Interest Question: Helicopter VA

[coolmanak]

Hello guys. I've noticed that when it comes to VATSIM, helicopters are in few numbers. I'd like to change that by getting together an organized community of helicopter enthusiasts who actively use VATSIM (A VA in other words, and yes I'm aware that there is already one), but first it was suggested that I see the interest levels. So I have just a couple questions for you FS enthusiasts:

#1. Would you join a helicopter-based Virtual Airline? If you wouldn't, why? Would a new approach to a heli VA change your mind?

#2. What kind of helicopter opperation would you like to see in a newly started VA? Transportation of cargo? Military? Scenic or taxi flugs?

#3. What level of realism would you like to see in a newly started helicopter based VA? Beginner we-don't-care-if-you-crashed-into-the-trees or a heavily realistic one, or something inbetween?

#4. What kinds of areas would you most enjoy flying in for helicopter flights? Swiss Alp sort of things, or more of a city opp deal?

#5. What kinds of helicopters would you like to see in a helicopter based VA? Lighter single engines or larger heavy helos?

Thanks for answering these questions, as it will greatly influence the decisions made to help bring more helicopter traffic to VATSIM.

[BrandonF]

Hi coolmanak, welcome to Simviation! First of all, yes I would join a heli VA. Actually, I am a member of SAR-VA, a helicopter VA. Second, I think that the kind of operation I enjoy most is tour/scenic flights. Third, realism really is up to the person who starts the VA. I don't think it should be completely realistic. I don't think it should be a "Beginner, messing around, have no clue what I'm doing" kind of VA.  Fourth, I prefer to fly in very green, mountainous regions. And fifth, my favorite kind of helicopter is the Hughes/MD500. Any helicopter around the 500 is probably good for tours and scenic flights.

Remember, these are only opinions; you don't have to agree or use any of my suggestions. I do hope that you are successful in bringing more helicopter lovers to VATSIM and starting a new VA. 

Good luck and Happy New Year,

-Brandon

[coolmanak]

Thanks Brandon!

Here's  a new questionf or you guys.  Would you join a helicopter based VA if it also included fixed wing aircraft?

[BrandonF]

I would. I love helicopters, but still find myself flying fixed-wing aircraft too. 

[tcco94]

I wouldnt join a heli VA for the reason you just said, I wouldnt know what im doing in a heli!  But defiantly have some fixed wing. Keep the pilots interested to fly different aircraft if they want. 

[krazyj]

hey working on it myself.

mine will focus of North sea area doing offshore ops.

right now I am currently only in planning stage.

but so far I have gotten a hold on oil rigs in the Danish sector scenery.  new scenery for EKEB which is where offshore ops is happening in Denmark.

still looking for IFR charts for ships and platforms, and a paintjob for my heli's

prefered heli's are AS365N3, AS332, EC155 and AW139

realism would be fairly high.

but its a bit at a stand still because of moving and so on.