PC Virtual Pilot is reaching its third year in sponsoring light virtual airline programs for both the leisure pilot and the beginner. Originally founded in December of 2005 as a VA hosting site my desire to continue the policing of abandon web sites caused me to rethink my motive to be an open hosting site.
Since my first experience with flight simulation came back in 1997 when I stumbled into the virtual airline hobby, I had decided to go back to my roots. So I created a virtual airline program of my own. January 1, 2006 I opened Business Class Express, a single aircraft program utilizing the ERJ-145 with textures for the payware version. It was very successful and it ran until January of 2007. Where it was replaced by another program Ocean Miami Airways, maintaining the same pilot base. Since both programs were built around a fictitious logo to avoid the legal issues I experienced with American Airlines in 1998, I vowed never to emulate a real world concern again. On June 1st Ocean Miami was replaced by a new venture called Daveair.
One would ask the question, why all the changes? Over the years there are many factors that dictate the success of a virtual airline. If you're not emulating a real world airline organization you have to work hard to maintain your pilot base. Today there exist a world of real world "As real as it gets" VA programs, all of which are highly structured and require their pilots to fly all their flights on-line with one of the major ATC organizations. Some of these programs require you to go through a rigorous training program and a lot of protocol formalities just to have the opportunity to fly, say a Beech 1900. Anyway what I have created is a home for the individual who does not have the time or inclination to become that absorbed with a virtual airline, particularly that new person who just wants to get his or her feet wet and decide down the road as to the extent they wish to be involved. Daveair, is a light program and allows anyone with some experience in flight simulation to have that opportunity to experience the ins and outs of what a virtual airline is all about. One of the most difficult issues to deal with is keeping the virtual pilot happy and interested. If you ignore the pilot you will loose him, if you keep him interested he is loyal to your cause. I have managed over these past three years to maintain my core pilot base. They have been with me along time and active. We have had many come and go, moving on to newer experiences. Daveair is a program geared toward the beginner and for the leisure pilot that doesn't have a lot of time to get heavily involved and are looking for a short haul program.
So Daveair welcomes those who which to be apart of a light virtual airline program. When they are ready they will move up the latter.
David Zaleski
