Tag: challenging virtual flights

Flight simulation : Lukla, the most dangerous airport in the world (FSX)

Post author By Stanley
Post date 24 December 2015

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

Tags Aerosoft, aircraft, airplane crash, challenging virtual flights, DHC-6, flight, flight simulation, FSX, Lukla, Lukla virtual airport, ORBX, sloped runway, Syangboche, Twin Otter, virtual flight, virtual scenery, VNLK, VNSB

Flight Simulation

Flight simulation: the Peyresourde Balestas mountain airfield when you’re looking for a challenging flight!

Post author By Stanley
Post date 2 May 2015

A Sat Airlines aircraft is on final for the Peyresourde mountain airfield

Flight simulation allows the use of all company liveries and types of aircraft. In the present case, a DHC-8-227Q from Sat Airlines, with the Sakhalin Energy logo, has mysteriously found itself inbound for the Peyresourde mountain airfield.

A Sat Airlines aircraft is on short final for Peyresourde mountain airfield

Peyresourde Balestas is located in the Pyrenees, at an altitude of 1580 meters. Its runway is only 335 meters long and has a 15 degree slope. The beginning of the James Bond movie “Tomorrow never dies” has been filmed there. The runway is long enough to accommodate the DHC-8-227Q as the plane’s excellent braking capacity is even improved by the sloped runway. If you touch early enough, you won’t even have to apply full braking power.

Sat Airlines Sakhalin Energy and the Peyresourde mountain airfield (fsx)

A Dash 7, with its superb ability to operate from any kind of field, would also fit in there, providing the amount of fuel and cargo is well calculated. Because what lands must also takeoff.

Peyresourde Balestas and the DHC-8-202Q Sat Airlines Sakhalin Energy (fsx)

The Peyresourde Balestas mountain airfield is made by LLH Créations, from France. The company has already produced four mountain airfields located in the French Alps. This is the first one in the Pyrenees.

Virtualcol FS Software created the Dash-8 used for this flight. For a very reasonable price, that company offers, in one bundle, an astonishing amount of liveries and all the types of DHC-8. Their product is detailed enough and really takes lower end computers into account when it comes to FPS (frames per second). Don’t expect the same realism as with the Q400 from Majestic Software though: Majestic’s Q400 is on a category by itself in the sim world and the price is adjusted accordingly.

The fun will not be over after you land. You will find that the takeoff is quite spectacular. Apply the brakes, full power and the necessary amount of flaps and let it go! You’ll see that the runway’s end is coming quickly and that you’re building speed like you never believed possible with a Dash 8!

The Peyresourde Balestas airport and a DHC-8-202Q aircraft owned by Sat Airlines Sakhalin Energy

A DHC-8-202Q owned by Sat Airlines Sakhalin Energy is leaving the Peyresourde Balestas runway

Your passengers will certainly remember that mountain airfield. So will you!

If you want more ideas of flights that would test your nerves, just head to the “challenging virtual flight” section of this website.

For more articles on flight simulation on my web site, click on the following link : Flight simulation

Tags altiport, challenging virtual flights, Dash-8, DHC-8-227Q, France, FSX, LFIP, liveries, LLH Creations, mountain airfield, Peyresourde Balestas, Pyrénées, Sakhalin Energy, Sat Airlines, sloped runway, virtual flight, Virtualcol

Flight Simulation

Flight simulation: gliding with the DG-808S over Canadian lakes and forests.

Post author By Stanley
Post date 28 March 2015

The link is finally cut between the plane and the DG-808S glider (fsx)

In the « flight simulation » section, under « challenging virtual flights », you will soon find screen captures representing the DG-808S glider built by DG Flugzeugbau. The flight departed from the Parry Sound airport (CNK4) in Ontario. The scenery has been created by Vlad Maly, from ORBX.

A DG-808S glider in flight with birds (fsx)

The command CTRL+SHFT+Y will allow an aircraft to appear and a cable to be installed between the aircraft and the glider. It is more demanding to do gliding operations in the Parry Sound region because if the pilot gets far enough from the airport, he leaves behing many options to help him land easily in case of difficulties. There are not many fields or roads. There are mostly lakes and forests. The view is interesting, but you fly with the feeling that there is really no plan B. If the glider must go down, chances are it will find itself either in water or on the top of trees.

Glider DG-808S turning base for the Parry Sound airport (fsx)

Glider DG-808S over Robert's Lake (fsx) — Glider DG-808S over Robert’s Lake (fsx)

The DG-808S can reach a speed up to 146 kT and has a gliding ratio of 5o :1. It is a high performance glider. It can carry up to 343 pounds of water to be used as ballast. In real life, the pilot uses the necessary amount of water according to the prevailing weather conditions. If there are weak thermals, the glider will easily operate without water. If there are strong thermals, it carries the maximum amount of water in its wings to add sufficient weight.

DG-808S sailplane on short final for runway 35 in Parry Sound (fsx)

Glider DG-808S over threshold 35 Parry Sound (fsx)

The flight was made using CumulusX and FSX. On final for runway 35, you will have the opportunity to fly at low altitude over Robert’s Lake and admire all the small details created to make the scenery more realistic.

A DG-808S sailplane and the Canadian flag in Parry Sound, Ontario (fsx)

End of a DG-808S glider flight in Parry Sound, Ontario (fsx)

For more articles on flight simulation on my web site, click on the following link : Flight simulation

Good luck and have fun!

Tags airport, challenging virtual flights, CNK4, Cumulus x, DG Flugzeugbau, DG-808S, FSX, glider, Ontario, ORBX, Parry Sound virtual airport, pilot, Robert's Lake, virtual flight, virtual scenery, Vlad Maly

Flight Simulation

Flight simulation: why not try a flight between two helipads located high in the Alps?

Post author By Stanley
Post date 15 March 2015

R66 helicopter on the Refuge du Requin helipad in the Alps (DZRR) FSX

In the “flight simulation” section, under “challenging virtual flights”, I have added screen captures (also visible here for now) that show a flight that can be quite demanding and which consists of doing a VFR ride with an helicopter between two helipads situated high in the Alps. The flight is made using FSX. In real weather conditions, the winds can really complicate things when you are on short final for your destination.

R66 helicopter airborne from the Refuge du Requin (DZRR) FSX

R66 helicopter approaching the Refuge de l'Argentière DZRA FSX — R66 helicopter approaching the Refuge de l’Argentière DZRA FSX

For this exercice, the ALABEO R66 has been chosen. You could add another degree of difficulty by using a DODOSIM helicopter. The helipads are made by LLH Créations. The virtual flight that you can see in the screen captures set above shows a takeoff from the Refuge du Requin sur la Mer de glace (DZRR), which is at an altitude of 2510 meters, towards the Refuge de l’Argentière (DZRA), located at 2778 meters MSL. Two other mountain chalets could have been chosen: Chamonix (DZ des Bois , DZDB), at 1075 meters, and Promontoire (DZPR), near the Alpe d’Huez mountain airfield and Grenoble airport, at 3055 mètres in the mountains.

R66 on final for the Refuge de l'Argentière helipad DZRA FSX — R66 on final for the Refuge de l’Argentière helipad DZRA FSX

Before doing a flight, you can select one of the following three options: winter, summer and photographic scenery. The documents provided help you out with the best settings as to the autogen, the complexity, the resolution, etc.

R66 helicopter on the Refuge de l'Argentière helipad DZRA FSX — R66 helicopter on the Refuge de l’Argentière helipad DZRA FSX

R66 on the roof of the Refuge de l'Argentière DZRA FSX — R66 on the roof of the Refuge de l’Argentière DZRA FSX

I am convinced that you will enjoy the experience. By using real weather, each flight becomes an adventure. With moderate winds, on an approach to the Refuge de l’Argentière, you will realize that there is not much margin of manoeuver!

Have a good flight!

For more articles on flight simulation on my web site, click on the following link : Flight simulation

Flight Simulation

Flight simulation: a Canadian C130 Hercules on the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise

Post author By Stanley
Post date 4 March 2015

Canadian C-130 Hercules on approach for the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise

For the challenging virtual flights category, a F18 landing on the bridge of an aircraft carrier would have been appropriate. But using a C130 was at least as demanding, due to an increased inertia and the absence of hook to slow down the plane. Since this had already been tried in real life on the USS Forrestal in 1963, it seemed that it would be an excellent exercice.

Canadian C-130 on final for the USS Enterprise aircraft carrier

If you decide to try this exercice, expect to do few missed approaches as you get used to the narrow bridge and the more important size of the Lockheed C-130 Hercules (Captain Sim). The landing configuration with full flaps must be established a long time in advance. At the time you arrive over the bridge, no in flight adjustments must have been necessary for a minute or so on the approach. It will ensure a smooth landing.

Canadian C-130 on short final for the USS Enterprise aircraft carrier

The USS Enterprise deck height is about 130 feet and there is plenty of runway if you arrive at the threshold at the appropriate height. If there is a rebound, just apply full throttle and pull the control column slightly, as you are flying near stall speed. The approach speed should be around 110 kT. I chose to limit the fuel load to 50% in all tanks. The total weight of the aircraft was 127,000 pounds.

Canadian C-130 landing on the deck of the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise

You will have to deactivate the option that makes the simulator react to an airplane crash. There are too many aircrafts on each side of the Big E runways and you risk hitting one of them with the C130 wings. For the real life trials on the USS Forrestal, the aircrafts on the deck had been moved away to give space to the Hercules.

Canadian C-130 parking on the deck of the USS Enterprise

Canadian C-130 parking on the deck of the USS Enterprise aircraft carrier

There are many areas around the world where this exercice can be practiced since everything is already programmed in the TEAM SDB CVN-65 USS Enterprise software for FSX Acceleration. I chose to be airborne from San Diego (KSAN)and followed a heading of 257 degrees over 108nm. The USS Enterprise is located at 32,31.647N 119,1.802W. The month of July has been chose for the screen captures. The flight was done at 17h30 and the weather theme was ORBX5.

View of the USS Enterprise deck with a Canadian C-130 Hercules

It is a demanding exercise that you will certainly appreciate. Have a good flight! If you feel like it, tell me how it went!

For more articles on flight simulation on my web site, click on the following link : Flight simulation

Tags aircraft carrier, airplane crash, approach speed, Big E, challenging virtual flights, flight simulation, FSX, Fsx Acceleration, landing on an aircraft carrier, Lockheed C-130 Hercules, missed approach, ORBX5, San Diego, Team SDB CVN-65 USS Enterprise, USS Enterprise, USS Forrestal, virtual flight

Flight Simulation

Flight simulation: Fly a Dash 7 from Kokoda to Kagi in Papua New Guinea

Post author By Stanley
Post date 8 January 2015

De Havilland Canada DHC-7 Dash 7 over the Kokoda trail in Papua New Guinea

Steep turn made by a Dash 7 (FSX) landing in Kagi, Papua New Guinea

If you are looking for a real challenge, try a flight from Kokoda airport to Kagi, using a DHC-7. Kagi is situated along the Kokoda Trail in Papua New Guinea. The runway has a 12.5 degree slope and is approximately 447m long (1466 ft). The airstrip’s altitude is about 3900 ft msl. You will need the ORBX scenery (AYPY) Jacksons Airport made by Ken Hall and Tim Harris, as well as other Orbx products such as Global, Vector and Holgermesh to do the flight and obtain the same views as above. In order to find the airports, two maps are included in the “User documents” included with AYPY.

A Dash 7 (FSX) on final for Kagi, Papua New Guinea

I adjusted the fuel at 50% in each tank. For payload, I used 5 passengers and luggages. Obviously, the aircraft could have been loaded with many more passengers and cargo. But since it was a first trial at Kagi with a Dash 7, I thought that a lighter payload would increase my chances of a successful landing by reducing the approach speed.

A United Nations Dash 7 after landing uphill on runway 07 in Kagi, Papua New Guinea

The landing in Kagi is made on runway 07 and the takeoff on runway 25. From Kokoda airport, follow the Kokoda trail then, when appropriate, make a right turn toward Kagi. There are few airports within a small area so it can get a bit confusing. The best way is to overfly the area slowly to ensure that what you see in flight and what is on the map are both the same airport.

The two most difficult aspects of the approach are the steep turns required while flying close to the mountains in slow flight configuration, that is to say with full flaps and wheels out. The second problem to keep in mind is the sloped runway: 12.5 degrees is not negligeable. But once you are on the runway, the Dash 7 will almost stop by himself due to that slope. The takeoff on runway 25 is not a problem with that aircraft: with such a sloped runway, you will be airborne in no time.

A United Nations Dash 7 ready for takeoff on runway 25 in Kagi, Papua New Guinea

I am convinced you will enjoy this demanding flight. There are lots of plants and trees included in the scenery, so it makes for a very realistic approach. Have fun and make sure your passengers will still have a smile on their face when they get out of the airplane!

P.S.: The flight was made using FSX

For more articles on flight simulation on my web site, click on the following links: Challenging virtual flights or Flight simulation

Tags AYPY, challenging virtual flights, Dash 7, flight simulation, FSX, FTX Global Vector, Holgermesh, Kagi virtual airport, Ken Hall, Kokoda, landing, ORBX, Papua New Guinea, screen captures, sloped runway, take-off, Tim Harris, virtual flight, virtual scenery

Screen captures

A virtual FedEx MD-11 from PMDG

Post author By Stanley
Post date 14 November 2014

FedEx MD11 in flight (FSX). This virtual aircraft is made by PMDG.

The MD-11 is an extremely interesting aircraft with regards to its characteristics but many pilots have had problems to master all its interesting features in real life. It’s partly for that reason that there has been many crashes with this type of aircraft. Considering the MD-11 high fuel consumption, FedEx will progressively start selling them, starting 2015. The only company in the world still using the MD-11 to carry passengers is KLM (edit: it did the last flight with passengers in 2015). The MD-11 is remembered for the Swissair 111 crash, near the coast of Nova-Scotia, on Septembre 2nd, 1998. It was flying the New-York to Geneva leg when the accident happened: 229 persons perished when the aircraft plunged into the sea.

The above screen capture has been edited to give it a more realistic effect and to emphasize the quality of light at dusk. Different images, under many company colors, can be found on this website under the « flight simulation” category, within the ” virtual pictures » section. A flight from Mexico City Intl to Denver Intl will soon be included in the « challenging virtual flights » section. Have a good visit!

Tags airplane crash, challenging virtual flights, FedEx, flight simulation, FSX, MD-11, screen captures, virtual flight

Updates

Update November 9, 2014

Post author By Stanley
Post date 9 November 2014

Hello,

Here is a quick update regarding some additions of the last few weeks. Of course I continue to publish “the real stories as pilot and FSS” (so far 7 have been published out of 80). The most improved section is the photo gallery of the Canadian provinces (at least 30 pictures have been added). In the virtual flights section, I’ve added a flight with a glider (in the standard flights) and a flight with an helicopter landing on a cruise ship (challenging flights section). Coming soon, a little review on a surprising book: “The basic laws of human stupidity”. Here are three of the recently added pictures. Have a good visit!

Empress Hotel at dusk, Victoria Harbor, Canada 2014

Photoshop edition of a house, Fisherman's Wharf, Victoria, Canada 2014 — Photoshop edition of a house, Fisherman’s Wharf, Victoria, Canada 2014

Photo of a part of Banff downtown, Alberta, Canada 2014

Tags Alberta, Banff, British-Columbia, challenging virtual flights, Empress Hotel in Victoria, photo, the basic laws of human stupidity, Victoria Harbour