Tag: virtual aircraft

Around the world in flight simulation (3)

Post author By Stanley
Post date 13 April 2024
No Comments on Around the world in flight simulation (3)

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!

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

Flight Simulation

Elk River (NC06) to Mountain Air County Club (2NC0) with MSFS 2020.

Post author By Stanley
Post date 13 April 2022

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. — 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. — 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. — 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.

Click on the link for more challenging virtual flights under MSFS 2020 and FSX on my blog.

Tags 2NC0, challenging virtual flights, Elk River, flight simulation, flight simulator, FS2020, landing, mechanical turbulence, Microsoft Flight Simulator, Mountain Air County Club, MSFS2020, NC06, sloped runway, United States, VFR flight, virtual aircraft, virtual flight, virtual pilot

Flight Simulation

The treacherous Launumu short sloped runway in Papua New Guinea.

Post author By Stanley
Post date 10 July 2018

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

Flight Simulation

Gliding operations on a 12 degree sloped runway in Papua New Guinea

Post author By Stanley
Post date 25 April 2018

Well, that is it! The first glider just arrived at the Fane Parish airport in Papua New Guinea…

Glider on the Fane Parish short grass runway in Papua New Guinea.

Before it is officially offered as a tourist attraction for the region, some attempts at taking-off and landing must be done. The first trial attracts a few people!

Aircraft and glider on the Fane Parish mountain airfield.

The descent along the twelve degree sloped runway is a bit rough for the glider’s low wings, as there are some bushes that will have to be trimmed!

An aircraft pulls a glider after the take-off from the Fane Parish sloped runway in Papua New Guinea.

The weather is nice and very warm. The only potential problem is the mountain ahead.

Glider being towed by an aircraft after the take-off from the Fane Parish mountain airfield.

Finally, the pilot cuts the link. He is free to go!

The link is cut between the plane and the glider after the take-off from Fane Parish.

The glider flies silently over the lush area of Papua New Guinea.

Virtually gliding over the Papua New Guinea territory (FSX).

Using the rising warm air currents, the glider gains altitude.

Why not a pass over Fane?

Here is another isolated village alongside a mountain.

Flight with a virtual glider over an isolated village of Papua New Guinea.

A last steep turn in order to realign for the approach at Fane Parish.

Last steep turn for a short landing on the Fane Parish mountain sloped runway.

The airbrakes are out and the speed reasonable. The sloped runway is just ahead, on top of the mountain to the right.

Approach of a glider on the elevated airfield at Fane Parish in Papua New Guinea. The speed and angle of approach are right on target.

Keeping just enough altitude on the approach to be safe.

Glider approaching the 12 degree sloped runway of the Fane Parish aerodrome.

Now that the landing is a sure thing, it is time to use the airbrakes again to slow down as much as possible.

Virtual glider arriving over the Fane Parish runway in Papua New Guinea. The airbrakes are being used.

Keeping in mind that this mountain airfield as a good slope, it is better to have a bit of extra speed. Nobody likes to stall a few feet over a runway!

Virtual glider with airbrakes over the Fane Parish runway

What an experience it was! But I’ll need some help to pull the glider up the slope!

The virtual flight was great, the view was worth every penny, and I think that this could become a new touristic attraction for the region and the more wealthy visitors…

The glider has landed on the runway at the Fane Parish airport in Papua New Guinea.

Flight Simulation

A radical way of dealing with crosswinds in flight simulation.

Post author By Stanley
Post date 11 April 2018

There is no aircraft in the sky around the Port Moresby Jacksons (AYPY) virtual airport today. No aircraft in the sky but one, a medevac flight.

Arrival of the Medevac towards the Port Moresby Jacksons (AYPY) airport. The winds forbid a normal landing.

The winds blow from 240 degree at 50G60 kts and the runways are oriented 14/32. It is way above the maximum crosswind authorized for any aircraft.

But the Shrike Commander’s crew cannot wait until the wind calms down. They must land in the next few minutes in order to save a patient’s life.

The Port Moresby Jacksons (AYPY) is in sight in the center top of the screen capture.

As there is no traffic around, the captain has told ATC he intends to do a safe, efficient but non-standard approach.

The aircraft is gradually positioned to arrive in a straight line for the AYPY hangar.

The aircraft aligns itself to face the wind blowing across the runways.

Arriving straight across the runways, facing the wind, the crew intends to land the aircraft a few feet short of a hangar. The captain requests that someone opens the hangar doors right away. The captain will terminate the approach in the hangar, protected from the wind.

Trajectory of the Shrike Commander 500S towards the hangar at the Port Moresby Jacksons airport. The hangar door has been open for the arrival.

It is safer to arrive facing the wind and immediately enter the hangar, straight ahead. No taxiing with a 60 knots crosswind.

Useless to say, ATC has already refused the request. But the pilot is the only one who decides of the best landing surface, for the safety of the passengers and himself. He proceeds with the approach after having clearly indicated which path will be followed.

The Shrike Commander 500S over the houses near the Port Moresby Jacksons airport.

The main problem for the approach is the low level mechanical turbulence caused by the gusty 60 kts winds.

If ATC wants to file a complaint, now is a good time to take a picture of the aircraft and its registration to support the case.

The actual ground speed of the airplane is around 20 kts.

The Shrike Commander 500S approaching across the runways at the Port Moresby Jacksons airport. The winds blow from 240 degree at 50G60.

The steady high wind speed is actually safer for the crew than if the winds were 240 at 35G60.

Ground speed of about 20 knots for the Shrike Commander 500S on final for the Port Moresby Jacksons hangar (AYPY).

Still a bit above the runway and with a 10-20 knots ground speed. The airspeed indicator shows the strength of the wind itself plus the ground speed.

Frontal view of the Shrike Commander 500S about to land in front of the hangar at AYPY.

Floating like a hot air balloon or almost!

Side view of the Shrike Commander 500S on final for the Port Moresby Jacksons airport's hangar. — Side view of the Shrike Commander 500S on final for the Port Moresby Jacksons airport’s hangar.

The Shrike Commander will soon land in Port Moresby Jacksons.

As the aircraft touches the ground, it stops almost immediately. It is necessary to apply power to reach the hangar, as you can see with the white trail on the ground behind the aircraft.

In real life, the touch-down would have had to be as soon as the asphalt start since the presence of the hangar lowers the wind speed a bit.

The Shrike Commander lands a few feet before the hangar. Additional power is mandatory to reach the hangar.

A few seconds after the touch-down, the aircraft is in the hangar, protected from the wind, and both doctor and patient can quickly head out to the hospital.

The Shrike Commander 500S in the hangar at Port Moresby (AYPY).

Once in the hangar, the winds were adjusted to zero, which is kind of logical, unless the opposite wall is missing!

View of the Port Moresby Jacksons (AYPY)

It was now time to brace for another storm, which was the inquiry that would possibly follow the landing!

(P.S.: Tim Harris and Ken Hall were the creators of this virtual Port Moresby Jacksons international airport) and it is sold by ORBX. The aircraft is sold by Carenado).

Flight Simulation

Rotate’s MD-11 for the X-Plane flight simulation platform

Post author By Stanley
Post date 4 April 2018

The virtual MD-11 being created by the Rotate company for the X-Plane flight simulation platform.

Good news for flight simulation enthousiasts! Those who had stopped looking for a virtual MD-11 will have an opportunity to fly this legendary aircraft.

The Rotate company, which makes virtual aircrafts for the X-Plane flight simulation platform, has decided to make a virtual MD-11. It is quite a challenge but the progress is steady.

A few years ago, another company, PMDG, created a virtual MD-11 but decided to drop the product and let down the customers who had bought their excellent aircraft. They stopped providing updates and eventually erased the MD-11 from their list of products.

Since then, many flight simmers have been wondering if they could one day learn to fly the MD-11. Numerous crashes of MD-11s have happened in real life since its creation by Mc Donnell Douglas. They were mostly due to pilots unable to master the aircraft, except in the case of Swissair 111.

The Rotate’s staff have recently published a new photo (see above) on their WEB page to show that the virtual aircraft is slowly taking shape. The graphic quality is really superb.

In an interview given to PC Pilot in the March/April edition, Rotate said that they want to achieve a high level of simulation with the MD-11, but that they still have a long way to go. They stated that the MD-11 is much bigger and much more complex than the MD-80 (that they are already offering) and that they want the MD-11 to reflect those characteristics.

Those who fly using FSX will now be able to add X-Plane as another flight simulator to their computer and thus use the MD-11 when it will be ready (probably around the end of 2019).

The beauty with X-plane is that the 64 bits platform uses all six cores of the new CPUs on the market. The FPS (frame per second) number is thus very high, which will allow users of the MD-11 to fly around huge virtual airports when the weather is complex without having to compromise.

Another positive aspect is that ORBX ( https://orbxdirect.com/ ) now offers products for X-Plane, which will greatly increase the choice of quality virtual sceneries.

Tags airplane crash, flight simulation, flight simulator, FPS, FSX, MD-11, MD-11F, Microsoft flight simulator X, ORBX, PC Pilot, PMDG, Rotate, virtual aircraft, X-Plane