New SPAACARS 8.0 and Econ Module is Open Again

John,

I like the "automatic filing" aspect of SPAACARS because it forces me to take every aspect of the execution of a flight seriously. Otherwise, I'm tempted to slide into the 'it'll probably work out' mode. Like many things in life, you get out of flightsim what you put into it. In spite of this, I know I make mistakes, sometimes big ones. In these cases, the right response is to analyze what went wrong and why. In fact, that is sometimes the most interesting part of the process. I follow the blog of a private pilot who does this with all of his flights, and I learn a lot from his analyses. I also follow NTSB analyses of aircraft accidents for the same reason.

Having said that, I have some concern that the competitive aspect of the Econ page may tempt a few pilots into the sort of competitive behavior that can turn nasty and spoil what should be a friendly and cooperative learning atmosphere at SPA. Let's hope that doesn't happen.

Mike SPA48

Mike, I agree with all your points and your concern. I feel like there's some consequences or something more at stake when I fly the Econ Mod flights because it's more difficult for a "do-over". I've also had a keen interest in those true accident stories to learn what mistakes or equipment issues led to the crashes. I've watched all the "Air Disasters" episodes, and I find it fascinating how the investigators can piece back together these planes and the black-box data to find the cause of these major air crashes.

For those flight enthusiasts who enjoy reading - especially those who actually fly or have an interest in general aviation aircraft, I recommend the book "The Killing Zone" - "How and why pilots die". This book covers a number of fatal GA accidents - many less known and the famous crash of JFK Jr.

Lastly, as for the competitive behavior that can turn nasty - we took a firm and significant, albeit belated, stand against pilots who resort to that behavior. I will not wait so long in future incidents - likely one warning before termination.

I've tried to minimize the competitive aspects by making 'award' icons to be related to completion and meeting certain criteria that's directed towards the pilot's personal flight record and not related to the flight activity of other pilots.

There remains the profit comparison that might be considered a comparison with other pilot's flights, but I like a certain amount of that and expect our pilots to behave decently towards other pilots as our rules require. In the event of a similar problem in the future I would prefer to remove the offending pilot rather than the program - only with a lot shorter grace period than was given the last time.

In summary - fly, have fun, learn new things, and engage with other pilots respectfully. Then all will be fine, enjoyable and rewarding. If a pilot is not interested in the following criteria, or wishes not to follow this - they've joined the wrong airline.

John

Bill,

Unfortunately for the purposes of the new Econ Module, when Econ Mode box is checked in the settings area, SPAACARS now automatically sends the PIREP upon landing. If you wish to make multiple stops or are doing 'hard landing' on carriers like the Adventure Packs, I suggest you turn off the Econ Mode in SPAACARs "Settings" options. This will allow you to fly as before, and I think you can still leave "landing rate" checked and get that information. Unfortunately it will not show your Econ data in either practice area or the Econ Module flights page.

This is to prevent pilots from only submitting "successful" or "perfect" flights to SPA in an effort to avoid penalties when using the new Econ mode.

John