Hi Folks:After almost two years as Director of Fir-Bolivia, I thought that it was time to "really" see my friends and colleagues down there.I just returned from an unforgetable 8 days with my dear friends in La Paz (SLLP) and Santa Cruz (SLVR).I had the additional pleasure (arranged by them) to fly between La Paz and Santa Cruz in the cockpit of a LAB (real) B727-200, and let me tell you that crossing the Andes is a sight to be seen. Pictures to follow soon.To ice the cake of my visit, I got to fly in the cockpit of CP-2425 one of LAB's new 767-300ER's, as LB906 between Santa Cruz (SLVR) and Manaus (SBEG), 2:30 unforgettable hours as the first leg of the return to Miami.I think we should all congratulate Boeing for their excellent reproduction of PIC's panel!! :-)The crew was impressed mith my "guesstimate" of fuel required to KMIA. 5 hours...17k lbs. for the first hour 4x9k for the next four plus 12k for the alternate...plus 20% "for good measure and all the extras" total...82k... Their dispatcher told them they'd need 95k....but then, they had about 145 pax. in the back..Unfortunately, the flight from SLVR to SBEG was at night and I was not able to take pictures, because a sudden flash during descent would have made me extremely unpopular in that cockpit.What a wonderful trip!Roberto

That's Great Roberto!Mike B. spoke very kindly of you when I visited him last Wednesday.I can't remember if I sent you this repaint:http://forums.avsim.com/user_files/12172.jpgIts pretty scary to think I painted that one so long ago! :) I'm pretty near 40 repaints since I picked up the brush, and I can make the mighty 767 look respectable now, after I create some master textures for her.:)Anyway,if I didn't, please let me know and I'll send it to ya. I will eventually get her completely done and upload her.Also, if you can get me the reg. number of the LAB 727 you flew, I can put her in the 727 paint que as soon as I finish this one:http://forums.avsim.com/user_files/12174.jpg(The 727s will be awhile, because I'm still working on my master textures)Congats on your trip...I would love to fly over the Andes' for real someday...I bet that image is permanently etched in you mind, huh?Regards,Steve DraDownload my repaints at:http://ftp.avsim.com/library/esearch.php?D...abek&CatID=Root

Hiya Steve:Your LAB 767 was respectable from the start ;-) but any improvements are very welcome and I will get the new version ASAP.The LAB 727 was CP-2429, it was a -200 series.Yes, the Andes are magnificent and I got lucky with wonderful pictures. Unfortunately they are too large for this forum, but I will let everybody know when one of my kids can help me with a site (I basically press the buttons they tell me to :-)).Regards.Roberto

Hey Roberto,Here is a view of what I could whip up since you gave me the reg. number:http://forums.avsim.com/user_files/12213.jpghttp://forums.avsim.com/user_files/12212.jpgThe JPEG compression makes her look worse than it really is. :)I still have alot of work to do on the master textures, but you'll have a LAB 727, with the reg number you flew on, when I get her done! :)Regards,Steve DraDownload my repaints at:http://ftp.avsim.com/library/esearch.php?D...abek&CatID=Root

Hey Roberto,I attached the textures to the model and took 2 quick screenshots.I really shouldn't be posting shots here, so here is a link to the screenshot forum showing how the LAB 727 is gonna' look in flightsim.http://forums.avsim.com/dcboard.php?az=sho..._id=49385&page=Regards,Steve Dra

Steve:COOL!! :-) :-)Thx!!Roberto

Roberto,I am so glad your trip turned out so well as I know how much you were looking forward to it. You have done an outstanding job with Fir-Bolivia and in your support of the other South American Firs. The trip was well deserved.I am looking forward to seeing the photos you took.Steve,Nice work, as always...