Expand Pilot Profile to Focus More on the Pilot — Not Just the Aircraft

[unclesneep]

I’d like to suggest an expansion to the current pilot profile system in DCS.

 

Right now, the pilot profile does a good job of tracking stats like kills, flight time, and awarding virtual medals, ribbons, and badges. It’s a nice touch, but I think there’s potential to take it further and really enhance player immersion by shifting more focus to the pilot — not just the aircraft.

 

What I’d Love to See:

 

Customizable Pilot Avatars: Let us create and personalize our pilot with different gear, uniforms, helmet designs, etc.

 

Walk-Around/Free Roam Mode: The ability to walk around our aircraft on the ramp, hangar, or airbase — even if it's limited to pre- and post-mission environments.

 

Pilot Progression: Introduce a sense of progression — maybe a rank or leveling system tied to mission accomplishments, flight hours, or achievements.

 

Unlockables: Achievements could unlock cosmetic items like custom patches, helmets, gloves, or callsigns that appear in briefings or cockpit decals.

 

Increased Investment: These additions would help players feel more connected to their virtual persona — turning DCS into a more personal, lived-in experience, rather than just a series of disconnected aircraft operations.

 

 

Why This Matters:

 

Many of us love DCS not just for the flying, but for the fantasy of being a military pilot. By adding systems that reflect that identity, you give players more reason to keep flying, trying different missions, and investing time into the sim. Even for single-player users, this would add continuity and a deeper sense of “being there.”

 

This wouldn’t need to interfere with the realism or sandbox nature of DCS — just give us a way to live in the world as a pilot, not just as a plane.

 

Would love to hear what others think about this — and thanks for reading!

[Rudel_chw]

1 hour ago, unclesneep said:

Walk-Around/Free Roam Mode: The ability to walk around our aircraft on the ramp, hangar, or airbase — even if it's limited to pre- and post-mission environments.

…

Would love to hear what others think about this

the ability to walk-around the aircraft is the only aspect of your list that I would truly enjoy, but I do realize that on a Sim where the majority prefers auto start, it is one of those features that most would try once and then forget about it because they are short on time for this hobby.