Virtual airline:

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] There are over 100 virtual airlines of significance currently active, with tens of thousands of participants involved at any one time.^[2]

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 AOL or CompuServe^[2], with some of these still in operation today. 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, virtual airlines were recorded as existing within a Macintosh operating system user base in the mid 1990s.^[3]

Rapid growth in popularity of virtual airlines was experienced just prior and through the new millennium during which they were considered to be an immensely popular hobby often noted for how seriously it was taken by its participants.^[4] Since the rapid development of the Massively multiplayer online game 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 such as online databasing and multiplayer networks such as VATSIM or IVAO in order to enhance the online experience. 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.^[5]

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 could be utilized by such an organization. Common video games utilized 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 the 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. Some virtual airlines are based on real airlines, from major carriers to small operators. Sometimes this results in controversy (see section below) relating to copyright infringements over use of company logos, livery, and marketing material.^[6] These virtual airlines tend to closely follow their real world counterparts in terms of aircraft fleet and routes offered.

Virtual military and paramilitary organizations often operate in a similar way to virtual airlines, but using military aircraft and ranking systems. Organizations such as VATSIM have strict regulations around the operation of such organizations within the network.^[7] 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 or IVAO. 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. ^[8]

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.^[9] Some even simulate real-world airlines to the point where flight dispatching and fictional salary are part of the virtual airline's basic operations. 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.^[10] 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.^[10] 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.^[11]

Common elements

Controversy

When a virtual airline is created in the image of a real world airline legal issues can arrise 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.^[6]

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, was claimed to have used flight simulators to practice flying an airliner with an accusation that he was registered with a virtual airline.^[12] He listed his nearest major airport as Heathrow and clocked up 30 hours in two months with SimAirline.net.^[13] 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.^[14]

The 9/11 Commission in the US concluded in 2004 that those responsible for flying the planes into World Trade Centre and Pentagon had used PC-based flight simulators for training.^[13] Despite the initial concerns of the involvement of virtual airlines in 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; Andy Mahood (2003). Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004: A Century of Flight (Official Strategy Guide). John Wiley & Sons, 169,173,189,198. ISBN 0782142370.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Mark, Robert (1999). Professional Pilot Career Guide. McGraw-Hill Professional, 329-330. ISBN 0071346910.
^ Lichty, Tom (1995). The Official America Online for Macintosh Tour Guide. Ventana, 333. ISBN 1566043832.
^ Tibbits, George (1997-08-20). "New Flight Simulator feeds habit flying game 'like an addiction'", St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Retrieved on 15 July 2008.
^ Aedy, Richard (2002), Flight Sim: The Expert, The Buzz, ABC National, http://www.abc.net.au/rn/science/buzz/stories/s712813.htm
^ ^a ^b Ligerakis, Maria (2004-05-07). "Jetstar in naming stoush", B&T. Retrieved on 26 March 2008.
^ "VATSIM Special Operations Policy Document" (PDF). Retrieved on 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", Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved on 14 July 2008. "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, pp. 4. Retrieved on 25 June 2008. "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."
^ Orr, Josh (2006-05-02). "Teen earns wings for his first solo flight", Sarasota Herald Tribune. Retrieved on 14 July 2008.
^ Gardham, Duncan (2005-08-17). "Two bomb suspects shared a flat", Telegraph.co.uk. Retrieved on 27 October 2008.
^ ^a ^b "Bomber's link to 'pilot' probed", BBC News (2005-07-25). Retrieved on 27 October 2008.
^ "Flight website denies bomber link", BBC News (2005-07-27). Retrieved on 27 October 2008.

Virtual airline

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