Delta Virtual Airlines Water Cooler - Roleplaying as a DVA pilot

Delta Virtual Airlines Water Cooler | Airline Operations | Roleplaying as a DVA pilot - / Regional Flights

DVA5408
Captain, CRJ-200

Joined on January 03 2008

South America

29 legs, 34.0 hours
17 legs, 20.2 hours online
27 legs, 31.7 hours ACARS
1 legs, 1.6 hours event

Posted onPost created on February 27 2008 09:57 ET by Fabiano Thome

Hello All,

I like flying shot legs and specially roleplaying as a DVA pilot in charge of small regional fllights servicing small cities around big hubs like SLC, LAX etc. And I don't feel like flying big jets between hubs hauling crowds from one major city to another. Or even crossing the Atlantic towards Europe. In fact, there are markets niches that have to be fulfilled and I believe thats why there is Delta Connection and its partners (ASA, Skywest etc.).

So, I thought I could give a notch up on my DVA experience by speciallizing on this regional flights which would require me to stick with turboprops mostly or, sometimes, small jets like CRJ-200 or the ERJ-145.

Question:

1. Does DVA expect me to follow up on my examinations, stepping towards the 777 i.e ?
2. In your opinions, do you believe I could have as much fun and depth on FlightSim as those whose crawl up to the big acfts ?

I thank you all in advance for your kind answers.

Fabiano Thome

Captain, CRJ-200

DVA3931
Senior Captain, L-1011-100
OLP, COMM

Joined on January 19 2007
50 State Club
Tri-Jet Triumph
Million Mile Club
Online Quadruple Century Club
Flying Colonel
Globetrotter
Burbank 500 Club
Eurocap Club
DVA Fifteen-Year Anniversary

"De oppresso liber"
Surry, ME

1,882 legs, 3,806.7 hours
478 legs, 767.8 hours online
1,107 legs, 1,674.5 hours ACARS
55 legs, 114.8 hours event
195 legs dispatched, 134.4 hours

Posted onPost created on February 27 2008 10:19 ET by Andrew Kaufmann

Fabiano - there is no requirement for you to "step-up" to more advanced aircraft whatsoever. Be master of what you like and love to do - which it sounds like you are doing already.

You can have as much fun as you make it - much is added by integrating programs like FSCargo and FS Passengers to make your experience more realistic.

my 2 cents.

Andy

Andrew Kaufmann (DVA3931)

DVA4176
Senior Captain, L-1011-100
OLP

Joined on March 11 2007
B757 100 Club
50 State Club
Black Pearl Club
White Knuckles Club
Events Triple Century Club
Online Forty Century Club
DVA Fifteen-Year Anniversary
Burbank Bi-Millennium Club
Four Million Mile Club
Seven Millennium Club

"In the cold Kentucky rain"
Horn Lake, MS USA

7,219 legs, 11,692.3 hours
4,673 legs, 6,709.8 hours online
5,630 legs, 8,974.5 hours ACARS
371 legs, 587.0 hours event

Posted onPost created on February 27 2008 10:27 ET by Scott D Williams

I like some of the shorter runs too. I like to fly the PMDG B1900 and cargo in the C130. I like flights under about 1.5 hours.

Scott D Williams

Senior Captain, L-1011-100

DVA2253
Senior Captain, DC-8-61
COMM

Joined on April 01 2005
Everett 250 Club
Online Century Club
Eight Century Club
DVA Ten-Year Anniversary

"I'd rather be flying!"
Church Hill, TN USA

862 legs, 1,344.5 hours
108 legs, 165.2 hours online
299 legs, 485.1 hours ACARS

Posted onPost created on February 27 2008 10:39 ET by George Lewis

I still don't have a 777 rating and probably will get it one day, if only to be able to help the 777 guys out, Operations related wise. Otherwise, I love the 727, EMB-120, CRJ, DC-8 and MD-88 as my favorite birds to fly. I do like the others though, don't get me wrong...

If you have a specific airplane you like to fly, have at it (so long as you're rated in it, and if not, work towards that particular rating)

George Lewis (DVA2253)

DVA5488
Captain, CRJ-200

Joined on January 24 2008
DVA Ten-Year Anniversary
Century Club
Online Century Club
Moose Club

Moncton, NB Canada

139 legs, 200.7 hours
138 legs, 200.2 hours online
136 legs, 197.6 hours ACARS
8 legs, 10.9 hours event

Posted onPost created on February 27 2008 11:03 ET by Ken Greenwood

sounds exactly like what I am tring to 'experience' within deltava -- I'm a recent newhire but have simmed for 10+ years -- flew 20 legs in the 737-800 program advancing to captain. My preferred flightsim platform is the CRJ series, so I downbid the the stage1 CRJ program -- presently working through 20 -200 flights based at BOS, plan to fly 20 -700 legs out of SLC and then 20 -900 legs from CVG. After that - might want to experience the bigger iron and attempt to qualify on the 757 series. Diversity and multiple options keep this hobby interesting - I applaud deltava for being flexible and allowing simmers of all experience levels to participate in their hobby on their preferred airframes.

Ken Greenwood

Captain, CRJ-200

DVA4070
Captain, B767-300

Joined on February 17 2007
Double Century Club
Online Double Century Club

"DVA Events Flown: 57"
Northeastern United States

244 legs, 510.0 hours
234 legs, 493.0 hours online
227 legs, 478.8 hours ACARS
57 legs, 114.1 hours event

Posted onPost created on February 27 2008 11:33 ET by Zachary Smith

I only worked myself up to the Boeing 767 program becuase I love to fly the Boeing 767 and the lvl d 767 is the most complete simulator experience when it comes to simulating. Just work yourself to an aircraft that you like to fly and continue flying it. Master the aircraft.

Zachary Smith (DVA4070)

DVA4522
Captain, B747-400

Joined on June 02 2007
Triple Century Club

"Too much fuel is for sissies"
Middle East

322 legs, 577.6 hours
42 legs, 71.0 hours online
274 legs, 467.1 hours ACARS
1 legs, 2.5 hours event

Posted onPost created on February 27 2008 11:40 ET by Fathi Qaisi

I second and third all whats been said , I am a short flight lover my self. but I also like to experience new destinations and places through my simming which is why I am at the moment doing an around the world tour in very short hops 1-1.5 hours max .

Fathi Qaisi (DVA4522)

DVA5538
Captain, B777-200

Joined on February 03 2008
Double Century Club
Online Double Century Club

""GO TWINS GO!!""
Western United States

277 legs, 373.7 hours
259 legs, 354.4 hours online
268 legs, 359.8 hours ACARS
32 legs, 67.7 hours event
623 legs, 771.9 hours total

Posted onPost created on March 06 2008 13:03 ET by Timm Dixon

I am going to do the same probably as mentioned in this thread. I think it will help make my skills a little more realistic, even though I do want the bigger iron, I love flying the emb-120!!

That's what's great about DVA we can choose what we want! I wanted my 737 rating because I bought 737PIC. Can't wait to play with it now I am rated and have it count in my logbook!

Timm Dixon

Captain, B777-200

DVA3721
Captain, B777-200

Joined on November 14 2006
Everett Century Club
50 State Club
DVA Ten-Year Anniversary
Triple Century Club

Kent, WA

342 legs, 935.3 hours
36 legs, 66.4 hours online
225 legs, 647.5 hours ACARS
4 legs, 9.9 hours event

Posted onPost created on March 06 2008 18:08 ET by Ian Phillips

If you look at my logbook, you will see that I fly the CRJ-200, ATR, and ERJ jets just about as much as I fly the mainline birds. Just look at the CRJ Chief Pilot. He has 350 flights logged. I'm not moving up, just getting additional ratings.

Ian Phillips

Captain, B777-200

DVA2214
Captain, A330-300
OLP
E-MAIL

Joined on March 25 2005
50 State Club
Everett 500 Club
Globetrotter
White Knuckles Club
Million Mile Club
Millennium Club
US Capital Club
DVA Fifteen-Year Anniversary

"One takeoff and landing at a time"
Tampa, FL

1,124 legs, 2,777.2 hours
35 legs, 61.3 hours online
1,005 legs, 2,492.2 hours ACARS
1,153 legs, 2,869.7 hours total
111 legs dispatched, 90.7 hours

Posted onPost created on March 06 2008 18:33 ET by Anthony Katosh

i love all of them my top three how ever are the 737 md-88 an 767

You should brake out the wallet an get a payware CRJ an other reg. aircraft to make your exsperiance much greater.

Anthony Katosh (DVA2214)

Posted onPost created on March 06 2008 20:49 ET by Ian Phillips

I like the 757, 777, and CRJ-200 the most. The only payware I have is for the 757-200 (Captain Sim)

Ian Phillips

Captain, B777-200

DVA4290
Senior Captain, CRJ-200

Joined on April 04 2007
50 State Club
Online Triple Century Club
Quincentenary Club

"Lightning coming out of that one"
Houston, TX USA

502 legs, 829.4 hours
340 legs, 575.5 hours online
421 legs, 683.7 hours ACARS
41 legs, 81.2 hours event

Posted onPost created on March 07 2008 02:36 ET by Andrew Lynn

Ken, Fabiano; were all in the same boat. I have ratings in other programs and I REALLY REALLY liked the Mad Dog but I feel right at home with the RJ. I love jumping in a CR2 or ATR and heading down to MCN on a 22 minute flight! I also love my CR7. Nothing like flying online and having some big guy behind me coming into ORD and complaining! LOL

Andrew Lynn

Senior Captain, CRJ-200

DVA5001
Senior Captain, MD-88
OLP, 737-ATP

Joined on September 16 2007
B757 100 Club
50 State Club
Everett 500 Club
Million Mile Club
Globetrotter
Online Century Club
Quad-Jet Quartermaster
White Knuckles Club
US Capital Club
Flying Colonel
DVA Fifteen-Year Anniversary

Lake Dallas, TX USA

1,791 legs, 4,744.0 hours
131 legs, 236.5 hours online
1,728 legs, 4,603.4 hours ACARS
19 legs, 36.8 hours event

Posted onPost created on March 07 2008 06:09 ET by Art Forsha

Personally, I am getting as many ratings as I can and giving everything a try. I like the shorter routes as well (I just dont have the time being married with two small children) to sit for hours on long hauls.. or just letting the computer run. The fun parts to me are landing and taking off... so why not do more of that?! However, I want to be exposed to as much as possible. In that regard I think it's good to work up the chain, move into the heavy iron just to have the experience. Then and only then can I say with much confidence which part of DVA I truly enjoy. Bottom line... have fun. This is my getaway from the stress at work and life in general.

Fly often!

Art Forsha

Senior Captain, MD-88

DVA2548
Captain, B767-300

Joined on August 20 2005

"Step on the ball"
Stanhope, NJ USA

95 legs, 187.6 hours
76 legs, 134.2 hours online
87 legs, 171.6 hours ACARS

Posted onPost created on March 07 2008 15:09 ET by Trevor Sherba

Fly what you love, but don't be afraid to step into the cockpit of a diff. aircraft. You may find a new love.

Trevor Sherba (DVA2548)

Posted onPost created on March 07 2008 16:45 ET by Ian Phillips

I'm aiming at getting ratings in all aircraft so I can fly whatever I'm in the mood for.

Ian Phillips

Captain, B777-200

DVA4890
Captain, B747-400
OLP

Joined on August 22 2007
Million Mile Club
Online Double Century Club
50 State Club
Millennium Club

"Jesus is my co-pilot"
McDonough, GA USA

1,022 legs, 3,005.6 hours
330 legs, 1,101.7 hours online
948 legs, 2,807.1 hours ACARS
59 legs, 156.7 hours event

Posted onPost created on March 07 2008 17:16 ET by Mark Fetters

I like the big planes but i LOVE the small ones a lot more

Ian same here

Mark Fetters (DVA4890)

Posted onPost created on March 07 2008 18:42 ET by Ian Phillips

I think the 757 is perfect. It's not a huge widebody, but it's not a regional. I like flying them all, but I think the 757 is a happy medium.

Ian Phillips

Captain, B777-200

DVA2701
Senior Captain, B777-200
OLP

Joined on November 21 2005
50 State Club
Everett 500 Club
Million Mile Club
Globetrotter
Online Nine Century
Millennium Club
DVA Fifteen-Year Anniversary

Denver, CO

1,041 legs, 3,309.1 hours
997 legs, 3,153.7 hours online
1,020 legs, 3,263.5 hours ACARS
21 legs, 38.4 hours event

Posted onPost created on March 10 2008 17:14 ET by Dean Shultz

Just going to throw my 2 cents in here. I like flying the smaller aircraft and actually using enroute charts to guide my way instead of counting on the computer to do it for me like the PMDG and LVD planes... although most my flights are in the PMDG 737... smile

If you are going to fly the smaller aircraft... do it right! I just recently stumbled onto skyvector.com and and been flying the EMB-120 a lot lately!

Dean Shultz (DVA2701)

DVA3787
Senior Captain, CRJ-200
OLP

Joined on December 01 2006
Double Century Club
50 State Club
Online Double Century Club

"Small planes don't make small brains"
Western Europe

277 legs, 515.9 hours
204 legs, 397.0 hours online
244 legs, 456.2 hours ACARS
39 legs, 80.6 hours event

Posted onPost created on March 10 2008 18:12 ET by Mark Salter

Sounds like you are going through my same story. I always thought the heaviest iron was the best. I worked my way up to the 777. I even flew some transatlantic flights-I thought I had it all. Not so. I eventually realized that the CRJ was simply for me. I love flying it because it is a way different experience then the heavy jets.

Here are some reasons why I like the CRJ(and other smalls) that I've learned while traveling up the chain:
1. Simply a different looking and operating aircraft. Totally different size and performance specs. Such as props.
2. You feel more in control then a larger jet.
3. The ability to fly on short hops:
-----a. Ability to land at smaller airports.
4. There is a much greater variety of airports to choose from:
-----a. Doing a flight you already did in the past is rare. Keeps up your interest and enthusiasm.
5. When you want to go on a vacation etc. these really "connect" you to your final destination.
-----a. If you think about it, MOST larger jets move crowds of people into main airports such as SLC or ATL. But a lot of the time this is not the destination the passenger wants to be at. It just counts as another layover. Sure you fly more people-but it's like a ferry taking you across a river. It gets you there, but your car is what does the magic in the end.

Here are some reasons-I'm sure there are more. If you want to get a larger rating you can do so without actually switching equipment programs. I do think it's good to fly at least one flight in other aircraft just so you know what other pilots are going through. Knowledge is power.

Mark Salter

Senior Captain, CRJ-200

DVA4193
Captain, MD-11

Joined on March 16 2007
Online Quintuple Century Club
Six Century Club

"It's Always Sunny On Top"
Grand Forks, ND USA

627 legs, 1,470.6 hours
594 legs, 1,383.7 hours online
583 legs, 1,347.5 hours ACARS
19 legs, 63.1 hours event

Posted onPost created on March 10 2008 18:18 ET by Daniel Johnson

If wilco would come out with a better CRJ, i would probably do more of those flights

Daniel Johnson (DVA4193)

DVA5408
Captain, CRJ-200

Joined on January 03 2008

South America

29 legs, 34.0 hours
17 legs, 20.2 hours online
27 legs, 31.7 hours ACARS
1 legs, 1.6 hours event

Posted onPost created on March 10 2008 18:41 ET by Fabiano Thome

I believe that there are two different approaches to flightsimming that are both fun and not excludent from each other:

1 - You get to know aviation in depth by learning IRF procedures, ACFT operation procedures, ATC communications and others.
2 - You put yourself in the shoes of a "virtual pilot" responsible for flying people everywhere and for various reasons as vacations, business, casual flights, VIPs, football team charters etc.

You may find it "nerd" (which is :)) but I was a MMORPG player (Everquest) which means that I used to "wear" pointy ears, green clothes and would wander around killing orcs, dragons and such.

Roleplaying as a DVA pilot in charge of regional flights is the same of taking the Everquest experience a step ahead. Instead of just gaining more "XP" everyday, you would join a guild, do some risky raids and feel yourself as part of something bigger. I thought the same approach for flightsimming.

Fabiano Thome

Captain, CRJ-200

Posted onPost created on March 10 2008 22:14 ET by Ken Greenwood

the feelthere/wilco CRJ is much maligned throughout the flightsim world - have heard sentiments such as Daniels' time and again

gotta say though - other than the quirky FMS - it's a simply fantastic flightsim representation - I have chatted quite a bit with CRJ drivers for AirCanadaJazz and Comair and the numbers we discuss, the performance characteristics, the pitch angles in various configurations, fuel consumption etc etc are SPOT ON. It has a wonderful panel, exterior looks pretty good, the sound (other than the obnoixiously loud air conditioning) is excellent -- and it trims and handflies like a dream

I've probably got near on 4-500 hrs flightsim time (I am a bit of a geek <g>) on the wee jet and still love it every time I flash it up. Just started using the -700 and plan on flying some -900 routes as well and, within the limitations of flightsim, there's probably not too many 'better' aircraft

Ken Greenwood

Captain, CRJ-200

Posted onPost created on March 11 2008 18:08 ET by Mark Salter

The fleet insatller aircraft are the best in my opinion. Wilco simply isn't that great of a panel. The only problem with the panel is that the words and numbers on the engine screen are a little blurry, and as Ken said the air conditioning is a little too loud.

Other than that the panel is very realistic and user friendly. There is more window space as well which is what it is like the atcual RJ.

Mark Salter

Senior Captain, CRJ-200

Posted onPost created on March 11 2008 18:15 ET by Daniel Johnson

The only problem i have with the Wilco is the FMS. If they would have spent more time on it, it would have been alot better of a product

Daniel Johnson (DVA4193)

Posted onPost created on March 11 2008 21:31 ET by Ken Greenwood

I found the panel in the CRJ, as well as my PSS A320, a bit blurry as well -- found this tweak that sharpened it right up - not sure how it affects virtual cockpit settings as I always fly 2D -- ensure this is set in your FS9.cfg...

PanelAsTexture=0

Ken Greenwood

Captain, CRJ-200

Posted onPost created on March 11 2008 22:35 ET by Mark Salter

You know Daniel, you could still use the Wilco RJ but with a different version of an FMC.

Mark Salter

Senior Captain, CRJ-200

DVA4788
Chief Pilot, L-1011-100
OLP

Joined on August 02 2007
50 State Club
Everett Century Club
Online Double Century Club
Quatercentenary Club
DVA Fifteen-Year Anniversary

"Fly it like a Samsonite Gorilla!!"
Wichita, KS

471 legs, 884.0 hours
220 legs, 398.1 hours online
459 legs, 859.5 hours ACARS
2 legs, 5.2 hours event

Posted onPost created on March 12 2008 00:23 ET by Jon Michael Prenovost

Fabiano,

Everything everyone has said is spot on! Do what works & is fun for you! For myself I'm working on getting rated for the L-1011, but the fun for me is making it as realistic as possible, and this means a very serious commitment to own self taught ground school. I figure it will be another 24-36 months and a couple thousand plus flight hours before I'm ready to attempt the L-1011. That is my goal, and where I get my kicks, chasing my dream & getting a solid education within aviation along the way is my reward...

Jon Michael Prenovost (DVA4788)

DVA5408
Captain, CRJ-200

Joined on January 03 2008

South America

29 legs, 34.0 hours
17 legs, 20.2 hours online
27 legs, 31.7 hours ACARS
1 legs, 1.6 hours event

Posted onPost created on March 12 2008 12:10 ET by Fabiano Thome

Thanks Michael ! :thumbsup:

Fabiano Thome

Captain, CRJ-200

DVA4067
Captain, B757-200

Joined on February 15 2007
50 State Club
Seven Century Club
DVA Ten-Year Anniversary
Long Beach 250 Club
B757 100 Club

"Always stand tall on the Quarterdeck"
Louisville, KY USA

746 legs, 1,361.4 hours
12 legs, 20.2 hours online
706 legs, 1,284.8 hours ACARS

Posted onPost created on March 15 2008 14:53 ET by Robert Ward

I'm captain in the MD-88 but recently I have been flying CRJ200 flights almost exclusively.

Robert Ward

Captain, B757-200

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