From the Soda Journal, written on 1 July 05 by ed.

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imageFlight club is an elegant gliding simulator written in Java by Dan Burton. Dan is my brother and collaborated on several Soda projects, most notably Sodarace.net. The previous version of the soda.co.uk site featured a copy of Flight Club and we continue to receive many visitors seeking to sour amongst Dan’s polygon clouds.

Dan died at the age of 35 in June 2005. His inspiration and software live on at his personal website where we can still enjoy his compact yet compelling creation. At first sight Flight Club appears to be a simple game to race 100km as fast as possible. However Dan in his wisdom leaves us with this quote from flying instructor Jocky Sanderson that encapsulates the driving force behind Dan’s remarkable life…

“Remember, the best pilot is the one that is having the most fun.”

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For a more personal context there is an insightful obituary to Dan in “Cross Country - Worldwide Hang gliding and Paragliding Magazine” by Hugh Miller.

Comment by ed on 17 July 06 at 12:43 pm.

never knew dan. but his game gave me and still does give me many pleasurable hours of gliding through the clouds. I haven’t been on the site for around a year and the news of dans passing saddens me. i found solice in his writtings from harmony and think that the world will be a sadder place without him. thank you dan. god speed and happy soaring

Comment by Rik on 22 August 06 at 4:54 pm.

hello i was just looking to interview a professional hang glider for school project. can u help?

Comment by Jacob on 6 November 06 at 2:55 pm.

I was just looking for a game to play online

Comment by Brendan Paxton on 10 November 06 at 3:10 am.

how do you play?

Comment by Dylan Hammer on 19 November 06 at 8:07 pm.

After playing this game I saw notice about Dan’s death. It left strange feeling in me, because enjoying his game I felt I will give him my thanks later. It started me to think about connection between our virtual life and real life. He will never aswer any e-mail more, but he continues to giving us fun. Thought never die. Thank you Dan.

Comment by Peter Gasparovic on 19 November 06 at 8:55 pm.

how do u play

Comment by jack ling on 30 December 06 at 11:56 am.

Good on you Dan, job done.  I’ve had tons of fun with this simulator and so sorry to hear of Dan’s passing.  Touching to think, as Peter said, that Dan still gives us fun and will continue to do so I hope.

Comment by Terry on 5 January 07 at 5:03 pm.

nice

Comment by Emre on 20 January 07 at 6:40 pm.

Sorry for Dan. Flight Club gave us a lott of fun. Is the old triangle version of flight club still available ?

Comment by Tobias on 16 March 07 at 7:24 am.

I just stumbled upon this beautifully simple game. Surely a testament to the peace that Dan seemed to crave throughout his oh too short life

Comment by Elliott Levy on 16 April 07 at 11:10 am.

great game

Comment by bear on 28 June 07 at 12:32 am.

AWESOMEEEE

Comment by Nate Sharpless on 28 July 07 at 12:17 am.

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