Random Observations on Cargo VAs

[Covert53]

Fellow Globers,

Here a couple of random observations and rhetorical questions on cargo VAs I have been contemplating recently. I would love to hear other pilots' thoughts.

First, as both a freighter guy and a MD-11 fan, I find it truly amazing that no successful FedEx VA has endured. In addition to GC, I also fly for UPSVAC since I enjoy flying the freighters because the payload doesn't talk back . For those not familiar with UPSVAC (UPS Virtual Air Cargo) it is one of the powerhouse VAs (IMO) with a pilot roster 600+. I know a couple of us here also fly the "browntails". So why has only one side of the UPS vs FedEx rivalry survived in the virtual sky? I can't believe there is no pilot interest. They have an excellent variety of planes to fly and a practically limitless number of destinations. Yet, every attempt I noticed for a virtual FedEx has sputtered. Any thoughts?

Second, With the PMDG MD-11 likely to make its debut sometime in 2008 (big assumption here) I am curious to see if there will be any expansion or growth among the VA community to take advantage of the new product. There are several r/w cargo haulers out there to emulate. Lufthansa Cargo, Gemini, World Air Cargo, Varig LOG, Martinair Cargo come to mind in addition to the Coke & Pepsi boys: UPS and FedEx. IMO Gemini or World would be good candidate haulers to add to the GC family of cargo airlines if management ever wanted to add that airframe to the mix. They fly scheduled routes as well as ACMI and have a manageable number of aircraft (MD-11s). Plus, it would also pass the premium payware test we have here at GC.

Finally, as a total large airplane geek, I recently have started to follow the r/w operations of another airline which is quietly growing and making an impact on the cargo scene. I speak of Martinair Cargo based at Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. (I also watch with admiration the r/w business of Cathay Pacific). Like CX, they are a mixed bag operation of pax and freight. Pax flights are flown out of EHAM to various warm weather climates in the Western Hemisphere, primarily Orlando and Miami, using the B763. However, MPH is making its money in the cargo business like many other airlines. The majority of their aircraft are dedicated freighters with 7 MD-11s flying Africa, North American, and South America routes. They have also just taken delivery of their third B744 BCF which they fly on EHAM-ME/Asia/Oceania routes. Plus there are more 744BCFs to come! So if you are a premium payware guy like me and own the LDS B763 or PMDG B744F (and eventually the MD-11), Martinair could be an interesting choice for you if you like flying into/out of Amsterdam. (As an aside, from '92 to '94 I was stationed with the USAF at NATO Airbase Geilenkirchen, which is located in Germany but 5km from the Dutch border. I got to experience Holland first hand for two years and truly enjoy the country and the people [and the beer!] so I have a personal interest on the Amsterdam-based airlines). The only VATSIM VA that I am aware of is the Dutch Virtual Airline Group (www.dvag.nl) which is a virtual holding company for many dutch-speaking VAs; all except the mother of all Dutch airlines...KLM.

Just some thoughts...

Merry Christmas!

[donniecs]

It was an interesting and thoughtful post that you made. I'm not sure if I've been around this organization long enough to make comments on this but I figured I'd throw my .02 cents out there also. I believe that most of the people in Globe have three main things in common, an enthusiasm for cargo oriented airlines, higher acceptance standards with more mature members and realistic operations whether it be dispatching or aircraft (good payware). I eyed up the Globe Cargo operation for awhile because it was the premier operator of the most premier payware cargo hauling aircraft out there (I also believe Globe has the premier and most realistic 747 operation out there period). My enthusiasm will not stop at the 744F and I eagerly await the arrival of PMDG's amazing MD-11 and I also fly the Level D 763 in cargo operations because it is also of the high realism standard that we would expect at Globe. Being a huge fan of cargo and realistic operations, you can bet that the PMDG MD-11 will be in my hanger the day it comes out. Along with that I will be looking for an organization for which to operate it in a realistic manor (if there is one).

I'm sure there are people in Globe that only have the desire to operate the 747 Freighter and emulate Polar and Atlas operations but I'm sure that there are also people here that chose Globe for all the above mention reasons and also fly other aircraft outside of Globe. I have a vague understanding of what running Globe entails and I can only begin to imagine the effort and time put forth by the management and I can't even fathom the work involved to deviate from an all Polar/Atlas system and integrate new airframes and operate them at the same standard that they currently do with the 747F.

I also realize that you can’t go running to change the model and the ideas of an organization every time and new payware airplane comes out especially at an organization such as Globe. I agree 100% with everything Rick said in his post. I’d also be willing to bet that a few of these thoughts have crossed the minds of management before and have all been discussed and considered. I also want to thank the management for everything they have done and continue to do as I will be flying the 747 Freighters at Globe for a long time to come.

[PAC1544]

FedEx VAs have been around and shut down. They have been EXTREMELY popular, but have closed due to one reason only: FEDEX. FEDEX threatens ANYONE who uses their logo. They believe they are defending their trademarks, something they should do, but I think, as do most courts, that they go to far, but no one has the resources as a hobbyist to stand up to them and say "no, I can use this logo in this fashion and I am not reducing the value of your trademark" So that is why there is no FEDEX. And just as you belong to UPS you can join MartinAir. They have a VA that is very well done, but it is through the Dutch Virtual Airline Group, or kind of like the flying tigers group...

http://www.dvag.nl/DVAG-MPVA/MPVA.htm


But it is MartinAir if you are interested. I was considering flying there when the MD-11 comes out. I have an MD-11 now, payware, but it it HORRIBLE. So I don't fly it, but I plan on getting the PMDG for more cargo fun. Here is a question for you, do you have the B1900D or B1900C from PMDG for cargo flying? I like to fly those, though they are "lite" versions. So UPS lets me fly those.

[Covert53]

Nope. Don't have the B1900. The only payware turboprop I have is the F1 ATR-72.

I like the iFDG MD-11 with the Delvyn Silverstein soundsets. I'm not wild about the panel or flying without a FMC but I'll do it until the PMDG package comes out so I can fly the MD-11. The Delvyn soundsets really kinda make up for the lack of a FMC IMO.

Re: DVAG. Know all about 'em and on their payroll also.

Are you familiar with the FTG's response to a similar Cathay Pacific attack? They have posted the response letters their lawyers sent to the the CPA solicitors. Basically called their bluff. And Cathay has not said a peep since (at least not that I know of). (link: http://www.flyingtigersgroup.org/Cathay/mission.htm)

[PAC1544]

yeah, but FedEx will go to Court and Cathay just threatened. FedEx has gone full bore after people. There is a good group out of California that helps people who are being screwed over by FedEx, but no one has had the nerve lately to do a FedEx VA

[1691]

JetBlue is the same exact way. I remember one time someone tried to set up a VA and modelled its website EXACTLY like the www.jetblue.com homepage. LOL, silly rabbit. Theres a way around it too, and some VAs have figured it out, and its legally no problem.