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A couple days ago I participated in a historical event, however, the historical event is different than others. The event I participated in took place online and was an organized virtual reenactment of a First World War aerial battle. This entails participants who are divided into virtual squadrons and are assigned specific tasks. Events are very competitive and player groups face each other head-to-head. The key to success is both teamwork and skill. Virtual squadrons are named after squadrons that actually participated in World War One and there is a chain of command that is also organized historically. My squadron is named after Jasta 5 which was a famous fighter wing known as the “Greentailed-Devils”.
Virtual events such as these are part of a growing hobby known as historical flight simulation. In a way, flight simulators are a great form of living history and a lot can be learned by taking part. There are many reasons why historical flight simulators can be both enjoyable and informative. One of the reasons I enjoy the hobby is because it puts you in the shoes of a person in the past. You have to learn to navigate as they did by using the landscape. If you dive too fast, the wood and fabric planes can disintegrate. By controlling components such as the radiator and engine rpm, you learn about the difficulties in simply controlling early aircraft that pilots faced. You develop strategies and skills that pilots learned and devised in their time. Variables such as these can not be truly understood by reading alone. The competitve nature of the hobby is also exhillerating. Facing other players is an adrenaline rush that requires complete focus and quick thinking. Another reason why the hobby can be enjoyable is meeting others from around the world; many who also enjoy history. Flight simulations are a new and exciting way of experiencing history that can be appreciated by anyone willing to learn.
Here’s a solo hunting patrol over the front I recorded in which I encountered another lone player. I made the video with old film effects for fun: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmYnM7y9xns
Pilots during World War One actually set out by themselves for the purpose of looking for a fight. The tactic I am using in the film is known as boom-and-zoom. It utilizes simple physics to stay above the opponent, thus maintaining the advantageous position. A lone patrol and the boom-and-zoom strategy can be noted in Billy Bishop’s book Winged Warfare. Billy Bishop was a Canadian fighter ace during the war.
