Tag: virtual pilot

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 (7).

Post author By Stanley
Post date 11 July 2024
No Comments on Around the world in flight simulation (7).

A surprise awaits us as we depart from the Sandane airport (ENSD) for Sweden, Stockholm-Bromma airport (ESSB).

Drone on the ground at Sandane airport (ENSD) in Norway.

A Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk drone is at the airport. This long-range surveillance aircraft has an autonomy of around 35 hours and a range of 22779 kilometers. It flies at altitudes of up to 60,000 feet (18288 meters). Its maximum speed is 635 km/h, and each hour of operation costs $24,000.

Beech 350I airborne from the Sandane Airport (ENSD) heading to Stockholm-Broma airport (ESSB)

Today, we’re repositioning a twin-engine Beechcraft King Air 350I that hasn’t flown in ages. The usual checks have been carried out to ensure that no birds have nested under the engine cowling. We also checked that there was no condensation water at the bottom of the fuel tanks. Finally, we ran the engines for a long time on the ground. The aircraft takes off from Sandane for a planned altitude of 18,000 feet.

Over Norway snowcapped mountains heading to Sweden in flight simulation.

We fly over the mountains of Norway towards Sweden. Everything goes according to plan.

Navigraph chart showing a flight from Sandane (ENSD) to Stockholm-Bromma (ESSB)

The Navigraph map shows the planned route between the two countries.

Engine failure on a twin engine aircraft with Microsoft Flight Simulator.

Suddenly, the left engine experiences problems. It stops and the propeller feathers to minimize drag. Since we’re approaching the runway at Stockholm-Bromma airport, we choose to continue on our way, as we benefit from a large airstrip and emergency response services. Now unsure about the reliability of the second engine, we keep a slightly higher altitude than a normal approach would generally dictate.

Double engine failure on a twin engine with Microsoft Flight Simulator.

A few minutes later, the second engine stops. The plane becomes a large glider. The clouds prevent a good view of the surrounding area, but we feel our altitude is sufficient to attempt an approach to the airport when the runway is in sight.

On final for Stockholm-Bromma airport with a double engine failure

The flaps and landing gear will only be extended once we’re established on final and the aircraft is stabilized and certain of reaching the runway. Microsoft’s flight simulator doesn’t allow us to do just anything with an aircraft. If we exceed the aircraft’s structural capabilities when attempting to reach the airport, the flight will stop immediately.

On the ground at Stockholm-Bromma with a double engine failure on a Beechcraft 350I in flight simulation.

The final approach and taxiing caused no problems. The aircraft gradually slows down until it comes to a complete stop on the runway. The poor air traffic controllers now have to apply Plan B to reorganize air traffic around the airport, with the main runway temporarily blocked.

Beechcraft maintenance hangar at the Stockholm-Bromma virtual airport

Fortunately, Beechcraft offers maintenance services at Stockholm-Bromma airport. So, we’ll leave the aircraft for major repairs and find something faster for the next flight to Ukraine. Why not an F-14 Tomcat? It is not in military service anymore and thus its presence in the air should not worry too much.

P.S. This story is based on a real even that happened in Quebec several years ago. An acquaintance of mine (Paul B.) was scheduled to fly from the Val-d’Or airport (CYVO) to Rouyn-Noranda (CYUY) in a light twin-engine aircraft that hadn’t flown in a long time. Halfway between CYVO and CYUY, the first engine failed. The pilot decided to continue. With the runway in sight in the distance, the second engine stopped. The pilot hovered the aircraft and managed to land on route 117, just behind a large truck which accelerated to give way to the aircraft he could see descending in his rear-view mirror. The aircraft landed safely and without damages!

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

Flight Simulation

Around the world in flight simulation (6)

Post author By Stanley
Post date 7 June 2024
No Comments on Around the world in flight simulation (6)

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

Around the world in flight simulation (2)

Post author By Stanley
Post date 22 March 2024

Climbing from Iqaluit (CYFB) to Kangerlussuaq (BGSF)

For this second leg of the round-the-world flight simulation, the aircraft departs from Iqaluit (CYFB) in appalling weather conditions, but soon find itself above cloud and approaching an area of high pressure. The sky becomes increasingly clear as I approach runway 09 Kangerlussuaq (BGSF) in Greenland.

The map shows the planned itinerary: departure from Iqaluit (CYFB), stopover in Kangerlussuaq (BGSF) and arrival at destination in Iceland, at Isafjordur airport (BIIS).

Cessna Citation Longitude on the final approach for the Kangerlussuaq virtual airport (BGSF)

Above, the approach to runway 09. You really need to be well prepared for a destination like BGSF. If the pilot arrives after the tower is closed, the fines are very steep. You can generally expect a little mechanical turbulence on the approach to Runway 09, as the mountains on either side of the aircraft change the airflow.

When I worked at the Iqaluit Flight Service Station (CYFB), many pilots would come up to the tower to plan their flight to BGSF. The most frequent problem was the closing time of the control tower in Kangerlussuaq. They knew that a hefty fine awaited them if they arrived late, often due to stronger-than-expected winds or a departure time that was too tight from Iqaluit. Most of the time, they chose to sleep in Iqaluit and leave the next day, rather than force the issue and end up with a $1500.00 bill to pay.

We also had pilots ferrying single-engine planes over the ocean from Europe to America. In this case, the weather had to be excellent, and the captain had to have the necessary equipment on board to attempt (and I do mean attempt) to survive in the ocean in the event of engine failure.

Cessna Longitude parked at Kangerlussuaq (BGSF)

Above, a partial view of Kangerlussuaq’s virtual airport (BGSF), with the Cessna Citation Longitude at a standstill. On the other side of the runway (invisible here), the airport receives military aircraft.

Climbing from (BGSF) Kangerlussuaq to (BIIS) Isafjordur

The next day, after a stopover in Kangerlussuaq, it’s time to continue on to Isafjordur. Take-off is on runway 27. The pitot tube heating system and icing protection are activated before entering the cloud layer.

Airborne from the Kangerlussuaq (BGSF) airport

Flying in real weather makes for unexpected screenshots.

The Cessna Longitude arrives over Iceland in flight simulation

Above, the relief of Iceland shortly before arrival at Isafjordur airport (BIIS). As expected, the sky is clear.

Approaching Isafjordur (BIIS) with the Asobo Cessna Citation Longitude

The approach to Isafjordur is demanding, especially when flying a jet like the Cessna Citation Longitude. You have to save extra speed in the sharp left turn to avoid stalling. I made the turn downhill at 160 knots to get to the runway threshold at the right height. Towards the end of the approach, as the angle of the turn decreases, you immediately reduce speed to around 135 knots.

The Cessna Citation Longitude exits the runway at the Isafjordur virtual airport (BIIS)

Contrary to real life, it is difficult to have a constant view on a runway when doing a virtual approach in a steep turn. A flight simmer would need 3D glasses to quickly look at the runway and then check the instruments. After two unsuccessful attempts where I found myself a little too high above the runway threshold, I nonetheless managed to land. The instrument panel indicated, however, that the brakes worked pretty hard to slow down the plane, which didn’t really surprise me. There are more relaxing approaches…

The next leg on this trip around the world will be a departure from Isafjordur to Vagar (EKVG) in the Feroe Islands.

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

Flight Simulation

Around the world in flight simulation (1)

Post author By Stanley
Post date 9 March 2024

The flight simulation with Microsoft Flight Simulator lets you fly over the planet like never before from the comfort of your own home. As airports around the world transmit weather observations at all times, it’s possible to import this data into the flight simulator and fly virtually in the real weather conditions reported around the globe.

This data enhances the feeling of reality for the virtual pilot, but at the same time complicates his task, as he has to take into account the presence of thunderstorms and icing, surface and upper-level winds, changes in cloud cover, visibility, pressure, and so on.

Today’s virtual pilot must also anticipate that failures of all kinds may affect the flight, especially if he or she owns a high-quality virtual aircraft. The engine(s) may fail, a structural problem may affect the aircraft’s controls and navigation equipment may cease to function. Good planning is essential, just as in real life. And since the brain doesn’t differentiate too much between the real and the virtual, there’s plenty of fun to be had.

So, I’ve decided to fly around the world as a millionaire, at my own pace, i.e., using the types of aircraft that tempt me, and flying the routes that are of particular interest. All of this will be done in real weather, with all its joys and obstacles. I’ll be publishing one of these routes on my blog from time to time.

The initial route departs from Quebec’s Jean-Lesage airport (CYQB), passes through Goose Bay (CYYR), in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador, heads north to Kuujjuaq and ends in Iqaluit (CYFB).

Virtual Flight 2 will present a few photos of the Atlantic crossing from Iqaluit to Kangerlussuaq (BGSF) in Greenland, to Isafjordur (BIIS) in Iceland .

Isafjordur airport has a challenging approach. I don’t know if the Cessna Citation Longitude will be able to land there in one piece, but I intend to give it a try.

Virtual flight 1.

Enroute from Quebec City (CYQB) to Goose Bay (CYYR)

Above, the setting sun illuminates the clouds and the Cessna Citation Longitude en route from Quebec City to Goose Bay. At high altitude, the pilot sets the altimeter to the standard atmospheric pressure of 29.92 inches of mercury. Since all the other pilots are doing the same, a safe separation between the aircraft is ensured.

Approaching the Kuujjuaq airport (CYVP) in Quebec.

The next day, the aircraft is seen approaching Kuujjuaq (CYVP) in Nunavik. The altimeter is set to the airport’s atmospheric pressure to reflect the correct height of the runways in relation to the aircraft. Near the airport, the autopilot is disconnected, and the approach is made manually and visually. The desired speed is around 135 knots for the final.

Departing Kuujjuaq airport (CYVP) with the Cessna Citation Longitude

Above, the jet takes off from Kuujjuaq bound for Iqaluit (CYFB) on Baffin Island in Nunavut.

The setting sun illuminates the aircraft’s windows. The approach to Iqaluit has begun. The descent is gradual, so as not to cause discomfort to the virtual passengers…

On final for runway 34 of the Iqaluit airport (CYFB)

Above, the aircraft is on final for runway 34 at Iqaluit (CYFB).

The yellow Iqaluit flight service station (FSS) in Iqaluit (CYFB)

The first leg of our virtual flight around the world ends in Iqaluit, the airport where I worked for two and a half years as Flight Service Specialist (FSS) in the yellow tower on the left of the photo.

Flight service specialists at work at the Iqaluit flight service station in 1989

Above, a photo of the interior of the Flight Service Station at the time. One FSS worked on arrivals and departures at the airport, while the other handled transatlantic flights between Europe and mainly the western USA.

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

Flight Simulation

Grosse-Île airstrip and MSFS 2020.

Post author By Stanley
Post date 4 March 2023

Close-up view of the Grosse-île runway and the area with the Microsoft flight simulator (MSFS 2020).

It took the Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS 2020) for me to discover this landing strip on Grosse-Île. Even the Canada Flight Supplement (CFS) from Nav Canada does not mention it.

Decades ago, Canadian authorities used this island in the middle of the St. Lawrence River as a quarantine site for immigrants arriving in Canada. Many Irish people, among others, made an obligatory stop on this strip of land before being allowed to continue their journey to Canada.

At one time, a section of the island was reserved for Canadian and American researchers for their top secret research on Anthrax.The most amazing thing about reading the article is realizing that the entire production of this bacteriological weapon (439 liters) was mixed with formaldehyde and put in barrels that were dumped somewhere in the St. Lawrence River when it was decided that it would no longer be useful, as the Second World War took a turn in favor of the Allies. It seems to me that formaldehyde does not prevent barrels from rusting, but hey… back to the point.

Today, tourists can visit Grosse Île and the Irish Memorial National Historic Site during the summer months using the services of Croisières Lachance, located in Berthier-sur-Mer.

Where is Grosse-Île located? In the province of Quebec, a little east of Quebec City. It is one of the many islands that you can fly over once you have left Île d’Orléans behind. Below, a screenshot from Google Maps.

The satellite image below clearly shows that this is not an invention. Microsoft designates this runway as CYMN Montmagny: a mistake that one can easily live with, since by giving an official code to this Grosse-Île runway, the pilot can use it as a navigation point in his GPS.

Satellite view of Grosse-Île and its runway.

So, let’s use a small Cessna in US Coast Guard colors to make a virtual flight from Quebec City airport (CYQB) to Grosse-Île (CYMN). It was a bit chilly on this February day in Quebec City, so I decided to transport us to July for this flight, adding a few cumuliform clouds in the process.

Leaving Quebec City for Grosse-Île with MSFS 2020.

This short flight will allow us to fly over Île d’Orléans, Île Madame (owned by Laurent Beaudoin, former major shareholder of Bombardier), Île au Ruau (purchased in 2019 by the rich owner of the Gildan empire) to finally arrive at Grosse-Île.

Approaching Grosse-Île over the St Lawrence Seaway with the MSFS 2020 flight simulator.

The picture below shows the aircraft on a right base for the Grosse-Île runway. I do not know the official dimensions of this dirt airstrip, but it can easily accept a Cessna aircraft such as ours.

Cessna in base for the Grosse-Île runway with the MSFS 2020 flight simulator.

Below, the aircraft is on final for the runway.

A final screenshot shows the Cessna taxiing down the runway after landing. As you can see, the runway can accommodate much larger aircraft. If you want to make a real flight to this island, find out beforehand about the condition of the runway and the restrictions surrounding its use by visiting pilots.

Cessna aircraft on Grosse-Île after the landing.

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

Flight Simulation

42MX Mexican Mountain in MSFS

Post author By Stanley
Post date 7 December 2022

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 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

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

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.

Tags bush plane, flight simulation, FS2020, Microsoft Flight Simulator, MSFS, MX42, sloped runway, United States, virtual flight, virtual pilot, virtual scenery