Welcome to Talking Flight Monitor (TFM), where our passion for aviation and technology converge to break down barriers in flight simulation. Our mission is simple yet transformative: to enhance accessibility within the flight simulation community. We are dedicated to interfacing with existing flight simulation addons, enabling users who rely on screen readers to access advanced features and aircraft that would otherwise be beyond reach.
Our vision:
Our vision is to create a more inclusive flight simulation environment. We aim to bridge the gap between complex flight simulation technologies and users who require screen reader accessibility. By focusing on innovative solutions that complement existing simulation addons, TFM ensures that everyone, regardless of their physical abilities, can enjoy the thrill and challenge of flight simulation. Our commitment is to provide value for money through clear, concise feature planning and transparent communication.
Our journey:
TFM began as a modest project focused on flight following, initially providing users with information on nearby cities. However, our ambitions and capabilities quickly expanded. We evolved to offer detailed readings of aircraft instrumentation, enabled manipulation of freeware autopilots, and developed the capacity to interact with various panels on the PMDG 737, 747, and 777 for P3D. These aircraft models have been pivotal in our journey, laying the foundation for our ongoing advancements.
Looking ahead:
Our journey does not end here. As we look to the future, TFM is committed to expanding our reach within the flight simulation community. We plan to support additional aircraft and provide access to even more critical information that has traditionally been inaccessible through other addons. Our goal remains steadfast: to ensure that flight simulation is a hobby that everyone can enjoy, regardless of the challenges they may face.
Meet the team:
Declan Webster (communications):
Hi, I’m Declan, or Blind Flight simmer as some of you may know me. I started back in the days of fsx and have been around from the early days of tfm. I was amazed to witness the transition to accessing paid aircraft and use tfm on every flight I take.
My role is to provide official statements in the form of blog posts and ticket responses, alongside consultation with the community. I’m happy to chat so feel free to reach out via DM as well.
Andy Borka – Co-founder
My interest in aviation began after my uncle took me for a flight in his C172 trainer back in the 1990s. When Flight Simulator 95 was released, I gave it a try. I did not know anything about aviation, so I left until 2020 when I joined Jason on his journey with Talking flight monitor. Since then, we have transformed flight following into a feature Ritch simulator addon, and Talking flight monitor was born! I have an undergraduate degree in business management and information technology and some graduate level work in software management and design. By combining these two passions and the understanding for the need for accessibility in gaming, we can provide the freedom and confidence to fly complex aircraft.
Robin Kipp (Beta Team Management):
Hey there!
My name is Robin, probably more commonly known as Rob. From a very young age, I’ve had a great passion for flying, including activities such as skydiving and paragliding. My hobby for flight simming really took off in 2018, with the community discovering tools which could be utilized to make blind piloting a reality, at least when flying freeware aircraft. The progress which has been made since then thanks to the development of TFM is nothing short of revolutionary, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to be part of the team.
My role is to manage the TFM private beta program, which includes responsibilities such as helping new beta team members get started with testing, screening bug reports and anything else related to the beta cycle.
Gus Pacleb (Talking Flight Monitor Logistics and strategies cordinator)
Hello! My name is Augustu Paulo Navalta Pacleb, or Gus for short! My first signs of aviation as a passion of mine started when I was in late elementary school; I took two A320 family flights back from a family trip, and marveled at the complexity of sound that changed throughout each phase of flight. I joined the flight simulation community in late 2018, where I started with FSX, and have evolved from P3D into FS2020 which is my primary simulator. I am also a frequent flyer on Vatsim, with over 1000 hours logged and much more offline. Talking Flight Monitor was introduced during my time as an active simulator pilot, and it’s astonishing to see how TFM has evolved and grown into something more than just a flight following tool that was founded what feels like so long ago.
My role is to handle Logistics and strategies, and I’ll be assisting with how TFM can best implement strategies and features in an effective and timely manner. I am currently working on my B.B.A in business with an Accounting Concentration, and I’m excited to share my experience to contribute to this project. When I’m not busy with either University or aviation related things, you can find me in my bedroom DJing as my other side hobby.
Jason Fayre – founder
My name is Jason Fayre. I have been interested in aviation all my life. I started using flight simulators back in the early 2000s with products like FS Navigator, later with It’s Your Plane. I was the original developer of Flight Following, what became Talking Flight Monitor. I work full time for one of the major banks in Canada. These days, I don’t have much time for simming, but still follow this project with great interest. I’ve been in the accessibility industry for almost 30 years.
When I’m not working, I spend lots of time with friends, as well as tinker with whatever new technology I can get my hands on.
