Fun stun flying for a bit. The engine upgrade back in December made the Bonanza very powerful.
Good to see, multiplayer works, I can see your plane. Time for me to quit, I was wheels up about 12 hours ago!
Yea, I did a bit of flying myself. Good Night. Catch you some other time! It was great catching up with you!!
That is a great photo you took, from inside your plane, of me!!
Leg 190, Murchison, South Island via the Chatham Islands to Tauranga, North Island, New Zealand
DAY02_28.PLN (10.1 KB)
A lot more sights of New Zealand, beautiful country
02-27 Murchison NZMR 12:58 PM
02-27 Lake Station / Nelson Lakes NZLE 1:07 PM
02-27 Nelson NZNS 1:20 PM
02-27 Woodbourne (Military) NZWB 1:36 PM
02-27 Omaka NZOM 1:39 PM
02-27 Cape Campbell Airstrip NZBL 1:50 PM 426nm next
02-27 Chatham Is/Tuuta NZCI 4:31 PM 368nm next Pitt Island 44Ā°16ā59.9"S 176Ā°13ā02.1"W
02-27 Flat Point Aerodrome NZFT 6:58 PM Short runway
02-27 Martinborough NZMT 7:10 PM
02-27 Wellington Intl NZWN 7:33 PM Capital
02-27 Paraparaumu NZPP 7:52 PM
02-27 Otaki NZOT 8:01 PM Tree at end of runway
02-27 Alfredton NZAN 8:19 PM Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateapokaiwhenuakitanatahu 40Ā°20ā19.7"S 176Ā°35ā13.3"E
02-27 Porangahau Aerodrome NZPO 8:45 PM Unclear runway
02-27 Waipukurau NZYP 8:54 PM Faded runway
02-27 Kowhai Aerodrome NZKY 9:02 PM
02-27 Hastings NZHS 9:13 PM
02-27 Napier NZNR 9:20 PM
02-27 Waiouru NZRU 9:42 PM Mt Ruapehu 39Ā°17ā02.4"S 175Ā°33ā56.9"E Mt Ngauruhoe Mt Doom 39Ā°09ā27.0"S 175Ā°37ā55.7"E
02-27 Stratford NZSD 10:24 PM Mt Taranaki 39Ā°17ā55.0"S 174Ā°03ā48.9"E
02-27 New Plymouth NZNP 10:42 PM
02-27 Taumarunui NZTM 11:05 PM
02-27 Taupo NZAP 11:22 PM
02-27 Gisborne NZGS 11:54 AM
02-28 Opotiki NZOP 12:15 AM
02-28 Whakatane NZWK 12:22 AM
02-28 Rotorua NZRO 12:33 AM
02-28 Tauranga NZTG 12:45 AM
Flight time 11:43 27 stops
Early departure from Murchison
Over Tutaki looking for the sunrise
Howard, north of lake Rotoroa
Sunrise over Atapo
Eighty Eight Valley
Nelson
Nelson Airport
Over the Coppermine Trail
Te Hoiere River
Mount Fishtail (5,390ft)
Wairau River
Blenheim, gateway to the wineries of the Wairau Valley
Cape Campbell
Cape Campbell Lighthouse, reminds me of Dear Esther
Setting off to Chatham Islands
Good time for a break, let autopilot do the work for the next 2.5 hours
Chatham Island in the South Pacific, about 500km east of New Zealand
Henga Scenic Reserve
Chatham Is / Tuuta Airport
Beautiful, very remote place
Flying over the Wanga Lagoon
South East Island (Rangatira) and Pitt Island (Rangiauria) behind
Pitt Island (Rangiauria)
After another auto pilot break, back to New Zealand, Flat Point
Admiral Hill on the Wainuioru river
Martinborough
Lake Wairarapa
Alsops Bay at the other end of the lake
Approaching Wellington over Wainuiomata Golf Club
Wellington, the capital of New Zealand
Wellington International Airport between the Cook Strait and Evens Bay
Wellington Cable Car, Massey Memorial and the view from Fort Ballance
A peek in the Museum of New Zealand
Gilberd Bush Reserve
Porirua Harbour
PaekÄkÄriki on the Kapiti Coast
Otaki Airport
Climbing up Pukeamoamo / Mitre Mountain
Pukeamoamo / Mitre Mountain Peak (5,154ft)
Over Tiraumea
Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateapokaiwhenuakitanatahu
Meaning: The hill on which Tamatea, the chief of great physical stature and renown, played a lament on his flute to the memory of his brother
Kowhai Aerodrome
Napier on Hawke Bay
Home to The National Aquarium of New Zealand
Waiouru
Mount Ruapehu (9,177ft) largest active volcano in New Zealand, last eruption September 2007
Mount Ngauruhoe (7,516ft) last eruption in 1977
This is the youngest vent in the Tongariro volcanic complex (2,500 years)
Better known nowadays as Mount Doom, the atmospheric location of Mordor
https://i.imgur.com/IgkSFrZ.png
Flying over Makahu
https://i.imgur.com/6mKDli0.png
Makahu Tunnel on Brewer road. There are a couple of these narrow pioneer tunnels around here
https://i.imgur.com/oVuYMyq.png
Stratford in front of Mount Taranaki
https://i.imgur.com/vdQ9dFc.png
Mount Taranaki is surrounded by a protected forest reserve
https://i.imgur.com/HbcppAy.png
Mount Taranaki (8,261ft) last erupted in 1885
https://i.imgur.com/SbgB7Y6.png
Climbing high to see the circle of forest around Taranaki
https://i.imgur.com/ybHSCYd.png
https://i.imgur.com/OBjVFNQ.png
Uruti
https://i.imgur.com/xmvKaQN.png
Ahititi
Imgur
Tangarakau
https://i.imgur.com/sdhzp2C.png
Taumarunui Airport
https://i.imgur.com/rF8sxUf.png
Taupo, near the center of New Zealandās North Island on lake Taupo formed by Taupo Volcano
https://i.imgur.com/0Rx1rT4.png
Along the lake near Taupo, Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings
https://i.imgur.com/qtLqKom.png
Whirinaki Forest Park
https://i.imgur.com/y9xBuye.png
Lake Waikareiti
https://i.imgur.com/gjKUmgz.png
Ruakituri
https://i.imgur.com/PlKeWi3.png
Bay of Plenty
https://i.imgur.com/g0E3kib.png
Otumarokuro Bay
https://i.imgur.com/VEnb8Qk.png
Lake Rotoiti
https://i.imgur.com/xC2Glos.png
Rotorua on lake Roturua,
https://i.imgur.com/tBcR15r.png
Renowned for its geothermal activity and Maori culture
https://i.imgur.com/8GnNwqB.png
Mokoia island in the middle of the lake formed inside the Rotorua caldera
https://i.imgur.com/KJaewVR.png
Final stop today in Tauranga, harbourside city in the Bay of Plenty region
https://i.imgur.com/uOgwPEK.png
After landing here I slew back to Gisborne to meet up with CAPTAINAS007 and try some stunt flying. My fps was down to less than 10fps unfortunately. Turning multiplayer on, the fog rolling in, I guess my laptop had had enough after 12 hours running. Memory was so fragmented I took about 10 minutes for FS2020 to unload afterwards.
Fun meeting up, multiplayer works, see the posts above. Although the planes I saw kept fading in and out. Name tags were persistent and more and more showed up. A button to toggle them on and off would be very helpful instead of going through the menus.
Tomorrow, exploring the rest of New Zealand and then heading to New Caledonia.
Leg 191, Tauranga, New Zealand via Norfolk Island and New Caladonia to Lenakel, Tanna, Vanuatu
DAY03_01.PLN (11.4 KB)
Soggy Sunday. I had a good run on the trails ahead of the rain when the ground was still (re)frozen, then it was time for a long afternoon and evening flying. Rest of New Zealand first, then a couple autopilot breaks to explore New Caledonia in the evening.
02-28 Tauranga NZTG 12:51 PM
02-28 Matakana Island NZMZ 12:55 PM Drone cam assisted landing
02-28 Matamata NZMA 1:07 PM Hobbiton 37Ā°51ā30.1"S 175Ā°40ā49.7"E
02-28 Hamilton NZHN 1:24 PM
02-28 Raglan NZRA 1:33 PM
02-28 Limestone Downs NZLD 1:44 PM
02-28 Auckland Intl NZAA 1:58 PM
02-28 Reeve NZKE 2:11 PM
02-28 Coromandel NZCX 2:23 PM
02-28 Matarangi NZAG 2:28 PM
02-28 Great Barrier NZGB 2:44 PM
02-28 Okiwi Station NZOX 2:49 PM
02-28 Motu Kaikoura Island Aerodrome NZKD 2:54 PM
02-28 Springhill NZSL 3:11 PM
02-28 Ruawai Aerodrome NZRW 3:26 PM
02-28 Dargaville NZDA 3:32 PM
02-28 Whangarei NZWR 3:42 PM Cape Brett Lighthouse 35Ā°10ā31"S, 174Ā°19ā57"E
02-28 Kerikeri NZKK 4:14 PM
02-28 Kaitaia NZKT 4:29 PM 452nm next
02-28 Norfolk Island Intl YSNF 7:10 PM 388nm next
02-28 Moue NWWE 9:28 PM
02-28 Plaine des Lacs NWWS 9:44 PM
02-28 Magenta NWWM Noumea Capital 9:59 PM
02-28 Dumbea NWDU 10:04 PM
02-28 Yate-Barrage NWYA 10:14 PM
02-28 Canala NWWX 10:33 PM
02-28 Poe NWWB 10:48 PM
02-28 Mueo NWWQ 10:59 PM
02-28 Touho NWWU 11:14 PM
02-28 Koumac NWWK 11:36 PM
02-28 Poum Malabou NWWP 11:47 PM 295nm next
03-01 Lenakel NVVK 1:38 AM
Flight time 12:47 31 stops
Early departure from Tauranga
A little exposure boost needed while approaching Matakane island
Flying over Tauranga harbour at dawn
Approaching Matamata
Matamata Airport
Sunrise over Waharoa
Hobbiton, located between Hamilton and Tauranga, now a tourist attraction
The Green Dragon Inn on āThe waterā
The water and Bog Shot Row on the right
Tawatahi river flowing out into the Tasman Sea
Te Akau
Limestone Downs Airport
Pretty views from the runway
Waikato River
Auckland International Airport
Auckland, based around 2 large harbours between the Tasman Sea and South Pacific Ocean
Auckland Sky Tower (the tall black tower above) and Mount Roskill
Waiheke Island Aerodrome, follow the light
Coromandel Pensinsula
Great Barrier Island
Landing at Great Barrier Aerodrome, approach over Kaitoke Beach
Motu Kaikoura Island Aerodrome
Pakiri Beach and Regional Park on the right side
Over Whangaripo
Atiu Creek Regional Park
Dargaville along the Wairoa River
Near Omana
Whangaruru North
Cape Brett
Cape Brett Lighthouse, possibly the smallest landmark in the game, can you spot it in the shot above?
Here it is
Kaitaia Airport
Cape Reinga, the northern tip of New Zealand
Climbing to 7,500ft cruising altitude while waving New Zealand goodbye
2.5 hours later, Norfolk Island (Australian) with the tiny Napean Island in front
Some funny guy added āThe World`s End Cafeā on Napean Island on Google maps. The island is just a piece of rock with some grass on top. It has 15 reviews, popular spot.
My visit was slightly marred by the shark bite received whilst swimming to the island. The staff were extra helpful when I crawled in pale as a ghost from the blood loss. Thankfully, the cook is O- and thus a universal donor so a blood transfusion was soon organised using one of the booths as a makeshift ER. After an hour I perked up enough to order a cup of tea and a piece of the lemon slice. The tea was lovely, but the slice was a bit dry, otherwise I would have given them 5 stars. (Local Guide)
Emily Bay on Norfolk Island
Norfolk Island International Airport
Pretty place, Lone Pine at Emily Bay and Norfolk Island National Park
Although, Slaughter Bay, Bloody Bridge, Cemetary bay, maybe not so pretty
Another 2 hours of water later, Isle of Pines, New Caledonia (French Territory)
Turning to the airport over the Coral Sea
MouĆ© - Ćle des Pins Airport
Views of Natural Pool with a carving on Plage de Kuto in between
Flying over the Coral Sea towards the main island, Grand Terre
Lovely water masking, so randomly located though
Bay Boulari
Noumea, the capital of New Caledonia on the south west side of Grand Terre
Lovely beaches of course
Tjibaou Culturul Center, where Knack came from!
A peak inside MusƩe de Nouvelle CalƩdonie
AƩrodrome de Nakutakoin, approach over DumbƩa River
https://i.imgur.com/b7YSPXo.png
Canala Bay, East/North side of Grand Terre
https://i.imgur.com/0azOFWw.png
AƩrodrome de PoƩ, South/West side of Grand Terre along Plateau de PoƩ
https://i.imgur.com/JSiGn37.png
Unfortunately water masks are missing here, Plateau de PoƩ
https://i.imgur.com/RLz7DzM.png
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bflnm3eiv3Y
Col de Ga Wivaek
https://i.imgur.com/VJdqZAu.png
https://i.imgur.com/byT5cNC.png
Malabou Airport, last stop in New Caledonia
https://i.imgur.com/fPMifEs.png
Some Netflix later (Money Heist) Tanna Island, Vanuatu
https://i.imgur.com/VnKO8PX.png
Last stop for today, Tagabe Airport at Lenakel
https://i.imgur.com/mOjlQEc.png
Tanna island is home to an active volcano, Mount Yasur and the lovely Blue Cave
https://i.imgur.com/apS5yva.png
Hereās Mount Yasur in the opening of Survivor Vanuatu, 2007
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huJ8L_cawkA
The actual survivor camp was on Efate island, will visit tomorrow.
1 Like
Leg 192, Lenakel, Tanna, Vanuatu to Rotuma, Fiji
DAY03_02.PLN (6.1 KB)
The problem with paradise is, no good aerial data. If I was running a survey plane I would park it on the beach as well and go for a swim instead! Still plenty interesting things to see along the way.
03-01 Lenakel NVVK 5:36 PM
03-01 Ipota NVVI 5:55 PM
03-01 Isangel NVIS 6:01 PM
03-01 Dillonās Bay NVVD 6:07 PM Port Villa Capital 17Ā°44ā49.8"S 168Ā°19ā12.9"E
03-01 Port Villa Intl 17Ā°41ā57.6"S 168Ā°19ā10.6"E 6:38 PM Survivor 17Ā°39ā16.8"S 168Ā°11ā16.0"E
03-01 Valesdir NVSV 7:06 PM
03-01 Lamen Bay NVSM 7:21 PM Ambrym Volcano 16Ā°15ā14.2"S 168Ā°07ā23.1"E
03-01 Lamap NVSL 7:42 PM
03-01 Southwest Bay NVSX 7:54 PM
03-01 Norsup NVSP 8:05 PM Million Dollar Point 15Ā°31ā31.5"S 167Ā°14ā41.3"E
03-01 North West Santo NVSZ 8:41 PM
03-01 Torres Airstrip NVSD 9:16 PM
03-01 Sola NVSC 9:47 PM
03-01 Maewo-Naone NVSN 10:17 PM
03-01 Longana NVSG 556nm next 10:35 PM
03-02 Rotuma NFNR 01:59 AM
Flight time 8:35 15 stops
Tanna island departure
I did a fly by of the Volcano but it was barely visible in the heavy fog / clouds to the ground. From what I saw it was comprised data anyway, clouds on the sat images.
Erromango Island, clear weather this way
Ipota Airport, very green
Landing at Isangel Airport, actually itās Port Narvin on Erromango
Erromango Island
Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu
Sadly the aerial data is at its worst here
Port Villa International Airport, missing in game
A couple stripes are visible
Port Villa behind Ifira Island on the left
Port Villa is located on Efate Island
A peak into the Vanuatu National Museum
Efate island is also where Surivor Vanuatu was filmed
The camps were at either side of my wing tips
Epi Island
Lopevi Vulcano (4,636ft)
Those huge cracks are probably not supposed to be there, they go quite far down
Ambrym Vulcano, the one corner not hidden under clouds
No elevation data, hence the flat look
Quite active
Lamap Airport on Malekula Island
Jordan River
Million dollar point at Luganville on of Espiritu Santo, unfortunately not visible in game
Santo-Pekoa International Airport close to the dive site is missing
This is where the SS President Coolidge sank, now regarded as one of the best wreck diving sites
Toga Island
Torres Airstrip on Linua
Rowa Islands Atoll
Sola Airport on Vanua Lava Island
Lake Vui on Ambea Island
Lake Vui Volcano on the left
Pentecost Island
Home of land diving, possibly where bungee jumping came from
Leaving Vanuatu behind, Pentecost and Ambea out the rear window
Setting in for a long flight to Fiji
The weather keeps things interesting
The sun is starting to get lower as well
This is going to be a great sunset
Rotuma island in sight, with boosted exposure
The airport is where the two distant lights are
Safe landing, the lightning helped find the landing strip
Should be a very nice place to wake up in
On to Fiji tomorrow, then crossing the date line, traveling back into the past.
Leg 193, Rotuma, Fiji via Wallis and Futunu to Vavaāu, Tonga
DAY03_03.PLN (7.8 KB)
Long flight with plenty autopilot brakes. So many islands in the South Pacific, far more airports around than I thought there were. And many many more uninhabited islands. I now see how you can stay lost in a shipwreck despite all our technology, too many places to look.
03-02 Rotuma NFNR 304nm next 3:17 PM
03-02 Point Vele NLWF 5:11 PM Trees in the way
03-02 Alo NLAO 6:19 PM
03-02 Alo NLAL 6:31 PM
03-02 Kaibu Island NFKB 6:41 PM
03-02 Labasa NFNL 7:20 PM
Bad performance down to 5fps restart
03-02 Labasa NFNL 7:27 PM
03-02 Savusavu NFNS 7:36 PM
03-02 Koro Island NFNO 7:49 PM
03-02 Levuka Airfield NFNB 8:08 PM Trees at end of runway
03-02 Nausori Intl NFNA Suva Capital 8:20 PM
03-02 Taunovo Airstrip NFSU 8:37 PM
03-02 Vatukoula NFNV 8:57 PM
03-02 Yasawa Island NFSW 9:19 PM
03-02 Mana Island NFMA 9:42 PM half the runway missing
03-02 Malolo Lailai Island NFFO 9:52 PM
03-02 Nadi Intl NFFN 9:59 PM
03-02 Vatulele NFVL 242nm next 10:18 PM 35 knot tailwind GS 228
03-02 Ono-i-Lau NFOL 204nm next 11:37 PM
03-03 Fuaāamotu Intl NFTF 12:43 AM
03-03 Haāapai-Lifuka NFTL Mutiny on the Bounty 1:20 AM Virtual vision landing
03-03 Vavaāu NFTV 1:49 AM Virtual vision landing, narrowly nasty cross wind
Flight time 10:25 20 stops
Departure from Rotuma
Futuna Island with Alofie Island in the distance part of Wallis and Futuna
Arriving at Point Vele Airport on Futuna Island
One of those dream islands
Flying on to Alo, Fiji
Lots of islands scattered along the way
Landing on an unnamed Island (on Google and Bing anyway) Eastern Division Fiji
Alo Airport NLAO unknown island
Mago Island
Alo Aiport NLAL in the middle of Mago Island
Kaibu Island, intermittent lightning along the way
Kabu Island Airport, probably belongs to Vatuvara Private Islands Resort
Taveunni Island, located across the 180th meredian
That big tear is exactly at 180 degrees East and West, height data is incorrect on the NA side
Clouds rush in to hide the errors
Labasa Airport on Vanua Levu island, beneath the low hanging clouds
Savusavu Airport on Vanua Levu
Big island, popular destination
Lonovi Island
Landing at Levuka Airfield
Nausori International Airport, Naselai, Nasilai, Fiji
Suva, the capital of the South Pacific island nation of Fiji
Views of Suva from Colo-I-Suva Forest Park
Sacred Heart Cathedral and Thurston Garden Clock Tower in Suva
A peak in Fuji Museum
Flying over Queens road leading to Nabukavesi
Taunovo Airstrip
Koroyanitu National Park
Vatukoala approach
Yasawa Island
Where you can go for a swim in the Sawa-i-Lau caves
Tavua island in the middle of a group of islands
Malolo island
Malolo Lailai Island
Touchdown at Malolo Lailai Island Airport
Vatulele island
Itās a long island
With a rough coast line
On the way to Oni-i-Lau with a 35 knot tailwind, 228 knots ground speed
Oni-i-Lau
The airport
That was the last of Fiji for me, heading to Tonga next
The weather is getting worse, showers all around
Itās starting to get late as well
Tongatapu
Fuaāamotu International Airport
Nukuāalofa Royal Palace, Free Church and Haāamonga 'a Maui Trilitho, huge structure made of 3 coral limestone slabs, said to have been built by the demigod Maui
Mapuās Vaea Blowholes, the 3 Headed Coconut and Anahula Cave on Tongatapu
Tonga is still getting more islands
Starting to get dark on the way to Haāapai-Lifuka
https://i.imgur.com/eIC1Ayx.png
https://i.imgur.com/uCsGdOc.png
https://i.imgur.com/mAY3vNB.png
https://i.imgur.com/KuNlkv7.png
Eerie sunset, just a sliver of sun on the horizon
https://i.imgur.com/8nX03Xg.png
So dark now, with bright flashes now and then
https://i.imgur.com/iCFqwV7.png
Haāapai-Lifuka Airport, after using the 3D view screen to land
https://i.imgur.com/ytmCy3J.png
Here is where mutiny on the Bounty occurred in 1789 & Captain Bligh was set adrift
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0oqEjxOUww
One more island, Vavaāu, only visible in āflash photographyā
https://i.imgur.com/3JHppfc.png
Vavaāu Airport, so dark
https://i.imgur.com/MVBumSa.png
At least this will be waiting for me in the morning
https://i.imgur.com/gucpNa3.png
Leg 194, Vavaāu, Tonga via Samoa and American Samoa to Avarua, Cook Islands
DAY03_04.PLN (4.1 KB)
Long flights between islands, plenty time to read up on locations and do some GT Sport in between. Clear sky over nothing but water doesnāt hold my attention very long. Props to those doing world tours without autopilot!
First up today, Tuasavi on Samao
Salelologa, a bit further South down the coast
Maota Airport next to Salelologa
Apia, the capital of Samoa on the next island over
Fagali Airport, nice place to land
Apia Town Clock Tower and the view from Papaseea Sliding Rocks, a natural water slide
A peak in the museum of Samoa
Not a big collection, cozy little museum
Also here Palolo Deep Marine Reserve, great place to enjoy the beauty underwater
Papo Pago International Airport on American Samoa
Pago Pago is the capital of American Samoa, a string of coastal villages on Tutuila Island
Pago Pago Harbor
Jean P Haydon Museum and Blunts Point Battery, part of the fortifications made in the early 40ās to defend American Samoa from Japanese invasion. It never needed to be used.
Ofu Island
Landing at Ofu Airport
TaāÅ« island, one of the Manuāa Islands in American Samoa
Landing at Fitiuta also known as Fitiāuta or Maia, a village on the northeast coast
Leaving Samao behind, setting course to the Cook Islands
Pakapuka, part of the Cook Islands
Not bad a bd place to spend some time
Flying on to Manihiki
Manikhiki Atoll
Landing at Manihiki Airport at Tukao
Dream like blue water
Itās getting late already, one long leg left today
On to Avarua, or so I thought
Watching the sun go down, always spectacular in the clouds
Now itās getting dark fast
Still a long way to go by star light
Landing at Avarua Airport, or is it
Today I found out itās actually Aitutaki Airport
Where did I drop my map!
Tomorrow to the real Avarua, or at least itās a district and harbor on Rarotonga. No Avarua Airport in existence according to Google maps.
Are you ACARS certified?
No, I had to look up what ACARS stands for. Iāve only been a passenger on jets, thatās as far as my flying experience goes. Iām just winging it 
I was joking
Leg 195, Avarua, Cook Islands to Huahine, French Polynesia
DAY03_05.PLN (3.8 KB)
More long flights over open water, auto pilot while racing at Sarthe in the Mazda 787B (GT Sport) This Bonanza has excellent wifi over the pacific!
03-04 Avarua NCAI 5:01 PM
03-04 Rarotonga Intl NCRG 5:52 PM
03-04 Enua NCAT 6:35 PM
03-04 Mitiaro NCMR 6:49 PM 387nm next
03-04 Rurutu NTAR 8:55 PM Humpback whales
03-04 Tubuai NTAT 9:38 PM 349nm next
03-04 Faaa NTAA 11:38 PM
03-04 Temae NTTM 11:46 PM
03-05 Fare NTTH 12:25 AM
Flight time 7:24 8 stops
Departing from Aitutaki, not the place I expected to be after the lights came on. MSFS tricked me with the (incorrect) name of the airport.
Aitutaki Island
50 minutes later, Rarotonga island, where I thought I landed last night
Rarotonga Port and Te Rua Manga (The Needle)
The Needle is not visible in game unfortunately, odd rock sticking out
Cook islands library and museum, one of the smallest
There is a bigger National museum as well, also part library
Enua Aiport on Atiu Island
Mitiaro Island
Mitiaro Airport
Very remote, not much info
Onwards to Rurutu
2 hours later, Rurutu Airport
Mauo Point
Mauo Point on the left
At Rurutu you can swim with the humpback whales who over winter here from mid July to October
Tubuai Airport
Tupuaāi at the base of an unnamed mountain peak
Tubuai
Itās another 2 hour flight to Tahiti
Tahiti just after sunset, the largest island of French Polynesia
Mount 'Orohena (7,300ft) the tallest mountain in Frence Polynesia
Quite dramatic in real life as well
Papaāete, the capital of French Polynesia behind the airport
FaāaāÄ International Airport
Papaāete
Robert Wan Pearl Museum
Tahiti is famous for its black pearls
Short hop over to Moorea-Maiao
Tamae Airport
It really gets dark here, no moon out yet
Day time view
I canāt resist, one more stop
Moorea-Maiao with boosted exposure, Tahiti behind
Last stop today Huahine, Iāll have to wait until tomorrow to see what it looks like
Little glitch, the glide scope lights are based on the camera position. From my planeās point of view itās 2 white 2 red lights. Up āhereā all white.
Bora-Bora tomorrow and the rest of French Polynesia
Leg 196, Huahine to Atuona, Hiva Oa island, French Polynesia
DAY03_06.PLN (6.4 KB)
Long day of flying, a lot on auto pilot over water. French Polynesia is huge. I never knew there were so many atolls in the South Pacific. This whole leg and part of the previous one is all French Polynesia.
03-05 Fare NTTH 12:37 PM
03-05 Uturoa NTTR 12:51 PM
03-05 Motu Mute NTTB 1:14 PM
03-05 Tupai NTTU 1:29 PM 219nm next
03-05 Tikehau NTGC 2:47 PM
03-05 Rangiroa NTTG 3:06 PM
03-05 Ahe NTHE 3:37 PM
03-05 Manihi NTGI 3:44 PM
03-05 Apataki NTGD 4:15 PM
03-05 Kaukura NTGK 4:27 PM
03-05 Niau NTKN 4:45 PM
03-05 Fakarava NTGF 5:03 PM
03-05 Aratika NTGR 5:17 PM
03-05 Makemo NTGM 6:05 PM 417nm next
03-05 Mururoa NTTX 8:26 PM
Game bahaving weird, overly sensitive, was very sluggish before descent, restart
03-05 Mururoa NTTX 8:33 PM 230nm next
03-05 Totegegie NTGJ 9:58 PM 833nm next min 11.26 nmpg 20% mixture
20% mixture FL75 55F IAS 144 GS 163 slight headwind
21% mixture FL75 55F 2441 rpm IAS 146 GS 164 slight headwind 711.0 lt 28.75
21% mixture FL75 55F 2441 rpm IAS 146 GS 166 no wind data 598.0 lt 19.76 12.6 nmpg
21% mixture FL75 55F 2700 rpm IAS 151 GS 171 slight tailwind 494.0 rt 40.00
21% mixture FL75 55F 2700 rpm IAS 151 GS 175 more tailwind 233.0 rt 18.84 12.3 nmpg
03-06 Atuona NTMN 2:59 AM 67.75 gallons used 12.3 nmpg
Flight time 14:29 16 stops
Light rain at departure from Fare
Flying by a non existent peak on Huahine
Itās probably Mont Turi (2,195ft), but itās not quite that tall in reality
Swooping by Maroāe Bay before heading to Raiatea
Raiatea island
AĆ©roport de Raiatea in Uturoa
Pretty island, they all are in the South Pacific
Tahaāa with Mont Ohiri (1,834ft)
Le Tahaāa Island Resort & Spa
Bora Bora, made my jaw drop, best looking island yet in MSFS
The dramatic skies and excellent water masking make it stand out
Piti Aau, home to resorts with rooms on stilts over turquoise waters
Mount Pahia (2,385ft) on Bora Bora
Bora Bora Airport on Mute island
Ready for touch down. Eyes on the runway now, itās a tough ask
For once, I actually prefer the in game visuals
Not that this doesnāt totally look like a bucket list holiday destination
On to the next island, Tupai
Not all that far from Bora Bora
Tupai Airport, oddly perpendicular to the island
Better view, straight across
The runway is always longer than it seems from the air
Flying on to Tikehau
The weather cleared up along the way, Tikehau island and atoll
Tikehau airport approach
What a strange landscape, remnants of a volcano sustained by coral reefs
Rangiroa to the east of Tikehau
Le Lagon Blue
Or rather the blue lagoon
Rangiroa Airport
Ahe Island, terrain quality is degrading away from Bora Bora
Manihi Airport on Manihi island
According to the sign here Iām already 900 km from Bora Bora
Apataki
Kaukura, grass and water
Tupana on Niau, more land survived from this ancient volcano
Fakavara island with Topaka Lighthouse
Aratika island
There are atolls everywhere along this latitude
Hereās the experience on one of the remote atolls
Approaching Makemo, 69km long atoll
Makemo airport, also just grass and water
These lagoons are so blue and crystal clear
Departing Makemo
For a long flight to Mururoa
Which had very bad terrain data and only 1 picture on google maps, on to Totegegie
Arriving at the Gambier islands
Mangareva island
View from Mount Duff (1,447ft) on Mangareva
Also here, Cathedral of St Michael Rikitea and Couvent de Rouru
Rouru Convent, which once housed 60 nuns, is quickly becoming engulfed by weeds. Itās said that Laval hid the entire female population of the island in the convent whenever whaling ships paid a visit.
Totegie in sight
https://i.imgur.com/2WJ3cfl.png
Totegie Airport
https://i.imgur.com/9R2DqD6.png
Diving at Aukena nearby
https://i.imgur.com/yx9pC07.png
Totegie departure, for one more very long flight
https://i.imgur.com/b8TaJ7g.png
To Atuona in the Marquesas Islands
https://i.imgur.com/mZFCHBI.png
Time to enjoy the sunset
https://i.imgur.com/qW4iviU.png
https://i.imgur.com/YTSHgep.png
https://i.imgur.com/JIfUIs6.png
https://i.imgur.com/aIiNmdG.png
https://i.imgur.com/bKGzG3Q.png
https://i.imgur.com/btgmHiv.png
And then itās navigating in the dark
https://i.imgur.com/iR8vAnI.png
5 hours after leaving Totegie, Atuona airport located
https://i.imgur.com/uBjyslU.png
No runway lights, virtual vision landing with a crosswind, tricky. Allās well that ends well.
https://i.imgur.com/FBnCqjc.png
Atuona is home to Jacques Brelās museum who is buried on the island
https://i.imgur.com/p0o7ox4.png
On the right Tiki Souriant, Spirited away!
Jaques Brel (1929-1978) famous Belgian singer, songwriter, actor and director
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZzyFQ-Qh18
Also buried here, Paul Gauguin (1848-1903) who spend his final days on Atuona
https://i.imgur.com/jSNkVpi.png
Wow, I did not expect to find that out here.
More long flights tomorrow, maybe I can reach Hawaii. I departed at 10AM this Saturday morning, currently flying an 1200nm stretch with another 910nm stretch this evening to reach Hawaii.
Leg 197, Atuona, French Polynesia via Republic of Kiribati to Pahala, Hawaii
DAY03_07.PLN (3.9 KB)
The longest leg yet, 2,523 NM, with the longest single stretch, nearly 1200 NM, pushing the limits of the Bonanza.
03-06 Atuona NTMN 10:00 AM
03-06 Ua Pou NTMP 10:28 AM
03-06 Ua-Huka NTMU 10:47 AM
03-06 Nuku-Hiva NTMD 11:09 AM 1196nm next min 16.16 nmpg
17% mixture FL75 55F 2426 rpm IAS 126 TAS 142 GS 154 1162.0 rt 40.00 14 knot tailwind
17% mixture FL75 55F 2426 rpm IAS 127 TAS 144 GS 157 827.0 rt 23.98 15 knot tailwind 20.9 nmpg
17% mixture FL75 55F 2426 rpm IAS 127 TAS 144 GS 157 823.0 lt 36.60 15 knot tailwind
17% mixture FL75 55F 2426 rpm IAS 128 TAS 145 GS 155 299.0 lt 11.65 11 knot tailwind 21.0 nmpg
18% mixture FL75 55F 2426 rpm IAS 137 TAS 155 GS 164 292.0 rt 23.77 11 knot tailwind
18% mixture FL75 55F 2426 rpm IAS 137 TAS 155 GS 166 120.0 rt 14.10 14 knot tailwind 17.8 nmpg
03-06 Banana Village PLBA 6:48 PM 62.02 gallons used, 19.3 nmpg, 156.3 knots
03-06 Cassidy Intl PLCH 6:57 PM
03-06 Tabuaeran Island PLFA 7:55 PM
03-06 Washington Island Airstrip PLWN 8:38 PM 2 attempts 910nm next min 12.3 nmpg
19% mixture FL120 40F 2436 rpm IAS 132 TAS 160 GS 151 862.0 rt 40.00 16 knot headwind
19% mixture FL120 40F 2436 rpm IAS 132 TAS 160 GS 153 735.0 rt 30.00 12 knot headwind 12.7 nmpg
19% mixture FL120 40F 2436 rpm IAS 132 TAS 161 GS 157 660.0 rt 24.25 10 knot crosswind 13.0 nmpg
19% mixture FL120 40F 2436 rpm IAS 132 TAS 161 GS 157 660.0 lt 33.75 10 knot crosswind
19% mixture FL120 39F 2436 rpm IAS 132 TAS 160 GS 161 579.0 lt 27.70 7 knot crosswind 13.4 nmpg
19% mixture FL120 41F 2436 rpm IAS 133 TAS 161 GS 171 419.0 lt 16.21 10 knot tailwind 13.9 nmpg
Divert to Pahala Aistrip HI28 (no data for Kaalaika HI25)
19% mixture FL120 41F 2436 rpm IAS 133 TAS 161 GS 184 379.0 rt 20.79 27 knot tailwind
19% mixture FL120 41F 2436 rpm IAS 133 TAS 162 GS 183 217.0 rt 10.98 30 knot half tailwind 16.5 nmpg
19% mixture FL120 41F 2436 rpm IAS 133 TAS 162 GS 183 217.0 lt 15.90 30 knot half tailwind
19% mixture FL120 41F 2436 rpm IAS 134 TAS 163 GS 171 120.0 lt 9.37 19 knot crosswind 14.9 nmpg
03-07 Pahala Airstrip HI28 2:33 AM 67.5 gallons used, 917nm, 13.6 nmpg, 155.0 knots
Flight time 16:33 8 stops
Departure from Atuona at dawn
Climbing over an the unnamed mountain on Hiva Oa, to 3,000 ft
Hanaui Bay on the other side of the island
Hanamenu
Approaching Ua Pou
Hakahau, main village and port of the island of Ua Pou
Sunrise over Ua Pou
Aneou Airstrip
Beautiful approach in the morning sun
Ua Pou and the airstrip at Aneou
Leaving Uo Pou on to Ua-Huka
Ua-Huka island
Ua Huka Airport
So different island to island
Nuku-Hiva
Anaho bay
Nuku Hiva Airport
Nuku Hiva with Tiki Tuhiva in the middle and Vaipo Waterfall on the right
Nuku Hiva departure, 7.5 hour flight ahead
7,500ft cruising altitude at 17% fuel mixture and 2426 rpm, giving me over 10h flight time
More than enough with 11 knot tailwind speeding me up to 154 knots ground speed
Checking back in a couple hours later, tailwind increased, now going 157 knots
Managing around 21 nautical miles per gallon, 1,500 nm range
Another couple hours later, increased the mixture to 18%
164 knots ground speed, slightly less tailwind
Got to check all the instruments new and then 
purring along nicely
Kiritimati in sight, on the display that is
Kiritimati island part of the Republic of Kiribati
Landing at Aeon Field military airfield, called Banana village in game
Flight time 7:39, 1196nm, 62.02 gallons used, avg 19.3 nautical miles per gallon at 156.3 knots
Kiritimati island is a strange place
Cassidy International Airport
The Republic of Kiribati is a drowning paradise
The weather is turning on me on the way to Tabueran Island
Hmm, rather tumultuous out here
Down to 300ft to catch a glimpse of Tabueran
A little break over the lagoon
Gnarly landing in a thunderstorm on the chalk outline airstrip
In better weather
If I had a license it would be revoked for attempting to take off in this
It took a while to climb above the clouds
Just in time to start my descent down to Washington Island
Ahh, thatās where those upside down rainbows in Death Stranding come from
Washington Island, down to 300ft again to get a glimpse
The airstrip, the thunderstorm rages on
Another gnarly landing, skidding over the runway. Luckily itās a wide one
Wind, very wet runway, I did the equivalent of a hand brake turn to turn around, unintentionally
Perfect weather for a long distance flight to Hawaiiā¦
Climbing to 12,000ft to stay out of the clouds
Barely high enough but I donāt want to go higher and risk icing
Some wispy clouds up here, no problem, settling in at FL120, 19% mixture
https://i.imgur.com/dlqnXzH.png
Slight headwind this time, 151 ground speed despite burning more fuel, just over 6 hour range
The winds changed in my favor, speeding up to 161 knots ground speed
https://i.imgur.com/y9H9Uhy.png
Another cloud layer appeared above me, lightning all around
https://i.imgur.com/OsvrB4U.png
Itās getting darker, keeping my eyes peeled to catch the sunset
https://i.imgur.com/XE4ryMx.png
There it is, briefly showing up between the cloud layers
https://i.imgur.com/DL2rWJm.png
Still a long way to go, itās going to be dark very soon
https://i.imgur.com/ibkRbeb.png
Into the night, still flashes all around
https://i.imgur.com/fMHCZqR.png
There she is, island of Hawiāi aka the big island
https://i.imgur.com/TLkjaA9.png
Pahala Airstrip Approach, this will be landing by screen again
https://i.imgur.com/XD324Sb.png
Pahala Airstrip, safely on the ground
https://i.imgur.com/gQxtCNe.png
5:55 flight time, 917nm, 67.5 gallons used, on average 13.6 nautical miles per gallon at 155.0 knots
It is theoretically possible to reach LA in the Bonanza from here, in game that is. By (ab)using the ground effect and quirks of running with ultra lean fuel
https://forums.flightsimulator.com/t/mapping-the-performance-of-the-beechcraft-bonanza-g36/332575/8
That only works with calm water, no waves for a 21 hour flight to cover the distance at avg 100 knots.
1200nm already wasnāt realistic for the Bonanza (rated 920nm range) but thanks to the quirks of running leaner fuel mixture without the danger of overheating the virtual engine it works. However Iāll be heading back west after exploring Hawaii and cross over to North America via Alaska later.
Leg 198, Pahala, Hawaii via French Frigate Shoals to Midway Atoll
DAY03_08.PLN (12.1 KB)
Long day of exploring, Hawaii in 7 hours then a couple long autopilot flights back west. Hawaii is very pretty in game bar some compromised patches due to clouds. The active volcano is missing yet the dramatic coast of Kauai turned out pretty well.
03-07 Pahala Aistrip HI28 11:30 AM
03-07 Hawaiian Paradise Park PHHA 11:55 AM Short runway, dodge the trees
03-07 Mountain View Airstrip HI23 12:01 PM Short runway, buildings at both ends
03-07 Hilo Intl PHTO 12:09 PM
03-07 Pepeekeo Airstrip HI32 12:20 PM Short runway, trees at end of ārunwayā
03-07 Upper Paauilo Airstrip HI27 12:29 PM Short runway Observatory x2 19Ā°48ā6"N, 155Ā°27ā20"W
03-07 Bradshaw Army Airfield PHSF 12:57 PM
03-07 Ellison Onizuka Kona Intl At K PHKO 1:09 PM
03-07 Puu Waa Waa Ranch HI13 1:18 PM
03-07 Waumea-Kohala PHMU 1:27 PM
03-07 Opolu PHUP 1:41 PM
03-07 Hana PHHN 1:58 PM
03-07 Kahului PHOG 2:22 PM
03-07 Kapalua PHJH 2:33 PM
03-07 Lanai PHNY 2:43 PM
03-07 Brandt Field 18HI 3:12 PM
Break time, no long flights!
03-07 Brandt Field 18HI 5:26 PM
03-07 Kalaupap Apt. PHLU 5:34 PM Trees at end of runway
03-07 Molokai PHMK 5:40 PM
03-07 Panda HI49 5:48 PM
03-07 Kaneohe Bay MCAS (Marion E Carl Field) PHNG 6:04 PM
03-07 Bellows Air Field 21Ā°21ā17"N 157Ā°43ā9"W 6:12 PM Cemetery 21Ā°18ā49"N, 157Ā°50ā40"W
03-07 Honolulu Intl PHNL 6:46 PM Pearl Harbor Memorial 21Ā°21ā53"N, 157Ā°56ā60"W
03-07 Ford Island NALF NPS 7:02 PM
03-07 Kalaeloa (John Rodgers Field) PHJR 7:09 PM
03-07 Wheeler Aaf PHHI 7:18 PM
03-07 Dillingham Airfield PHDH 7:25 PM
03-07 Princeville HI01 7:56 PM
03-07 Hanamaulu Airstrip HI03 8:07 PM Hard to find
03-07 Lihue PHLI 8:11 PM
03-07 HI 23 Airstrip HI46 8:15 PM
03-07 Port Allen PHPA 8:19 PM
03-07 Barking Sands Pmrf PHBK 8:26 PM 376nm next 20 to 23 knot tailwind
03-07 Tern I. PHFS 10:31 PM 652nm next 21 knot tailwind
03-08 Henderson Field PMDY 1:52 AM
Flight time 5:08 33 stops
Early departure from Pahala Airstrip
Right at sunrise
Flying over the lava fields at KÄ«puka Pepeiao
To climb up Mauna Loa (13,678ft)
Mauna Loa is the largest volcano in the world, last erupted in 1984
A bit back down the mountain slope is a currently active volcano, Kilauea, footage from Januari
Not much to see in game, just a grey depression in the terrain
Hilo on the North-East side of the big island
The boiling pots in Wailuku river
Boiling pots park
Next climbing up Mauna Kea (13,802ft) higher than Mauna Loa and highest point in the state of HawaiŹ»i
Back the other way and around to gain height
Plenty time to check out all the vents
And the traces the lava flows have left behind
Gemini observatory at the peak (the one on the far right)
Flying over the United Kingdom Infrared Telescope
SUBARU Telescope National Astronomical Observatory of Japan
Iāll leave the astronomers to their work now, is it a bird, is it a ufo, no it was a Bonanza
Puu Waa Waa Ranch in Puāu Waāawaāa Cinder Cone State Park
Landing at Waumea-Kohala on the northwest side of the big island
Kohala Mountain with Kohala Forest Reserve behind
Puāu O Umi Natural Area Reserve
Opolu Airport at the northwest tip of the big island
Arriving at Hana Airport on Maui
Hanakauhi (8,907ft)
Halaliāi next to Kawilinau (Bottomless Pit)
Haupaāakea Peak (9,147ft)
Red Hill Haleakala
Kahului on the nortwest side of Maui
PuŹ»u Kukui (5,788ft) in West Maui Forest Reserve
West Maui Forest Reserve
Kapalua at the northwest tip of Maui
Kamakou (4,961ft) in MolokaŹ»i Forest Reserve
MolokaŹ»i Forest Reserve features lots of steep cliffs and waterfalls
Pulling some gās through Wailau Valley
Brandt field on the eastern side if Molokaāi
Good time for a break
The weather changed after my break, some light rain moved in
It was just a local shower, back out in the sun flying past PuāukaāÅkÅ« Falls
Pelekunu Preserve
Kalaupap Airport next to Kalaupapa National Historical Park
MoāOmomi
Landing at Panda āAirportā along Pohakuloa Rd
Kailua on the east coast of the island of Oāahu
I recognize a lot on this island from my time with Test Drive Unlimited
Mokapu on Kailua Bay
Lanikai Beach, I so wish I could jump out into that lovely blue water
Landing at Bellows Air Force station
Not a listed airport in game, all closed and degraded
Bellows field, old air force bases
Koko crater on the outskirts of Honolulu, the capital of the former Kingdom of Hawaii
The Hawaiian kingdom lasted from 1795 until Hawaii was annexed by the US in 1898. The Native Hawaiian people never directly relinquished their inherent sovereignty, overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii occurred with the active participation of agents and citizens of the United States.
The desire for independence is still there
Most of my āexposureā to Hawaii came from Dog the bounty hunter 
based in Honolulu
Meanwhile flying on to Hanauma Bay
https://i.imgur.com/zs9gplP.png
Diomand head
https://i.imgur.com/FIxmBpJ.png
National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific on a hill in Honolulu
https://i.imgur.com/NuTl0W7.png
Queen Liliuokalani Fwy, I remember this crossing well from TDU for the Explorer achievement
https://i.imgur.com/1zP2V7U.png
I tried flying under all those bridges (of course), however the one on the far right is too low with the water bulging up from height errors. Almost possible.
Honolulu, that tunnel was rough in TDU, angular slope transitions donāt work well with race cars!
https://i.imgur.com/Ef3TWy8.png
Iolani Palace, 19th-century home of Hawaiiās last monarchs
https://i.imgur.com/KJoxImZ.png
A look inside Bishop Museum
https://i.imgur.com/WGgB0YC.png
Pearl harbor, bombed by Japan in 1941 dragging the USA into WW2
https://i.imgur.com/TSHxBfW.png
USS Arizona historic marker
https://i.imgur.com/mhquUNM.png
Unfortunately the Battleship Missouri Memorial behind is just a flat half drowned texture
Wheeler Army Airfield
https://i.imgur.com/H0j9Mrr.png
Kaāena Point, western tip of Oāahu
https://i.imgur.com/67phvA0.png
Moloaa Forest Reserve on Kauai
https://i.imgur.com/4eAeCJu.png
Princeville
https://i.imgur.com/vGG05iB.png
The confusingly named HI 23 Airstrip with IOAC code HI46
https://i.imgur.com/xuvsr8t.png
Along the Awaāawapuhi Trail
https://i.imgur.com/8p9X7Aw.png
NÄ Pali Coast State Wilderness Park
https://i.imgur.com/4LNFDGn.png
HonoāOnapali Natural Reserve Area with Crawlerās Ledge down at the coast
https://i.imgur.com/Sc3aF61.png
Unbelievable coast line
https://i.imgur.com/g668bf6.png
2 hours later, Tern Island, part of the French Frigate Shoals
https://i.imgur.com/fqF7fLT.png
Deserted, home to many birds looking for a place to use their legs
https://i.imgur.com/Gx7gxB2.png
Back rest down, head on the window ledge, time for a little snooze while the sun slowly sinks
https://i.imgur.com/9otGbrS.png
Chasing the sun, a race I will lose
https://i.imgur.com/epYi1qB.png
It does feel a lot longer for the sun to set heading west
https://i.imgur.com/jERVHi7.png
But falling behind is inevitable
https://i.imgur.com/d4pdg7R.png
https://i.imgur.com/66r5SJT.png
https://i.imgur.com/8IcljuL.png
Midway Atoll with runway lights!
https://i.imgur.com/mojdWEY.png
Final stop today, Midway Island, United States Minor Outlying Islands
https://i.imgur.com/LnHzigU.png
Itās a wildlife sanctuary nowadays with a couple WW2 memorials
https://i.imgur.com/Y2DiKEy.png
Midway hosts the largest Albatross colony on the planet, with some two million birds packed onto three small islands, and about 100 to 200 people.
Further west tomorrow, 2 monster flights ahead to get to the Mariana islands.
Leg 199, Midway Atoll via Wake Island to Pagan Island, Northern Mariana Islands
DAY03_09.PLN (2.2 KB)
Basically just 2 long flights today visiting one of the most isolated islands in the world. I timed the second flight to go over night while sleeping which almost went horribly wrong. I saved the plane from splashing down with 5 minutes to spare. I very rarely sleep this long, got up to a stall warning, empty right tank and the plane on a glide path to the water down below. Close call.
03-08 Henderson Field PMDY 12:55 PM
03-08 Sand Island HI99 1:16 PM 1026nm next min 13.9 nmpg 18% mixture
18% mixture FL75 45F 2423 rpm IAS 135 TAS 151 GS 149 935.0 rt 40.00 2 knot headwind
18% mixture FL75 49F 2423 rpm IAS 135 TAS 152 GS 157 687.0 rt 25.55 6 knot tailwind 17.2 nmpg
19% mixture FL75 49F 2423 rpm IAS 141 TAS 158 GS 163 672.0 lt 34.56 6 knot tailwind
19% mixture FL75 52F 2423 rpm IAS 142 TAS 159 GS 157 366.0 lt 14.80 6 knot headwind 15.5 nmpg
20% mixture FL75 52F 2423 rpm IAS 146 TAS 164 GS 162 359.0 rt 24.98 7 knot headwind
20% mixture FL75 53F 2423 rpm IAS 147 TAS 165 GS 156 88.0 rt 4.57 14 knot headwind 13.3 nmpg
03-08 Wake Island Airfield PWAK 7:45 PM
67.32 gallons used, 1026nm, 15.2 nmpg, 6:29, 158.3 knots
03-08 Wake Island Airfield PWAK 10:11 PM
1187nm next min 16.0 nmpg ~8 hour flight time, slowing down to arrive in the morning
16% mixture FL75 53F 2149 rpm IAS 99 TAS 112 GS 111 1156.0 lt 36.69
16% mixture FL75 53F 2149 rpm IAS 100 TAS 113 GS 115 1018.0 lt 30.66 2 knot tailwind 22.9 nmpg
16% mixture FL75 53F 2149 rpm IAS 100 TAS 113 GS 115 1018.0 rt 40.00 ETE 530 (2:39 PM)
Bizarre incident, rt tank empty in the morning (3.0), mixture lever at 57% others 100% ? 7:27 AM (9:27 PM)
Stall warning, plane sunk just below 5,000 ft, switched tank, restarted engine, climbed back to FL75
16% mixture FL75 53F 2423 rpm IAS 110 TAS 125 GS 138 70.0 lt 29.31 14 knot tailwind 24.7 nmpg
03-09 Pagan Airstrip TT01 8:03 AM Trees at end of runway
50.28 gallons used, 1187nm, 23.6 nmpg, 9:52, 120.3 knots
Flight time 16:42 3 stops
Early departure from Henderson Field, Midway Atoll
To watch the sun rise over the North Pacific
Kure Atoll in sight, part of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands
Kure is an important nesting area for a number of seabird species and wintering area for a variety of migratory bird species from North America and Asia. Kure Atoll is also an important pupping and resting area for Hawaiian Monk seals.
Kure Atoll Conservancy works hard to keep the island clean from ocean debris
PapahÄnaumokuÄkea Marine National Monument at Kure Atoll
At the airport, getting ready for the first of 2 long flights, first one 1026 nm to Wake Island
Settled in at FL75 18% mixture ground speed 149 knots with a slight headwind
Very calm flight, increased fuel flow to 19% mixture, 163 knots ground speed with tailwind
Increasing to 20% mixture while the weather starts changing, 162 knots ground speed, headwind
So far minimal turbulence, seems Iām good between the cloud layers
The skies are closing in though
Nature putting on a show to pass the time
Spelunking at 7,500 ft
The weather is calming down while Wake Island gets in range
All clear, Wake island shining brightly in the sun
Didnāt your mother ever teach you not to land with the wind in your backā¦
Wake Island Airfield, huge compared to the regular āairportsā I land at
67.32 gallons used over 1026nm, 15.2 nmpg, 6h29 flight time, average 158.3 knots
Welcome to one of the most isolated islands on Earth
Hotly fought over in WW2 and was in Japanese hands from 1941 to 1945
VFA-27 Royal Maces flying over and āThe 98 rockā on the right
A desperate final message left by a POW on the run carved into a coral rock
After a 2+ hour break on the island, time for the second long haul
Just in time to escape the thunderstorm rolling in
1187nm to go, aiming to go slow and sleep through the flight
16% mixture, 2149 rpm, 111 knots ground speed
Switching over to the still full left tank (40 gallons) before heading off to bed
Up to 115 knots ground speed with a slight tailwind, ETE 8h50, about 8:36 AM arrival my time
According to lnm I can stay in the air for over 14 hours at 70 gallons left, should be 8 hours on 40 gallons.
I usually never sleep this long, got up at 7:25 AM, walked over to the laptop to the stall warning sound. Tank dry (3.0 gallons remaining) while the plane was drifting down at 1000 fpm, just over 5,000 ft left. I quickly switched over to the left tank, restarted the engine and gave it full power to climb back to 7,500 ft.
Phew disaster averted, 5 minutes later and I would have been in the water
Now to figure out the landing, no lights at all on this island
Lining up according to google maps, maximum exposure in the drone cam, landing + taxi lights
The landing light is only visible under 100ft
Scary landing, trees at the end of the runway (tree line after the field above, before the actual strip)
I dodged the trees (might have snagged a few branches with the landing gear) and got it down in time to stop at a little building.
That building is about 100ft from the beach on google maps!
Another close call, Iām running out of lives fast.
Should be a pretty place to wake up to and assess the damage to my under carriage
Landing before coffee, not recommended!
50.28 gallons used over 1187nm, 23.6 nmpg, 9h52 flight time, average 120.3 knots
I tested how close I came from splashing down by timing how long the plane can glide on auto pilot from 7,500ft without fuel. 7 minutesā¦ Thatās all. AP keeps trimming up to 100% trim while the plane slows down to 70 knots IAS dropping up to 1100 fpm. Then something āresetsā and AP drops the nose, speeds up to then tries to climb again. It did this cycle 3 times before running out of room and hitting the water at 80 knots IAS. AP keeps the plane level all the way at least.
Tomorrow (or this evening) exploring the Northern Mariana Islands.
Leg 200, Pagan Island, Northern Mariana Islands via Guam to Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia
DAY03_10.PLN (3.2 KB)
Anoher milestone reached, day 200 on my 80 day tour of the worldā¦ More interesting islands today with a lot of WW2 remnants and one mysterious ancient civilization.
03-09 Pagan Airstrip TT01 5:24 PM
03-09 Francisco C Ada/Saipan Intl 6:33 PM
03-09 Tinian Intl PGWT 6:39 PM
03-09 Anderson Afb PGUA 7:12 PM
03-09 Guam Intl PGUM 7:22 PM 487nm next 15 knot headwind
03-09 Chuuk Intl PTKK 10:56 PM 380nm next 12 knot headwind
03-10 Pohnpei Intl PTPN 1:34 AM
Flight time 8:10 6 stops
Departing from Pagan airstrip, getting a good look at how close I came last night to the edge of the water, stopped next to the little building. That pesky tree line popping up in the landing lights last minute threw me off. Why leave a line of trees at the end of runways!
Pagan Island, nice place
Saipan, the largest island of the Northern Mariana Islands, a commonwealth of the United States
From front to back, Banzai Cliff, USA veterans cemetery and Suicide cliff
Banzai cliff and Suicide cliff is where thousands of Japanese civilians and soldiers lept to their death to avoid capture by the US in 1944 at the end of the Battle of Saipan
Suicide cliff and the Last Japanese Command Post on the right
Also here the Korean Peace Memorial to commemorate the approximately 1,000 Koreans who were killed on Saipan during the Battle of Saipan
Further along the island thereās an abandoned Pacific Barrier Radar III
Itās on the hill in front on the right
Here on the far right (Pacifir Barrier Radar III)
On the left American Memorial Park and scenes from the WW2 Museum about the battle of Saipan
Next to painful history there is also natural beauty to discover, The Grotto, popular diving destination
Francisco C Ada/Saipan International Airport
On to Guam, a U.S. island territory in Micronesia. Anderson Air Force Base
Guam is the westernmost point and territory of the United States in Oceania, it is the largest and southernmost of the Mariana Islands and the largest island in Micronesia
Flying by Puntan Dos Amantas
Which means Two Loverās Point
Tumon Bay
Landing at Guam International Airport
A peek into Guam Museum
And on to the next island
Dodging clouds on the way to Chuuk
Under or over, just rather not through
Arriving at Chuuk State, Patta Island left and Polle Island on the right
Chuuk is one of the four states of the Federated States of Micronesia.
Tol Island, west side of Chuuk Lagoon
Uman Island on the southeast side
Roro to the North of Uman island
Here you can find abandoned Japanese buildings and caves
All these islands house remnants from WW2
Moen, my destination where the airport is
Also here abandoned Japanese guns and a WW2 lighthouse
Weno on the northwest end the island
Landing at Chuuk International Airport
My landing went a bit better than Air Niuginiās in 2018, short of the runway in Chuuk Lagoon
Next to Pohnpei state, here Tenwen island on the southeast side of Pohnpei island
Nan Madol on Tenwen island
Nan Madol, ruins of an ancient city, the capital of the Saudeleur Dynasty until about 1628
Not much is known about the civilization that build Nan Madol
Landing at Pohnpei International Airport
Sokehs rock on the left, visible on approach (but clouds on the aerial images)
And also more left overs from WW2 and on the right Kepirohi Waterfall
More of Micronesia tomorrow.
I used to fly into Hopedale, and all the other Labrador coastal airstrips back in the early 90ās in Cherokee Six.
The picture is on the ramp in YYR Goose Bay. Spent the odd overnight in Hopedale.
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Leg 201, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia to Rongelap Atoll, Marshall Islands
DAY03_11.PLN (5.5 KB)
To the Marshall islands, which are slowly drowning with the threat of nuclear waste, from years of nuclear weapons testing, seeping into the ocean added on topā¦
03-10 Pohnpei Intl PTPN 4:36 PM 300nm next 18 knot headwind
03-10 Kosrae PTSA 6:32 PM 309nm next 7 knot headwind
03-10 Namorik 3N0 8:26 PM
03-10 Jaluit N55 9:04 PM 15 knot tailwind
03-10 Ailinglaplap Airok AIP 9:39 PM
03-10 Jeh PKJB 9:54 PM
03-10 Woja PKAR 10:04 PM
03-10 Bucholz Aaf (Kwajalein Kmr) PKWA 10:36 PM
03-10 Dyess AAF PKRO 10:53 PM
03-10 Elenak EAL 11:09 PM
03-10 Ebadon PKLA 11:13 PM
03-10 Wotho Island PKWO 11:42 PM
03-11 Enewetak Aux AF PKMA 268nm next 12:55 AM The Runit Dome 11Ā°33ā07.4"N 162Ā°20ā49.6"E
Bikini Atoll 11Ā°35ā36.3"N 165Ā°22ā41.6"E
03-11 Rongelap Island PKRG 2:54 AM Virtual vision landing
Flight time 10:18 13 stops
Daparture from Pohnpei, quick 180 to get on course
To Kosrae, formerly known as Kusaie or Strongās Island
Finol Finkol (2,064ft) highest point on the island
Lelu Ruins Historic Park
Lelu Ruins, ancient city, same style as the Nando Ruins
Much bigger than it looks at first glance
Kosrae International Airport
Namdrik Atoll aka Namorik Atoll, Marshall Islands
Nice landing strip along the beach, well everywhere is along the beach on these Atolls
Namdrik Atoll in close up
Jaluit Atoll to the East
Another wide oval composed of thin little islands
Jabor, the widest section of the Jaluit Atoll, where most of the people live
Jaluit Airport
On to Ailinglaplap Atoll, Bigatyelang island
Approaching Jeh island
And a third airport on Woja Island, all part of the same Atoll
All of this could all be gone in the future, a third of the people have already left
Bucholz Army Airfield, south end of Kwajalein Atoll, only US military personnel allowed
Tax dollars well spent
Dyes Army Airfield on the north side of Kwajalein Atoll
Mejato airstrip on Elenek island at the west end of the atoll
And a 4th landing strip close behind on Ebadon island
A long flight to Enewatak island, Enewatak Aux AF
Enewatak is one of two Mashall islands used for nuclear bomb tests
Here the Runit Dome aka The Tomb on Runit island
A radioactive waste repository left by the USA after conducting a series of nuclear tests (1946-1958)
The actual dome and one of the tests
The crater isnāt visible in game, flooded already
An up close look at this ticking time bomb
On to the other test site, Bikini Atoll
On the right the Baker Bomb test from 1946
Castle Koon test site on the left and the hole left behind where the Krause-Ogle Box structure was
Already mostly flooded in game, MSFS is ahead in global sea rise!
Castle Koon Test Site in the setting sun
Parts of the Marshall islands are already just as radioactive as Chernobyl and Fukushima
Still a popular wreck diving site for the high concentration of ship wrecks
Leaving Bikini Atoll behind, no landing strips there
Last stop today at Rongelap Atoll
Landing at Rongelap Island
Heading south tomorrow to visit the rest of the Marshall islands
Leg 202, Rongelap Atoll, Marshall Islands to Arorae Island, Kiribati
DAY03_12.PLN (9.2 KB)
So many islands! Exploring the rest of the Marshall islands and Kiribati today.
03-11 Rongelap Island PKRG 174nm next 5:07 PM
03-11 Utirik 03N 6:09 PM GPS map marker in the wrong place
03-11 Ailuk PKAI 6:32 PM
03-11 Wotje N36 6:51 PM
03-11 Kaben PKTA 7:11 PM
03-11 Maloelap 3N1 7:23 PM
03-11 Tabal Airstrip TBV 7:34 PM
03-11 Aur Island PKAU 7:39 PM Short runway, trees at one end
03-11 Marshall Islands Intl PKMJ 8:04 PM
03-11 Enejit EJT 8:33 PM
03-11 Makin Island NGMN 9:34 PM
03-11 Butaritari NGTU 9:44 PM
03-11 Marakei NGMK 10:13 PM
03-11 Abaiang NGAB 10:24 PM
03-11 Bonriki Intl NGTA 10:37 PM
03-11 Maiana NGMA 10:51 PM
03-11 Abemama Atoll NGTB 11:17 PM
03-11 Kuria NGKT 11:30 PM
03-11 Buariki NGUK 11:37 PM
03-12 Tabiteuea North NGTE 12:17 AM
03-12 Tabiteuea South NGTS 12:28 AM
03-12 Onotoa NGON 12:43 AM
03-12 Beru NGBR 12:59 AM
03-12 Nikunau NGNU 1:11 AM
03-12 Arorae Island NGTR 1:42 AM
Flight time 8:35 24 stops
Departure from Rongelap Island
Utirik Atoll
More Morse code land
Wotje Atoll
Kaven Island, part of Maloelap Atoll
Landing at Tabal Airstrip on Aur Atoll
Aur Island
Calalin Island, part of Majuro Atoll, the capital of the Marshall Islands
Marshall Islands International Airport ahead
The airport is wider than the island
Majuro Atoll
Laura Island, west side of Majuro Atoll, WW2 remains here as well
Alele Museum and Public Library
Mili Atoll
Enejak Airport on Mili Atoll
Makin Island, part of Kiribati
Butaritari Airport
Traditional style house (mostly for tourism nowadays) and more WW2 remains laying around
Marakei Island
Landing at Marakei Airport
Marakei
Abaiang Island
Bonriki part of Tarawa Atoll
North Tarawa and Biketawa, one of the many islands part of the atoll
Maiana Island
Oi, Iāll have some of that juice in that truck over there
Abema Atoll
The water is so clear!
Buariki, just leaving the airstrip
Tabiteuea South, I havenāt seen a bridge in a long time
Beru Island
Itās getting late on the way to Nikunau
Watching the sun set on the way to Arorae Island
Arorae Island
Last stop today, when the sun goes down it gets dark fast around here
Heading west tomorrow, to the Solomon Islands.
Leg 203, Arorae Island, Kiribati via Nauru island to Kologhona, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands
DAY03_13.PLN (4.8 KB)
Moving on to the Solomon islands, longing for some better detail. I guess all these tropical islands are mostly hidden beneath the clouds leaving large empty patches everywhere. Interesting nation anyway.
03-12 Arorae Island NGTR 2:06 PM
03-12 Tamana Island NGTM 2:23 PM 19 knot tailwind
03-12 Nauru Intl ANYN 5:22 PM
03-12 Santa Cruz AGGL 8:53 PM
03-12 Santa Anna AGGT 10:02 PM
03-12 Nana AGNA 10:11 PM Trees at end of runway
03-12 Kirakira AGGK 10:23 PM Bad performance, trees?
03-12 Rennell AGGR 11:23 PM
03-12 Bellona AGGB 11:35 PM
03-13 Yandina AGGY 12:22 AM World Discoverer 9Ā°01ā23.0"S 160Ā°07ā23.0"E
03-13 Honiara Intl AGGH/Henderson Field AGGH 12:57 AM Terrible performance, trees drawing in late as well
03-13 Babanakira AGGI 1:17 AM Landing at 2 fps, unresponsive controls
Flight time 11:11 11 stops
First, last stop in Kiribati at Tamana island, no info on Google maps
Flying by Tapiwa island on the way to Nauru. Still part of Kiribati, also no info.
Nauru island, officially the Republic of Nauru, formerly known as Pleasant island
Also here, WW2 remains, Anabar Beach
Nauru Australian Immigration Detention Center
After Nauru ran out of its natural resources (phosphate mining) it accepted aid from Australia in exchange for hosting the Nauru Regional Processing Center. There are 3 of these camps on the small island. It offically closed in 2018, however as of last May 211 refugees and asylum seekers still remain on Nauru.
Arriving at the Solomon Islands, in particular Nendo Island, part of the Santa Cruz Islands
Lata on Nendo Island
Santa Cruz Airport (probably just a standard name in game) at Lata
Lata
Santa Anna Island
Tahaworo, San Cristobal
Kirakira on the north side of San Cristobal
Lake Tengano ake Te Nggano on Rennel island, East Rennel
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest raised coral atoll in the world
Bellona Island
No paved runway in reality
Nggela Sule Island where the MS Discoverer is beached after hitting an uncharted rock or reef in 2000
The MS discoverer was build in 1974 with a double hull allowing it to visit Antarctica
Nowadays it lies along the shore between the Indispensable Strait and Iron Bottom Sound
Honiara Intl AGGH - Henderson Field on Guadalcanal across the Iron Bottom Sound
Iron Bottom Sound got its name for the dozens of ships and planes that sank there during the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942 - 1943. Part of the Battle of Savo Island which lies in between Guadalcanal and the Nggela Islands.
Honiara is the capital of the Solomon islands, located on the north side of Guadalcanal
Guadalcanal Memorial (American memorial and Solomon Peace Memorial Park (Japanese war memorial)
Many remnants of WW2 can be found near Guadalcanal Memorial
The national museum shows a couple artifacts from the Solomonās thousands years of history and first encounters with the Spanish in 1542
Final stop today at the other side of the island
Babanakira Airport in game, at Kologhona
Landing at 2 fps wasnāt fun. Something went wrong with tree rendering in the last patch. Hopefully the sim holds together better tomorrow. Thereās still a lot of rain forest aheadā¦ More of the Solomon islands, then to Papua New Guinea.
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