The 2024 Australian Air Rally - The FBO

[ViperPilot2]

Couple things...

 

First, I'd like to thank both TPD and PP; PP for devising a Timing method that's stood the Test of two long events, and is easy to follow. TPD for providing and updating both the Race Spreadsheet/Leaderboard and the daily Race commentary that rivaled anything seen today in the Sports world!

 

A special shout out to MAD1 for the rolling RW Commentary about the Terrain we were flying over, and for giving us a taste of Life Down Under. RW issues got in the way of his Sim journey, and I hope he'll be there for the next one.

 

Lastly, I want to thank everyone for taking the time to Participate! 45 days is a long time for an Event such as this, with all the twists and turns. You fought through it all, made it very enjoyable and entertaining, and showed off some pretty Aircraft too! Far as I'm concerned, all of you are deserving of the Award.

 

For the moment, the Venue for Club Chachapoya is uncertain; there seems to be no way for anyone to post in the Sub Threads I created except for me! Repeated attempts to contact the Site Admins regarding this Issue have so far been unsuccessful. Right now it functions as no more than a Billboard. So, at this point we should keep things the way they are.

 

See you in Cairns! 

 

 

[ScottishMike]

Firstly I would like to register thanks to all that helped define, organize and comment upon the race, and I nominate PhrogPhlyer for The SPIRIT OF THE RACE award. He has read and responded helpfully to almost every post; a major task in it's self. Not to mention flying his helicopter hither and tither (but mostly on the race route). :-))

Suzanne and I have decided to hire an amphibian and head back south for detailed exploration of the many superb locations just glimpsed on the way north.

But what craft to choose?

Go large? How could I not consider this Australian conversion of a Catalina:

 

What about this DHC 3 Turbo from Scotland:

 

The Grumman Albatros is just too big for two tourists:

 

But this Grumman Mallard turbo prop is like a luxury yacht with wings:

 

And this Super Widgeon is about the right size:

 

Or go utilitarian and robust the DHC otter is a bit big, but the DHC 2 fits the bill:

 

The Husky is too small and tandem seating not so friendly:

 

The Kodiak, Cessna 206 and Maule might fit the bill:

But small, fast and nimble might be best, how to choose between these three?

Nardi Riviera, Superbee 900 and Lake Renegade 270:

Decisions, decisions.

[jgf]

Well, she's on her way home.  After running the race route and the eastern route, then continuing from Cairns westward around the coast back to Jandakot, we will remove and crate the wings and let her ride home in comfort as a passenger.

 

 

Adding her trip around the Pacific to get here with the circumnavigation of Australia, she's flown approximately 20,000 miles, average altitude of 8000ft and average cruise of 180kts, since leaving Columbus.

 

No desire to repeat this in reverse

 

 

[PhrogPhlyer]

2 hours ago, Bossspecops said:

Where's the 'banging head on the wall' emoticon when you need it?

Essential for sure,

[Melo965]

PP, here is my helicopter picture:

 

Bell 206 JetRanger RAAF.  I don't take credit for the repaint. 

 

[PhrogPhlyer]

54 minutes ago, jgf said:

No desire to repeat this in reverse

A commemorable feat, that's great to do, ONCE.  

[PhrogPhlyer]

19 minutes ago, Melo965 said:

Bell 206 JetRanger RAA

Thanks, That will make three 206's!

Is this for the default 206 or another?

[Melo965]

2 hours ago, PhrogPhlyer said:

Is this for the default 206 or another?

 

It is for the default 206.  Look for "FSX Bell Jetranger Camouflage Schemes" here in the file library.

 

[PhrogPhlyer]

39 minutes ago, Melo965 said:

"FSX Bell Jetranger Camouflage Schemes"

Got it, thanks.

[Bossspecops]

3 hours ago, PhrogPhlyer said:

Essential for sure,

 

I need one even more now. 

 

I can't get FSX to show any aircraft anywhere, I can select one in the start screen but it's invisible when I try and put it in a location, and that goes for any and all of my aircraft. Not only that, most of the buildings don't appear either!

 

I've got a restore point set a few days ago and I tried to restore from that, and it took FOUR Hours to re-start the laptop! And then it said it hadn't managed it and I should try again! 

 

I'm going to disconnect from my wifi, switch Norton Security off and give it another go, and if that doesn't work I'll have to do an FSX re-install, which is currently impossible as the cable from my DV drive to the laptop is faulty.

 

Sadly, I'm afraid I'm out of the Rally for a bit and I doubt I can get back in before the end, unless the restore goes OK tonight.

 

 

 

[PhrogPhlyer]

1 hour ago, Bossspecops said:

Sadly, I'm afraid I'm out of the Rally for a bit and I doubt I can get back in before the end, unless the restore goes OK tonight.

Truly disheartening news. Hope you get it all sorted out.

[PhrogPhlyer]

6 hours ago, ViperPilot2 said:

Lastly, I want to thank everyone for taking the time to Participate! 45 days is a long time for an Event such as this, with all the twists and turns. You fought through it all, made it very enjoyable and entertaining, and showed off some pretty Aircraft too! Far as I'm concerned, all of you are deserving of the Award.

Well stated!

[Melo965]

2 hours ago, Bossspecops said:

I need one even more now.

 

Best of luck getting it sorted out! 

 

[ViperPilot2]

7 hours ago, jgf said:

Well, she's on her way home.  After running the race route and the eastern route, then continuing from Cairns westward around the coast back to Jandakot, we will remove and crate the wings and let her ride home in comfort as a passenger.

 

 

Adding her trip around the Pacific to get here with the circumnavigation of Australia, she's flown approximately 20,000 miles, average altitude of 8000ft and average cruise of 180kts, since leaving Columbus.

 

No desire to repeat this in reverse

 

 

 

Bet that Galaxy has a nice Sleeping Berth and Kitchenette! Have a nice rest on the way home!

[Melo965]

Parkes (YPKS) to Bathurst (YBTH) to Bankstown (YSBK)

 

Engine started at Parkes.

 

Starting takeoff roll.

 

Leaving Parkes behind.  Climbing through 3,200 ft on way to cruise altitude of 4,000 ft.

 

There is some weather on this leg.

 

Correction: Weather and Terrain.  That hill ahead is in the middle of my planned flight path.

 

Almost half way there.  Initialting a thousand foot climb to get over that hill ahead.  Hope that does not screw up my arrival timing.

 

Up at 5,000 ft.  Also had to change course to go around the mountain in my flight path.  Just enough altitude to get over the shoulder of the mountain.

 

Still at 5,000 ft.  Passing Orange (YORG) on the left.

 

Glad to leave that hill behind and be back on course.

 

About 13 minutes left to go.  Descended back down close to 4,000 ft to have the sight picture I am used to on approach.

 

External view.

 

Approaching LOWDI waypoint with 4 minutes left to go.  There I will initiate an 84 degree turn to the left to get lined up for waypoint BTHNH.  From there it is another 28 degree left turn to get lined up for runway 35 at Bathurst.  Currently cruising at 102 kts, will have to speed up significantly if I am going to make it on time.

 

Airport in sight ahead on the left, still a ways off.  126 Kts and no flaps, only 1 minute to go.

 

Short and fast final.  150 kts and on time if I can just stick the landing.

 

Added flaps and slowed down to 84 kts on touchdown, but landed on time!  Plenty of runway ahead to slow down safely.

 

Parked on the dirt next to a few other aircraft.  Time to refuel, stretch my legs, and grab a snack for the LAST leg of the race!

 

Bathurst (YBTH) to Bankstown (YSBK)

 

While I was completing my pre-flight inpection, everyone else decided to leave.  Wonder if they are flying to Bankstown too.  About to start up.

 

Hope the weather does not give me trouble on this last leg.

 

Takeoff on the last leg of the journey.

 

Leaving Bathurst and climbing to altitude.  Will have to climb to 5,000 ft again for this leg.

 

At 5,000 ft.  Terrain ahead does not look good even at this altitude.

 

5,000 ft was just enough after all.  No need to change course.

 

Leaving that mountain behind.

 

Still hilly ahead.  Staying at 5,000 ft for the time being.  Hope the extra 1,000 feet of altitude does not put me behind schedule.

 

Flying over Lawson.

 

Over Hazelbrook and finally leaving the hills behind.

 

Dropped back down to 4,000 ft.  Over Glenmore Park and finally into the Sydney basin.

 

External view.  That light patch in the distance is Bankstown airport.

 

Six minutes to go.  This Sydney basin reminds me of the Los Angeles basin where I lived for many years.

 

Four minutes to go.  About to dive down to pattern altitude.

 

Two minutes to go.  Keeping the speed up and no flaps yet.  Hope that Beechcraft ahead stays out of my way!

 

Using a classic Spitfire approach.  Gotta land during this minute.

 

On time touchdown!  V0 and CV0.

 

Full stop.  Almost stayed on the runway.  Any landing  . . .

 

Parked at Bankstown (YSBK)  Mission accomplished!

 

Now for something completely different on the Eastern route. 

 

[PhrogPhlyer]

1 hour ago, Melo965 said:

On time touchdown!  V0 and CV0.

Nicely done. Faced a couple challenges head on, and stayed on time.

[ViperPilot2]

9 hours ago, ScottishMike said:

Firstly I would like to register thanks to all that helped define, organize and comment upon the race, and I nominate PhrogPhlyer for The SPIRIT OF THE RACE award. He has read and responded helpfully to almost every post; a major task in it's self. Not to mention flying his helicopter hither and tither (but mostly on the race route). :-))

Suzanne and I have decided to hire an amphibian and head back south for detailed exploration of the many superb locations just glimpsed on the way north.

But what craft to choose?

Go large? How could I not consider this Australian conversion of a Catalina:

 

What about this DHC 3 Turbo from Scotland:

 

The Grumman Albatros is just too big for two tourists:

 

But this Grumman Mallard turbo prop is like a luxury yacht with wings:

 

And this Super Widgeon is about the right size:

 

Or go utilitarian and robust the DHC otter is a bit big, but the DHC 2 fits the bill:

 

The Husky is too small and tandem seating not so friendly:

 

The Kodiak, Cessna 206 and Maule might fit the bill:

But small, fast and nimble might be best, how to choose between these three?

Nardi Riviera, Superbee 900 and Lake Renegade 270:

Decisions, decisions.

 

If you plan to land on the ocean/sea near the shore, stick with the big stuff. If you're aiming for Lakes and such, the smaller stuff will be better for those locations. Beach/Shore landings are fun in the Kodiak with Wheels, too.

 

Another choice cor your ocean option is the venerable "Twotter", or Twin Otter...

[MAD1]

Morning/evening guys, just logging in here at home at 8:03 pm AEDT Tue 27 Feb after a long RW work day on the computer, and haven't read through all the posts yet. Dear Phrog Phyler, apologies for not getting the pics to you earlier as threatened, but here they are now. All FS2002 default fleet.

1. Cessna 182 retractable gear (182RG) - remember, I DID fly the first leg in the timed event, Jandakot to Katanning, so if you're able to squeeze me into the first poster I'd appreciate it ('for the memories').
2. Cessna Caravan amphib.

3. Bell 206B Jetranger.

[MAD1]

The Chachapoya Chronicle. Travel and cultural news. Tue 27 Feb 2024.

 

Dear reader, your Aussie Correspondent (AC) had a wonderful flight with MAD1 from Ballina to Coolangatta, with a loop around Cape Byron, the most easterly point, as reported previously. Whilst in the company of MAD1 we 'chewed the fat' about lots of things: work, life, loves gained and lost, beer, things on the barby, etc. etc. Here is my interview with him.

 

AC: so you're still working past the 'official', traditional retirement age of 65 years?

MAD1: yes, am 69 in May, I work Mon to Wed, and that model no longer applies in this third decade of the 21st century. My father died at 69, my mother at 79, but my generation is living longer. It's not uncommon for there to be a few 100-year-olds in the community nowadays, however the average life expectency in Australia is about 83 for men, 86 for women. (The clock is ticking! Better do the 'bucket list' before too long!)

 

AC: So what do you do for work?

MAD1: I love my job, it's geographic information (who doesn't like a nice map, from old ladies to toddlers, everyone loves a nice map, they're such pretty pictures!). So I work with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and it's nowadays all electronic, as either static maps (PDF) or dynamic online web-based mapping, e.g. Google Maps etc. I work for a QLD government department, but I live and work from home in the 'north coast' (aka 'northern rivers') of NSW. I'm very privileged, for various personal, health, and family support reasons, they let me work from home. Many staff do this, all helped by the COVID pandemic starting in Feb 2020 I believe (or was it 2021, hard to remember now). Many businesses and government departments set up the infrastructure for this.

 

One of our premier products is the Queensland Globe. As the Gaggle are flying up the QLD coast, some might be interested to take a peek at the Globe. My contribution (my 'baby', all my own design, all 'my mistake' is the section 'Inland waters', 'Water management information'). I love water stuff, and that's why I love my job, bringing together IT and geography in the water domain. The Globe contains a hell of a lot of info about QLD.

 

AC: When will you retire?

MAD1: Don't know, when I get sick of it I suppose, or simply when I get sick and can't do it anymore. Short answer - 'when I drop'.

 

AC: Well thanks MAD1 for the flight around our local area and the chat.
MAD1: Anytime mate. Let's go get a beer and 'tell each other lies' about our life exploits, plus reminisce about Saturday's flight, it was a good jaunt.!

 

[MAD1]

PhrogPhlyer Posted yesterday at 02:57 PM

On 2/26/2024 at 8:51 AM, jgf said:

even airships

Helium Heads Unite!!!

 

I would love to fly an airship. Will research and get one!

[MAD1]

PhrogPhyler:  'My "real" logbook has two flights piloting a GZ-20A. (N10A Columbia).' Man, you rock!!!!

[MAD1]

Bosss '(Where's the 'banging head on the wall' emoticon when you need it?) '.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D'oh!

 

[MAD1]

JGF 'No desire to repeat this in reverse', yes, a stellar effort on your part, you actually did a more significant 'race' just to reach the Aussie continent. I could'nt have done it, would have probably dipped out in Alaska!

[MAD1]

JSMR. Those 'tinny' racers are simply crazy!

[MAD1]

Bosss, we feel your pain man! If 'computer says no' you're stuffed!