Tag: around the world in flight simulation

Around the world in flight simulation (9)

Post author By Stanley
Post date 18 October 2024
No Comments on Around the world in flight simulation (9)

The Antonov 225 taking-off from the Antonov airport (UKKM) in Ukraine heading to Sochi, Russia.

Today, the Antonov 225 is reborn for another leg of this world tour of flight simulation. In reality, this aircraft was destroyed by Russia during its invasion of Ukraine. At the time of writing, war is still raging between the two nations. But in virtual mode, we have more latitude to alter the course of events and simulate peace.

So, we leave Ukraine’s Antonov airport (UKKM), fly over Crimea and then stop off in Sochi, Russia (airport code USSR). Our destination is Lublin airport (EPLB) in Poland.

The weather is looking good, with clear skies for the arrival in Sochi. The scenery around Sochi is splendid, and it’s best to land in good weather.

Take-off is a breeze, but the Antonov 225’s heaviness takes some getting used to. The weight of the aircraft means that every time the pilot makes a maneuver with the flight controls, initially nothing happens. Then, the aircraft slowly begins to obey. So, you have to expect delays and anticipate the outcome of maneuvers.

Navigraph is used for navigation. Of course, I plan to deviate from the initial route to fly over Crimea and then on to Sochi.

The pink triangle indicates the position of the Antonov 225 entering Crimea on its flight to Sochi in Russia and then Poland.

Below, the ploughed fields of the Ukraine. Ukraine is considered the breadbasket of the world.

The Antonov 225 over the cultivated fields of Ukraine.

Crimea is a beautiful region from the air, but fiercely contested on the ground. A pilot would say that today, it’s more turbulent down there than up.

The Antonov 225 entering Crimea on its flight to Russia then Poland

A few minutes later, the flight over the Sea of Azov begins in the direction of Sochi.

The approach is spectacular, with the surrounding mountains. As with all large aircraft, the Antonov has to be stabilized well in advance to avoid overcorrecting on final.

Antonov 225 on long final for runway 06 in Sochi (USSR), Russia.

The cargo plane stops in an extremely short distance for such a heavy aircraft. When the thrust is reversed on six engines, there’s no need to set the brakes to maximum, especially in Sochi. We make a short stopover.

Antonov 225 parked for a short stopover at Sochi (USSR), Russia.

Just after our arrival, a Russian Sukhoi 27 military jet makes a low pass near the tower. The fighter jet was created at the time in response to the construction of the American F-15.

A Sukhoi Su-27 makes a low pass at the Sochi Airport (USSR), Russia.

The flight resumes in the late afternoon. Below, the Antonov 225 is on final approach to runway 25 at Lublin airport in Poland.

Antonov 225 on final for rwy 25 at Lublin airport, Poland

The thrust reversers allow the aircraft to exit onto the taxiway in the middle of the runway.

Antonov 225 with thrust reversers after landing at Lublin (EPLB) airport in Poland.

We get a little help with parking.

Antonov 225 with some help for the parking at Lublin airport, Poland

The next stage of this round-the-world flight simulation will be with a smaller aircraft, heading for Germany. A flight over Göttingen is planned with a helicopter (D-JORG). The trip will end at Paderborn Lippstadt Airport (EDLP).

Click on the link to read more about this round-the-world flight simulation on my blog.

Flight Simulation

Around the world in flight simulation (7).

Post author By Stanley
Post date 11 July 2024
No Comments on Around the world in flight simulation (7).

A surprise awaits us as we depart from the Sandane airport (ENSD) for Sweden, Stockholm-Bromma airport (ESSB).

Drone on the ground at Sandane airport (ENSD) in Norway.

A Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk drone is at the airport. This long-range surveillance aircraft has an autonomy of around 35 hours and a range of 22779 kilometers. It flies at altitudes of up to 60,000 feet (18288 meters). Its maximum speed is 635 km/h, and each hour of operation costs $24,000.

Beech 350I airborne from the Sandane Airport (ENSD) heading to Stockholm-Broma airport (ESSB)

Today, we’re repositioning a twin-engine Beechcraft King Air 350I that hasn’t flown in ages. The usual checks have been carried out to ensure that no birds have nested under the engine cowling. We also checked that there was no condensation water at the bottom of the fuel tanks. Finally, we ran the engines for a long time on the ground. The aircraft takes off from Sandane for a planned altitude of 18,000 feet.

Over Norway snowcapped mountains heading to Sweden in flight simulation.

We fly over the mountains of Norway towards Sweden. Everything goes according to plan.

Navigraph chart showing a flight from Sandane (ENSD) to Stockholm-Bromma (ESSB)

The Navigraph map shows the planned route between the two countries.

Engine failure on a twin engine aircraft with Microsoft Flight Simulator.

Suddenly, the left engine experiences problems. It stops and the propeller feathers to minimize drag. Since we’re approaching the runway at Stockholm-Bromma airport, we choose to continue on our way, as we benefit from a large airstrip and emergency response services. Now unsure about the reliability of the second engine, we keep a slightly higher altitude than a normal approach would generally dictate.

Double engine failure on a twin engine with Microsoft Flight Simulator.

A few minutes later, the second engine stops. The plane becomes a large glider. The clouds prevent a good view of the surrounding area, but we feel our altitude is sufficient to attempt an approach to the airport when the runway is in sight.

On final for Stockholm-Bromma airport with a double engine failure

The flaps and landing gear will only be extended once we’re established on final and the aircraft is stabilized and certain of reaching the runway. Microsoft’s flight simulator doesn’t allow us to do just anything with an aircraft. If we exceed the aircraft’s structural capabilities when attempting to reach the airport, the flight will stop immediately.

On the ground at Stockholm-Bromma with a double engine failure on a Beechcraft 350I in flight simulation.

The final approach and taxiing caused no problems. The aircraft gradually slows down until it comes to a complete stop on the runway. The poor air traffic controllers now have to apply Plan B to reorganize air traffic around the airport, with the main runway temporarily blocked.

Beechcraft maintenance hangar at the Stockholm-Bromma virtual airport

Fortunately, Beechcraft offers maintenance services at Stockholm-Bromma airport. So, we’ll leave the aircraft for major repairs and find something faster for the next flight to Ukraine. Why not an F-14 Tomcat? It is not in military service anymore and thus its presence in the air should not worry too much.

P.S. This story is based on a real even that happened in Quebec several years ago. An acquaintance of mine (Paul B.) was scheduled to fly from the Val-d’Or airport (CYVO) to Rouyn-Noranda (CYUY) in a light twin-engine aircraft that hadn’t flown in a long time. Halfway between CYVO and CYUY, the first engine failed. The pilot decided to continue. With the runway in sight in the distance, the second engine stopped. The pilot hovered the aircraft and managed to land on route 117, just behind a large truck which accelerated to give way to the aircraft he could see descending in his rear-view mirror. The aircraft landed safely and without damages!

Click on the link for more flight simulator flights around the world on my blog.

Flight Simulation

Around the world in flight simulation (6)

Post author By Stanley
Post date 7 June 2024
No Comments on Around the world in flight simulation (6)

The sixth leg of this world tour of flight simulation continues with a journey from the Molde (ENML) airport to the Sandane/Anda (ENSD) airport in southern Norway.

Ready for departure from Molde (ENML) virtual airport to Sandane (ENSD) airport.

The destination can’t accommodate a private jet like the Cessna Citation Longitude, as runway 08/26 is only 3182 feet long. A good old light twin-engine plane, repainted a hundred times over, will have to be rented for the trip, and we’ll just have to hope the engines hold out.

Enroute to the virtual Sandane airport (ENSD) in Norway with Microsoft Flight Simulator. — Enroute to the virtual Sandane airport (ENSD) in Norway with Microsoft Flight Simulator

The mountains of Norway come into view, and the ascent continues gradually to ensure that the highest peaks along the route pose no problems.

The navigraph tool for flight simulation and the VFR map from ENML to ENSD.

Above, a view of the aircraft’s instrument panel as it climbs, with a Navigraph map showing the route flown in visual flight. Virtual weather is integrated in real time whenever a new weather report is issued by a ground observation station around the world.

View of the Norwegian mountains from the pilot seat

Morning sun over the Norwegian mountains with Microsoft Flight Simulator.

Another sunrise view that brings Norway’s magnificent mountain landscape to life.

Approaching the Sandane virtual airport in flight simulation.

We are now almost at our destination. The plane is in left base for runway 08 at Sandane/Alda airport.

Turning final for runway 08 at Sandane (ENSD) virtual airport in Norway.

Over the still-frozen Innvikfjorden, the final turn is made to stabilize the aircraft on final runway 08. On short final, there’s a cliff just short of threshold 08, and a difference in runway height to take into account for the landing.

View of the Sandane (ENSD) virtual airport with Microsoft Flight Simulator.

Above, a view of the Sandane/Alda virtual airport (ENSD) using Microsoft Flight Simulator. There is no margin for error, as the two runway thresholds are bordered by a cliff and a stretch of water.

Help for parking is offered at the Sandane (ENSD) virtual airport in Norway.

Service at the airport is excellent. Two employees are waiting to help us park our aircraft.

Sandane is known for its magnificent panoramas, waterfalls, Briksdalsbreen glacier and horseback riding. The village is nestled inland from the Gloppe Fjord. If you’re traveling there in summer, you’ll need to be prepared for a fair amount of precipitation.

The next flight is from Sandane to Stockholm-Bromma in Sweden with a Beechcraft King Air 350I which has not flown for a long time. We’ll have to fly over the high mountains of the Jostedalsbreen Nasjonalpark before reaching our destination.

Click on the link for more flight simulator flights around the world on my blog.

Flight Simulation

Around the world in flight simulation (5).

Post author By Stanley
Post date 17 May 2024

Airborne from the Ivalo virtual airport (EFIV) in northern Finland.

The fifth leg of this world tour in flight simulation continues with a journey from Ivalo airport (EFIV) in Finland to Molde airport (ENML) in southern Norway. It’s hard to see daylight through the cloud cover as we take off.

In anticipation of this and subsequent flights, I subscribed to Navigraph to make the experience even more immersive. The map below shows the choices for arrival procedures at Molde airport. In green are the reporting points for the arrival and in orange those for the approach. The aircraft follows these points automatically, thanks to the on-board computer.

Navigraph informations for the arrival in Molde (ENML)

I’m only just getting to grips with Navigraph and am still going through a trial-and-error process when it comes to using the data. But I’m making progress…

Heading towards the Molde (ENML) airport in Norway with MFS2020.

Once through the cloud layer, the aircraft finally reaches flight level FL380 (38,000 feet).

The runway at Molde airport is 2221 metres (7287 feet) long, and lies on the shore of Moldefjorden. It’s perfect for the Cessna Citation Longitude, but there are mountains on the approach.

Navigraph map superposed on the geography on approach for the Molde airport (ENML)

The data provided by Navigraph helps the pilot to use the correct altitude limits to maintain a safe height above the terrain at all times. You can also track the aircraft’s progress along the chosen route. Several types of maps are also available to help prepare take-offs and landings. When required, maps can be overlaid with the Navigraph system, while maintaining the aircraft’s planned route over the local geography.

Cessna Citation Longitude descending towards the Molde airport (ENML) airport in Norway in flight simulation.

We start the descent to Molde airport. The cloud cover is relatively thin and visibility is not a problem.

Descending for Molde airport (ENML) in Norway with Microsoft Flight Simulator.

The setting sun makes for beautiful scenes on the descent to Molde.

Approaching the virtual Molde airport (ENML) with the Cessna Citation Longitude

Once out of the clouds and in ideal weather, the autopilot is disconnected and the approach is made visually.

On final for runway 25 at the Molde virtual airport (ENML) in flight simulation.

Winds oriented almost in line with runway 25 facilitate the approach.

Exiting runway 25 at the Molde airport (ENML) in Norway.

The Cessna Citation leaves runway 25 and parks for a few days in Molde, a Norwegian town renowned for its beautiful mountains and numerous parks and rose gardens. This town was saved from famine in 1740 by the presence of herrings. The town’s coat of arms features a whale hunting herrings in a barrel as a reminder of this period. Thanks to its position along the fjords and the foehn effect, winters in Molde are relatively mild (and very mild compared to Canada).

Soon the sixth leg of the flight will take place, from Molde to Sandane (ENSD), a Norwegian airport surrounded by beautiful mountains.

Click on the link for more flight simulator flights around the world https://francoisouellet.ca/en/category/flight-simulation/ on my blog.

Flight Simulation

Around the world in flight simulation (4)

Post author By Stanley
Post date 26 April 2024

Cessna 700 airborne from the virtual Vagar (EKVG) airport in the Faroe Islands with Microsoft Flight Simulator.

The fourth leg of this world tour in flight simulation continues with a trip between Vagar airport (EKVG) in the Faroe Islands (Kingdom of Denmark) and Finland‘s northernmost airport, (EFIV).

Below is a diagram showing the route, which takes approximately two hours.

From the Vagar airport (EKVG) to the Ivalo airport (EFIV).

I’m using Microsoft Flight Simulator for the trip. The tanks are only 50% full, as we need to limit the aircraft’s weight to allow a safe takeoff on this 5908-foot runway. The aircraft requires a minimum of 4810 feet, to which must be added a strong crosswind component this morning. What’s more, the runway is soggy. If we add too much fuel, we risk ending up in the bay at the end of runway 30.

Cessna Longitude enroute to Ivalo (EFIV) Finland in flight simulation.

The virtual Cessna Longitude is now at its planned cruising altitude. Thick clouds cover the coast of Norway, but the weather is much more favorable in northern Finland, where our destination lies.

Virtual Cessna 700 starting the descent towards Ivalo (EFIV) Finland.

After waiting as long as possible before starting the descent, to save the remaining fuel, it’s time to descend into the cloud layer for the approach to Ivalo.

Virtual Cessna Longitude over the frozen northern land of Finland

On the way down to the airport, the aircraft passes through several layers of cloud. Finland, still frozen in March, is clearly visible.

Visual approach to the Ivalo (EFIV) virtual airport in Finland

We have to wait until the last moment to extend the landing gear and flaps to maximize fuel economy. Near the airport, I’m treated to a magnificent spectacle as the sun reaches the horizon.

Long final for runway 22 of the Ivalo virtual airport (EFIV) in Finland

Landing gear down. Flaps to follow shortly. An alarm has just gone off in the cockpit to indicate a low fuel level in the tanks. But there’s still around 350 lbs for each engine. On final approach, the view is superb.

Cessna Citation on short final runway 22 for the Ivalo (EFIV) virtual airport in Finland.

Winds are 220 degrees at 7 knots, directly in line with Runway 22. The runway is 8199 x 148 feet. The flaps are down and the approach is smooth.

Ivalo (EFIV) the northernmost aiport in Finland with Microsoft Flight Simulator copie

Welcome to Lapland! Ivalo Airport (EFIV) was Finland’s ninth busiest airport in 2024. The region attracts winter sports enthusiasts as well as those keen to observe the Northern Lights.

Click on the link for more flights around the world in flight simulation on my blog.

Tags around the world in flight simulation, Cessna Citation Longitude, Denmark, EFIV, EKVG, Finland, flight simulation, flight simulator, IFR flight, Ivalo, Ivalo airport, MFS 2020, Microsoft Flight Simulator, Vagar, Vagar airport, virtual aircraft, virtual airport, virtual pilot, virtual weather