[Fly-In Times Set Yet?]

1700 UTC vote from me.

Ok so it makes it 3am local time for anyone living on the East coast of Australia.

But it's only me here, and I'm usually awake (And not long home from work) at that time.

[Emma Field X: the groundwork is laid!]

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: You guys are causing me to get my 6 pack abbs back from laughing so hard :lol: :lol: :lol:

Is that such a bad thing?

And who ever said laughter wasn't the best medicine.. or exercise.

[What airplane will you be flying...]

I'm seriously considering the Aerosoft De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter for FSX.

Free Add on textures for 'VH-BMG' can be found at Avsim.com file name: jk_twin_otter_vh-bmg.zip

[Emma Field X: the groundwork is laid!]

Ok before everyone breaks out the Pitchforks and Torches

I'd like to state that Francois and Bill W have my support.

Not for any Sycophantic reasoning, but simply out of the fact that they haven't done wrong by me yet

Like it or lump it, Microsoft has done what they did..

Let us continue to show our support for the Flight Sim franchise, and the ACES Team.

Though on the other hand, I'm quietly glad that the goal posts for the development of Add-on's for FSX wont be shifted to FS11.

Which should allow hardware to catch up with the software requirements (I'd love to see what FSX looks like with all sliders maxed)

I've had a hell of a last 12 months, and am glad to be back into a community of individuals that are as charismatic and colourful as what can be found here.

When I think of the Emma Field Flying Club..

I can easily imagine it as if it were a real place, where a misfit band of aviators happen to gather around an old Airport bar to shoot the breeze at the end of the day.

Just because our flying together is over a few thousand miles of wire doesn't make the camaraderie any less real.

And I would fully expect anyone of the EFFC regulars to jump at the chance to spend a couple of hours at a local pub with me if I happen to find myself nearby..

Hell knows I would be there in an instant if one of you were to find yourself anywhere near YBTL

A Blog on the 'Development of EMMA X'? Sounds reasonable.. but kinda pointless when you can make a Stickie thread here.

Take away the 'Emma Field Flying Club Forum'? HELL NO! Do that, and I'm liable to go and start an 'Unofficial EFFC Forum' where this band of Virtual Misfit Aviators can still gather.

For now, you just have to trust that we're working on it.

I Trust Bill W.

Now about that Lysander??

[We need a show of hands]

There is a distinct possibility I'll reinstall fs9 for the fly in..

Then I can have the 'bou

[We need a show of hands]

I'll put my hand up and say I will be there for the start.

Unless my working schedule decides to conflict with it.

Can't say for certain what I'll be flying.

Possibly the Aerosoft DHC-6 Twin Otter, or something default (Eurgh)

[The Amazing Colossal VICTORY Fly-In]

I'm wanting to participate in this event, but need some help (i.e. a link or two) on how to specifically setup my FSHost for FSX (w/ Vista 64), as well as a refresher on TeamSpeak. I PM'd Gary, but I imagine this Black Friday stuff has got him very occupied along with the rest of us. Thanks!

Hi Joel:

I just checked PMs here at simFlight... nothing new as of 6:45 P.M. USA Chicago time on Saturday 1/24/2009

But I'd be glad to try and help... so I sent YOU a PM! :D

GaryGB.

I'd be interested in knowing this too..

XP Pro user..

I've never used FS Host, and I haven't used Team Speak since the SeaTac fly in/airshow back in 2003 :shock:

I'll especially need to know what ports numbers I'll need to open for each App, to set my modem/router to let me fly.

[An Opinion on Black Friday]

I can not possibly add anything further to this discussion with the exception of saying that I agree with the statements made here.

It is a very sad state of affairs for the staff of Aces and their families, and they have my support.

However, I also find it encouraging that the Add-on developers (Both Payware and Freeware) are looking to stand committed to working on further enhancements for FSX for some time.

Especially now that they can get to the task at hand without too much worry that the fruits of their efforts won't become 'obsolete' with the release of FS11.

As much as I enjoy every new version of FS that is released, and seeing the improvements over previous generations of the Sim..

I would at least like to see Hardware catch up to the requirements of the old version before the new one is released with even more system performance required.

If it takes me chipping in $20 or $50 of my hard earned cash every month to support Aces going Solo to bring us a Flight Sim that we as the FS Community truly deserve.

Than so be it.

[B1RDs]

If you want my theory..

It was U.S. Government Sponsored Squirrels who sabotaged the flight.

They made it look like members of the' Islamic-Canadian Migratory Avian Community' was responsible.

So they can justify spending more of the U.S. federal budget on 'Homeland Security' :P :P :P

[Alas I Have Returned]

Is it wrong I can very nearly Identify every Caribou in all those video's by serial number..

And tell you the story of their fate? :oops:

No I'm not obsessed with Caribou's at all :lol:

I would really love to get one in FSX

The Alphasim one from FS9 ported across ok, I'd just like to see some one correct the prop animations..

Surly not that hard of a fix, is it?

Then you will see some impressive flying at the Virtual Airshow.

Speaking of which I still think we should have it at KPSM

KBVYis a lovely airport and will most certainly buy Bill W's scenery for it once released.

But it's a bit short, how is Pups supposed to land an Airbus 340 or Boeing 777 in there?

Let alone if some one wants to participate in an Sr-71 or C5

Hmm that's a thought, can I get an A321 into and out of KBVY

[Alas I Have Returned]

So here I was, making flying noises and sitting in the 'Bou as she was on the maintenance stands at KSHN.

1000 hr service is due, and trying to find some 'serviceable' Hamilton Standard Props in this part of the world is proving a nightmare.

Since the spares I had look to have been lost in the fire that destroyed Emma Field.

Though Mal Function is doing a pretty Bang Up job in finding everything else that's needed for the 'Bou's re-certification

Suddenly I get a visit from a couple of my Boys, Weda and Roo.

The look on their faces isn't too encouraging. Apparently the deal on the L-410 UVP-E has fallen through.

Seems that Perry Chute told them that the Ukrainian 'Broker' he was dealing with to get the ship was suddenly found in a Russian Gulag.

Leaving us still very much craft less and with cash reserves running quite low.

It was Mal who poked his head inside the belly of the 'Bou to announce I had a call on the line.

With little much else to do I find my way to the phone on the wall and pick it up.

Good news it turned out, The FAA reinstated my license.

No sooner did I set the handset on the cradle but it starts ringing again, a formerly very active member of the EFFC has a solution for my Wingless situation.

The EFFC and it's off shoot the Emma Air Charters had a couple of birds in a hanger at Bremerton, and I should get my self over there and see what was left over there.

He even hinted that something that would suit me could possibly be found there. I politely reminded him that I like 'em with 'round' engines.

No guarantees were offered on there being something with even at least 1 Radial, but I'll be airborne again at least.

Leaving Mal and Roo Pert behind to manage the servicing of 'Bou, and with no serviceable Aircraft in the immediate vicinity, I was forced to endure the most agonizing drive to KPWT with Weda Hekawi.

Which, in true form, lived up to his name by getting us lost in the Mc Donald's carpark just out side Sanderson. :roll:

Even with Weda's pathological lack of any Sense of Direction, and the Fog that mysteriously descended on the place we made it to Bremerton.

Where in the dim light of mid-evening I saw what could only be described as a heavenly sight.

I remember that ol' lady..

It's the Dash-7 that used to do runs for Emma Air Charters, what a trip down memory lane.

For nostalgia's sake I saunter over to the lovely, give the tyres a kick and then I spot it.... There!

Taped to the door was a Manila envelope.. and it has my name on it. :shock:

Inside was the key, and a hastily scrawled note saying I was to hop in and take it to Sea/Tac and then wait there for further instructions.

With darkness falling and an unsatisfied itch to fly needing to be scratched I hurriedly fill out an IFR flight plan and start the pre-flights.

Ok so it's not a 'Bou? But it's still a deHavilland, and that's alright with me.

Now let's see if I still remember the trick to getting this thing started.

[Now that I don't believe]

Are you sure it was "God Save The Queen" and Not "My Country, 'Tis of Thee"?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7c2lC9JlJo

[Nope... nothing to do with flight]

Ahh yes The Stig.. and let us not forget his American

and African Cousins.

Plus there is some Bastard relative of his in Australia too

[The Amazing Colossal VICTORY Fly-In]

As a kind of tie in to the fly-in I'd also like to put forward a suggestion in regards to a Virtual Airshow.

Where we can muster around and watch others put on some handling/aerobatic displays.

There's a nice airport not too far from 2B2

KPSM: Portsmouth International Airport Link

11321 x 150 ft. Ashphalt

17nm North of Plum Is.

Then there's always Lawrence Muni. KWLM 13nm West

or

Beverly Muni. KBVY 13nm South

Have it on say the last weekend of May.

Should give plenty of time to compile a list of the aircraft and post it here so everyone can download/buy/substitute planes.

Then people have time to decide what they're going to fly, and most importantly... practice their routines.

We could have Chris putting on a dizzying Aerobatic display in an Extra300,

Pup's dazzling us all with a display of some masterful handling of some of the Heavies, and me pootling about in a deHavilland :lol:

[The Amazing Colossal VICTORY Fly-In]

I guess every one already has the 'Cross Country VFR Airfields by Steve Ziegler' File from Avsim?

LINK

"23 airports spanning the United States from Provincetown, Massachusetts to Oceanside, California...Designed for the VFR general aviation pilot"

For FSX

A short jaunt down the West coast and a few select stops on the way from some of the places contained with-in would see most of us pretty right

[I must say..]

Oh I do agree an FSX version of the 'bou would be delightful..

but given that it took untill FS9 for a payware version of the 'Bou.

Not to say that there weren't some good Freeware ones that were created up untill then.

Mike Stone's Caribou was the basis of many of the flight.CFG and Sound mods I made to bring about a better Caribou for all.

Plus the countless panels and aircraft I downloaded on a dial up connection at the time to get gauges to make the panel.

[I must say..]

Getting back into the virtual flying seat has been a welcome change..

I found an old DVD-R I had with some back ups on it..

One just happened to be this beautie

Yep the Alphsim Dhc-4 Caribou.

I have the 'Bou back..

though the port from FS9 to FSX hasn't exactly been kind to her.

And I've lost the edit I made to the .CFG file to make her handle properly.

(Gonna have to re-write it, I hope I can remember how to do it)

The Prop textures look 'off', the Prop Spinners are invisible, and the wing leading edges are too dark

Plus I don't have any EFFC repaints of her.

I must also say..

The Saitek Pro-Flight Yoke and matching pedals makes flying a treat.

I have to look up the fix to get the Brakes to work on the pedals properly though.

Surely theres a fix for it, some where, I'll have to play with FSUIPC4 some more till I find it.

But in all, I'm falling in love with skimming tree tops at 140kias in a 'Bou all over again.

Hmm, I feel a 'nother tale of Madaz and his band of Misfit Airmen coming on.

[Alas I Have Returned]

In anticipation with my return to the skies above Emma Field.

Some one in the FAA decided it would be in the best interests of all concerned if I was to do a check flight to make sure I was still capable of flying.

So not to be intimidated with returning to the 'pit after an extended absence,

I booked a C-172 from the local flight school at Bremerton, and set aside a time to do my check ride.

The first thing I noticed when I looked at the aircraft before me on the apron at KPWT was it's lack of size.

Some where in the translation a C-172 was actually a Cessna 172, and not some grand ol' Ex-Military Cargo plane that I had imagined.

I guess that's why it was so cheap to rent for an hour.

Still none the less, I wasn't about to be intimidated by an aircraft that was no bigger than some of the freight my Load Master Roo Pert had insisted wouldn't fit in the 'Bou.

I met with the gentleman who was assessing me on my flight, a nice bloke by the name of Terry Fied.

He tried to make some small talk, asking about the kind of flying I used to do before I was grounded with a lack of Plane.

I told him I'd flown just about all sorts of flying there was to be done.. Including Crop Dusting.

The pre-flight checks of giveing the control surfaces a good shake, and tasting a cup full of the Av-Gas out of the low point drains seemed to make little Terry quite unsettled.

And some how me Relieving my Bladder against the Port side Main wheel "For Luck", didn't calm his nerves much.

I did suggest he do the same to the other, but he declined. So I walked around there and relieved my bladder further.

Could've put a Hex on the whole damn flight if you don't follow ritual.

'Cides, it's all about ensuring the weight balance is correct after all.

After quickly familiarising my self with the controls of this rather cramped little plane.

I'm not used to having some one in the second seat so close (Gee, I sure hope hope the other guys don't see me sitting so close to another bloke, or they'll think I've gone to the Pink Handkerchief Brigade)

I some how managed to get some life happening outta the engine.

So I make the necessary calls to the tower and was given my Taxi instructions to the active..

Then my troubles really began.

It would seem that in my opinion the rigging on this tiny plane was bound a little tight, as the slightest input resulted in a massive reaction.

Or it could be I was so used to the 'Bou needing a half acre of 'Pit space to swing the column around just to get it to fly in a straight line.

It was with much weaving, and a few circles that we managed to find our way to the active.

Nifty little things they are those differential brakes, I'll have to check to see if my next ship can have them fitted.

I received clearance for take off, much to Terry's surprise. Some how he was expecting the tower to not give me clearance, as that Dc-10 was on final.

But I mashed the throttle of the little bird and was immediately impressed by how poorly it performed.

With the big jet baring down on us, and the little Cessna struggling to make 60 knots, I then remembered that this thing don't need that much speed to get of the deck.

So I pull back on the yoke and am greeted by whimper coming from the seat beside me.

I look over at Terry, his fingers gripping on to the glare panel of the Cessna so tightly his knuckles were turning white.

Trying to calm him down I said in my best reassuring tone: "It's all right mate, we'll only be doing a vertical climb till we clear 1000 feet."

And with that I push the column forward and level out.

Terry looks over at me with his eyes as wide as dinner plates, and what seems to be a nice shade of red coming to his cheeks.

I shrug, thinking he may have gotten a sun burn recently, I don't want to ask personal questions.

Terry asks if we can go complete the circuit and return to the terminal. Sure, after all I'm supposed to listen to his directions while on a check ride.

A rather uneventful Downwind and base legs on the return to KPWT. It was on final that the flock of geese really scared the hell outta Terry.. And If I must say, I jumped a little too then that one hit the windshield.

I sure hope that wasn't a rare goose, I don't want the 'Environmental Preservation Society' on my A$$ over it.

I obtain my permission to land, and pitch the nose of the 172 towards the threshold.

Slamming the throttle shut at about 100 feet AGL, I then aim for the numbers on the runway, and you know what.. I got them.

The little Cessna celebrated with me by jumping back up into the air. So I had to force it back on to the ground again.

It was still jubilant and continued to Leap into the air, despite my repeated attempts to convince it that the ground is where I wanted to be presently.

It was after the 4th or 5 jump the little 172 over exerted it's self and broke one of its landing gear.

A shower of splinters from the wooden prop, and the explosion of sparks from the fuselage on the runway reminded me that Chinese New Year was commin' soon, and I'd best get myself to Hong Kong for it.

Terry didn't wait, jumping from the plane and immediately running away into the distance.. I guess he thought the same thing, and wanted to book him self a flight to Hong Kong ASAP.

I crawl from the Cessna, and survey the damage.

One broken landing leg, a smashed prop, and a few scratches that should buff out with abit of polish.

Pretty successful i reckon given I haven't flown in so long.

No i just need to wait for my new license to arrive in the mail any day now.

[The Amazing Colossal VICTORY Fly-In]

Ok, IF and mean IF..I'm flying again by that stage..

I'll join you guys on a leg or several..

However Feb 15th? I may or may not be out of town (Depending on what time zone Feb 15th we're talking)

If I recall correctly 1700 UTC was a 'manageable' time for many

Even if it did mean I was on-line and flying at 2am local time.

[While we wait for Emma...]

Be careful referencing Thongs there Gary..

in some parts of the world a thong is an entirely different piece of clothing altogether

[Emma Field X: the groundwork is laid!]

It does a mans heart good to see this progress on the reconstruction of our beloved Emma.

It's difficult to tell from the pic's but have the Runway and Apron been resurfaced?

And what of that mound of dirt that Fritz never seemed to shovel that was in the centre?

Did Fritz ever manage to get those dents out of the door on that Cub?

Keep up the good work guys..

I have a hankering to Fly the Westland Lysander into KEWL that remains unfulfilled.

[Alas I Have Returned]

Welcome back to the fold! :wink:

Puppy (Staying on terra firma in Seattle)

Thanks for the Welcome..

I can not wait to get flying again.

Now for some one who was more accustomed to Flying the Aircraft, it was a rather boring experience to be sitting in the back with the rest of the 'Self Loading Freight' (Passengers).

Though I must say, the 'Load Masters' (I believe the term they used was 'Flight Attendant') they had were rather attractive young ladies.

Kinda makes me seriously consider hiring one for when I resume aerial operations.. Problem being is how would I manage to control the rest of the crew.

I can still vividly remember the time we had the 'Bou and 2 dozen buxom barmaids we had to fly into Munich for Oktoberfest after their charter bus broke down just outside of Zürich

It wasn't the landing in the town square that was the problem, nor was it the keeping below radar height on the approach and departure at the LZ.

But trying to keep the boys focused on the task at hand.. and not harassing the ladies was a mission in it's self.

It was my navigator Weda Hekawi who said it best as Flight Engineer Mal Function was looking out the window checking the distances between the street lamps to ensure we'd actually fit between them on landing.

Weda said "u vis op jou kant, ek sal vis op my kant, en niemand vis in die middel"

(Now to the best of our knowledge we have determined that he was stating "You fish on your side, I'll fish on my side, and nobody fishes in the middle." and not actually swearing at the time.. Who knows with that Afrikaans accent of his)

But it did seem to remind the guys that the ladies would be not too impressed with any of us if we didn't get them there on time, and in one piece.

I have also been informed that First Officer Perry Chute may have located a new kite in which we can ply our trade.

It was kinda hard to hear him with the sounds of gunfire over the static filled phone line.

But I swear he did mention a L-410 UVP-E, I asked him where he was, but the phone cut off at that point so it will probably be some time before I hear from him again.

[Alas I Have Returned]

Well now, it would be great to participate in an Airshow at Plum Island.

And even better to assist in the ferrying of essential 'supplies' to the new Airfield during Emma's lengthy reconstruction.

Unfortunately, I have No Aircraft.. Zip, Nada, Zilch.

I don't even have FSX installed on this PC yet, that's how out of touch I am. (Let's not forget no stick/yoke either)

So to have me fly a ship full of volatile Ol' #5 in close formation to other members of the EFFC would pose too many unnecessary risks to all involved.

But I guess that's just the way we at the EFFC has always done things, so why should this time be an exception? :twisted:

Rest assured my dear friends, I am in the process of securing myself some new hangar space, and should also have some Aircraft to park in it.

I have been in contact with my old Aircrew. It's quite surprising how far and wide they can get on this globe of ours.

My First Officer: Perry Chute, was working for some unsavory Colombian types, flying a poorly maintained DC-3

Navigator: Weda Hekawi, was running a Post Office in Johannesburg, South Africa

Flight Engineer: Mal Function, managed to become a Maintenance Planner for a "Famous Global Airline", based in Indonesia.

And finally my Load Master, Roo Pert, had gone on an 18 month long International Back Packing holiday of all the Best Breweries around the world.

I found him at a bar in Murmansk, Russia. Talking to some girl who didn't know English.. And Roo Pert knows very little Russian. :roll:

Once I spoke to them they all asked when they could get back to doing some real flying again..

"Soon" I said "Boy's.. Soon, But I'm gonna need a ship"

And with that they all scattered across the globe again in the hope they can find me a bird to start flying again. :wink:

[Alas I Have Returned]

Now, getting divorced I can understand... but breaking two ankles !!?? What the heck happened? Your ex pushed you out of a Bou at 10.000 feet without a chute ??????

Fritzois

If only I could be so fortunate... :lol:

No it was a more mundane mishap that resulted in such injuries.

I fell from a roof of a 2 story house, Now one may wonder what I was doing on the roof in the first place..

I was helping an elderly neighbor in preparing their house for storm season.

Glad to see you back again! :D

We are still alive and kicking here at EFFC... hope you'll join us more often as we propagate more mischief in 2009! :mrgreen:

GaryGB

Oh I do fully intend to be back here more often.

I have been away far too long, and feel somewhat rusty in my flying skills.

Something I fully hope to rectify in the coming months.

[Alas I Have Returned]

Thanks Chris..

Hows the Alfa?

It was the 147 wasn't it?

Plum Island you say.. well I may just have to check this place out..

How's real estate over there these days?

Anyone know of any good Prop twins out there a Caribou Junkie should look at?

Since I need to basically start from scratch.

New PC, New copy of FSX, New Yoke/Pedals/Throttle Quadrant, Add-on Etc etc

So far I have a

Pentium Dual Core 3.0ghz (soon to be upgraded to a Quad)

2Gb DDr2 1066 Ram

nVidia 7900gt 512meg Video card (soon to be upgraded to a better card)

On-board Sound

So I need to track down some nice Saitek yoke/pedal/throttles,

and really get back in the flying seat.

Then there's, Terrain mesh, Aircraft, Sceneries..

Yeah.. 2009 the year of getting back into Simming.