Flight Log
Day 181 - The trees are too damn high
If you can beat 'em, than accept defeat. The trees did a number on Carbon tonight. He decided to stay up way past the stream and get those damn trees figured out. We ended on another sloped community runway that is far too steep to even imagine flying into. We're off for more sight seeing on day 182 so we can pass through some more challenging terrain.
Day 180 - Where were you
The airstrips in PNG are packed together so closely that the workload as a pilot is very high. We're targeting touchdowns on some of the toughest, most remote places in the world. I suspect that if you missed todays flight you may want to revisit it as there were some very challenging communities to get to. We're not even close to being done.
Day 179 - Tough luck
We're back in the thick of it now. PNG is not for the faint hearted. The workload we are feeling each day here is expected to continue for some time. So many airstrips and so little time. We'll be leaving Port Moresby on our way deep into the PNG jungle.
Day 178 - The PNG Challenge
We're not in Kansas anymore. We're on the doorstep of the PNG jungle and fighting furiously to stay on top of the terrain. With lots of stops and new machines we have found our hands are full. Now on our way to Port Moresby.
Day 177 - A hint of New
We've made it to the outskirts of PNG. Spending the night in Daru will be just the start of the culture shock we are about to face. As we swap aircraft for more capable machines we have to be cautious and aware of the dangers this country will bring. Keep and eye out for one another and fly safe.
Day 176 - Great Barrier Reef
on our last day in Australia we finally saw a small glimpse of the great barrier reef. Other than some windy conditions the flight was great. We made it safely to Hicks Island where we will launch our departure flight out of Australia and onto the doorstep of Papua New Guinea.
Day 175 - Lizards in my bed
We've arrived on lizard island. We've spent far too much time here. Mark refuses to we're shorts in the pool and we're concerned with the amount of sunburn Super is suffering from. Our final day in Australia is next before making our hop over to PNG.
Day 174 - Slam Dunk (DRUNK) ISLAND
Yet another flight north on our way out of Australia. We've made it to Dunk Island where the crew are all passed out on the beach with the worst sunburns possible.
Day 173 - SHUTE me in the foot
Made it Shute Harbour today. Good weather, good winds and a whole bunch of seaweed stuck on our axles. We've been lucky so far as we move north. It looks like it may be another few flights yet before we finally make it to the doorstep of Papua New Guinea. But it's getting really close. We're cued up at Shut Harbour for Day 174 as we make our way to Dunk Island.
Day 172 - Aussie Mullet
More scenic shore flying today as we get another couple hundred miles up the east coast of Australia. We're settled in at Samuel Hill for the night.
Day 171 - hello Sunshine
We've made it into Hervey Bay. Winds were a bit rough this afternoon, but nothing these old bush leaguers can't handle. Australia is vanishing quickly. As the miles continue we are ever closer to PNG and the mass of bent metal to come.
Day 170 - 'tis but a scratch
I think we can safely say that we are only barely scratching the surface of what Australia has to offer. We're on our push further north. Today we made it to Gold Coast. So many spectacular places to see and so many more to come. Let's keep the laser focus and get to PNG folks.
Day 169 - Too much to see
There really is so much more we could explore in Australia. We've barely scratched the surface even with the thousands of miles behind us. We made it to Port Macquarie easily. The weather over here has been kind to us, especially after the weather we faced in New Zealand recently. We're getting further north with every flight on course for PNG soon!
Day 168 - Goodbye kiwis
Our final day in New Zealand. Bitter sweet, but we did get to see a nice sample of the north and south islands. Our repositioning flight to Sydney is done and we're geared up to finish off the flight around Australia. Many more adventures ahead for these legends.
Day 167 - Dingle berries
Day 167 was a pretty spectacular flight with regards to terrain. It varied so much over the two hundred miles we travelled. We're tucked away in Dingleburn Station for the day and will finish off our flight series in New Zealand before returning to the east coast of Australia.
Day 166 - Heli of a landing
The gang had an easy day of flying into Invercargill. It was pretty relaxed and not too many repairs to do after today. We had a quick offshore exploration of Stewart Island, then decided to try helipad landing on a ship just south of our destination. Not a great idea.
Day 165 - Old Priest, Young Priest
Carbon was responsible for the stream on Day 165. The first 40+ minutes was a nightmare audio issue as we barreled past some of the stops. Eventually things calmed down and we made it to Quintin Lodge. Tucked deep in the mountains it was not an easy arrival. But we did make it in time for supper.
Day 164 - Bring the pain
What a flight! Flying through mountain passes and across glaciers; it was meant to be a scenic flight. Instead it turned into nightmare fuel. Low visibility plagued our day with rain, high winds and severe turbulence. not everyone got away unscathed. We've bent enough metal for one day. Time for a rest!
Day 163 - Mountain MOMMA
We're definitely getting into the good New Zealand scenery. We had a better day wind wise so that was a plus. We're hanging out at the north end of Lake Tekapo. Ready to start our run through some of the most rugged terrain the southern island has to offer. Strap some skis on and lets get going!
Day 162 - take me home country road
After a long unplanned break we made it to the southern island in New Zealand. The terrain is becoming more challenging by the day and we are about to start exploring some of the most amazing parts of this country. We're hanging out in Nelson Lakes now and enjoying the surrounding view.
Day 161 - Take it on down to Wellywood
I wish the weather had been better. High winds caused us to miss many of the more challenging landing spots on our way to Wellington. We're now posted at the southern end of the north island in New Zealand. Next we will be making the hop to the south island as we start exploring more mountainous terrain.
Day 160 - Sometimes you just have to stop trying
It was another beautiful day on the Northern island. We had the opportunity to fly into Hobbiton, land on two seperate volcanic peaks and see Hells Gate steam vents in Rotorua. We're camping out tonight but for Day 161 well be back in luxury as we arrive in Wellington.
Day 159 - coasting
Other than the wind and a few clouds the flight was great. Scenic views as we made our way down the west coast of New Zealand's north island. We're positioned in Raglan for a few days and then off to see some pretty cool spots inland. Get some rest because there is still lots to see.
Day 158 - Packin'
Weather was really pretty good today leaving Auckland. Made our way up to the northwest for a stop in Kaitaia. We visited a couple of off airport spots to keep the guys on their toes. We'll be planning to head south past Auckland as we continue to explore New Zealand.
Day 157 - I’m chockers
Canberra to Sydney was a nice flight. Plenty of mountainous terrain and great airports. After we tucked out airplanes away a chartered An225 picked up out aircraft for a flight across the open ocean to Auckland, New Zealand. From there we begin our long awaited exploration of this rugged countryside.
Day 156 - Mainland ahoy
After a relatively uneventful crossing and some ridiculous winds we made it to Snowy Range Airfield. Gippsland area is quite spectacular with a big variety of outdoor activities to enjoy. Off to Canberra next for some fresh hotel sheets and a shower.
Day 155 - Canberra carnival
After a nice tour of the hilly areas of the south east we managed to find our way to Canberra. Capital Hill told us to piss off and we finally landed in Canberra for the night. Don't rest too long we've got to get to Sydney!
Day 154 - Blew the cobwebs off
We certainly had a wakeup call on this one. Heavy crosswinds that likely exceeded most of the specs we landed on some of the most challenging strips in a while. hopefully everyone got the cobwebs off and banged the dents out of their machines. hopefully the next one doesn't eat us alive.
Day 153 - Blue Lagoon
Shot flight on Day 153. We crossed west to east in southern Tasmania. Hobart gave us a mometary glimpse of civilization. We're tucked in at Lagoon Bay for some surfing. Then giong north on our last day of flightsin Tasmania.
Day 152 - no road out
Another successful flight in Tasmania. We're in one of the most remote parts of Tasmania; Bathurst Harbour. No roads in here. Boats or planes is the only option. We're going to head out on the water, get a good nights rest and be off on our next adventure.
Day 151 - The devil below
Today was a water crossing to the shores of Tasmania. We've arrived in Smithton and are planning a little stay before launching further south. In flight entertainment helped us pass the time on the crossing, which we've found is almost necessary to pass the dreaded monotony of endless miles of ocean.
Day 150 - woefully unprepared
Things went from bad to worse on the flight around Melbourne. After a mid route aircraft change, CarbonProp decided that flying the much more wild Bell 206 would be a great idea. After bending metal for a good chunk of the flight he has decided he is better off never being given control of a helicopter again.
Day 149 - You can't land there!
Nice easy coastal flight tonight. A few of us mixed it up tonight and flew choppers. We're getting ready for Day 150. It will be a little different event. Helicopters are highly encouraged. We'll be exploring Melbourne's city core trying our hand at some challenging vertical landings.
Day 148 - Robot Dr. Suess
Things got strange again as the boys decided we needed Ai generated songs lyrics and a story by Dr. Suess. The south coast of Australia is stunning and keeps us wanting to see more. Next leg takes us just on the outskirts of Melbourne before we tackle an afternoon of helicopters.
Day 147 - Days gone by
Finally in Adelaide just in time to leave again. The coast line is quite spectacular around here and the terrain is inviting our planes to practice unlimited touch and goes in the hillsides. Get packed because there isn't time to relax.
Day 146 - Sand in all the wrong places
Well we didn't quite make it to Adelaide as planned for the holidays. But we did stay at a Holiday Inn Express. We had an extended stay in Port Lincoln and are gearing up for Adelaide on our fist flight of 2023!
Day 145 - Ocean Ahoy!
Since arriving in Darwin it's been hundreds of miles of desolate outback. We visited Alice Springs, saw Ayers Rock and are well overdue for a change of scenery. Arriving on the Southern coast of Australia in Ceduna we caught our first glimpse of the famous shorlines. Rest up so you can enjoy tomorrow.
Day 144 - What keeps it going
This project of flying around the world is no small feat. The people who join us week after week are the core of what keeps this project going. Showing up for sometimes exciting and likely many more mundane flights across open spaces we may never otherwise see. We've crossed more than half the planet and seen so many parts of this place we call home. Thanks to all of you who continue to support this community effort to do something so spectacular! Happy, healthy and prosperous year to all of you!
Day 143 - ghost town
One last pass of Ayers Rock and an many more miles of desolate backcountry. We made it to the village of Mintabie. Now a ghost town and former opal mining area. We're camping under our wings and will be on our way further south for the coast.
Day 142 - Ayers Rock welcomes us
We made it into Ayers Rock today after a rough ride. Winds were strong and I think everyone is happy to have their feet firmly planted back on the ground. We're heading further south soon and will continue to long journey through the Outback of Australia.
Day 141 - Finally Terrain
After a few days of mostly featureless Outback we made it to some interesting features on our way to Alice Springs. The terrain seems to get a little more red the further we fly. We've been lucky with the weather so far and hope it stays that way as we make our way to Ayers Rock.
Day 140 - If it ain't broke
Too bad your GPS and NAVAID equipment failed. Tracking across a couple hunder miles of the ourback wasn't that bad. We're safely sitting in Pine Hills and need one more flight before getting to Alice springs and getting this equipment fixed.
Day 139 - Run down Oasis
The outback can be a pretty featureless place. Our trek further south left us in a small oasis just south of the Granites. The hard part comes next as we've lost GPS and VOR radios. The long trip closer to Alice Springs could be deadly for some.
Day 138 - Old school cool
After the release of MSFS 40th Anniversary it seems like many of us strayed off the path and ditched out XCubs for some old school bush planes. We're all very thrilled with the update and can't wait for the next!
Day 137 - Dust devils
Pretty easy flight on day 137. Departed Darwin and finished off at Bradshaw. Stopped off to pick up a firefighter and took them to the front line of a bush fire. Bradshaw airport has got a pretty incredible approach tucked up against the cliffs. Very scenic stop before the next flight.
Day 136 - WAtered down content
We hammered our way across the channel to Darwin, NT, Australia. In flight entertainment kept things moving along on our 200NM crossing to the northern coast. After a quick stop in Bathurst we made the last leg into Darwin. A little foolishness as we finally hit civilization. then time for a rest before the great crossing. Congratulations to all of you who have stuck it out. Now on to the next.
Day 135 - The playground is where i spent most of my days
Today was the last skip across Indonesia before making the water crossing to the North coast of Australia. It was a pretty chill flight. Everyone finished and left for bed before Jer and Carbon made it down. As we continued the boys decided to watch some in flight entertainment. So fascinating in fact that Carbon crashed short final while watching. Bad news for him as the damage is irreparable. But at least no one saw tje final result.
Day 134 - Hang in there boys!
We're on the push for the jump across to Australia. Day 134 brought us to Kisar Island. From here on out the size and number of islands dwindles and will leave us little option for turn backs or alternates. Let's hope the weather and wind cooperates.
Day 133 - ISLAND LIFE
Island hoping continues as we complete our run across Indonesia . It's a fascinating landscape of forest, beaches and volcanoes. We are camping in Gewayantana for the night and continuing east to get to our ocean crossing to Australia.
Day 132 - Ring around the rim
This flight included some of the most spectacular volcanos we have seen to date in MSFS. As we continue eastward through Indonesia we'll island hop to smaller and smaller places. Until we are ready for a long water crossing... to Australia.
Day 131 - Ring around the rim
Passing the time on these flights can get us into some pretty bad situations. Due to the abundance of volcanoes in the are we took our time to explore the craters as much as possible. Some made it, some didn't. Bush league all the way baby!
Day 130 - Parwa-taraj-a-di-wa
The day punch introduced us to a new word of the day. We still don't know what it means yet. One day he may tell us. We've made it to Eastern Java on a stopover at a local military airbase. We're next headed over some rough volcanic terrain on our way to the island of Bali.
Day 129 - Bandung, west Java
It feels like it took forever to get here. After some false starts to Day 129 and many weeks later we finally made it. We're continuing out Indonesian island hopping as we get ever closer to the water crossing into Australian airspace.
Day 128 - Bengkulu City
Another scenic flight to the southern part of Sumatra. We're settled in and getting some rest before pushing into western Java.
Day 127 - Depati Parbo
Another great weather day as we made our way to the west coast mountain ranges of Sumatra. Ending our day in Deptai Parbo. We will continue south on our Indonesian Island hopping adventure.
Day 126 - slinging Sumatra
Great weather again as we passed Singapore and made our way to Pekenbaru. We'll be seeing a shift in terrain as we make our way to the western side of Sumatra. Heads up!
Day 125 - DRY SEASON
We're past Kuala Lumpur and staying the night near Muar. So far the weather has been pretty good for us. But as we get closer to the rainy season we'll be on the lookout for storms that could halt our progress towards. Australia.
Day 124 - MaLacca strait
We continue down the west coast of Malaysia along the shore of the Malacca Strait. Ending up in Penang, Malaysia. We'll be continuing south towards Singapore before our jump across to Sumatra. Island hops and water crossing will become more frequent, so don't forget your swimsuit.
Day 123 - Phuket, we're here
We've made good headway south towards the border with Malaysia. Phuket island is waiting for some weary explorers to spend some cash. Malaysia is on the horizon.
Day 122 - Southbound from Bangkok
Our shift south towards Malaysia has begun. A nice easy flight past Bangkok into Hua Hin. Over the next couple of days we will finally be in Malaysia as we begin the long island hop towards our long awaited tour of Australia.
Day 121 - Last step is a doozy
Always plan ahead. You never know when one of these airstrips will bite you in the butt. Ko Chang Tai airport was unexpectedly short. In turn it left a couple of our pilots in the bushes with some minor dents. We'll be off the make our boomerang shot past Bangkok on day 122 as we get ever closer to Australia.
Equipment
Each stage of a real world flight needs to be accounted for. From survival gear to tents and food. These items will be a part of the final takeoff weight of each aircraft. Below is a list of equipment each pilot will carry on board. We will attempt to achieve the highest level of realism we can. To cross the North Atlantic there are equipment requirements in Canada and Greenland regulations. Here is a list of some of the items onboard.
Coastal Compact Raft with emergency flares, food and water - 22lbs
Dry Suit - 4lbs
High-mountain protection tent - 10lbs
65L Backpack - 22lbs
Food and Water - 32lbs
Satellite Phone and HF Radio - 3lb
Repair Kit - 7lbs
25 Gallon Fuel Bladder - 11lbs (empty)