I have tried comprehending what else could be included to make our experience even more realistic and exciting. Many of us have joined virtual airlines and get assigned flights and carry them out by flying on the SATNET network. With real world weather and controlled airspaces it has revolutionised what people would of thought could happen 10 years ago.
What will things be like in perhaps 5 - 10 years time? Ever been in a real plane and think to yourself "I wonder if I can fly this smooth?" I have always thought, sure, most of us can fly from point A to B but how well can you do it? Will there be someone bright enough to develop some sort of add-on where your flight is rated on "passenger comfort". God knows many times I have realised I am sliding off the glideslope and quickly jerked my 767 back on course meanwhile the passengers have turned white and are experiencing the "sweaty palm" syndrome! Even have a radar that detects the bumps coming and get passengers to buckle up before it occurs.
In the past I have joined a couple of virtual airlines and you have to do a check ride to pass onto the next CAT level. This was done by recording your flight (which doesn't really record everything) and sending it off to your CEO for review. Wouldn't it be good to have someone fly with you in the first officer seat to either help you with your flight or check your ability to fly?
Anyway, the sky is the limit and I believe what we are using now will be look upon as an FS game with a monochrome display in close years to come.
Cameron MacDonald
cmacdona@acnielsen.com.au
