Around the world with the QOTS (with flight log)

[Guest DrJimi]

Greetings all,IIRC a while back Capt. Randazzo described part of a "round the world" trip he was flying with the QOTS. At the time I was on the final legs of a similar trip, going east-bound from EDDF with a goal of ending at my home airport of KMHT. The goal was simply to get some seat time (familiarity) in the Queen and to visit parts of the FS9 world I hadn't seen. I made no attempt to create realistic (RL carrier) flight plans, rather to plan legs that could be comfortably flown and would visit interesting places. All plans were built using FSbuild2 with realistic altitudes and fuel planning. It turned into "Air Force 1 tours the world". Here's the relevant legs summarized from my FS9 pilot log:10/6/2005 747-400 AF1 EDDF-UUEE 2.1 0.6 0.0 2.710/7/2005 747-400 AF1 UUEE-HECA 3.7 0.0 0.0 3.710/12/2005 747-400 AF1 HECA-OKBK 2.2 0.0 0.0 2.210/13/2005 747-400 AF1 OKBK-OPKC 2.2 0.2 0.0 2.410/14/2005 747-400 AF1 OPKC-VIDP 1.5 0.0 0.0 1.510/16/2005 747-400 AF1 VIDP-VNKT 2.6 0.0 0.0 2.610/18/2005 747-400 AF1 VNKT-VTBD 2.6 0.1 0.0 2.710/26/2005 747-400 AF1 VTBD-VHHH 2.3 0.2 0.1 2.511/1/2005 747-400 AF1 VHHH-RJTT 4.0 0.0 0.0 4.011/2/2005 747-400 AF1 RJTT-PANC 6.0 0.0 0.0 6.011/4/2005 747-400 AF1 PANC-KSFO 3.8 0.0 0.0 3.811/13/2005 747-400 AF1 KSFO-KDTW 3.8 0.0 0.0 3.811/16/2005 747-400 AF1 KDTW-KMHT 1.5 0.0 0.1 1.5A couple of observations, from memory...The approach into Cairo I got lucky and was vectored to a final approach turn right over the Sphinx and pyramids - yes, they are there in FS9.Kathmandu was...interesting. Initial approach (per FS9 ATC) was from the north. Part way through, despite ATC giving me frequent small "descend and maintains" to creep down through the mountains, it became obvious a 744 couldn't do it. At least, with me driving it. I called "missed" and requested approach from the south. Even this was challenging -- steep descent and no ILS. The departure to the north, as Robert noted, includes a steep climbing turn to the right to avoid some "big rocks" :-) I went to spot view at one point to see how close I was to removing some paint from the underside.The flight log time gap after arrival in SFO was ironic. I had to go on a business trip there on 11/7. On return out of SFO we had an in-flight medical emergency and diverted to KSLC. An hour later (re-file, re-fuel) we continued to KDTW arriving 2 mins late. They held the connection for me. Go figure the arrival and departure gates were opposite ends of the terminal. Taxiing out we were #2 to go when the Captain announced a required return to the gate. "We have a problem with one of our flight computers, and we kinda like to have that stuff working before we go fly". 30 min fix and we were off home to KMHT. Back home, I duly re-flew my real flights (minus the problems) SFO-DTW-MHT, completing the final 744 legs.I still have the final KMHT-EDDF to finish the round-the-world trip. I've re-modeled the KMHT 17/35 runway (via AFCAD2) to extend the runway to its recently extended length and added new taxiways. Now I might have enough runway length to get airborne with the fuel I'll need for EDDF direct. If not, I'll plan a stop in Gander.That's some of the fun I've had with the QOTS. I also recently bought FSpassengers and have been flying the 737-700 (Southwest) and the B1900D simulating the RL flights out of KMHT. I find all the 3 PMDG aircraft have their own "character" and each is a joy to fly in its own way.Happy New Year to you all, and my thanks to PMDG for providing me with countless hours of enjoyment. I look forward to adding an MD-11 type rating in the future.