Tag: virtual flight

Flight simulation: a Canadian C130 Hercules on the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise

Post author By Stanley
Post date 4 March 2015

Canadian C-130 Hercules on approach for the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise

For the challenging virtual flights category, a F18 landing on the bridge of an aircraft carrier would have been appropriate. But using a C130 was at least as demanding, due to an increased inertia and the absence of hook to slow down the plane. Since this had already been tried in real life on the USS Forrestal in 1963, it seemed that it would be an excellent exercice.

Canadian C-130 on final for the USS Enterprise aircraft carrier

If you decide to try this exercice, expect to do few missed approaches as you get used to the narrow bridge and the more important size of the Lockheed C-130 Hercules (Captain Sim). The landing configuration with full flaps must be established a long time in advance. At the time you arrive over the bridge, no in flight adjustments must have been necessary for a minute or so on the approach. It will ensure a smooth landing.

Canadian C-130 on short final for the USS Enterprise aircraft carrier

The USS Enterprise deck height is about 130 feet and there is plenty of runway if you arrive at the threshold at the appropriate height. If there is a rebound, just apply full throttle and pull the control column slightly, as you are flying near stall speed. The approach speed should be around 110 kT. I chose to limit the fuel load to 50% in all tanks. The total weight of the aircraft was 127,000 pounds.

Canadian C-130 landing on the deck of the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise

You will have to deactivate the option that makes the simulator react to an airplane crash. There are too many aircrafts on each side of the Big E runways and you risk hitting one of them with the C130 wings. For the real life trials on the USS Forrestal, the aircrafts on the deck had been moved away to give space to the Hercules.

Canadian C-130 parking on the deck of the USS Enterprise

Canadian C-130 parking on the deck of the USS Enterprise aircraft carrier

There are many areas around the world where this exercice can be practiced since everything is already programmed in the TEAM SDB CVN-65 USS Enterprise software for FSX Acceleration. I chose to be airborne from San Diego (KSAN)and followed a heading of 257 degrees over 108nm. The USS Enterprise is located at 32,31.647N 119,1.802W. The month of July has been chose for the screen captures. The flight was done at 17h30 and the weather theme was ORBX5.

View of the USS Enterprise deck with a Canadian C-130 Hercules

It is a demanding exercise that you will certainly appreciate. Have a good flight! If you feel like it, tell me how it went!

For more articles on flight simulation on my web site, click on the following link : Flight simulation

Tags aircraft carrier, airplane crash, approach speed, Big E, challenging virtual flights, flight simulation, FSX, Fsx Acceleration, landing on an aircraft carrier, Lockheed C-130 Hercules, missed approach, ORBX5, San Diego, Team SDB CVN-65 USS Enterprise, USS Enterprise, USS Forrestal, virtual flight

Flight Simulation

Flight simulation: Parry Sound (CNK4) to Toronto Billy Bishop (CYTZ)

Post author By Stanley
Post date 26 February 2015

Flying over Toronto downtown shortly before the landing in Toronto Island (CYTZ)

I recently added, in the standard virtual flight section, a flight leaving Parry Sound for Toronto Billy Bishop.Here is an opportunity to learn a bit more about the Great Lakes region in Ontario. The Parry Sound airport, from ORBX, is a first creation by Vlad Maly for this province. The runway length is 4000 feet. Just beside the airport, there is a lake, Robert’s Lake (CRL8), with many cottages, floatplanes and sailboats that are visible when you select the appropriate season. The lake also offers 4000 feet for takeoffs and landings.

The actual flight has been made while the clouds were low enough that the flying altitude forbid the adequate reception of the Toronto Island (Billy Bishop) NDB (257khz) in the first half of the flight. A touch-and-go was made at Toronto International (CYYZ). MyTraffic2013 provided the airport with many AI aircrafts. Once over downtown Toronto, it was now time for Pilot’s FS Global 2010 to automatically install a maximum of buildings, for more realism.

On final for the Toronto Billy Bishop (Toronto Island) airport (CYTZ)

Landing at CYTZ with the CN tower in the background (FSX)

Finally, theToronto Billy Bishop (formerly Toronto Island) was modified by ORBX in order to make it more interesting and alive. You will thus find, on arrival, some staff to take care of the refueling process. Somes vehicules have also been added. Naturally, MyTraffic2013 took charge of AI aircrafts as CYTZ is quite a busy airport and needs some air traffic to enhance the realism.

Time to refuel at Toronto Billy Bishop (CYTZ)

I wish you a good flight, if you wish to try it out. I would suggest though, for a more interesting experience, that you install ORBX FTX Global Vector on your computer, as the Microsoft Flight Simulator (FSX)software does not do a good job when it comes to representing the Great Lakes area. ORBX Open LC for North America further improves the flying experience.

For more articles on flight simulation on my web site, click on the following link : Flight simulation

Tags Canada, CYTZ, flight simulation, FSX, FTX Global Vector, Great Lakes, MyTraffic 2013, Ontario, Open LC North America, ORBX, Parry Sound virtual airport, Pilot's FS Global 2010, Robert's Lake, standard virtual flights, virtual airport, virtual flight, virtual scenery, Vlad Maly, White Digital Simulations

Flight Simulation

Flight simulation: VFR practice at Montreal Pierre-Elliott-Trudeau international airport

Post author By Stanley
Post date 25 January 2015

Piper Tomahawk PA-38 airborne from runway 28 at the Montreal Pierre-Elliott-Trudeau international airport, with the Montreal terminal in the background. (FSX)

All student pilots must practice touch-and-goes for hours . FlyTampa Montreal scenery for FSX, used jointly with MyTraffic2013 software and real weather makes for a realistic exercice for anybody who knows the metropolitan area around Montreal.

Piper Tomahawk PA-38 airborne from runway 28 for a left hand circuit at the Montreal Pierre-Elliott-Trudeau international airport (FSX)

A small aircraft like the ALABEO Piper PA-38 Tomahawk is a perfect choice. I chose a left hand circuit for runway28 since it allows a nice view of the terminal when taking-off or landing. Fly Tampa Montreal allows the virtual pilot to see local landmarks when flying around the airport, like the olympic stadium, the St-Joseph’s Oratory and Place Ville Marie.

Piper Tomahawk PA-38 on downwind for runway 28 at the Montreal Pierre-Elliott-Trudeau international airport (FSX)

Piper Tomahawk PA-38 turning on final for runway 28 at the Montreal Pierre-Elliott-Trudeau international airport (FSX)

Piper Tomahawk PA-38 on final for runway 28 at the Montreal Pierre-Elliott-Trudeau international airport , while Westjet is rolling on runway 06R (FSX)

On downwind 28, if you fly during winter, you will be able to see that only parts of Lac St-Louis are frozen. On left base, Air Canada and Bombardier very well rendered buildings are visible. If you had landed on runway 24L, you would have seen other well known company names posted here and there on the surrounding buildings. That is a really well made scenery.

Piper Tomahawk PA-38 and the Bombardier and AirCanada buildings at the Montréal Pierre-Elliott-Trudeau international airport (FSX)

Piper Tomahawk PA-38 about to leave runway 28 of the Montréal Pierre-Elliott-Trudeau international airport (FSX)

The use of My Traffic software allows aircraft movements around the airport during your exercice; that makes the experience even more interesting. You will also be surprised by the realism in the depection of the snow patches along the runway sides when you are on the approach. So, have fun with this easy exercice in a really interesting setting made available by Fly Tampa Montreal.

Piper Tomahawk PA-38 parked at the Montréal Pierre-Elliott-Trudeau international airport (FSX)

For more articles on flight simulation on my web site, click on the following link : Flight simulation

Tags Alabeo Tomahawk, flight simulation, Fly Tampa Montreal, FSX, Montreal Pierre-Elliott-Trudeau international virtual airport, MyTraffic 2013, PA-38, standard virtual flights, virtual flight, virtual pilot, virtual scenery

Flight Simulation

Flight simulation: Fly a Dash 7 from Kokoda to Kagi in Papua New Guinea

Post author By Stanley
Post date 8 January 2015

De Havilland Canada DHC-7 Dash 7 over the Kokoda trail in Papua New Guinea

Steep turn made by a Dash 7 (FSX) landing in Kagi, Papua New Guinea

If you are looking for a real challenge, try a flight from Kokoda airport to Kagi, using a DHC-7. Kagi is situated along the Kokoda Trail in Papua New Guinea. The runway has a 12.5 degree slope and is approximately 447m long (1466 ft). The airstrip’s altitude is about 3900 ft msl. You will need the ORBX scenery (AYPY) Jacksons Airport made by Ken Hall and Tim Harris, as well as other Orbx products such as Global, Vector and Holgermesh to do the flight and obtain the same views as above. In order to find the airports, two maps are included in the “User documents” included with AYPY.

A Dash 7 (FSX) on final for Kagi, Papua New Guinea

I adjusted the fuel at 50% in each tank. For payload, I used 5 passengers and luggages. Obviously, the aircraft could have been loaded with many more passengers and cargo. But since it was a first trial at Kagi with a Dash 7, I thought that a lighter payload would increase my chances of a successful landing by reducing the approach speed.

A United Nations Dash 7 after landing uphill on runway 07 in Kagi, Papua New Guinea

The landing in Kagi is made on runway 07 and the takeoff on runway 25. From Kokoda airport, follow the Kokoda trail then, when appropriate, make a right turn toward Kagi. There are few airports within a small area so it can get a bit confusing. The best way is to overfly the area slowly to ensure that what you see in flight and what is on the map are both the same airport.

The two most difficult aspects of the approach are the steep turns required while flying close to the mountains in slow flight configuration, that is to say with full flaps and wheels out. The second problem to keep in mind is the sloped runway: 12.5 degrees is not negligeable. But once you are on the runway, the Dash 7 will almost stop by himself due to that slope. The takeoff on runway 25 is not a problem with that aircraft: with such a sloped runway, you will be airborne in no time.

A United Nations Dash 7 ready for takeoff on runway 25 in Kagi, Papua New Guinea

I am convinced you will enjoy this demanding flight. There are lots of plants and trees included in the scenery, so it makes for a very realistic approach. Have fun and make sure your passengers will still have a smile on their face when they get out of the airplane!

P.S.: The flight was made using FSX

For more articles on flight simulation on my web site, click on the following links: Challenging virtual flights or Flight simulation

Tags AYPY, challenging virtual flights, Dash 7, flight simulation, FSX, FTX Global Vector, Holgermesh, Kagi virtual airport, Ken Hall, Kokoda, landing, ORBX, Papua New Guinea, screen captures, sloped runway, take-off, Tim Harris, virtual flight, virtual scenery

Screen captures

A first virtual flight in Papua New Guinea

Post author By Stanley
Post date 11 December 2014

Twin Otter departing the Jacksons International airport in Papua New Guinea

Twin Otter turning on final for the Kokoda runway, Papua New Guinea

Twin Otters parked on the Kokoda airport

Finally,few months after the creation of the AYPY scenery, I can now do a first flight in Papua New Guinea. The complete flight, which consists of thirteen pictures, can be found in the “flight simulation” section above, under “standard virtual flights”. Why “standard”? When we know the degree of difficulty of some Papua New Guinea runways, which are short and hardly accessible, a flight like this one is considered relatively simple and allows the pilots to familiarize themselves in that part of the world. The scenery is called AYPY Port Moresby Jacksons International and it has been created by Ken Hall and Tim Harris, from the Orbx company. Details regarding the flight can also be found in the virtual flight section above. Two words only to describe the experience: totally immersive. Have a good flight!

Tags AYPY, FSX, Jacksons International virtual airport, ORBX, standard virtual flights, virtual flight, virtual scenery

Screen captures

The F14 Tomcat (FSX) and the Palm Springs (KPSP) virtual airport, USA

Post author By Stanley
Post date 27 November 2014

F14 Tomcat inbound to the Palm Springs airport (FSX), USA (KPSP)

Here is an edited screen capture that was added recently in the “flight simulation” section above, under “virtual pictures”. This virtual flight was made using Microsoft Flight Simulator (FSX). The scenery, very well executed by Orbx, represents the Palm Springs region, in United States. It is the most recent addition to the collection of virtual airports available for the California region. The F-14, made by Dino Cattaneo, is a freeware (check the free download links that is provided). This combination of plane and airport is certainly going to please the virtual flight enthousiast!

Tags free download, FSX, United States, virtual airport, virtual flight

Screen captures

A virtual FedEx MD-11 from PMDG

Post author By Stanley
Post date 14 November 2014

FedEx MD11 in flight (FSX). This virtual aircraft is made by PMDG.

The MD-11 is an extremely interesting aircraft with regards to its characteristics but many pilots have had problems to master all its interesting features in real life. It’s partly for that reason that there has been many crashes with this type of aircraft. Considering the MD-11 high fuel consumption, FedEx will progressively start selling them, starting 2015. The only company in the world still using the MD-11 to carry passengers is KLM (edit: it did the last flight with passengers in 2015). The MD-11 is remembered for the Swissair 111 crash, near the coast of Nova-Scotia, on Septembre 2nd, 1998. It was flying the New-York to Geneva leg when the accident happened: 229 persons perished when the aircraft plunged into the sea.

The above screen capture has been edited to give it a more realistic effect and to emphasize the quality of light at dusk. Different images, under many company colors, can be found on this website under the « flight simulation” category, within the ” virtual pictures » section. A flight from Mexico City Intl to Denver Intl will soon be included in the « challenging virtual flights » section. Have a good visit!

Tags airplane crash, challenging virtual flights, FedEx, flight simulation, FSX, MD-11, screen captures, virtual flight

Screen captures

Photo of a Panamericana DC-3 in flight over Peru (FSX)

Post author By Stanley
Post date 3 November 2014

Hi,

Here is a little addition to the site for today, following a virtual flight made over Peru with the flight simulation software Microsoft Flight Simulator (FSX). Some modifications have been made to the screen capture in order to obtain the present result. The picture nonetheless reflects very well the atmosphere during that flight. For those who would like to know what software was used to produce the clouds, it was only FSX with ORBX 5 selection in the weather section. This selection always manages to offer an interesting sky.

Photo of a DC-3 from the Panamericana company, in flight over Peru (FSX)

François

Tags DC-3, FSX, Panamericana, virtual flight

Screen captures

A glider flight over Monterey, California

Post author By Stanley
Post date 31 October 2014

Hi,

Today, in the “Flight simulation / Standard virtual flights”, I have added a glider flight that was done over Monterey, California. It is a good exercise for flight simulation enthousiasts. Below is one of the picture taken during the flight.

François

Tags flight, FSX, standard virtual flights, virtual flight

Screen captures

Intercepted!

Post author By Stanley
Post date 12 October 2014

The screen capture that you can see here has really not been planned. It is about the interception of a light twin engine aircraft by a Harrier military jet. After subscribing to an English virtual flying magazine, I received, as a welcome gift, this virtual military jet. As I was “in flight” familiarizing myself with the jet, I saw a little white dot moving in the distance. It was one of the numerous virtual aircrafts generated by the Microsoft Flight Simulator (FSX) program. The idea to simulate an interception and fly in formation with an unknown aircraft was just too good to resist. In few minutes, both aircrafts were in sight of each other. It was now a matter of adjusting the speed of the Harrier exactly with the other aircraft’s speed and progressively get closer. The picture represents the end result of this little meeting. The countryside under the planes is an ORBX creation.

Tags flight simulation, flying in formation, FSX, Harrier, interception in flight, ORBX, virtual aircraft, virtual flight