Reply To: Brunner review by Austin

[mrscott]

Rocky,
First, thank you for your service to our country. My son is in the Air Force and I could not be more proud of him.

Second, having flown Flight Sims since their beginning (FS, ATP, and now X-Plane) they all played a significant part in my training for my Private Pilots License in Jan 95′. With respect to Realism, Level D motion Sims are very realistic hence why the FAA has approved them for Type Rating Certification. This level of authenticity does come at a steep price and one far beyond the reach of the masses who are dedicate to Flight Sims of all types. What Brunner has done is brought the general Sim community one step closer to what it’s like to pilot a real aircraft. Having logged hundreds of hours in several Cessna, Piper and Beech Aircraft, I am thrilled to see a company like Brunner producing FFB products and can only hope they will aggressively target the Sim community with even more aggressive pricing. Further to that point, I am surprised there is not a BRUNNER DISCORD site. For me, Discord is my direct connection to all things and people in the Sim Community and a forum that would certainly boost Brunner sales. Granted these products may not be a significant part of their total revenue stream, they certainly could be. Having retired from a career in Sales and Marketing, I ascribe to the logic “I would rather make $1 ten times then $10 one time”. I see Brunner on the right track pricing their products within reach of simmers. Increasing sales pressures the competition while at the same time reduces production cost, firms up profits, and provides a level of market recognition few can compete against. Increased revenue by mass market pricing also provides the needed cash flow for even further product refinements. It’s a win/win.

All my Sim buddies are anxiously awaiting to see my MKII and Rudder Peddles in action. In fact, two of my friends, one a pilot the other training for his PPL now, both have Yoko Yokes. Why they did not go with the NG is simple – Not enough information or user base compared to the Yoko! This Forum is TOO PRIVATE! At nearly the same price point I would not even consider the yoko over a quality FFB yoke. Marketing is key! Sending the NG to Austin and Mike Brown was a great idea BUT it should have included a detailed setup video covering all the features of the NG including how to setup and use each one. To me, this was a FREE Marketing promo poorly executed. I don’t fault Stefan I just wish more would have been done to make the promotion a success. People listen to Mike Brown because he and Austin and Buddies and who doesn’t want to have the ear of a developer – Heck, I’ve had direct discussions with Austin on 11.40 Stall issues. They are both good guys but were ill prepared to properly demo the NG. Okay, enough rambling. Glad you, like so many others, are happy with their Brunner product. Can’t wait to get mine and show all my friends what a real sim experience can be.

Cheers!
Scott