For our February Creator Highlight, we’re focusing on popular video creator FlyWithLado! Having amassed a ginormous following of over 540,000 Instagram users and many more on different platforms, FlyWithLado is redefining content creation for social media in our community.
We asked them some questions to give you all a behind the scenes look at their content:
Do you remember where your passion for aviation and flight simulation came from?
My passion for aviation started at a very young age. I was 10 years old when I first saw an airplane while moving from Albania to the United States.
Not long after, I discovered flight simulation and have been flying since Microsoft Flight Simulator 98. As someone who has struggled with anxiety, flight simulation became more than just a hobby for me — it became a place of focus, calm, and escape. Through the sim, my dream of flying became a reality in a way that felt safe, immersive, and meaningful.
Microsoft has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and through flight simulation it has helped me reach new heights I never knew were possible — not only in social media, but in life as well. What started as curiosity evolved into a lifelong passion, and today I genuinely enjoy sharing that journey and love for aviation with others through my content.
What inspired you to start creating the style of content that you do, and what tips would you give new creators looking to build a channel?
I wanted my content to feel immersive and satisfying — the kind of flying that makes people stop scrolling and say “wow”.
I always wanted to do live streams. Watching other creators fly, talk, and connect with their communities made flight sim feel alive, and those streams were something I genuinely looked forward to. Creators like Catstrator, XP72, and others were there for me through the screen, and they inspired me to want to do the same for others — to create a space where people could relax, enjoy aviation, and feel connected.
For new creators, my biggest advice is: don’t chase trends — chase consistency and authenticity. Create content you actually enjoy, because that passion shows through the screen. Be patient, stay consistent, and focus on improving one small thing with every video, (1% better everyday)
You’ve built a large following on your social channels, do you find there is a particular recipe for success with your content, and do you plan videos thoroughly in advance, or record what you like as-and-when you feel like it?
There isn’t a single magic recipe, but there is a formula: consistency, quality, and connection. I pay close attention to what my audience responds to — certain aircraft, sounds, or types of landings — but I also make sure I’m enjoying what I’m flying.
Some videos are planned, especially when I know a landing or departure will be special, but many of my best-performing clips are spontaneous moments captured while I’m flying. I think that balance keeps the content feeling real instead of forced.
What else would you love our community to know about you?
I want to sincerely thank Microsoft for this simulator. It meant far more to me than just flying. During some of the toughest moments of my life, this sim was there for me — helping me relax, reset, and find joy when I needed it most.
After losing my dad, flight simulation became one of the things that helped me through the grieving process. It gave me focus, comfort, and an outlet that allowed me to heal, while also creating some of my most meaningful content.
This simulator doesn’t just help people pursue dreams of becoming pilots — it also supports everyday people who come home from work simply looking to unwind and escape for a moment. Thank you for everything, and for the opportunity to share my story and showcase my journey. I’m truly grateful.
Don’t forget to follow FlyWithLado on his Instagram Account or check out his other social platforms here!