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Big News! January 2010 Video Message

Watch Time= 12 Minutes

Huge Announcement in this video!

Summary


MD11

For those of you still awaiting the release of our PMDG MD11 Training, the time is getting closer. Here are a few points made in this video about the MD11.

  • Work Continues
  • We have Dropped the Systems Section of the Product (Watch the Video for a Deeper Explanation)
  • 3 Flights will fill the time left by the Systems Section
  • These flights are: EGLL – LEPA, PANC – KMEM, PHNL – YSSY
  • We are giving a tentative release date of late April into May


New Mark

Angle of Attack has gone through a lot of soul-searching this last year. To celebrate and let the things we’ve learned about who we are and what we want to do, we decided to put an image on our name. Presenting the new Angle of Attack mark and symbol.

We’ve made a few desktop images for common screen resolutions.

Widescreen:

1920×1200

Click to Enlarge, then 'Save As'

Click to Enlarge, then 'Save As'

1680×1050

Click to Enlarge, then 'Save As'

Click to Enlarge, then 'Save As'

Normal:

1280X1024

Click to Enlarge, then 'Save As'

Click to Enlarge, then 'Save As'

Also, we have coined a new phrase for the diehard AOA fans.

THROTTLE ON.

More in the video.

Aviator 90

Alright, so this one I’m REALLY excited about. You’ll notice in the video I got all giddy and smiley.

Aviator 90 is a new 90 day basic flight simulation pilot training course. It is 90 days long, has 45 lessons, is all on video like our other products and…. it’s FREE.

We will be starting Aviator 90 on the 1st of February. If you want us to remind you, just sign-up for our newsletter HERE and we’ll be sure to let you know a few days before it starts.

Aviator 90 is our commitment to better the flight sim community through entertaining video training.

Stay Tuned!

That’s it!

What do you think about all the news? What are you most excited about? We’d LOVE to hear your thoughts.


  • http://www.fsdreamscapes.com Dean

    Chris, I love it!!! I remember meeting Doug Horton and we spoke about something similar but never had the time to do it… This sounds really great!

    • http://www.flyaoamedia.com/ Chris Palmer

      I’m really, really excited about Aviator 90. Has me all sorts of fired up!

  • http://iblueyonder.wordpress.com Bill Womack

    Great vid, and good news. Palma de Mallorca is in Spain, by the way. ;-)

    • http://www.flyaoamedia.com/ Chris Palmer

      Ah, you got me! Close enough.

  • Paul Bellmann

    Hi Chris,

    Congratulations on the Aviator 90 Flight Training – a worthwhile initiative for the Flight Sim community. A sound knowledge of the basics rewards simmers in many facets. As you said “spreading a wealth of knowledge..teaching us some new things”.

    Systems Sections – I would personally prefer to Retain the Systems Sections and will miss the inclusion of this educational material. I know many want to “kick the tires and go”, but the AoA products historically catered for the more intense and passionate ‘aviator’ who has the Basics and beyond, or real life experience and seeks a higher skill level on their Sim. I don’t consider the System Sections a waste of time. Moreover, I see it as building a professional knowledge base not available beyond my GA real training. Too much Throttle On without the joy / wealth of knowledge is not as rich an experience. You invited feedback which is good Crew Resource Management. :-)

    Great Branding Chris and Good news overall ! Thanks for your dedication.

    cheers
    Paul

    • http://www.flyaoamedia.com/ Chris Palmer

      Thanks for the great feedback, Paul.

      We may release the systems section for free to everyone. For now, we need to move on and see if this method works.

      With that said, we will still be doing the MCDU tutorial in it’s entirety. However, that’ll be free and released before the product so everyone can brush up on their skills.

      Another note about the systems section is that we won’t be killing ALL systems knowledge. By now doing 3 flights, we can fill up a lot of that ‘dead air’ like in previous products and fill it with knowledge about the systems and things of that nature.

      So, I hope that answers some of your questions, and settles a few of your concerns.

      As for Aviator 90, as I said before, I’m really excited. Can’t wait to get it out there.

  • http://aflightsimblog.blogspot.com Jon Monreal

    Hello Chris,

    Quite the announcement you have here!

    I think that your “Aviator 90″ program is a great idea. The built-in lessons in FS2004 and FSX leave quite a bit to be desired (from what I’ve heard), and it really sounds like this will be free training on a level we haven’t seen before in the community.

    Echoing what I stated in my comment to your post “A New Year for AOA”, I believe that a major problem is that if simmers don’t have the basics down, they are less likely to seek out complex aircraft and want to learn how to fly them, by-the-book or otherwise. I just hope that people take advantage of this opportunity.

    As far as the elimination of the Systems Section in newer products, I would have to concur Paul’s statement. I’m sure that normal procedures will be covered in the three flights, but thats still leaving out quite a bit. Perhaps instead of “Systems” you could do something more focused, say “Abnormal Procedures”. Also, instead of explaining what happens when some specific event occurs, you could focus on the general checklist for it (so, for example, whether the depressurization was the result of the “crew’s” actions or of an actual failure, the same procedures are followed).

    At any rate, I’m glad to see that you’re moving forward with all of your projects.

    • http://www.flyaoamedia.com/ Chris Palmer

      I can’t wait to see what this basic stuff brings to the table. For the most part, it is uncharted territory. But, with the right material, people that love it and share the word, and a bit of divine intervention, I know it’ll become very special.

      For now, there’s a lot of hard work in store.

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  • Geoff Kent

    Yes, please don’t drop the systems section – Paul and Jon have put the point very well. I understand you wanting to get the three flights out as soon as you can, but if you could then follow up with a separate systems section that would be great, in particular as Jon said, covering abnormal operations.

    Cheers
    Geoff

    • http://www.flyaoamedia.com/ Chris Palmer

      In the next video message I’ll get really detailed about how we plan to integrate knowledge of the systems into all the procedures, both abnormal and normal, and flights that are going to be done. At that point I think you guys will feel a bit more at ease about this whole situation. We felt all this was just way too redundant (redundancy isn’t always bad) to the point that it was wasting time and resources.

      With that said, we’ll have much more to share next video after we dive into the scenarios for the flights.

      Thanks for the comment!

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  • Kyle Guerry

    Hi Chris,

    I agree with Paul Bellmann as well. Speaking for myself, I am hardcore – and I think people who are willing to shell out $80 for the PMDG MD-11 are mostly hardcore too. Being hardcore, I am into flight sim because I want the learning experience, and the knowledge – to me that is what makes flight sim fun and interesting, having that complete understanding of the the equipment. It is satisfying, and gives a great sense of accomplishment to not only fly the aircraft, but also understand what is going on with the systems. I would like to see the systems stay, and my opinion is that others like me would want the same – but again, that is my opinion.

    • http://www.flyaoamedia.com/ Chris Palmer

      Thanks, Kyle. Very good points here.

  • Facundo Carrica

    Hi Chris!!
    Oustanding video and very clear pronunciation for non native english speakers like me. I agree with Paul about the system section (I think that it take out a little flavour of the CBT use that I can give to the DVD), but will buy it anyway :D .

    Best regards and throttle on!!!
    Facundo

    • http://www.flyaoamedia.com/ Chris Palmer

      Throttle On! Thanks for the input.

  • http://www.swfsg.co.uk Dave taylor

    Have you ever considered doing the Digital Aviation Dornier DO-27 Chris?
    I know it’s completely different but, here’s an aircraft that breathes and lives. It’s maintainance is a must, and the plane is a joy to fly.
    Checkout Jeff Greth’s outstandingly superb video here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uYzAkR9G1k and you will see what I mean.

    Looking forward to the MD-11 video tutorial. If its half as good as your ’747′ one it will be awesome.
    Thanks for the update, by the way.

    • http://www.flyaoamedia.com/ Chris Palmer

      Dave,
      I have seen that plane before. Looks awesome! Would be cool to do a Bush Pilot series and use different aircraft for that. This would definetely be one of them!

      By the way, you’re welcome for the update. Thanks for the heads up on this plane. Do you have a link to it?

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  • Stanley Branch

    Hi Chris,

    Really like your approach. Aviator 90 Flight Training comes across as a great idea. Not being hardcore yet I am 50-50 on your decision with the MD-11 systems.
    Throttle on, Stan

    • http://www.flyaoamedia.com/ Chris Palmer

      Thanks, Stan! Good to see you around.

  • Ayax

    Great news. Aviator 90!!

    Will be waiting for this product.

    It would be possible to using it after 90 days?
    Maybe i wont be able to wiewing the 45 lessons in the 90 days period. Will be a purchasing option available?

    Thanks

    • http://www.flyaoamedia.com/ Chris Palmer

      Once free, always free. This product will remain free.

  • Davide

    Chris, Aviator 90 sounds great!

    I’ve got both the 767 and 747 Training DVDs and being very complex training videos it has been very difficult to fly those aircrafts without some basic training… I am really looking forward to Aviator 90 and then be able to jump on FSX and fly!

    It would be great if you can include some training on the software and tools (third party add-ons, charts software etc) that we will needed to get the most realistic experience!

    Throttle On!

    Davide

    • http://www.flyaoamedia.com/ Chris Palmer

      Thanks for the tip, Davide. We’ve considered doing training for different products, especially for things like VATSIM and Squawkbox. But, we haven’t gotten to the point yet where something like that would be feasible. Once we are firing on all cylinders, something like this will make more sense. But know that we are thinking of it.

  • http://www.bePerpetual.com/ Travis Cable

    Not just a Pilot, but an “Aviator” — I love it! Very good idea.

  • George Freni

    Aviator a great idea
    Am I correct to asume it covers FS9 and/or FSX?
    I think a lot of us are still flying with FS9.

    • http://www.flyaoamedia.com/ Chris Palmer

      Of course! It is universal across all sims, including X-Plane!

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  • Tom

    Hey Chris,

    My vote would be for Systems to be included somewhere – maybe as a stand alone module that could be purchased and viewed as an addition to the basic version should I want to do that -which I would! Honestly, that is what makes you guys you guys – putting the real world training of complex aircraft into action in our Flight Simulation world which really does need to include systems… After that there is just sitting around and flying which is fine (and I love to do), but I really don’t need more lessons on how to fly a trip between locations at this level. So, I would not be as inclined to buy if there was not a systems module available for the complex aircraft… That is my 2 pennies worth… On the other hand, I do really like your new mark and look! It’s terrific…

    Talk to you soon,

    Tom

  • David R.

    Chris, great video. If I may ask, did you use a camcorder or a webcam? Which model? The clarity is spectacular! And thanks for the background

    • http://www.flyaoamedia.com/ Chris Palmer

      I used a Canon 5DMKII. Link is HERE

  • http://marquisor.wordpress.com marquisor

    hello chris! fantastic video and intentions you got.
    i most liked the alternative to regular flighttrainings, that is like you said “what is throttle, what is IAS etc.”. because how to be a good pilot is what often forgot about all the theoretical and practical lessons there’s something above that all! the ambition and “flair” (don’t find the right words now) of aviation and doing it everytime with love.

    so, didn’t read all comments by now, my question:

    when/how will this take place?! how can i imagine? well starting at february 1st of course, you’ll upload a new video. what’s your timezone? as i’m from germany.
    also my lack of good english could be a problem, but there’ll be no live function, chat or else? like teamspeak?

    how will you react on feedback and questions? will you set up a chat? or just in this blog with comments?!

    …

    looking forward to this, nice work til now. let’s see what awaits us/me

    regards
    patrick

    • http://www.flyaoamedia.com/ Chris Palmer

      Hey Marquisor,
      I think the best way for you to find out what we’re going to do and when we’re going to do it is to sign up for the newsletter. It’ll be done by video, and released on those days. There will be more details forth coming.

      But you’re right. We’d love to capture the romance of flying. We do need to show a lot of the ‘skill’ items that make a good pilot, but above and beyond that we will teach people to become aviators.

  • Alex

    Hi Chris,

    Just to echo Ayax message “would it be possible to using it after 90 days?
    Maybe i wont be able to wiewing the 45 lessons in the 90 days period. Will be a purchasing option available?”

    BTW your an excellent FSbreak host too.

    Cheers

    Alex

    • http://www.flyaoamedia.com/ Chris Palmer

      Hey Alex! FSBreak is a real blast and I’m honored to be on there.

      I also replied to Ayax’ post. Probably hard to see.

      Aviator90 will always be free, so no worries! It’ll still be there after the 90 days.

  • Gary Maxwell

    Hi Chris, great work on Aviator90. I’m having my grandkids view the video’s before they fly FS9. Then they apply the lessons. By the way, what kind of setup are you using to film this and what scenery are you using? It’s fantastic!

    • http://www.flyaoamedia.com/ Chris Palmer

      I’m using a quad core machine with a bit of a punch, and I’m using Pacific North West (PNW) scenery from ORBX (www.fullterrain.com).

      That’s awesome you’re using it to teach your grandkids! I suppose the content works for adults AND kids, eh?

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