We are putting together our fourth annual convention dedicated to air combat gaming, with a strong emphasis on Birds of Prey: Air Combat in the Jet Age. (Following in the footsteps of many years at Origins.) This year’s event will be just as much fun, with a bunch of air gamers, great scenarios and an opportunity to learn about air combat in the jet age!

When: Thursday October 2, 2014 through Sunday October 5, 2014

            (initial get-together on the evening of Wednesday October 1)

Where: Courtyard Tucson Williams Centre

              201 South Williams Boulevard

              Tucson, AZ 85711

              Tel: 1-520-745-6000

Hotel Reservations Link: LINK

Hotel Reservations Line: 1-800-321-2211

Hotel Costs:
-- King Room rate is $105 per night (single or double occupancy, plus taxes).

-- Make sure to ask for the “Birds of Prey Group” rate!

-- Reservation cutoff date for the group rate is Septermber 5th.

Costs:
-- Attendees will share the cost of the gaming room (a hotel meeting room).

        We will figure the amounts out based on the attendees, but it will be reasonable.

-- The cost of a T-shirt , if you like. (And if we can get one put together this year).

-- We aren't planning to take any profit on this event. It is just for fun for us and for you.

-- Travel, room, air-museum entrance fees and food are your own responsibility.

Several seminars will be given during the convention with luminaries of the hobby:

Tony “Killjoy” Valle -- subject matter expert and creator of the classic Airpower newsletter and inventor of Birds of Prey: Air Combat in the Jet Age.

Many of us will be visiting the superb aviation museum and boneyard:

    Pima Air & Space Museum

    -- see also http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pima_Air_%26_Space_Museum

    Boneyard AMARG Tour

    -- see also http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aerospace_Maintenance_and_Regeneration_Group

Watching new players develop in the system has convinced us that Birds of Prey simulates the real-world of ACM well enough that the ratio of aces and truly dangerous opponents, versus pretenders and glorified targets matches the real world. So, we want to offer the real-world solution and put a group of cardboard aviators through the gaming experience of a lifetime and run a table-top version of the Fighter Weapons School. Receive some ground-school, fly your fighter and then get the debrief of a lifetime. (Tony doesn't wear the Kelly McGillis pumps, but the experience is realistic in most other aspects.)

The convention will be suited to players of all skill levels. (We'd prefer you have learned the basics of flight in Birds of Prey, there will be talented players there to teach any newbies.)

Please post any questions or discussion at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/airbattle

Hopefully some combination of people with rental cars and a pickup or two by the local gamers can accommodate the bulk of transportation needs! We will facilitate communications between the attendees, so transportation can be shared!

Model and photo by Bob Aikens.