D-LZ127 Graf Zeppelin au-dessus de l’Allemagne (FSX)
Using ORBX Global program, I took this FSX screen capture of the Graf Zeppelin over Germany. The cloud effects are derived from REX and the Zeppelin itself was found on flightsim.com and it is a free software. For a better atmosphere, if you decide to take a screen capture, fly the Zeppelin either during the morning or at dusk while there is still enough light, and so that the sun will strike the balloon from the side.
Few videos are available on YouTube to show you how to deal with the Zeppelin. It’s not enough to apply full throttle and hope that it will rise because it will not. You first have to take care of the ballasts. But within only few minutes of watching the videos and applying the correct manoeuvers, I promise that you will be airborne and then the rest will come pretty naturally.
The picture was slightly edited with Photoshop to add some constrasts to the screen capture.
I’ve just added a new VFR flight in the “flight simulation” section, under “standard virtual flights”. An Alabeo WACO takes off from Cushman Meadows, heads south-east towards the Skokomish Reservation, then flies over the Bremerton airport to the north-east and ends up landing at the Bear Gulch aerodrome, just in time for a BBQ. This was done using FSX. The first part of the cross country is for a starting virtual pilot but the last part requires a bit more experience.
Waco on short final for Bear Gulch WA38 (fsx)
WACO landing in Bear Gulch WA38 (FSX)
It is a more demanding experience than what is normally found in the “standard flights” section, since it involves a final landing at Bear Gulch. The runway at that airport is only 1411 ft long, and quite narrow. So you have to plan your approach carefully. A little wooden bridge is part of the runway! Since the flight is done in nice VFR conditions and does not involve engine failures or using a really fast aircraft arriving on a short runway, I decided that the “standard virtual flights” section was more appropriate. Still, it is not an easy approach.
A Texaco WACO aircraft is taxiing on a wooden bridge at Bear Gulch, WA38
A Waco aircraft belonging to Texaco is taxiing in Bear Gulch, WA38
Cushman Meadows (KCMW) and the Bear Gulch (WA38) runways do not exist in real life but am I ever glad Bill Womack took the time to create them. His site can be found under Iblueyonder. The screen captures show both airports and the PNW region sold by ORBX. If you want nice shadows on the ground while not using P3D, just get CumulusX and set the season to summer, with scattered clouds in mid afternoon.
A Waco aircraft with a tractor in the foreground is parked at Bear Gulch, WA38
Some guests have already arrived in Bear Gulch. You will see the smoke rising from the BBQ being prepared while you are on short final. The guests will certainly be taking pictures of your approach, as you are flying a vintage aircraft. So, if there was ever a time to do things correctly, now it is!
For more articles on flight simulation on my web site, click on the following link : Flight simulation
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
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
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 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
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
Flying over Toronto downtown shortly before the landing in Toronto Island (CYTZ)
I recently added, in the standard virtual flight section, a flight leaving Parry Sound for Toronto Billy Bishop.Here is an opportunity to learn a bit more about the Great Lakes region in Ontario. The Parry Sound airport, from ORBX, is a first creation by Vlad Maly for this province. The runway length is 4000 feet. Just beside the airport, there is a lake, Robert’s Lake (CRL8), with many cottages, floatplanes and sailboats that are visible when you select the appropriate season. The lake also offers 4000 feet for takeoffs and landings.
The actual flight has been made while the clouds were low enough that the flying altitude forbid the adequate reception of the Toronto Island (Billy Bishop) NDB (257khz) in the first half of the flight. A touch-and-go was made at Toronto International (CYYZ). MyTraffic2013 provided the airport with many AI aircrafts. Once over downtown Toronto, it was now time for Pilot’s FS Global 2010 to automatically install a maximum of buildings, for more realism.
On final for the Toronto Billy Bishop (Toronto Island) airport (CYTZ)
Landing at CYTZ with the CN tower in the background (FSX)
Finally, theToronto Billy Bishop (formerly Toronto Island) was modified by ORBX in order to make it more interesting and alive. You will thus find, on arrival, some staff to take care of the refueling process. Somes vehicules have also been added. Naturally, MyTraffic2013 took charge of AI aircrafts as CYTZ is quite a busy airport and needs some air traffic to enhance the realism.
Time to refuel at Toronto Billy Bishop (CYTZ)
I wish you a good flight, if you wish to try it out. I would suggest though, for a more interesting experience, that you install ORBX FTX Global Vector on your computer, as the Microsoft Flight Simulator (FSX)software does not do a good job when it comes to representing the Great Lakes area. ORBX Open LC for North America further improves the flying experience.
For more articles on flight simulation on my web site, click on the following link : Flight simulation
An Airbus A340-500 on final for the Denver international airport
An Airbus A340-500 is landing at the Denver international airport
The two screen captures show a CLS Airbus A340-500 CLS on approach for a landing at the Denver international airport. This airport has been created by Flightbeam Studios. The shadows on the ground are possible through the Cumulus X software. If you want to obtain those effects, ensure to set the cloud cover to “scattered” clouds, so that the sun can reach the ground and create thermals. FSX is the platform I used, and the clouds are managed by REX.
The CLS Airbus A340-500 replicates quite well the inertia that a pilot has to deal with in real life. The engine sound is also quite interesting. Naturally, this virtual aircraft is dating a bit, so don’t expect to obtain multiple original angles if you like to press that V key while flying.
Soon, a special flight will be added to the “flight simulation” section, under “challenging virtual flights”. A KLM MD-11 is doing a passenger flight between Palm Springs (KPSP)and the St Maarten (TNCM) airport, using FSX and Cumulus X, as well as Orbx Vector and Global. St Maarten is known for its spectacular approach over a beach loaded with tourists and many videos are available on You tube for those of you who would be interested.
The Palm Springs airport is an Orbx creation and the virtual St Maarten is designed by Fly Tampa. The virtual MD-11 comes from PMDG. I chose to do a virtual passenger flight with the KLM MD-11 to emphasize the termination, on October 26 2014, of this type of aircraft for carrying passengers. KLM was the last company to use a MD-11 for that type of transport and the last flights were made from Toronto and Montreal to Amsterdam Schipol durant last October. Thanks to flight simulation, virtual pilots will always have the opportunity to fly this exceptional aircraft.
Piper Tomahawk PA-38 airborne from runway 28 at the Montreal Pierre-Elliott-Trudeau international airport, with the Montreal terminal in the background. (FSX)
All student pilots must practice touch-and-goes for hours . FlyTampa Montreal scenery for FSX, used jointly with MyTraffic2013 software and real weather makes for a realistic exercice for anybody who knows the metropolitan area around Montreal.
Piper Tomahawk PA-38 airborne from runway 28 for a left hand circuit at the Montreal Pierre-Elliott-Trudeau international airport (FSX)
A small aircraft like the ALABEO Piper PA-38 Tomahawk is a perfect choice. I chose a left hand circuit for runway28 since it allows a nice view of the terminal when taking-off or landing. Fly Tampa Montreal allows the virtual pilot to see local landmarks when flying around the airport, like the olympic stadium, the St-Joseph’s Oratory and Place Ville Marie.
Piper Tomahawk PA-38 on downwind for runway 28 at the Montreal Pierre-Elliott-Trudeau international airport (FSX)
Piper Tomahawk PA-38 turning on final for runway 28 at the Montreal Pierre-Elliott-Trudeau international airport (FSX)
Piper Tomahawk PA-38 on final for runway 28 at the Montreal Pierre-Elliott-Trudeau international airport , while Westjet is rolling on runway 06R (FSX)
On downwind 28, if you fly during winter, you will be able to see that only parts of Lac St-Louis are frozen. On left base, Air Canada and Bombardier very well rendered buildings are visible. If you had landed on runway 24L, you would have seen other well known company names posted here and there on the surrounding buildings. That is a really well made scenery.
Piper Tomahawk PA-38 and the Bombardier and AirCanada buildings at the Montréal Pierre-Elliott-Trudeau international airport (FSX)
Piper Tomahawk PA-38 about to leave runway 28 of the Montréal Pierre-Elliott-Trudeau international airport (FSX)
The use of My Traffic software allows aircraft movements around the airport during your exercice; that makes the experience even more interesting. You will also be surprised by the realism in the depection of the snow patches along the runway sides when you are on the approach. So, have fun with this easy exercice in a really interesting setting made available by Fly Tampa Montreal.
Piper Tomahawk PA-38 parked at the Montréal Pierre-Elliott-Trudeau international airport (FSX)
For more articles on flight simulation on my web site, click on the following link : Flight simulation
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
De Havilland Dash 7 airborne from Kagi
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!
FedEx MD11 in flight (FSX). This virtual aircraft is made by PMDG.
TheMD-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!
