Mindstar Community

[flyingdrill]

Just watched the 9th April edition of "AOPA Live".

Mindstar seem to be trying to muscle in on P.E. However, they seem to have just one part-time controller, and (at the moment) only one location to use it, and a limited time frame. Still, it was quite a promo.

PE already has scenario based training in the "V" and "I" programs, and (of course) can and does operate similarly for professional customers, so what's new?

Their expansion ambitions seem a bit "pie in the sky", as I doubt there is a substantial market around the world for this. GA in many countries is virtually non-existent, and if they don't employ locally based controllers, American controllers used to US airspace, etc. would be of little value in (say) Italy!

I know AOPA covered PE a while ago (well, quite a while ago), so perhaps it's time for Keith to give them another nudge! I know my RW radio work has notched up since being on PE, and I bet the same is true for most of us who fly RW as well as sim flying.

Just my 2¢ worth!

[Keith Smith]

My understanding is that they're going to shoot for community-based staffing as they scale things up. This is much closer to a VATSIM-style model than anything else.

[flyingdrill]

OK. However, aimed at the RW market, which VATSIM isn't.

I'm sure you are not losing any sleep over it, Keith

[Keith Smith]

I'm giving it some thought, but I wouldn't say I'm losing sleep. I just hope the market can tell the difference between the two offerings.

[HRutila]

It takes more than a group of CFIs to be able to properly teach pilots how to effectively communicate. The "more" is what you will find on Pilotedge.