1. Are you a real-life pilot?

Not currently — although I do have a few hours in a Cessna 172, and I fully intend to continue flying in the real world when time and life allow. For now, flight simulation scratches the itch perfectly and keeps the learning going.
 

2. How close is flight simulation to real-world flying?

Modern simulators get remarkably close. The procedures, planning, navigation, ATC, and decision-making are all very real. What’s missing is the physical side, the movement, the load on your hands and body… and probably the smells!

That said, many real-world pilots use simulators regularly, which says a lot about how far the technology has come. Plus with the changes to consumer hardware like motion platforms and force feedback, the gap is getting a lot smaller.
 

3. What system do you use?

I keep my current setup updated on a dedicated page — you’ll find a full breakdown [linked here]. Hardware changes over time, so that page is always the best reference.
 

4. What advice would you give someone brand new to flight simulation?

Take your time and enjoy the process. There is a learning curve, and that’s part of the fun.

A few solid starting points:

Complete the in-sim training

Watch beginner tutorials

Fly simple aircraft first

Check out structured lesson packs like the Navigraph Academy and our own VFR and IFR courses

And most importantly — don’t be afraid to ask questions. Everyone started somewhere.
 

5. Where are you from?

I’m originally from Dublin, Ireland, and based in County Tipperary.
 

6. What advice would you give someone thinking about streaming?

Start now.

Don’t wait for the “perfect” setup, the right camera, or the right idea. You’ll learn more in your first few streams than you ever will planning them. Everything evolves over time — including confidence. I have created a Livestream Guide over on Patreon 
 

7. Do you prefer Twitch or YouTube?

Whichever one you prefer — I’m on both.

If you enjoy live interaction and being part of the conversation as it happens, Twitch is the natural home for livestreams. If you prefer watching back in your own time, catching highlights, or longer-form videos, YouTube is perfect.
 

8. What’s your favourite aircraft in Microsoft Flight Simulator?

That’s a tough one — there’s a lot of great work out there.

My passion is for general aviation aircraft but I enjoy all types. The DC-6, TBM 850, M500, A340, B737, Alouette III, F406, PA-24 Comanche, PA-28 Arrow, the list goes on. 

It’s a good time to be a flight simmer!
 

9. Where did the name “TwoToneMurphy” come from?

It was a nickname I picked up years ago after a particularly enthusiastic encounter with the sun. It stuck — and here we are.
 

10. How do you find the time to sim and stream?

Since starting livestreaming back in August 2020, almost all of my flying happens live on stream. Around 99% of my sim time is spent flying with the community.

A huge thank you goes to Mrs TwoTone for her patience and support. It genuinely wouldn’t work without it.
 

11. What’s some of the nicest feedback you’ve received?

Messages from people saying they enjoy spending time with the community — or that it’s helped them through a difficult period — mean more than anything else.

Knowing the community can be a positive, supportive space for people is incredibly humbling.
 

12. How can I get in touch with you directly?

You’ll find all my social links on this site, or you can reach out via email using the contact options provided here.
For day-to-day interaction, Discord is always the best place.
 

13. Besides MSFS, what else do you play?

A mix of other sims such as, X-Plane, DCS, ETS2 & ATS, Racing games, Strategy titles

The odd FPS. If it involves systems, learning, or immersion, I’m probably interested.
 

14. What do you enjoy outside of simming?

Meeting new people, visiting new places, and learning new things. Everyone has a story, and I really enjoy hearing them.
 

15. Favourite drink and meal?

A good Dingle Gin or Knut Hansen Gin with 7-Up is hard to beat.

Food-wise — steak is always a winner. Hot dogs deserve an honourable mention… and yes, I will defend pineapple on pizza.
 

16. Looking ahead, where do you want the TTM community to be?

My goal is to keep improving the community experience — making it more inclusive, more informative, and more supportive.

Everything here started around the launch of MSFS 2020, and it’s grown naturally since then. There are always ideas in motion and projects ticking away in the background, but the focus will always remain on people first.
 

17. What matters most to you when it comes to the TTM community?

The people — always.

Everything here is built around being welcoming, supportive, and enjoyable to take part in. Experience level doesn’t matter, confidence doesn’t matter, and there’s no pressure to perform or know everything. If you enjoy aviation and want to fly, learn, or simply hang out with like-minded people, you’ll fit right in.

Creating a space where people feel comfortable showing up as they are is far more important to me than numbers, growth, or metrics.
 

18. Can I suggest aircraft or locations for streams?

Absolutely. The Ideas section on Discord is the best place to make suggestions and requests.