Tag: MSFS

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Flight Simulation

Explore the planet in flight simulation (15)

Through the videos on Youtube, I see that a runway called Out Skerries (EG78 or OUK) in the Shetland Islands attracts interest for its challenging landing. It is only 1195 feet long.

The tiny airstrip will therefore be the destination for leg #15 of our round-the-world flight simulation tour with the MSFS flight simulator.

To increase the fun, we choose a twin-engine aircraft, which is heavier and requires a longer breaking distance.

We take off from Dundee (EGPN) with a virtual Diamond DA-62 and arrive at dusk. It’s probably a bit tight for a short, unlit runway, but we’ll give it a go.

DA-62 aircraft taking off from Dundee airport, Scotland, with Microsoft Flight Simulator
DA-62 aircraft taking off from Dundee airport, Scotland, with Microsoft Flight Simulator

The stall speed of the DA-62 in landing configuration is 68 knots, which will help us to succeed in our undertaking. We take a 018-degree northerly course to reach the islands from Dundee. Ground speed is around 155 knots for this 250 nautical mile journey.

Virtual DA-62 over Scotland enroute to the Shetland Islands
Virtual DA-62 over Scotland enroute to the Shetland Islands
DA-62 aircraft near Fair Isle in the Shetland Islands with Microsoft Flight Simulator
DA-62 aircraft near Fair Isle in the Shetland Islands with Microsoft Flight Simulator

We have to fly off Fair Isle on the way to our destination. I learn from some research that Fair Isle knitwear remains one of Shetland’s most famous products. I imagine that fish products are also very popular.

Flight trajectory towards Out Skerries (EG78) on the Shetland Islands, Scotland
Flight trajectory towards Out Skerries (EG78) on the Shetland Islands, Scotland
Approaching Out Skerries (EG78) airport in Scotland with the DA62 virtual aircraft
Approaching Out Skerries (EG78) airport in Scotland with the DA62 virtual aircraft

Here we are, approaching Out Skerries. The absence of runway lights makes the operation tricky.

The surrounding hills block the pilot’s view at low altitude, and what is considered a landing strip is not visible until fairly late in the approach. There are no other aids to help locate the facilities.  

The omnipresent winds complicate the task, as does the turn on approach. One of the runway thresholds ends in a cliff ready to receive ill-prepared aviators.

After landing at Out Skerries airport (EG78) with Microsoft Flight Simulator
After landing at Out Skerries airport (EG78) with Microsoft Flight Simulator

We see the runway threshold at the last moment. Since the DA-62 weighs more than a single-engine model, the aircraft requires a longer braking distance.

Ground contact is harder than usual, but without bouncing. If there’s a bounce, the pilot has to climb back up and repeat the approach.

You really have to glue the aircraft to the ground at the runway threshold, immediately raise the flaps while pulling back on the stick to maximize braking efficiency. In real life, we’d add that braking must be performed without locking the wheels.

I classify this exercise as a challenging virtual flight.

Fishing boat around the Shetland Islands with Microsoft Flight Simulator
Fishing boat around the Shetland Islands with Microsoft Flight Simulator

Once the flight is over, the crew visits the surroundings. Many fishing boats come and go around the islands.

Mussel farming around the Shetland islands in Scotland, with Microsoft Flight Simulator.
Mussel farming around the Shetland islands in Scotland, with Microsoft Flight Simulator.

We can even see mussel farming facilities.

On our next flight, we head for Barra Airfield (EGPR). It’s located in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides and is the only airport in the world “where scheduled services land on a beach”. We’ll be sure to check the tide before take-off…

Click on the link for more stages of this flight simulation world tour on my blog.

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Flight Simulation

Explore the planet in flight simulation (14)

H160 ready for take-off from the ENXB Eldfisk B oil platform for Edinburgh, Scotland, with MSFS
H160 ready for take-off from the ENXB Eldfisk B oil platform for Edinburgh, Scotland, with MSFS

Take-off for stage 14 of this flight simulation exploration of the planet takes place in the early hours of the morning, with good winds. Fortunately, take-offs require much less work than landings.

Airbus helicopter H160 airborne from the ENXB Eldfisk B oil platform heading to Edinburgh, Scotland
Airbus helicopter H160 airborne from the ENXB Eldfisk B oil platform heading to Edinburgh, Scotland

The Airbus H160 Luxury virtual helicopter leaves the ENXB Eldfisk B oil platform for the Palace of Holyrood in Scotland. The flight then continues to Edinburgh Castle, and ends with a landing in Dundee (EGPN).

Virtual H160 landed at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Scotland with MSFS
Virtual H160 landed at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Scotland with MSFS

We received permission to land in the inner courtyard of the Palace of Holyrood to drop off a dignitary visiting King Charles III. Virtual flights make it easy to obtain all kinds of authorizations!

Airbus H160 helicopter by the Edinburgh Castle in Scotland with Microsoft Flight Simulator MSFS
Airbus H160 helicopter by the Edinburgh Castle in Scotland with Microsoft Flight Simulator MSFS

One of the passengers organized a detour to Edinburgh Castle to take a few pictures. A structure well protected by its location on a rocky massif! The helicopter then returned to Dundee Airport (EGPN).

Enroute for Dundee (EGPN) in Scotland with MSFS
Enroute for Dundee (EGPN) in Scotland with MSFS

Scotland’s splendid landscape features many valleys and fields in magnificent shades of green and yellow.

Route towards Dundee (EGPN) in Scotland in flight simulation
Route towards Dundee (EGPN) in Scotland in flight simulation

The VFR approach to Dundee is carried out in good weather.

Approaching the Dundee airport (EGPN) in Scotland with an Airbus H160 helicopter and MSFS
Approaching the Dundee airport (EGPN) in Scotland with an Airbus H160 helicopter and MSFS

With just one more river to cross, we’ve arrived in Dundee.

Helicopter H160 Luxury landed at Dundee virtual airport (EGPN) with MSFS
Helicopter H160 Luxury landed at Dundee virtual airport (EGPN) with MSFS

Finally at destination! Flying this helicopter and landing it on oil rigs has been a very stimulating experience (flights 11, 12, 13 and 14). But now it’s time for a change of aircraft.

The next step is a demanding virtual flight. The destination known as Out Skerries EG78 is an aerodrome with a short 1,200-foot runway. It is located in the Shetland Islands, north of Scotland. To spice things up, the crew will be flying a light twin-engine rather than a single-engine aircraft.

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

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Flight Simulation

Explore the Planet in Flight Simulation (13)

Airbus H160 helicopter airborne from the EHFD F3-FB-1A in the North Sea with MSFS
Airbus H160 helicopter airborne from the EHFD F3-FB-1A in the North Sea with MSFS

Stage 13 of the round-the-world flight simulator tour takes place with the Airbus H160 Luxury helicopter. I’m still using Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS).

Internet injects real weather data for the trip between two oil platforms located in the North Sea. The helicopter then takes off from EHFD F3-FB-1A, a helipad in the Netherlands.

Everyone head to Norway on this flight, on an installation known as ENXB Eldfisk B. Scotland’s FIR (Flight Information Region) provides the SAR (Search and Rescue) service for the area.

H160 helicopter enroute to the ENXB Eldfisk B oil platform with MSFS
H160 helicopter enroute to the ENXB Eldfisk B oil platform with MSFS

Around 90 nm separates the two facilities. Atmospheric conditions are deteriorating in places, but this is hardly surprising in the North Sea.

Virtual low clouds over the North Sea seen from a H160 helicopter in flight simulation
Virtual low clouds over the North Sea seen from a H160 helicopter in flight simulation

During this virtual flight, we come across other oil and gas platforms. Aerosoft Offshore Landmarks virtual scenery allows a better immersion. One of the installations is shown below. But the digital scene also adds fishing vessels, tankers and cargo ships. In short, everything normally found in the North Sea, English Channel and Irish Sea.

One of the oil platform in the North Sea with Microsoft Flight Simulator
One of the oil platform in the North Sea with Microsoft Flight Simulator

The approach to the helipad begins with strong winds, complicating the landing procedure. Gusty winds and the pilot’s relative inexperience make maneuvering tricky. The crew labors for twenty minutes to land the Airbus H160 helicopter safely.

H160 helicopter on final approach for the oil platform ENXB Eldfisk B in Norway in MSFS
H160 helicopter on final approach for the oil platform ENXB Eldfisk B in Norway in MSFS

A look at the windsock in the photo below gives a good idea of the weather conditions. What’s more, the wind direction constantly pushes the helicopter towards the facilities. In the end, however, the landing goes smoothly.

Nevertheless, the multiple approach attempts shake the passengers’ composure. One person decides to change career and will now work in an office on land.

Strong winds for a virtual landing with a H160 helicopter on the ENXB Eldfisk B oil platform in Norway
Strong winds for a virtual landing with a H160 helicopter on the ENXB Eldfisk B oil platform in Norway
The ENXB Eldfisk B oil platform in Norway but in the Scottish FIR under MSFS Microsoft Flight Simulator
The ENXB Eldfisk B oil platform in Norway but in the Scottish FIR under MSFS Microsoft Flight Simulator

Stage 14 of the simulated exploration of the planet will take place between ENXB Eldfisk B and Scotland, via the city of Edinburgh and Dundee Airport (EGPN).

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

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Flight Simulation

Explore the Planet in Flight Simulation (12)

Airbus H160 helicopter leaving Helgoland (EDHX) for an oil platform in the North Sea
Airbus H160 helicopter leaving Helgoland (EDHX) for an oil platform in the North Sea

This twelfth leg of the round-the-world flight simulation trip features a precision landing. Indeed, there is a stopover on an oil platform in the North Sea. The code name of this facility in the Netherlands is EHFD F3-FB-1A. As usual, we’re using the MSFS flight simulator.

Airbus virtual H160 helicopter in flight towars the EHFD F3-FB-1A oil platform in flight simulation.
Airbus virtual H160 helicopter in flight towars the EHFD F3-FB-1A oil platform in flight simulation.

We are airborne in the evening from the island of Düne, in Germany. We shall reach the oil platform around dusk.

Virtual H160 helicopter approaching a wind farm in the North Sea with MSFS.
Virtual H160 helicopter approaching a wind farm in the North Sea with MSFS.

The photo above shows a wind farm straight ahead in the North Sea. In the event of a ditching, the H160 helicopter is equipped with floats that can be activated by the captain.

The night approaches as the H160 approaches the oil platform in MSFS
The night approaches as the H160 approaches the oil platform in MSFS

The virtual flight takes place in real weather conditions. As the day draws to a close, the sky takes on superb hues.

A few minutes later, the rig becomes visible.

Very windy for an H160 landing at EHFD F3-FB-1A oil platform in the North Sea with MSFS
Very windy for an H160 landing at EHFD F3-FB-1A oil platform in the North Sea with MSFS

Generally, the winds remain at a fairly high speed for the approach to the helipad. In addition, the crane constantly moves from left to right not too far from the landing zone. As a result, the helicopter needs to be in the appropriate place. Moreover, turbulence near the building complicates manoeuvres. Therefore, two approaches become necessary before landing safely.

H160 helicopter landed on the EHFD F3-FB-1A oil platform in flight simulation
H160 helicopter landed on the EHFD F3-FB-1A oil platform in flight simulation

The helicopter will finally spend the night on the platform. Crew and passengers will certainly enjoy a well-deserved rest. Tomorrow, our mandate is to make the connection to a second drilling rig. This one is located further north, in the territory of Norway. For flight simulation fans who’d like to try it out, the code name is ENXB Eldfisk B.  

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

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Flight Simulation

42MX Mexican Mountain in MSFS

Fox2 bushplane at 42MX Mexican Mountain with MSFS
Fox2 bushplane at 42MX Mexican Mountain with MSFS

The Mexican Mountain Virtual Landing Strip (42MX) under Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 (MSFS) is located in the United States, in Utah. It is a 1800 x 40 feet dirt runway, sloping slightly to the west.

The MX42 Mexican Mountain airstrip with visitors (MSFS)
The MX42 Mexican Mountain airstrip with visitors (MSFS)

The surrounding landscape is characterized by large cliffs and mountains whose peaks reach 6900 feet.

Airborne from the 42MX Mexican Mountain airstrip in MSFS flight simulation
Airborne from the 42MX Mexican Mountain airstrip in MSFS flight simulation
Virtual scenery around the 42MX Mexican Mountain airstrip (MSFS)
Virtual scenery around the 42MX Mexican Mountain airstrip (MSFS)

Once on the ground and near the campfire, we can hear the fire crackling and the RC Plane activities through the walkie-talkie left on the table. We can’t tell if anyone will be there when we arrive. This time, a young couple was enjoying the good weather and had taken the time to light a fire in my absence…

42MX Mexican Mountain visitors taking a break in MSFS
42MX Mexican Mountain visitors taking a break in MSFS

One final note from the company: pineapples on pizza are not allowed on the site.

If you have purchased the Bushplane Campout 42BC, the simulation will be all the more realistic.

Click on the link for more flight simulation articles on my blog.

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Flight Simulation

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020

Approaching the Narita international airport, in Japan, with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020.
Approaching the Narita international airport, in Japan, with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020.

The Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 is 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.
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 controller as 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.
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.

A first 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.

A second 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.

Here are two other practical links for answers to various questions about X-Box and other subjects and CH products.

Aerial view of Quebec City using Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020.
Aerial view of Quebec City using Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020.

In the screenshot above, you might recognize Quebec City, with the restaurant Le Concorde in the distance on the left, followed by the Edifice Marie-Guyart, a part of the Plains of Abraham, the Château Frontenac, the Price building and the lower town.

Have a good flight!

Click on the link for other flight simulation articles on my blog.

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Flight Simulation

List of the Orbx freeware and payware airports. Halloween 2020 edition.

I have reviewed and edited my list of the Orbx freeware and payware airports, with runway description and airport elevation. It includes most airports that were created up  to Halloween 2020.

The addition of airports are based on what Orbx releases on its “Orbx Release Announcements” section. There are airports for Microsoft 2020 (MSFS), X-Plane, P3DV4+, AFS2 and FSX.

Payware airports often come with secondary, smaller virtual airports included in their package. The data is included in the list.

There are several airports included in the older Orbx regions on the west coast of USA that are not shown here. So the list is not perfect, but it does help the flight simmer. For the rest of the planet, the list is pretty accurate.

You have access to a free download PDF file on my website.

Have fun!