Aerodrome Brings Aviation Age to Berlin

Since the end of the Great War, the science and business of aviation has made unprecedented strides forward. So much so that it is now possible to speak realistically of an "aviation industry". The Atlantic Ocean has been crossed both ways multiple times, regular airship service has been established between Hamburg and North and South America, and speed, distance and altitude records fall almost monthly. Even under the burdensome and unfair restrictions of the Versailles Treaty and Locarno Protocols, the German civil aviation industry is thriving. And with the opening of Berlin's aerodrome to the public the city is positioned to take a leading role in flight services.

"Fixed wing aircraft have proven themselves in war and changed the complexion of conflict forever," according to Captain Wolfgang Vedrina, part owner of Berlin Flugdeinst. "The Great War only touched a small part of how the airplane might be used by the military.  In civil life, airplanes can be used for everything from transporting people to transporting goods and the mail. I started Berlin aviation by flying from the street at the Brandenburg Gate and the popularity of the concept increased from there." Vedrina believes that the airfield will have a broad attraction far beyond the small percentage of Germans who are aviators. "For me, the development of aviation is a natural and historical phase in SL Germany.  My avatar's background mirrors historical characters in many ways and my own interest in aviation manifested in being able to spawn SL Berlin aviation. The ability to see the SL world from the air...especially here where avatar flying is not allowed... will attract people."

The Berlin Aerodrome, nestled against the canal in the factory district.

The aerodrome, which has been open for about a month, is located in the factory district across the canal from the Sportshalle and football field. It is a city-owned, public use facility, which means that pilots both resident and transient are welcomed to use the field to operate their aircraft. In addition to providing a local venue for aviators, the field offers options and services that will interest the general public. The Berlin Flying Service operates from the aerodrome and offers a variety of services such as hot air balloon flights, zeppelin tours, flight excursions and even flying lessons for would-be aviators (and aviatrix). Residents may not know that the zeppelin service also offers an alternative means of traveling to the city from the Teleportplatz, or that tourists may ride the zeppelin from the Teleportplatz and tour the city from the air without having to adhere to the city's strict dress code. For information on the zeppelin flights stop at the mooring just next to the train station at the Teleportplatz, or the Berlin Flugdeinst office at the air field. People are welcome to come by the field any time.