Good morning all:   

I noticed this morning while browsing about the internet that on March 26th, 2005 at 11:28AM I became a member of Simviation.

Some nine thousand posts later, an odd grey hair on my little pointy head and I am still here.   

We had an old computer, not even sure what it was called then but someone gave us the game Battle of Britain and the kids played with that.

I tried the game a couple of time but soon lost interest in it.

I could get on a real multi-million dollar flight simulator anytime I wanted, the simulator would simulate smoke in the cockpit (yes we had to open the rear door to let the smoke out), icy runways, well you name it and these things would do it.

The thirty million dollar simulator I was on the other day you could see the food and drink in a person's hand coming out of a fast food outlet.  A person in the canoe even waved a paddle at us as we flew over on takeoff.

Motion Simulators of all kinds have come a long way.
In 1998 we got a new top of the line home computer, it still used DOS (think it stands for dumb old system).   

Well several of the old retired rocking chair flying geezers from the bug smasher field got together and bought me (us) the Microsoft Game FS98.

When the kids were not playing it I used it for Instrument Approaches as it was a useful Training Aid.

Along came Microsoft FS2000, FS2002 and FS2004 all of which I used as an Instrument Training Aid at home.

Then  in March of 2005 someone showed me the Simviation Web Site and I have been here ever since.

Looking back at those seven years:

-we still have many of the members that were here before me

-it still is the best forum around and the only one I have ever belonged to

-advice and help....all you have to do is ask and you shall receive....just like seven years ago

- Microsoft FSX and Microsoft Flight both developed during those seven years

-we turned the old homestead over to the eldest son and moved into a city

-we have not renewed our aviation medicals...pushing eight decades God would have to be our copilot

-we have given up all voluntary work...that gives us a good thirty hours to ourselves now per week

-I still do not comment on aircraft accidents...leave that up to the God, Crew and Transport Canada

-still post in the wrong forum....not often....Eh Mark

-Paul is still cooking up some darn good meals and holding onto his gravy secret

-got to get across the pond to go to a flying show with Doug

-need to get to France to buy Stephane a nice meal with a bottle of wine (also to find out if he is really nuts because he jumps out of perfectly good aero planes)

-several Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren were born

What really got me into the gaming end of FS2004 and FSX and away from using the games as strictly a Training Aid for Instrument Flying was a member and still a member who was heavily involved in BFU (Bush Flying Unlimited)
.
The 1998 computer was  dated for FS2004 and FSX so I never really became a member of BFU (Bush Flying Unlimited) but my horizons were broadened by what I could accomplish as per a simulated flight from his posts and screenshots.

With the crash of my computer several week ago and now that it has been upgraded and rebuilt I have been trying to decide whether to reinstall FSX or not.

I can tell you yes I will.   

I really miss using my C-ANDY Douglas DC3 which is a repaint from another member here, Andy who lives on the other side of the world.  Now you got me, I have only been an aviator for six plus decades and I still do not know what stops those folks from down under from falling off our planet and going into space.

However, with the spring and summer weather upon us it will be hard to stay indoors and do a simulated flight with no motion.

A certain member in the Homebuilt Cockpit Section here by the name of John has got my interest peaked and I have found several posts about motion seats and units.

Well that is some of what has happened during my last seven years here.

I think it is time I put something back into Pete's Simviation in the form of purchasing a membership when I hit ten thousand posts.
Simviation has been wonderful for me, it breaks up the day and gives me something to look forward to.  Our members bring forth a comradeliness here at Simviation only which can be envied by other forums.

Looking forward to another good year....thanks.

Hope you will find the below Links informative.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flight_Simulator

http://www.bruceair.com/msfs/fs_in_training.htm

We have some things in common Doug.

This is the only forum I am a member of.
Where as you moved to the city and left the home to the kids,I bought the house I grew up in,in the city and my parents moved out to the country.
I've run all the flight sims up to my current FSX.
Pete's the man! Him and the mods have made this place my home away from home. I'm here daily and use this site way more than Facebook. Here you know who your friends are even if you have never met them in person. Facebook to me is a popularity contest.

Anyway,Great post,well said,and I too am thinking of purchasing a membership.

Best

Mike

Thanks Mike....

We miss the country life but this is a small city with lots to do.
It is a new Condo with underground parking and full time security.  We are right on a bay and river.

Only about a hour drive north along the river to several bugsmasher fields and the old homestead.

Did you know that Threshold Aviation has a flight simulator?

No I did not notice it. Last time I was there was over a year ago.. so it may be new..

Scalper

The last time I was there they were using that room for Flight Attendant Training and I could not get in.

The room is off to the left of the store, large foyer and I believe the room is behind or beside the store.

I think the one owner told me he flew for Jazz...don't quote me as can't quite remember...

Have heard of Zorro's, is it on the airport strip going back towards the 401 entrance and Aviation World from Threshold Aviation?

its on that street Torbram I think that goes north from derry. pretty much acrross from Threshold

Zorros is in the white building. Best food and service in town. My wife is dying for me to take her there again. well worth the money

Keep us posted Doug, I've got a spare room at ours that is at your disposal