Flying online in MSFS 2020

[ZK-DWF]

Spent most of Sunday afternoon (17 Oct), flying MSFS 2020 (Xbox) in the South Island. Flew from NZMF (Milford Sound) to NZMC (Mount Cook), then onto NZCH (Christchurch).

The thing that impressed me the most was that the skies were alive with other pilots ... someone flying from NZCH bound south somewhere, someone flying out of NZAV (Invercargill), an Airbus flying in from OZ to NZQN (Queenstown), another Airbus flying from NZQN to OZ, someone flying around Nelson, and another 3 pilots at NZQN (Queenstown).

After dinner, I did a dusk flight from NZAP (Taupo) to NZAA (Auckland). Same thing, a pilot flying out of NZTG (Tauranga), an Airbus coming in from Asia (possibly). Two Airbuses heading to OZ. What with the stunning sunset along the way, and landing in failing light, magic!!

Which brings me to some questions?

Is anyone keen on flying together (not mass events with 30 plus aircraft, but just 3-5 pilots)?
What voice media are you using for MSFS 2020? Discord seems to be big now.
What Discord group are users using ... I don't seem to see any specific to flying in NZ ?

I belong to the Discord Groups - Aus Virtual Pilots, Aussie Group Flights, Microsoft Flight Simulator, Microsoft Flight Simulator Xbox, Simhanger, SydSquad and Volanta. There is some NZ action in the OZ groups, but I thought there might be a specific group for NZ flying.

My callsign is ZKDWF.

Hopefully, this will spark up some dialogue, as the NZFF forum doesn't seem to be getting much participation these days (just my opinion).

Regards, Dave

[jpreou]

I have to admin, since I stopped flying IRL (mostly in/around Waikato) I've also lost interest in flight sim.
Three house moves have also had an impact as this time around I simply haven't bothered to re-assemble my rig, in part because I also lost my 'home office' (long story).
Finally, I see VR as my next move but it is $$$ away from me right now, not least because I'd probably need a new PC as well (and my other half is very anti-computer-anything).
As a result, my PC had P3D 4.something uninstalled completely to make way for P3D5 which I purchase but never installed as decided when the time comes to 'swap' to MSFS -- which needless to say hasn't happened yet.
Sounds like multiplayer could be fun though, and I hope you generate some interest.
By the time I finally onboard I think I can expect the sim landscape to be significantly improved, and a large bill for addons (I see ORBX just released an Auckland landpack)

[Fozzer]

I fondly remember many hours flying online with all my Chums, both here, and from Simviation, in the old Dial-up Internet days long ago!
Flying weekends were pre-arranged for a get-together at a specified airfield for practice flying, and explorations.
Always a grand crowd, who I well remember, now long disappeared!
For some reason, lots of folks seemed to lose interest, and the enthusiasm never appeared again!
...they were good times!

Paul... ...!

[deeknow]

keep reminding us Dave, like Jeff I've also had a bit of a hiatus from flying but could be tempted to do some MP

[ZK-DWF]

I'll arrange some fly-ins, probably starting 8pm (?), lasting 1.5 to 2 hours (I'm not into the trans-Tasman flights, at the moment), visiting a few airports along the way.

Looks like it will be Discord for communications/talk.

Sadly, mainly for MSFS 2020 flyers (PC or XBOX), but suiting all levels of competence.

What nights suit?
I'm flying most Monday, Thursday and Sunday nights between 7.30pm and 9.30pm at the moment. Mainly in NZ, sometimes in Canada or Europe.

[Radar88]

Just to add, if interested, here's a couple of good Tutorial videos of MSFS Multiplayer How To Guides.

Shane @ Aus Flight Simmer How to play Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 Multiplayer

Mark @ SimHanger Flight Simulation Tutorial,How To Guide for MSFS Multiplayer options everything you need to know including Discord

Mark @ SimHanger Flight Simulation Using Discord for Voice step by step, easy setup Multiplayer MSFS

[jpreou]

Well, I just purchased MSFS since it was on sale at Steam. Not installed yet. I have no joystick connected, none of my Saitek gear installed, nor my TrackIR, and my pedals I know are broken (right-hand toe brake stuck 'on'). So maybe I'll get something setup at some point, but don't be holding your breath 'cos life is a little messed up right now!
But when I do, I'd be keen for some MP.
What's the Discord channel for it? Might as well add that next time I am at my PC.

[ZK-DWF]

Discord Channel is Microsoft Flight Simulator https://discord.gg/msfs

I assume the host picks a Multiplayer Flight . There are 5 rooms available, and there always seems to be only a few used at a time.

If we get serious about this, I assume we can create a NZFF Discord site. But, will need approval from the NZFF team.

[jpreou]

Afternoon. Resurrecting this discussion. I finally got MSFS 2020 installed and some addons (Rex Weather, some airports, couple of GA aircraft).
It is nice to see other aircraft in the sky, but of course you can't speak with them!
Did NZFF setup a dedicated Discord by any chance?

[ZK-DWF]

I don't know whether we can just go ahead and create one (relatively simple).

Can anyone in Admin help here with advice??

[jpreou]

There is a "Long White Cloud" discord that I am a member of, but cannot remember what it is?
Something flying or flight sim related, 'cos there is a "Pilot Lounge" in there.