The construction is completed, the dust has settled, and the paint has dried (well, almost - be careful where you sit!) and the premiere issue of FlightAdventures Magazine is set to take off. With a strong editorial crew on the flight line and a growing list of contributors, it should be a long and enjoyable flight.

It's been an exciting few months for the FlightAdventures Virtual Pilot Center
-- with the arrival of the original CiS FSFORUM members, the addition of new online conferences, the implementation of new features like VPC WebMail -- and now the launch of our online magazine.

FlightAdventures VPC all about flying, in both the virtual world of simulation and the real world of aviation. Our objective is to bring these two worlds together in an online community that shares the experiences, expertise and interests of pilots everywhere -- whether they fly computers, or actual aircraft.

Sharing that objective, the magazine will provide editorial content by -- and for -- pilots and flight simmers alike. Product reviews, articles, interviews, profiles, and columns that cover everything from upcoming software releases, to training aids, tips and hints, and the latest developments in aviation technology.

In this issue, you'll find product reviews of Microsoft's Flight Simulator 2002, Crimson Skies, and Sidewinder Game Voice; an in-depth discussion of FS2002 autopilot procedures (Getting To Know George); a medical Q&A with Brent Blue, MD (Medical Checks and Other Health Issues), and an interview with FAA Aviation Safety Counselor of the Year, Patrick Duncan. We also have new columns by Dave Dawson (Something Wonderful), Ben Chiu (Is Flight Sim Bad for Flight Training?), and Patty Wagstaff (A State of Being). Plus Tom Bartholomew's Aviation Trivia, and the complete Patty Wagstaff Chat.

FlightAdventures VPC and the FlightAdventures Magazine is a work in progress, a product of the imagination, creative effort and old-fashioned hard work of a talented flight crew. But we're also interested in hearing from you. So if you have an idea for an article (or just want to find out what it takes to get published here), don't be shy. Email your article ideas, submissions, or queries to me (the Editor) at: jkee@flightadventures.com).

From all of us, to each of you: Welcome. And thanks for stopping by.

~ Jay Kee ~