When did you start developing for flight simulators and what got you interested in it?

I started developing for MSFS back in 1998. My son was looking for aircraft of the South African Air Force but none were available, so I downloaded some models that we could repaint. Some of the aircraft I enjoyed were created by Mike Hill, and so, with his permission, I started to create liveries for them. I eventually uploaded some of my repaints on to FlightSim.Com and Avsim.com.

After a while I decided that I would like to try my hand at creating my own aircraft so I purchased FlightShop. FlightShop enabled me to create my own aircraft and was fun to use. The first aircraft that I created was shared with local flight simmers. I then switched over to FSDS, and my first model created with that program was a Casa 200 and 300. Later, I changed this model so it would work with FS2000, and the rest as they say, is history.

Tell us about the nature of your designs and what you do?

Basically all my aircraft are military in nature, and also ones used by the South African Air Force. My first designs were of aircraft built during or just after the Second World War; for example the P51, Spitfires and Sabre. When it comes to locating information used for creating these aircraft, I visit my local air force museum which contains a great deal of information on many different types of aircraft. Not only can I find information on aircraft at the museum, but I also get the opportunity to take photos of the cockpits and instruments. This way I can get to work on designing the xml gauges and use the photos as backdrops for the panels. For me, a lot of the fun is had with the research. I also love testing new features and trying to improve on the aircraft (model, gauges, etc.). With each new aircraft that I create, I learn something new about design.

What do you consider your best or most popular work?

I have designed about 35 aircraft so far, and out of that number, only about 15 have been made available on numerous flight sim sites (the rest being made available to friends and local pilots only). Which ones are the most popular? I would have to say that the Cheetah C and Mirage III CZ seem to be my most popular aircraft so far, but I also have a Pilatus PC7 which is quite popular too.

I uploaded the Atlas Cheetah C to FlightSim.Com and also Simviation.com, but since then it has been uploaded to a number of other flight sim sites (don't know who by). From the sites that I know of, the model has been downloaded over 25,000 times.

What do you find to be the most challenging aspect of a project?

The most challenging aspect of a project can vary from one project to another, but I would have to say that, in most cases, the research stage is the most challenging part as it's not always that easy to locate the required background information needed. When it comes to the actual design of the aircraft, I'll have ideas on specifics but because of my limited computer knowledge, it's sometimes difficult to put them into practice.

I have no previous computer training so I had to learn how to use the software used for modelling, from scratch. I also have no background in software design, so I had to do all my work based on trial and error. I took some time to study the SDK's, and I taught myself to design gauges in xml (with the help of some experts), it all seems to work! When it comes to the actual flight characteristics of aircraft, I must emphasise that I do not consider myself an expert on flight modelling. I have to rely on the available information there is, and most of the time, the real life data is just not available, or it is classified, so you have to make use of what you can get.

What have been your favorite projects?

As I have mentioned, the PC7, Cheetah and Mirage all stand out (for me) because not only did I use makemdl codes, but I also animated the pilots and wrote specific codes for the VC gauges. The CheetahC and Mirage IICZ were both included on the PC Pilot DVD and it was great to see.

Another feature that I used for the first time was to design basically one model, and by using specific xml codes, make it possible to select the weapons you wanted added to that model in the payload section of FS. No longer did you need to have multiple variations of the same aircraft in your aircraft directory!

The Cheetah also has a very special place in my heart as my son helped me with the design of the previous version of the aircraft. Sadly he died of cancer about a week before it was due to be finished, so he never got to see it.

I have recently designed a new panel for the DSB BAE Hawk. I designed a new military MFD gauge with a number of windows (HIS, engine, attitude, radar with info on the AI aircraft, and it also includes a moving map). The radar gauge is not linked to any module or external software, and is very easy to use.

I am also busy with a GPS1000 type of gauge (a hybrid between the Garmin 1000 and the Dynon Avionics Skyview System). I'm designing this purely for me, and as a 'what if' gauge. It's being designed totally from scratch, and will be used just for fun.

What software packages and tools do you use to develop?

As mentioned, I started off with FlightShop and then later changed to FSDS. I also use FSPanel Studio and XML Notepad for the xml gauges. Other software I use when creating my models includes: Paint Shop Pro 7, Aired by William M. Roth and DXTBmp.

Who would you consider to be your mentors or inspiration in the development world if you have any?

There are a number of designers that I have to thank and these include local designers such as: Johan Crous, Bjorn Bucner, Jason Ashworth and Vasco Ferreira who created the first FS models in South Africa.

Also Mike Hill (who I mentioned earlier), was the first person to give me pointers in texturing techniques.

People like Frank Safranek, Karol Chlebowski, J.E. Narcizo, Rob Barendregt and Dietmar Loleit all contributed their expertise and helped me enormously. Apologies if I've left anybody out.

I must also mention our local scenery developers, Aeroworx (who I have very high regard for) as they have created many high quality sceneries. I have tried my hand at scenery design but my knowledge in this area very limited, so I will leave the experts to work their magic!

Lastly, and just as important, are all the SAAF pilots and officers, like Barend Bezuidenhout and Alan Taylor, who aided me in my aircraft designs.

Do you develop payware/freeware or both and why?

All my models are freeware, as in my opinion, I do not have the expertise to bring my projects to a level I would call payware. I love aircraft and aviation in general, so I design models to share with those who will never be in a position to fly real aircraft.

The Team

How many people work with you or your team?

The team consists of one person...me, but this works well as FS is my hobby. I work in my spare time and therefore I cannot give the commitment needed to work in a team. Being the only member of the 'team' means that I get to handle all phases of the project. This includes the 3D model, texturing, panel and xml gauge design.

What other developers or teams have you worked with and what were their roles?

There aren't that many FS model and scenery designers in South Africa, but when I first started with FS, I assisted individual designers with projects. This was mainly helping out with panels and gauges. One of the developers I joined up with was Vasco Ferreira who designed some SAAF models, and I remember creating some panels for him.

I also became involved with FSWorld, a local site created by Johan Jacobs for local flight simmers:

http://www.fsworld.co.za

They also started the South African Virtual Air Force:

http://www.uvsaaf.fsworld.co.za

...and I became the Head of the VSAAF. I recently retired as General, but I am still involved with the development and testing of new aircraft, and the updating of older aircraft.

I have helped with the panel design of a CheetahD and Rooivalk attack helicopter which was created by Johan Jacobs at JDSModels and I've also helped individuals on occasion with panels and xml gauges and other design related queries.

Real Life

Do you have any experience in real aviation?

Not as a pilot unfortunately, but I've had my fair share of being a passenger. I was the secretary for a former cabinet minister and we had regular flights in both private and military aircraft.

What started your interest in aviation?

As a young boy I lived in a town close to one of the South African Air Force bases. At that time they flew Vampires and Sabres; later the Mirage III and it was just awesome watching them! I think in every small boy's heart he longs to become a fighter pilot!

I remember, back in 1977, during my compulsory military service, I hitchhiked home one weekend. After walking a while, an elderly gentleman in a dilapidated little car stopped and offered me a lift. It just so happened that his destination was the same as mine, which was a three hour journey by car! After driving a short while he stopped at a local airfield. Looking confused and slightly surprised by our stop, he laughed, and then proceeded to show me his Cessna 170 which was going to be our ride home! That was my first time in an aircraft and from that moment I was hooked!

Any memorable flights in real life?

In 2007, as part of an outing for my son who had cancer, we were treated by the SAAF to a flight on an Oryx (Puma) helicopter. It was great and something I will always remember.

I also had the opportunity to fly in a real life BAE Hawk simulator in Makhado (one of our SAAF airbases), and that was an awesome experience!

To be honest with you, every time I fly is a memorable flight because...I suffer from an extreme fear of heights, but that's between you and me though!

Would you like to share what you do in real life?

I am a project management consultant involved in community facilitation and training. I am also a Pastor involved in ministry activities.

What other hobbies or things do you do for enjoyment?

I love my family, and my time with them is very precious to me. I love playing a game of golf with my wife and son and I also enjoy good movies.

Have you ever considered doing flight simulator development full-time?

Not really. The flight simulation market in South Africa is actually quite small so I would have to be very clever to stay at the forefront of development, and as I have mentioned, I do not regard my models as payware material.

Future

How do you choose your next new design or project?

Projects are often started because of requests (panel, model, etc.), but they can be also chosen because that particular subject has yet to be covered.

What simulators do you design for now and which ones do you plan to develop for in the future?

I only design for Microsoft Flight Simulator.

In what ways do you see development changing in the future?

Well, as long as there are people interested in flying, there will always be flight simulators. As technology changes, I think the development of flight simming will also change and improve. Personally, I cannot see flight simming disappearing any time soon.

Your Thoughts

What can sites like FlightSim.Com do to support you and the hobby better?

Well you already provide an incredible service to the flight simming community as a whole! I have been associated with FlightSim.Com for a long time and never had any thoughts of withdrawing any of my aircraft from your site.

How do you feel about the future of flight simulation in general?

As I said, as long as there is a love for flying, there will always be a future for flight simming.

What are some of the most important things a site or community can do to help the developers?

One aspect that I feel very strongly about is the number of freeware aircraft and scenery that find their way onto payware CD/DVD's. I still cannot figure out why people would want to pay for a CD/DVD with freeware aircraft on it, especially when they can download the aircraft or scenery from numerous flight simming sites for free!

What would you like people to know about you or your team and work?

Over the years, I had my fair share of criticism regarding my FS work, and even though I don't see it in a negative light (constructive criticism is useful), people should remember that it takes a lot of time to design an aircraft, and that it's usually the developer who pays that price (time).

I could have spent that time being with friends or family, but through choice, I chose to share what I do. I've had many flight simmers email me to let me know that they enjoy flying my aircraft, and for me that makes the hobby all worth while.

Thinus Pretorius
Pretoria, South Africa

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