Leaving Central America for South America. Whoohoo!!
It was tons of storm clouds but no rain when leaving Chiriqui (MPDA).
I wondered if the visibility would prevent me from seeing the majestic mountains of Ecuador. Fortunately once I got further down the visibility was excellent.
Just got to get around that mountain to line up for the approach.
Before continuing a short anecdote about the last time I flew into Quito (SEQM). It was on a B737MAX. I was totally stoked about it because I had been wanting to fly in one of those for the longest. It did not disappoint. The cabin was spacious, quiet and of course brand new. You could tell the engines were upgraded from the B737NG, it felt like a rocket taking off but smoother. The landing was equally smooth into Quito. Unfortunately a month later the first one went down and you know the rest of the story. We followed it all from Ecuador.
So my tour of this airport is very nostalgic. They did a great job modeling it too.
They even added the mall that is connected to the airport right outside the departure and arrival doors. The buildings look true to life. There is a Baskin Robins in there. And a nice Sushi restaurant.
That probably tops the handcrafted airports list for me. Next stop is Chagual (SPGL) via Cajamarca (SPJR). Will need to swap to the G36 when I get to Cajamarca.
Leaving Quito (SEQM) is just as nice as coming in.
Clouds!! As beautiful as they are sometimes they do obstruct the view. I had to wait until I was really close to Cajamarca (SPJR) to see the Andean mountains again.
This may not be on the list of hand-crafted airports but it should on a list of challenging approaches. You can only approach via runway 34.
This time the G36 is ready and waiting. Off I go to Chagual (SPGL).
What a flight! Cajamarca (SPJR) to Chagual (SPGL) and back. I will let the pictures do the talking.
Ok. The approach was heart pounding. The beauty of this tour is I am going to most of these airports for the first time so I do not know what to expect. This one got what a rush!!
I know why this airport was chosen to be ‘hand-crafted’. The small building is nice so I am sure modeling this one was easy. It is the approach that has the allure.
On the way back. Still smarting over nailing the landing.
Back at Cajamarca.
Next stop Rio de Janeiro (SBGL) via Bolivia (SLVR).
By the end of today I will be in Rio do Janeiro, Brazil (SBGL). But first a stop in Santa Cruz, Bolivia (SLVR).
It was a really uneventful flight leaving the Andean mountains to the flat lands.
Not much to see on the approach either.
Now for the important leg to Rio.
The flight from Santa Cruz, Bolivia (SLVR) to Rio do Janeiro, Brazil (SBGL) was also uneventful. Not too much scenery to gawk at, just a little.
Leaving Santa Cruz.
Not much enroute other than the Rio Panama in Brazil.
Started to get a little interesting on descent into Rio.
Final RWY 10. With RWY 15 as an option.
The digs here are pretty nice. The GA terminal is far away from the Main passenger terminal. Some of the roads in and around the airport are very nicely modeled.
So the weekend will be spent exploring Rio. Next week we complete this tour with the last two airports.
Rio (SBGL) to Para (SBBE)
I decided to take a 10NM south detour to fly around the famous landmark on Mount Corcovado, Rio de Janeiro. Did not get close enough for a good pic though.
On the way up I flew over Galeao airport.
Not much to report on this flight after that.
Now for a fun flight over mostly water to Princess Juliana Airport (TNCM).
The last long haul to complete this tour SBBE-TNCM.
Leaving the comfort of land for the vast ocean.
Finally coming up on the island chain. Passing Martinique.
Flying over Guadeloupe.
Finally Sint Maarten/Saint Martin in sight. Along with our familiar friend the setting sun. The sun of course stole the show. As pilots we are mesmerized by its beauty.
Then we heard a whimper behind us. The moon was getting jealous. No worries moon you are on next.
Glad to be back in Sint Maarten, Princess Juliana Airport. My first and only job offer in aviation more than 20yrs ago was here, to train and become a tower controller. But young and dumb me opted to study computer science and leave this beautiful paradisiac island.
Unfortunately, the terminal doesn’t look as good as in FS2020. The last hurricane really devastated it. It is still being repaired. But it is still a worthy launch pad for my next couple flights as I will be island hopping to Saba (TNCS), Saint Barthelemy (TFFJ) and a last minute addition to the tour, Grande Case (TFFG) to return the rented G36. I will take a cab or call my mom to take me back to Princess Juliana, ha!
Island Hopping Report.
First leg Sint Maarten (TNCM) to Saba (TNCS).
It was a nice day for flying. It was a smooth ride over.
I made an impressive landing by my standards (don’t expect much). This airport and island is nicely modeled. Just as I remember it.
There are however some unrealistic oddities. For example, these large luggage bins are not found at the real life airport as there are no planes large enough that land there that can take those. Also, some of the ground equipment and the sheer number of them does not match the type and volume of traffic that flies into Saba.
Otherwise there are some nice views. Anecdote: This is where I took my driving license driving exam, including hill test when I was 17yrs old.
Ready to leave Saba for Saint Barthelemy (TFFJ).
Wow!! Loved the approach into Saint Barthelemy. Much better flying it than as a passenger. The airport is really true to life. Except for a huge luggage bin which is also not realistic.
After loitering around this old familiar island. I headed for Grande Case (TFFG) to return the rented plane.
Obviously Grande Case is not hand crafted. Eeewwww!
Alright I got me a lift via auto back to the Dutch side airport, Princess Juliana (TNCM).
Thanks everyone for following this thread and hope you enjoy your tour of the hand crafted airports.
One last shot. Leaving Sint Maarten (TNCM) for …
