Tag: virtual aircraft

Around the world in flight simulation (10).

Post author By Stanley
Post date 22 November 2024
4 Comments on Around the world in flight simulation (10).

Leg 10 of this round-the-world flight simulation trip takes place between Poland and Germany. Two very different aircraft will be used to complete the journey during this day of VFR flying: an old Junkers Ju 52/3m and a modern business helicopter, the Airbus H160.

Junkers JU 52 airborne from the Lublin airport (EPLB) in Poland.

Departure is from Lublin airport (EPLB) in Poland. The Junkers Ju 52/3m takes off without a hitch over a short distance. The big three-engine tailwheel is as predictable as the Cessna C-170B I used in real life to cross Canada in 1981. Above, one can see the cultivated fields of Poland.

Junkers JU 52 and the Moritzburg Castle in Germany in flight simulation

It’s shaping up to be a beautiful morning, weather-wise. The first leg of the trip takes us over Moritzburg Castle (Schloss Moritzburg), northwest of Dresden. Built in 1542, it was originally the hunting lodge of the Duke of Saxony.

Junkers JU 52 enroute to the Landesmuseum für Vorgeschichte Halle in Germany

On the way to Halle is a large wind farm. Germany, like Europe, is rapidly developing its green energy. Russia’s recent attitude to Europe’s natural gas supply has drastically changed energy planning in neighboring countries.

A Junkers JU 52 flying over the State Museum of Prehistory Halle in Germany in flight simulation

Above, in the center of the photo, is a partial view of the National Museum of Prehistory in Halle (Landesmuseum für Vorgeschichte Halle), not far from Leipzig. It is one of Central Europe’s leading archaeological museums.

Fly-by of the Kyffhaüser-Denkmal in Germany by a Junkers Ju 52 in flight simulation

Before reaching Calden airport to change aircraft, we gaze at the Kyffhaüser monument (Kyffhaüser Denkmal). Once in Calden, we jump into a modern Airbus-built H160 helicopter and head for Göttingen, more precisely over the Münchhausenstrasse.

We’ve obtained permission to fly over this thoroughfare at very low altitude, just long enough to say hello to an old acquaintance. This dubious authorization will probably cost Germany’s Minister of Transport his job.

Streets of Göttingen, Germany, in flight simulation

A flyover of this Göttingen street is necessary to verify the extent of the traffic.

Helicopter descending on Münchhausenstrasse, Göttingen, Germany, in flight simulation.

The descent is gradual between the buildings. We hover just above the cars. Pedestrians seem to wave at us, but we may misinterpret the gesture. Our friend is at the window and takes the time to stop his reading of an excellent comic strip to wave at us. We then continue on our way to Padderborn Lippstadt Airport (EDLP), our destination for today.

Helicopter H160 landing at the Padderborn Lippstadt (EDLP) in Germany in flight simulation.

Still, there’s a fair amount of activity at the airport. Immediately after landing, we’ll start planning leg 11 of this round-the-world flight simulation and real weather trip.

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

Around the world in flight simulation (9)

Post author By Stanley
Post date 18 October 2024
No Comments on Around the world in flight simulation (9)

The Antonov 225 taking-off from the Antonov airport (UKKM) in Ukraine heading to Sochi, Russia.

Today, the Antonov 225 is reborn for another leg of this world tour of flight simulation. In reality, this aircraft was destroyed by Russia during its invasion of Ukraine. At the time of writing, war is still raging between the two nations. But in virtual mode, we have more latitude to alter the course of events and simulate peace.

So, we leave Ukraine’s Antonov airport (UKKM), fly over Crimea and then stop off in Sochi, Russia (airport code USSR). Our destination is Lublin airport (EPLB) in Poland.

The weather is looking good, with clear skies for the arrival in Sochi. The scenery around Sochi is splendid, and it’s best to land in good weather.

Take-off is a breeze, but the Antonov 225’s heaviness takes some getting used to. The weight of the aircraft means that every time the pilot makes a maneuver with the flight controls, initially nothing happens. Then, the aircraft slowly begins to obey. So, you have to expect delays and anticipate the outcome of maneuvers.

Navigraph is used for navigation. Of course, I plan to deviate from the initial route to fly over Crimea and then on to Sochi.

The pink triangle indicates the position of the Antonov 225 entering Crimea on its flight to Sochi in Russia and then Poland.

Below, the ploughed fields of the Ukraine. Ukraine is considered the breadbasket of the world.

The Antonov 225 over the cultivated fields of Ukraine.

Crimea is a beautiful region from the air, but fiercely contested on the ground. A pilot would say that today, it’s more turbulent down there than up.

The Antonov 225 entering Crimea on its flight to Russia then Poland

A few minutes later, the flight over the Sea of Azov begins in the direction of Sochi.

The approach is spectacular, with the surrounding mountains. As with all large aircraft, the Antonov has to be stabilized well in advance to avoid overcorrecting on final.

Antonov 225 on long final for runway 06 in Sochi (USSR), Russia.

The cargo plane stops in an extremely short distance for such a heavy aircraft. When the thrust is reversed on six engines, there’s no need to set the brakes to maximum, especially in Sochi. We make a short stopover.

Antonov 225 parked for a short stopover at Sochi (USSR), Russia.

Just after our arrival, a Russian Sukhoi 27 military jet makes a low pass near the tower. The fighter jet was created at the time in response to the construction of the American F-15.

A Sukhoi Su-27 makes a low pass at the Sochi Airport (USSR), Russia.

The flight resumes in the late afternoon. Below, the Antonov 225 is on final approach to runway 25 at Lublin airport in Poland.

Antonov 225 on final for rwy 25 at Lublin airport, Poland

The thrust reversers allow the aircraft to exit onto the taxiway in the middle of the runway.

Antonov 225 with thrust reversers after landing at Lublin (EPLB) airport in Poland.

We get a little help with parking.

Antonov 225 with some help for the parking at Lublin airport, Poland

The next stage of this round-the-world flight simulation will be with a smaller aircraft, heading for Germany. A flight over Göttingen is planned with a helicopter (D-JORG). The trip will end at Paderborn Lippstadt Airport (EDLP).

Click on the link to read more about this round-the-world flight simulation on my blog.

Flight Simulation

Around the world in flight simulation (6)

Post author By Stanley
Post date 7 June 2024

The sixth leg of this world tour of flight simulation continues with a journey from the Molde (ENML) airport to the Sandane/Anda (ENSD) airport in southern Norway.

Ready for departure from Molde (ENML) virtual airport to Sandane (ENSD) airport.

The destination can’t accommodate a private jet like the Cessna Citation Longitude, as runway 08/26 is only 3182 feet long. A good old light twin-engine plane, repainted a hundred times over, will have to be rented for the trip, and we’ll just have to hope the engines hold out.

Enroute to the virtual Sandane airport (ENSD) in Norway with Microsoft Flight Simulator. — Enroute to the virtual Sandane airport (ENSD) in Norway with Microsoft Flight Simulator

The mountains of Norway come into view, and the ascent continues gradually to ensure that the highest peaks along the route pose no problems.

The navigraph tool for flight simulation and the VFR map from ENML to ENSD.

Above, a view of the aircraft’s instrument panel as it climbs, with a Navigraph map showing the route flown in visual flight. Virtual weather is integrated in real time whenever a new weather report is issued by a ground observation station around the world.

View of the Norwegian mountains from the pilot seat

Morning sun over the Norwegian mountains with Microsoft Flight Simulator.

Another sunrise view that brings Norway’s magnificent mountain landscape to life.

Approaching the Sandane virtual airport in flight simulation.

We are now almost at our destination. The plane is in left base for runway 08 at Sandane/Alda airport.

Turning final for runway 08 at Sandane (ENSD) virtual airport in Norway.

Over the still-frozen Innvikfjorden, the final turn is made to stabilize the aircraft on final runway 08. On short final, there’s a cliff just short of threshold 08, and a difference in runway height to take into account for the landing.

View of the Sandane (ENSD) virtual airport with Microsoft Flight Simulator.

Above, a view of the Sandane/Alda virtual airport (ENSD) using Microsoft Flight Simulator. There is no margin for error, as the two runway thresholds are bordered by a cliff and a stretch of water.

Help for parking is offered at the Sandane (ENSD) virtual airport in Norway.

Service at the airport is excellent. Two employees are waiting to help us park our aircraft.

Sandane is known for its magnificent panoramas, waterfalls, Briksdalsbreen glacier and horseback riding. The village is nestled inland from the Gloppe Fjord. If you’re traveling there in summer, you’ll need to be prepared for a fair amount of precipitation.

The next flight is from Sandane to Stockholm-Bromma in Sweden with a Beechcraft King Air 350I which has not flown for a long time. We’ll have to fly over the high mountains of the Jostedalsbreen Nasjonalpark before reaching our destination.

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

Flight Simulation

Around the world in flight simulation (5).

Post author By Stanley
Post date 17 May 2024

Airborne from the Ivalo virtual airport (EFIV) in northern Finland.

The fifth leg of this world tour in flight simulation continues with a journey from Ivalo airport (EFIV) in Finland to Molde airport (ENML) in southern Norway. It’s hard to see daylight through the cloud cover as we take off.

In anticipation of this and subsequent flights, I subscribed to Navigraph to make the experience even more immersive. The map below shows the choices for arrival procedures at Molde airport. In green are the reporting points for the arrival and in orange those for the approach. The aircraft follows these points automatically, thanks to the on-board computer.

Navigraph informations for the arrival in Molde (ENML)

I’m only just getting to grips with Navigraph and am still going through a trial-and-error process when it comes to using the data. But I’m making progress…

Heading towards the Molde (ENML) airport in Norway with MFS2020.

Once through the cloud layer, the aircraft finally reaches flight level FL380 (38,000 feet).

The runway at Molde airport is 2221 metres (7287 feet) long, and lies on the shore of Moldefjorden. It’s perfect for the Cessna Citation Longitude, but there are mountains on the approach.

Navigraph map superposed on the geography on approach for the Molde airport (ENML)

The data provided by Navigraph helps the pilot to use the correct altitude limits to maintain a safe height above the terrain at all times. You can also track the aircraft’s progress along the chosen route. Several types of maps are also available to help prepare take-offs and landings. When required, maps can be overlaid with the Navigraph system, while maintaining the aircraft’s planned route over the local geography.

Cessna Citation Longitude descending towards the Molde airport (ENML) airport in Norway in flight simulation.

We start the descent to Molde airport. The cloud cover is relatively thin and visibility is not a problem.

Descending for Molde airport (ENML) in Norway with Microsoft Flight Simulator.

The setting sun makes for beautiful scenes on the descent to Molde.

Approaching the virtual Molde airport (ENML) with the Cessna Citation Longitude

Once out of the clouds and in ideal weather, the autopilot is disconnected and the approach is made visually.

On final for runway 25 at the Molde virtual airport (ENML) in flight simulation.

Winds oriented almost in line with runway 25 facilitate the approach.

Exiting runway 25 at the Molde airport (ENML) in Norway.

The Cessna Citation leaves runway 25 and parks for a few days in Molde, a Norwegian town renowned for its beautiful mountains and numerous parks and rose gardens. This town was saved from famine in 1740 by the presence of herrings. The town’s coat of arms features a whale hunting herrings in a barrel as a reminder of this period. Thanks to its position along the fjords and the foehn effect, winters in Molde are relatively mild (and very mild compared to Canada).

Soon the sixth leg of the flight will take place, from Molde to Sandane (ENSD), a Norwegian airport surrounded by beautiful mountains.

Click on the link for more flight simulator flights around the world https://francoisouellet.ca/en/category/flight-simulation/ on my blog.

Flight Simulation

Around the world in flight simulation (4)

Post author By Stanley
Post date 26 April 2024

Cessna 700 airborne from the virtual Vagar (EKVG) airport in the Faroe Islands with Microsoft Flight Simulator.

The fourth leg of this world tour in flight simulation continues with a trip between Vagar airport (EKVG) in the Faroe Islands (Kingdom of Denmark) and Finland‘s northernmost airport, (EFIV).

Below is a diagram showing the route, which takes approximately two hours.

From the Vagar airport (EKVG) to the Ivalo airport (EFIV).

I’m using Microsoft Flight Simulator for the trip. The tanks are only 50% full, as we need to limit the aircraft’s weight to allow a safe takeoff on this 5908-foot runway. The aircraft requires a minimum of 4810 feet, to which must be added a strong crosswind component this morning. What’s more, the runway is soggy. If we add too much fuel, we risk ending up in the bay at the end of runway 30.

Cessna Longitude enroute to Ivalo (EFIV) Finland in flight simulation.

The virtual Cessna Longitude is now at its planned cruising altitude. Thick clouds cover the coast of Norway, but the weather is much more favorable in northern Finland, where our destination lies.

Virtual Cessna 700 starting the descent towards Ivalo (EFIV) Finland.

After waiting as long as possible before starting the descent, to save the remaining fuel, it’s time to descend into the cloud layer for the approach to Ivalo.

Virtual Cessna Longitude over the frozen northern land of Finland

On the way down to the airport, the aircraft passes through several layers of cloud. Finland, still frozen in March, is clearly visible.

Visual approach to the Ivalo (EFIV) virtual airport in Finland

We have to wait until the last moment to extend the landing gear and flaps to maximize fuel economy. Near the airport, I’m treated to a magnificent spectacle as the sun reaches the horizon.

Long final for runway 22 of the Ivalo virtual airport (EFIV) in Finland

Landing gear down. Flaps to follow shortly. An alarm has just gone off in the cockpit to indicate a low fuel level in the tanks. But there’s still around 350 lbs for each engine. On final approach, the view is superb.

Cessna Citation on short final runway 22 for the Ivalo (EFIV) virtual airport in Finland.

Winds are 220 degrees at 7 knots, directly in line with Runway 22. The runway is 8199 x 148 feet. The flaps are down and the approach is smooth.

Ivalo (EFIV) the northernmost aiport in Finland with Microsoft Flight Simulator copie

Welcome to Lapland! Ivalo Airport (EFIV) was Finland’s ninth busiest airport in 2024. The region attracts winter sports enthusiasts as well as those keen to observe the Northern Lights.

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

Tags around the world in flight simulation, Cessna Citation Longitude, Denmark, EFIV, EKVG, Finland, flight simulation, flight simulator, IFR flight, Ivalo, Ivalo airport, MFS 2020, Microsoft Flight Simulator, Vagar, Vagar airport, virtual aircraft, virtual airport, virtual pilot, virtual weather

Flight Simulation

Around the world in flight simulation (3)

Post author By Stanley
Post date 13 April 2024

Airborne from the Isafjordur airport (BIIS) In Iceland with Microsoft Flight Simulator.

The third leg of the round-the-world flight simulation begins with a departure from Isafjordur (BIIS) in Iceland and ends at Vagar airport (EKVG) in the Faroe Islands, an autonomous archipelago belonging to the Kingdom of Denmark.

The departure from Isafjordur faces a mountain. You can see the shadows on the ground. But as visibility is perfect, this is no problem at all, as long as the rate of climb is sufficient.

The Cessna Citation Longitude is airborne from the Isafjordur airport (BIIS) in Iceland with Microsoft Flight Simulator.

A left turn over the superb Icelandic landscape establishes the Cessna Citation Longitude on course for the Faroe Islands. The FMS ensures that the aircraft will stay on course. But it’s important to remain vigilant: there’s a lot of other equipment that can cause surprises along the way.

The Cessna Citation is climbing slowly over Iceland.

The climb continues over a magnificent landscape. There’s no turbulence today; if there were, the flight simulator would make sure the plane was harder to control, even for the autopilot. I set the virtual flight to observe real air traffic during the flight, but the route between Iceland and the Faroe Islands is off the most popular routes, so it’s normal not to encounter too many aircrafts.

The Cessna Citation Longitude is heading to the Vagar airport (EKVG) in Feroe Islands

We are now established at our cruising altitude, leaving Iceland’s eastern border to fly over the Atlantic Ocean.

Visual approach for runway 12 at the Vagar airport (EKVG) Feroe Islands

We disconnect the autopilot to give us a free hand on the visual approach to Vagar (EKVG) airport. A small white dot, the lights of runway 12, can be seen straight ahead in the distance. The landing gear is down, as are the flaps, and the speed has stabilized at around 140 knots for the moment.

The Cessna Citation is on long final for runway 12 of the Vagar airport (EKVG) Faroe Islands

It’s an ideal time to arrive in the Faroe Islands, with the setting sun coloring all the surrounding clouds.

The Citation Longitude on visual approach to runway 12 at the Vagar airport (EKVG)

Runway 12 is visible on the far right in the photo above. The uneven cloud cover sometimes blocks the view of the airport for a few seconds, but the wind quickly blows the clouds away, preventing a missed approach. Virtual weather ensures a constant renewal of weather conditions.

The Cessna Citation exits runway 12 at the Vagar airport (EKVG) in Faroe Islands with Microsoft Flight Simulator

Landing is trouble-free, as the Vagar runway is long enough (5902 x 98 feet) to accommodate such a private jet.

Some 53,000 people lived in the Faroe Islands as of 2021. One of the most popular activities is bird and plant watching. To make it easier for residents and tourists to get around, tunnels have been built between some of the archipelago’s 18 islands.

The fourth leg of the round-the-world virtual flight will take place between Vagar and Ivalo (EFIV) in Finland. This is Finland’s northernmost airport.

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

Flight Simulation

Short Landings in Flight Simulation with MSFS 2020

Post author By Stanley
Post date 31 May 2022

On approach for Île d'Orléans. — On approach for Île d’Orléans.

Today’s flight consists of two virtual short landings using the MSFS 2020 flight simulator (or as some call it, FS2020). We will be landing on Île d’Orléans and on the Battlefields Park.

First of all, I admit that the Cessna 170B’s windows are dirty. For realism, the designer Carenado left a little dirt here and there to show the wear and tear of this very old aircraft.

The picture above shows Île d’Orléans as seen from the Cessna. Since there is no landing strip but a golf club in the area, we will use the open fairways to land the aircraft. If there is a golfer on the course, I will open the window and yell, as is customary, “Fore!” (Falling Object Returning to Earth).

On final for Île d'Orléans — On final for Île d’Orléans

We are established on final for the small portion of open ground ahead. With 40 degrees of flaps, the stall speed is particularly low and the landing should not be too difficult.

On Île d'Orléans ready for take-off. — On Île d’Orléans ready for take-off.

Although the available strip was not very wide, it was long enough for the landing, the taxiing and the maneuvering to turn the aircraft 180 degrees for its take-off to Quebec City.

Airborne from Île d'Orléans with a Cessna 170B — Airborne from Île d’Orléans with a Cessna 170B

Back in the air, direction Quebec City. The take-off on soft ground requires about 20 degrees of flaps.

Quebec City is in sight. In the Cessna C-170B I flew in 1981 across Canada from St-Jean-sur-Richelieu to Edmonton, Alberta, there was no modern navigation aid installed on board as in the photo above, where the GPS helps the pilot find his way. The flight was flown using 14 VFR charts and nothing more. (If you are interested, click to read more about real-life flying stories on my blog).

Hôtel le Concorde and its revolving restaurant, visible on the right.

We are now above the Plains of Abraham. On the picture above, on the right, you can see the Hotel le Concorde and its revolving restaurant. We will possibly disturb the quiet atmosphere of the meal as we fly by…

The MNBAQ and the Battlefields Park are in sight.

Above, straight ahead, the gray buildings represent a portion of the Musée National des Beaux-Arts de Québec (MNBAQ). A little further on is the open area of the Battlefields Park. In 1928, Lindbergh landed on that field to bring badly needed medicine for his friend Floyd Bennett. Can we normally land on the Battlefields Park, in the heart of Quebec City? Of course not. But that’s the beauty of a flight simulation; you can do whatever you want!

Cessna 170B on the Battlefields Park in Québec City.

Once landed, the aircraft is allowed to decelerate gradually and then turned 180 degrees for the next takeoff. When winds are light, there is no need to worry about the direction of the takeoff.

Aerial view of Battlefield Parks with the Cessna 170B under MSFS 2020.

Above, an aerial view of the Battlefields Park, with the virtual Cessna C-170B ready to take off again.

Partial view of Quebec City in flight simulation with MSFS 2020

One last picture, this time with some additional buildings. The realism of the virtual scene with FS2020 is amazing!

I hope you enjoyed these two short flights. Whether you use the short landing technique for the Battlefields Park is really up to you, as there is enough space for a normal landing. But it is good to practice landing in the shortest distance possible. You never know when your engine will quit!

You can click on the following link for other challenging virtual flights on my blog.

Flight Simulation

Virtual flight with the MSFS 2020 flight simulator.

Post author By Stanley
Post date 23 May 2022

Taking of from Rivière des Mille-Îles near Marina Venise

Today’s flight is part of my blog’s standard virtual flight category. The take-off is from the Mille-Îles River in Quebec. There will be a touch and go at Mirabel (CYMX) and a flight over Quebec and Ontario to the Cascades hydrobase (CTY3).

Towards the Mirabel international airport (CYMX) with the MSFS 2020 flight simulator.

Flying at low altitude towards Mirabel airport, for a touch and go.

One of the CYMX runways can be seen straight ahead. If a virtual pilot does not find the runway long enough to do a touch and go, then a refresher course is in order.

Touch and go at the Mirabel airport with MSFS 2020

Takeoff from Mirabel. This is the advantage of an amphibious aircraft; you can land anywhere.

The virtual weather shows the difference between the snow in the north and the green vegetation in the south.

The Lachute airport (CSE4) is visible (buildings in red in the foreground). Flying in April in Quebec allows to notice the demarcation between the still white landscapes (the snow persists) in the north and the areas where everything has already melted.

Over Hawksbury, Ontario, with the MSFS 2020 flight simulator.

The flight continues to the Cascades waterbase (CTY3). The Ottawa River separates Quebec from Ontario. The aircraft is currently over the town of , Ontario, with Hamilton Island on the left.

Realism of the flight simulation under MSFS 2020

The screenshot above shows the very realistic effect of the virtual landscape, both in terms of the virtual weather, the multiple color tones of the ground and the shading on the ground and on the aircraft caused by the breaks between the clouds.

Overflying the Plaisance National Park in Quebec with MSFS 2020

Above Parc national Plaisance, a Quebec property.

Visibilty lowers slightly near Gatineau (CYND)

Descending for 1500 feet. Near Gatineau, the weather conditions deteriorate slightly. But it will be short-lived.

Turning towards the Gatineau river with the MSFS 2020 flight simulator.

Right turn for a water landing on the Gatineau River. The destination is in sight.

Water landing of the Gatineau river near the Wakefield hydrobase (CTY3)

The plane progresses slowly towards the hydrobase.

Aerial view of the Wakefield hydrobase (CTY3) with MSFS 2020

There is not yet a virtual waterbase worthy of the name for Cascades under Microsoft. At low altitude, the virtual pilot notes that he is only flying over a photo with aircraft footprints. An aerial view shows the CTY3 hydrobase.

Those who wish to repeat the experience will find the ride quite interesting.

Click on the link for more standard virtual flights on my blog.

Tags aircraft, aviation, bush plane, flight simulation, flight simulator, FS2020, Microsoft Flight Simulator, MSFS 2020, standard virtual flights, virtual aircraft, virtual clouds, virtual cockpit, virtual landing, virtual pilot, virtual scenery, water landing

Flight Simulation

The Bugalaga runway (WX53) in Indonesia with MSFS 2020

Post author By Stanley
Post date 7 May 2022

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!

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

Tags Bugalaga, C208B, Cessna Grand Caravan, challenging virtual flights, flight simulation, flight simulator, FS2020, high altitude runway, Microsoft Flight Simulator, MSFS 2020, screen capture, sloped runway, virtual aircraft, virtual pilot, virtual scenery, virtual weather, WX53

Flight Simulation

Virtual flight around Key West with MSFS 2020

Post author By Stanley
Post date 21 April 2022

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 West National 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…!

Click on the link for more standard virtual flights on my blog using either MSFS2020 or FSX.

Tags C-172, Cessna 172, flight simulation, flight simulator, Florida, FS 2020, Garmin G-1000, history, KEYW, Microsoft Flight Simulator, MSFS 2020, screen captures, standard virtual flights, United States, VFR flight, virtual aircraft, virtual flight, virtual weather, water landing