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Flight Simulation

The treacherous Launumu short sloped runway in Papua New Guinea.

An Air Saguenay DHC-3 Otter has made it from Québec to Kokoda, in Papua New Guinea. It is expected to work around the remote mountain airfields for a while.

The Air Saguenay Otter is taxiing for the Kokoda runway towards Launumu in Papua New Guinea.
The Air Saguenay Otter is taxiing for the Kokoda runway towards Launumu in Papua New Guinea.

Today, the Otter heads for Launumu, a mountain airfield that is at an elevation of 5082 ft asl and 1200 feet long.

The Air Saguenay Otter departing Kokoda.
The Air Saguenay Otter departing Kokoda.

The pilot has to watch for the birds in order to avoid any collision in flight…

Otter aircraft and birds.
Otter aircraft and birds.

Following the Kokoda trail is a good way to reach Launumu.

The Otter in the Papua New Guinea mountains, following the Kokoda Trail.
The Otter in the Papua New Guinea mountains, following the Kokoda Trail.

If the mixture is not adjusted, the Otter will lose a lot of steam trying to climb up to 7,500 feet to cross the first line of mountains.

Inside the Otter cockpit, with the mixture adjusted.
Inside the Otter cockpit, with the mixture adjusted.

Anybody landing and departing from Launumu deals with high density altitude. This is not only due to the elevation of the airfield but also to the very warm and moist air present in the region. Consequently, some additional airspeed is required on the approach and on the departure.

The Launumu runway is in sight.
The Launumu runway is in sight.

When a pilot lands southwestward in Launumu coming from Kokoda, he must dive in a valley to lose altitude, which will increase the aircraft’s airspeed. The Launumu runway is in sight.

If the airspeed is not promptly corrected, the approach to the Launumu runway will be too fast. Any airspeed above 60 knots forces the pilot to overshoot (unless you are ready to virtually die a few times while trying).

Losing altitude while respecting the flaps speed limit.
Losing altitude while respecting the flaps speed limit.

So, once the higher mountains are crossed, a good way of losing altitude without gaining airspeed is to use flaps (at the corresponding airspeed) and do a tight 360 degree coordinated turn while descending. That way, the pilot will end up in line with the runway and at the speed you want, which is around 50 knots.

Turning and descending in the valley during an approach for Launumu.
Turning and descending in the valley during an approach for Launumu.

The Otter floats endlessly because of its huge wings.

The Air Saguenay Otter is on approach for the Launumu short runway in Papua New Guinea.
The Air Saguenay Otter is on approach for the Launumu short runway in Papua New Guinea.

On final for Launumu, the pilot might end up having to deal with the bushes that are close to the runway. It is not unusual for the Otter or the Beaver to complete a difficult approach with bushes wrapped around the landing gear.

A Air Saguenay Otter is on final for the Launumu mountain runway.
A Air Saguenay Otter is on final for the Launumu mountain runway.
A Otter aircraft is arriving on the Launumu high altitude runway.
A Otter aircraft is arriving on the Launumu high altitude runway.

Launumu has a surprise for the newcomers. If the pilot lands southwestward, like it was just done here, and the aircraft is not stopped within approximately 600 feet, it starts accelerating since there is a pronounced slope downward in the second half of the runway. This slope leads to a cliff. In case of a missed approach, the pilot can use the slope downwards and dive in the valley at the end of the runway to build up airspeed and start a new approach.

Now that the hard work is done, it is time to wait for the passengers and cargo, and plan the next leg…

A Otter aircraft is backtracking the Launumu runway after landing.
A Otter aircraft is backtracking the Launumu runway after landing.
A Otter aircraft is parked on the Launumu runway in Papua New Guinea.
A Otter aircraft is parked on the Launumu runway in Papua New Guinea.

The virtual scenery and clouds required softwares like REX, REX Texture Direct, Cumulus X, FTX Global, FTX Global Vector and Pilot’s FS Global 2010.

Click on the link for other challenging virtual flights on my blog.

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Flight Simulation

Flight simulation: the North-Wright Airways Ltd Cessna 185F C-GNWA

Virtual Cessna 185F C-GNWA on final for Roberts Lake (CRL8) in Ontario
Virtual Cessna 185F C-GNWA on final for Roberts Lake (CRL8) in Ontario

This virtual Cessna 185F is seen here on final for Roberts Lake (CRL8) in Ontario. Due to the prevailing wind at the time of flight, I had to do the approach overflying the Parry Sound (CNK4) airport runway. Real weather was downloaded through internet.

As you can see, there was some bad weather near the airport. Considering that nightime was coming, it was the last flight of the evening.

C-GNWA belongs to the North-Wrights Airways Ltd company, based in Norman Wells, Northwest Territories. This particular Cessna 185F was built in 1977.

The flight simulation platform used to do the flight was FSX. The virtual clouds are a combination of REX (Texture Direct with Soft Clouds) and Cumulus X. The screen capture was slightly edited using an image editing software in order to optimize the contrasts and brightness.

Vlad Maly, who died in 2016, was the creator of this virtual scenery combining Parry Sound and Roberts Lake. It is sold by Orbx.

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

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Flight Simulation

Flight simulation: a FedEx MD-11 inbound for the Telluride airport (KTEX) (FSX)

The flight simulator enthousiast will have fun trying this short flight ( 14 minutes) from the Eagle County virtual airport (KEGE) to the Telluride virtual airport (KTEX). The virtual flight, using FSX, was made during winter, on January 8th. The shots below represent an idea of what is visible while flying toTelluride. Use 14,000 feet, it should do it…

FedEx MD-11 on the take-off run at the Eagle County airport (KEGE) (FSX)
FedEx MD-11 on the take-off run at the Eagle County airport (KEGE) (FSX)
FedEx MD-11 airborne from the Eagle County airport (KEGE) (FSX)
FedEx MD-11 airborne from the Eagle County airport (KEGE) (FSX)
FedEx MD-11 between Eagle County airport (KEGE) and Telluride airport (KTEX) (FSX)
FedEx MD-11 between Eagle County airport (KEGE) and Telluride airport (KTEX) (FSX)

There are lots of beautiful mountains between KEGE and Telluride, and also some unpredictable weather…

FedEX Md-11 entering bad weather
FedEX Md-11 entering bad weather

The expected ceiling at Telluride was 8500 ft. On the way to the airport, the clouds and visibility were sometimes obscuring the mountains.

A FedEx MD-11 on a flight Eagle County (KEGE) to Telluride (KTEX) (FSX)
A FedEx MD-11 on a flight Eagle County (KEGE) to Telluride (KTEX) (FSX)

Telluride is a very inviting airport for a MD-11. The 7000 feet runway itself does not represent a big challenge, although its 100 feet are a bit narrow: this aircraft would normally require a 150 feet wide landing surface.

The virtual VFR approach made with the MD-11 was the most expensive way to do the trip, since it required a fly-by and a 270 degree turn to the right to align with runway 09.

FedEx MD-11 flies by the Telluride airport KTEX) (FSX)
FedEx MD-11 flies by the Telluride airport KTEX) (FSX)

The 270 degree turn at a 10-20 degree bank allowed to transit from 14,000 to 10,000 ft without doing anything radical. Just a turn while descending and gradually loosing speed to arrive at around 160 kts on final. The aircraft was now installed on long final, with flaps set at 50 degrees.

A FedEx MD-11 on long final runway 09 for the Telluride airport (KTEX) (FSX)
A FedEx MD-11 on long final runway 09 for the Telluride airport (KTEX) (FSX)

The high altitude runway’s 9078 feet msl elevation meant the pilots dealt with lower air density and heavy weight when approaching and, as such, the airspeed had to be adjusted accordingly to prevent stalling on final.

A FedEx MD-11 on final runway 09 for the Telluride airport (KTEX) (FSX)
A FedEx MD-11 on final runway 09 for the Telluride airport (KTEX) (FSX)

Here is a view from the Telluride tower…

View from the Telluride airport (KTEX) (FSX) of a FedEx MD-11 on final for runway 09
View from the Telluride airport (KTEX) (FSX) of a FedEx MD-11 on final for runway 09

Now with a view like that, you would not consider coming in IFR…!

A FedEx MD-11 inbound from KEGE on final for runway 09 at the Telluride airport (KTEX) (FSX)
A FedEx MD-11 inbound from KEGE on final for runway 09 at the Telluride airport (KTEX) (FSX)

To prevent an overshoot and some additional expenses in fuel (which are already skyrocketing), an optimal approach was required.

Most accidents with the MD-11 happen when the pilot pushes on the stick when there is a rebound with the nose wheel, thus creating an even stronger rebound. When there is a rebound, there is no need to push on the stick, just wait and the aircraft sets itself quickly.

A FedEx MD-11 over the threshold runway 09 at the Telluride airport (KTEX) (FSX)
A FedEx MD-11 over the threshold runway 09 at the Telluride airport (KTEX) (FSX)

Now with max breaking and thrust reversers…

A FedEX MD-11 slowing down at the Telluride airport (KTEX) (FSX)
A FedEX MD-11 slowing down at the Telluride airport (KTEX) (FSX)

The MD-11 can easily turn at the first taxiway at Telluride. But in order to capture a wider view of the airport, I exited at the last taxiway (again adding to the already enormous expense in fuel…)

A FedEX Md-11 is exiting runway 09 at the Telluride airport (KTEX) (FSX)
A FedEX Md-11 is exiting runway 09 at the Telluride airport (KTEX) (FSX)

The employee on the ramp was worried that the MD-11 lower winglet would scratch N900SS while taxiing. But there was plenty of space (11 inches)…

A FedEX Md-11 is taxiing on the ramp at the Telluride airport (KTEX) (FSX)
A FedEX Md-11 is taxiing on the ramp at the Telluride airport (KTEX) (FSX)

The MD-11 was parked temporarily in a spot needed by every aircraft. It was necessary to unload quickly the precious cargo and get out of the way.

Temporary parking for a FedEx MD-11 at the Telluride airport (KTEX) (FSX)
Temporary parking for a FedEx MD-11 at the Telluride airport (KTEX) (FSX)

Some expert handling would be needed to help move back that MD-11 close to the runway. But that was the Telluride’s airport manager problem and he had promised he would have something ready!

FedEx Md-11 parked at the Telluride airport (KTEX) (FSX)
FedEx Md-11 parked at the Telluride airport (KTEX) (FSX)

The virtual scenery from departure to destination is a creation of ORBX programmers and the virtual MD-11 is made by PMDG Simulations (I am not sure it works with P3D though). For the weather, I used REX Simulations as the weather engine and REX and Cumulus X for the cloud textures. (Edit: PMDG does not support it’s MD-11 anymore).

For other challenging virtual flights, head towards the flight simulation section of my web site, under “challenging virtual flights”: there is something for everyone!

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

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Flight Simulation

Flight simulation: the “Tapini” virtual scenery in Papua New Guinea (FSX)

A virtual DHC-6 Twin Otter enroute for Kokoda after a fire on the right engine while departing Yongai (KGH) in Papua New Guinea PNG (FSX)
A virtual DHC-6 Twin Otter enroute for Kokoda after a fire on the right engine while departing Yongai (KGH) in Papua New Guinea PNG (FSX)

Ken Hall and Tim Harris have created a new virtual scenery for flight simulation enthousiasts. It is called “Tapini” and sold by ORBX. Their penultimate creation, AYPY Jackson’s International, allowed the virtual pilot to fly in very demanding virtual airports along the Kokoda Trail in Papua New Guinea. “Tapini” represents a whole new challenge and I have included several screen captures to show you how the different runways look in this new virtual scenery.

“Tapini”, still in Papua New Guinea, allows the virtual pilot to test his skills on seven new runways located in difficult areas of the Owen Stanley Range. Those airports also constitute a serious test for any aircraft, like in the picture above where damages to the right engine were sustained at Yongai.

A virtual Piper Pacer virtuel is about to land on the Ononge (ONB) curved runway in Papua New Guinea PNG (FSX). (It is possible to see the curve starting on the top of the image)
A virtual Piper Pacer virtuel is about to land on the Ononge (ONB) curved runway in Papua New Guinea PNG (FSX). (It is possible to see the curve starting on the top of the image)

To improve the virtual clouds while flying between the different airports, I used either REX or FSGRW weather engines. The cloud textures and weather effects were improved by one or many of the following products: Cumulus X, PrecipitFX, REX Texture Direct and REX Soft Clouds.

A virtual Dash 7 has just landed in Woitape (WTP) in Papua New Guinea PNG (FSX)
A virtual Dash 7 has just landed in Woitape (WTP) in Papua New Guinea PNG (FSX)

As variety is more fun, and also due to the different challenges created by those runways, the following virtual aircrafts were used: Carenado C-185F,  Lionheart Creations PA-18,  Virtavia DHC-4,  Aerosoft DHC-6 Twin Otter and Milton Shupe DHC-7.

The “Tapini” scenery gives the pilot a choice between the seven following runways:

ASB (Asimba)

A tricky, very short runway near a river.

A DHC-4 Caribou virtual aircraft is on approach for Asimba's sloped runway (ASB) in Papua New Guinea PNG (FSX)
A DHC-4 Caribou virtual aircraft is on approach for Asimba’s sloped runway (ASB) in Papua New Guinea PNG (FSX)

This is a very interesting runway, best done with a STOL aircraft like the Caribou DHC-4. The inhabitants might have to help you clear out some branches along the runway, considering the size of the aircraft. The runway slopes down on take-off, which helps to build up speed.

A DHC-4 Caribou virtual aircraft is on a stopover at Asimba (ASB) in Papua New Guinea PNG (FSX)
A DHC-4 Caribou virtual aircraft is on a stopover at Asimba (ASB) in Papua New Guinea PNG (FSX)
A DHC-4 Caribou virtual aircraft is airborne from Asimba (ASB) in Papua New Guinea PNG (FSX)
A DHC-4 Caribou virtual aircraft is airborne from Asimba (ASB) in Papua New Guinea PNG (FSX)

FNE (Fane)

A one-way, really challenging 12 degree sloped runway, with unpredictable winds.

A De Havilland DHC-7 virtual aircraft on final for the Fane (FNE) airport's sloped runway in Papua New Guinea PNG (FSX)
A De Havilland DHC-7 virtual aircraft on final for the Fane (FNE) airport’s sloped runway in Papua New Guinea PNG (FSX)

The runway sits on top of a hill. It is an amazing experience to land there. No wonder there are a lot of people watching the arrivals and departures.

If you slow down too quickly with an aircraft as big as the DHC-7 on that sloped runway, the twelve degree angle prevents you from moving forward. You must let the aircraft come down the runway very slowly, using the power to control the descent and the rudder to stay aligned on the runway, then apply take-off power for a few seconds to build just enough momentum to get above the hill.

A De Havilland DHC-7 virtual aircraft just finished taxiing uphill on the Fane (FNE) airport's sloped runway in Papua New Guinea PNG (FSX)
A De Havilland DHC-7 virtual aircraft just finished taxiing uphill on the Fane (FNE) airport’s sloped runway in Papua New Guinea PNG (FSX)

To turn the aircraft around, it’s a combination of power and reverse thrust until you clear all the obstacles (any humans venturing behind the aircraft will also be cleared during the operation…).

A De Havilland DHC-7 virtual aircraft is airborne from the Fane (FNE) airport's sloped runway in Papua New Guinea PNG (FSX)
A De Havilland DHC-7 virtual aircraft is airborne from the Fane (FNE) airport’s sloped runway in Papua New Guinea PNG (FSX)

There is a not so friendly man with a rifle watching the airport’s operations. Even the United Nations staff do not stay longer than necessary…

KGH (Yongai)

A very bumpy one-way sloped runway. A real bush aircraft is needed here!

A virtual DHC-6 Twin Otter on approach for the Yongai (KGH) bumpy runway in Papua New Guinea PNG (FSX)
A virtual DHC-6 Twin Otter on approach for the Yongai (KGH) bumpy runway in Papua New Guinea PNG (FSX)

Even with a real bush aircraft, there is a possibility that one of the aircraft’s propellers hits the ground while taxiing on the runway. There are so many deep holes that are hard to see, I can only wish the best of lucks to everyone trying out this airport!

A virtual DHC-6 Twin Otter on the Yongai (KGH) bumpy runway in Papua New Guinea PNG (FSX)
A virtual DHC-6 Twin Otter on the Yongai (KGH) bumpy runway in Papua New Guinea PNG (FSX)

Keep a close watch on the area near the little house at the end of the runway. The DHC-6 was really shaken while turning around for take-off. One of the propellers hit the ground but no problems were detected…until the aircraft was airborne. The fire alarm then went off, just as the aircraft was passing the runway threshold, seconds before flying over a cliff.

A virtual DHC-6 Twin Otter with its right engine on fire is just airborne from the Yongai (KGH) bumpy runway in Papua New Guinea PNG (FSX)
A virtual DHC-6 Twin Otter with its right engine on fire is just airborne from the Yongai (KGH) bumpy runway in Papua New Guinea PNG (FSX)

So much for the planned trip… and it was out of the question to return to Yongai on one engine. I had to pull the handle to stop the fire, feather the prop, cut the fuel where it was not needed anymore then head to the Kokoda airport as it was a sure alternative, having a long runway and an elevation that did not require the use of extra power.

KSP (Kosipe)

A relatively short runway that requires good calculations from the pilot, since it is located high in the mountains.

A virtual Cessna C-185F is enroute to the Kosipe (KSP) airport in Papua New Guinea PNG (FSX)
A virtual Cessna C-185F is enroute to the Kosipe (KSP) airport in Papua New Guinea PNG (FSX)

The Cessna C-185F is a very well suited aircraft for that runway. Make sure not to be too heavy on the brakes, as new C-185 propellers are hard to find in Kosipe. You can land in both directions. Ensure that the mixture is set properly as the airport is above 6300 feet.

A virtual Cessna C-185F is rolling after touching down on the Kosipe (KSP) runway in Papua New Guinea PNG (FSX)
A virtual Cessna C-185F is rolling after touching down on the Kosipe (KSP) runway in Papua New Guinea PNG (FSX)
A virtual Cessna C-185F is airborne from the Kosipe (KSP) runway in Papua New Guinea PNG (FSX)
A virtual Cessna C-185F is airborne from the Kosipe (KSP) runway in Papua New Guinea PNG (FSX)

ONB (Ononge)

A curved and very bumpy runway! For those who like low flying. Make sure you choose the good aircraft here; there is not much manoeuvering area once on the ground.

A Virtual Piper Pacer on approach for the Ononge (ONB) curved runway in Papua New Guinea PNG (FSX)
A Virtual Piper Pacer on approach for the Ononge (ONB) curved runway in Papua New Guinea PNG (FSX)

Ononge looks really scary when you show up on final for the first time. You wonder if the little trail that you see can really be a runway. For that kind of situation, the little Piper Pacer is an excellent aircraft, approaching slowly and braking on a dime. The runway is curved in the middle so you will need a bit of right rudder to keep the aircraft aligned with the runway.

A Virtual Piper Pacer on the Ononge curved runway in Papua New Guinea PNG (FSX)
A Virtual Piper Pacer on the Ononge curved runway in Papua New Guinea PNG (FSX)

I guess all those people with their cargo are waiting for a bigger airplane than mine…

A Virtual Piper Pacer is airborne from the Ononge curved runway in Papua New Guinea PNG (FSX)
A Virtual Piper Pacer is airborne from the Ononge curved runway in Papua New Guinea PNG (FSX)

TAP (Tapini)

A challenging one-way sloped runway nestled in a tight valley. You can even use an ILS to arrive there!

A virtual DHC-4 Caribou on short final for the Tapini (TAP) sloped runway in Papua New Guinea PNG (FSX)
A virtual DHC-4 Caribou on short final for the Tapini (TAP) sloped runway in Papua New Guinea PNG (FSX)

This is a superbly designed area and airport. I visited it with the DHC-4 Caribou but any other big STOL aircraft would have fitted there. There is enough room to manoeuver. It is not too bumpy. There is an interesting slope: it starts downward and ends upward: this helps to slow down the aircraft after landing.

A virtual DHC-4 Caribou on the ground at the Tapini (TAP) airport in Papua New Guinea PNG (FSX)
A virtual DHC-4 Caribou on the ground at the Tapini (TAP) airport in Papua New Guinea PNG (FSX)
A virtual DHC-4 Caribou is airborne from the Tapini (TAP) airport in Papua New Guinea PNG (FSX)
A virtual DHC-4 Caribou is airborne from the Tapini (TAP) airport in Papua New Guinea PNG (FSX)

WTP (Woitape)

Looks like a no brainer, but there is no margin of error on this one-way slightly sloped runway. Very precise calculations and settings are required if you want to land there with something else than a small aircraft.

A virtual De Havilland DHC-7 on final approach for the Woitape airport (WTP) virtual airport in Papua New Guinea (FSX)
A virtual De Havilland DHC-7 on final approach for the Woitape airport (WTP) virtual airport in Papua New Guinea (FSX)

I found the runway to be very slippery with the De Havilland DHC-7. I must say that there was a good crosswind, as I was flying with real life weather and winds. The DHC-7 behaves like a big boat while decelerating on such a runway.

A virtual De Havilland DHC-7 on the ground with two Twin Otters at the Woitape airport (WTP) in Papua New Guinea (FSX)
A virtual De Havilland DHC-7 on the ground with two Twin Otters at the Woitape airport (WTP) in Papua New Guinea (FSX)

The Woitape scenery is gorgeous. It is nice to have all those well designed virtual aircrafts, people and animals on site as this makes the scenery so much more realistic.

A De Havilland Virtual DHC-7 is airborne from the Woitape airport (WTP) in Papua New Guinea (FSX)
A De Havilland Virtual DHC-7 is airborne from the Woitape airport (WTP) in Papua New Guinea (FSX)

I love this new Orbx product. When you fly in such a realistic scenery, the brain does not make much difference between what is real and what is virtual. It really works! And if you use real life weather downloaded from the internet, it’s even better.

I tried the seven airports included in the “Tapini” virtual scenery and they are quite demanding. Yongai was the most challenging airport of them all. I had to do two missed approaches there since I ended up too high on the approach. I eventually got it right, like in real life!

I used the Microsoft flight simulator X (FSX) for all the virtual flights, but other platforms would have worked as well (Dovetail Games FSX Steam edition (FSX: SE) and all versions of P3D). The following products were also installed on my flight simulator: FTX Global, FTX Global Vector and Holgermesh, as well as Pilot’s FS Global 2010.

It is a totally immersive virtual experience and you have to forget everything else when undertaking those challenging virtual flights… if you want to make it “virtually” alive!

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

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Flight Simulation

Flight simulation: Homer (PAHO) ice runway with a DC-3 on skis, under FSX

DC-3 at the Homer (PAHO) virtual airport in Alaska (FSX)
DC-3 at the Homer (PAHO) virtual airport in Alaska (FSX)

If you feel like attempting a virtual landing on an ice runway, an opportunity is offered by ORBX through their Homer (PAHO), Alaska virtual airport. For the flight, I used the FSX platform but it could have been also done under P3D.

DC-3 on skis airborne from the Homer (PAHO) virtual airport in Alaska (FSX
DC-3 on skis airborne from the Homer (PAHO) virtual airport in Alaska (FSX)

The ice runway is just a short distance away from the regular Homer asphalted runway. The DC-3 is an excellent aircraft for the task since its approach speed is very low and it is one of the few virtual aircrafts equipped with skis.

A DC-3 on skis is turning final for the Homer ice runway in Alaska (FSX)
A DC-3 on skis is turning final for the Homer ice runway in Alaska (FSX)

If you want to try that flight, make sure to adjust the flight simulator configuration settings so that the Homer ice runway option is activated, otherwise you’ll end up under water…

In order to add a bit of challenge as well as winter realism, you can add a bit of crosswinds or some snow using the standard « heavy snow » option in FSX. The program PrecipitFX helps a lot if you are looking for a better definition of precipitations, be it snow or rain. For this flight, the Cumulus X program was also activated.

Cockpit view of a virtual DC-3 on final for the Homer (PAHO) ice runway in Alaska (FSX)
Cockpit view of a virtual DC-3 on final for the Homer (PAHO) ice runway in Alaska (FSX)
Virtual DC-3 on skis on short final for the Homer (PAHO) ice runway in Alaska (FSX)
Virtual DC-3 on skis on short final for the Homer (PAHO) ice runway in Alaska (FSX)
Virtual DC-3 on skis about to touch the threshold of the Homer ice runway in Alaska (FSX)
Virtual DC-3 on skis about to touch the threshold of the Homer ice runway in Alaska (FSX)

The short flight proved to be an interesting experience, since the runway was narrow and there were some crosswinds. I thought that it would be very slippery but it was not the case. Maybe one day Orbx, in association with the FSX Steam (Dovetail Games) professionals, will work at modifying the flight simulation platform and add a CRFI (JBI) index of .40 or less to increase the difficulty in slowing down and controlling the virtual aircraft?

A DC-3 on skis flying few feet over the Homer (PAHO) (FSX) ice runway, a product of the ORBX company
A DC-3 on skis flying few feet over the Homer (PAHO) (FSX) ice runway, a product of the ORBX company
A virtuel DC-3 on skis after a landing on the Homer (PAHO) ice runway in Alaska (FSX)
A virtuel DC-3 on skis after a landing on the Homer (PAHO) ice runway in Alaska (FSX)
A DC-3 virtual on skis backtracking the Homer (PAHO) ice runway in Alaska (FSX)
A DC-3 virtual on skis backtracking the Homer (PAHO) ice runway in Alaska (FSX)

As this flight is not a super though exercise, I have placed it in the “standard virtual flights”, in the flight simulation section of my website. For more of those flights, click on the following link: Other standard virtual flights

Have fun trying this one! Later on, I’ll present another ice runway located on Antarctica, which virtual scenery was made by Aerosoft. Even the C-17 Globemaster III is approved there…

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

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Flight Simulation

Flight simulation : Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport, the shortest commercial runway in the world (FSX)

One nice challenging virtual flight in FSX is to operate from the Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport, the shortest commercial runway in the world.

The runway is 1299 ft long (396m) and 60 ft (18m) above sea level. The IATA code is SAB, and the ICAO code TNCS.

30314 A Twin Otter aircraft is on long final for Saba (FSX)
30314 A Twin Otter aircraft is on long final for Saba (FSX)
30315 A Twin Otter aircraft is on short final for Saba (FSX)
30315 A Twin Otter aircraft is on short final for Saba (FSX)

The ideal virtual aircraft for that runway is the Twin Otter (DHC-6) or the Britten Islander (BN-2). If you want something bigger, the De Havilland DHC-7 is going to be your perfect choice. Forget about jet aircrafts, the runway is too short.

30316 A last correction for the wind in Saba (FSX)
30316 A last correction for the wind in Saba (FSX)

To add to the pleasure, use runway 30 and add a strong crosswind component, with gusts. In the screen captures below, I set the winds to 030 degrees at 10G20. For the flight, I also used Cumulus X and  PrecipitFX to improve the visual effects.

30317 A Twin Otter aircraft is arriving in Saba (FSX)
30317 A Twin Otter aircraft is arriving in Saba (FSX)
30320 A Royal Tongan Twin Otter aircraft is leaving the runway in Saba (FSX)
30320 A Royal Tongan Twin Otter aircraft is leaving the runway in Saba (FSX)

For an even more realistic experience, I suggest you get the FlyTampa St.Maarten scenery, which will offer you three airports, which are all very well designed and present real challenging approaches : the Juancho E. Yrausquin airport, on Saba Island,the spectacular St.Barths airport and the Princess Juliana international airport in St.Maarten.

In the « challenging virtual flights » section of my website, I have already included an approach to Princess Juliana airport in St.Maarten, with the MD-11. The approach to St.Barths (TFFJ) will soon be included.

You will enjoy every minute trying to make perfect landings at those three airports. For other challenging virtual flights, visit the flight simulation page of my website.

Have fun!

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

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Screen captures

Flight simulation: a CP Air B-737 is approaching the Juneau virtual airport in Alaska

CP Air B-737 on approach for the Juneau airport in Alaska
CP Air B-737 on approach for the Juneau airport in Alaska

Here is a slightly modified screen capture showing a CP Air B-737 in a virtual flight towards the Juneau runway in Alaska. The Boeing is a creation of the Captain Sim company and the scenery is the result of the hard work of the ORBX pros.The meteorological system is a combination of three elements: Cumulus X, the “Heavy snowstorm” selection in FSX and the improvements to snow appearance obtained through PrecipitFX.

Categories
Flight Simulation

A serious training session is mandatory with the Pilatus PC-21 before attempting a landing in Fairoaks

A Pilatus PC-21 aircraft over Shoreham, United Kingdom
A Pilatus PC-21 aircraft over Shoreham, United Kingdom
Near the Fairoaks airport, United Kingdom. Flaps and gear down on the Pilatus PC-21
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
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
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
PC-21 aircraft on final for the Fairoaks airport, United Kingdom
A PC-21 aircraft and 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)
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

Good luck!

Categories
Flight Simulation

The new Metal2Mesh Mirage 2000C

Metal2Mesh Mirage 2000C on a test flight over Afghanistan
Metal2Mesh Mirage 2000C on a test flight over Afghanistan
Metal2Mesh Mirage 2000C and VRS Simulations weapons
Metal2Mesh 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

Have fun!

Categories
Flight Simulation

FlyTampa Toronto: REX, Cumulus X and Alabeo R66

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 REX
A Piper over the Toronto international airport. The scenery is FlyTampa Toronto and the clouds are generated by REX
FlyTampa Toronto et Air Canada Jazz
FlyTampa Toronto et Air Canada Jazz
FlyTampa Toronto avec REX et Cumulus X
FlyTampa 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
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