SL Airport Expo Blog Spotlight: Ashone Mahogony

QUESTIONS RELATED TO YOUR SL AIRPORT:

1.  What inspired you to create your airport in Second Life?
For an aviation nut like myself, the idea of having my own airfield, was too tempting to resist.
My original shop was on a 512m plot, in the middle of a laggy sim. It wasnt good for business and didnt allow for future expansion, so I bought a larger plot of land, in a great location. This allowed me more than enough space and prims, to have a private home and public airfield in the same place - with the runway I needed, for customers to test my products.

2.  Tell us about your airport, what were your aims and goals in Second Life, when you created it?   
Aside from needing a better home for the shop, I also wanted a headquarters for my formation flying group: British Red Arrows Tribute Team. The airfield buildings incorporate a recruitment office downstairs and a team briefing room above.Aspiring Red Arrows pilots may pick up an application form from the desk in our recruiting office.

Because the location is good for air and water access to the seas further South (Blakes and Nautilus), I envisaged it as a useful starting point, either for customers wanting to fly their new aircraft home, or for casual visitors looking for somewhere different to fly from. The sea corridor up to the Northern continents is nearby, too - for people wanting a trip North.

3.  Is your airport modeled or inspired after a real life airport?    If so which one?

No - this is just designed to make best use of the room available, for my modest requirements

4.  How long have you owned your airport?  is your airport opened to the general public?  Is a group required to rezz?  What are some activities or items that people can do at your airport?
I opened here in early February 2011, so 14 months in this location. There are Demo aircraft rezzers on the runway and watercraft rezzers down on the beach. Visitors can try/fly any of the vehicles they are interested in.  All of my demos are Temp, so there's no littering in the neighbouring sims.

I like people to have fun, when they come and visit. They can bring friends and chill on the beach, play with the demos, rez a t00b or surfboard, etc. The beach has direct access to the adjacent Linden water, so there's plenty of room to play.

The airfield and beach are normally open to the public (unless there's an exclusive beach event going on for the Owner's Club). My house is private and I prefer visitors to enter by invitation only.

Normally, rezzing is group only (Ashone Aircraft Owner's Club) but I often allow 'anyone' to rez, if requested. Demo rezzers can be used by anyone, as they dont require the group tag. The club is primarily for owners of my aircraft but anyone may join, as a Free Member.

5.  We are thrilled to have your airport come to our SL Airport Expo and be a part of Aviation Month! What inspired you to take part?
I'm a firm proponent of raising awareness of Second Life aviation, to a wider populace. I often get visitors who are only just discovering SL aviation, even oldbies of several years ! Many flyers only use the larger, well-known airports - simply because they are unaware of smaller places like mine.We are based in a quiet sim, with hardly any passing traffic, so it would be nice to see a few more aviators using the facilities.

QUESTIONS RELATED TO YOU:

1.  How long have you been in Second Life?
Three and a half years - joined in Nov 2008.


2.  What made you first join Second Life?
A significant change in my personal life, meant I was stuck at home most of the time. I needed a stimulating activity to keep my mind active and SL provided a focus for my technical skills and an outlet for my creativity.

3.   What are some of the strangest things you have experienced or seen in Second Life?

Haha - where do you want to start? Second Life is built on a foundation of 'strange' - if you stick a random pin in the map, you are sure to hit something unusual !

4.  Other than owning an airport in Second Life and being interested in aviation, what are some other things you like to do while you are in Second Life?
In my early days, I used to enjoy exploring with a rl friend - seeing weird and wonderful places and having fun. Nowadays, I'm too busy to go exploring and the friend isn't around much, so motivation isnt really there.
I get a kick out of expanding my skill set - improving on the quality of what I know and what I'm capable of making. In addition to inworld building/scripting, I'm also working to hone my offline sculpting & texturing abilities.

5.  If you could invite anyone from RL into SL, who would it be?  
* Myself from 20 years ago... back then, the possibilities would've blown my mind."In the 21st Century, this is what happens, when you put amazing tools in the hands of millions of creative people"...

* UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, to show him that 20% VAT on virtual services, like LL tier and premium fees, really sucks.

You can visit Ash Studios Aviation Shop and Airfield by clicking the slurl below:
Ash Studios Aviation Shop and Airfield

SL Marketplace Shop: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/103586?id=103586

Visit Ash's Blog:  Ash's Blog Link

SL Airport Expo Blog Spotlight-Marktwain White

Today is the last day of the SL Airport Expo, but we still have two great spotlights left! The first one is on Marktwain White:

QUESTIONS RELATED TO YOUR SL AIRPORT:


1.  What inspired you to create your airport in Second Life?
I love aviation. .

2.  Tell us about your airport, what were your aims and goals in Second Life, when you created it?   
I wanted to attract the aviation community to the Blake Sea and the United Sailing Sims

3.  Is your airport modeled or inspired after a real life airport?    If so which one?
Not inspired by a specific airport but I did want to call upon the nostalgic nature of airports from the first decades of the 20th Century (thus the art deco terminal.

4.  How long have you owned your airport?  is your airport opened to the general public?  Is a group required to rezz?  What are some activities or items that people can do at your airport?
I built Hollywood Airport in January of 2009, over five years ago. All are welcome, all can rezz. Activities? Fly planes, tour the Santa Catalina boardwalk, shoot the breeze, etc.

5.  We are thrilled to have your airport come to our SL Airport Expo and be a part of Aviation Month! What inspired you to take part? The chance to "fly the flag" at the expo.

QUESTIONS RELATED TO YOU:

1.  How long have you been in Second Life?
7 years

2.  What made you first join Second Life?
It was better than THERE.COM

3.  Other than owning an airport in Second Life and being interested in aviation, what are some other things you like to do while you are in Second Life?
Machinima (http://www.youtube.com/user/MarkTwainWhite)

You can visit Hollywood Airport by clicking the slurl below:
Hollywood Airport


http://slhairport.ucoz.com

SL Airport Expo Featured Airports of the Day!

Today is Day #7 of our SL Airport Expo and we are featuring the following SL Airports:

• Ash Studios Aviation Shop & Airfield
• Hollywood Airport
• New Bastogne Airfields

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AIRPORT:  Ash Studios Aviation Shop & Airfield

Owner: Ashone Mahogny

Location:  Erik Sim

Ash Studios Aviation Shop & Airfield: This shop features a runway, 64m long x 16m wide, with Visual Approach aids. Anyone can rez a demo, or land their own aircraft (within the prim & size limits).

Usually, only Group members (Ashone Aircraft Owners Club) may rez their own aircraft for flights out from here, although sometimes visiting pilots are allowed "anyone" rez on request. The airfield is located at 270m altitude. All of the shop stock is in the hangars at this level.

If you are interested in any of my aircraft or watercraft, there are DEMO versions, for people to test.

Each demo version is fully functional, although it will disappear when you stand up. There are demo rezzers for almost all of my aircraft, at the East end of my runway. The demo aircraft are temp-on-rez (to keep the area clear) but won't disappear while you are seated. Many of the aircraft require a Control HUD (grab the free version, for the demo aircraft). The Spitfire & D-1000 private jet dont need a control hud (chat commands only). Aquajet engine is touch-start/stop. Note: demo hud only has basic, common features for test flight. Aircraft-specific features are unavailable.

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AIRPORT:  Hollywood Airport

Owner:  Marktwain White

Location:  Santa Catalina Sim

Hollywood Airport:  One of the first major airports serving the Blake Sea area, Hollywood has rapidly evolved, becoming one of the aviation hubs of the Blake Sea area. With connectivity to Nautilus and beyond, Hollywood boasts a thriving community of aivation groups and enthusiasts.

Two runways lay sandwiched between two wide expanses of tarmac. The markings on each runway are clear, with one for landing and one for takeoff, ensuring smooth and easy flow of air traffic in and out of the airport. Aviators will also find a number of stores located in the hangars around the tarmac, and a terminal building built in the 'Art Deco' style.

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Airport: New Bastogne Airfields

Contact Person: Vickster Kuhn

Location: New Bastogne Sim

New Bastogne Airfields: These airfields and airports are currently being redesigned and are WW2 Based.  

The following videos were provided by Vickster Kuhn about New Bastogne

SL Airport Expo Blog Spotlight: Mot Mann

QUESTIONS RELATED TO YOUR SL AIRPORT:


1.  What inspired you to create your airport in Second Life?
When I first started in SL almost 7 years ago, I built an airstrip in the sky and lived there. I never came down to the ground until a neighbor flew up and told me to come down because everybody wanted to meet me. Ever since then I had an airstrip somewhere until I finally built Flanders Field airport several years ago. My wife and best friend in real life joined SL soon after I did, followed by several of my wife's Nursing friends. We all liked to fly so the airstrip got bigger.

We formed a group of stunt pilots called the Flying Eagles. It was a lot of fun back then when SL was still new, no lag, no ban lines, sim crossings were smooth and not noticed. We put on several shows of stunt flying and some precision flying in formation, deleting the planes in flight and coming down in parachutes. Then as Second life grew, sim crossings got bad, ban lines were popping up everywhere and we quit flying for a while except on a personal basis. The airstrip was used for elephant racing, dancing, and a place to gather. When we flew we had to clear the airstrip.

2.  Tell us about your airport, what were your aims and goals in Second Life, when you created it?   
I only wanted a place to fly at first. Back then the only other airport around was Abbotts Aerodrome belonging to Cubey Terra. The airstrip got bigger and it grew over the years and I added more hangers for planes. I finally rebuilt the airport as Flanders Field is now. There is an Airport Building with a lounge, hangers for our planes, and since we are all full sized residents as well as Tiny Aviators, we have a tiny hanger. There is balloon parking and airship docks as well for our use.

3.  Is your airport modeled or inspired after a real life airport?    If so which one?
It is just an airport which I made as practical as I could and named it for my wife in RL and SL, Cat Flanders. The airport is Flanders Field. I guess I'm just a romantic :)

4.  How long have you owned your airport?  is your airport opened to the general public?  Is a group required to rezz?  What are some activities or items that people can do at your airport?
I've had the current airport for 3 years although it existed in some form for the last 7 years. Flanders Field is open to the public as are all my lands. Anybody can rez vehicles here, there are no restrictions. we patrol the land daily for objects left behind and return them to their owners.

Besides the airport property I own the connecting sim along the waterfront. We have a park with a small dance floor there, nothing special, just a place to enjoy a dance. There is also a boat dock area which is always full but we keep a boat launch area clear for  anybody to launch a low prim boat or float plane. There is a beach house that's open and a swimming deck on the water with a diving board. There is a reef with a mermaid house and an underwater viewing area if you can find the door to get there. The whole waterfront is constantly being developed and changed until we find a really good solution.

Everything we do is for the enjoyment of the public. I don't believe in ban lines so it's all open to enjoy. There are six Linden water sims beyond the waterfront to sail or fly with no restrictions.

5.  We are thrilled to have your airport come to our SL Airport Expo and be a part of Aviation Month! What inspired you to take part?
This is a relatively quiet place on the old Heterocera Atoll continent. We don't get many visitors here and it would be nice to have someone stop by to chat once in a while. The airport is listed on the Airport Map.

QUESTIONS RELATED TO YOU:

1.  How long have you been in Second Life?
almost 7 years

2.  What made you first join Second Life?
I saw an article about Second Life on one of the web sites I visit and being a retired engineer it attracted my attention.

3.   What are some of the strangest things you have experienced or seen in Second Life?
I've seen a lot in my time here but nothing seems strange anymore in a place where you can do or be anything you want. Twice now I've seen a giant woman here, must have been 9 to 10 m tall and I still can't find anything about them, they were awesome and very real.

4.  Other than owning an airport in Second Life and being interested in aviation, what are some other things you like to do while you are in Second Life?
I am a builder and I constantly have some projects going. We all live on lag free planets in space to keep the land free. Our airport is about as complete as we can make it now so I'm rebuilding the waterfront. I also enjoy swimming in the ocean and sailing the seas.

5.  If you could invite anyone from RL into SL, who would it be?
I can't think of anyone that isn't here already. This is an awesome world filled with awesome people.

SL Airport Expo Blog: Zeeva Quintessa

Today's next blog spotlight is on Zeeva Quintessa:

QUESTIONS RELATED TO YOUR SL AIRPORT:

1.  What inspired you to create your airport in Second Life?

Well, back when the United Sailing sims (USS) was seperated from the rest of the grid was a place I would often go, using what is now gone the "Gulliver airport" near Artificial Island - I would fly all around the area...I fell in love with flying and boating in SL, AKA addicted :)  -- When I heard that the USS was to be joined to the mainland I quickly found a small parcel at Gladzyck (4096 sqm), it started off as a marina and seaplane port, then quickly grew in a matter of weeks to it's current size, with two sections, one dedicated for planes and the other boats. I picked it's location for the distance it offered from the areas I like to travel to, plus all the open water around.  It has always been open to the public, it's nice to see people using it and I hope they continue to as well.

2.  Tell us about your airport, what were your aims and goals in Second Life, when you created it?   

My aims and goals were to offer fun, and a place to just hangout for anyone wanting a bit of a different look and style than your standard airport marina, there are many fun little areas to explore and discover there if the visitor cares to look.

3.  Is your airport modeled or inspired after a real life airport?    If so which one?

No, my airport was just something that kind of took shape on it's own as time progressed.

4.  How long have you owned your airport?  is your airport opened to the general public?  Is a group required to rezz?  What are some activities or items that people can do at your airport?

I acquired and built the first level of Zee West on Jan., 22 2009.  The general public has and will always be welcome, as with many of my other places in SL...and anyone can rezz at Zee West.   Zee West has a few different areas - depending on what you wanted to do...a place for photos, dancing in the sky lounge, a clubhouse to hangout at, a submarine port (see below back runway).  airport and marina, we even have an art gallery.

5.  We are thrilled to have your airport come to our SL Airport Expo and be a part of Aviation Month! What inspired you to take part?

I wanted to start to get involved with the community a bit more and I found this to be the perfect opportunity, it is a wonderful event that you have planned and very kind of the Flying Tigers to offer such an event. 

QUESTIONS RELATED TO YOU:

1.  How long have you been in Second Life?

My Rezz day is July 4, 2008 - so I've been here a few years.

2.  What made you first join Second Life?

A friend was playing the vampire game (I'm a hopeless PC gamer as well "BF3 n such") and it sounded fun, well at least at the time, i checked it out and found so many other things to see and explore.

3.   What are some of the strangest things you have experienced or seen in Second Life?

LOL!!  well, there are a lot to choose from...I guess I would have to say some scenes I saw at a BDSM club that was on a neighboring sim (was before Zindra adult area was established) - kinda gross really, some people have odd taste, and i mean really odd "taste".

4.  Other than owning an airport in Second Life and being interested in aviation, what are some other things you like to do while you are in Second Life?

When I'm not flying I can often be found sailing and boating here, I just love the peace that it gives me. Plus I do a lot of photography here in SL (can be seen at flickr) -- I have two galleries showing some of my works -- And as of late I do some machinima for BERDAVmarine, which can be seen on my channel at youtube.

5.  If you could invite anyone from RL into SL, who would it be?  

Hmmm, good question, not sure who I'd invite, maybe any artist that could come here and build a unique sim like nothing ever seen in SL before.

You can visit Zee West Airport by clicking the slurl below:

Zee West Airport

Also check out the Zeeva's Flickr Stream and Youtube Site:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/zeevaq/

http://www.youtube.com/user/ZeevaQ?feature=mhee

SL Airport Expo Blog Spotlight: Whitewolf Mumfuzz

Today is another round of SL Airport Expo Blog Spotlights! Today's spotlights kick off with Whitewolf Mumfuzz:

QUESTIONS RELATED TO YOUR SL AIRPORT:

1.  What inspired you to create your airport in Second Life?
The airport is a tribute of sorts to someone I consider my mentor in SL. He'd created an airport that had a similar theme, and it was my first home in SL. My mentor has since left SL, but I feel I owe a lot to him, so this is my way of 'repaying' him for his guidance.

2.  Tell us about your airport, what were your aims and goals in Second Life, when you created it?   
The airport was created to serve as a location for both civil and combat aviation. When designing it, I had wanted to make a relaxing atmosphere whereby visitors may relax and socialise when they are not flying.
In my travels around SL, I noticed that there were very few airports with a style from the inter-wars era. I've always felt that such airports had a certain feel and charm about them, so I set about recreating such an airport. In designing it, I had wanted to keep the look and feel of a 1920's and 1930's era airport, yet still be able to cater to and accomodate more modern aircraft. As such, the airport's layout is able to support aircraft with a wingspan of up to 50 meters, and there is lots of open space for helicopters, airships and similar craft to land and take off from.

3.  Is your airport modeled or inspired after a real life airport?    If so which one?
As a reference, I looked at photos of airports that were built in the Art Deco architectural style. Some of the influences include:
William P. Hobby Airport (Houston, Texas, USA)
Royal Air Force Newton (Nottingham, England)

The seaplane and boathouse in Minami Torishima is inspired by a boathouse that exists on White Rock Lake, in Dallas, Texas, USA.

4.  How long have you owned your airport?  is your airport opened to the general public?  Is a group required to rezz?  What are some activities or items that people can do at your airport?
Building work for the airport started in late Feburary in the Minami Takayama sim, while work in Minami Torishima started in early March, and I have been managing the airport since then. The airport is open to all, and no group membership is required to rez!

The airport can be used for aviation activities, whether combat or non-combat. A waterway runs through the Southern side of the airport, allowing for various boating activities and use of flying boats and seaplanes. Ground combat is also possible!

The airport will soon house a private flight school, with the aim of spreading aviation as an activity in SL. Interested parties may also enquire about flight and combat lessons.

5.  We are thrilled to have your airport come to our SL Airport Expo and be a part of Aviation Month! What inspired you to take part?

I have to admit that this would be my first time participating in an Expo as an exhibitor, so that was a big motivation to take part and see just how I would fare under such conditions!


QUESTIONS RELATED TO YOU:

1.  How long have you been in Second Life?
I started Second Life in September of 2007.


2.  What made you first join Second Life?
A long time friend of mine introduced me to Second Life, and after a few conversations about it, I was convinced. I initially joined SL for the social aspects of this virtual world, but I quickly learnt of the various other activities in SL and quickly started to do things in SL that I am not able to in the real world.

3.   What are some of the strangest things you have experienced or seen in Second Life?
'Sanity' and 'Insanity' are relative. That much I have learnt after all this time on Second Life.

4.  Other than owning an airport in Second Life and being interested in aviation, what are some other things you like to do while you are in Second Life?
I do tinker with scripts and builds on Second Life, and from time to time I do go 'sightseeing', enjoying sims and builds. From time to time I do go clubbing as well, although I don't do that as often as I used to.

5.  If you could invite anyone from RL into SL, who would it be?  
I have a friend who I have known since I was 6. I'd like to bring him into Second Life if I could!

You can visit Schneider Airfield by clicking the slurls below:
 Minami Torishima and Minami Takayama

SL Airport Expo Featured Airports of the Day!

Today is Day #6 of our SL Airport Expo and we are featuring the following airports today:

• Flanders Field
• Second Life International Airport (SLIA)
• Schneider Airfield: Minami Torishima and Minami Takayama

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Airport: Flanders Field

Owner:  Mot Mann

Location:  Wainscot Sim

Flanders Field:  A smaller airport with a modern feel, Flanders is located on the mainland. With facilities for both fixed wing and rotary wing (helicopters) craft, this place makes a good spot to start your journey on this continent.

Alternatively, aviators looking for an adventure may also land at the airport, and continue their exploration of the continent by train. A train station that is connected to the continents' Linden railway system is located in close proximity to the airfield, which isn't very common amongst SL airfields!

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Airport: Second Life International Airport (SLIA)

Contact Person: ShadowKnight Falconer

Location: Antilaghi Sim

Second Life International Airport (SLIA):  SLIA, or Second Life International Airport, is located along the widely popular Blake Sea-Nautilus-Corsica route. Designed to resemble a modern civil aviation terminal, it incorporates a hotel, Palacio Del Sol, and a marina.

There is plenty of space for larger planes to land and take off from, with marked out parking spots on the tarmac for large planes. Hangars populated by tenants and vendors line the sides of the tarmac. With easy access to the Blake Sea and Nautilus, this is a destination worth checking out while flying the Blake Sea-Nautilus-Corsica air route!

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Airport: Schneider Airfield

Owner:  Whitewolf Mumfuzz

Locations: Minami Torishima and Minami Takayama Sims

Schneider Airfield:  This location is themed to resemble a 20's or 30's era airfield. While it has a civilian style layout, combat is welcome here! 

The airport was created to serve as a location for both civil and combat aviation. The design is a relaxing atmosphere, where socializing meets combat! The main theme is the interwars period, modern and vintage aircraft are both welcome and the airport supports aircraft with a wingspan of up to 50 meters.  Space for helicopters and airships is also available.

SL Airport Expo - Day #3 Recap!

On Wednesday, the Expo continued on with a touching tribute for ANZAC Day, with DJ Jami stopping the event for a moment of silence.  After the moment of silence, DJ Jami played taps and a 21 gun salute in honor of the brave men who fought at Gallipoli.  Events continued with DJ Anakin closing out the afternoon:

Created with flickr slideshow.

SL Airport Expo Blog Featured Airports of the Day!

Today is day #5 of the SL Airport Expo and today's featured airports are:

• Zee West Airport
• Bay City Municipal Airport

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Airport: Zee West Airport

Owner: Zeeva Quintessa

Location: Gladzyck Sim

Zee West Airport: This is one of the major airports serving the air routes between Corsica and Nautilus (And further into the Blake Sea). Surrounded by the sea, the airport is reminiscent of one built on an artificial island. Despote that, the atmosphere here is surprisingly calm and relaxing.

Comprising of two runways and plenty of room in the neighbouring sims for approach, Zee West is relatively simple to fly in and out of. The shorter runway, Number 9, even has a steam catapult and arrestor cable built in for carrier aircraft. Its marina also provides ample space for watercraft and seaplanes.

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Airport: Bay City Muncipal Airport

Owner: Linden Labs Owned (Marianne McCann, Contact)

Location: Hau Koda Sim

Bay City Municipal Airport:  An art deco style airport built by the Linden Department of Public Works, this is a great contribution by the Lindens to aviation in Second Life. It even has an old style air beacon to guide aircraft along!

Of interesting note is that the airport has no runway. Instead, all aircraft take off and land on a paved surface that also acts as its tarmac. Despite this, the distinction between runway and parking space is clear, and there are access ramps on either end of the runway-tarmac that allow amphibious craft to roll into and out of the water.

SL Airport Expo Blog Spotlight: Eric Gregan

Our spotlights continue with Eric Gregan, co owner of New Horizon's Airport:

QUESTIONS RELATED TO YOUR SL AIRPORT:

1.  What inspired you to create your airport in Second Life?
Like many that love  the aviaition, I wanted to create my own airport.

2.  Tell us about your airport, what were your aims and goals in Second Life, when you created it?  
To create an airport that  could receive the bigger planes, the airliners. To enable people to Role play with their airway companies.

3.  Is your airport modeled or inspired after a real life airport?    If so which one?
My airport is not a copy of any existing airport, but to enable a full roleplay it is made with the same infrastructures as in RL

4.  How long have you owned your airport?  is your airport opened to the general public?  Is a group required to rezz?  What are some activities or items that people can do at your airport?

- the airport exists since 2 years
-  it is open to the general public
- there is a group for the airport but it is not necessary to be in it to rezz.
-  we offer various things:
- Role Play for Airway companies
- Ground air control
- security control ( rp)
- rescue simulation ( rp)
- Hospitalisation (rp)
- Shopping
- Night out in the bar/club
- and probably some more that I forget

5.  We are thrilled to have your airport come to our SL Airport Expo and be a part of Aviation Month! What inspired you to take part?
To use the opportunity to get the airport know to more people

QUESTIONS RELATED TO YOU:
1.  How long have you been in Second Life?
5 years

2.  What made you first join Second Life?
I wanted to see what a 3D world looked like

3.   What are some of the strangest things you have experienced or seen in Second Life?
that because of the anonimity the worse of people comes out

4.  Other than owning an airport in Second Life and being interested in aviation, what are some other things you like to do while you are in Second Life?
exploring and moving around in vehicles

5.  If you could invite anyone from RL into SL, who would it be?  
no one, this is another world

You can visit New Horizon's Airport by clicking on the slurl below:
New Horizon Airport

SL Airport Expo Blog Spotlight: Rael Ellisson

We have another round of blog spotlights of SL Airport owners! Today's spotlights start with Rael Ellisson owner of Sparrow Field:


QUESTIONS RELATED TO YOUR SL AIRPORT: 

1.  What inspired you to create your airport in Second Life?
I was inspired to create Sparrow Field after seeing the incredible builds at places like Aeronautica or Yamato of Japan, and the airplanes made by Karl Reisman or Darsh Lucero. These builds really opened my eyes about what can be done in Second Life.  In real life, since childhood I have built plastic models, especially aircraft, and when I was young, my father and I built a large highly detailed HO model railroad.  For me, building Sparrow Field is an extension of these RL hobbies.  Second life is more space efficient then real life models!  I come to SL aviation more as a model maker then a video gamer.

2.  Tell us about your airport, what were your aims and goals in Second Life, when you created it?   
Sparrow Field is located in the Dogoog region on the Nautilus mainland continent.  My goal was to spend a lot of real life money on virtual real estate at the expense of my childrens' college savings. Joking!  From the start I was a "grid flyer", and have been committed to the mainland.  I  got my start in Second Life aviation when I was one of the first hanger renters at Hollywood Airport when the Blake Sea was first created, and from that, I learned to appreciate the value of lots of open water sims, so personally, I was never drawn to rent in or own a private estate.   By the time I felt ready to buy some SL real estate for an airport, I had also come to appreciate the freedom and diversity of the builds on the mainland, so I decided to build my airport on the largest collection of open water sims in Second Life.  From Sparrow, you can access hundreds of linden ocean regions that surround Nautilus City as well as the "Big Fish" or "North Sea" Ocean, and of course the Blake Sea.   There are many airports to fly to.  Initially, outside of the Blake Sea, there was only Zee West and the old airport at Strugatsky, but soon came Sparrow, New Horizons, Kinrara, Acknefar, Baitousan, and many other independent airports.   I certainly appreciate the thematic unity that can be achieved in a private estate, especially when it is done with imagination, vision, and originality such as by the Flying Tigers, at Olds Airforce Base, or the old Aeronautica estate, but my personal preference is for the chaos, unpredictablility, freedom, and open space that is the mainland.  To me, this is more like real life, where you never know what you are going to encounter.  In Nautilus, there are hundreds of sims to fly, and one day you can find an airport you have never seen before, and the next day, in another spot, you might get attacked by dragons!  

3.  Is your airport modeled or inspired after a real life airport?    If so which one?
Sparrow Field is not inspired after any one airport.  I have always liked art deco architecture, so I wanted to design some original hangers, terminals, and other buildings in that style.  I also wanted to experiment with scale, which people have a difficult time with in Second Life.  Of course, the real cause of this is the high cost of tier, so space is expensive, but it then becomes a design challenge.    In the best constructed private estates, the airports are properly scaled and frequently span over several sims for a single airfield, but the mainland rarely affords (literally) this opportunity.    Here, privately owned airports are often small parcels that end up being very crowded and unrealistic, or else, even when an entire sim is used as an airport, the style of the airpot is 'scaled up' such that a very large airport with passenger jet terminals etc. is jammed into the one region.   It takes a very creative person to make these mainland space constraints work well.   Zee West, East River, and the now sadly gone Acknefar airport, I think, are examples of smaller airports that are built nicely to the space available.  So, in thinking about these space issues as a model builder, For Sparrow Field, I wanted to build a small airport in a big space, and thus preserve some of the openness that strikes me when I visit a RL airport tarmac.

4.  How long have you owned your airport?  is your airport opened to the general public?  Is a group required to rezz?  What are some activities or items that people can do at your airport?
I bought my first small parcel in Dogoog in August, 2009, so this summer will mark Sparrow Field's third year of operation.   Sparrow Field is open to the public, and there is a 20 minute autoreturn.  I used to run some group flights and other events at Sparrow Field, but these days I am not in Second Life often enough to put the necessary energy into that sort of activity.  Likewise, while I used to rent hangers at Sparrow,  but these days they are used by some of my older Second Life friends.  Of course, the Black Dog Industries factory store is located at Sparrow Field as well, where Katrina Keyes and I sell the airplanes that we build, which contributes at least a bit to the tier to pay for Dogoog.  In the end, I think of Sparrow Field as a quiet airport in a quiet corner of Nautilus that Second Life Aviators are welcome to use or not as they please.  While I mostly maintain it for my own amusement, I very much enjoy it when I see some Second Life resident that I heve never met landing or taking off to or from parts unknown.

5.  We are thrilled to have your airport come to our SL Airport Expo and be a part of Aviation Month! What inspired you to take part?
I have found that the organizers of this expo to be among the most responsible, reasonable, and thoughtful of the leaders of the Second Life avaition community, so I am happy to participate in an event that raises awaremess about Second Life aviation and the creativity of those in that community.  I hope this awareness will encourage the Lindens to see the possibility in the use of Second Life for vehicle simulation, and that they will continue to work with residents to improve its capablilities and potentials in this regard.


QUESTIONS RELATED TO YOU:


1.  How long have you been in Second Life?
Three years, since December, 2008

2.  What made you first join Second Life?
Lack of social skills and a generally addictive personality?

3.   What are some of the strangest things you have experienced or seen in Second Life?

Well, one time, in the pre-Zindra days, I came out of a bad sim crossing and found myself crashed into the middle of  the dance floor of a fetish strip club in Nautilus.  The dancers patched up this flyboy nicely and sent him on his way.

4.  Other than owning an airport in Second Life and being interested in aviation, what are some other things you like to do while you are in Second Life?
I mostly fly around Nautilus and the Blake Sea, chat with a couple of friends that i have made over the years, and build airplanes through my business, Black Dog Industries.

You can visit Sparrow Field by using clicking the slurl below:
Sparrow Field

Sparrow Field is also home to Black Dog Industries, an aviation company in SL! Check out their latest release, a Bell P-39 Air Cobra, which was made in collaboration with THI.  The photograph was taken by Zeeva Quintessa:

Below is a bit more info about the P-39 Aircobra:


"The P-39 Airacobra was built by Bell Aircraft Corporation in Buffalo, New York and was originally designed to answer calls from the U.S. Army Airforce (USAAF) for a high altitude interceptor.   The first prototype flew in 1938 and was characterized by its advanced technology and unorthodox design: it was an all-metal, low-wing, single engine fighter with side-opening automobile-style doors, tricycle landing gear, and an 1,200 h.p. Allison V-1710 twelve cylinder engine.   The P-39 was notable as one of the first examples of integrated design to create a total “weapon system” where the armament, which included a 37 mm cannon, two .50 cal. axial-mounted machine guns, and four .30 cal wing mounted machine guns, were incorporated into the aircraft’s original design.   As a result, the engine was mounted mid-fuselage, and the drive shaft stretched through the cockpit between the pilot’s legs to reach the propeller. "

SL Airport Expo Day #2 Recap!

Yesterday was day #2 of our SL Airport Expo! It was another great day of exhibits and 4 hours worth of partying! DJ's Anakin and Heath kept the crowd dancing in the afternoon and well into the night! Below are photos from last night's parties:

Created with flickr slideshow.

SL Airport Blog Featured Airports of the Day!

Today is day #3 of our SL Airport Expo and we have even more great airports to feature! Today's featured airports are:

• Sparrow Field
• New Horizon Airport
• Abbotts
• Area 51/Chase Field

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Airport:  Sparrow Field

Owner:  Rael Ellisson

Location:  Dogoog Sim

Sparrow Field:  One of the airports serving the popular Blake Sea-Nautilus-Corsica route, Sparrow Field is conveniently located just north of the continent of Nautilus. It has a very unique architecture style that is hard to miss.

Providing access to both conventional and water based aircraft, Sparrow Field is used by several groups as they ply the air routes on their grid flights. It is also home to Black Dog Industries, an aircraft brand also owned by the airfield owner.

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Airport:  New Horizon Airport

Owners:  Eric Gregan and Kahlan Bingyi

Sim:  Alphubel

New Horizon Airport:  A major airport serving the Blake Sea-Nautilus-Corsica route, New Horizons is a modern style airport, with a feel similar to a busy international airport. With facilities to cater to even the largest of planes in Second Life,

There is an air traffic control system in place at New Horizons, and it conveniently tells pilots and aviators as to the path to take to the runway as they taxi their planes out of the gates. There is also a marina located underneath the airport. New Horizons is also home to the EG brand of aircraft, who are known for their recreations of airliners and civil aircraft.

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Airport:  Abbotts Airport

Owner:  Special Cathcart

Location: Abbotts Sim

Abbotts Airport: Widely regarded as the birthplace of SL aviation, Abbotts has been preserved for all to enjoy! Located in the mainland, this airport has a sci-fi style of architecture, resembling something out of Blade Runner, or even Tron.

It has a single runway and helipads located above ground, attached to the airport terminal via link bridges. There is a small submarine pen located under the tarmac, which has enough space to support smaller seaplanes and boats. Abbotts makes a wonderful stopover for pilots flying out of Bay City Airport or Poppyport, conveniently located between both a airports. Visitors will also find a Terra Aeronautics store here.

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Airport:  Area 51/Chase Field

Owner: Reconkangas Resident

Location:  Airbase Sim

Area 51/Chase Field:  As its name suggests, this sprawling airport is a military airport, resembling a modern era airbase. Its build is one of functionality, with a no-frills layout. Although primarily a military airport, there is a terminal building with its own tarmac space, connected to the main runways.

The tarmac is connected to two criss-crossing runways. The alignment and lighting on the runway suggests the possibility of simultaneous use without planes bumping into one another. WIth plenty of space on either side of the runway, this airport should have no problems handling even large aircraft. The SL Marine Corps and Outcast Aviation calls this sim home.

SL Airport Expo Day 1 Recap!

Yesterday was the first day of our SL Airport Expo! DJ's Anakin and Cathlace kept the crowd dancing at two packed parties! Events kicked off at 12pm slt with DJ Anakin playing a variety of rock music! Guests continued partying with DJ Cathlace and her top 40's and British pop tunes! Below are photos from both parties:

Created with flickr slideshow.

SL Airport Blog Expo Spotlight: Hughes Howard

This is our final blog spotlight of the day! This one features Hughes Howard, owner of Desired Dreams Air Museum:


QUESTIONS RELATED TO YOUR SL AIRPORT:

1.  What inspired you to create your airport in Second Life?
Being an aviation enthusiast I saw there was not true air museum in Second Life, so set out to make one.

2.  Tell us about your airport, what were your aims and goals in Second Life, when you created it?   
The goal of the Desired Dreams Air Museum is to show showcase the work of various aircraft makers  in Second Life, making planes that are as realistic  and detailed as the ones in Real Life. Also to educate people on the  actual aircraft these are based on.

3.  Is your airport modeled or inspired after a real life airport?    If so which one?
 The Desired Dreams Air Museum is based on he U.S.S. Intrepid museum in real Life. This is an Air Museum in New york City actually on the carrier U.S.S. Intrepid

4.  How long have you owned your airport?  is your airport opened to the general public?  Is a group required to rezz?  What are some activities or items that people can do at your airport?
Had it close to 3 years. the sim is an adult sim as I d have an adult club in the sim. No group is required if you are adult verified you can get in the sim to see it.

5.  We are thrilled to have your airport come to our SL Airport Expo and be a part of Aviation Month! What inspired you to take part? 
It's a way of promoting the air Museum, make it more openly known and to help promote aviation in Second Life.

QUESTIONS RELATED TO YOU:

1.  How long have you been in Second Life?
Almost 7 years

2.  What made you first join Second Life?
Heard about it from a friend, tried it out and stayed ever since.

3.   What are some of the strangest things you have experienced or seen in Second Life?
Won't go into it but some of the adult stuff can be..shall  we say.. bizzare  but that's the fun of Second Life.

4.  Other than owning an airport in Second Life and being interested in aviation, what are some other things you like to do while you are in Second Life?
I run an adult Club, spend time with my SL family and friends and above all time with my SL wife enjoying the various aspects of Second Life. I  daable in Photography once in awhile but for me it's too time consuming so I leave that to the experts.

5.  If you could invite anyone from RL into SL, who would it be?  

Wilbur and Orville Wright so they could see how aviation even went into a virtual world.

Below is information about the Desired Dreams Air Museum:

Click here to visit the Desired Dreams Air Museum


Established August 6, 2009 , this site is the 1st Air Museum in Secind Life It is dedicated to the Aviation in First Life recreated here in Second Life. Come see the recreations made in detail by various makers here in Second Life.

Display will rotate due to the vast quantity of planes that have been created.

Visit our gift shop in the Island (Tower area)

On Display on the upper deck is the following:
Concorde, Wright Flyer, Memphis Belle, Messerschmitt BF-109, Supermarine Spitfire, Mig-1, Beech Staggerwing, Beech Model 35 Bonanza, RAAF CA-27 Sabre,  Lockheed F-104 Starfighter, F-86 Sabre, Mig-15, Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star, Bell X-1, P-40 Warhawk, F8F Bearcat., T-6 Texan/Harvard,  De Havilland Vampire, Dassauld MD 450 Ouragan, CV-22B Osprey, Kamov KA-50 Black Shark, Sikorsky UU-60 Blak Hawk, Sikorsky CH-54B Tahre (Skycrane) , Chendu J-10A Vigorous Dragon, McDonnell CF-101B Voodoo, Boeing/McDonnell Douglas CF-18 (CF-188) Hornet 20 Years, Hawker Siddely Harrier,Mil Mi-24N Havoc,  AH-64D Apache, Rockwell B-1B Lancer, Gloster Meteor F8, Grumman F-14D Tomcat, Lokheed Martin F-35 Lightning II,, Sukhoi T-50 PAK, Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor, Sukhoi SU-25UB Frogfoot, Lockheed F-117A Nighthawk, Eurofighter EF-2000 Typhon, Northrop F-5E Tiger II, Dassault Mirage 2000, Fouga Magister CM-170, Lockheed F-94 Starfire, Messerschmitt ME-262.

On the lower deck are the following:
Grumman C-2 Greyhound, Mitsubishi A6M Zero, Chance Vought F-4U Corsair, Lockheed P-38 Lightning, Sukhoi SU-34 Fullback, Sukhoi SU-30 Flanker-C, Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon, Grumman F-14 Tomcat, McDonnell Douglas CF-18 (CF-188) Hornet, McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle, Republic F-105D Thunderchief, Sukhoi SU-33 Sea Flanker, Panavia Tornado, McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II, North American F-100 Super Sabre, Consolidaed PBY-5A Catalina, Fairchild A-10 Thunderbolt II