Virtual airline (hobby)
A virtual airline (VA) is a dedicated hobby organization that uses flight simulation to model the operations of an airline. Virtual airlines generally have a presence on the Internet, similar to a real airline.[1] Many hundreds of virtual airlines of significance currently active, with tens of thousands of participants involved at any one time.[2][3][4][5]
Purpose
Virtual airlines were started to give a sense of purpose to activities conducted within a flight simulator.[3] This basic premise has evolved over time, along with available technology, to provide increasing levels of immersion but always with the same core purpose. When combined with increasingly powerful personal computers, advancing flight simulation software, and communications networks, virtual airlines are often able to provide compelling, realistic, experiences similar to operations inside a real airline.[3] Virtual airlines also provide an avenue for members to gain access to additional content, such as aircraft and scenery, for use with their simulator. The appeal varies; for younger members, virtual airlines provide a sandbox environment where they can experience the corporate environment of commercial business in the airline industry, without the risk of financial loss. These organizations also provide an outlet for those who are interested in aviation but unable to fly themselves in real life due to financial, health, or other reasons.[6]
Academics have stated that members of these groups can often show significant attachment and immersion in their activity, building strong relationships with those who they share their created "space" with. Participants can become unusually dedicated and committed to their group through the forging of their strong bonds and sense of identity, despite the construct being entirely (or nearly entirely) fictional.[7] Some of the groups are run similar to real-world airlines, and members can get a taste for being a professional pilot by joining one of the organizations.[4] Commentators have described virtual aviation as giving Flight Simulators an interest and depth that they would otherwise not have.[8]
History
Virtual airlines are early examples of online gaming communities, many of the first virtual airlines can be traced back to the early 1990s in flight simulator forums of services such as Prodigy, CompuServe or America Online, with some of these still in operation today.[2] Since they were first formed, these organizations are often characterized by their highly organized and structured nature when compared with other virtual groups in the gaming community. It is possible that such organizations represent some of the earliest examples of organized gaming groups similar to the clans and guilds seen in modern video gaming.[2] While at least the early history of virtual airlines is predominantly on the Windows or DOS operating systems, Macintosh users also took part in the mid 1990s.[9] It has been proposed that virtual airlines have existed since the creation of the first flight simulators, therefore predating the Internet.[3]
Rapid growth in popularity of virtual airlines was experienced just prior to and through the new millennium. During this time, they were considered to be an immensely popular hobby often noted for how seriously it was taken by its participants.[10] Since the rapid development of the massively multiplayer online game (MMOG) genre, virtual airlines and online flight simulation in general have seen much greater competition for participation and membership.
Given their origins through the early Internet, these organizations have often been early adopters of technology to enhance the online experience. This technology includes online databasing and multiplayer networks such as the Virtual Air Traffic Simulation Network (VATSIM), International Virtual Aviation Organization (IVAO), SkySimFlight or SimFly. Developments have tended towards more integration between Internet websites, the simulation software such as those in the Microsoft Flight Simulator series, multiplayer networks, and flight recording systems. It is believed that increased integration across these mediums provides a more immersive experience that enhances gameplay, being the primary reason for people to join the virtual groups.[11] Commentators have described virtual aviation as giving Flight Simulators an interest and depth that they would otherwise not have.[8]
Platforms
A video game is required for the actual conduct of operations by organization members. There are several platforms that are typically used to conduct simulated operations, although by definition almost any flight simulation video game can be utilized by such an organization. Common games include:
Types
Virtual airlines may be organizations that are created with no ties to any real world entity. These organizations are fictional constructs of the participants, who use the roleplaying environment of the group to add a sense of immersion to the gaming activity. These types of virtual airlines are indeed the most commonly seen.[2] Without basis on a real world entity, fictional virtual airlines are varied in their scope of both route and aircraft fleet.
Real-world
Other virtual airlines are based on real airlines, from major carriers to small operators.[4] These virtual airlines tend to closely follow their real world counterparts in terms of aircraft fleet and routes offered. While there are examples of controversy over copyright issues, the real airline companies tend to allow similarly named virtual airlines and to participate within player communities.
Military
Virtual military and paramilitary organizations often operate in a similar way to virtual airlines, but using military aircraft and ranking systems.[4] Organizations such as VATSIM have strict regulations around the operation of such organizations within the network.[12] Virtual militaries often specialize in one area, such as naval aviation, although there are some organizations that extend across multiple areas of military aviation and sometimes into other areas such as land and maritime operations. Virtual flying clubs are less structured and generally smaller than other forms of virtual airlines, operating in much the same was as real world Flying Clubs operate. It has been proposed that such clubs have a smaller scale than others and place a heavy emphasis on social interaction.[1]
Operation
Technology has improved since the introduction of BBS-operated virtual airlines, allowing a wider variety of tools and resources available to virtual pilots, enhancing realism of flight simulation. Pilots can now fly online using networks such as VATSIM, IVAO or Virtual Skies. While connected to the network, pilots can see other aircraft, hear and respond to Air Traffic Control and see weather conditions that parallel the real-world weather at their plane's location. Using these services, most virtual airlines regularly host online events where virtual pilots can participate in group flights with hundreds of other pilots.[13]
While virtual airlines are not real, since the flights only happen inside of a computer, they are considered a serious hobby that has appeal among a very wide age range of participants, with the average age of participants increasing.[14] Some even simulate real-world airlines to the point where flight dispatching and fictional salary are part of the virtual airline's basic operations, as well as calculating operating costs and the full range of financial data used to manage airlines in the real world.[3] It is common for the virtual airline to offer its members set flight routes to operate, with the offer of receiving awards and promotions as a result.[15] It is also common for pilots to be given custom aircraft files and repaints with customized livery of the imaginary carrier, usually made internally by virtual airline members.[15]
Most virtual airlines have a specific ranking system for their pilots, that tend to involve restricting which airplanes the member is allowed to fly.[4] Pilots complete flights for their airline, using their simulator, either online (using a network such as VATSIM) or offline, and then file a pilot report. A key aspect of these pilot reports is logging the number of hours flown, which directly affects the members promotion to other ranks.[4]
Common elements
There are several elements that are common across many virtual airlines:
- A website as the focal point of the community
- Internet forum where discussion and social interaction can occur
- Customized livery that users can download together with aircraft and install in their flight simulator
- Route schedules for members to fly in their simulators
- Multiplayer events, often on a game network such as VATSIM, Virtual-Skies or IVAO
- An Online database for recording and reporting flights and membership statistics
- Award, rank and recognition systems
- Voice over Internet Protocol (such as TeamSpeak) servers for members to communicate freely by voice
Less common elements include:
- An ACARS server
- FSHost server
- Dedicated game server hosting to provide private areas for members to complete flights
Controversy
Copyright issues
When a virtual airline is created in the image of a real world airline legal issues can arise out of copyright violations. In 2003, a real world airline, Qantas Airways Ltd, announced a new low-cost carrier by the name of Jetstar Airways. However, a virtual airline named Jetstar International Airlines already existed, complete with a web site. As part of their startup promotion, Qantas sold 100,000 airline tickets at a discount price, and the virtual airline's web site was swamped with would-be customers, job-seekers, and prospective vendors. The virtual airline sued Qantas, claiming that Qantas stole the virtual airline's livery and trademark.[16]
Association with terrorism
Claims have been made of the use of both flight simulators and virtual airlines as training devices for terrorist activities, although to date no conclusive link has ever been provided to indicate a situation where a virtual airline has provided flight simulation training to anyone involved in a terrorist activity.
Jermaine Lindsay, one of the four 7 July 2005 London bombings, may have used flight simulators to practice flying an airliner, with an accusation that he was registered with a virtual airline.[17] A person of the same name listed his nearest major airport as Heathrow and clocked up 30 hours in two months with SimAirline.net.[18] The website later denied the member's linking with the bombing, and indicated it was working with the Metropolitan Police to establish whether its former member was the bomber. The website stated that it provides information about airlines and free add-on software for Microsoft Flight Simulator and does not provide flight instruction to its members.[19]
The 9/11 Commission in the US concluded in 2004 that those responsible for flying the planes into World Trade Center and The Pentagon had used PC-based flight simulators for training.[18] Despite the initial concerns of the involvement of virtual airlines in these terrorist activities, largely little has come from these claims to date and no changes have been noted as occurring in their operation as a result.
References
- ^ a b Radcliffe, Doug (2003). Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004: A Century of Flight (Official Strategy Guide). John Wiley & Sons. pp. 169, 173, 189, 198. ISBN 0782142370.
{{cite book}}: Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) - ^ a b c d Mark, Robert (1999). Professional Pilot Career Guide. McGraw-Hill Professional. pp. 329–330. ISBN 0071346910.
- ^ a b c d e Galvin, Nick (2006-06-06). "Cockpit capers". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2009-01-14.
- ^ a b c d e f Van West, Jeff (2007). Microsoft Flight Simulator X for Pilots. John Wiley and Sons. pp. 672–685. ISBN 0764588222.
{{cite book}}: Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) - ^ Regis, Ed (2009-01-01). "Welcome to Cyberairspace". Air & Space Magazine. Retrieved 2011-03-28.
- ^ Orr, Josh (2006-05-02). "Teen earns wings for his first solo flight". The Sarasota Herald Tribune. Retrieved 2008-07-14. [dead link]
- ^ Wade, Alex (2008-09). "Space pilot: an introduction to amateur flight simulation". Social Semiotics. 18 (3): 277–288. doi:10.1080/10350330802217055.
{{cite journal}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ a b Maharg, Paul (2007). Transforming legal education: learning and teaching the law in the early twenty-first century. Ashgate Publishing, Ltd. p. 346. ISBN 0754649709. Cite error: The named reference "book6" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
- ^ Lichty, Tom (1995). The Official America Online for Macintosh Tour Guide. Research Triangle Park, NC: Ventana. p. 333. ISBN 1566043832.
- ^ Tibbits, George (1997-08-20). "New Flight Simulator feeds habit flying game 'like an addiction'". The St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Retrieved 2008-07-15.
- ^ Alan Stuart (Monday, 28 October 2002). "Flight Sim: The Expert" (transcript) (Interview). Interviewed by Aedy Richard. Retrieved 14 January 2011.
{{cite interview}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Unknown parameter|callsign=ignored (help); Unknown parameter|program=ignored (help) - ^ "VATSIM Special Operations Policy Document" (PDF). Retrieved 2008-03-26.
- ^ Williams, Bruce (2007). Microsoft Flight Simulator as a Training Aid: A Guide for Pilots. Aviation Supplies & Academics. ISBN 1560276703.
- ^ Husted, Bill (2006-05-05). "Companies see rise in average computer gamers' age". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved 2008-07-14.
That question came up on the virtual airline, and there are a lot of young folks," Kendrix said. "But almost as many in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, etc.
- ^ a b Tompkins, Joshua (2003-07-23). "Air Osama". Salon.com. p. 4. Retrieved 2008-06-25.
Some began to organize virtual airlines, for which other users... volunteer to fly designated... often in aircraft bearing the imaginary carrier's livery, in hopes of earning promotions and new assignments.
- ^ Ligerakis, Maria (7 May 2004). "Jetstar in naming stoush". B&T. Retrieved 2008-03-26.
- ^ Gardham, Duncan (2005-08-17). "Two bomb suspects shared a flat". The Telegraph. Retrieved 2008-10-27.
- ^ a b Staff writers (2005-07-25). "Bomber's link to 'pilot' probed". BBC News. Retrieved 2008-10-27.
- ^ Staff writers (2005-07-27). "Flight website denies bomber link". BBC News. Retrieved 2008-10-27.
