May 16, 2020 / admin / 0 Comments
As I’ve stated a few times, my Prepar3D v4.5 setup is pretty stable. In the past several weeks, I’ve logged an estimated 200 hours of flight time without a single hiccup. This all changed a few days ago. Let me explain.
I had been running P3Dv4.5 with hotfix 2. When Lockheed Martin released their hotfix 3 back in mid April I made the decision to hold off on updating. I really had no reason to update as I wasn’t experiencing any issues. This decision even became more apparent after I began the process of setting up P3Dv5. However, when I began using the new beta version of ActiveSky (for P3Dv5 functionality) I had been using it for both v4 and v5. After the latest beta update was released it was expecting my P3Dv4 instance to include the hotfix 3 updates. So I decided to go ahead and update P3Dv4.5 to the hotfix 3 update.
BOOM
I installed the hotfix 3 update to P3Dv4.5 and departed Bermuda for Dallas/Ft. Worth. All seemed to be working fine, but began noticing some major performance issues. I began watching my FPS and it would drop from my standard 30ish FPS down to 2, then spike back up and then back down. I dismissed it and finished the flight.
The next day, I departed KDFW for Bozeman and realized this issue didn’t want to resolve itself (not that they ever do). So I began troubleshooting.
The first decision was to update my graphics drivers and software. It had been sometime since I had taken an Nvidia update. I thought…well perhaps this hotfix 3 needed the update. After performing a clean install, I fired up the sim again and still had the same issues.
Next I decided Plan B was in order and I deleted my shaders folder and the P3D.cfg file. This normally chases away all gremlins. However, this time it didn’t. I still had an unusable sim.
Google has ALL the answers
I decided to take to Google and see what I could learn. Of course I found lots of information discussing the steps I had already taken. I kept looking and finally discovered something new. A new tip about deleting the SceneryIndexes_64x folder in conjunction with also deleting the shaders and p3d.cfg file.
Once I completed those steps, I rebooted my PC and fired up P3D. All was once again golden. Actually, I think the sim is performing much better as well.
I’ve documented the details about how to locate the SceneryIndexes_64x folder on my FlightSimHelpers.com website. You can find that info here.
Hopefully my P3Dv4.5 (with hotfix 3) will continue to perform until such time as I move over to P3Dv5.
Until next time..
Happy Flying!
Jerry
May 14, 2020 / admin / 0 Comments
I spent several hours over the weekend downloading new installers for most of my major airport sceneries. I learned a long time ago that it was worth the effort to keep an Excel spreadsheet of all my add-ons. This way I know what I have and when it comes time to redownload or even update, I won’t go stir crazy in the process.
At the present time, sceneries from Drzewiecki Design, FSDreamTeam, FlightBeam, FlyTampa, LatinVFR, ImaginSim, Orbx and UK2000 all have new and updated P3Dv5 installers. This represents about 85+% of my add-on collection. Once these approx. 100 items have been downloaded and installed I will be that much closer to making the move to P3Dv5 full-time.
Just Need Aircraft
As mentioned in a previous update, the delay to truly making P3Dv5 my full-time sim will be aircraft. While PMDG released their B747 QOTSII (see this post), I don’t fly it very much. The PMDG 737NGxu is not only my favorite add-on airplane, it’s also my favorite and gets the most work. I’m truly in no hurry to make the move. Prepar3Dv4 is working like a champ and I’ve recently been flying out of Miami into the eastern and western Caribbean.
A2A To The Rescue
This week A2A released their Cessna 172 with a P3Dv5 installer. This has been a welcome addition for me. As I mentioned in an earlier update, I do enjoy spending time in the near vanilla simulator just flying around low and slow. The A2A Cessna 172 is the perfect study level GA aircraft for this task. I’ve spent a few hours flying around the Orbx regions of the Pacific Northwest, Southern Alaska and even nearer to my own backyard the Central Rockies. Prepar3D version 5 is showing excellent progress.
Continue as Filed
The next several days will be much the same. Install sceneries, test, install sceneries and test some more. I’m still heavily using P3Dv4 for my everyday flying. But generally take 30-60 minutes each day to load up the A2A C172 for some fun.
That’s it for now. It’s time to begin my descent into Bozeman, Montana on a American flight out of KDFW on VATSIM. Life is good!
Jerry
May 12, 2020 / admin / 0 Comments
As many are awaiting news regarding whether their favorite add-ons will be compatible with Prepar3D version 5, the development team over at REX posted a status update on their Discord. I’ve included the announcement below, but will first share my own thoughts with their decision.
My Use of REX
Since P3Dv4 first arrived on the scene, I had experimented with various shader applications. The first I tried was PTA. While I liked what I saw, I wanted more. I moved to ENVTEX/ENVSHADE by TOGA Projects and was pretty happy with the eye candy it provided. Then pretty much everything changed when REX released their SkyForce 3D and Environment Force products. From many in the community REX had developed and sold to the community the “holy grail” of all things environment producing eye candy. What I fell in love with was the simplicity of its use. While I did some tweaking, I found the fully automated settings gave me exactly what I wanted. I was happy.
While the two products combined can offer the flight simmer a complete weather and environment system, I deactivated the weather component within SkyForce and chose to use ActiveSky. But bottom line, I was very happy with this setup and was looking forward to the continued use in Prepar3D v5.
Reasons?
I can only guess the reason REX has decided not to bring their Environment Force application to P3Dv5 is due to the enhanced shaders and cloud textures within the sim. Yes, the sky and cloud textures in P3Dv5 are better than we’ve had in previous versions. But at this stage, I’m not entirely sure
Other Shader Choices
As I began writing this posting, I decided to do a little digging to see what other shader choices were available or what news I could learn regarding P3Dv5 Compatibility. It appears Tomato Shade (which I have no experience with) won’t be coming to P3Dv5 anytime soon. Also, PTA (at the present time) is of unknown status. As previously mentioned, REX will not be bringing their Environment Force to P3Dv5 so that leaves ENVTEX/ENVSHADE as the only one currently ready to go with P3Dv5.
Final Thoughts
Many may ask why these shader add-ons are as popular as they are in the flight sim community. Immersion is the answer. For me, the eye candy is an important element in my flight simulation experience. I’d even say it’s just as important as the level of immersion I get from flying a study level aircraft such as those from PMDG or FSLabs. The flight simulation hobby has come a very long way since my early days on the Commodore 64 and I truly love every minute I can spend in the sim.
As I do own ENVTEX/ENVSHADE from TOGA Projects, I will most likely use this product in my P3Dv5 setup. I’ve read many improvements were made to the product over the last year. But I think I’ll first experience P3Dv5 in its native state and see for myself the improvements Lockheed Martin made to the sim.
Thanks for reading. The REX announcement is below.
Until next time…
Happy Flying!!!
Jerry
REX Announcement
SUBJECT:
REX Product Compatibility with Prepar3D v4.5 HF3 and Prepar3D v5+
TYPE:
NEWS
LEVEL:
HIGH
DATE ISSUED:
Monday, May 11, 2020
EFFECTIVE DATE/TIME:
Monday, May 11, 2020
END DATE/TIME:
Monday, June 1, 2020
NEWS TOPIC:
*
Over the past few weeks Lockheed Martin released Prepar3D v4.5 Hotfix 3, Prepar3D v5, and Prepar3D v5.0 Hotfix 1. We wanted to take time to inform you of the status of our product line compatibility with each simulator.
Prepar3D v4.5 Hotfix 3:
The following REX products are 100% compatible with Prepar3D v4.5 Hotfix 3:
• REX 5 – Environment Force
• REX 5 – Sky Force 3D
• REX 5 – Worldwide Airports HD
• REX 4 – Texture Direct with Soft Clouds
• WX Advantage Radar
Prepar3D v5 or Prepar3D v5 + Hotfix 1
Currently none of our products are “officially” compatible with Prepar3D v5+. However, since we are part of the beta team for Prepar3D, we have been actively testing and evaluating each product. Here is the current status of each:
In Development:
• REX 5 – Sky Force
• REX 5 – Weather Force (Add-on to Sky Force)
In Process:
• REX 5 – Worldwide Airports HD
Under Review:
• REX 5 – Environment Force
Will not be made compatible for Prepar3D v5+
• WX Advantage Radar
We will keep you updated with the status of each product as we progress. Thank you for your patience during this time.
May 10, 2020 / admin / 0 Comments
The development team at PMDG was the first to ready one of their payware, add-on aircraft for P3Dv5. The majestic Boeing 747-400 Queen of the Skies II is now 100% 99% compatible with P3Dv5. Unfortunately, she isn’t 100% as there was a last minute change with the way the new ActiveSky P3D handles weather. Specifically the way aircraft needs to be coded to interpret weather from ActiveSky P3D so the weather radar functions correctly. Unfortunately, PMDG were not aware of this change and only learned about it after releasing the QOTSII. While the PMDG Dev team have moved onto the next aircraft (hopefully the 737NGXu), they will circle back and make the necessary corrections to the Queen. Most likely I will wait and install the 747-400 after PMDG has provided the new updated installer.
Speaking of the Queen
While not flight sim related, Friday 8 May marked the 75th Anniversary of VE Day. VE Day also known as Victory in Europe Day was the day in which the Allies of World War II accepted the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany. Queen Elizabeth II spoke on Friday and was quoted as saying, “Never Give Up, Never Despair”. In these trying times we’re now finding ourselves living, those words could never be more important.
The Work Continues
As I mentioned in my post on Saturday, I have successfully installed P3Dv5, ActiveSky P3D and FSUIPC. I’ve now moved on to installing all my Orbx sceneries and airports. I’ve always had the best luck in doing this in a particular order.
First and obviously you need to install P3Dv5. Next install Orbx FTX Base and Libraries. It appears Orbx will not be making their FTX Vector for P3Dv5, so for now skip that. Then I begin installing the Orbx regions and finally all Orbx airports. Once this is done (and it will take some time) I generally spend some time in a GA aircraft and go out and enjoy the beautiful Orbx regions. My all time favorite is Southern Alaska and Pacific Northwest. The very first add-on Orbx airport I purchased was 7S3 Stark’s Twin Oaks Airpark which is a Bill Womack classic. I just love flying around this area.
Still Not Ready for Prime Time
P3Dv5 still isn’t ready to go for me. While it’s coming together for GA, VFR, low and slow flying…it’s not yet ready to take the place of P3Dv4. Most likely it will still be a few weeks away from that timeframe. To me this is a very methodical process and as I’ve stated before, I DO NOT install anything into the new sim that hasn’t been made compatible. So my favorite aircraft, the PMDG 737NGXu will have to wait for the PMDG team to provide a new installer. Whether that is a few days or a few weeks, the wait will be worth it.
For now, I’ll continue installing the rest of the Orbx airports and then begin downloading other “ready to go” payware airports. I have a lot of add-ons so stay tuned.
Until next time…
Happy Flying!
Jerry
May 9, 2020 / admin / 0 Comments
Yesterday I discussed the latest version of Prepar3D. Within about 15 minutes of publishing that article, I went ahead and pulled the trigger on P3Dv5 along with FSUIPC 6. If you’re not familiar with FSUIPC (and many flight simmers are not), well FSUIPC is a little utility which allows many add-ons to connect to P3D and also allows for better external flight control support in the sim. Most users can get by with the freeware version of FSUIPC. However, if you are like me and want to customize your 3rd party add-on hardware (throttles, joysticks, yokes etc.) then you need FSUIPC. But I digress…
It Is EVERYTHING and a box of chocolates
Of course, at this very instance the only thing installed into my new P3Dv5 setup is of course P3Dv5, FSUIPC and ActiveSky. As a matter of fact, ActiveSky is the main reason I went ahead and pulled the trigger on P3Dv5 now. Currently, ActiveSky for Prepar3D v5 is available as a beta at zero upgrade cost. The new version of ActiveSky is called ActiveSky P3D and if you owned the previous version for P3Dv4 (ASP4) then for the next 2-3 weeks you can upgrade to ActiveSky P3D at no cost. ActiveSky P3D will work for both P3Dv4 and P3Dv5. Once installed, it will prompt you to choose which simulator you want to use. Pretty slick.
But back to my statement, “It Is EVERYTHING and a box of chocolates”, the new Prepar3D v5 is truly amazing. While even in its vanilla state, I can see the benefits of the upgrade and I’m very pleased to have made the purchase.
One Step at a time
As I’ve mentioned before in other blog postings. If you truly want the best out of your sim experience, only install 3rd party add-ons which have been ported over by the developers. Don’t try to hack something into P3Dv5 which hasn’t been updated as you’ll likely only cause yourself issues and a lot of headaches.
All major developers are working as quickly as they can to get their add-ons available for P3Dv5. Spend some time just enjoying the vanilla sim and as add-ons are made available, install them. Until that time…continue flying in P3Dv4. This is my plan.
If I were to guess (and a lot of this is based on my move from P3Dv3 to v4) it could be several more weeks before we have everything available from the devs. Just be patient.
If you yourself are currently making the move to P3Dv5 or planning to, FSElite has a really good P3Dv5 Compatibility Database. They are documenting everything from add-on aircraft, airports, scenery and utilities.
More to Come
I’ll provide updates as more add-ons have been made available to P3Dv5. I’ll also share my settings as well. Currently, I have my P3Dv5 settings adjusted to mirror what I have set in P3Dv4. I figure this was a good starting point. I’ll tweak to get the very best performance and will share them.
Of course, at this very moment my FPS is phenomenal. But this is expected in a vanilla sim. As more add-ons are installed including scenery, airports and aircraft…the FPS will drop. As I’ve always said….don’t drive yourself crazy chasing 60FPS. I’ll be happy if DX12 and the enhancements made to v5 will give me a solid, smooth experience. This is what I have with v4 and it’s all I need in v5. Once I have made my tweaks, I’ll not pay much attention to FPS.
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog postings.
Until next time….
Happy Flying!
Jerry
May 8, 2020 / admin / 0 Comments
Most avid flight simmers will most likely know that Lockheed Martin released their newest release of Prepar3D. Yes, P3Dv5 is out and at the time of me sitting down to actually write this blog post, I’ve yet to pull the trigger on the purchase. I’ve changed my mind on the idea of moving to P3Dv5 about as many times as I’ve changed my socks. At this point in time I’m leaning yes.
Just Say No
Last year when we all learned about Microsoft’s plan to return to the flight simulation market I had said I would purchase no new add-ons for P3D. Period! I held to this plan for many months. After all, from what we know about MSFS2020 (or at least believe we know about it) there will be very little need for all the Orbx ground texture add-ons, perhaps even 3rd party airport add-ons and even weather add-ons won’t be needed. Again, I believe all this will be baked into the new sim.
I have very little hope that any 3rd party payware aircraft add-ons for P3D will be offered at zero cost to move to MSFS2020. While I’ve heard PMDG and FSLabs are both planning to release aircraft for MSFS2020, these most likely will be brand new purchases. Same will most likely apply to all my GA favorites as well.
Out Of No Where
A few weeks ago, Lockheed Martin announced P3Dv5. While most of us believed a P3Dv5 might be released in the future, we had no idea it was coming this soon. Some speculate Lockheed was simply trying to get ahead of the new Microsoft release, but I don’t think that is the case at all. Remember, contrary to popular belief….Prepar3D IS NOT geared towards our community. P3D has been and always will be a commercial product. In other words, Lockheed Martin DOES NOT market this software to the home simulation community. Period!
Anyway….as I mentioned earlier, I’ve changed my mind about making the move to v5 many times over the past few weeks.
Dialed In and Perfect
My current installation of Prepar3d v4.5 is dialed in and running perfect. You can review my P3Dv4.5 settings here. Over the past few weeks of being in the COVID-19 lockdown/quarantine, I’ve logged over 150 hours in the sim. I’ve had absolutely zero issues. No crashes! No performance issues! Nothing but absolute fun.
I did break my rule of not making any purchases after catching some really good sales during this “Stay At Home” period and also picked up some awesome scenery being offered for free. I figured I wanted to do my part in helping these developers during this time and the new scenery are airports I’ve wanted to fly into and out of.
Back to V5
At the present time, my cost to make the move to Prepar3D v5 and have everything I have currently in v4 will be less than $100. This includes the cost of the Academic license version of v5 and just a small handful of add-ons that require an “upgrade” price. In my opinion, this is a small price to pay to take advantages of the improvements made in v5.
I would estimate about 25-30% of my current flight sim investment was money spent well before I made the move to P3D v2.x. In other words, 25-30% of my add-ons (mostly Orbx, FSDreamTeam and FlightBeam purchases) were all made when I actively used FSX. This was well over 10 (or more) years ago. 95% of my current total investment will be updated/upgraded by the developers at no cost to get them into P3Dv5 (including PMDG and FSLabs aircraft). So I believe for less than a $100 investment, it’s money well spent for a hobby I truly enjoy so much.
As for MSFS2020. Yes, it is still a planned purchase for me. But we have no idea exactly when MSFS2020 will be available to purchase and we have no idea of the exact pricing scheme. At the time of this writing, I’m not sure how COVID-19 will impact the release. Once MSFS2020 is available, it could be weeks or even months before the sim is ready for me to begin using it with tubeliners on VATSIM.
Purchase of v5 Imminent
I’ll make the purchase of Prepar3D v5 soon and begin the process of getting it installed and configured. As developers release installers for v5, I’ll begin the painstaking process of installing them. Like with v4, only add-ons which have been made compatible to v5 will be installed. If all goes to plan, v5 will be just as stable as v4 is now, but obviously a better performer with the advances made in v5.
Going Academic
With P3D versions 3.x and 4.x I purchased the professional level license. While the only difference between the Academic license and that of the Professional was a small watermark in the upper right hand corner of the screen, I made the decision to purchase the professional license since at the time I did make occasional YouTube videos and monetized those. Going forward, I have no plans of making videos and if I do they won’t be monetized. Perhaps I’m getting more frugal in my older years….but I see no reason in spending the extra $$$ for the pro level. After all, I generally learning something new each time I fly …so in my book that will count towards my “academic” use of this software.
Final Thoughts
Well that just about does it for this posting. I’m approaching my two month mark of being in self-isolation and still 100% healthy. I still have a job and still managing to keep the cupboards stocked with food and yes, even toilet paper. I filled the gas tank on my 2017 Ford Escape over two months ago and still have a half tank of gas left. The wife and I have been doing a few projects around the house and enjoying the mild Spring weather we’ve had. I think it’s been more than two weeks since our last snow and according to the long-range weather forecast, the snow is done until next Fall. Just gotta keep a watch out for those darn Chinese “Murder Hornets” now. I wonder how much toilet paper I should purchase for this situation?
Until next time…
Stay healthy and Stay Safe for all threats, foreign and domestic….
Jerry
April 20, 2020 / admin / 0 Comments
We’re somewhat turning a corner with our 7th installment and headed back towards Europe and the United Kingdom. We’re departing out of Abu Dhabi International (OMAA) and headed to London Heathrow (EGLL). While much of the cargo headed into the London area of England flows through London Stanstead (EGSS), some does still flow through Heathrow. Our flight today will be simulating an Emirates SkyCargo flight operating the Boeing 777 freighter.
Route:
Let’s Go to London
Our chariot awaits.
If you’re unfamiliar with GSX and GSX level 2 expansion by FSDreamTeam, it’ll sure help add an extra bit of immersion to your flights. As an example, I’ve showed these cargo loading images several times throughout this series. The cargo containers actually move from the carts onto the loading platform.
The the loading platform raises and the cargo container moves along.
And finally into the aircraft.
We can only look at the aircraft on the ground for so long. After all, we have a 7 hour flight ahead of us.
Leaving the sand behind us. We’ll be back.
Scooting along and making good time.
Over Cairo
The Swiss Alps
The English Channel ahead.
A cloudy day over southeast England.
Old London Town
Touchdown!
Reverse Thrust….
Time to unload…
and go to the hotel
Another absolutely fun flight in the books.
Credits
Flight Simulator: Prepar3D v4.5 (hotfix 1)
Aircraft: PMDG 777 Freighter
Airline: Emirates SkyCargo (UAE)
ATC: VATSIM
Airport Scenery: OMAA Abu Dhabi International (Simbreeze), EGLL London Heathrow (UK2000)
Terrain Scenery: Orbx Global Base, Orbx Vector
Sky/Cloud Textures: REX 5 SkyForce and REX 5 Environment Force
Immersion Effects – Parallel 42 777 Immersion
Weather Generation: ActiveSky (ASP4)
Flight Planning: SimBrief, Navigraph, FlightAware, FlightRadar24
Note: If you are interested in any of the above mentioned add-ons. Visit my P3D Add-ons directory for links.
April 16, 2020 / admin / 0 Comments
Hello and welcome back to installment 6 of my COVID-19 Relief Flight Series. I’m happy to report that both my wife and I are still healthy and alive. Best of all, being cooped up with each other now for three weeks hasn’t caused any frustrations between us. We both go about our work days and then spend time together in the evenings. It’s all good!
Our flight today is from Moscow (UUWW) down to Abu Dhabi (OMAA). I picked up the Abu Dhabi International airport scenery and this is the first time I’m flying into this airport. In the real world, much of the cargo operations within the UAE is handled via the newer Al Maktoum International Airport (OMDW) also known as Dubai World Center. But there are a few cargo flights going into and out of Abu Dhabi and that is what we’re simulating for this flight today.
Our flight today will be in an Etihad Cargo Boeing 777. This is a fictional flight as this flight does not operate between Moscow and Abu Dhabi. But that’s OK (as I’ve explained in the past).
Route:
Ready?
Before we can go, we must load cargo.
The ground crews here in Moscow are top notch.
Almost done!
We’re all buttoned up. Pushing back.
Still a bit of snow on the ground from the storm yesterday. Love the attention to detail the developer of this scenery thought to include some tire tracks through the snow. Just make the immersion even better.
Ready to go on runway 01.
While we’re heavy with cargo, our fuel load is relatively light for the 5 hour flight.
A snow covered Moscow as we climb out and make our turn to join the departure.
Our engines are gently purring along.
The big girl is doing well.
In no time we’re in our cruise. Should have smooth skies for the rest of the trip.
High above the Caspian Sea.
Down to the last 150nm as we are leaving Iranian airspace and about to cross the Persian Gulf.
Abu Dhabi International just off the starboard side.
Sand everywhere…
Runway insight
What that saying about when the big Triple Seven sees its shadow? Many more happy landings!
Touchdown!
Slow her down…
Another successful cargo flight is in the books.
Yep, another successful cargo operation is in the books. Where do we go from here? Well….you’ll just have to tune in next time to find out.
Until next time….please take care of yourself and your family. May God continue to bless you and keep you safe.
Jerry
Credits
Flight Simulator: Prepar3D v4.5 (hotfix 1)
Aircraft: PMDG 777 Freighter
Airline: Etihad Cargo (ETD)
ATC: VATSIM
Airport Scenery: UUWW (Moscow) JustSim , OMAA (Abu Dhabi) Simbreeze
Terrain Scenery: Orbx Global Base, Orbx Vector
Sky/Cloud Textures: REX 5 SkyForce and REX 5 Environment Force
Immersion Effects – Parallel 42 737 Immersion
Weather Generation: ActiveSky (ASP4)
Flight Planning: SimBrief, Navigraph, FlightAware, FlightRadar24
Note: If you are interested in any of the above mentioned add-ons. Visit my P3D Add-ons directory for links.
April 14, 2020 / admin / 0 Comments
With our 5th installment of this COVID-19 Relief Flight Series, we’re bringing in the Queen. The Queen of the Skies, the awesome Boeing 747-400 freighter by PMDG. I really don’t get enough opportunities to fly the Queen. But this is about to change as we’re going to be flying her on a few different routes coming up over the next week or so. As I mentioned in an earlier installment, I’m working from home due to the self-isolation policies and while I’m busy during the time I’m actually working…I can kick off these longer haul flights and either land during lunch (as is the case with this flight) or after my day is done with the truly longer haul flights.
My gaming machine sits just behind me and once we’re in cruise, I turn things over to my first officer (autopilot) and just let it do its thing. I can work, take calls or do whatever and P3D and whatever flight I’m flying just runs behind me.
Flight Planning
Our flight today is a medium haul flight from Liege, Belgium (EBLG) to Moscow, Russia and the Vnukovo International Airport. This is a new airport in my collection of add-on scenery. I picked it up free as part of the “Stay at Home” flight sim developers sale that has been taking place the past week or so. While ASL Airlines Belgium doesn’t fly to this airport, other cargo airlines do connect between here and Liege.
Route:
Back in the USSR
The ground crew is busy loading up our Boeing 747 freighter for the trip to Russia. They are taking advantage of all cargo doors (including the nose section) in getting us loaded as quickly as possible.
My first officer and I walking over to our aircraft.
We’re loaded, all doors are closed and locked. Our ground crew here at Liege is pushing us back from the cargo stand.
Lined up on 05R and ready to go.
Our four engines working hard to get us airborne.
Leaving Liege, next stop Moscow.
Making our turn to join the departure.
The Queen is majestic in any livery.
Descending over the greater Moscow area.
Looks cold down there.
Runway ahead…I think!
It’s snowing!
Almost touchdown!
This was another awesome flight with a nail-biting finale. Visibility was pretty much zero until the very end. I failed to capture shots on the ground during the unloading process. But will endeavor to do better next time.
For our next installment, we’ll depart Moscow and head down to warmer climates to Abu Dhabi. I hope you’ll join me. Until then…thank you for reading and please take care of yourself.
Credits
Flight Simulator: Prepar3D v4.5 (hotfix 1)
Aircraft: PMDG 777
Airline: ASL Airlines Belgium (TAY)
ATC: VATSIM
Airport Scenery: EBLG (Liege) Orbx, UUWW (Moscow) Justsim
Terrain Scenery: Orbx Global Base, Orbx Vector
Sky/Cloud Textures: REX 5 SkyForce and REX 5 Environment Force
Immersion Effects – Parallel 42 737 Immersion
Weather Generation: ActiveSky (ASP4)
Flight Planning: SimBrief, Navigraph, FlightAware, FlightRadar24
Note: If you are interested in any of the above mentioned add-ons. Visit my P3D Add-ons directory for links.
April 8, 2020 / admin / 0 Comments
I hope you are enjoying this series of cargo flights. As I indicated in the last installment, we’re going to be headed back to Belgium and will return the 738 Freighter back to her home base in Liege, Belgium (EBLG). Liege is primarily a cargo hub for many different cargo airlines including Air China Cargo, Emirates Sky Cargo, Fedex and Qatar Airways Cargo just to name a few. It is the 7th largest cargo airport in Europe and 22nd in the world. While our Boeing 737-800 is branded Fedex, this particular aircraft is leased by ASL Airlines Belgium.
Flight Planning
Our route today will take us pretty much due north from the island of Mallorca into mainland Europe and terminate at the ASL cargo hub in Liege.
Route:
Our Flight
Holding short, runway 24R.
Off we go into the wild blue yonder….
Perhaps some day we can get back here under different circumstances.
Making our turn to join the departure.
All calm at cruise
The countryside of Belgium
Just a tad high, but we’ll correct.
That’s better. Two white, Two Red
Back at base for this bird.
Another successful flight in the books. These flights are certainly helping me keep my mind off of the events taking place in the world and I hope these reports are helping you as well. The next series of flights will be longer haul routes kicking off with a flight to Moscow, then down to Abu Dhabi. Stay tuned.
Credits
Flight Simulator: Prepar3D v4.5 (hotfix 1)
Aircraft: PMDG 737 NGX
Airline: Fedex (FDX)
ATC: VATSIM
Airport Scenery: LEPA Aerosoft, EBLG Orbx
Terrain Scenery: Orbx Global Base, Orbx Vector
Sky/Cloud Textures: REX 5 SkyForce and REX 5 Environment Force
Immersion Effects – Parallel 42 737 Immersion
Weather Generation: ActiveSky (ASP4)
Flight Planning: SimBrief, Navigraph, FlightAware, FlightRadar24
Note: If you are interested in any of the above mentioned add-ons. Visit my P3D Add-ons directory for links.
