MM - General Aviation - Duke Bound for a Sunburned Country
- Thread starter MM
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MM
Charter Member
An early morning departure gave views of the sunrise over the Adaman sea. Unfortunately, unexpected headwinds came with the morning light. The long flight over water was capped with a beautiful approach into Penang.
The island was part of the British colonial Straits Settlements before becoming part of Malaysia after WWII. Originally swampy and malaria stricken, it was known as the "White Man's Graveyard." Neverthless, the capital George Town became one of the region's commercial and financial centers during the 19th century. Now, having been a free port, the island has generated one of Asia's largest electronics manufacturing industries and still attracts Chinese and European immigrants.
The island was part of the British colonial Straits Settlements before becoming part of Malaysia after WWII. Originally swampy and malaria stricken, it was known as the "White Man's Graveyard." Neverthless, the capital George Town became one of the region's commercial and financial centers during the 19th century. Now, having been a free port, the island has generated one of Asia's largest electronics manufacturing industries and still attracts Chinese and European immigrants.
Bry Rosier
Charter Member 2014
Me Too :ernae: I think you`ll arrive well before me so I expect a nice cold Pint of Tiger on my arrival
Please 
Please
MM
Charter Member
Long flight over the South China Sea and the southern coast of Borneo. Winds were like the little girl...when good, very very good, and when bad, horrid.
Frightening moment when the gear would not deploy...but they eventually did. Will have to check for cinder blocks in the wells.
Frightening moment when the gear would not deploy...but they eventually did. Will have to check for cinder blocks in the wells.
MM
Charter Member
Then, over the Java Sea to Maumere on Flores. (WAOO-WATC) Headwinds in forecast.
According to Wikipedia, the reefs in the Maumere Gulf were once considered among the world's best diving spots. Now, however, thanks to "bomb fishing" and the use of toxic chemicals in the fishing industry, about 75 percent of the reefs have been damaged or destroyed. Guess that's what economists call "externalities."
According to Wikipedia, the reefs in the Maumere Gulf were once considered among the world's best diving spots. Now, however, thanks to "bomb fishing" and the use of toxic chemicals in the fishing industry, about 75 percent of the reefs have been damaged or destroyed. Guess that's what economists call "externalities."
MM
Charter Member
Long flight with constant headwinds. (REX2 has had same winds for many hours...) While over the Java Sea, spent some time looking for Pirates...you know, private enterprise taxation agents. But the trip was rewarded by a beautiful descent into the Gulf of Maumere and a sight of the spectacular scenery offshore.
MM
Charter Member
Thunderstorms climbing out of Darwin, naturally, and then JC's mysterious headwind generator produced 30kts on the nose for 350 miles of fruitless wind searches. Suddenly, the wind turned out of the north and started to help.
Finally, safely into Mount Isa, the centerpiece for the Mount Isa Mines, one of the most productive single mines in world history (lead, silver, copper, and zinc). Originally a gold town, it really boomed after the great finds of the 1960s and has fluctuated with the subsequent fall and rise of the mine's fortunes.
Finally, safely into Mount Isa, the centerpiece for the Mount Isa Mines, one of the most productive single mines in world history (lead, silver, copper, and zinc). Originally a gold town, it really boomed after the great finds of the 1960s and has fluctuated with the subsequent fall and rise of the mine's fortunes.
MM
Charter Member
Final leg to Melbourne.
Forecast is tailwinds aloft--but with REX2 (or ASA) one never knows. We'll go with the maximum legal "optimistic" ground speed. (Average plus 5 percent.)
SWAG: 2 hours 45 minutes.
...
Real world tailwinds? REX scoffs at the very idea of tailwinds. 28 kts on the nose!
Forecast is tailwinds aloft--but with REX2 (or ASA) one never knows. We'll go with the maximum legal "optimistic" ground speed. (Average plus 5 percent.)
SWAG: 2 hours 45 minutes.
...
Real world tailwinds? REX scoffs at the very idea of tailwinds. 28 kts on the nose!
MM
Charter Member
Well not a very successful effort, this. Flight planning is made all the more interesting when the real world gives 40-60 kts tailwinds out of the north, REX2 gives the same (more or less) on its own internal information, and then REX-FSX combination produce 28 kts almost on the nose for 600 miles.
Not sure that REX2 is a serious weather engine.
Landing reminded me of "old days." After experimenting with GEX-EU, I forgot and left the scenery settings too high when returning to FTX Australia and produced something approaching a slide show on finals. Pretty pictures, though.
Not sure that REX2 is a serious weather engine.
Landing reminded me of "old days." After experimenting with GEX-EU, I forgot and left the scenery settings too high when returning to FTX Australia and produced something approaching a slide show on finals. Pretty pictures, though.
Good Job Mike :ernae:
See you in a couple days.
See you in a couple days.