Aros wrote:He said he had "video game" experience but I would bet you if you pressed him to be more specific he would have clarified flight simulator experience. I know I have said it many times in this thread but I cannot impress enough on you guys how much you can truly learn how to fly aircraft of all types with just the right software, your computer and some peripheral gear like a joy stick, rudder pedals, etc.

Couple this with the fact he worked around the aircraft themselves which would already make him familiar with the cockpit. If he'd ever had to turn on the APU for maintenance that makes it even easier to believe he had a general knowledge without the "video game" aspect.

Turning on aircraft power isn't something your average gamer could do, and I'm not even sure if it's even a part of the process of simulators. I defer to your expertise on this one Aros.

Well there is Google, you can find just about everything, a basic sequence for power up or something, so many avenues to get information now, there are procedures and manuals for just about everything if a person is motivated to find stuff.

OkieHawk wrote:

Aros wrote:He said he had "video game" experience but I would bet you if you pressed him to be more specific he would have clarified flight simulator experience. I know I have said it many times in this thread but I cannot impress enough on you guys how much you can truly learn how to fly aircraft of all types with just the right software, your computer and some peripheral gear like a joy stick, rudder pedals, etc.

Couple this with the fact he worked around the aircraft themselves which would already make him familiar with the cockpit. If he'd ever had to turn on the APU for maintenance that makes it even easier to believe he had a general knowledge without the "video game" aspect.

Turning on aircraft power isn't something your average gamer could do, and I'm not even sure if it's even a part of the process of simulators. I defer to your expertise on this one Aros.

As it turns out, he wasn't a mechanic. He was just a ramp worker.

OkieHawk wrote:Turning on aircraft power isn't something your average gamer could do, and I'm not even sure if it's even a part of the process of simulators. I defer to your expertise on this one Aros.

It definitely is part of the process on most quality simulators, especially so with the higher-end payware add-ons. The level of sophistication is identical to the real aircraft from the start up sequence and beyond. Many professional, commercial and private pilots use this kind of software so that tells you the level of realism involved.

I would bet my next paycheck that he had FSX or X-Plane or Prepar3D with that particular plane and a lot of time on said plane. Between those hours spent learning the aircraft on the simulator and perhaps the discussions he had with co-workers, would explain his ability to do what he did.

SmokinHawk wrote:
As it turns out, he wasn't a mechanic. He was just a ramp worker.

Depending on what his duties were, there is still the possibility he still had to turn on power for refuel operations. But that may be moot as Aros pointed out applying power is part of simulations.

Regardless, it's a sad situation due to the very real possibility the guy was going through mental health issues.

Aros wrote:To see what I mean, here's but just one example of how to perform the start up sequence for the Q400 for FSX (Microsoft's Flight Simulator)...Real pilots use this type of software to stay brushed up...

You Sir, owe me a Sunday.

I'm not sure how many hrs. I have spent out of the last 24 watching flight sim videos on youtube, but its been a hell of a lot. Thanks.

Yeah sorry(?) lol...

Welcome to my world.

Here's the most complete audio between Richard and ATC I have come across. Man, the more I listen to this guy the more I wish he didn't do what he did. Just seems like a cool, nice guy even in the final moments of his life. No malice, no intention to harm anyone else...I wish I could have talked him down.

I apologize for mucking up this thread, I know better, and should have kept my mouth shut.

Sorry Guys.
:{(

Ah no worries Lon... No harm, no foul.

Aros wrote:Yeah sorry(?) lol...

Welcome to my world.

Here's the most complete audio between Richard and ATC I have come across. Man, the more I listen to this guy the more I wish he didn't do what he did. Just seems like a cool, nice guy even in the final moments of his life. No malice, no intention to harm anyone else...I wish I could have talked him down.

*blink*

What if he had happened to crash it over a neighborhood and killed 30 civilians? Still think he's a cool, nice guy since he wouldn't have intended to do it?

Geez...What about the rescue and service people having to clean up this huge-ass mess?

I get it. The vast majority feel that way, and I certainly have those thoughts as well but the FACT is, he didn't. Why get outraged over something that DIDN'T HAPPEN?

Life is too short dude. I am simply focusing on what DID happen, but go ahead and focus on what didn't happen if that is what motivates you. No right or wrong here brother. We are all free to feel what we feel about it. I have expressed my angle as you now have as well.

Aros wrote:Okay turning the convo as it's getting testy...

As an avid Simmer, I can tell you without a doubt that FSX with the proper add-ons can absolutely teach a person how to fly this sophisticated airplane. How well is another matter. But it can be done. I believe that is how he was able to do what he did.

https://komonews.com/news/local/a-myste ... the-ground

No doubt in my mind..Flight Sims and video games can get you in the air.
I used to do these all the time,you crash in video till you get things right just like
real time and the cockpit controls are all there just as a real plane,
As for that guys crash I wonder if those fighter jets simply used the speed of
the jets to cross in front and cause him to go out of control.

I digress, but this is a turboprop start-up!

IndyHawk wrote:As for that guys crash I wonder if those fighter jets simply used the speed of the jets to cross in front and cause him to go out of control.

I really don't think so...Without knowing for sure, I feel strongly he simply did what he said he was going to do which is perform some aerobatics and call it a night by putting her down. Besides, right before the crash he stated how low he was on fuel.

Either he deliberately nosed it in when he ran out of fuel or just before. I believe the F-15s were in escort formation the entire time. The cockpit voice recorder and black box may provide more definitive proof but I really believe this is what occurred.

:{)


I see the humor.

The general thanked the crew chiefs. He also went into the alert center and thanked the pilots.

“To be able to, through their airmen-ship, their training and their discipline, to be able to keep that aircraft away from populated areas, and be able to protect the citizens of the local area,” Shaughnessy said. “Those airplanes don’t get airborne if it’s not for this entire team.”

The pilots were kept out of public view because of the ongoing investigation into the incident, according to Col. Adam Sitler, who commands the fighter wing.

The Portland Air National Guard Base, which sits next to Portland International Airport, has two pilots on alert 24/7 at the end of the runway.

“The pilots are ready for any situation,” Sitler said about the Redhawks Fighter Squadron.

It’s customary in the Air Force to give commemorative coins as special thanks for their service. In return, the airmen sent the general home with their own commemorative coin.

“Americans can sleep well at night knowing that NORAD and the Redhawks have the watch,” said Shaughnessy.

KitsapGuy wrote:

The general thanked the crew chiefs. He also went into the alert center and thanked the pilots.

“To be able to, through their airmen-ship, their training and their discipline, to be able to keep that aircraft away from populated areas, and be able to protect the citizens of the local area,” Shaughnessy said. “Those airplanes don’t get airborne if it’s not for this entire team.”

The pilots were kept out of public view because of the ongoing investigation into the incident, according to Col. Adam Sitler, who commands the fighter wing.

The Portland Air National Guard Base, which sits next to Portland International Airport, has two pilots on alert 24/7 at the end of the runway.

“The pilots are ready for any situation,” Sitler said about the Redhawks Fighter Squadron.

It’s customary in the Air Force to give commemorative coins as special thanks for their service. In return, the airmen sent the general home with their own commemorative coin.

“Americans can sleep well at night knowing that NORAD and the Redhawks have the watch,” said Shaughnessy.

It's always the fighter jocks who get all the credit.