I joined BVA in December, 2011. At the time, I’d had my PPL for just over a year and was about halfway through my Instrument rating. Today, I have almost 200 total hours, including 15 multi hours, 50 simulated IFR hours, and 10 actual IFR hours. I’ve flown both single and multi-engine DA40, PA28, BE76, and C172 aircraft into the smallest of the small uncontrolled airports and into large, commercial fields including KIAD and KMDW. BVA has been incredibly helpful in preparing me for those experiences.
When I was looking at communities to join, the materials on BVA’s website convinced me this community would be an excellent additional training tool to aid me in my IFR training. Since then, I’ve found BVA provides a safe and realistic environment to introduce pilots to new and difficult scenarios. From IFR approaches at minimums to radio communications that range from basic VFR requests to complex IFR clearances spoken at a mile a minute, BVA is an exceptional forum to feel comfortable shooting that NDB approach that looks just a ‘bit too intimidating’ to do in real life.
One great example of how BVA has helped me with my own training occurred at 80D (Harrison, MI). Remembering what I’ve learned from my BVA Pilot Ratings Program flights and my IFR training, I felt confident in filing my first solo IFR departure from an uncontrolled field. The IFR clearance through the FSS was unclear and I ended up confusing Minneapolis Center when I finally got airborne. A few days later, I was talking to an FAA controller and a CFII through BVA. We agreed that the clearance made no sense, and that in future, I need to be pushier to get a clearance that makes sense. BVA gave me the confidence to try that departure for the first time, and the information I needed to figure out what I need to improve the next time I try it.
Eventually I plan to make a few bucks back from my investment in training. Ideally I plan to get my CFII and do some freelance instruction, and hopefully use that as a nice source of income during retirement. I believe BVA will continue to be an integral part in reaching that goal, both with providing a forum to practice commercial flight maneuvers and also gaining teaching and instruction experience as an ATC mentor for our controller staff.
The best thing about BVA for me is the social aspect of the tight-knit community BVA promotes. The process of joining BVA is simple. The community is accepting of all users (young, old, new, and experienced—it doesn’t matter). These are things you can’t get from any other multiplayer gaming experience.
Q: How long have you been a member of BVA?
I joined in December, 2011.
Q: Do you consider yourself primarily a pilot or controller?
Real world pilot, virtual controller. However I will hop in a sim aircraft on the server every once in a while to brush up on a few difficult Instrument procedures and hone in my radio communications. (Or to just oogle over the NGX and LevelD!)
Q: Approximately how many hours to you spend on BVA each week?
How much do I want to? Or how much does my wife let me? 😉 Depending on the week, it will range between 5-15 hours per week.
Q: What is your favorite part about participating in our community?
The social aspect of the tight knit community BVA promotes. Unlike the rest of VATSIM or some multiplayer servers, the process of joining BVA, and the acceptance of all users both young, old, new, and experienced is something you can’t get from any other multiplayer gaming experience.
Q: Summarize what BVA is to you in two sentences or less.
BVA is a welcoming community of aviation enthusiasts led by one of the finest groups of professional & dedicated entrepreneurs around. Their commitment provides a forum for aviators around the world to congregate and experience the world of aviation from their own PC.
Q: What real-world aviation experience did you have when you joined BVA?
When I joined BVA I had my PPL for just over a year and was roughly half way complete with training for my Instrument rating. Browsing the web material, I thought BVA would be just what I would need to give me an additional training tool to aid me in my IFR training. I had no idea how much more it would offer at the time but I’ve yet to be disappointed since clicking ‘submit’ on the entry exam.
Q: How many flight hours do you currently have?
Almost 200 total, 15 multi, 50 simulated IFR, 10 actual IFR.
Q: Can you give us an example of how BVA has helped you?
One great example of how BVA has helped me with my own training occurred at 80D (Harrison, MI). Remembering what I’ve learned from my BVA Pilot Ratings Program flights and my IFR training, I felt confident in filing my first solo IFR departure from an uncontrolled field.
The FSS operator gave me a clearance involving a VOR in South Carolina (we eventually agree he heard Center wrong when he was being read the clearance) and an unclear departure instruction. It sounded fish but I bought into it, read that back, got my departure release, and away I went…
Due to the local geography, I wasn’t able to contact ZMP until I reached 4,000 heading 170 direct SPRTN. ZMP seemed upset and asked why I wasn’t on a heading of 270. I tried to explain how I was cleared, but they just said “Whatever, you’re radar contact, climb and maintain 7,000. Contact Saginaw Departure on 126….”
A few days later, I asked some of the guys I know on BVA—an FAA controller in Tulsa and a CFII from Washington—about the instructions I received. We all agreed that the clearance it was read to me made no sense. I’ve learned that the next time I get into a situation like that, I need to be more vocal about getting a clearance that makes sense. BVA gave me the confidence to try that departure for the first time, and the information I needed to figure out what I need to improve the next time I try it.
Q: In what way has BVA helped you with your real-world flight training?
BVA provides a safe and realistic environment to introduce pilots to new and difficult scenarios From IFR approaches at minimums to radio communications that range from basic VFR requests to complex IFR clearances spoken at a mile a minute, BVA is an exceptional forum to feel comfortable shooting that NDB approach that looks just a ‘bit too intimidating’ to do in real life.
Q: From what you have experienced, on a 1-10 scale how realistic is BVA’s ATC staff, in terms of phraseology, patience, and control in busy situations, and following FAA real world procedures?
I’d give it a 9.999…. No matter what we do, there is always room to learn and improve in the world of aviation. I’ve yet to fly the perfect flight, yet to have the perfect session while working ATC, and I don’t believe I ever will. However it’s that strive for perfection that keeps me coming back. The BVA admin has the right philosophy to keep things as close to the FAA standards as practical. Choosing to deviate is not done lightly and is done for the right reasons. The controller training program is spot on, and will only get better as time goes on. However, as the forums say, 0.999… = 1, so I’ll let you guys be the judge!
Q: Do you intend to pursue any additional ratings? Why or why not? If yes, do you think that BVA will be a factor in helping you achieve those ratings?
Eventually I plan to make a few bucks back from this investment. Ideally I plan to get my CFII and do some freelance instruction, and hopefully use that as a nice source of income during retirement. I believe BVA will continue to be an integral part in reaching that goal, both with providing a forum to practice commercial flight maneuvers and also gaining teaching and instruction experience as an ATC mentor for our controller staff.