Pilot Introduction Thread

[UAL767 Grant Shelton]

Callsign: UAL767
Name: Grant Shelton
Birthplace: Shreveport, La.
Current Location: Louisiana
Hobbies: Aviation, FS, target shooting, fountain pens, percussion and drumline teacher, composer, arranger, and performer (freelance)
Occupation: Public sector Administrator
Interesting facts: I have two music degrees but no longer teach or perform music for a living
Sim: FSX-SP2/GE+Acceleration pack
Age: 38
Kids: 3 boys ages 6, 3, and 2

Ive been FS'ing since 2005 and online since 2006. With a couple of other VAs, I have logged 3500+ hrs with 1500 of those online on VATSIM. I have several payware programs (Aerosoft CRJ, LVLD767, PMDG 737 NGX, PMDG 747, PMDG 777, Quality Wings 787, Flythemaddog 2008, AS16, AS Cloud Art, GSX, and a host of airport sceneries). I'm excited to be a part of this VA and flying new mainline and codeshare routes. This VA seems to have a good vibe and the structure of the organization has a nice functional balance between serious and relaxed simming. The two other VA's ive been a part of have been enjoyable but it's time for something new. vUAL seems to be a good fit for my tastes and I look forward to seeing all of you in the blue skies soon!!

[UAL124 Joel Wolk]

Callsign: UAL124 (Chicago Hub)
Name: Joel Wolk
Birthplace: Milwaukee, WI
Current Location: Chicago Metro Area (Bolingbrook, IL)
Hobbies: Flight Sim 1st, some dabbling in music composition using Digital Audio Workstation software (FL Studio)
Occupation: Instructional Designer at a software company
Age: 49
Kids: 2 teenagers, 1 boy, 1 girl

Have always been interested in flight simulator but really started seriously about 12 years ago. Have flown for two other VA's - this is the first for me based on a real airline as opposed to a fictional one. Really enjoying vUAL so far even though I've only made a couple flights so far. First time I have ever used ACARS with a VA but only a few tweaks and adjustments and seems to be working well, so far. Somewhat embarrassed to admit that I STILL fly on FS9. I know there aren't many left like me. I use Active Sky Evolution for weather. Setup actually works really well with good frame rates and practically no system crashes. I know I can't go on like this forever but maybe another couple years and then want to look at a high end system and switch to P3D.

[UAL133 Michael Alinder]

Callsign: UAL133 (Chicago Hub)
Name: Mike Alinder
Birthplace: Willmar, MN
Current Location: Ramsey, MN
Hobbies: Running, Volleyball, Fishing
Occupation: Land Surveyor for Anoka County
Age: 45
Kids: 2, 1 boy and 1 girl both teenagers

Excited to get back into flying again.

[UAL229 Francisco Villarreal]

Callsign: UAL229
Name: Francisco Villarreal
Birthplace: San Antonio, TX
Current Location: Atlanta, GA
Hobbies: Flight Simulation, Home brewing, and PC Building/Maint.
Occupation: Department of Defense
Interesting facts: United States Marine Corps Veteran (Operation Enduring Freedom/Afghanistan), I've lived on Okinawa, Japan.
Age: 33
Kids: 3 (2 Girls and 1 boy)

[UAL488 Kevin Simpson]

Callsign: UAL488
Name: Kevin Simpson
Birthplace: Bristol, England, UK
Current Location: New Hampshire, USA
Hobbies: Lots of things mostly related to Computers then Boating and lots of DIY projects
Occupation: IT
Age: 49
Kids: 2 girls 13 and 10

[ual4551 justin reed]

Callsign: UAL451
Name: Justin Reed
Birthplace:Portsmouth, England, UK
Current Location: California, USA
Hobbies: Racing games, model making, painting, playing guitar and flight simulation
Sim: XP11
Interesting facts: I have died on the movie screen!
Occupation: Model/prop maker
Age: 42
Kids: Son 18, 2 daughters 16 & 13

[UAL1277 Kevin Finch]

Belated welcome aboard, Justin. I see you already have 15 flights on your record and that you're working on the European Vacation Tour. Keep up the great work. Pop Jeremy and I a message when you finish the tour to make sure that you get the award.

[ual4551 justin reed]

Thanks Kevin. really getting back into simming again - just realising how much I've missed it!

[ual213 nathan jarvis]

Callsign: UAL213
Name: Nathan Jarvis
Birthplace: Greenville, NC, USA
Current Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Hobbies: Woodturning, plane watching, FS!
Occupation: Software engineer for Progressive Insurance!
Age: 25

Excited to get to know you all!

[UAL043 David Cross]

Callsign: UAL468
Name: Brian Parker
Birthplace: Melbourne, FL, USA
Current Location: St Petersburg, FL
Hobbies: Fishing, FS, WOW, other games the pick my interest at that time, oh, and fishing
Occupation: Waiter
Age: 47

I lived in Melbourne for 4 years back in 1993. Patrick AFB. Was a good assignment. Welcome to UAL.
Dave