MM

As @Janc and @Meeko indicate, if you still have the old SWS panel folders in your community folder (or otherwise active), then the new SWS PC-12 tablet control over the avionics will fail. [These are the extra panel folders you previously needed to select your desired avionics package.] This is important if you purchased from ORBX whose updater to v1.7.14 does not automatically delete those panel folders. You will want to look for them in the ORBX PC-12 folders and in the Community folder … and then delete the redundant panel folders (after saving a copy just in case). This is true for ORBX and it may be true for other installer/updater programs. You can just check your “updated” packages and trim away any leftover panel folders.

Lovely flight, Gunter. To get us ready, here is a beautiful little video: Helicopter flight over the Okavango Delta – Botswana. William Steel Photography.

Fun in the Massif Central For Saturday, May 9, 2026 Michael MacKuen Let’s have some fun flying in the Massif Central of France. This is a large rugged rural area with high country, peaks, deep gorges, and wide plateaus. Starting from the regional city Aurillac, we fly over the shoulders of the Cantal mountains and proceed south to the limestone plateaus, the Causses, and the sharply defined ridges and valleys of the Cévennes, and finally land along the Mediterranean coast. Along the way we shall take a close look at two grand viaducts, each a significant instance of engineering brilliance. And we shall have stick-and-rudder fun flying a dramatic river canyon, the famous Gorges du Tarn. Sainte-Enimie in the Gorges du Tarn Beginning at Aurillac [LFLW], we proceed northeast over the high ridges of the old volcanic Cantal mountain range (the remnants of the largest stratovolcano in Europe – about 14,000 ft high and 40 miles in diameter) to land at the high country airfield Coltines [LFHQ]. Then past the town Saint-Flour to the gorge of the Truyère River. In 1882-1884, Gustave Eiffel and his engineering company constructed the historic railway bridge, the Viaduc de Garabit, using a parabolic truss arch design and wrought iron, the best material of the time. The lattice girders allow high valley winds to pass through, reducing pressure on the structure. For many years this was the world’s highest bridge. (Notably, the team that designed Garabit remained with Eiffel to raise the Eiffel Tower five years later.) The vermillion-red structure remains in daily use. This is a masterpiece of 19th century civil engineering. Worth a close look. Then over the high country to Mende-Brenoux [LFNB]. This is the beginning of the Causses, the broad high limestone plateaus of the Massif Central. These support grazing (mostly sheep). And appealingly, the plateaus are cut through by swift rivers creating deep canyons or gorges. You can catch a glimpse of these contrasts here but we shall return momentarily. We continue to the southeast, descending over sharply edged hills and valleys of the Cévennes. And land at the wide gliderport at La Grand-Combe [LFTN]. Passing Alès, the center of this coal-mining district and now a regional commercial hub, we land at the small local airport Alès-Deaux [LFMS] on the floor of the Rhône valley. After a brief stop, we pass over Anduze (a tourist gateway) and then climb up the valleys of the Cévennes. This is a geographic and cultural region, agricultural and pastoral, whose irrigation and road networks put in place in the early Middle ages are still in use today. On the plateau Causse Méjean we land at Florac Ste Enimie [LFNO]. Then northward 5nm to connect with the Gorges du Tarn. Turning at Sainte-Enimie, we follow this impressive canyon twisting-and-turning to the village Le Rozier and the ruins of the Chateau de Peyrelade before reaching the lovely tourist town of Millau. A bit of fun, this. Just west stands the spectacular Viaduc de Millau, the “bridge that changed the map of Europe.” This is a key part of the A75 autoroute axis from Paris to Béziers and Montpellier which has opened up north-south and northeast-southwest travel in France and western Europe. And it has connected the people of the Massif Central with the rest of Europe. The high bridge spans the wide Tarn Valley and yet it fits in with the landscape to become a work of art in its own right. It has been consistently ranked as one of the greatest engineering achievements of modern time (charming and informative interview). Well worth a few minutes of our time. We turn south onto the plateau Causse Larzac to land at Millau-Larzac [LFCN]. After a few minutes for rest and relaxation, we continue westward over Roquefort-sur-Soulzon (home to the world-famous cheese) and then further down the Gorges du Tarn, passing three hydro-power dams and watching out for the associated power cables. Then we turn southeast and climb up onto the plateau to land at the glider field Belmont [LFIF]. We continue through another quiet glider field La Tour-Sur-Orb [LFNX] and the busy St Martin De Londres [LFNL]. Then south over Montpellier and it central square Place de la Comédie. We land at our final destination Montpellier Mediterranée [LFMT]. Take the General Aviation runway (12R/30L). Our arrival is hosted by the Montpellier Aero Club based at the south side of the commercial airport near the threshold for Rwy 12R. The 300 member club has a fleet of 12 aircraft, flight instructors’ classrooms, a clubhouse and terrace with view, a hangar, a maintenance facility, and a dedicated fuel depot. The club is now celebrating its 116th birthday. Documentation The flightplan can be found here. Aircraft This route runs 295nm and is designed for GA aircraft. Several of the fields are small grass strips. We need a fast-cruise of about 150kts. While many aircraft will do the job, we might be especially interested in the venerable Piaggio P.149. As ever, fly what you like. Additional Scenery All of the airports are in the default simulator. For some local color, I recommend the following freeware addon airport packages. Thanks to these fine authors for their talent and efforts. Recommended: Aurillac [LFLW]. Claude Roure (Simvol) Mende Brenoux [LFNB]. Claude Roure (Simvol) Ales Deaux [LFMS]. Alfinet Millau Larzac [LFCM]. Claude Roure (Simvol) Montpellier Mediterranee [LFMT]. prairelet (you may have this) Viaduc de Garabit. mv46 Marking of aerodromes with grass runways. (Library). Domtom69 You can get the freeware package here. The package also includes freeware creations that are difficult to find. (Please check for duplicates of previously installed packages.) Time and Weather For takeoff on Wednesday, set the simulator at 2:00pm local for May 9, 2026. We typically prefer real weather. Multiplayer Particulars Date and time: Wednesday, May 9, 2026. 1900 UTC (2000CEST, 1400EDT, 1100PDT) Where: RTWR Multiplayer Discord Channel Microsoft Flight Simulator Multiplayer: South-East Asia server. If you want to help others enjoy the multiplayer experience, don't forget to enter your aircraft details on the multiplayer spreadsheet (linked here). Your courtesy will save others a lot of time and effort. Thanks!

Looks great. This is a different sort of flying. BTW, if anyone is using the Blackbox FS2020 BN-2 in FS2024, you might want the avionics conversion to Working Title v2: (Garmin Navigation Suite Fixes by EnsiFerrum).

Nordeste of Brazil For Wednesday, April 22, 2026 Michael MacKuen We shall spend the day sampling parts of the Northeast Region of Brazil – in the country it is known as simply “Nordeste.” This was the first part colonized by the Portuguese and other Europeans. And it played a key role in the country’s history, its folklore, music, and literature. It is widely recognized for this history and culture, as well as its natural environment and especially its hot weather. The Dunes of Natal We begin along the rainy Atlantic seaboard passing over rich agricultural croplands and visiting several major cities. And then we shall fly though the semi-arid zone just inland. We shall finish our trip along the northern coast and Nordeste’s largest city Fortaleza. While we shall see different parts of the region, we are only sampling from a broader array of natural and social environments. To start, we depart from Natal Aluzio Alves [SBSG], a newish airport from 2014, that was built to replace the long-serving Augusto Severo [SBNT] which has since been dedicated to the Air Force. The city of Natal was founded in 1599 by the Portuguese as an early part of colonization. This included the building of the Fortress of the Three Wise Men. (Natal and other Portuguese coastal cities were captured and ruled by the Dutch for decades of the 17th century before being retaken in 1654.) Natal is the state capital of Rio Grande do Norte. However, the city’s growth was slow until the 20th century when a bridge connected the city with the hinterland and international aviation came to use the city as the shortest trans-Atlantic connection with Africa and thus Europe. During the post-WWII period of modernization and infrastructure expansion, the city population doubled and doubled and doubled again. Today, with traditional white sand beaches (such as Ponta Negra and its famous Morro do Careca) and the development of the fixed sand dunes up and down the coast, tourism has become Natal’s most import industry. Just outside the city are the Dunes of Genipabu to the north and the surfer town Pipa Beach to the south. As we head south from the city, we can see the Barreira do Inferno Lauch Center – Brazil’s first and, for many years, only military and commercial rocket launch facility. This coastal region, the zona da mata, is a flat narrow plain (30-60 miles wide). The climate is hot and wet, with most rain coming from the southeasterly winds off the Atlantic Ocean. Before the Portuguese came, the land was covered by deciduous trees of the Atlantic Rainforest. The climate and soil turned out to be excellent for the money crop sugar cane and so very little of the original vegetation remains. That said, the productive agriculture sustained the colonial populations and eventually supported the growth of the region’s main cities right on the coast with very little population moving into the bare uplands of the interior. We continue down the coast to João Pessoa [SBJP], the port city and fairly quiet capital of Paraiba State. Of special interest is the Cabo Branco Science and Arts Station, a cultural, scientific and arts center designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer. It opened in 2008 at Ponta do Seixas, the easternmost point in the Americas. Then down to Recife Guararapes [SBRF]. This state capital of Pernambuco is the largest urban area in the Northeast and the fourth-largest in all of Brazil – at 3,730,000. Historically known for its large-scale production of sugar cane, the city has added much to its repertoire. It benefited from the national government’s industrial investment in the 1970s-1980s and continues as the commercial hub of the Northeast. Its hospital pool is the third largest in Brazil, after São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Its Information Technology and Logistics clusters are booming. Local culture is rich in terms of dance and music – with the local Carnival being one of the largest and most vibrant of the nation. On the other hand, Recife has disappointing economic inequality and high violent crime rates. Not to mention that for the past 30 years the city’s beaches have been subject to regular deadly shark attacks. Next we turn inland away from the tropical wet Atlantic coastline to the agreste, a transitional zone of rising hilly terrain with only erratic rainfall. We reach Campina Grande [SBKG]. This was a sleepy farm village until the beginning of the 20th century when the arrival of the railroads turned Campina Grande into “The Brazilian Liverpool,” awash in cotton plantations and factories. At the time, it was the second biggest producer in the world. Today, the city has become an oasis of high technologies in the middle of the Northeast, sometimes mentioned as the “Brazilian Silicon Valley.” Its software companies contribute about 20 percent of the city’s total revenue. Then over the increasingly dry scrubland, the sertão (“backcountry”). Beyond the reach of the Atlantic tradewinds, the region has minimal rainfall and is increasingly subject to droughts. During the long dry season, the desert-adapted vegetation sheds its leaves leaving a “white forest” of spindly branches and cacti to cover the landscape. We land at Caicó [SNKK]. This is a small regional city for what is essentially cattle country. We proceed northward to Mossoró [SBMS], the “capital” of the broader semi-arid region with a population of 265,000. The area is one of Brazil’s leaders in producing onshore oil. And the local economy is driven by irrigated horticulture (fruits and vegetables) oriented toward export. We depart for Ceará and the coast – to land at Aracati Dragão do Mar [SBAC] which serves the newly popular beach resort Canoa Quebrada. This once small fishing village, among dunes and cliffs, has become popular for tourists seeking a calm friendly atmosphere – with dramatic beaches and plenty of night life. It is now a trendy spot. Our final destination is Fortaleza [SBFZ], the capital of Ceará state and (depending on how one counts) the fourth largest city in Brazil at about 4 million. The city had traditionally served the poor agricultural interior of the state and much of its population growth has been recent immigration fleeing from drought devastation in the semi-arid interior. With the late 20th century national investment in the northeast’s industrial development, Fortaleza has grown economically. The large downtown and waterfront include many modern high rise developments. And the beaches and dunes attract both domestic and international tourists. For all its success, Fortaleza has also attracted poor rural migrants who live in the favelas (slums). In scope comparable to Recife, about a fifth live in favelas and about a third of the population earns less than half the minimum wage. But things are getting better: while 12 percent live in poverty, that is an improvement over 39 percent in 1991. Fortaleza has long been known for its humor. It has held an annual April 1 “lying contest” to determine and honor this year’s champion teller of tall tales. “Bode Ioiô is another symbol of Fortaleza’s humorous spirit. The goat became famous in the 1920s for roaming public places, drinking cachaça, and even having been a candidate for city council. After its death, the animal was taxidermied and remains on display at the Ceará Museum.”[wiki] As Brazil’s humor capital, both local and national comedians come to Fortaleza to learn their trade. Comedy shows are a pillar of its tourist appeal, drawing three million spectators per year. Let’s land at Fortaleza and see a show tonight. The General Aviation terminal is on the north side of the runway, opposite from the commercial terminal. Documentation The flightplan can be found here. Aircraft This route runs 525nm and is designed for GA aircraft. We need a fast-cruise of about 250kts. Some GA favorites include the Beech King Air, Beech Starship, Daher TBM, Piaggio Avanti, and the Pilatus PC-12. I’ll choose the Piaggio. As ever, fly what you like. Additional Scenery All of the airports are in the default simulator. For some local color, I recommend the following freeware addon airport packages. Thanks to these fine authors for their talent and efforts. Recommended: Natal Aluzio Alves [SBSG]. eduardoqueiroz João Pessoa [SBJP]. florencioluan Recife Guararapes [SBRF]. eduardoqueiroz Campina Grande [SBKG]. eduardoqueiroz Caicó [SNKK]. ZNScenerys Mossoró [SBMS]. ZNScenerys Fortaleza Pinto Martins [SBFZ]. aeromaia You can get the freeware airport package here. The package also includes freeware creations that are difficult to find. (Please check for duplicates of previously installed packages.) Time and Weather For takeoff on Wednesday, set the simulator at 1:00pm local for April 22, 2026. We typically prefer real weather. This is the rainy season and we might expect some clouds. Multiplayer Particulars Date and time: Wednesday, April 22, 2026. 1900 UTC (2000CEST, 1400EDT, 1100PDT) Where: RTWR Multiplayer Discord Channel Microsoft Flight Simulator Multiplayer: South-East Asia server. If you want to help others enjoy the multiplayer experience, don't forget to enter your aircraft details on the multiplayer spreadsheet (linked here). Your courtesy will save others a lot of time and effort. Thanks!

Got Friends Monster NXCub for 2024. Updated Model and Avionics If you want to use the Got Friends Monster NXCub in 2024, you probably want v1.05 released for 10-07-2025. This is available as freeware at the Got Friends store website (https://www.got-friends.com/ ). Go to the Addons Freeware page (https://www.got-friends.com/collections/freeware ). Note that you “buy” the aircraft at a price of $0.00. In addition you probably want to use the current version of the Working Title avionics and will need an addon Garmin Navigation Suite Fixes by EnsiFerrum (https://flightsim.to/addon/90590/garmin-navigation-suite-fixes ). Download and extract the zipfile to find the folder “zEnsiFerrum-GF-Monster-NXCub-G3XTouch-V2”. Put that in your community folder (or use AddonsLinker). [For extra convenience, check your email.]

@SquadronLeader I raised this question in the Just Flight Black Square Caravan forum and Nick answered with a rich discussion. You might want to read this response to get a sense of what is at stake. In the end, he indicated that he might consider enabling a way to access the default Asobo assignments … in a future revision.

Two Kingdoms. NOTAM Here is a just-released version of Bumthang (VQBM) airport. This is just slightly better than the older FS2020 version in the official announcement and the download package. It is native FS2024 and it includes a few more airport buildings and a couple of the Dzongs (fortresses) in the hills. (And the first-time author is modeling this after a recent personal visit and photographs.) As near as I can tell, you will like either version. I’ll go with this later version simply because it reflects the author’s personal visit. Bumthang Bathpalathang [VQBT]. JohnPaulJ

Two Kingdoms of the Himalaya. Bhutan and Nepal For Wednesday, March 25, 2026 Michael MacKuen Today we shall enjoy flying in the mountains of Bhutan and Nepal. Through the twentieth century, these were remote kingdoms tucked into the Himalayas. Bhutan was small, Buddhist, essentially cut off from the outside world, and then made a tranquil transition to a constitutional monarchy. Nepal was much larger, largely Hindu, with more worldly experience, and made a violent transition to a multi-party democratic government. Current Bhutan is a small (800,000) well governed state with universal health care and education. It relies on subsistence agriculture. While it famously emphasizes happiness over economic development, it remains poor. And it is losing tens of thousands from the well-educated younger generation who are seeking jobs elsewhere. Nepal is much larger (30 million) but also is mainly agricultural and poor. And the country’s vital and once booming tourism sector has slowed down. Fully a quarter of its GDP is based on remittances from Nepalese working abroad. Our job is to fulfil a grant to spread happiness to the mountains of Nepal. The goal is driven by an understanding that the purpose of life is not just to succeed, but to be kind, mindful and content. Accordingly , we shall transport multiple shipping cases of Mindfulness, Compassion, and Simplicity, along with monks who help mix the dosages, to chosen villages in eastern Nepal. [This is a whimsical fantasy project. Apologies.] Our flight will begin in the mountains of eastern Bhutan, pass through the challenging international airport at Paro, and then visit a number of mountain village airstrips in eastern Nepal. We end at the legendary airport Lukla Tenzing-Hillary, the gateway to Mt. Everest. Depart from Kangel Danda into the Open Air We start in the mountains of Bhutan’s Himalaya range at “interesting” Yonphula [YQTY], the only airport for the eastern side of the country. This was haphazardly built on an unused military strip for a 2011 inauguration. Initial flights raised alarms. The runway was too steep, the tarmac required resurfacing, nearby hillocks wreaked havoc with crosswinds, and a fire facility had to be constructed. The airport’s re-opening for regular commercial flights was delayed until 2017. Even now, perched on a 8400ft mountain ridge, the airport can be challenging. Its use is limited to the morning hours due to the strong winds that typify local afternoons and access can be restricted by high-altitude weather systems. After admiring the views, we depart for Bumthang [VQBT] (also Bathpalathang) located in a high narrow valley. Dotted with monasteries, temples and Buddhist sacred sites, Bumthang is the spiritual and cultural heartland of Bhutan. Then west with lovely views of the spectacular snow-covered mountains to the north. Here lie some of the world’s highest unclimbed peaks – the region is protected by national parks which prohibit mountain climbing in deference to local traditional beliefs. Entering the western third of the country, we pass over the nation’s capital and largest city Thimphu [TIMPU]. (At about 115,000, its population constitutes about one seventh of the nation’s.) We continue and land at Paro [VQPR], Bhutan’s one major international airport. Surrounded by 18,000ft peaks and nestled in a deep twisting valley, this is considered one of the world’s most daunting approaches. Originally an Indian Armed Forces helicopter base, it was developed with a modest passenger building and a short runway – which limited its first airline service to the Dornier 228 in 1983. With Indian financial support, Paro became a modern jet airport. Nowadays, it has a 7,431ft runway, multiple services buildings, a revamped artistic terminal building, and traffic of about 20 flights a day. It remains a daylight airport with no on-field navaids. A westward climbing departure takes us over India’s Sikkim into Nepal to land at Taplejung Suketar [VNTJ]. The preferred runway is 07, but 25 will work if the weather requires. Many small Nepalese airports were blacktopped in the mid-2010s and now are better all-season fields. Suketar normally has weekly Nepal Airlines DHC-6 flights to and from Kathmandu and allows trekkers to enjoy the mountains of eastern Nepal. Next is Tumlingtar [VNTR] whose runway is both lower and longer. It serves bigger turboprops and is a fairly busy regional tourist hub with six airlines providing flights to Kathmandu and elsewhere. (In 2022 we visited this area to see the fascinating cultural trek that Jeff’s brother took in October of that year. See Nepal Trek.) Further west, we visit Khanidanda [NVKD] (mislabeled Bhojpur in the sim). These regular air connections to Kathmandu are essential for many remote regions including the Diktel district here. (This field requires Rwy 08 for landing.) And then Rumjatar [VNRT], another STOL hub that supports its region as well as the larger town Siddhicharan. Turning northeast we visit a nearby hilltop strip that poses a different challenge. Kangel Danda [VNKL] lost its regular service in 2017 (but its neighboring villages are hoping for a resuscitation). It is on our list for the sport of its landing and is therefore optional. Our penultimate stop is Phaplu [VNPL], a prosperous small town with a regional school. Nowadays, it not only serves the local area but acts as a more distant access point for Mount Everest – a less expensive option. (Ryan Air Everest airport?) Finally, we reach our famous final destination Lukla [VNLK]. There are airports with shorter runways, ones with steeper runways, and ones at higher elevation. But nothing really compares with this very busy tourist airport that requires real airmanship to skillfully execute the approach and landing on a day-to-day basis. (While there is a nice payware model for Lukla, let’s stick with the default hand-crafted rendition so that everyone is at the same altitude when we arrive. More fun to share the experience.) This trip should allow us to enjoy some stunning scenery. And several of the airports will provide some visual stimulation as they are sited on mountaintops. But these are routinely visited by twin-engined passenger transports: they are not quite PNG-style challenges. Except for Lukla… So let’s have some fun. Documentation The flightplan can be found here. We prefer real weather. Aircraft This route runs 320nm. We probably want something that might carry passengers or cargo in this sort of high-altitude STOL environment. And we need a fast-cruise of about 160kts. Commercial flights in Bhutan and Nepal are routinely flown by ATR airliners and DHC-6/Do-228 aircraft. We might try the DHC-6 Twin Otter or a Cessna 208 Caravan or a Daher Kodiak or perhaps a Cessna 408 SkyCourier. This route was designed with the Cessna 208 Caravan in mind. As ever, fly what you like. Additional Scenery Many but not all of the airports are in the default simulator. (Yonphula and Bumthang Bathpalathang are not in the default and are thus required downloads.) Lukla and Paro are Asobo-handcrafted. While both are good renditions, you probably want kychungdotcom’s current revision of 2024 Paro. I recommend the following freeware addon airport packages. Thanks to these fine authors for their talent and efforts. Recommended: Trashigang Yonphula [VQTY]. tomlaut1080 Bumthang Bathpalathang [VQBT]. kychungdotcom Paro 2024 [VQPR]. kychungdotcom Nepal Bushstrip Upgrade Pack. kychungdotcom Kangel Danda [VNKL]. alpinebravo One unusual library (for VNKL) is Sergio Del Rosso’s SDR Himalaya Pack (250mb), here for VNKL. You may already have this. Recommended but not necessary. You can get the freeware airport package here. The package also includes freeware creations that are difficult to find. (Please check for duplicates of previously installed packages.) Time and Weather For takeoff on Wednesday, set the simulator at 8:00am local for March 25, 2026. We typically prefer real weather. Multiplayer Particulars Date and time: Wednesday, March 25, 2026. 1800 UTC (1900CET, 1400EDT, 1100PDT) Where: RTWR Multiplayer Discord Channel Microsoft Flight Simulator Multiplayer: South-East Asia server. If you want to help others enjoy the multiplayer experience, don't forget to enter your aircraft details on the multiplayer spreadsheet (linked here). Your courtesy will save others a lot of time and effort. Thanks! [Note that North American Daylight Savings Time starts on March 8, 2026. European Daylight Savings Time begins March 29, 2026.]

For a reminder of what was done earlier (FS9 & FSX), you might take a look at California Classics. This was an absolutely wonderful experience of the sort that you are proposing. This was probably easier to do in the FS9 environment where the expectations of aircraft and scenery models were lower and more of the experience was left to the simmer’s imagination. But perhaps an inspiration for today.

Flight Over the Solomons For Saturday, March 7, 2026 Michael MacKuen Today we shall take a look at the historic Solomons Campaign (1942-1944). During World War II, this was the extended conflict in the Solomon Islands, between Rabaul and Guadalcanal, in which the Allies halted and reversed the forces of the Japanese Empire. In late 1942, the Japanese seemed invincible and the efforts of the Allied soldiers, sailors, and airmen were seen as doomed to failure. By early 1944, the tide had turned and the Allies were on their way to victory. For fun, we shall treat this week’s event as a loose reenactment of flying during that time. Several of our airports are imaginary recreations of the military airfields – with ships, vehicles, and aircraft from the era. A few sceneries are renditions of important historic airfields shown in their present state. And a few are bare-bones default representations. And again for fun, this is an opportunity for some, but not everyone, to fly historic warbirds of that time and place. We will be flying “the Slot.” Black Sheep on the beach at Vella Lavella We begin at Seghe [AGGS] on the eastern coast of New Georgia Island. After defeating the Japanese in their efforts to retake Guadalcanal, the Allies (mostly Americans here) began the long journey to the war’s end with a full-scale landing on the western side of New Georgia. The goal was the vital airfield at Munda Point which the Japanese had built and developed in 1942 as a support field for their Guadalcanal campaign. Before launching the invasion, the Americans first built a rough strip at Segi Point to support the operations in the west. We shall fly from this small strip to Munda* [AGGM] which, after a shockingly difficult month-long battle, was captured and rebuilt as a major base of operations in the region. (The * indicates a re-created WWII airfield. The details in these representative but somewhat fanciful recreations are worth a close look.) We next stop at Gizo* [AGGN] airstrip – located on the narrow Nusatupe Island just offshore from the country’s second-biggest town. The wartime landing ground was built by leveling two small islands and joining them with excavated material. (After enjoying some modernization, this field continues in service today. In 2023, it won an award for “best airstrip in the South Pacific.”) On the approach, we pass near Plum Pudding Island and over Olasana and Naru Islands from which the PT-109 crew (led by Lieutenant Kennedy) were rescued in August 1943. And then on to Barakoma Airfield* [AGBA] on Vella Lavella. After the costly seizure of Munda, the Americans’ initial plans to take the large Japanese garrison and airfield on Kolombangara were quickly revised. Just a bit further west was lightly-defended Vella Lavella Island on which Marines and Seabees landed in August 1943. The airfield was operational by September and fully developed by November. For the next 6 months it hosted a Navy F6F squadron and a half dozen Marine F4U squadrons including the famous VMF-214 Black Sheep of Pappy Boyington. We follow up with another strip built by the Americans. In October-November 1943 the 3rd New Zealand Division captured Mono in the Treasury Islands as a potential base for attacks on Rabaul. The project focused on adjacent Stirling Island where the Seabees did their magic. Within a month the airfield became operational for multiple USAAF squadrons of P-38s and B-25s in the campaign to neutralize Rabaul. While most of the airbase is now gone, the airstrip remains in use by Solomon Airlines. We land at the contemporary Mono [AGGO]. Then we make a quick hop to the Shortland Islands and Ballale Island [AGGE]. In 1942 the Japanese captured the island and built a major operational airfield with a resurfaced runway and matted taxiway loops and revetments. By early 1943, the airfield was a busy forward base for bombers and fighters of both the Navy and Army with up to 95 combat aircraft on the island. For construction, they used more than 500 prisoners captured during the siege of Singapore. Tragically, a number of men died due to harsh working conditions and many more were killed when the Allies bombed the airfield and hit the prisoners’ camp. The remaining few men were executed under orders to eliminate the prisoners if the island were to be taken. In the event, the island was bypassed. We continue to the main island of Bougainville to execute a low-pass or touch-and-go at Buin [AYUI], a Japanese-built military airbase. In early April 1943, the thoughtful, capable and widely-revered Admiral Isoruku Yamamoto took personal command over a massive two-week air campaign (I-Go). The first wave combined 150 aircraft from Rabaul with 200 aircraft from the carrier fleet dispersed to Buka, Buin and Kahili on Bougainville and at Ballale. The strategic goal was to halt the Allied offensive momentum and gain time to build up the defenses around the naval stronghold at Rabaul. Apparently successful, the operation was concluded and on April 18 Yamamoto personally flew from Rabaul to congratulate the pilots at Ballale. American intelligence got the details of his flight and USAAF P-38s intercepted the aircraft and shot down and killed Yamamoto during Operation Vengeance. The interception took place near Buin airfield. As the Allies advanced, they needed an airbase that could more effectively operate against Rabaul. On November 1, 1943, the US Navy and Marines conducted an amphibious landing at Empress Augusta Bay – on the lightly defended west coast of Bougainville. Seabees immediately started construction of Torokina and made the airfield operational in 40 days. The single runway was surfaced with Marston matting and was primarily used by fighters – of the USN, USMC, USAAF, and the RNZAF On December 30, Piva Airfield was opened just north. One runway (Piva Yoke) became the main bomber field and a second runway (Piva Uncle) augmented the initial fighter capacity. These three airfields proved critical to the eventual neutralization of Rabaul – because they put the massive Japanese base of operations within range of the Allies’ tactical fighters and bombers. We can land at either Torokina* [AGBK] or Piva Torokina* [TOK] (The Piva Fighter Strip is marked by waypoint [PIVAF].) The beachside airstrip AGBK is slightly shorter but more scenic! (Pick AGBK and Runway 09/27.) A low pass over the unchosen nearby strip would be appreciated by the men who prepared the airfield… We visit two adjacent airfields at the northern tip of Bougainville. First we execute a low-pass or touch-and-go at the Japanese auxiliary field Bonin* [ABON] on the Bonin Peninsula. And then, just across the narrow Buka Passage, we land at Buka [AYBK] which remains in service as the island’s main commercial airport. These two airfields were maintained in active status as forward airfields with relatively small resident components (up to 36 aircraft) but always ready as a staging ground for Rabaul-based aircraft to conduct operations to the south. (These were constant threats to the fighter-bomber complex at Torokina.) The airstrips were regularly attacked by the Allies but eventually bypassed as the campaign against Rabaul came to a conclusion. Finally, we fly 150nm to cross New Ireland and land at the northern tip of New Britain to see Rabaul itself. We first land at Tokua [AYTK] which was one of the naval stronghold’s outlying airfields. Rabaul and its airport were located at the foot of the very active Tavurvur volcano before a 1994 eruption destroyed the town and the airport. The provincial capital was moved to Kokopo and the main airfield was relocated here at Tokua, on the opposite side of the extended Rabaul caldera. After a moment, we fly 9nm to the southwest to execute a low-pass or touch-and-go at Tobera* [PTO] which was another of the Japanese outlying airfields – here it is depicted in a minimalist WWII form. Then 12nm to the northwest, over Simpson Harbour, we reach Rabaul Lakunai* [AYRB] which was the main airfield for the Japanese naval fortress during WWII. After the war, this continued as the town’s main commercial field until the devasting 1994 eruption. Through 1942 and 1943 and early 1944, Rabaul was the central operational center for the Imperial Japanese Navy in the region. It was defended by 110,000 troops and Simpson Harbour was often filled with warships and transports. The main airbase at Lakunai was supported with 5 outlying airfields and the air fleet numbered 100-300 combat aircraft. It was from Rabaul that most the aircraft for the Guadalcanal campaign were flown – 4 hours out before engaging in combat and 4 hours back. It was the home base for the legendary Tainan Air Group which included the singular Saburo Sakai, the charismatic Hiroyoshi Nishizawa, their amiable friend top scoring ace Toshio Ota, and their exceptional squadron commander Junichi Sasai. Over Guadalcanal, Ota and Sasai were killed and Sakai was very seriously wounded. The Allies decided not to seize Rabaul but instead to neutralize it and bypass it. Establishing air and naval bases around the stronghold, from November 1943 they conducted increasingly massive aerial attacks on the harbor and airfields. The IJN warships departed in November after a number were sunk. The Japanese Navy then decided to reinforce the air fleet with planes and experienced pilots from their carriers and then brought in even more planes to establish an effective air defense. But the constant loss of planes and especially the loss of trained pilots threatened to wipe out the Navy’s air wing. Finally in February 1944, the Navy flew the airplanes to Truk and tried to evacuate the highly skilled maintenance staff – whose transport ship was sunk on departure. Without warships or aircraft, and under constant aerial bombardment, “fortress Rabaul” became “prison Rabaul” as the troops could not escape. We can celebrate the courage and skill and sacrifices of the airmen who participated on both sides of this campaign as well as deeply grieve the human tragedy of war. Documentation The flightplan can be found here. We prefer real weather. Aircraft This route runs 485nm. The event asks for fast aircraft and encourages flights in warbirds of the time and place. Some popular choices include: the Grumman F4F Wildcat, Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, Mitsubishi A6M Zero, Lockheed P-38 Lightning, Vought F4U Corsair, and the Grumman F6F Hellcat. (Also welcome would be the “period-adjacent” Hawker Hurricane, Supermarine Spitfire, Republic P-47 Thunderbolt, and North American P-51 Mustang.) Pilots who prefer a more modern flight will need aircraft capable of 240kts fast cruise – say a Daher TBM or Pilatus PC-12 or Beechcraft King Air. Many of these historic aircraft can be difficult to master, and we have little currency in warbirds. But this is a good time to have some fun getting acquainted and reacquainted. I’ll probably start with the F4U and maybe turn to the F6F or the P-38. As ever, fly what you like. Additional Scenery Many but not all of the airports are in the default simulator. (Barakoma, Torokina, Bonis, Tobera, and Lakunai are not in the default simulator and are thus required downloads.) I recommend the following freeware addon airport packages. Thanks to these fine authors for their talent and efforts. Recommended: Seghe [AGGS]. dciskey Munda WWII [AGGM]. Tag21 Gizo WWII [AGGN]. Tag22 Barokoma (Vella Lavella) WWII [AGBA]. TAG21 Mono [AGGO]. bltv Torokina WWII [AGBK]. Tag21 Bonis WWII [ABON]. smwwwin Buka (2024) [AYBK]. Mountainair Tokua Rabaul (2024) [AYTK]. Mountainair Tobera Rabaul WWII [PTO]. smwwwin Lakunai Rabaul WWII [AYRB]. Tag21 You can get the freeware airport package here. The package also includes freeware creations that are difficult to find. Libraries. You may have some of these already. The large “Vintage Aircraft Collector Library V2” provides a number of aircraft for the constructed sceneries. And, despite the huge size, the “WW2 Naval Air Station Midway” is well worth the download for this event. (If you are diskspace constrained, you might download and then wipe it after the flight.) IPDC Vehicles Library. Amarillon IPDC Scenery Objects Library. Amarillon Dave’s 3D People. BadMed Dave’s Seaplane Base Objects Library. BadMed Dave’s Higher-Res Crooked Library. BadMed Animated Human 3D Models Library. superspud Palm Tree Library. ChrisPiAviation Vintage Aircraft Collector Library V2. Totof33120 [788 MB] WW2 Naval Air Station Midway circa 1942. johnnypropeller [1.61 GB! Worth the download for this event.] Time and Weather For takeoff on Saturday, set the simulator at 8:00am local for March 7, 2026. We typically prefer real weather. Multiplayer Particulars Date and time: Saturday, March 7, 2026. 1900 UTC (2000CET, 1400EST, 1100PST) Where: RTWR Multiplayer Discord Channel Microsoft Flight Simulator Multiplayer: South-East Asia server. If you want to help others enjoy the multiplayer experience, don't forget to enter your aircraft details on the multiplayer spreadsheet (linked here). Your courtesy will save others a lot of time and effort. Thanks! [Not relevant here, but note that North American Daylight Savings Time starts on March 8, 2026. European Daylight Savings Time begins March 29, 2026.]

Not much help here. I have not flown the Corsair for a couple of years. Activated it and got into the aircraft in FS2024, starting on the runway (and thus not doing a startup). The RPM and Oil Temperature gauges work (and do seem to work properly) in a quick around the pattern takeoff and landing. I did not test a longer flight. This is the Blackbird (Milviz) FG-1D Corsair v1.2.0_210812 which I originally installed in September 2022. So knowing “it works for me” is not much help other than saying that this particular version does work in FS2024.

Hi @Jack_Sawyer. The A2A guys are pretty much the same team than has held together over the years. And their customer support remains good. I’m surprised to hear a serious complaint – I’ve been monitoring their forums for a number of years: surely they do not satisfy everyone but they typically do respond and try to help. Did you get a chance to post your help request on the A2A forums for Accusim 2.0? Comanche 250 for MSFS and Comanche 250 for MSFS Tech Support. BTW, I did try the 2024 native Comanche and the fueling process works when you use the A2A Comanche tablet application. (I know that “it works for me” doesn’t help much other than indicate that this is not a general bug.) So it may be something subtle for your particular circumstance. (Or maybe a WASM problem that Microsoft may have fixed yesterday?) Best wishes working this out.

NOTAM. 2026-02-16 0340 UTC. If you downloaded the flightplans before 0300 UTC on Monday, 2026-02-16, please download again. The newer flightplans include a few minor tweaks to make the path through the mountains more clear. The basics remain the same. (If necessary or convenient, you can still use the original formulations.)

PNG Eastern Highlands. Missionary Pilots Part 2 For Wednesday, February 18, 2026 Michael MacKuen This morning we continue flying through a southern part of the Eastern Highlands. Again, we visit airstrips that are part of the circuits of several missionary aviation teams, Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF), Ethnos360 Aviation (of Ryan Ferran and Missionary Bush Pilot), Adventist Aviation, and SIL Aviation. This time we fly a circle roughly counter-clockwise east-to-west from Aiyura back to Goroka. Again, this flight features a mixture of Ken Hall’s Highland Bush Strips Pack 3 and Highland Bush Strips Pack 4 (payware at Orbx). Out of Sindeni Another early morning departure takes us to Tarabo [TB], one of the early-days Australian government stations and thus centers of western contact. No longer a remote site, it enjoys a paved road connection to the population centers of PNG. The community is now the location of Tarabo Lutheran High School. A small sweet story: it has benefited from a student project, initiated at the University of Goroka, which built a large water storage and pumping system that serves both the school and the community. We move on to Owena [AYWW] and Aziana [AYLA]. Here is a visitor’s description of his accompanying an Ethnos360 Kodiak pilot’s flights to Aziana (with video of landing and takeoff) and Owena (both landing and takeoff). Both of these strips will be interesting if not fascinating. They are steep and short. Aziana is more difficult (in real life it requires some special training) and thus made optional for either a landing or a low-pass. We then turn to Gema [AYGM] with its increasingly uphill pitch (19%) to a smallish parking area at the top. This strip lies only 4nm east of our previous stop at Simogu. See INSANELY STEEP Mountain Runway Takeoff [Extended Cut]. (Long video. If you have the time, enjoy the villagers’ pride in their runway improvements and in their newly built tourist guest house.) Next we head southeast through the Marawaka Gap and descend to the valley floor for a landing at Marawaka [AYMW]. This is another old Australian station which was for many years known for its tremendous natural beauty. With the subsequent movement away of government offices, the village has lost much of its economic momentum and fallen on hard times. Nevertheless, locals remain optimistic for the future. After landing, we turn back west along the valley to land at Sindeni [AYDY], a fairly busy airstrip with sometimes multiple flights a day. For a flight into the strip, see The Worst Place Ever to Crash a Plane. The village serves as a local center with several schools and a clinic. (For some local sights, see the first 5 minutes of this video.) In addition, the relatively easy 7% sloped runway makes Sindeni a favorite training field for several of the missionary flight organizations. We continue along the valley to land at Boikoa Airstrip [AYOI], an isolated village that relies on aviation (now mostly MAF flights) for access to supplies and medical care. (Here is a 13-year-old grainy film of an Aiyura-based SIL flight into Boikoa for a coffee pickup.) Then a quick flight over the mountains to Simbari [AYQB]. (For a brief look at the airstrip, see the first few minutes of Most Pilots Will Never Fly a Trip Like This.) This was once a very remote valley that was slow to turn away from traditional customs. As late as the mid-20th century the Simbari valley social structure was a strongly reinforced patriarchy. Young boys were separated from their mothers and intimately initiated into manhood and for years kept separate in a special boys accommodation. The implicit aim was to cultivate a strong male warrior class that could succeed in more-or-less continual low-scale warfare with neighboring tribes. At the turn into the 21st century, this culture became more “modern.” Contact with the rest of New Guinea brought schooling, job opportunities, missionary values, commercial coffee agriculture … and the government’s suppression of routine tribal warfare. Nowadays boys and girls grow up together and their differential roles have evolved into something like normal world-standards. (See the original anthropological research summary [open the abstract] and a Wiki update about the valley’s relatively quick modernization.) We fly 34nm west to the Gulf Province’s tropical lowlands and Wabo [AYWB] on the Purari River. Wabo was another of the Australian Patrol stations that is now a PNG government district station with newly developed police and administrative facilities. (The police stations in nearby districts were burnt down by locals.) For several years the airstrip has served as a regional MAF flight center. Wabo is the destination of this Garoka-sourced flight SPECTACULAR Low Level JUNGLE FLIGHT in Papua New Guinea. We turn to the north to reach Haia [AYHA], a regular on the MAF circuit. This is a remote village in the Crater Mountain Wildlife Management area – accessible primarily by air. The village has long been a focal point for missionary work among local tribes. The small airfield is perched on a low ridgeline surrounded by higher terrain that makes for an potentially fascinating circling approach. For the challenge of working out a safe mountainous approach though low-lying scattered clouds, see How to Stay Alive PROCEED WITH CAUTION. We turn north through the Maimafu Gap to land at Mengina Airstrip [AYEG]. And then up through the Tua Valley to Kora [AYOZ]. Next up through the higher hills is Nomane [AYNO]. The Lutheran mission has been there since the 1971. All three airstrips are on the MAF and/or Adventist circuits. Finally, we fly back to the “big city” Goroka [AGYA], landing on Runway 35R to exit to the right onto the General Aviation center. The two northern hangars are operated by Ethnos360 (NTM) Aviation and Adventist Aviation. And at the south end of the GA tarmac is Pacific Helicopters. Documentation The flightplan can be found here. We prefer real weather. Aircraft This route runs 200nm and includes many difficult mountain airports. The event asks for “cargo aircraft” with some STOL capability. Some popular choices include: the Brittan-Norman Islander, Cessna C185, Cessna Caravan, Daher Kodiak, DHC-6 Twin Otter, PAC 750, and Pilatus PC-6. (The DHC-4 Caribou should work but it may be too large for this mission.) I shall probably take the Blackbird-Milviz PC-6. As ever, fly what you like. Additional Scenery Most of the airports are in the default simulator. However, we want to use Ken Hall’s Highland Bush Strips Pack 3 and Highland Bush Strips Pack 4 (payware at Orbx) to enhance the experience. (You want both packages for Part 2, this week. This will be a mix of both packages as in Part 1, two weeks ago.) In addition, I recommend the following freeware addon airport packages. Thanks to these fine authors for their talent and efforts. Recommended: Aiyura [AYAY]. SkyborneVisions (from a previous flight) Owena [AYWW]. Photosbykev Aziana [AYLA]. Photosbykev Wabo [AYWB]. ardeef Goroka [AYGA]. FPASC52 (from a previous flight) You can get the freeware package here, and an extra package here. The packages also include freeware airports that are difficult to find. (The “extra” package includes freeware for Gemi [AYGM] by Photosbykev and Sindeni [AYDY] by Milosanx – useful for those not purchasing the Ken Hall payware packages.) Time and Weather For takeoff on Wednesday, set the simulator at 7:00am local for February 18, 2026. We typically prefer real weather. Multiplayer Particulars Date and time: Wednesday, February 18, 2026. 1900 UTC (2000CET, 1400EST, 1100PST) Where: RTWR Multiplayer Discord Channel Microsoft Flight Simulator Multiplayer: South-East Asia server. If you want to help others enjoy the multiplayer experience, don't forget to enter your aircraft details on the multiplayer spreadsheet (linked here). Your courtesy will save others a lot of time and effort. Thanks!

From the 1984 film Amadeus: Emperor Joseph II: My dear young man, don't take it too hard. Your work is ingenious. It's quality work. And there are simply too many notes, that's all. Just cut a few and it will be perfect. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Which few did you have in mind, Majesty?

This looks to be great fun. The Oregon coast has to be one of the most beautiful drives of a lifetime. BTW. The included flightplan had too many waypoints for my TDS GTN750. Attached here is a “thinned-out” TDS flightplan that has fewer waypoints. The substitute does not provide the same close guidance for following the 101…doing so is left as a training exercise for the individual pilot. 😉

PNG Eastern Highlands. Missionary Pilots Part 1 For Wednesday, February 4, 2026 Michael MacKuen This morning we fly through a southern part of the Eastern Highlands. In particular, we shall visit several airstrips that were featured in Ryan Ferran’s Missionary Bush Pilot video website. We depart from Goroka and fly to a dozen mountain airstrips before ending our day at Aiyura. This flight and the next in the sequence will feature a mixture of Ken Hall’s Highland Bush Strips Pack 3 and Highland Bush Strips Pack 4 (payware at Orbx). Simogu today is a Porter Palace Early in the morning we depart the aviation center at Goroka [AYGK]. The first stop is Aibai [AIBA], a high altitude (6,725) short strip with a steep runway perched on an 80ft cliff and backstopped by an imposing mountain ridge. The site’s terrain is famous for its gusty swirling winds with turbulent downdrafts and thus for cancelled missions. See Ryan Farran’s My most stressful landing. And for more my kryptonite. “This place is always a lot of work.” Next through the mountains to Guwasa [AYGW] with its curvy approach, and then Herowena [AYHX] and Gimi [AYGD]. And a bit further is Simogu [AYQM], another tricky approach, which is the subject of multiple Missionary Pilots videos. See Stressful Landing on a Muddy Mountain Airstrip and/or Unexpected Life Saving Medevac Flight. Heading south over high ground and into the Vailala Valley we visit a small cluster of strips: Asinuwa [AYKX], Usarampia [AYUX], and Ande [AYAD]. For a detailed rendition of Ryan Farran’s first flight to Ande, see White-Knuckle 1st Landing on Cliffside Airstrip [Extended Cut]. (Each video is entertaining and informative on its own right. For most videos, if you want to focus on the approach/landing you might fast forward to near the end.) Then east passing Marawaka Station and over the ridgeline [9000] before landing at the mountain airstrip Engati [AYEN]. We circle to the north to land at Imane [AYII] in a beautiful valley setting. The village was once completely isolated but it has recently received real government attention – including an official Health Center and initial funding and construction for a road link to the outside world. We fly over the impressive ridgelines of Mount Piora (11,555ft) to land at the high mountain airstrips Wuyabo [AYBY] and Habina [AYHN]. Finally we travel 21nm to Aiyura Airport [AYAY]. (For the Aiyura approach part of a Missionary Bush Pilot video, see here.) The Aiyura Valley hosts two national schools (competitive admission for all PNG students), the Professor Schindler Primary School and the Aiyura National High School. The Aiyura Agricultural Research Station is 90 years old. The airport is a center for missionary aviation and supports an aircraft maintenance school. And nearby Ukarumpa sites missionary housing and services, including the Summer Institute of Linguistics, an organization (part of JAARS) that conducts linguistic research and creates Bible translations for local languages. Documentation The flightplan can be found here. We prefer real weather. Aircraft This route runs 190nm and includes many difficult mountain airports. The event asks for “cargo aircraft” with some STOL capability. Some popular choices include: the Brittan-Norman Islander, Cessna C185, Cessna Caravan, Daher Kodiak, DHC-6 Twin Otter, PAC 750, and Pilatus PC-6. (The DHC-4 Caribou should work but it may be too large for this mission.) I shall probably take the Blackbird-Milviz PC-6. As ever, fly what you like. Additional Scenery Most of the airports are in the default simulator. However, we want to use Ken Hall’s Highland Bush Strips Pack 3 and Highland Bush Strips Pack 4 (payware at Orbx) to enhance the experience. (You want both packages for Part 1, this week. And then both packages for Part 2, later.) In addition, I recommend the following freeware addon airport packages. Thanks to these fine authors for their talent and efforts. Recommended: Goroka [AYGA]. FPASC52 (from a previous flight) Aibai [ABAI]. Milosanx (required) (hint: toggle grass off when in use) Habina [AYHN]. NightIntruder (optional, see below) Aiyura [AYAY]. SkyborneVisions You can get the freeware package here. The Habina scenery is plagued by a stray procedurally-generated tree near the threshold of Rwy 18. This is safe enough if you don’t wander to the right on the landing…but in reality it is not there. If the unrealistic tree is worrisome, use the default scenery which is bland but safe. Time and Weather For takeoff on Wednesday, set the simulator at 7:00am local for February 4, 2026. We typically prefer real weather. Multiplayer Particulars Date and time: Wednesday, February 4, 2026. 1900 UTC Where: RTWR Multiplayer Discord Channel Microsoft Flight Simulator Multiplayer: United States East server. If you want to help others enjoy the multiplayer experience, don't forget to enter your aircraft details on the multiplayer spreadsheet (linked here). Your courtesy will save others a lot of time and effort. Thanks!

PNG Eastern Highlands. Airplane Coffee and Mt Wilhelm For Saturday, January 24, 2026 Michael MacKuen This morning we shall visit parts of Papua New Guinea’s Central and Eastern Highlands. From Mount Hagen, the capital of the Highlands, we visit villages in the Simbai region, the home of Balus Kopi or “Airplane Coffee.” And then we travel southeast to circle and then surmount Mt Wilhelm before descending to the Bundi District and then Goroka. Morning Airplane Coffee in Dusin With the early morning light we depart the busy commercial airport Mount Hagen [AYMH] to cross over high ridges before landing at Simbai [AYSJ]. It was from the Simbai Valley that missionary pilots started flying locally grown highland coffee beans to Mount Hagen for shipment abroad. This commercial enterprise differs from the subsistence mentality of the highlands’ dominant “traditional” lifestyle. And the success of Simbai farmers has spread into other valleys in the region. Family farmers grow their coffee on hillside gardens, taking advantage of the fertile volcanic soil and a helpful climate. They then harvest and hand wash their beans and carry sacks on highland trails for perhaps a day’s journey to the local airstrip. The harvest is stored until enough farmers’ coffee has arrived to pay for an airplane. Having access to air transport has proved critical because it would be impractical for these small farmers to transport their product over land to access the international markets on which they rely. Smallholder coffee (from around the country) is the nation’s second export and is especially important because in the coffee regions the production, harvesting, and transportation touch as many as half of all rural people. [More on Simbai coffee here and more on cultural economics here.] The remote Simbai area has a special attraction for visitors as this is the home of the Kalam tribe. The people live in traditional small villages with strong patriarchal families. From a photographers’ viewpoint, the Kalam are known for their elaborate headdresses, typically a meter in height with a crown made from the heads of thousands of emerald green beetles. (For an informative visitor report, see here) After a moment, we begin to visit five small villages in the surrounding hillsides. Our first stop is Dusin [AYDS] which has developed close contact with the outside world. The village houses a missionary lodge and has just begun the operation of a missionary medical clinic. We then visit a number of mountain airstrips which may engage and entertain our pilots: Yomneri [AYJE], Kinainj [AYKJ], Bank [AYBJ], and Kombaku [AYOU]. Then southeast along the ridges of the Bismark Range to Ambaluwa [AYMI], a strip near the Amballua Catholic Mission. Mt Wilhelm, the highest mountain in Papua New Guinea, stands just to the southeast. Amballua is a possible starting point for climbing the mountain, but the very rough forest and terrain make for a difficult four day event. The more popular route lies on the other side of the mountain, as we shall see. Climbing and then descending, we fly south to Chimbu Airport [AYCH] in the major town of Kundiawa (12,000). This is the only commercial center in the region – it is the locus of all activity outside of farming and traditional lifestyles. It has shops, restaurants, hotels, a technical vocational school, a nursing college, a hospital … and a computer repair shop. From here we fly up to Keglsugl Airstrip [AYLG] – halfway up the mountain at 8,389ft. This is the ideal launching point for people seeking to climb up Mt Wilhelm. (Normally, people travel by the poorly maintained road often frequented by local bandits. In recent years, the road has been rebuilt by Chinese funded men and equipment.) Just above the airstrip is Betty’s Place, an informal lodge founded by an ex-airline stewardess. She and her family have made a great success with a stream of highly pleased clients stopping here on the way up and down the mountain – the family has opened a new building with 12 additional rooms. Betty Higgins has now become world famous. We take off and circle to climb to the top of Mt Wilhelm (14,793ft), passing on the way up the beautiful twin glacial Lakes Piunde and Aunde. Typically, climbers will spend the night at the lakes and start again at 1:00am to reach the summit at dawn. (The chances of a clear view are greatest at sunrise.) After circling the peak, we descend to land at Bundi Station [AYDI]. Then over the ridgeline to Goroka [AYGA], an important large town (23,000) and a center for local aviation. Along the way we pass over the Asaro Valley, the “home” of the Asaro Mudmen. The legend is that the local tribesmen fled a nighttime invasion, jumped into the river, and coated themselves with white clay and mud masks. Their ghostly appearance terrified the invaders who ran away. The truth seems to be that a local village donned mud masks as part of a 1957 sing-sing contest in Goroka. After winning, they capitalized on their success by developing the “Asaro Mudmen” guise and accepting the newly devised backstory of their apparel. Goroka now hosts a wildly successful annual cultural festival which brings over 100 tribes together for sing-sings of traditional music, costumes, and dancing. The Asaro Mudmen are the stars of the show. We land on Goroka airport’s Runway 35R for quick access to the general aviation base halfway up the runway on the east side of the field. Here we can find missionary and transport pilots who practice their essential craft in this region – two years ago we might have seen Ryan Farran, of Missionary Bush Pilot fame. (The passenger terminal is further north.) We shall enjoy the company of our fellow pilots. Documentation The flightplan can be found here. We prefer real weather. Aircraft This route runs 180nm and includes many difficult mountain airports. The event asks for “cargo aircraft” with some STOL capability. Some popular choices include: the Brittan-Norman Islander, Cessna C185, Cessna Caravan, Daher Kodiak, DHC-6 Twin Otter, and Pilatus PC-6. (The DHC-4 Caribou should work but it may be too large for this mission.) I shall probably take the Blackbird-Milviz PC-6. As ever, fly what you like. Additional Scenery Most of the airports are in the default simulator. However, we want to use the excellent Orbx payware by Ken Hall: Highland Bush Strips Pack 5 to enhance the experience. In addition, I recommend the following freeware addon airport packages. Thanks to these fine authors for their talent and efforts. Recommended: Mount Hagen [AYMH]. HaveDoughnut Keglsugl [AYLG, KEG]. darshonaut Goroka [AYGA]. FPASC52 You can get the freeware package here. (Included here are some that are parts of larger packages or difficult to find.) Time and Weather For takeoff on Saturday, set the simulator at 7:00am local for January 24, 2026. We typically prefer real weather. Multiplayer Particulars Date and time: Saturday, January 24, 2026. 1800 UTC Where: RTWR Multiplayer Discord Channel Microsoft Flight Simulator Multiplayer: United States East server. If you want to help others enjoy the multiplayer experience, don't forget to enter your aircraft details on the multiplayer spreadsheet (linked here). Your courtesy will save others a lot of time and effort. Thanks!

South Africa. Karoo Feathers, a Garden Trek and the Perfect Wave For Saturday, January 10, 2026 Michael MacKuen This afternoon we shall continue our flights over South Africa. Today we shall turn inland to visit the Great and Little Karoos, before returning to the Indian Ocean to follow the coast along the beautiful Garden Route and finish at the surfers’ haven Jeffrey’s Bay. Over the Little Karoo We depart from Overberg AFB [FAOB] to cross the nation’s wheatbelt to Swellendam [FASX], an historic Dutch and then British administrative center (and fifth oldest town in South Africa). This is a wealthy agricultural region. And just south of the airport lies the Bontebok National Park that helped preserve the Bontebok (an endangered antelope). Then northwest to the Robertson Valley which has experienced success over several phases: the wagon-building industry collapsed with the arrival of the railroads and the ostrich industry collapsed after the turn into the 20th century. Farmers turned to wine and fruit and later to racehorse stud farms. We land at Robertson Airfield [FARS] which hosts the Western Province Sport Parachute Club, founded in 1972 and now the oldest skydiving club in South Africa. A short 12nm flight along the scenic Route 62 through the mountains to the east brings us to the grass strip at Montagu [FAMQ] long known for its hot mineral springs and dramatic landscape. The local hills provide hiking trails and rock climbing challenges. We fly east into the Klein (Little) Karoo, the arid semi-desert plain between parallel mountain ranges, the Langeberg to the south and the Swartberg to the north. This is dry country with a harsh beauty of its own. Only the northern strip of the valley, watered by the Swartberg mountain streams, is conducive to agriculture. We land at one of these farm towns Ladismith [FAOS] with 7,000 residents. After a few minutes, we climb to cross the Swartberg Range to reach the much larger Great Karoo – whose dry plain reaches far north and east. We land at Prince Albert [FAPC] at the southern edge of the Great Karoo, nestled at the foot of the mountains and bordered by orchards and vineyards. In the 1990s the small town experienced a boom with the arrival of private art galleries and a relatively large community of artists and wealthy retirees … now calling itself the “Franschhoek of the Karoo.” Then south to climb over the immersive Swartberg Pass [SWP] to history-rich Oudtshoorn {oat suwan} [FAOH]. One animal species especially well-suited to this land of dry weather and plentiful water is the ostrich. In the 1860s local farmers successfully domesticated the ostrich for its magnificent feathers, then in high demand worldwide as a fashion item. With two distinct booms, Oudtshoorn became a fabulously wealthy town when ostrich feathers were worth their weight in diamonds. The “feather barons” became rich and built most of Oudtshoorn’s opulent “feather palaces” on the west bank of the river. The boom ended with the post 1914 decline in the market for fashionable feathers. Yet the town nevertheless continues to be the center of the world’s active ostrich industry – hosting a number of specialized ostrich-breeding farms. Perhaps a good spot for a sandwich. The Oudtshoorn airport hosts the Test Flying Academy of South Africa (TFASA) which advertises expertise in high performance aircraft – odd for a remote rural airfield. More interesting, the company has been sanctioned by the US with implications that it has trained Chinese pilots in procedures and techniques rooted in NATO practices. See here and here. Perhaps more than meets the eye. We head south over the Outenigua Mountains to the Indian Ocean. The Outenigua Pass [OTN] is one of the few ways to travel by road into the Little Karoo. As we fly over, we see the spectacular setting for the current highway. And the nineteenth century gravel road through the Montagu Pass, on the eastern side, was an even more stunning sight in its time. We land at George [FAGG], the largest city in the region. For nearly two hundred years, George was a center for the timber industry that harvested the great forests of the Southern Cape. In the last half-century, it has turned to commerce and banking and, especially, tourism. We turn east to fly over the Garden Route, a beautiful journey through dense indigenous forests with plenty of hills, cliffsides, lagoons, beaches, and interesting stops along the coast. We fly over the Lake District and turn at the lagoon city Knysna [NYSA] to land at Plettenberg [FAPG]. Then further along the sand beaches and rugged coast, we pass over Nature Valley [NV], a beautiful bay cut into the hillsides. (The Otter Trail, a five-day hike along the steep cliff-lined coast from Storms River to Nature Valley, is so popular that one has to book a slot years in advance.) Continuing, we immediately set up for an adrenaline moment. The Bloukrans Bridge [BUNG] hosts the world’s highest bridge bungee jump at 216m. This is an opportunity to take a close look at the under-bridge location or at least see where visitors plunge downward while tied to a bungee cord. Then further east to take a look at the equally impressive Storms River Bridge [STRM]. (This is also a candidate for a fly-under but the margin for error is smaller.) By conventional definition, the Storms River is the end of the Garden Route. If we have extra time, we can do a touch-and-go at Tsitsikamma Fly Airport [FATK], an entertaining cliffside grass strip. We continue on along the coast to the surf of Cape St Francis [CSF], and land at nearby St Francis Field [FACF]. After a moment, we continue northeast then turn back near the super tubes of Jeffreys Bay [JBAY] to land at the small airport at Paradise Beach [FAPX]. This is a legendary spot in the surfing world. Cape St Francis was tipped to host the world’s “perfect wave” in Bruce Brown’s 1966 film Endless Summer (worth a look at this restored historic clip). Surfers came and discovered a better more consistent wave at nearby Jeffrey’s Bay which has now become legendary for its long, fast, right-hand point break considered by many to be the best in the world. Here are some surfers, visiting from the US, taking advantage of 8-foot waves at Jeffrey’s Bay. After our flight, we can head for the beach to emulate J-Bay’s better rides ... or simply put our feet up and sip a beer or two. Documentation The flightplan can be found here. (Additionally, find a weather preset “Jeffreys Bay.WPR”. High Clouds with a brisk breeze from the southwest – good for the last leg.) Aircraft This route runs 390nm and indicates a “fast cruise” of at least 180ktas. Many general aviation fast singles and light twins will do nicely. The Cessna 310R, Cessna 404/414, Beech Bonanza (TC), Beech Baron, Beech Duke, Beech C90, Piper Aerostar, TBM 850/930 and so forth. I shall probably take the A2A Aerostar. As ever, fly what you like. Additional Scenery All the airports are in the default simulator. I recommend the following addon airport packages but they are not necessary. (These small downloads provide helpful upgrades to otherwise bare-bones airports. The bridges are for fun.) Thanks to these fine authors for their talent and efforts. Recommended: Overberg AB [FAOB]. Jacques Botha (from previous flight) Swellendam [FASX]. Jacques Botha Kapstadt Runde Cape Town Region [FACG FAEG FAMQ and FAOS]. Darshonaut Robertson [FARS]. Carel van Hernert (SkyyStorm) Oudtshoorn [FAOH]. Jacques Botha George [FAGG]. JLR29 Plettenberg Bay [FAPG]. Jacques Botha Jeffreys Bay Paradise Beach [FAPX]. Jacques Botha Bloukrans Bridge. Pinepix Storms River (Paul Sauer) Bridge. Pinepix You can get a full package here. (Note that you may have downloaded these sceneries in the past. But please take a look as many of them have been updated in the last year or two. In addition, some sceneries that are otherwise difficult to get will be included in the package.) Time and Weather For takeoff on Saturday, set the simulator at 3:00pm local for January 10, 2026. We typically prefer real weather. Multiplayer Particulars Date and time: Saturday, January 10, 2026. 1800 UTC Where: RTWR Multiplayer Discord Channel Microsoft Flight Simulator Multiplayer: United States East server. If you want to help others enjoy the multiplayer experience, don't forget to enter your aircraft details on the multiplayer spreadsheet (linked here). Your courtesy will save others a lot of time and effort. Thanks!

NOTAM. I have tweaked the flight plan around FANZ to point at the dirt strip. If you downloaded the flight plan before 1830UTC on 2025-12-30, then you might download the flight plan again.

South Africa. Wine, Whales and a Dangerous Cape For Wednesday, December 31, 2025 Michael MacKuen This is a sightseeing flight in GA aircraft. We aim to enjoy one of the world's most beautiful urban regions. Departing from Cape Town International, the route takes us first over the nation’s oldest city and legislative capital and then through the Cape Winelands to the east, before visiting the Whale-watching coast and the dramatic convergence of two oceans at Cape Agulhus. At Cape Town International [FACT], we begin our flight at the FBO for Signature Aviation Cape Town (parking Gates 149-150 in the interior General Aviation section at midfield) or simply congregate at the appropriate departure runway. We fly west toward Table Mountain and Cape Town itself. This was the region’s first European outpost founded as a Dutch mariners’ way-station in the 17th century. The British gained control after the Napoleonic Wars and made the city the capital of the newly formed Cape Colony. After the Boer Wars established the united South Africa, merging the Dutch and English regions, Cape Town became the legislative capital of the new colony (sharing executive and judicial power with the Boer cities of Pretoria and Bloemfontein). Cape Town is a beautiful city that combines historic sites with modern buildings and neighborhoods. It has earned widespread recognition as an attractive destination for visitors. Flying over the city we can note the early Dutch fortress the Castle of Good Hope [GHOPE] and the nineteenth century Parliament Buildings [PARL] and St Georges Cathedral. At Green Point and the new rugby-football DHL Stadium [DHL], we turn to fly over the region’s largest port. We land at Ysterplaat Air Force Base [FAYP]. The 100-year-old airfield was long the center of the South African Air Force's maritime patrols along the Atlantic (think Avro Shackletons and now helicopters). While threatened by budget restrictions, the base continues in operation. The SAAF Museum remains at Ysterplaat and hosts Saturday morning tours. We depart for Cape Winelands Airport [FAWN]. This facility was formerly Fisantekraal AFB and is now a favorite flight school training airfield in the Cape Town area. (The current owners are actively planning an expansion to become the region’s second international airport.) After a brief stop we hop northward over more recently developed wine country to visit Wintervogel [FAOA], a private farm airfield that offers flight training, picnic spots, and hosts microlight events. Then a jag to the east for quick stop at Morale Coffee To Go [FANZ], a popular coffee stop on R44 which serves drivers, bikers, and occasional flyers. (The airstrip is on the west side of the highway and the coffee is on south end of the strip on the east side. A short walk or taxi on the dirt.) A cup of Java. Then a longer look at Diemerskraal Airfield [FADI]. This is a farmstead in the northern Winelands with accommodations for organized festivities, including weddings. If you want to step out of a flying airplane, skydiving is available here. And the friendly folks at Whip-Air Aviation are willing to service our aircraft. The farm owners are very much into aviation. We head south over Paarl [PAARL] which, with 295,000 people, is the second largest city in the region. This is the commercial capital of the Cape Winelands and the headquarters of the area's major wine and fruit companies. Just to the west lies Paarl Rock, a huge granite formation which is sometimes compared with Australia's Uluru for its dramatic prominence. (This is now a Mecca for rock climbers. For many years it was ignored as the sheer faces proved impossible for casual climbers. With modern techniques, the difficult, dangerous, and beautiful routes now attract the best climbers of today.) Turning east, we follow the N1 highway which ultimately leads to Johannesburg. We climb over the Drakenstein Range (under which runs the Huguenot Tunnel) through the Du Toitskloof Pass and then on to Worcester Airfield [FAWC]. Surrounded by mountains, the local area became famous for its orchards and vineyards, and especially for its brandy. The airfield hosts both the Worcester Flying Club and the Cape Gliding Club (in action here). Turning South, we skirt the massive Stettyn's mountain range to reach the Threewaterskloof dam and reservoir [3WATR]. The Western Cape water supply system depends primarily on rainfall and the Threewaterskloof is the key to its success. It was the severe lack of rain in 2017-2018 and reservoir's drop to critical levels that caused the dangerous water shortages of that summer. While saved by rainfall, it took two years of heavy rainfall to replenish the reservoir. The danger became apparent. Curling back northwest, we cross over the Hottentots Holland mountains into Franschhoek [FRANK] (the French Corner), the valley into which 200 Huguenots fled religious persecution in the late seventeenth century. The French families established farms and then vineyards. In the last thirty years, this once sleepy valley has boomed to become the "food and wine capital" of South Africa. We land at Stellenbosch [FASH]. This was the second "city" of South Africa and after its seventeenth century founding it soon became the first home of the South African wine industry. It remains a primary center for viticulture and viticulture research. The Mediterranean climate and range of light sandy soils prove ideal for the cultivation of interesting fine wines. And the historic Stellenbosch wine route offers 150 tasting rooms in its role as a successful wine tourism magnet. The Stellenbosch Flying Club has fostered local training and private aviation. In fact, its bar and restaurant have become a regional favorite. (You can see the facility at midfield.) A good spot for Saturday morning fly-in breakfast. Then south to the beaches of False Bay and east over Sir Lowry’s Pass [LOWRY]. Now a four land cantilevered superhighway, this was once a formidable ox-cart-breaking track. We then fly over the rich agricultural countryside of the Overberg region. The landscape is dominated by gently undulating hills enclosed by mountains and the ocean. We land at Caledon Airfield [FACG], a large well-groomed dirt field perched on a hilltop two miles south of the prosperous town center. (Note the African Wings facility that will be happy to take you on a whale-watching flight!) We depart to the south over the Babilonstoring Mountains to the southern coast and beautiful Hermanus [HERM]. This old village has become a very successful beach town that now attracts wealthy retirees and tourists year round. The region’s calling card is its reputation as “The Whale Coast” – where visitors can watch the Southern Right whale from planes, from boats, from the cliff-tops, and often directly from the city’s waterfront. The city employs the world’s only professional whale crier: since 1992 three people have held the job of watching the scene and sounding his kelp horn when whales have been sighted. Hermanus hosts the annual Whale Festival every September. We proceed along Walker Bay to Gansbaai {hawns bye} [GBAI] – the Great White Shark capital of the world. Visitors come from around the world to “cage dive” with the great whites in the waters of “Shark Alley” [SHARK] to the east of the harbor. This may be South Africa’s most popular tourist attraction outside of Kruger National Park. You might view this closeup look. Sadly, for all but the local seals, the great whites are being predated by a resurgence of Orcas. We land at the nearby whale-watching airfield at Pearly Beach [FAIJ]. And then along the coast where we see the Buffeljagsbaai Abalone Farm [ABALO] whose aquaculture exports 400 tons of Abalone to the East Asian markets each year. Subsequently we reach the Southern Tip of Africa [STP] and Cape Agulhas [AGUL]. (The southernmost point is a kilometer west of Cape Agulhas itself.) The Portuguese provided the name “Cape of the Needles” because here the magnetic north needles aligned with true north. More significantly, this is the point at which the Indian Ocean meets the Atlantic Ocean. Dramatically, this is where the warm Agulhas Current comes down Africa’s East Coast to meet the frigid cold Antarctic currents from the west. (The Agulhas Current retroflects to the east.) The result can be high winds, storms, and treacherous currents that have claimed more than 2,000 shipwrecks. We can take a low pass over Struisbaai, the small fishing village whose natives live a traditional life with fishermen setting out from the harbor in the morning and returning with their catch in the evening. Of course, there is also a fair sprinkling of tourist developments around the periphery. We make a quick stop at the small private Andrew’s Field [FAAF], operated by a Struisbaai friend of Andrew’s. Our final destination is Overberg Air Base [FAOB]. This is a SAAF air base that serves as a weapons research facility for both South Africa and other nations. The Denel Overberg Test Range, just south of the airfield, typically tests the capacities of delivery systems rather than the warheads. Landing permission has been obtained and we are to park at the public area near the tower (at parking places 4, 5, & 6) and wait for security to show us the way. Documentation The flightplan can be found here. Aircraft The route is 280nm. We shall enjoy GA aircraft with modest speeds, say of 150-170kts. Favorites might include a Beech Bonanza, Cessna 182, Cessna Caravan, Piaggio P.149, Piper Comanche, and Vans RV-14. Of course, you should fly whatever you like. I shall take the Black Square Bonanza in the colors of N70TB. Additional Scenery All sceneries are in the default simulator. To enhance the experience, I would recommend the following freeware sceneries. Thanks to these fine authors. Cape Town International [FACT]. Chak991 Ysterplaat AFB [FAYP]. JLR29 Wintervogel [FAOA]. Jacques Botha Onverwacht Farm. Morale Coffee to Go [FANZ]. Jacques Botha Diemerskraal Wellington [FAOC]. Jacques Botha Stellenbosch [FASH]. Jacques Botha Kapstadt Runde Cape Town Region [FACG and FAOS]. darshonaut Hermanus Pearly Beach [FAIJ]. PieFly Struisbaii Andews Field [FAAF]. Jacques Botha Overberg AB [FAOB]. Jacques Botha You can get a full package here. (Note that you may have downloaded these sceneries in the past. But please take a look as many of them have been updated in the last year or two. In addition, some sceneries that are otherwise difficult to get will be included in the package.) Time and Weather For takeoff on Saturday, set the simulator at 11:00 am local for December 31, 2025. We typically prefer real weather. Multiplayer Particulars Date and time: Wednesday, December 31, 2025. 1800 UTC Where: RTWR Multiplayer Discord Channel Microsoft Flight Simulator Multiplayer: United States East server. If you want to help others enjoy the multiplayer experience, don't forget to enter your aircraft details on the multiplayer spreadsheet (linked here). Your courtesy will save others a lot of time and effort. Thanks!

@pinepix62 If you are having trouble with the Orbx-supplied SWS PC-12 (Legacy) and the TDS GTN750, then you might try this process. Note that you normally need to extract a separate avionics folder for the TDS GTN750 from the installed PC-12 “TDS GTN” and place that separate avionics folder in the community folder. If that does not work for you (and it did not for me after SU4), you want to go the SWS website for the PC-12 (here) and scroll down and click on “Free Extras”. Then click on “Free Panel mods” to download a compressed file “20251101_SWS_PC12_PanelMods.zip”. You can extract the separate avionics folder “TDS GTN” and place it in your community folder. (This added step simply substitutes the latest SWS-supplied avionics folder for the Orbx-supplied avionics folder.) I should say that normally everything works well for many people. (And it worked well for me before SU4.) This extra suggestion reflects my having to debug the problem and come up with a weird solution. It may not work for you, so please keep backups and treat this sequence as an experimental work-around.

PC12 drivers should check for very recent update to solve electrical systems problems.

Eye-candy aficionados might like RJOS-Tokushima and RJOT-Takamatsu by KADO and hosted at Flightsim.to. They get good user ratings. The author certifies these only for FS2020, but users say they work well in FS2024. My quick experimental visits were fine. Of course, the normal cautions about FS2020 content in FS2024 apply.