FS2020 is undoubtedly the best flight sim for VFR sightseeing trips. And what better place to visit than the majestic Canadian Rockies in beautiful Alberta: mountains, lakes, ice fields. I’m back with a story to tell…
There is only one aircraft in the sim, at this time, suitable of making such expedition: the amphibious ICON A5.
I suggest visiting at least the following POIs. The beeline distances for the segments add up to just under 200nm; however, you certainly won’t be traveling in straight paths. With the ICON, the total flight time may take about 5 hours. So, this could be completed in one “sim day”. Start in the morning, finish in the afternoon. You can locate all these landmarks by name in Google Map:
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Cochrane/Arkayla Springs Pvt (CKY8). This launching point is about 30 miles from Banff. There is an alternative that will let you start closer to the park: Banff Airport (CYBA), which you’ll need this freeware scenery add-on. The A5 is capable of handling either turf airstrip.
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→ 21nm → Lake Minnewanka. Why not take advantage of this scenic lake to sharpen your water landing skill?
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→ 36nm → Lake Louise. Hope you have had plenty of practice, this is going to be a pond compared to the last.
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→ 18nm → Bow Lake. The lodge at the north end offers a pleasant rest stop. Don’t forget to refuel.
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→ 29nm → Alexandra River. Test your landing skill on a bending river.
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→ 14nm → Athabasca Glacier. Pick your landing spot atop this massive glacier.
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→ 31nm → Maligne Lake. Taxi your ICON by Spirit Island for the iconic photo op!
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→ 43nm → Jasper-Hinton Airport (CEC4). Finally get to land at an airport. If this should mark the end of your journey, go into town and wind down. Your Citation jet will be ready for you when you’re ready to fly home.
A few more tips…
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Be adventurous. Be on the lookout for glaciers, meadow/fields, bodies of water to enjoy additional sightseeing, landing and takeoff spots.
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The sceneries are most picturesque on a summer day with ”Few Clouds”. Stay clear of the clouds though, unless you want to experience icing.
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You’ll never get lost if you have VFRmap. This quasi-moving map freeware lets you track your aircraft’s position over Open Street Map.
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Watch a YouTube video on how to manage the ICON on water. You can beach the A5 in the sim, but will likely need to “slew” it to depart afterward.
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Save your flight at every stop–just in case.
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Do share screenshots from your trip.