Development

David, could you start by telling us how your interest in flight simulators began?

Well, if I'm honest, Dominic, my interest regarding flight simulation began with my late daughter, Donna, who sadly passed away just over five years ago. Donna was into flight simulation and video gaming in a big way, and when I say big, I mean big! My daughter had the controllers, the aircraft, the scenery, you name it, she had a complete flight simulation world contained within her PC, and she loved it. Donna created her own add-ons, got involved in numerous flight simulation forums and made many friends. She loved every aspect of it, and now I know why.

One day, I think it was when FS2002 was current, she showed me how real flight simulation could be. As she was explaining what everything did, I was struck by how real it really had become. The more she showed me, the more I could see how practicing on a simulator could aid you in the understanding of real aircraft procedures. The transition from simulated flight to real was clear to see. That was when the interest hit home!

       

After Donna passed away it took me two years to really start to complete her dream; a promise made to continue her work. However, by that time, FS2002 was no longer the platform to create for. FSX had taken that mantle.

Luckily, Donna kept instructions with everything, which helped me enormously! She also kept the work I had done for her, along with repaints. With the aid of these instructions, I went about designing and creating additional add-ons. So far these have been pretty popular, so I hope Donna's proud of her dad (I know she is).

For me, I'd like to think that there is a little bit of Donna contained inside each one.

Could you tell us a bit about the nature of your designs and what you do?

My designs, for the most part, are about breathing new life into add-ons which are beginning to look slightly dated. Bringing them up to FSX standards is aways a pleasurable experience (I think). However, if I see an FSX aircraft which I feel is lacking a certain livery, then I'll attempt to reproduce it.

What do you consider your best or most popular work?

Going by downloads, I'd say that my most popular work has been the Boeing 717-200 Revised Package, F9F5 Grumman Complete Package, and the FSX Lockheed C-130 Hercules.

David, what do you find to be the most challenging aspect of a project?

I think the most challenging aspect of design work always centers around the unknown. Many times I've started a project, looked at the task ahead of me and thought...what have I gotten myself into?

       

What have been your favorite projects?

My favorite projects would include the following: FSX Upgraded Grumman HU-16 Albatross, FSX Alpha CONECT B52H, and the FSX Agusta Westland EH 101 v2 Updated.