Hello, and thanks for reading my post. I’ve been flying DCS and IL-2 in single-player for about a year now, and I figure now is the time to take the plunge into multiplayer. So I started looking online and discovered the EAF. As a result, I got in contact with Tom, and we discussed the opportunity for me to get involved and be considered for OTU and hopefully the coveted pilot’s wings if all goes well.
I live in the United States, but my schedule is quite flexible, enabling me to fly with my cousins across the pond in your evening and my afternoon. In real life, I am a Professor in Computer Science at a nearby college in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I have always loved aviation, and while I’ve never actually flown for real, I started dabbling with combat flight simulators a couple of years back, starting with Cliffs of Dover. I then discovered IL-2, as well as DCS. As I got more and more interested, I invested in some good hardware and started to learn how to fly the WWII aircraft. I enjoy studying WWII, and I have a lot of respect and appreciation for the RAF and their role in the Battle of Britain, as well as their efforts throughout the rest of the war.
I’ve played single-player enough to realize that fighting the AI isn’t really very realistic, and that nothing beats PvP online. I wanted to find a squadron that considered historical accuracy important as opposed to just wanting to shoot other planes down. When I saw the rules of conduct, ranking system, and other resources you provide visitors to explore, it seemed the perfect fit for me. I am very much a “noob” when it comes to MP, but I really appreciated Tom’s comment in regard to your being a team, placing importance on sharing knowledge and experience with all members to bring everyone up to as high a level as possible. So many squadrons are formed where it’s really all about kill scores; where individuals want the highest scores but have to work together to stay alive and have that chance. I can understand wanting to shoot down as many bandits as you can, but personally I just enjoy flying, the immersion, the historical background and accuracy of the mission, and the camaraderie that comes along with getting to know other virtual pilots and flying with them.
I’ve spent my time mostly with the Spitfire and P-51D Mustang in both IL-2 and DCS, but I’m flexible and open to whatever you guys are doing at the time. That said, my love and favorite flying is in the Spitfire in a WWII environment. If any of you have any questions you’d like to ask, feel free to do so. I’m ready to take the next step, as it were, and begin the process of becoming a pilot and joining a squadron if you’ll have me.
Take Care,
Tage
