http://zoeconnolly.blogspot.com/2008/11/rcaf-is-here-to-stay.html

RCAF is NOT leaving SL *sighs*

There are still some large arenas for dogfighting in SL as well. My own sims, the Aeronautica simulators, (one full, two Open Space) will not be downsized and I will be staying in SL. We have a vibrant and very active open dogfighting community– A group of us have been actively developing an accurate, physics based combat system for SL called VICE over the last year which does use bombs, multiple weapon types a plethora of other options, and it is already in wide use in the SL aircraft community.

RCAF was actually using the system, very briefly, but many had said it was a bit difficult and they had actually preferred more simplistic sensor based systems such as TCS (23.5m x 23.5 @ 80m sensor cone for registering hits), so I found it very surprising that they were considering IL2 Sturmovik, which is generally regarded as one of the most difficult and realistic flight/air combat simulation games currently available– this game has a very high learning curve…

Regardless of the reasons, it is sad news to hear that RCAF will be leaving SL. All hope is not lost and there are those of us who will be here to stay. Best of luck to them!

Aley Arai (the once owner of the Privateer Space sim) had an edurance test called the Kestel Run.

Fly from south to north across the original mainland continent. If you crash or are ejected you must start in the same sim or one to the east or west. Person who crashes the least number of times wins. :-)

More IL-2 Machinima ;)

http://zoeconnolly.blogspot.com/2008/11/faith-hope-and-charity.html

To clarify for Frans: the move is NOT a financial one. Our dogfights don’t cost us anything other than time and the cost of each individual aircraft we use. We also have a variety of free aircraft available. The move will benefit many of us who spend top dollar for great vehicles, but we were more than willing to do that for our activities. The fact that I don’t have to spend as much on aircraft is merely a small financial benefit. But the loss in not having a complete experience in SL is far greater to me.

Yes Frans, I’m well aware that other game engines are far better than SL for air combat. The move is a final (and sad) admission on our part that SL is no longer a friendly place for our activities.

I’ve been fascinated by the wonderful builders I’ve come to know over the past year. I greatly appreciate their talent and skill. In the future those aircraft will make great decorations in my hangar for an activity like a dance or meeting.