PC Pilots Ireland 2006

The PC Pilots Ireland show was held at the Moran Red Cow Hotel, Dublin on Sunday 1st October 2006.

This show which is held every two years was heightened this year with the release of the new Microsoft Flight Simulator FSX which had its first public airing this side of the Atlantic.

The show hosted by Terri McGee and Ian Broni promised to be something of a celebration of all things, Flight Simulator could offer, and for all who attended, they would not be disappointed.

As for the team from Astraboy.com we set out for the emerald isle early on Sunday morning from Birmingham International, a Ryanair 737-800 quickly sped across the Irish sea to our destination in Dublin. On arrival we met with Mark Silcock the head of IFC, who had flown in from Manchester.

After gaining access to a taxi the short 15 minute trip to the venue was underway.

The Moran Red Cow Hotel is a very stylish and grand residence with an impressive foyer. A great base from where to explore the City of Dublin, but our eyes were focused on the show, so after leaving our luggage at the main desk we walked around to the main hall where after being greeted, were then shown into the event.

Many exhibitors were still in the process of setting up equipment, a hardware paradise surrounded by an overflow of great software. The show was aimed at the virtual and real world aviation enthusiast. With companies from around the globe, this was certainly the place to be. The latest technology on view along with some old favourites that we had seen before but nevertheless still excite the fans.

Without doubt one main item on show was the new version of Microsoft Flight Simulator, with the opportunity to play around and take part in some of the adventures and missions we can all look forward to very soon. As expected this area attracted a lot of attention, for the lucky few that managed to have a successful mission they were awarded with a Microsoft wireless keyboard and mouse as a prize.

As well as having fun with the new sim, FS2004 was around as usual and still looking as good as ever on some of the most amazing home built cockpit set ups we have seen in quite a while. Having the opportunity to get to grips with the latest software and technology were a great pull for many.

The guys from VATeir were put under some pressure from the mingling crowds as performing their tasks live was a new experience, but as all good professionals they pulled it off in fine style, to the applauds of a gathering crowd. Daryl Reilly gave a presentation on how VATeir is organised and how they provide a realistic Air Traffic Control service in Irish Airspace.

VATSIM have been around for quite sometime and continue to grow thanks to these guys and many others world wide. Ruth McTighe who is Vice President of Communications gave much detail on how the whole network is placed together while starting a recruitment drive for new pilots and controllers.

Other speakers on the day included Peter Cos of Flightdeck Solutions and Mark Silcock of IFC.

Lunch beckoned so a trip to the bar for a taste of the black stuff and favourable fayre, we went back to the scene of the action to take in more of the show.

The PC Pilots Ireland show takes place on a bi-yearly basis and has certainly created much interest, top software companies such as Just Flight and Aerosoft made the trip to show their ranges of top quality software, with Just Flight giving a peek to it’s much anticipated release for FSX of the TigerMoth. Ariane were also on hand with their stunning range of titles, for those with no affiliation to creating software, RC Simulations was on hand to talk to prospective flyers with guidance from Bob.

Hardware was as always a big bonus to the by now throngs of people taking in the show, with fantastic home built cockpit from the PC Pilots themselves to the as real as it gets control systems. It was a virtual pilots heaven. Canadian company Flightdeck solutions brought along a small display of home cockpit gadgetry to entice the novice through to the veteran. The French were represented by VFR-Cockpit, these guys make the cockpit panels which can be used with any virtual aircraft. Sea Gull, from the Netherlands are another company who offer high quality instruments, again which only add to the realism, of what is fast alleviating the idea, that once only the dream of the sim enthusiast, is now becoming a reality for many.

It’s not only the systems that we can now purchase to increase realism, the chair on which many of you spend many hours may be looking a little tired and worn after so many transatlantic flights, or maybe you prefer the short European hops. Whatever your persuasion a new range of seating is now available, from the mega all singing all dancing Cyberseat through to the latest in refined comfort and compactness yet seen, the Pilot Seat.

The new FSX when it comes on the market promises to be the best yet, but can your PC cope with all the added functionality to give you the perfect frame rate and cruise that you desire, none of the materials are any use, unless your major component the PC can come up trumps! A three screen wonder was on show presented by Alpine Systems, it’s Matrox TripleHead2Go component cleverly connecting all three 32” monitors into one giant lay out. It looked absolutely amazing. When we talked with Paul Fryer who was on hand to answer our questions and give advice on new systems built especially for the growing market. The monitors alone which were commercial versions were priced at £1,200 each, multiply that by three and you can see exactly where the money goes.

We continued our walk around, with so much to see and do. A fantastic collection of aviation material was available from books through to models. Flying In Ireland Ireland's only dedicated Aviation monthly magazine. Helimodels Dublin based supplier of remote control Helicopter models. They also supply the Tru-Flite Heli and Aero Simulator, which was on display. The Historic Aviation Society of Ireland movement for the Preservation of Aviation Heritage. Irish Aviation Books recently published books relating to Irish Aviation. Then the Model Aeronautics Council of Ireland who promote model flying and Aero-Modelling at all levels of competition, in all disciplines. They will have a sample of models on display. The Aviation Society of Ireland who were formed in 1969 has its membership in Ireland, the UK, Mainland Europe, USA and Canada. They have an active interest in all matters of aviation in Ireland and produce their own magazine 'Aviation. The National Microlight Association of Ireland (NMAI) NMAI is the representing body for Microlights in Ireland promote the sport of Microlight Flying and encourage the formation of clubs.

With something for everyone, much credit must go to the whole organisation behind the show. With only two years to wait now until we can all return for another great weekend. Thanks to the Emerald isle and PC Pilots Ireland for everything, we certainly had a great time and enjoyed the Craic!