The Summer of ’85: My Flight Simulation Journey Begins
Forty years ago, I graduated from high school and left behind my East Texas hometown, moving to Central Texas to start a new chapter. I moved in with my uncle, and together, we launched a satellite installation business. Later that fall, I began my college journey.
The summer of ’85 was legendary—not just for me, but for music lovers everywhere. That was the summer of Live Aid, the greatest outdoor concert of all time. But beyond the spectacle of that historic event, ’85 was particularly memorable because it was the summer I truly learned how to fly—at least in the virtual skies. My flight simulator, running on the Commodore 64, became more than just a game.
The previous summer, Flight Simulator II had debuted on the C-64 platform. I had experimented with earlier versions on the Apple II and TRS-80, but it wasn’t until its arrival on the Commodore that I got serious about virtual aviation. Still, my understanding of flight dynamics was limited—until the summer of ’85.
My uncle, a seasoned pilot with 20 years of PPL (Private Pilot License) experience, had taken me flying in a rented Cessna when I was just 6 or 7 years old. That summer, he took the time to teach me real-world techniques, lessons that—even with the rudimentary flight dynamics of my early sim—dramatically improved my landings and overall control.
Looking back, I marvel at how far flight simulation has come over the past 40 years. Sitting down to fly Microsoft Flight Simulator today, I’m continually amazed by the advancements that have transformed the experience. And as technology continues to evolve, I can’t wait to see where the future of flight simulation takes us next.
Until next time…
✈ Happy Flying! ✈
— Jerry
