PRE-FLIGHT the upcoming final leg of the Aussie Group Emerald Isle Tiger Moth flight from Shannon EINN to Cork EICK (4pm Eastern 2000z Monday June 12
Word to the wise: Aussie Group flight times are only correct on Discord event notice
To prepare for the upcoming group flight, I installed some possibly relevant Ireland scenery for Shannon and Cork airports and the Cork city area.
Also, since I do not fly the tail-dragging Tiger Moth biplane, I wanted to scope out the ICON A5 engine RPMs for a range of cruise speeds that may be selected during the event.
On a previous day, I practiced the ICON A5’s “slow flight” at 45 KIAS (flaps 15) and 40 KIAS (flaps 30) just incase the Tiger Moths decide to use their absolute slowest “Low and Slow” (25-30 KIAS) ability.
Additionally I found a “bet no-one will materialize here” start (E-55 ) so I can be certain not to materialize in the center of the “Tiger Moth Hand Crank Party” with my ultra-modern toy and electric starter.
The mostly direct path from EINN Shannon to EICK Cork was very pleasant at 1000’ - 1200’ AMSL cruising at 60 KIAS first, then 70, then 85, 90, 97 and 105 full throttle. I did wander a bit at times around a hill or to follow an interesting road or river near the path.
Checking ATIS gave me a bit of concern - winds 18 knots from 93 degrees. Now the ICON A5 is certainly not as touchy in a crosswind as the Tiger Moth must be, but it has a huge vertical stab and rudder with a 12 kt max crosswind landing spec. Since Cork has a 07 runway, that 18 kts from 93 would only! be a 7 kt crosswind, but ATC cleared me for a straight in to 16 which gives a 17 kt cross wind!!!
Stupid me I followed instructions (actually MSFS doesn’t give you a choice once they clear you…) and gave it full right rudder and full left aileron and somehow managed not to scrape a wing tip and taxi 3/4 the way down the very long runway to the turnout to GA parking.
Interestingly, even if I had landed on 07, I would still have had to taxi down 16 with that horrible xwind.
I’m pretty sure those Tiger Moth guys are going to choose more tail-dragger suitable weather
@CinnamonInk8010