Aviation Playground

Whether you fly a default Cessna on a short hop or run full study-level procedures in an airliner, there's a seat for you. Members swap flight plans, scenery and add-on recommendations, and pair up for shared cockpit and formation flights.

We run regular group flight nights on a common route so newcomers can follow an experienced pilot, and an online ATC session when we can staff it. Sim doesn't matter — we share plans in formats MSFS, X-Plane and P3D can all import.

New to it? Start with straight-and-level, then the circuit, then a short cross-country. Ask in the Discord and someone will fly it with you.

From your first 1/72 Spitfire to multimedia kits with resin and photo-etch, the modelling channel is where builds get posted work-in-progress, problems get solved, and finished models get the applause they deserve.

Expect paint and weathering walkthroughs, masking and decal tips, airbrush advice, and honest reviews of kits before you spend money on them. Radio-control fliers are welcome too — build threads, maiden flights and repair stories all count.

Model Build Nights are a relaxed voice call where people build together on camera. Bring whatever you're working on.

A virtual airline gives your flying a purpose: a route network, a fleet, ranks to earn and a logbook that means something. Some are relaxed and social; others model rosters, pay and fleet economics in detail.

In the community you can join an established VA, find crew for one you're starting, or just get help with the tools — ACARS trackers, schedule importers, SimBrief and phpVMS-style back ends. Members share liveries, route ideas and callouts for group hub flights.

No commitment beyond a first flight. Fly one leg, log it, see if the structure suits how you like to sim.

Spotting is the easiest corner of the hobby to start — a fence, a movements list and some patience. The channel is for trip planning, vantage-point tips, registration and type identification help, and of course photo threads.

Members organise local meets at nearby airports, share when something rare is routing through, and help beginners read schedules and work out which runway will be in use. Photography advice runs from phone shots to long lenses.

Bring something to sit on, water, and a notebook. Post your catches and we'll help you ID anything you're unsure about.

For everyone whose interest doesn't stop at the screen: student pilots logging PPL progress, engineers and cabin crew talking shop, airshow regulars sharing schedules, and anyone who just loves following airlines, fleets and airport development.

Threads cover learning to fly — schools, medicals, costs, checkride nerves — plus trip reports, incident discussion (kept sensible and sourced), and aircraft-type deep dives. It's also where sim and real worlds meet: procedures that transfer, and the ones that really don't.

Ask anything. Someone here has probably done it, fixed it or flown it.