Lastly, I embarked on a couple of long flights in a Comanche aircraft. One of these flights was completely assigment free due to a significant lack of airports to the east of UAAA in FSe. So, I decided to fly to ZWWW in China via a route that I thought would provide me with some nice views of the mountains. However, the experience wasn’t as spectacular as I had expected. Nonetheless, it was enjoyable to fly without relying on many navigation aids.
I began the journey with a few VOR-to-VOR navigation segments, gradually transitioning to using landmarks and heading mode as I approached the 30nm radius of ZWWW’s VOR.
It has been a bit hard for me to determine the exact location of the airfield and establish my altitude above the ground, especially due to the lack of trees. I admit I didn’t check the airfield altitude on charts or maps, which was a significant oversight on my part
I continued my trip around Pacific in DC-3 in real weather and time: CYBD CYVR
Departure was very nice with the sunrise. About 50% of the flight was manual, because of flying through valleys and then to avoid some clouds. However, as I was approaching Vancouver visibility didn’t look good. A bit of mist. But when I reached downwind, it was possible to see the runway, just couldn’t fly too far. On first approach I underestimated strong headwind and got lower than I wanted. So I executed go-around and ATC asked me the same, because the runway was not clear. Second time, when I pressed G to lower the gear, MSFS started to stutter a lot. I disconnected my wireless keyboard and mouse and it started to work again. Because of this troubleshooting, the approach was bad again, of course. And again exactly the same situation. ATC asked me to do go-around, so I did. 3rd time ATC finally didn’t say “follow aircraft on final”. I knew, I had clear path so I put her down as fast as possible. Even managed to stay on centerline with strong crosswind.
Departed from Arlington KAWO with old reliable favorite Wilga, no particular destination in mind. Forgot how much I love this plane! Basically just short strip hopping in the San Juan islands, complete with a perfect botched emergency landing.
Ran out of fuel PERFECTLY on what would have been the downwind for this runway today. I totally miscalculated in the stress of the moment, and set myself up completely wrong.
These are the results. If I’d have just stayed on the downwind it would have been like a power-off approach just like your flight instructor does to you when you aren’t expecting it. I slewed myself back into position and went for another attempt, but I’m still annoyed with myself for missing what was essentially the perfect setup. I hadn’t even realized there was an airport there until the engine sputtered, and I choked.
Thank Flight Simulator for second chances! Time to unpack the gear and appreciate what a groovy ride we have in Wilma. All Hail Wilma!!! Flying into dirt airstrips, deploying the hammock, cooking up some hash potatoes…it’s all there.
When you say, ‘functional’ docks, does that mean that somehow you can push up to the area and it will let you park (moor) there rather than drift around as is the norm? Also, does it mean you can start a flight on one? Both would be quite cool.
I think the physical docks don’t do anything to hold you in position, but they give you something visual. I’m not sure if they’re collectible but that would be my guess. If there is a good way to tie a sea plane off, so it doesn’t drift I would love to know how.
I don’t know if this qualifies, the flight was a few days ago, but today I finally finished editing a video with the Bugatti 100. I had some fun doing a lot of low passes and some aerobatics over the fantastic Little Gransden scenery:
Pretty murky conditions in the Los Angeles region today. A good excuse to try some beacon bashing between San Clemente and Catalina before diverting to Burbank.
with few blurry tile
CYVR
