Kyprianos Biris Posted July 12, 2011 at 08:31 AM Posted July 12, 2011 at 08:31 AM (edited) My time to retire in vatsim has come ! Well, it’s been 10 years since that chat we had with Harvey Stein one evening back in July 2001. Back then VATSIM was being founded and I was asked to take upon the lead of Europe. On July 12th I accepted the offer, few days later the network went live and it’s been a hefty uphill ride since then with many good memories from vatsim happenings and people I have cooperated with. As of today I conclude exactly 10 years of VATEUR1 service and hand off the baton to, up until yesterday, my deputy Thomas George 827476 who was just elected and appointed by BoG to continue my job and certainly was the best man to choose for this post. I joined SATCO in 1999, a bachelor just after my postgraduate studies back then and now leave the Europe Region Director position of VATSIM, after 10 years of service, married, a father of two demanding 4 & 1 yr. old children and with a busy profession. I still manage to find time for the hobby though and you will still see me as a humble pilot flying around the vatsim skies or providing ATC for still a long time since I don't intend to leave the hobby. To all younger (vatsim) members this is my advice: learn to offer your voluntary spare resources in this hobby. It is this that keeps this live community active and always improving in its "aviation learning and fun environment" ethos. You don't do it necessarily for the others or to get back something from it. You first do it for yourself and the joy of helping other people with the same hobby/p[Mod - Happy Thoughts]ion around you, who (some of them anyway) in turn hopefully will do the same in the future. The people we as staff members "serve" on line are the people who one day will take over the baton and continue our work. The evolution of these staff generations I have observed these 10 years as well as some excellent colleagues I've had here, are some of the things that kept me going for ten years now and I leave this position with only good thoughts in mind. I simply found the time that I had to step down before the staff "obligations" would drain me out. I leave VATSIM Europe Region in very good hands, something I was certainly looking for before taking the decision to step down. From the dozens of people I remember, I especially want to thank the following for helping me one way or another in keeping up the good faith in this hobby and the voluntary offer of my work for 10 years on: (With ID numerical order and apologies if I forget some!) 800005 Harvey Stein 800006 George Marinakis 800012 Richard Jenkins 800023 Roland Collins 810315 Norbert Vorstaedt 810391 Steve Chatos 810523 Pedro Sousa 810595 Fotis Dimitropoulos 810628 Terry Scanlan 810809 Andreas Fuchs 810815 Frans Mulder 810956 Chris Norman 811064 Peter Nielsen 811317 Mike Sweeney 810354 Ton Out 811373 Chris Barham 811526 Vangelis H[Mod - Happy Thoughts]iotis 811874 Martin Georg 813128 Hans Utne 813566 Michael Zazula 814931 Michael Bevington 827476 Thomas George 860311 Ilan Jonas Thank you and Blue Skies every one Kyprianos Biris Athens, Greece Europe Region Director, 7/2001-7/2011 Edited July 14, 2011 at 06:27 AM by Guest Hellenic vACC | Olympic Air Virtual Europe Region Director 2001-2011 Pilot: P5 | ATC: C3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wycliffe Barrett Posted July 12, 2011 at 11:21 AM Posted July 12, 2011 at 11:21 AM Kyp Ten years is an awesome amount of time and you have filled those ten years exceptionally well, on the odd occasions that we have spoken either by email or by voice I have found you to be friendly, forthright and open, your advice and help has always been of the higest quality and your perception during difficult time was exactly what was required. I wish to thank you for the help you have afforded me personally and the committment you showed towards VATSIM UK. Kronya Pola Wycliffe Wycliffe Barrett: C3 Controller "if god meant for us to fly, he would have given us tickets" Mel Brooks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Ingerslev Nielsen Posted July 12, 2011 at 12:56 PM Posted July 12, 2011 at 12:56 PM Dear Kyp, You must have been dreaming if you thought you could sneak out on us like this after giving 10 years to the community. One of the last things I squeezed through as VATEUD1 with the team was a unanimous agreement to offer you (and you accepted) an Honorary Position for as long as you wish on the VATEUD staff team. You are now an amb[Mod - Happy Thoughts]ador at large or if you prefer a consultant for the European Division with call sign VATEUD15 a new email has been set up for you k.biris(at)vateud.net so you are joining the crew in the same capacity as Ton Out another old and honored member who has given so much over the years and who continues giving valuable advice and hints from time to time. Kind regards Peter Peter I.Nielsen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ernesto Alvarez 818262 Posted July 12, 2011 at 02:39 PM Posted July 12, 2011 at 02:39 PM thanks for your time Kyp! look forward to catching you on the other side of the scopes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomas George 827476 Posted July 12, 2011 at 07:18 PM Posted July 12, 2011 at 07:18 PM To say that I have large shoes to fill would be a huge understatement and that's why Kyp isn't vanishing everywhere; he opted for full retirement but we didn't grant it Kyp will continue to be a key advisor to me as where VATSIM is now is a product of 10 years of activity all of which set the context for where we are now and to some extent where we are going. 10 years is one heck of a commitment and by this point Kyp is most deserved of a break! I hope you enjoy going back to the heart of the hobby for a while and that you have more time to spend during these precious years with your family. You've done Europe Region proud and I thank you unreservedly for all that you've done over the years. I was speaking with a few people about your time as VATEUR1 and one Founder said "Kyp's ability to manage [Europe] region is truly outstanding." I think that most would share that sentiment. All the best file mou... Thomas George Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daniel Gomes Posted July 12, 2011 at 09:00 PM Posted July 12, 2011 at 09:00 PM All the best Kyp! Was a pleasure working with you!!! Cheers, Daniel Gomes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Sweeney Posted July 13, 2011 at 12:54 AM Posted July 13, 2011 at 12:54 AM A remarkable contribution over a decade sharing your time, expertise, and friendship with so many others who enjoy simulated aviation and air traffic control. Thank you Kyp. best, Mike Mike / 811317 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Bevington 814931 Posted July 13, 2011 at 04:58 AM Posted July 13, 2011 at 04:58 AM "big shoes to fill" is an understatement. Congratulations on your retirement Kyp and best of luck to your future. Thanks for ten great years serving the membership. Mike Bevington http://vatsim.net/prc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Board of Governors Gunnar Lindahl Posted July 13, 2011 at 12:20 PM Board of Governors Posted July 13, 2011 at 12:20 PM Kyp, The dedication and commitment you have shown to VATSIM over such a long period is simply phenomenal. You have been a great [Mod - Happy Thoughts]et to the network and a great support to me personally, and I wish you all the best in the future. See you on the scopes! GUNNAR LINDAHL [email protected] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Romano Lara Posted July 13, 2011 at 12:51 PM Posted July 13, 2011 at 12:51 PM Thank you for your service and dedication to the hobby, sir. Enjoy your well deserved retirement! Romano LaravACC Philippines, Manager - Training & Standards Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Norman 810956 Posted July 14, 2011 at 07:38 AM Posted July 14, 2011 at 07:38 AM Kyp Sorry to see you retire, I hope that we will still see you on VATSIM. Many thanks for all your help and all the best to you and your family. Take care. Best regards Chris N Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Barham 811373 Posted July 14, 2011 at 07:45 AM Posted July 14, 2011 at 07:45 AM Is it really ten years? Kyp, your legacy is a strong and vibrant region which is a credit to your efforts over that time. I'd like to add a personal thanks to you for all your help during my somewhat turbulent time as UK1 , and wish you all the best for you and your family. Blue skies! Chris Barham Chris Barham 811373 Support Group 2 member Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andreas Fuchs Posted July 14, 2011 at 10:42 AM Posted July 14, 2011 at 10:42 AM Hey Kyp, 10 years is a loooong time, I could not imagine doing the same like you. Luckily you had enough stamina to keep going until now, which gave us enough stability and a realistic view onto our situation and problems. You are always good for a mediating message to cut down our Kindergarten fights. Thanks for supporting the European Region for such a long time, thanks for your time, nerves and money spent for us all. I'll catch up with you next time I have a slightly longer stay in Athens! Enjoy your simple online-time, it is very relaxing. However, in a few months you might get tempted to "do something" again!! We need route-moderators for VATroute, Greece needs someone Cheers, Andreas Member of VATSIM GermanyMy real flying on InstagramMy Twitch streams of VATSIM flights and ATC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ilan Jonas 860311 Posted July 14, 2011 at 12:20 PM Posted July 14, 2011 at 12:20 PM Heya old friend - you taught me how to understand Vatsim, how to build a region, divisions and vACCs. Now you teach me how to retire - I understand how, but I can't promise I fully understand the When It's always been a pleasure having you for a good advice, for help and just for fun. Seems like I'm the last of the dinosaurs in the EC, but I must admit the EC is great as ever now, and your successor seem to have just the large feet one needs to fill these shoes everyone's talking about. I just hope you taught him the most important skill VATEUR1 need as far as I'm concerned: sending private messages in teamspeak. Otherwise, it won't be fun anymore I can see where it's coming from - I also have 2 kids, a demanding job, other hobbies... I just turned 40 (today actually), and time can't be stopped. It's just that Middle east and Africa are more used to dictators ruling for decades (Just kidding - no offense VATAME members!). I truly wish you all the best - I even envy you a bit. I couldn't find the time to fly or offer ATC for ages now, and I miss just doing it privately. Take care my friend, fly safe and hopefully we can finally meet for a coffee and not over teamspeak! Cheers with my deepest appreciation, Your friend just cross the med-sea, Ilan Ilan Jonas Senior Instructor-I3 Former Vatsim Africa/Middle East Region Director(2004-2012) http://www.vatame.net Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fotis Dimitropoulos 810595 Posted July 15, 2011 at 05:50 PM Posted July 15, 2011 at 05:50 PM Well Kyp What else but exclusively good words for a really inspiring person like you! Thank you very much for your strong drive as well as for your dedication in the administrative levels of our hobby. It was at least impressive to watch you flying around the world, although your administrative duties, professional and social obligations-those who know you are very well aware of this- were growing really fast....Indeed an honour to have friends like you Wishing you all the best for the "trouble-free" career that awaits you.... and hoping to see you flying on-line Fotis Dimitropoulos Aegean Seagull virtual Airline System http://www.aegeanseagull.com Athens Hellas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deepan Mehta Posted July 16, 2011 at 01:58 PM Posted July 16, 2011 at 01:58 PM Enjoy your retirement Kyp and Blue Skies Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael McClelland 810907 Posted July 16, 2011 at 06:01 PM Posted July 16, 2011 at 06:01 PM Thanks for everything you did for VATSIM, Kyp. We'll certainly miss you and your even-handed, level-headed advice and counsel. My very best wishes to you. Go enjoy that wonderful family! Cheers, Michael McClelland VATUSA DCRM, VATUSA4 Michael McClelland ZMA-C3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Thomas Posted July 17, 2011 at 11:08 PM Posted July 17, 2011 at 11:08 PM Wow, has it been 10 years already. Time flies....and so does VATSIM...because of the selfless dedication of people like you. Thanks for everything. Jeff Thomas VP-IT https://joinava.org Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomas Mathieu 998318 Posted July 19, 2011 at 12:07 AM Posted July 19, 2011 at 12:07 AM Sorry to see you go Kyp, but we know better...you will always be around to offer your great advise. I wish you the best. Best Regards, Thomas Mathieu VATAME1 Region Director VATSIM Africa Middle East http://www.vatame.net [email protected] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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