brought our Piper Warrior home to Greece from the United States. It is a story of courage, determination to succeed and of man's ability to triumph when things don't go quite to plan. It is testament to the solid reliability of the Piper Warrior airframe and the Lycoming O-320-E3D engine—and above all it is the story of two very brave men made of the 'right stuff'.

My First Solo by Dan Pergau

October 2, 2001: Reader Pergau describes the thrill of flying a Katana solo—and the events leading up to it—in this story he wrote for his friends. He's graciously agreed to share this unforgettable experience with us here in 'Contrails'.

Editorial Response: "AVSIM Faces a Much Changed World" by Neal F. Truitt Sr.

September 14, 2001: Reader Neal Truitt replies to our September 13 editorial: "... In your editorial comment, you indicate concerns about the possible use of flight simulations in preparing for this horrendous event we have experienced. I would offer the following comments to you in return.

"I am quite sure that the individuals who seized control of those aircraft had some form of pilot training. I am also quite sure that no flight school in the world provides hands-on training from the beginning using real aircraft. I believe, therefore, that neither you nor the flight simulation community in general should rue or lament on the potential use of MSFS, FLY! or any of the other fine products on the market."

Reviving the dream! by Steve 'Bearracing' Cartwright

August 30, 2001: Avsim Senior Staff Reviewer Steve 'Bearracing' Cartwright recounts his visit early this month with an extraordinary person, Jim Wright, in Cottage Grove, Oregon. Jim and his team are building an exact replica of Howard Hughes' H-1 Racer—which set the world speed record in 1936 from Los Angeles to New York non-stop, in 7 hours and 28 minutes. In this new installment of 'Contrails' Steve recounts this plane's remarkable history and describes construction—not restoration—of its exact duplicate, 'from the ground up'. Steve's included photos he took that day, and in a 'sidebar' gives us a look at Dave Carroll's FS2000 H-1 aircraft, panel, sounds and adventures recreating Howard's original record breaking flights. Don't miss this one!

How Practice with Flight Simulation Saved My (and my friend's) Life by Are Barstad

July 22, 2001: In this 'Contrails' column Are tells of his personal experience in what started as a pleasure flight with a pilot friend, but turned out to be a harrowing experience when they found themselves in IFR conditions—for which they had no experience, let alone the necessary certification. Nevertheless, Are relied on knowledge gained in desk-top flying with PC-based flight simulators to get back to earth alive, a feat that was possible only because Are's airmanship—despite many mistakes—avoided fatal disorientation so common to attempted flights in IMC conditions. And he offers some very good advice for General Aviation pilots based on this experience.

Why Do I Bother... by Francois Dumas

May 25, 2001: Why do I bother writing reviews on flight simulation aircraft, scenery, documents and packages? Why would you care to read this column? What do you care about the reviewer, or his opinion for that matter? The reason I started writing this column is that I felt bad about a review I was doing the other day. And that happened to me a few times already. Let's face it, not everything that sees the light today is worth the money or, even if it's free, the download time or space on our hard disks. Of course, you say, we all know that! Yes, but you don't have to put it to people black on white. Or if you do, it's just your opinion in one of the forums on Avsim or another site... What I am getting at, is that it is not totally without consequences for everyone what a reviewer writes.

Tales from the “Sales” Ramp by Mike Adamo

March 17, 2001: In this edition of Contrails Mike Adamo, of Calgary, Alberta, Canada takes a spectacular ride in a new Pilatus PC-12. A veteran simmer, Mike has a “dream job” selling the Pilatus for a company in Calgary called AirSprint. Most of his selling time is spent on the Fractional Ownership and executive charter side but, the focus will change to include selling to operators. Many of you are acquainted with Mike, as he's been involved for the past 3 years with AVSIM Online, starting as an aircraft reviewer and now moderating the MS Flight Simulation series of forums. Be sure to share his enthusiasm for the Pilatus by reading this Contrails installment.

This Conspiracy Thing… by Tom Allensworth

February 23, 2001: We are flight sim enthusiasts. We are down to earth; fundamentally retro-90’s types and we do have a life. However, there is a conspiracy that is working against us and could, potentially, make us all into sim terrorists. It will soon arrive on our doorsteps and now is the time to unify and seek solace in our numbers! It is time that all simmers of all stripes stood up and protested.

Okay, here it comes… We are approaching spring in the northern hemisphere where (despite our southern hemisphere brethren’s protests to the contrary) most flight sim enthusiast live. And you southern hemisphere types please remember, in six or so months, you will be in the same bowl of kimchee as your northern brothers! So, pay heed!

Writing's Many Faces by Chuck Boudreaux

February 15, 2001: From time to time we see reader responses in our "Letters to the Editorial Staff" and other AVSIM Online forums questioning whether we're upholding commonly accepted journalistic rules, particularly by separating objective facts from subjective views. Well, we asked our Associate Editor Chuck Boudreaux to review our practices to be sure we are. We'd like to take this opportunity to clarify AVSIM's practices so that our readers know what to expect—and call us to task if we stray. But first we wanted to be sure everyone understands "what's what." As Chuck was a certified newspaper journalist in his "previous life," he should know!

Of Dreams, Mercury Capsules, and International Trucks...! by Steve 'Bear' Cartwright

January 10, 2001: AVSIM Online Contributing Reviewer Steve 'Bearracing' Cartwright captures the essence of enthusiasm for aviation many share who came of age in the world of WWII, the early jets and air racing in Reno in an essay he posted in our MSFS forum. He continues with the significance of flight simulation has in his life. As he enjoys such a following in our community—not only in the forums but as one of our weekly "Top 5 Picks" mini-reviewiers—the Editors felt that you all would enjoy reading his story. Want to know why his nickname is "Bearracing?" You'll find the answer here.

Did ProController/Squawkbox help me? by Dennis Sander (Contributed)

January 5, 2001: Have you been sitting in front of Pro Controller for hours, thoroughly enjoying yourself just imagining what it would be like to be doing something you love so much as a living? I felt this way from the first time I logged onto PC. I never really seriously considered controlling for a living, it was a just a hobby and I was sure that a guy like me without post secondary education and a job as a printing press operator wouldn’t stand a chance getting an interview for a controller. Read Dennis' column to see what it's like to complete real world ATC training.

A Fairy Tale by Bill Dailey

July 16, 2000: AVSIM Online Managing Editor "Uncle Bill" Dailey surveys the King's landscape and sees something wondrous unfolding. He relates his observations in a children's bedtime story for simmers. Read Bill's tongue in cheek cautionary tale!

So You Want to be a Pilot, Hey? by Pardave Lehry

May 12, 2000: AVSIM Associate Editor Pardave Lehry takes a look at a career in the aviation industry. After seeing countless posts in general and commercial aviation forums on the Internet, Pardave decided to write the article to make our readers aware that there are other rewarding careers in the aviation industry other than a pilot.

Keeping Up by Bill Dailey

April 7, 2000: AVSIM Online Managing Editor Bill Dailey says, ""Is it just me or has the pace of things happening in the flight sim world really picked up? I mean REALLY picked up.

The flood of new releases – both freeware and commercial, upgrades, patches, readme's, FAQs, tweaks, and just general stuff that comes out each and every day is beginning to get to overwhelming dimensions – at least if you want to stay current with what's going on. If you're not interested in staying current don't read any further.

A Long Term Love Affair with a Big Hunk of Aluminum! by Mel Ott (Contributed)

August 23, 1999: When any airplane can give a 58 year old pilot GOOSEBUMPS by simply flying over his head, you do have a work of art!!!

A 747 can hardly be called beautiful, when compared to the Lear, or the Grumman Gulfstream, or even the venerable DC3. However, she is a massive airplane that really put the meaning into "The Aluminum Overcast." This airplane, due to its size, "tricks" the mind while watching it fly an approach that seems to be way too slow for physical flight. Mel shares his impressions drawn from years of flying this wonderful aircraft as a career air transport pilot.

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