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By Bruce Williams
Microsoft Simulations Product Planner
The first AirVenture of the new millennium is underway. Our exhibit in Hangar B went up quickly on Tuesday, and as soon as the doors opened Wednesday morning, a big crowd assembled to get a preview of Combat Flight Simulator 2: WW II Pacific Theater.
The Flight Simulator Booth - Before. Click image for a larger picture.
The Flight Simulator Booth - After. Click image for a larger picture.
We've had a steady stream of visitors ever since, with kids of all ages flying Corsairs, Wildcats, and Zeros over famous battle sites from the war in the Pacific. Combat Flight Simulator 2 and Flight Simulator 2000 are also on display at “Hangar X” in the EAA museum.
The fun of Flight Simulator and Combat Flight Simulator reaches people of all ages! Click image for a larger picture
On Wednesday afternoon, we introduced the Microsoft-King Schools Sweepstakes aircraft to the crowd by flying during the Showcase, a preview before the daily airshow. Bruce Williams, the Microsoft product planner for flight simulations, took three kids for their first airplane ride in the new Skyhawk SP. These future aviators are part of EAA's Young Eagles program, which encourages kids to learn about aviation and arranges airplane rides with EAA members. While the airplane made several laps around the main runway at Oshkosh, product manager Darryl Saunders explained the sweepstakes and pointed out the key features of the Millennium Edition 172 to the crowd.
The Sweepstakes plane before its Showcase flight. Click image for a larger picture.
Bruce Williams with some of the EAA Young Eagles that flew in the Sweepstakes plane. Click image for a larger picture.
While visitors to the Microsoft exhibit try out CFS 2, we're also meeting with many members of the press. Expect to see previews of Combat Flight Simulator 2 in several leading aviation publications.
The huge crowds at AirVenture 2000 have, as usual, seen the largest and most varied assemblage of aircraft in the world. From antiques and classics to the latest business jets, it's here. And the star of this year's show - Concorde-arrives tomorrow.
One of the great classic aircraft on display, an immaculate Ryan. Click image for a larger picture.
Tomorrow is also Teacher Day at KidVenture, and Flight Simulator will play a role as the EAA team explains its Science-Math-Technology curriculum. That program uses aviation as an incentive to get kids interested in science and math, and EAA is training more than 100 teachers to use the curriculum in their schools.
Stay tuned for reports throughout AirVenture 2000.
A couple of members of the Flight Simulator Team at Oshkosh.
A classic Beech Staggerwing in full glory! Click image for a larger picture.
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