Bugalaga airstrip in Indonesia photographed by Nico Sanchez
Takeoffs and landings on the Bugalaga runway (WX53) in Indonesia can be classified as being in the challenging virtual flight category. The runway is not extraordinarily demanding, due to its comfortable size of 1478 feet by 75 feet. But the approach still requires more skill than a standard approach, especially with the trees on final and the steep slope.
Today’s flight with the MSFS 2020 flight simulator consists of taking off and landing on this sloping runway. To add to the fun, the flight must be done during adverse weather conditions. Indeed, the thunderstorms programmed in the virtual weather system complicate the task of the virtual pilot, as he has to deal with gusty winds and mechanical turbulence. And to add to the fun, the Pilatus normally used is replaced by a Cessna Grand Caravan 208B. The photo above represents the Bugalaga runway in reality.
View of the Bugalaga (WX53) sloped airstrip using MSFS 2020 flight simulator.
Above is the virtual graphic interpretation of this runway located at 6233 feet above sea level (MSL) with the Cessna ready to take off. Asobo (Microsoft) did a good job.
Cessna Grand Caravan 208B ready for departure at Bugalaga airstrip with MSFS 2020
The visibility could be better, but it does not prevent the aircraft from taking off on runway 06.
Cessna Grand Caravan 208B airborne from the Bugalaga sloped airstrip (WX53) using MSFS 2020 flight simulator
As you can see, the margin of error is pretty small for this aircraft that is less efficient than the Pilatus normally used in reality.
Mountains around the Bugalaga airstrip during a thunderstorm using MSFS 2020.
Immediately after takeoff, preparation begins for the outbound procedure and the 180 degrees turn that will put the aircraft on final for runway 24. The surrounding mountains require the pilot’s full attention.
Cessna Grand Caravan 208B approaching the Bugalaga airstrip in flight simulation.
Acceptable visibility but strong winds characterize the approach to Bugalaga.
The Bugalaga virtual sloped airstrip is visible in the distance in the mountains.
Runway 24 is now visible in the mountains.
On final at 82 kts for the Bugalaga sloped airstrip (WX53) using MSFS 2020
The approach speed with flaps out is about 82 knots.
Touching down on rwy 24 on the Bugalaga sloped airstrip using MSFS 2020
The Cessna Grand Caravan C208B is about to touch down. You can see the steepness of the runway, which gets even steeper towards the end.
Cessna Grand Caravan 208B keeping enough speed to climb the sloped airstrip at Bugalaga in Indonesia (MSFS 2020)
Once the aircraft has touched down, the virtual pilot must maintain enough speed to climb the hill at the end of the strip.
Cessna Grand Caravan 208B after landing in Bugalaga in flight simulation.
A last screen capture shows the aircraft having crossed the last hillock at the end of runway 24. The flight is short, but requires your full attention. Good luck to those who will try the experience!
MSFS 2020 map for the flight 3U2 to C53 in United States
The challenging virtual flight is from Johnson Creek Airport (3U2) to the Lower Loon Creek Airstrip (C53) in the United States, using the MSFS 2020 flight simulator. The software map shows the type of aircraft chosen, a CubCrafters X Cub on floats, as well as the trajectory over the Idaho mountains.
The idea of using an amphibious aircraft for this flight is a bit far-fetched, but the goal is to make the pilot’s job a little more difficult by adding weight to the aircraft.
Johnson Creek (Yellow Pine) airport 3U2 with MSFS 2020
Johnson Creek Airport (3U2)is a creation of Creative Mesh. It is charming, with tents here and there planted near the planes. The runway is 3480 feet long by 150 feet wide. It is oriented on a 17/35 axis and still quite high at 4960 feet above sea level (MSL).
Amphibian CubCrafters X Cub ready for departure at the Johnson Creek 3U2 virtual airport with MSFS 2020.
Given the departure altitude, one must not forget to adjust the air/fuel mixture so as not to lose power on takeoff, especially since there is a mountain at the end of the runway and the floats increase the weight of this small aircraft. The air is also thinner as the flight takes place in summer and at a high altitude; this represents another obstacle to the aircraft’s performance.
Avoiding obstacles after take-off from the 3U2 Johnson Creek virtual airport using MSFS 2020.
The mountains near the runway present a significant obstacle. The virtual pilot must use the best possible angle of climb without worrying about the route recommended by the GPS. The flaps are kept slightly extended during the initial climb.
Flying over the Idaho mountains in flight simulation with MSFS 2020.
Once at a safe altitude and back on the GPS suggested route, the view of Idaho’s spectacular mountains is more enjoyable. Throughout the climb, the air-fuel mixture and altimeter (“B” on MSFS 2020) have to be adjusted.
CubCrafters X Cub floatplane over the Idaho mountains in flight simulation MSFS 2020
An altitude of almost 10,000 feet ASL makes it possible to fly over the mountains without risk of collision.
Descending in the valley towards the ID8 Marble Creek airport in Idaho in fligh simulation.
At the right moment, when the small surrounding airports and the river appear on the GPS, we leave our GPS road, until now in straight line, and we align in the valley to fly over the river until our destination, avoiding the surrounding mountains. In the photo above, the descent has already begun, with a necessary gradual adjustment of the air-fuel mixture.
Flying over the (ID8) Marble Creek airport in Idaho using the MSFS 2020 flight simulator.
We fly over a first small airport. The picture above shows the planes parked on the runway of Marble Creek airport (ID8), which dimension is 1160 x 20 feet. For those which would be interested in trying a landing there, the orientation of the runway is 03/21 and the altitude of 4662 feet MSL.
Flying over the 2U8 Thomas Creek Airport in Idaho using the MSFS 2020 flight simulator.
On the way towards our final destination, we also fly at low altitude over the Thomas Creek (2U8).
Following the river towards the C53 Lower Loon Creek airstrip using the MSFS 2020 flight simulator.
The mountains on either side of the river require close attention, as the poor performance of a small aircraft equipped with floats does not allow for easy correction of navigational errors.
By the time the runway suddenly becomes visible, the plane will not be on course but 90 degrees off the ideal course. It will be necessary to quickly turn left into the valley, make a fairly sharp 180-degree turn to the right to avoid the mountains, and then get back on course to land. It is only at this point that the landing gear will be extended.
On final for Lower Loon Creek airstrip with MSFS 2020
The photo above shows the aircraft on final for the Lower Loon Creek dirt and grass runway (C53). It is located at 4084 feet MSL and is only 1200 feet long by 25 feet wide. Note that the approach should be made on runway 16 when possible.
Amphibian CubCrafters X Cub rolling down the C53 Lower Loon Creek airstrip in Idaho after landing.
As always, a stabilized aircraft on final makes landing easier, regardless of the conditions.
Amphibian CubCrafters X Cub parked at the C53 Lower Loon Creek airstrip using MSFS 2020 flight simulator.
We park the plane and rest a bit. Today, there is no one else here. But that’s not always the case in real life, as this video of alandingat Lower Loon Creek shows it.
The Key West (KEYW) virtual airport by FSDreamteam for the MSFS 2020 flight simulator.
This is the Key West Airport (KEYW) in Florida, as reproduced for flight simulation by FSDreamteam for the Microsoft MSFS2020 flight simulator.
There is a clear advantage to acquiring this virtual airport rather than using the MSFS2020 airport. Indeed, the FSDreamteam KEYW airport doesn’t come alone: the company offers two other sites in accompaniment and for the same price: Fort Jefferson and the Loggerhead lighthouse.
A small virtual flight with a Cessna C-172 on floats allows you to fly over these sites and land on the water when appropriate.
Airborne from Key West KEYW with the MSFS 2020 flight simulator.
The Cessna takes off from Key West under ideal weather conditions.
Part of the Key West Wildlife National Refuge using MSFS 2020
Shortly after takeoff and established at 3000 feet, we fly over the Key WestNational Wildlife Refuge.
Descending towards Fort Jefferson with MSFS 2020
The Garmin G-1000 allows a stable flight during screen captures.
Flying over Fort Jefferson in Key West with MSFS 2020.
This is Fort Jefferson photographed as the Cessna flies at about 1500 feet ASL. The winds have increased slightly and foam is becoming visible on the waves.
Flying over Loggerhead Lighthouse in Key West using thge MSFS 2020 flight simulator.
A little further along the flight path is the Loggerhead Lighthouse. The beach is beautiful and gently sloping. It will be possible to do a water landing, put the landing gear down while on the water and then park on the beach.
Making a sea-landing by Loggerhead Lighthouse in Key West, with MSFS 2020.
The landing is done without too much difficulty.
On the beach at Loggerhead Lighthouse, in Florida, using MSFS 2020.
With a little engine power, it is possible to get out of the water and park on the beach for a while. After turning off the engine, the MSFS2020 flight simulator allows the pilot to listen to the sound of the waves and wind in a realistic way. If there are birds in the area, it will also be possible to hear them.
For those who want to repeat the experience, it is only a matter of programming the starting point in MSFS2020 as KEYW and the destination KYW1 (Fort Jefferson). Once through Fort Jefferson, continue straight for a few minutes and you’ll arrive at the Loggerhead Lighthouse. Take a few moments to relax and listen to the waves before taking off again…!
Ready for departure at the Elk River airport (NC06) created by Cloud Studio.
Today’s twenty-minute virtual flight is conducted using Microsoft MSFS 2020 flight simulation software. The virtual airport at Elk River(NC06) in the United States, modeled here by Pilot’s, is located at approximately 3468 feet (ft) above sea level (MSL). Its sloped 12/30 runway can accommodate many types of aircraft as its dimensions are still 4600 feet long by 75 feet wide. A golf course is located near the airport facilities.
The sloped runway of the Elk River airport (NC06) with the MSFS 2020 flight simulator.
In the distance, the end of runway 30 can be seen rising rapidly. The trip to Mountain Air County Club Airport (2NC0), modeled by Cloud Studio, is made with a single engine Cubcrafters NX Cub.
Enroute towards the Mountain Air County Club (2NC0) airport from Elk River (NC06) with MSFS 2020.
In direct flight with GPS, the virtual pilot will have to climb at around 7000 feet msl to avoid the surrounding mountains. It is therefore important to adjust the air/fuel mixture during climb and descent for the destination. Also, don’t forget to adjust the altimeter (press “B”) as you move away from the point of departure. Near the summits, you will experience mechanical turbulence, which is normal.
Aerial view of the Mountain Air County Club (2NC0) airport created by Pilot’s.
The photo above shows the virtual airport of Mountain Air County Club (2NC0) with the MSFS 2020 flight simulator. The sloped runway is 2900 feet long and only 50 feet wide. A golf course surrounds this airport located at 4432 feet MSL. Since the winds are light, the approach will be on runway 14.
On final for the sloped runway of the Mountain Air County Club (2NC0) airport using MSFS 2020.
On final approach, it is easy to see the uphill angle of this airstrip, which is slightly more damaged than the one at Elk River.
A view of the cliff at the threshold of runway 32 at the 2NC0 Mountain County Air Club airport created by Pilot’s pour MSFS 2020.
As we continue to taxi to the end of runway 14, we notice the cliff that awaits the pilot who has not properly prepared his landing. No forgiveness!
View from above of the Mountain Air County Club airport 2NC0 with the MSFS 2020 flight simulator.
An elevated view shows the threshold of runway 14 and the buildings associated with the golf club. A few golf loving pilots have already parked their aircraft to the left of runway 14. For this screenshot, I used the excellent X-BOX drone.
Buildings and flowers at the Mountain Air County Club airport (2NC0) created by Pilot’s for MSFS 2020.
A final photo shows the buildings and flowers associated with the golf club. The bird recordings are easily heard, which enhance the scene. Flight simulation enthusiasts wishing to repeat the experience should do so under VFR conditions to keep an eye on the mountain tops during the approach.
Below are a few Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 (MFS 2020) screen captures taken during virtual flights.
Le Mont St-Michel en France, sous MFS 2020.
Mont St-Michel is a very nice addition to the France virtual scenery provided by MFS 2020. Such great sites can be found in many places in the Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 program, but many more are also available for free through the flight simulation community : they can then be downloaded and installed in MFS 2020, thus ever improving the overall experience.
Heading to KLAX from KBUR with a TBM 930 on the flight simulator MFS 2020.
The haze is quite present in the Los Angeles area and adds to the realism in the screenshot above. The FedEx livery comes from « Liveries Mega Pack Manager ».
Puerto Vallarta with MFS 2020 and improved scenery by John Lovell
The Icon A5 Kingfisher is seen flying along the Puerto Vallarta coast in Mexico. The scenery was hugely improved by John Lovell and is available through Flightsim.to. But it will require 5 GiG on your hard disk!
The Burbank Bob Hope (KBUR) modelized by Orbx on the flight simulator MFS 2020.
The picture above shows a small part of the Burbank Bob Hope airport (KBUR) modelized by Orbx. The screen capture was taken with the X-Box drone. This drone is a fantastic addition to what is now available to flight simulation enthousiasts when comes the time to bring back souvenirs from a flight.
Heading to Iqaluit with the flight simulator MFS 2020.
Enroute to Iqaluit (CYFB), the jet just got out of the cloud deck and some rime icing is still visible on the nose and the wing’s leading edge. That evening, there was a sigmet reporting high level turbulence and it is exactly what I experienced during the flight, using REX Weather Force 2020 as a weather engine.
I’ll be back with more flight simulation screen captures soon. Meanwhile, have a good virtual flight!
Approaching the Narita international airport, in Japan, with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020.
The Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020is an extremely interesting product. Microsoft is taking advantage of the satellite imagery offered by Bing, which allows the flight simulation enthusiast to fly over the world almost like in the real life. With the addition of live weather and air traffic in real time, the immersion is incredible.
Flying over New York in the evening with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020.
To download the game’s 128 gigabytes using my current internet plan, it took fourteen hours. I still remember when I bought a hard drive that could hold 30 megabytes of data: it was a computer revolution!
Of course, the game requires an adaptation. We are far from the old FSX platform. It goes without saying that you need a high-performance computer. But a new and very positive aspect of this simulator is that you can now use an X-Box controlleras an in-flight camera, with the addition of a rudder and a steering wheel for more reality. This camera offers incredible possibilities and the additional X-Box controller becomes essential.
The Zlin Savage Cub flying over the United States using Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020.
As with anything new, there are some glitches. Personally, I have been using the CH company products for flight simulation for many years and the new MSFS 2020 has had problems recognizing the functions of CH products. Many virtual flight enthousiasts have had the same problems. So here are the links below that allowed a neophyte like me to solve the problems.
Afirst video of interest is also available. Its author uses a slightly different method, but it is super easy to understand and allows you to acquire additional knowledge if you want to map your CH rudder and control column correctly.
Asecond video gives you access to the CH company products. There you will find the links that allow you to print a representation of your CH flight controls. This will allow you to find which number is associated with a specific command control. You can then remap the controls to your taste and keep a record of all the modifications you made.
The complete edition of the Orbx freeware and payware virtual airports, dated June 09 2019, is in the downloadable file below (the link in green). The runway details and airport elevation is included. It will be updated regularly.
The information in the PDF file is in colour. The airports in black are part of the global pack freewares. The airports in green are freewares that are not part of the global packs. The airports in blue are payware airports.
When a runway is in orange, it means that the length of the runway is 2000 ft or below, and/or the width is 60 ft or below. The water aerodrome are defined by the word “water” in blue. Finally, the elevation of the airport is in red at the end of the runway details.
The fourth edition of the Orbx freeware and payware virtual airports, dated June 02 2019 is in the downloadable file below (the link in green). The list of airports is complete. I still have to add runway details to several airports.
The information in the PDF file is in colour. The airports in black are part of the global pack freewares. The airports in green are freewares that are not part of the global packs. The airports in blue are payware airports.
When a runway is in orange, it means that the length of the runway is 2000 ft or below, and/or the width is 60 ft or below. The water aerodrome are defined by the word “water” in blue. Finally, the elevation of the airport is in red at the end of the runway details.
The third edition of the Orbx freeware and payware virtual airports, dated May 26 2019 is in the downloadable file below (the link in green). The list is not completed yet, but there is constant progress.
The information in the PDF file is in colour. The airport in black is part of the global pack freeware. The airport in green is a freeware that is not part of the global pack. The airport in blue is a payware airport.
When a runway is in orange, it means that the length of the runway is 2000 ft or below, and/or the width is 60 ft or below. The water aerodrome are defined by the word “water” in blue. Finally, the elevation of the airport is in red at the end of the runway details.
My second edition of the Orbx freeware and payware virtual airports, dated May 19 2019 is in the downloadable file below (the link in green). The list is not completed yet.
The information in the PDF file is in colour. The airport in black is part of the global pack freeware. The airport in green is a freeware that is not part of the global pack. The airport in blue is a payware airport.
When a runway is in orange, it means that the length of the runway is 2000 ft or below, and/or the width is 60 ft or below. The water aerodrome are defined by the word “water” in blue. Finally, the elevation of the airport is in red at the end of the runway details.
