August 6, 2024 / admin / 1 Comment
Hello and thank you for returning to yet another flight simulator blog post. A few weeks ago I discussed the topic around whether the Flight Sim Virtual Airline concept was still relevant in today’s virtual aviation world. The short answer to that question is absolutely YES! If you haven’t already, please read that article. In that article, (have you read it yet?) I did mention some competition or should I say some an alternative to the VA world that might interest some readers. Today I will discuss a few options for you to explore. Most are payware add-ons, but one that I’m enjoying is freeware with additional payware options you can add if you choose. Let’s break these down.
A Pilot’s Life – Chapter 2
A Pilot’s Life – Chapter 2 from SimBitWorld simulates the career of a commercial airline pilot. Don’t let the reference of “Chapter 2” lead you to wondering about chapter 1. Essentially chapter 2 is just the second version of this wonderful career mode simulator. A Pilot’s Life – Chapter 2 is available for approx. $32.00 USD. What I like about this career simulator is it starts you off as a Jr. First Officer and provides you enough starting cash ($2,000) to get you started. Once you install the application you will need to apply for a job at one of many available airlines. The starting cash will allow you to purchase the required aircraft equipment license which will be needed to fly that particular aircraft type. For example, I initially purchased a license for the Boeing 737 family of aircraft, then sought out airlines that mostly operated that equipment type. Unfortunately, it’s almost impossible to be hired by one of the BIG airlines like American, United, British Airways etc. as your first starting job. You’ll need to find one of the lower ranking airlines to fly for and then earn your XP points to better qualify for the bigger airlines. After a period of time and as you build up your XP and rank up, you can apply for larger airlines. A Pilot’s Life – Chapter 2 has an extensive manual which will help explain all the details you’ll need to know. You can preview it here. A Pilot’s Life – Chapter 2 is compatible with MSFS, P3D, XPlane and FSX. A Pilot’s Life – Chapter 2 is not available for the XBox platform.
The Skypark
The Skypark by //42 is another payware career simulator option which I often use. The Skypark is available for $30.00 and while it’s still classified as an early access product, it’s robust in the features it offers and is being constantly developed. The Skypark differs from the previously mentioned A Pilot’s Life – Chapter 2 in the sense that you are a freelance, contract pilot and pickup various jobs to fly. The Skypark gives you the freedom to fly what you want, to almost anywhere you might want to fly. The Skypark combines characters, contract jobs, tours and adventures for pilots to use their custom aircraft and scenery collections to reignite their passion for flight. The Skypark is exclusively available for Microsoft Flight Simulator including both PC and XBox platforms.
Air Hauler 2
Air Hauler 2 is unique as it is geared more towards operating your own freight and/or passenger airline company. Air Hauler 2 is more expensive than the previously mentioned add-ons at $50.00 USD and in my opinion doesn’t offer as many bells and whistles as other career simulation add-ons. The user interface is more of a spreadsheet on steroids than a fancy, highly polished UI that others may have. But I’ve used Air Hauler 2 and enjoyed my time while doing so. With Air Hauler 2, I really only use it in the role of an airline manager and don’t fly any of the routes myself. Over time I’ve built up a fairly substantial freight operation and at the present have over 50 pilots operating about 25 aircraft flying routes around the world. I started out leasing aircraft, but have generated enough revenue to purchase the majority outright. While Air Hauler 2 is available for all flight sim platforms, each platform will require it’s own version to be purchased separately.
NeoFly
NeoFly is the new kid on the block in terms to the previously mentioned add-ons. NeoFly is also 100% freeware, but does have payware options that can be added to enhance your experience. It functions similar to Air Hauler 2, in the sense that you can play it as a single pilot or you can build an airline company as you build XP. The user interface is very polished and detailed as you would expect from a modern application. Unlike The Skypark, NeoFly does force you to start off small and work your way up building XP and rank. In the career mode option you are limited to flying only the specific aircraft you purchase or lease. I’m running a small company of just one additional pilot and myself. My hired pilot flies the Cessna 152 and I’m flying the Carenado Mooney. My company is based out of the Centennial Airport KAPA very near my real world house.
Well that’s about all I know about the subject of Career Mode Add-ons for MSFS. Depending on your style of flying, I’m sure one or more will meet all your needs.
Until next time…
Happy Flying!!!
Jerry
June 24, 2024 / admin / 1 Comment
I became first acquainted with a virtual airline or VA for short in the 1999 or early 2000 timeframe. During these past 24-25 years, with exception for a year to two when life was so busy that I didn’t spend much time at all with flight sim, I’ve belonged to one or more VA’s. Today I fly exclusively for a popular VA that mirrors the day-to-day operations of American Airlines. More about this in a minute.
The Competition
But the question at hand is are VA’s still relevant today? Without any hesitation I say, absolutely YES! But in recent years the virtual airline concept has been met with some strong competition from various 3rd party add-on products which simulate your own airline career. One of the more popular of these add-ons is called “A Pilot’s Life” by SimBitWorld. I actually wrote a review back in 2019 which you can read here. Since that time, Simbitworld has released an even more popular “A Pilot’s Life – Chapter 2” which I’ve also used from time to time. There are a few others that have come onto the scene since MSFS2020 was released. I’ve used a few and in time I’ll probably write up a review of these standalone applications for your consideration.
It’s Fun until the loneliness sets in
A Pilot’s Life and other standalone products are great until the loneliness sets in and what I mean by this is a good virtual airline will also have a vibrant community of virtual pilots to interact with within their forums or Discord channels. They may also regularly schedule VA group flights, but generally there’s almost always someone willing to fly with you if that is what you like.
Like I stated previously, over the past 24+ years I’ve been involved with virtual airlines in the capacity of just a pilot all the way to operating my own fictional virtual airline for a number of years. For the past three years I’ve belonged to American Virtual Airline. At this VA I’ve served as pilot, Hub Manager, VP of Operations and Chief Operating Officer (COO). Today, I serve as the Chief Training Development Officer. I oversee our new hire training academy where new applicants will spend their first 15 days or so. Our training academy is brand new and allows new hire candidates to receive training on not only our VA systems/tools including our website, ACARs system and an all important overview of our policies and procedures followed by an overview of the Boeing 737. Additionally, all new pilot candidates will submit a Boeing 737 check-ride flight before graduating into the mainline airline operations.
In Summary
Yes, I still believe all these years later that joining a good virtual airline is a great way to enhance your virtual aviation experience. Keep in mind that most VA’s will require a minimum level of participation. This is generally 1-2 flights per month to remain active. At American Virtual Airlines we require just one flight every 30 days to remain in active status. Many of our pilots fly daily as we’re a very airline. If you’re interested in joining American Virtual Airlines, just go here and submit an application. Upon submitting your application, it will be reviewed and approved in a timely manner.
If you have never experienced a virtual airline, I encourage you to join one. Regardless if it’s American Virtual (which I mentioned above) or any which represent your prefer airline…try it. I think you’ll like it.
Until next time…
Happy Flying!!!
Jerry
August 26, 2019 / admin / 0 Comments
Episode 13 picks up where we left off with episode 12 and is the final leg of our trip. As always, thank you so much for reading.
Flight Details
Welcome to Southwest Airlines flight 1031 with service to Atlanta, Georgia. We’re in the same B737. Our block time for this flight is 1 hour, 55 minutes with a flight time of 1 hour, 27 minutes. Our planned fuel is 14,842 lbs. and our take-off weight is 132,041 lbs. Our cruise altitude is FL380.
Route: ARKES4 ARKES SEAZY MATLK Q77 WASUL Q77 SHRKS LAIRI LARZZ JJEDI2
Headed Back To Atlanta
This the final leg of a three leg journey will have us back in Atlanta before sunset. We seem to be running slightly ahead of these storms and that’s a good thing. We’re hoping to get out of Fort Lauderdale before a ground stop ruins our day. With all passengers/bags loaded, the aircraft is ready to pushback for another on-time departure.
Taxing out to 10L.
Blasting out of FLL
Making our left turn to join the departure.
The view off the starboard side. The combination of REX SkyForce, REX Environment Force and ActiveSky is doing an amazing job of providing the eye candy for this trip.
ATC vectoring us around the strongest of storm cells. We’re keeping the seatbelt signs on until we get above these clouds. The turbulence is bouncing us around as we continue to climb up to 38,000 feet.
Between cloud layers things have calmed down a bit. Just a few more thousand feet and we should be in the clear.
Smooth skies at last. We’ve turned off the seatbelt sign and released the cabin crew to begin cabin service.
I quite like the new Southwest livery.
Beginning our descent into the Atlanta area.
Joining the approach for runway 27L
Clear to land, runway 27L
Touchdown imminent.
Parking up at C6 at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
Our day is done and what a day it’s truly been. Once we turn the aircraft over, I have about 90 minutes to grab something to eat and head to gate C14 to take a jump seat flight to Chicago Midway. Tomorrow I will serve as Sr. First Officer for a flight out of MDW to Detroit and back. Then I jump seat out to Oakland where I’ll have three days off before another full day of flights on the west coast. Fun times ahead.
Before I close out this report, let me just show my APL progress thus far. As you can tell from the image below, my total XP is 395.66 and climbing. I have just over 254 XP to go before my promotion to the rank of Captain and the move over to the left seat. As previously discussed, I’m earning $40.25 per hour at Southwest as a Sr. First Officer and now that I’m getting the hours I need, I’m content to stay at SWA for the near future.
With the last payday, I purchased a headset which along with the mobile phone and flight bag is earning me an additional 25% XP on each completed flight. While I really don’t think there is any right or wrong way to build your APL career, in my opinion (at this time) earning extra XP is more important than earning additional money bonuses. So all my salary earnings has been going to building up the XP bonuses.
See you next time.
Credits
If you are interested in experiencing your own “A Pilot’s Life”, I highly recommend the A Pilot’s Life, by SimBitWorld add-on for Prepar3D, FSX and X-Plane. You can learn more about the A Pilot’s Life by visiting the SimBitWorld website and/or purchase APL at SimMarket. Also, please read my full review of A Pilot’s LIfe here.
Flight Simulator: Prepar3D v4.5 (hotfix 1)
Aircraft: PMDG 737-700
Airline: Southwest Airlines (SWA)
ATC: VATSIM
Airport Scenery: KFLL FSDreamTeam, KATL Imaginsim
Terrain Scenery: Orbx Global Base, Orbx Vector, Orbx openLC North America
Sky/Cloud Textures: REX 5 SkyForce and REX 5 Environment Force
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.
August 19, 2019 / admin / 0 Comments
Episode 12 picks up right where we left off with episode 11. After a quick turnaround, we’re set to fly the second of three legs today. Thanks for reading…
Flight Details
Welcome to Southwest Airlines flight 2098 with service to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. We’re in the same B737 we arrived in from Atlanta. Our block time is 2 hours, 10 minutes with a flight time of 1 hour, 43 minutes. Our block fuel is 15,480 lbs. and our take-off weight is 133,369.
Route: DCT BLVNS Y290 BAGGS JINGL6
Let’s Go
I mentioned last time how quickly the MSY ground crew unloaded bags, they are equally as fast in getting them loaded.
With bags loaded, the catering crew is quickly dropping off drinks, ice and some of those wonderful Southwest FREE snacks. Yum
Push back underway. We’ll be in the air again shortly.
We’re not wasting any time…..on-time departure? Check!
Making our turn with the Mississippi River off the left wing.
We look to be running from another approaching storm.
Climbing up to FL370.
Leaving Louisiana direct Gulf of Mexico.
Watching and monitoring a storm over the Gulf.
Land ho…That’s Florida down below.
More lightning down below. Shouldn’t be an issue on the arrival. However, this storm might be a consideration for our third leg up to Atlanta. Time will tell….
On final approach
Short final for runway 10L
On the ground in Ft. Lauderdale.
As was the case in New Orleans, we’re on a tight schedule to deboard our passengers and get the aircraft turned around and headed back to Atlanta. Tune in next time for the 3rd leg of this journey.
Credits
If you are interested in experiencing your own “A Pilot’s Life”, I highly recommend the A Pilot’s Life, by SimBitWorld add-on for Prepar3D, FSX and X-Plane. You can learn more about the A Pilot’s Life by visiting the SimBitWorld website and/or purchase APL at SimMarket. Also, please read my full review of A Pilot’s LIfe here.
Flight Simulator: Prepar3D v4.5 (hotfix 1)
Aircraft: PMDG 737-700
Airline: Southwest Airlines (SWA)
ATC: VATSIM
Airport Scenery: KMSY LatinVFR, KFLL FSDreamTeam
Terrain Scenery: Orbx Global Base, Orbx Vector, Orbx openLC North America
Sky/Cloud Textures: REX 5 SkyForce and REX 5 Environment Force
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.
August 12, 2019 / admin / 0 Comments
As a beta tester for A Pilot’s Life, I needed to change airlines to test new features which debuted with version 1.33 which was released in late June. These new features (including multi-hub and multi-leg routes is a very nice addition to an already wonderful add-on application. If you’re not a user of A Pilot’s Life, I encourage you to check it out. You won’t be disappointed. Links can be found below.
Present Day
I hit the breaking point with Alaska Airlines. While I truly enjoyed my time both in Seattle and San Francisco, I just wasn’t getting enough flight hours. I’m hoping to eventually make Captain and of course I still need to earn a living. After arriving back to SFO from Palm Springs, I was told my next flight wouldn’t be for another week. So I went home and called the recruiter which had contacted me with an offer from Southwest Airlines.
At this point I was getting pretty desperate. While each of my career moves have been working my way up both the career ladder as well as the salary scale. I just wanted to work and fly. Southwest Airlines wanted to meet with me and they flew me down to Dallas. Things just clicked and soon I was offered a position as Sr. First Officer and they even bumped by pay rate up to over $40.00 per hour. WOW.
While I still hope to land a job with American Airlines (at some point), I’m willing to wait until I reach Captain if necessary. Southwest has assured me that if I’m willing to work, they’ll certainly keep me busy. The other exciting them I’m looking forward to with SWA is their multi-leg route structure. I’ll be honest, after a while of flying hub/spoke flights, one gets a little bored. While some SWA flights are hub/spoke, the majority are multi-leg routes and I’m really looking forward to this. So for now, I’m going to keep my apartment in San Fran and see how things unfold over the coming weeks.
Flight Details
Today we’re operating the first of three flights out of Hotlanta (Atlanta). Yes, it is HOT, HOT, HOT today. Our first leg will have us flying down to the Big Easy (KMSY) then over to Fort Lauderdale (KFLL) then back to Atlanta. I guess when Southwest said they could keep me busy, they actually meant it.
For the first leg, we’re operating Southwest Airlines flight 5716 with service to New Orleans, Louisiana in the Boeing 737-700. Our block time today is 1 hour, 45 minutes with a flight time of 1 hour, 10 minutes at a cruising altitude of 38,000 feet. Our block fuel is 12,736 lbs with take-off weight of 126,715 lbs.
Route: ATL5 POUNC DCT GRGIA DCT SJI SLIDD2
It’s Time to Feel the Love
I’ve gotta say, I enjoyed my time with Sun Country (gosh that feels like ages ago) and I did enjoy most of my time with Alaska. But I must admit that the folks at Southwest are some of the friendliest I’ve met.
After a quick walk-around inspection, we’re all buttoned up and ready to roll out of here. I think the captain knows what might happen with these storm clouds and he’s not wanting to waste anytime.
The Atlanta airport is HUGE and a very busy place. Usually….
Taxing out to our active runway 27R.
Cleared for take-off, 27R
Wheels up, my inaugural flight with Southwest Airlines is underway.
Making our left turn direct POUNC and climbing up to 10,000.
Cleared up to FL380
After a relatively short cruise, we’ve started our descent. The Gulf of Mexico is just in the distance.
The Gulf of Mexico is normally not this blue.
Nice clouds
The Huey P. Long Bridge which spans the Mississippi River and the New Orleans skyline.
Lake Pontchartrain just off the right wing.
Clear the visual for runway 29.
Seconds from touchdown
The ground crew and baggage handlers working hard to get us turned around quickly.
This was a wonderful first leg of what I’m sure will be a fantastic trip. I’m really excited about the opportunity fly for Southwest and build my career.
Credits
If you are interested in experiencing your own “A Pilot’s Life”, I highly recommend the A Pilot’s Life, by SimBitWorld add-on for Prepar3D, FSX and X-Plane. You can learn more about the A Pilot’s Life by visiting the SimBitWorld website and/or purchase APL at SimMarket. Also, please read my full review of A Pilot’s LIfe here.
Flight Simulator: Prepar3D v4.5 (hotfix 1)
Aircraft: PMDG 737-700
Airline: Southwest Airlines (SWA)
ATC: VATSIM
Airport Scenery: KATL Imaginsim, KMSY LatinVFR
Terrain Scenery: Orbx Global Base, Orbx Vector, Orbx openLC North America
Sky/Cloud Textures: REX 5 SkyForce and REX 5 Environment Force
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.
August 5, 2019 / admin / 0 Comments
The situation is getting worse. Since returning from Portland, it’s been more than 10 days since I’ve worked and I’m looking at my options. Before I accepted the transfer to San Francisco, I had been contacted by Southwest Airlines. I’m currently in discussions and weighing all my options. Something has to change. But for now, I have a trip down to Palm Springs and back. At least I’m flying…at least I’m working.
Flight Details
Our flight today is Alaska flight 596 with service to Palm Springs. We’re in the B738. Our block time is 1 hour and 33 minutes, with flight time of just over 1 hour. Our cruising altitude is 31,000 and we’re taking 13,780 lbs of fuel.
Route: SFO WAGES KAYEX LOSHN CLASN SIZLR3
Time To Go
We’re all buttoned up and just waiting for the jetway to be moved and the tug to connect to us.
Taxing out to 01L. Looks like a United Airbus is about to depart.
Wheels up and we’re off
Making our turn around SFO. I do enjoy this departure.
Bye-Bye SFO, see you later this evening.
Beginning our descent into Palm Springs
I’m digging this approach
Looks warm down there
Palm Springs, California
Making our turn to join the visual approach 31L
Two Red, Two White….We’re Alright!
Parked up at the gate in Palm Springs. I believe this is the Sonny Bono (as in Sonny and Cher) concourse. Has that Denver look to it.
I have some thinking and planning to do. I really don’t want to make a change at this time, but at the same time I need to work. Decisions, decisions….
Credits
If you are interested in experiencing your own “A Pilot’s Life”, I highly recommend the A Pilot’s Life, by SimBitWorld add-on for Prepar3D, FSX and X-Plane. You can learn more about the A Pilot’s Life by visiting the SimBitWorld website and/or purchase APL at SimMarket. Also, please read my full review of A Pilot’s LIfe here.
Flight Simulator: Prepar3D v4.5 (hotfix 1)
Aircraft: PMDG 737-900
Airline: Alaska Airlines (ASA)
ATC: VATSIM
Airport Scenery: KSFO Flightbeam, KPSP Orbx
Terrain Scenery: Orbx Global Base, Orbx Vector, Orbx openLC North America, Orbx Northern California, Orbx Southern California
Sky/Cloud Textures: REX 5 SkyForce and REX 5 Environment Force
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.
July 29, 2019 / admin / 0 Comments
While I’ve only been based at SFO a short time, I’m starting to sense a bit of an uneasy feeling. Some of our pilots have had their schedules cut and others temporarily furloughed. While I enjoy a relaxed schedule, I also need to work. After all, if we’re not flying…we’re not earning a living. I’m hopeful this is only short-term problem as it’s been over a week between flights for me. But hey…today I’m flying up to Portland and back.
Flight Details
I’m back in the right-hand seat and flying with a captain I’ve worked with before. We get along very well. He’s been my mentor for a while now and I’m always pleased to serve as his FO. In this case as is SFO at SFO. 
Perhaps I’ll have some time to speak to him and get a better understanding of what all is going on.
Our flight today is Alaska flight 800 in the Boeing 737-900 up to Portland (KPDX). Our alternate will be my old stomping grounds of Sea-Tac. Our block time today is just under 2 hours. We’re taking 16,000 lbs of fuel and have a planned cruising altitude of 34,000.
Route: TRUKN2 GRTFL DCT MACHU TMBRS2
It’s Time To Go
Today we’re in the “More To Love” livery which celebrates the merger between Alaska and Virgin America.
No flight can begin without a walk-around.
Time for push-back and hopefully an on-time departure. Today our taxi is a little longer as we’re departing from 28L.
Let’s Roll
Wheel’s Up
Climbing to cruise
The view on this side of the aircraft won’t change much as we fly up the coast of California into Oregon.
I believe that’s Mt. Hood just behind us.
Clouds are building as we begin our descent into Portland.
Making our turn to join the localizer for 10R
The Columbia River just below.
Cleared to land 10R
Nice
Credits
If you are interested in experiencing your own “A Pilot’s Life”, I highly recommend the A Pilot’s Life, by SimBitWorld add-on for Prepar3D, FSX and X-Plane. You can learn more about the A Pilot’s Life by visiting the SimBitWorld website and/or purchase APL at SimMarket. Also, please read my full review of A Pilot’s LIfe here.
Flight Simulator: Prepar3D v4.5 (hotfix 1)
Aircraft: PMDG 737-900
Airline: Alaska Airlines (ASA)
ATC: VATSIM
Airport Scenery: KSFO Flightbeam, KPDX Flightbeam
Terrain Scenery: Orbx Global Base, Orbx Vector, Orbx openLC North America, Orbx Northern California, Orbx Southern California, Orbx Pacific Northwest
Sky/Cloud Textures: REX 5 SkyForce and REX 5 Environment Force
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.
July 22, 2019 / admin / 0 Comments
Our new San Francisco adventure starts now and I’m really excited about this new opportunity. My first flight out of SFO will be a trip over to Vegas and back in the 737-800. I’ve flown into and out of SFO many times, but there’s something a little different about this first flight out, as now I’m based here. The good news is I’ve been really made to feel welcome by all the SFO based team and I’m starting to settle into my new home.
Flight Details
Today I’m serving as Sr. First Officer on Alaska flight 1932 with service to Las Vegas. Our flight today is in the Boeing 737-800. Our block time for this trip is 1 hour, 40 minutes and we require 14, 650 lbs. of fuel and our take-off weight is just over 148,000 lbs. This is a late afternoon flight and will be arriving into Vegas just around sunset.
Route: WESLA4 NTELL Q162 ESSAA DCT BTY SUNST4
Let’s Go Already
Our 738 is at the gate and being prepped for the flight. As Sr. First Officer, it’s my job to perform the walk around.
We start at the front and make our way around.
Inspecting the engine and control surfaces.
Making sure all lights are working as they should.
Then to the rear of the aircraft.
Tires and gear all look good. It’s time to head back inside.
Some things are still branded with Virgin America, but that will soon change I’m sure. Time for push-back.
Push-back and two successful engine starts. It’s time to taxi out to 01L. Don’t worry…it’s a short taxi.
Line up and wait. We’re waiting on a United B788 landing on 28L.
Blasting off 01L at KSFO on our way to Vegas.
Making our left turn to circle around SFO and join the departure out of the Bay area.
Climbing up to FL370.
The sun is setting and the moon is rising as we enter our cruise phase.
Beginning our descent on the Las Vegas SUNST4 Arrival.
The view from my office window.
Beautiful sunset
The Vegas strip just off our left side.
On final approach.
Cleared to land
Parked at the gate and deboarding. We’re set to return to SFO tonight.
Credits
If you are interested in experiencing your own “A Pilot’s Life”, I highly recommend the A Pilot’s Life, by SimBitWorld add-on for Prepar3D, FSX and X-Plane. You can learn more about the A Pilot’s Life by visiting the SimBitWorld website and/or purchase APL at SimMarket. Also, please read my full review of A Pilot’s LIfe here.
Flight Simulator: Prepar3D v4.5 (hotfix 1)
Aircraft: PMDG 737-800
Airline: Alaska Airlines (ASA)
ATC: VATSIM
Airport Scenery: KSFO Flightbeam, FlyTampa KLAS
Terrain Scenery: Orbx Global Base, Orbx Vector, Orbx openLC North America, Orbx Northern California, Orbx Southern California
Sky/Cloud Textures: REX 5 SkyForce and REX 5 Environment Force
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.
July 15, 2019 / admin / 0 Comments
Just a little clarification. As my storyteller series continues to unfold, I’m going to be taking a new job in APL with Virgin America. As Virgin America was acquired by Alaska Airlines and fully merged in 2018, for the sake of this continuing story line…I’m going to continue to fly for Alaska. But be based in San Francisco. APL will think of me employed by Virgin America…but I’ll follow the real world situation and consider myself still employed by Alaska. Confused? Hopefully not….
Present Day
Upon returning from the Las Vegas trip, I had a few days off and needed to give serious thought to my future plans. The way I saw it, I had three possible doors to open and walk through. Thankfully I knew what was behind each door. The hard part was deciding. Would it be door #1, door #2 or door #3?
I also suppose there could have been a 4th option, but I just don’t have the brain power to think about that option right now.
Door #1 is basically stay with Alaska and stay in Seattle. I could continue flying mostly the same routes I’ve been flying.
Door #2 would have me accept the transfer down to San Francisco and operate the old Virgin America routes. Most likely I would stay in the Boeing 73x aircraft. But could certainly work through the process of getting type rated on the Airbus A320. This option would certainly better assist me down the road.
Door #3 is to look at the list of offers I have available. I really didn’t want to take a step back in pay and my ultimate goal is to eventually get hired on by a 5 star airline. As far as I’m concerned, this can wait until I reach the rank of captain. I’m really in no rush.
A part of me feels that Alaska needs/wants me to go to San Fran. After all, if they didn’t…they wouldn’t have offered it. So I must be doing something right. Again…decisions, decisions.
OK….
Done! We’re moving to the Bay Area. Might as well.
Flight Details
All my belongings are packed and being moved down to the San Francisco area. My car is also being shipped down and while I’m still in Seattle, I managed to get assigned to a flight down. Might as well earn some money and XP in the process right? Right!
Today I’ll be serving as Sr. First Officer on Alaska flight 1740 with non-stop service to San Francisco. Our flight today is in the Boeing 737-800 with a total block fuel of 17,141 lbs. and a take-off weight of 159,232 lbs. Our block time is 2 hours and 10 minutes and our cruising altitude is 35,000.
Route: HAROB6 FEPOT Q3 FOWND MLBEC BDEGA3
Time To Go
The feeling is somewhat bitter sweet. While I know this won’t be the last time I fly into Sea-Tac, I’ve truly enjoyed calling this airport home. I’ve enjoyed living in the Seattle area, but looking forward to finding out what life is like in San Fran. While I know this isn’t permanent, SFO will be my new home for the foreseeable future.
For my big send off, Alaska has matched me up with one of the old black/white liveries. She’s a classic for sure and I’m honored to have one last opportunity to fly this livery before they are all repainted. Obviously, Alaska has been most concerned with getting all the Virgin America Airbus aircraft updated first. After all, branding means everything.
We’re all buttoned up and ready to push back.
Push back the Boeing 737-900
Holding short runway 16L. We all bow to the Queen. A Boeing 747-400 landing 16L.
Once the Queen vacated the runway, it was our time to blast off for SFO. Bye Bye Sea-Tac. See you sometime soon.
Turning to join our departure course.
Climbing out above the clouds.
Descending into what will be my new home for a while. Alcatraz and the Bay Bridge just out of the Captains window.
Silicon Valley
Clear to land, runway 25L
Almost there….
Short final for 25L.
At the gate, SFO.
The sign above the door says it all. Or at least tells us we landed at the correct airport. This day and age, that fact is not always a given.
I’m here and a new adventure begins at SFO. We have a busy schedule of flights which start almost immediately. For me, A Pilot’s Life has really helped to give purpose to my virtual flying. APL makes you think, it makes you plan and it makes you work hard to gain both experience as well as money.
I truly hope you are enjoying this storyteller series and I hope you’ll tune back in for the next episode next week.
Thanks again and happy flying!
Jerry
Credits
If you are interested in experiencing your own “A Pilot’s Life”, I highly recommend the A Pilot’s Life, by SimBitWorld add-on for Prepar3D, FSX and X-Plane. You can learn more about the A Pilot’s Life by visiting the SimBitWorld website and/or purchase APL at SimMarket. Also, please read my full review of A Pilot’s LIfe here.
Flight Simulator: Prepar3D v4.5 (hotfix 1)
Aircraft: PMDG 737-900
Airline: Alaska Airlines (ASA)
ATC: VATSIM
Airport Scenery: KSEA Drzewiecki Design, KSFO Flightbeam
Terrain Scenery: Orbx Global Base, Orbx Vector, Orbx openLC North America, Orbx NA Pacific Northwest, Orbx Northern California, Orbx Southern California
Sky/Cloud Textures: REX 5 SkyForce and REX 5 Environment Force
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.
July 8, 2019 / admin / 0 Comments
Hello and welcome back to another installment of my “A Pilot’s Life Storyteller Series”. As you might recall when we were last together, we landed in Las Vegas (Alaska Flight 634) and were due to return back to Seattle that afternoon/evening. Let’s get right into the action.
Present Day
I’m still contemplating my options as it relates to my career with Alaska. I will admit that a change of scenery will do well for me. My contract with Alaska is up and in reviewing the job offers out there, I do have options.
As you can see below, Alaska has offered me the option to move to San Francisco and work in what was the old Virgin America division. The pay is a step forward as my current pay rate is $39.39 per hour and Alaska is offering me $39.55. The next best choice for me would be to leave Alaska and of that list, Southwest Airlines is the most attractive. Southwest has offered me a job before and each time they up the ante. So I’d rather keep moving up if at all possible. Decisions…decisions.
Flight Details
This is the return flight from Las Vegas back to Seattle, Alaska flight 635. Our planned fuel for this trip back to Seattle is 19,640 lbs and our TOW is 161,731. Our cruising altitude will be 34,000 with a total block time of 2 hours and 36 minutes.
Flight Plan: SHEAD1 OAL LOMIA LKV HAWKZ7
Are you Ready?
We’re running slightly late as we had a passenger who hadn’t boarded, so their bags had to be removed from the aircraft as standard procedure. The ground crew needs to move a cart out of the way and then bring the tug around. We’ll be pushing back in just a few minutes.
Push back underway and along with that is engine start.
Tug disconnected and we’re given the all clear.
Leaving Las Vegas
Climbing out on our departure SID.
A noticeable Washington landmark just above the clouds off the right wing. (Mount Rainer)
Typical cloudy afternoon as we make our way along the arrival route.
The view from my office window.
Almost home as we fly near downtown Seattle.
Hello Boeing…..
Safely back where we started about 6 hours earlier.
I’m not scheduled to fly for a few days and need to give Alaska Airlines my decision by end of the week if I want to consider the move to SFO. I’ll admit, I’m certainly leaning in that direction.
Credits
If you are interested in experiencing your own “A Pilot’s Life”, I highly recommend the A Pilot’s Life, by SimBitWorld add-on for Prepar3D, FSX and X-Plane. You can learn more about the A Pilot’s Life by visiting the SimBitWorld website and/or purchase APL at SimMarket. Also, please read my full review of A Pilot’s LIfe here.
Flight Simulator: Prepar3D v4.5 (hotfix 1)
Aircraft: PMDG 737-900
Airline: Alaska Airlines (ASA)
ATC: VATSIM
Airport Scenery: KSEA Drzewiecki Design, KLAS FlyTampa
Terrain Scenery: Orbx Global Base, Orbx Vector, Orbx openLC North America, Orbx NA Pacific Northwest, Orbx Northern California, Orbx Southern California
Sky/Cloud Textures: REX 5 SkyForce and REX 5 Environment Force
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.
