What can we do better?

[ARB_CEO]

I've received a lot of 'under the table' talk, so to speak, about Arabian's support features not being up to standard. The one thing that we at Arabian strive for is pilot input - we need to know what you, as pilots, are thinking so that we can adjust our operations and the way we do business so that we meet your needs.

Thus, there's no point in beating around the bush on this issue, as it is very important to me. I want to know, from all of you, what Arabian can do better in terms of operations and pilot support that will help make your experience with us worth while. The last thing I want this company to do is not live up to your expectations - I know many of you joined this company expecting the best, and I, as the company's founder, president and ceo, will not rest until the best is delivered.

With that said, I am asking for a frank discussion with regards to Arabian Airlines, where we are, where we should be, and what we need to do to get there.

I ask that all of you with ideas and comments, as well as suggestions, please reply to this post and express your mind. Your views are extremely valuable and important to me - so let's make this work.

[Siblini]

One thing that we can do is add an ACARS system to our fleet. This will allow us to access all the information that we need while in-flight using the Kneeboard that is connected to our website. If its also possible we can make it compatible so that it automatically measures the time taken and fuel consumption of the flight. Possibilities are really endless with it, and there are some VA that got it working. So what do you guys think about it?

[Kevin]

Unfortunately, I don't think I'm qualified to take part in this discussion, as I haven't flown for Arabian as of yet.

[Mark Chapman]

Kevin,

This is exactly what I am pushing for.  I would like to see a system where new members get a week to perform their first flight.  If they fail to do this, they are wiped from the roster and have to re-apply.  The same if all members haven't flown within one calender month. We have too many members here that have not flown for us yet.  I think another purge of the roster from our HR manager should remove all the pilots with 0.0 by the side of their name.  It's always the same 4 or 5 people flying for us when we have a roster of around 200 people

[ARB_CEO]

Kevin,

This is exactly what I am pushing for.  I would like to see a system where new members get a week to perform their first flight.  If they fail to do this, they are wiped from the roster and have to re-apply.  The same if all members haven't flown within one calender month. We have too many members here that have not flown for us yet.  I think another purge of the roster from our HR manager should remove all the pilots with 0.0 by the side of their name.  It's always the same 4 or 5 people flying for us when we have a roster of around 200 people

Agreed - we need to do more to promote activity, and reward those who are flying with us. Our new website will have an extensive awards system (which you have previewed, Mr. Chapman), as well as the potential for ACARS integration. I think this will help promote activity as well as give pilots more incentive to fly.

[Mark Chapman]

Also, if you're not doing it already.  If you decide to fly online with either VATSIM or IVAO,  promote Arabian a little by adding out web address in the remarks column to entice more punters to check out the website.   I know I like to have a look a peoples remarks when I'm in the cruise and doing nothing.

[flyguy]

One thing I find very annoying and still do is the loading of any of the fleet. Not one single aircraft loads right for me and just works. I have been with other virtual groups before and not had this problem. Can not figure out the problem and it should not be this difficult, don't believe I have anything PC wise that unique. Why can't I just load easily and have everything function. Maybe I am doing something wrong but can't imagine what that would be. If there are special ways to download and install then some kind of clear instructions should be provided with the download.  Tried to load the 170 the other day and again no instruments show up. Have been flying my own payware planes because of this.Sometime ago our CEO helped me get the 320 loaded but that was not easy and required a different file that he fixed up, but then all the others are a problem. Is it just me or do others have this difficulty?

[Mark Chapman]

Pat,  I don't have the problems with the aircraft that you speak of.   Next time, try downloading to a dummy file and transfering the files yourself.  See if that works.

[ali]

One thing I find very annoying and still do is the loading of any of the fleet. Not one single aircraft loads right for me and just works. I have been with other virtual groups before and not had this problem. Can not figure out the problem and it should not be this difficult, don't believe I have anything PC wise that unique. Why can't I just load easily and have everything function. Maybe I am doing something wrong but can't imagine what that would be. If there are special ways to download and install then some kind of clear instructions should be provided with the download.  Tried to load the 170 the other day and again no instruments show up. Have been flying my own payware planes because of this.Sometime ago our CEO helped me get the 320 loaded but that was not easy and required a different file that he fixed up, but then all the others are a problem. Is it just me or do others have this difficulty?

If you run FSX then I know exactly what you are talking about I tried many ways to make the planes work including some helpful suggestions from Mahmoud. Nothing is working. So like you, i decided to use similar plans from different websites. It's a shame I cannot even fly the airline's colours!! As you said it might not be that difficult to put another package that is compatible with FSX. Please excuse my ignorance. I'm not a computer wizard and I only upgraded to FSX few months ago. so i dont know much about its file structure etc. just and ensausiastic 'Arabian'. cheers everyone

[flyguy]

I have not even tried to download plane to FSX yet, have been using FS9 until just recently and use both depending on what I am in the mood for. Will try the suggestion but again my system is not unique so I don't get the loading problem, plus it only happens I have problems with Arbian planes.

[ARB_CEO]

One thing I find very annoying and still do is the loading of any of the fleet. Not one single aircraft loads right for me and just works. I have been with other virtual groups before and not had this problem. Can not figure out the problem and it should not be this difficult, don't believe I have anything PC wise that unique. Why can't I just load easily and have everything function. Maybe I am doing something wrong but can't imagine what that would be. If there are special ways to download and install then some kind of clear instructions should be provided with the download.  Tried to load the 170 the other day and again no instruments show up. Have been flying my own payware planes because of this.Sometime ago our CEO helped me get the 320 loaded but that was not easy and required a different file that he fixed up, but then all the others are a problem. Is it just me or do others have this difficulty?

If you run FSX then I know exactly what you are talking about I tried many ways to make the planes work including some helpful suggestions from Mahmoud. Nothing is working. So like you, i decided to use similar plans from different websites. It's a shame I cannot even fly the airline's colours!! As you said it might not be that difficult to put another package that is compatible with FSX. Please excuse my ignorance. I'm not a computer wizard and I only upgraded to FSX few months ago. so i dont know much about its file structure etc. just and ensausiastic 'Arabian'. cheers everyone

You are completely right Captain - we are currently working on an FSX version of our fleet. Keep in mind that at the moment, it is only me who is repainting and packaging - and as you can tell from the FS9 fleet, there is a lot of aircraft to paint. However, I do hope to get an FSX version up very soon - insha'Allah within the week if all goes according to plan. We're currently working on hiring support staff for our fleet, and are looking for more volunteers to help with fleet management and painting.

Thank you for your patience - we're working as fast as we can to find solutions to these problems.

[ARB_CEO]

One thing I find very annoying and still do is the loading of any of the fleet. Not one single aircraft loads right for me and just works. I have been with other virtual groups before and not had this problem. Can not figure out the problem and it should not be this difficult, don't believe I have anything PC wise that unique. Why can't I just load easily and have everything function. Maybe I am doing something wrong but can't imagine what that would be. If there are special ways to download and install then some kind of clear instructions should be provided with the download.  Tried to load the 170 the other day and again no instruments show up. Have been flying my own payware planes because of this.Sometime ago our CEO helped me get the 320 loaded but that was not easy and required a different file that he fixed up, but then all the others are a problem. Is it just me or do others have this difficulty?

I remember replying to this but sadly, when the database got updated and the forum software upgraded, the reply must have been lost.

Can you give me a list of the virtual groups you've flown for? I'd like to take a look at their packaging and see how it compares to what we're doing. To be honest, you're the only one with this issue - and believe me, I want to revolve it! I don't know if its something in our EXE files, maybe your anti-virus and window's security programs - I'm not sure. If you can provide me with a list of virtual groups you've flown for, I'd like to take a look - maybe we're not doing something right in our packaging!

I do promise you, however, that we will solve this problem.

[flyguy]

Mahmoud I appreciate your reply, you have have always been very helpful. As the CEO the airlines is in good hands. Will turn off my anti virus and try again. Just do not understand why this happens with me and it sounds like its only me. Western Virtual, UPS, and Jaguar, where some without issues loading aircraft. You spent so much time loading the 320 last time heat to drag you through this again and that was just one plane. When my FS9 got corrupted and had to reload it I first thought of the Arabian download issue and just hoped it would work but no such luck. Will let you know after I try without anti virus       

[flyguy]

Mahmoud, turned off all anti virus and security before downloading with same results. Takes the file to FS9 and installs under "Aircraft" same as any other. When you go to fly it the outside aircraft shots look great but when in cockpit the instruments are all blank, nothing.   

[ARB_CEO]

Mr. Halsey,

I'll do some testing to see if all the files are included and get back to you. Can you provide me a list of the aircraft that are giving you these issues? Or should I just assume it's all of them?