If you are looking for a challenging virtual flight, why don’t you try the route Syangboche –Lukla with the Aerosoft Twin Otter? It is a very short flight, few minutes only, where the aircraft will be constantly descending until its destination.
A Twin Otter aircraft is on descent from Syangboche towards the Lukla runway
A Twin Otter aircraft is on approach for runway 06 at Lukla
The approach in Lukla can be tricky due to a 12 degree sloping runway. You have a feeling of coming in too quickly, but you must resist the temptation to reduce speed since, at this altitude, the stalling speed increases with all aircrafts.
Runway 06 is used for landing, and 24 is for departures. There is no possibility of a missed approach. You either succeed or you crash since there is a high rock wall at the end of runway 06.
A Twin Otter aircraft is on final for runway 06 at Lukla
A Twin Otter is about to land on runway 06 in Lukla
So the flight is made from Syangboche (OACI code:VNSB, altitude : 3748m and a 400m runway) towards Lukla (OACI code:VNLK, altitude 2860m and a 460m runway).
A Twin Otter aircraft is landing on runway 06 in Lukla
The scenery and objects around Syangboche are a creation of ORBX. Once you get closer to Lukla, you will notice a change in the scenery details, since you are entering the Aerosoft Lukla scenery (you have to buy this additional scenery to make the flight more realistic).
A Twin Otter aircraft has just landed on the runway at Lukla
A Twin Otter aircraft exits the runway in Lukla
The integration of the two scenery styles is very well achieved.
This flight will require all your attention. Good luck! For other challenging virtual flights, visit my website.
For more articles on flight simulation on my web site, click on the following link : Flight simulation
FSGRW is a weather generator and it uses downloaded data from the internet to simulate actual real weather all around the world (24,000 + airports).
The program simulates very well what is going on in the atmosphere up to FL520, including the depiction of hurricanes and tropical cyclones.
FSGRW does not come with its own cloud texture packages. Like for ASN(Active Sky Next) or OpusFSI, you must add a texture package from a third party (like REX for example). FSGRW will then use those beautiful textures to represent the downloaded weather from the internet, instead of the old cloud files that were created years ago by Microsoft.
FSGRW was not created to give you access to all kind of fancy options like automatic connections to the weather radar of big airliners. It is a simple but very efficient program that aims at representing the weather accurately.
FSGRW includes some well-known local weather effects.
Icefield in sight! A screen capture realized with the following products: FSX, FSGRW, REX, and a combination of Orbx creations. Final editing with a photo editing software (slight corrections only)
FSGRW is compatible with FS2004, FSX, ESP, P3D, Steam and X-Plane.
FSGRW gives you the possibility to use the actual weather present at one airport and transfer it to another airport. You have access to historic weather through a file-mode option. You may also choose to fly with dynamic or static weather. The weather updates are made every six minutes now that version 027 has been issued.
You can create your own flight plan and weather sequence.
FSGRW can be used through a network.
I own FSGRW and use it in combination with REX texture packages. I am very satisfied of the result. But I don’t doubt that ASN, OpusFSI or REX weather engines can provide excellent results as well. The only thing to remember is that you have to buy a weather engine AND cloud texture packages in order to improve the virtual weather’s visual aspect.
The weather engine ASN (Active Sky Next), like FSGRW, OpusFSI or REX updates the weather by downloading the latest information from the internet. There is also a possibility to use historical data (up to two years back).
ASN, FSGRW and OpusFSI use the default FSX cloud texture sets. So those weather engines can benefit from additional cloud texture sets (from REX for example) for a better visual depiction.
The cloud locations and coverage are accurate as well as realist. Thick overcast layers can be displayed. The cloud transitions are smooth, as well as the vertical variations in temperature, wind speed and wind direction.
Cloud-based effects include in-cloud reduced visibility, related turbulence (in cloud or when entering or exiting a cloud formation), accurate position of precipitation according to the type of clouds and to your position relative to the cloud formation.
Microbursts, wind shears, hail, turbulence as well as updrafts and downdrafts effects are modelled for thunderstorms. There are aural wind shear alerts when flying through a thunderstorm cell: That will nonetheless not be of great help if you attempt to cross a strong thunderstorm as, like in real life, you might not succeed…
You can use the radar to navigate through bad weather since radar and cloud positions are synchronized. The radar shows the intensity of precipitations as well as the echo tops.
Voiced warnings will be triggered when new Airmets and Sigmets are issued. They cover the world and can be viewed on a map. Associated icing and turbulence are added according to the warnings.
In flight, you can receive voiced weather updates through ATIS, FlightWatch or FSS.
ASN corrects the problems sometimes associated with low-level clouds, like inaccurate coverage and wrong position of the clouds, or layers that are really too thin.
Like with other weather engines, there is a flight planning mode. You can enter, import, or build a flight plan, as well as change the flight plan and waypoints at any time before or during a flight.
The weather, airports and navaids are displayed and can be edited, added or erased. The forecasts are available through graphics or text. If, along your route, there is no Metar issued for few hours, the engine will use the forecast to update the weather.
The thermals are modeled using the temperature and surface of terrain.
The wake turbulence trails are visible and, like in real life, are moving with the wind.
ASN does not rely only on interpolation to cover the oceanic areas and other territories where there are few weather stations.
The developers of ASN say that they have created a realistic hurricane simulation based on actual hurricane data. Their program would automatically disregard the ground data that seems incorrect. I cannot comment about the realism of that simulation since I have not tried it yet. But if it is correctly modelled, this function should interest whoever wants to experiment what it is to fly in or near a hurricane.
ASN is compatible with FSX, FSX: SE and the P3D versions up to P3DV4. It can support a multi-monitor setup.
I am not listing all the characteristics of this interesting software since there are always new options added. If you want more details, I provided the link below. Like with all the other weather engines, take the time to see what each has to offer since they have quite different features and spectrum of options.
REX offers two important elements through its different products: 1) A weather engine that downloads real weather in your computer while replicating the different weather phenomenon, through its REX Essential Plus program and 2) very realistic cloud textures (through its add-ons like Overdrive, Texture Direct, Soft Clouds).
A flight planning mode is also included, as well as numerous options to create specific weather themes that take care of the appearance of the clouds, the quality of the light in the sky, the definition of the sun effects, the different textures and colors of water.
You also have the possibility to choose different runway markings, the sounds associated with thunderstorms and the type of lightning that will illuminate your virtual sky.
REX is compatible with all platforms, including X-Plane.
Here are the REX products, which each play a very different role:
REX Essential Plus: a weather engine and a product that contains cloud textures and multiple options in order to simulate as much as possible the real outside weather for the area you have chosen. The weather engine will soon be renewed with a new addition: REX Weather Direct.
REX Overdrive: adds 12 GB of cloud textures.
REX4 Texture Direct: adds another 16 GB of cloud textures, and a possibility to create complete weather themes according to your preferences, while you still have access to other themes created by all the virtual pilots of the REX community.
REX Soft Clouds: adds volumetric clouds in the lower layer of the atmosphere for a more realistic effect.
REX4 Weather Architect: a program that allows you to create a precise weather system then position it anywhere on the planet. This is not a weather engine: It will not look for new data on internet and download it in your computer.
REX Weather Direct: a soon to be released improved weather engine that will be compatible with DX9, DX10 and DX11 as well as with FSX, FSX: SE (Steam Edition) and P3D.
On virtual flying forums, users seem to have a preference for the Active Sky Next (ASN) weather engine combined with REX cloud textures. This is a good combination, but it’s not the only one that deserves attention: FSGRW together with REX cloud textures do an excellent job (this is the duo that I am using for very precise results). There is also OpusFSI with REX, ASN with ASN2012 (ASN weather engine combined with ASN2012 cloud textures) or even a REX only set of programs (soon to be available REX Weather Direct and REX cloud textures).
This all depends on your priority: the FSGRW simplicity and absolute realism, the facility to use a cockpit camera and the dynamic head movements supported mode of OpusFSI, etc. It is best to read a lot and take the necessary time before jumping to quickly to a conclusion.
Some weather engines might need tweaking or modifications to be compatible with the most recent versions of P3D, if we believe what is written on specialized forums.
It used to be called OpusFSX, but that was before P3D arrived on the market. Now it is OpusFSI (a more generic name applicable to many platforms)
OpusFSI
OpusFSI is a weather engine which, like FSGRW, ASN or REX, downloads real live weather close to your route and integrates it in your computer so that your virtual flight is always done in actualized weather. All those programs will update the data more frequently if the weather deteriorates along your flight path.
OpusFSI does not add new cloud texture sets. If you wish to fly in more interesting clouds, you need to use OpusFSI in combination with REX.
Opus works well on a network, which is practical if you want to transfer some OpusFSI functions towards a second computer to limit the use of the main computer’s resources.
OpusFSI is compatible with FSX, FSX: SE and P3D and even with TrackIR real-time 3D view controls (some files will have to be deactivated in the Program Files if you were using TrackIR before buying Opus). You have access to multiple interactive maps to check the weather or SIDs/Stars and to adjust the many options according to your taste.
OpusFSI is quite an advanced program that is well adapted to the use of virtual cockpit cameras. It replicates head movements caused by vibrations or turbulence and allows views from left to right when taxiing or turning in flight. The effects are all adjustable by the user.
If you are using many computer screens for your virtual flight, you can program each screen to show a different view (like the left and right window, for example).
OpusFSI allows you to use historical weather. The program also offers the possibility to relocate the weather over an airport towards another one. As well, you can decide to make some low clouds disappear or eliminate any obstruction to visibility when you want to have a perfect view of the territory. You can even create your own Metar.
Like for other weather engines on the market, you have access to a “flight planning mode”.
An option allows you to include turbulence and wind shear caused by the surrounding terrain within 80 kilometers of an airport.
The data generated by OpusFSI can be used directly in the PMDG B737NGX. That means you can see the real weather on the aircraft’s radar.
OpusFSI is in continual development and new functions are frequently added. They are not all mentioned in the present article.
Like for other weather engines available on the market, it is necessary for you to visit the company’s web site in order to choose the most appropriate software that will be adapted to your type of virtual flying and to the equipment that you use or intend to use in the future.
C182T airborne from the Parry Sound airport in Ontario, Canada.
In order to celebrate autumnal colors, here is a screen capture of an A2A Simulations C182T Skylane airborne from the Parry Sound (CNK4) airport in Ontario, Canada.
The airport was created by Vlad Maly, for ORBX. FSGRW was the weather engine used to follow the actual weather around Georgian Bay. REX Texture Direct was used for the cloud textures.
The screen capture of this virtual flight was slightly retouched by means of a photo software in order to add a bit more intensity to the autumnal scene.
For more articles on flight simulation on my web site, click on the following link : Flight simulation
Icefield in sight! A screen capture realized with the following products: FSX, FSGRW, REX, and a combination of Orbx creations. Final editing with a photo editing software (slight corrections only)
The screen capture above, titled “Icefield in sight”, represents a virtual flight using the FSX platform. A combination of FSGRW and REX has been used to improve the cloud effects.
As the basic FSX program does not offer a very realistic representation of clouds, it is necessary to get better cloud sets from a third party provider. In the present screen capture, the clouds are a creation of REX, through their Texture Direct and Soft Clouds used in combination.
It is one thing to have access to realistic clouds but you also need a good weather engine. This engine will download real-weather data and, if you wish, will update it every few minutes when you fly.
Many weather engines are available. In the above picture, I used FSGRW (PILOT’S version 1.7, build 29).
To represent the mountains and the icefield, ORBX creations like SAK, Vector and Open LC Canada-Alaska were used. The DC-3 livery is available as a free download from major sites like FlightSim.com or AVSIM .
Last point: when you take a screen capture, it is possible to use a photo editing software (there are many good ones on the market) to slightly improve a particular aspect of the picture. It takes very little effort to learn how to use few basic functions that will enhance your captures.
For more articles on flight simulation on my web site, click on the following link : Flight simulation
A Pilatus PC-21 aircraft over Shoreham, United Kingdom
Near the Fairoaks airport, United Kingdom. Flaps and gear down on the Pilatus PC-21
The IRIS Pilatus PC-21 Pro Training Series is a high performance aircraft. It is equipped with a five blade graphite propeller as well as a Pratt-Whitney PT6A-68B engine able to develop 1600 SHP. Until the PC-21 was created, there were only jet aircrafts that could provide such performance when it comes to pilot training. The PC-21’s maximum airspeed is 370 knots, its service ceiling 38,000 feet and it can climb at a rate of 4000 feet/minute.
PC-21 aircraft near the Fairoaks airport, United Kingdom
The above sequence of pictures represents a familiarization flight with that aircraft, before trying to attempt to land in Fairoaks. I have included this flight under the “flight simulation” section of the site, under “standard virtual flights”.
PC-21 turning final for Fairoaks airport, United Kingdom
The takeoff was done from Southampton and the route included Shoreham, Gatwick, Heathrow to finally end in Fairoaks. Along the route, different exercises were practiced like slow flight, inverted flight and other manoeuvers that allowed to learn the behavior of the machine under all kind of configurations.
PC-21 aircraft on final for the Fairoaks airport, United Kingdom
A PC-21 aircraft and the Fairoaks airport, United Kingdom
IRIS created that virtual Pilatus. ORBX is responsible for the Southampton, Shoreham and Fairoaks virtual airports, as well as sceneries generated by their well known Global, Vector, Open LC and Trees HD products. FSX was used for the flight. Clouds were generated by REX and CumulusX. For an even more realistic experience, UK2000 virtual airports like London Gatwick and London Heathrow could have been used since they are of excellent quality.
Pilatus PC-21 on the Fairoaks airport (FSX)
Beware of the approach in Fairoaks. There are trees near the threshold of the runway and the landing surface is relatively short, measuring only 813m (2667 feet). Flying an aircraft equipped with such a powerful engine and whose stall speed approximates 150 kmh with flaps and gear down will require much attention on the approach. It will be the difference between a successful landing or having your name in the first page of Fairoaks local newspaper the next day.
For other ideas of virtual flights that do not require a lot of experience, click on the following link: Standard virtual flights
For more articles on flight simulation on my web site, click on the following link : Flight simulation
Metal2Mesh Mirage 2000C on a test flight over AfghanistanMetal2Mesh Mirage 2000C and VRS Simulations weapons
The most recent creation from Metal2Mesh is a real stunner, graphically and when it comes to simulating the real aircraft. In the above picture, the Mirage 2000C is in flight over England and carries virtual armaments designed by VRSimulations (Tac Pack). The Rafale is visible in the background and was automatically generated by the computer (AI). The clouds are a combination of REX and CumulusX, for the shadows on the ground. ORBX is responsible for generating a virtual England.
Reading a minimum is necessary before you learn how to select and install the weapons, something I did not do since I was a bit too eager to do a flight test with that superb aircraft. I had to start over, but it really comes quickly and the manual provides you with clear instructions. You will need a small free program (available on page 9 of the manual, and created by Peter Dowson) in order to see the speed, altitude, etc, directly on the HUD.
For more articles on flight simulation on my web site, click on the following link : Flight simulation
Here are some screen captures taken shortly after I bought FlyTampa Toronto. I am using FSX for those pictures.
A Piper over the Toronto international airport. The scenery is FlyTampa Toronto and the clouds are generated by REXFlyTampa Toronto et Air Canada JazzFlyTampa Toronto avec REX et Cumulus X
In order to increase the virtual flight realism, the CumulusX program was used, in addition with REX, a software that generates clouds. Cumulus X is mostly used by virtual gliding enthousiasts but one of its strong side is that it creates shadows on the ground, like in the picture above.
Fly Tampa Toronto et Alabeo R66
FlyTampa is the company which, up to now, has done the best work representing virtually the Toronto international airport (CYYZ). There are high quality 3D objects, moving people, smoke that comes out of the surrounding buildings. Even the roof’s fan blades can be activated through a control panel that allows the modification of settings according to the configuration of your computer. Three seasons are modelized in order to enhance the virtual flight experience.
For more articles on flight simulation on my web site, click on the following link : Flight simulation
