Archief voor de categorie: ‘Flight Simulator & ATC’

Although my primary focus is on onliny flying, I regularly turn to the other side which is ATC (Air Traffic Control). I’m an active member of DutchVACC, which is the online version of LVLNL (Luchtverkeersleiding Nederland, Air Traffic Control the Netherlands). Today was one of those days I was glad I had traded in my captains-chair for the EHAM Ground position (EHAM_N_GND).

Today was the Aniversary KLM flight so a lot of controllers decided to come online. All, but 1, positions were occupied and made EHAM “Fully Staffed”. This always attracts a lot of enthousiasts, but this knowledge didn’t prepare me for what was to come.

I’ve had (At Ground):

• 25 Departures.
• 27 Arrivals (of which 7 previously departed from EHAM, and were on a return flight)

Which is in total 52 airplanes handled. This tops my record at EHAM_DEL 2 months ago (35 planes that day), and this wasn’t even an official event! I can’t wait for the next event to take place

The only thing missing in this picture is Uluru or the Australian Outback... You've got to love it...

Yes, you’re reading it right…  I’ve found me the GAF N-22 Nomad, the plane the Royal Flying Dokters Service used in the popular series from the 80’s. No, this topic isn’t going to be all about planes, but about the Royal Flying Dokter Service (RFDS).

For many years the Royal Flying Dokters Service looks after the people in the outback, down under (no offence). And I’ve always loved the romantic part of it (thanks to the series), but since I do a little beach-rescue myself over here in the netherlands, I know it can be anything BUT romantic at times. Hard work, harsh conditions, and not to mention the feeling of complete and utter desolation over there in the outback. You can travel for miles out there, and not meet a living soul. Thinking of getting stuck in a situation like that. brrrr, shivers down my spine thinking of it.

The RFDS provides a 24 hour (!!) (emergency) medical service, and I must say, wow, what a job… 7.500.000 Sq. Miles of outback and almost 250.000 patients attending a year… Respect…

Getting Ready for Take-off

Just after Take-off, initial climb-out to 13000ft.

I’m always in for something new, and my friends (if I hav any) will acknowledge that without any hasitation. Always up for the challenge. And when they say that I wont be able to get a plane off the ground, and let alone navigate it through the sky, well, I’m willing to accept that challenge with both hands, hehehe.

They challenged me that I wouldn’t be able to get this thing off the ground and get it back on the ground all in one piece… Well, I’ve tried it, and will prove them otherwise. Not alone did I manage to go supersonic with this beast, but I managed to fly to Edinburgh in less then an hour… Quite an achievement for a maiden voyage. Ok, the flight itself was anything but a breeze, but hey, I got it up, navigated it, and landed it safely…

Going supersonic! whoooooo!

Nice Front view in supersonic flight

So to all whom may concern I’ve included some screenshots, and the rest you will find at my Flickr account.