Myanmar II

We depart from Mandalay (VYMD), in the center of Myanmar. Mandalay was founded in 1857 by King Mindon, replacing Amarapura as the new royal capital of the Konbaung dynasty. It was Burma's final royal capital before the kingdom's annexation by the British Empire in 1885. Under British rule, Mandalay remained commercially and culturally important despite the rise of Yangon, the new capital of British Burma. The city suffered extensive destruction during the Japanese conquest of Burma in the Second World War. In 1948, Mandalay became part of the newly independent Union of Burma. Today, Mandalay is the economic center of Upper Myanmar and is considered the center of Burmese culture. A continuing influx of irregular Chinese immigrants, mostly from Yunnan, since the late 20th century, has reshaped the city's ethnic makeup and increased commerce with China.

Our first stop is at Monywar (VYMY). Monywa is one of the largest economic cities in Myanmar. It is also known as 'Neem City' because many of the city's streets are lined with neem trees. We head northeast and land at Surbung (VYFS), close to the Indian Border. Further north we arrive at Hommalin (VYHL). Myanmar had the distinction of accounting for 60% of the world's heroin supply, in 1997, with the production of about 2500 tonnes of opium. Particularly in North Burma, the Army has been maintaining the drug refineries. The 22nd Infantry Battalion (IB) has a refinery at Homolin, apart from other places in the region, which establishes “The Regime's Complicity in the global drug trade.”

We head west and arrive at Banmaw (VYBM), close to the Chinese border. In the early 20th century, due to its location at the highest navigable point of the river, Banmaw formed a part of caravan routes bringing jade from India to China. A once-weekly Myanma Airways flight is available, as are three times-a-week river ferries. Banmaw is the terminus of river ferries from Mandalay. If time permits we continue north to reach Pamti airport(VYMK), serving the city of Myitkyina.  In Burmese it means "near the big river", and Myitkyina is on the west bank of the Ayeyarwady River, just below 40 kilometers (25 mi) from Myit-son (Burmese for confluence) of its two headstreams (the Mali and N'mai rivers). It is the northernmost river port and railway terminus in Myanmar.

We finish today's flight at Putao (VYPT). The area around Putao is famous for its variety of birds and rare orchids, especially the so-called "Black Orchid" found in the mountains surrounding Putao. Myanmar's highest mountain, Hkakabo Razi, and other snow-capped peaks are visible from Putao. The seven-day trek to West-Putao's mountain region, in which explorers found that there are Taron people ethnic whose height is lower than four feet. The population of this ethnic minority is so few nowadays that they are facing the threat of being extinct. A British military output, Fort Hertz, was established in 1914 near the town of Putao. Due to its remoteness, it was never captured by the Japanese military during the Burma Campaign, remaining in Allied hands throughout World War II. Although later disbanded, the remains of the fort are still visible.

The flight has a length of about 600 miles and 5 landings. We want to be fast, cruising at about 350 knots. A subsonic jet or a business jet flying high would be suitable, as well as a Warbird. I will probably be in the CJ4 in MSFS 2020. As always, please fly what you like.

The flight plans are here.

Recommended scenery:

Surbung

Mandalay

Hommalin

Banmaw

Pamti

Putao

The complete package is available here. Mandalay is also available as payware from SiamFlight via ORBX. The sceneries are suitable for 2020 and 2024.

Time and Weather

We try real weather. Please set your simulator for a 2 PM local departure.

Multiplayer Particulars

Date and time: Sunday, February 9, 2025. 1700 UTC

Microsoft Flight Simulator Multiplayer: United States East server.

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