I ran across a VA and they were charging $10 or $20 per year for a membership. It seemed like a good VA (I won't name any names), but I'm wondering, do any of you pay for your VA? Do you think you get a better overall experience when you do this? I'm curious...Thanks!Jeff

Any VA that charges for membership should be ashamed! If you want to see a great VA and don't want to spend a dime then come by Livewire Airlines - http://www.livewireairlines.com

Just because they charge you dosn't mean to say you are getting a better deal, I own a va and it is free and some of my pilots say it is one of the best VA's that they have come accross. The people running VA's that take money off you for memebership are normaly just looking for money and as soon as they make the amount they will shut the va down. Free ones can be just as good or better than ones that ask for money.

The VA I belong to is so great and is totall free. I really can't imagine anything out there being so much better that I would leave Altair and pay for it.KP

yes, i think i know what your talking about. is this a bush ops va? if it is then yes i was a member of that and yes i sent in my money it was $12/yr only $1 a month and no i didnt have a problem with it because the guy only wanted help paying for it, not everyone can afford to so why not?if this isnt a bush va, please email me the web page, i would sure like to see it.and yes i would again if it would be highly customized and tailored to your own flying needs, things like, where every flight is unique to each pilot, that to me is the most important thing in maintaining realism, to many va's allow pilots to fly whatever route they want and what happens is not all the routes get flown, or some more than others, etc.are you thinking of doing a pay va?let me know, thanksciao!Brian S

Yep. Someone has to pay the bills - and websites that can support some of the features you need to run the "neat" stuff, aren't cheap. Then there's the programs that you need to edit/update your site, etc.If someone wants to provide a good service to their pilots, I can't blame them for asking for a little help. I know that it can drain the wallet.As for me - I don't want to have to keep records, and send out bills. :)

I actually signed up, paid the $10, and it was an absolute joke... I won't name the site because I don't want to slander anyone.. If you email me privately I'll tell you.. I had no problem paying the money, of course the equipment has to be paid for and I understand that.. but on their site they talked about getting detailed flight assignments, realism, etc.. and all it was.. was another automated "pick a flight and go" site.... and almost nobody at the forums.. I was let down but it's only $10. I consider it a learning experience. :)Jeff

Asking for donations is one thing. If a site is good and your pilots want to help support it they will donate money to help. Demanding a membership fee says that if you don't pay then you can't fly with us. Not very good PR for a virtual airline.