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Sim South Africa
Introduction:
SIMSA (Sim South Africa) was born in August 2008, when three simulator enthusiasts (Steve, Mauri and Mark), all members of the Aviation Museum Of South Africa (AMSA) based at Rand airport, met to ponder the development of a fun yet realistic commercial aircraft type flight-simulator club. Subsequently these initial seeds of thought germinated and SIMSA was established. Many long evenings were spent discussing ideas and ways of putting the group into operation, with the main criteria being that it be filled with passion and fun yet remain an accurate and realistic simulation club.
Trial sessions were numerous, and development remains constantly under way. SIMSA, closely linked to AMSA, is based at the AMSA Building, Rand Airport in Gauteng. This is virtually under the wings of the museums famous exhibit, Lebombo, a Boeing 747-200! It has become known as the procedural simulator wing of AMSA, and has attracted much interest throughout AMSA membership and in the flight simulator world. Part of SIMSA’s vision remains that it is a club for newcomers and enthusiasts, where they may learn about the basics of aviation and aerial navigation, as well as being a club where experienced pilots share in the elation of accomplishing a well-planned and well-executed economical and on-time flight. As all SIMSA flying involves much aviation safety, new and prospective virtual pilots learn the rules on how to safely conduct a flight through the virtual skies.
The SIMSA virtual aircraft are typically South African-used types and with some popular downloads (Freeware) from internet based forums. The routes flown are predominantly around Johannesburg and to/ from destinations around South Africa. Aircraft and scenery are significantly enhanced but are based on the ever-popular and widely acclaimed base version of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004. Thus members can conduct virtual flights in familiar terrain with local aircraft. Part of the added realism is that of radio procedures, where all simulator pilots are required to communicate throughout the session via correct procedures, including call signs, position reports and flight plan information. Newcomers learn these procedures by being introduced to the world of aviation in a secure environment, with the vision that they become both fully-fledged simulator pilots and possibly real world pilots. Both IFR and VFR principles are utilised on occasions, with a critical point being an Air Traffic Controller (ATC) overseeing all movements both airborne and on the ground. This greatly enhances the realism, as it is only with the assistance of that central radar screen that ATC can accurately guide and control the utilised airspaces, approaches and departures as utilised.
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Our Operation:
SIMSA meets for group sessions every 3rd Saturday of the month at 14h00 starting with pre-flight briefing, a quick run-up and then a fun filled session including new flying challenges, radio interaction and navigation aspects, all the while monitored by the ATC to ensure all aviation skills are used. The theme is strongly on having fun, but is mindful and respectful of proper aviation parameters.
The annual membership fee is currently (2009) ZAR240 and R20 per session. As a temporary visitor, guest aviator or non-member it is merely ZAR50 a session. Additionally, as a SIMSA member, there is an added option of joining AMSA for an annual ZAR50 membership (more than 50% discount) with all associated benefits. Currently, the available space at AMSA allows SIMSA to accommodate up to 18 pilots (including ATC). In future, additional facilities and larger groups will be possible. It is the intention that SIMSA continues to entice new members and to grow the club, all the while sharing aviation enthusiasm and thus the realism and quality of online sessions.
When joining, new members are required to have an original version of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004, after which they receive a simple kit consisting of shared freeware aircraft and scenery. The freeware communication program Teamspeak is also installed. A SIMSA Badge tops off the introduction. Although freeware add-ons are not for sale in any way, they are used to keep everyone up to date with latest developments.
A SIMSA Sim Licence is awarded after a brief test flight is correctly executed in all aviation aspects, and from there the member is able to partake in the group fly-in sessions. After the completion of their successful flight test, the sim-pilot then continues to log flying hours and experience, enhancing the value of the club licence.
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Aircraft and Scenery use:
Freeware scenery and aircraft are easily accessible from the internet from various sites, such as www.avsim.com , www.simviation.com and www.flightsim.com. The majority of commercial airfields in SA are included in MSFS 2004, but additional detail is available for selected areas and main airports. SIMSA remains indebted to the assistance and help of many enthusiastic designers and programmers, who have made their work available as freeware in the form of high-definition aircraft and scenery files. SIMSA makes considerable use of this additional scenery.
For an up-to-date list of add-on aircraft and scenery used, please speak to one of the founders.
Flight Simulator 2004 as a Training Aid:
MSFS 2004 is not only brilliant when it comes to entertainment for family and enthusiasts. It has also been proven by many well-known aviators to be an efficient aid for real world flying. As a pilot, one of the founder members, Mark Boucher states that MSFS2004 has helped him from the start, especially when it comes to practising procedures, checklists, instrument training, radio work, navigation aids and much more. SIMSA’s statement in support is that MSFS 2004 is not only meant for advanced users, but also for beginners and indeed everyone of all ages when it comes to understanding the concepts of flying.
Experienced real-world pilots, both GA and Commercial, regularly join SIMSA sessions, and find much enjoyment in the experience. Additionally, for many people who in the real-world never had the opportunity or means to take up flying, SIMSA offers an affordable alternative to learn the art of flying and to enjoy “fun-flying” at the same time. Cross country flights, formation flights, aerobatic competitions, fly-inn and virtual airline flying are all covered.
Future
SIMSA invites anyone with serious aviation intent and interest to attend one of its sessions and experience this passionate community. Even if newbies don’t yet know the basics, they can surely learn at SIMSA.
The founders of SIMSA strive for the club to fly sky-high, and remain proud of the club’s significant achievements. Much gratitude is owed to those who have supported SIMSA from the start and an open invitation is extended for all others to attend and see. And to see just how SIMSA can assist in make flying fun!
The SIMSA Founders:
Mauri Mazzanti 072 606 6499
Mark Boucher 076 317 5477
Steve Schwartz 072 644 0447
E-mail
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Website www.simsa.co.za
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