It is with deep sadness that I can confirm the passing of my friend Derek Davis. Many of you here in the flight simulation community will know Derek as the Editor of PC Pilot magazine since 2005. I spent over a decade working with Derek as his Deputy Editor on the magazine. Derek worked behind the scenes for years offering support and encouragement to the entire community, from developers to simmers. His passion for aviation and this community had no limits.

He was my friend and we shared many good times together, including some amazing times at air shows and events!

Derek grew up in a small apartment in a single parent family. Just Derek and his mother in a deprived area of London. He always dreamed of aviation. He realised that dream in so many ways, also becoming a leading light in Flight Simulation, helping drive forward Microsoft Flight Simulator and so many other aviation products.

Always a trail blazer, Derek has taken his flight in to heaven and leaves indelible memories of friendship and a true gentleman to all who had the great privilege to call him friend. He joins his wonderful wife Jane (always so kind and generous to me) who passed in 2015, now reunited.

My deepest condolences to his family as we prepare for his funeral, taking place this morning. Derek may have left us, but his legacy in pushing flight simulation forward will endure for many years to come.

 

Jane Whittaker

Sincere and deep condolencies.

RIP Derek!

Shame! We were lucky to receive the magazines down here in Capetown. Although a bit delayed. With DVD's attached. Used to buy every edition. RIP. Jane, are you still writing reviews?

Peter.

Edited August 28, 20241 yr by Peter Webber

1 hour ago, Peter Webber said:

Shame! We were lucky to receive the magazines down here in Capetown. Although a bit delayed. With DVD's attached. Used to buy every edition. RIP. Jane, are you still writing reviews?

Peter.

hey Peter, thank you for your kind words. I had to leave the magazine when my wife became very severely disabled. I miss it very much,

 

all the best

Jane

44 minutes ago, JaneRachel said:

hey Peter, thank you for your kind words. I had to leave the magazine when my wife became very severely disabled. I miss it very much,

 

all the best

Jane

Sorry to hear. I'm an "old school" guy who likes to have a piece of paper in my hand. Hope the magazine continues in it's form. I have boxes in my garage full of PC Pilot magazines from many years ago.

I am sad to hear that news, Jane. I have fond memories of writing two articles for PC Pilot magazine, although that was before Derek's time as editor (I worked with Mark Embleton, who was the assistant editor at the time before he moved on to work for JustFlight).

5 minutes ago, Christopher Low said:

I am sad to hear that news, Jane. I have fond memories of writing two articles for PC Pilot magazine, although that was before Derek's time as editor (I worked with Mark Embleton, who was the assistant editor at the time before he moved on to work for JustFlight).

Mark (and Dermot) were my first bosses at PCP when I first joined. It still seems like yesterday that Derek joined us!

A great editor of a great publication.  Very sad to have lost Derek, but his years of contributions to the hobby we love will endure.

Very sad news indeed.

As I’m sure you’ll recall Jane, you introduced me to Derek back in 2005 or 06 when I wrote an article about the 747 for the magazine.

I spoke with Derek on the phone about that ,but at a later flight sim show I spotted him at the PCpilot stall so introduced myself and spoke with him for some time. 
As you say he was clearly very passionate about our hobby but most of all came across as a genuine gentleman, and just a really nice person.

I’m very sorry to hear of his passing.

We need that UK Flightsim Show back up and running, so that we can all meet up before it is too late!

I Shouldn’t laugh , but I did, you’re quite right.

On 8/29/2024 at 3:33 AM, jon b said:

Very sad news indeed.

As I’m sure you’ll recall Jane, you introduced me to Derek back in 2005 or 06 when I wrote an article about the 747 for the magazine.

I spoke with Derek on the phone about that ,but at a later flight sim show I spotted him at the PCpilot stall so introduced myself and spoke with him for some time. 
As you say he was clearly very passionate about our hobby but most of all came across as a genuine gentleman, and just a really nice person.

I’m very sorry to hear of his passing.

I remember it very well Jon yep! What I cannot believe it is nearly 20 years! @jon b