Our October 2025 Creator Highlight features Maurice Mockert, the creator behind the well-known cinematic trailer channel “AviationLads”. Since the launch of Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020), AviationLads has cemented their spot as one of the top creators of video trailers in the industry. Having worked with a plethora of leading 3rd party developers, Maurice is well renowned for his keen eye for detail and breath-taking cinematic shots.
We recently interviewed Maurice to find out a bit more about his history in the community, and what the future might have in store for AviationLads.
Can you give us a bit more information about AviationLads and the history of the channel?
AviationLads is the Home of Cinematic Flight Simulation Trailers. We specialize in producing high-quality, cinematic trailers for the Microsoft Flight Simulator platform, working closely with many of the industry’s leading developers. Our goal has always been to bring immersive visuals, authentic storytelling, and emotional impact to the world of flight simulation — creating videos that capture the beauty and realism of virtual aviation.
I founded AviationLads in October 2017, so this year marks our eighth anniversary. My journey with flight simulation and content creation, however, began much earlier — back in the days of Flight Simulator 9 (2004), when I first began experimenting with video editing under a different name.
Our first professional project was the Fuerteventura Airport trailer for MK Studios. Since then, AviationLads has produced more than 500 videos on our own channel and countless others for partners and clients across the industry. What started as a small creative idea has grown into a respected brand known for setting new standards in cinematic flight simulation content.
What was the inspiration behind creating AviationLads?
The inspiration behind AviationLads came from a lifelong passion for aviation combined with a love for visual storytelling. I’ve been flying in simulators for as long as I can remember — even before content creation became a major part of the hobby. My very first flight simulator was FS98 when I was a kid, and over the years I’ve owned and enjoyed FS2004, FSX, Prepar3D, X-Plane, and of course Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024.
Having experienced all these different versions, I can truly appreciate how far the platform has evolved. When MSFS 2020 was released, I was blown away by its incredible graphics and the integration of Bing Maps, which made the world feel truly alive. With that came a huge increase in creative opportunities — both for professional trailer work and for my own enjoyment as a virtual pilot.
Beyond video creation, I’m also an active member of the LHVirtual Airlines community. Over the past three years, I’ve completed more than 620 full flights, logging over 1,000 hours — all within Microsoft Flight Simulator. Whether I’m producing cinematic content or flying online, this platform continues to inspire me every single day.
Are there any exciting projects on the horizon?
Creating cinematic trailers for flight simulation will always remain at the heart of what we do, but in recent years I’ve also expanded into real-world aviation media. Over the past two years, I’ve started producing high-quality real-life videos — including event trailers, aviation documentaries, and flying videos — all within the aviation universe.
My goal is to continue developing this area by attending more aviation events, connecting with the community, and building long-lasting friendships with creators and developers who share the same passion.
One of my biggest personal projects right now is building my own A320 home cockpit. I’m thrilled to be working with Skalarki Electronics on this, and there’s a lot of exciting content coming soon — although I can’t reveal too much just yet!
In addition, I’ve started collaborating with other content creators, as I believe creativity grows when it’s shared. I’d also love to see future versions of the simulator include more advanced shared-cockpit features, making collaborative flying experiences even better. We’re also planning to strengthen our partnerships with developers and explore projects beyond traditional trailers — such as branded campaigns, cinematic documentaries, and community-driven creative collaborations.
What aspects of Microsoft flight simulator do you try to capture in your videos?
For me, the most captivating aspects of Microsoft Flight Simulator are its stunning lighting, ground textures and details, and unmatched realism. The way sunlight filters through the clouds, how it reflects off aircraft surfaces, and the depth of the atmosphere — all of these elements give each scene a naturally cinematic quality.
I also love how the simulator integrates with platforms like VATSIM and IVAO, allowing us to replicate real-world flights with other pilots and air traffic controllers. It brings a level of authenticity and connection that makes every flight — and every video — feel alive.
What else would you like the community to know about aviationlads?
AviationLads is, at its core, a passion project that has evolved into a creative studio built on collaboration, authenticity, and community. Every project we produce is a team effort — shaped not only by our work with developers but also by the invaluable feedback we’ve received from the community over the years.
After eight years, I’m incredibly proud of how far we’ve come and deeply grateful to the amazing people who have supported us along the way. Events like FSExpo and FSWeekend have allowed me to meet so many inspiring individuals — from fellow creators to developers and aviation enthusiasts — and many of those connections have turned into lifelong friendships.
I also want to recognize the incredible work of the developers who constantly push the boundaries of what’s possible, delivering world-class products for us to enjoy and feature in our cinematic trailers. And, of course, a big thank-you to Microsoft and Asobo for what they’ve achieved with MSFS 2020 and now MSFS 2024. Without a doubt, this is the most advanced and immersive flight simulation platform ever created — offering endless possibilities, whether you’re flying an airliner, conducting a rescue mission in a helicopter, soaring above the Alps in a glider, or exploring the dunes in a sand buggy.
To watch the high quality trailers AviationLads creates, visit their YouTube channel here: Youtube.com/aviationlads
You can follow AviationLads on Facebook & Instagram too: Facebook.com/aviationlads & Instagram.com/aviationlads_