The 787 and Flight Sim

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As I’m writing this, it’s about an hour until the first flight of the much anticipated 787. The last time Boeing launched a new aircraft, the 777, I was too young to really care. This time it is a whole new story! I’ve been waiting for this moment for years!

The 787 brings a lot of new and intriguing technologies to the table. First, it’ll have the best avionics to date, rivaled only by the Gulfstream stuff, which isn’t a surprise. Another thing is, it doesn’t use an engine-bleed air system. All electric. It also promises much more, much of which are related to passenger comfort.

The development of the 787 has been a public relations headache for Boeing, to say the least. The 787 was supposed to fly over 2 years ago, and didn’t for a number of reasons. Although it may be slightly sad to have not seen this thing in the air already, it’s just the nature of the beast.

Now let’s talk about Flight Sim.

How long have some of us waited for much anticipated FS aircraft and other addons? At times, we are promised certain things years in advance. Near the end of the production, some things start to happen. Customers get impatient, companies get defensive, more delays occur, and everyone gets to standby and wait.

Think back and remember the last addon that you were way excited about. Having known about it years in advance, was it worth it when you finally got that thing in your sim? Speaking for myself, I am generally pleased when it comes to much anticipated addons.

The reason why addons that take a long time to get released (produced) are generally top notch is the fact that whatever team is behind these products is dedicated to quality, and not just making a buck. This is really important. I’d rather have a full quality product in 2 or 3 years, than a half quality product in 1 year. Maybe that’s just me.

Because the companies producing these things are so dedicated to quality, it takes time. When something comes up, it’s fixed. When an unforeseen obstacle in the road comes up, they figure out how to get around it.

Anyone can make an addon for flight sim. Get some training in 3D or textures, read the SDK, and go at it. However, notice how there are few flightsim companies that really set themselves apart.

In Flight Sim, this is the way it is. I always remember that quality takes time, and that it’ll be worth it in the end. FS Developers aren’t the enemy in my eyes. Fate is the enemy, and one that can’t be simply brushed aside. Just ask Murphy.

Boeing has done nothing more than ensure the safety of their aircraft, and also the longevity of their shareholders. Most of all, it takes a lot of work to implement the new technologies and production structure that they have been doing. What will the end result be?

By the time you read this article, you will know.

Question: Where were you and what were you doing when you saw the 787 fly for the first time? Did it remind you of the first time you flew your favorite FS addon for the first time?

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