Exclusive Interview: The Story of FlySat – From Hobby to a Global Reference for Satellite Enthusiasts

Introduction:
Satellite enthusiasts and professionals are well familiar with FlySat one of the most reliable global databases of satellite frequencies and channels.
Behind this project, which started purely as a hobby, lies passion, persistence, and dedication of a single person.
In this exclusive interview, we reveal how FlySat began, the challenges it faced, and what the future might bring.

Interview

1. Can you tell me about the beginnings of FlySat and how it all started?
“My journey began in 1998 as a simple hobby with analog satellite receivers.
Shortly after, I purchased a digital receiver and a motorized dish. However, at that time digital receivers did not have the ability to automatically scan for channels frequencies had to be entered manually.
When frequencies changed, this often meant losing access to channels for a while. Since the internet was not widely available back then, it was very difficult to find reliable information.
For about two years I kept frequency data in files on my computer, strictly for personal use. Later, I wanted to share this information with others facing the same problems.
For two years I regularly sent updates to a large frequency website. Eventually, I decided to launch my own site, and on March 18, 2003, FlySat officially went online.”

2. Is FlySat managed by a dedicated team or an individual, and how has the project evolved over the years?
“To create FlySat.com, I had to spend a long time learning and improving my web design skills, and my biggest support during this journey was my brother.
Yes, I personally update the website and publish all news without direct help. However, I must emphasize that over the years many true friends have sent me updates.
I have never met them in person, yet they have become like brothers to me.
FlySat started as a personal project, but thanks to the contributions of dozens of people sending information, it continued to grow and develop.
Over time, the site has been continuously improved with new features and content. Today, as a result of years of effort, FlySat has become a reliable, global reference site.”

3. What are the main challenges you face in maintaining and updating such a large database of satellite channels on a daily basis?
“In the early years, internet access was not widespread and sharing collected data was very difficult due to speed limitations.
Another big challenge was verifying the accuracy of incoming reports.
I had dedicated followers who sent daily updates, and over time I developed great trust in contributors who regularly provided news;
I know that those who sent thousands of reports would not submit incorrect information.
Thanks to this trust, it has been possible to keep the database updated daily.”

4. How do you manage user contributions from across Europe (e.g. channel captures, reception reports)?
“Managing user contributions from different parts of Europe can sometimes be challenging, but over the years I have developed a system that allows me to handle it efficiently.
Users send channel captures, frequency data, and reception reports.
Over time I developed great trust in contributors who regularly send updates; I now have collaborators from almost every European country, as well as reliable contributors from the Middle East and Africa.
This trust ensures that data can be quickly and accurately entered into the system, allowing me to manage contributions from multiple regions in an organized and reliable way.”

5. Are there any interesting stories or milestones related to FlySat that you could share with my readers?
“When I launched FlySat, I was incredibly excited. I spent months building the site’s infrastructure and putting in a lot of effort to keep the tables updated.
During that time my family would say: ‘How many people will visit your site? You’re wasting your time,’ but my answer was always: ‘I will succeed.’
On the first day I had only one visitor myself. Since everything started as a hobby, I did no advertising or promotion.
My excitement grew when the number of visitors reached 100, then 1,000, and kept growing.
Today, I consider the level the site has reached a great success; millions of page views are recorded annually.
FlySat has been mentioned in newspapers, featured on several TV channels, and cited on all major satellite websites.
Reaching the first million page views was a major milestone for me.
In addition, the tables and infrastructure I developed to keep the site updated and reliable represent an important technical achievement.
It’s hard to believe, but there were moments when I received threats and faced many attacks; yet I always kept the site running.”

6. Do you have any plans for future features or expansions you can share?
“I would love to give my visitors an exciting answer to this question.
But every living thing is born, grows, develops, and eventually comes to an end. I think FlySat is now slowly reaching that point.
I dedicated my life to this site, and in doing so neglected my wife and children for that I apologize.
Still, I can say this: FlySat has become like a child to me, and I feel an incredible love and attachment to it.
I have put so much effort into this site; sometimes I worked 12 hours a day, sometimes whole nights.
It started as a hobby, but now it has grown beyond my capacity. I simply don’t have enough time, as I also have other important responsibilities.
Because of this, at some point I may have to stop updating, and I want to announce that through your website.
Nevertheless, I must highlight my heroes the people who for years sent me updates without expecting anything in return, helping me build this site together.
I am endlessly grateful to them.”

7. How can satellite enthusiasts and professionals best support or contribute to FlySat?
“The best way to support FlySat is by sending accurate and up-to-date information.
Every user who shares channel frequencies, signal reports, or satellite observations contributes to the reliability and breadth of the site.
The most valuable contributions are those given consistently and without expectation of reward.
In this way, FlySat remains a trusted source for both hobbyists and professionals.”

Conclusion

FlySat is the story of how a hobby can turn into a global project that connects people around the world.
Millions of visits each year, numerous contributors, and unwavering dedication make this site one of the most important sources of information for the satellite community. Regardless of the future, FlySat remains proof that enthusiasm and love for what we do can create something great and lasting.
And we look ahead with a smile because passion for satellite technology will always find new paths and new stories.

Autor: Redakcija | : Sat-Multimedia & IT