FlightGear wiki - User contributions [en]

Innsbruck Airport

2009-06-16T22:58:20Z

Emailwedgy: /* Approach */ Corrected ILS Frequency

{{infobox Airport
|name = Innsbruck Airport
|image = Innsbruck_Airport_img1.jpg
|alt =
|iata = INN
|icao = LOWI
|type =
|owner = Tiroler Flughafenbetriebs GmbH 
|city = Innsbruck, Austria
|runway= 08/26
|length= 2000m
|material= Asphalt
|website = [http://www.innsbruck-airport.com/index.html/_lang/en Innsbtruck Airport]
}}
Nestled high in the Austrian stretch of the Alps is '''Innsbruck Airport'''. Innsbruck is a seasonally busy [[:Category:Airports|airport]] that serves the ski/alpine industry. It takes local, national and international aviation [[Interactive Traffic|traffic]].

Use of the Innsbruck Airport is restricted to "High Performance" aircraft by Austrian authorities (see the Austro Control link below). The airport lies within a steep East-West valley, requiring non-ICAO standard procedures to approach and depart.

==Procedures==
=== Approach===
''Approach maps have been provided in the links below. These are sourced from Austro Control - but may not necessarily be current.''

[[Media:InnsbruckAppEast.jpg| Chart: Approach From East]] 
[[Media:InnsbruckAppWest.jpg| Chart: Approach From West]] 
[[Media:InnsbruckDepAll.jpg| Chart: Depart East or West]] 

'''Approach From The East:''' ILS Approach RWY 26. Navigate to the Rattenberg NDB (RTT 303) at FL100. Salzburg Maxglan (LOWS) provides a close and suitable departure runway. From overhead RTT, turn to heading 211°, descend to 9600ft and intercept the ILS (111.1). Dial in Absam NDB 313. At Minimum Descent Altitude (overhead the Absam NDB), pilot must be visual or perform the prescribed missed approach. Turn to runway heading when required and land.

'''Approach from the West:''' LLZ/DME Approach into the circuit for a RWY 26 landing. Depart airport Memmingen Allgau (EDJA), navigate to Kempten VOR (KPT 109.6). Overhead KPT, join the 138 radial and navigate to the Kuhtai NDB (KTI 413), at FL130. When LLZ (111.10) is identified (not established), depart the NDB heading 104° not below FL115. At DME 20.4 miles, commence descent, and join the LLZ. Do not proceed below FL105 if not established on LLZ. Observe minimum altitudes on descent, stop descent at 3700ft. If visual, turn final and land, otherwise follow prescribed missed approach.

=== Departure ===
''Departure maps have been provided in the links below. These are sourced from Austro Control - but may not necessarily be current.''

'''Departure to the East:''' Using Absam NDB (AB 313) and LLZ (OEJ 109.7), depart RWY 08 at max climb. Fly overhead the NDB, establish on the LLZ, to 9500ft.

'''Departure to the West:''' Starting on Absam NDB (AB 313) and Kempten VOR (KPT 109.6), depart RWY 08 at max climb. Cross the AB NDB not below 5600ft and make right turn to 245, for Innsbruck NDB (INN 420). Cross INN not below 9400ft, turn to KPT. Altitude must be 11500 by 39 miles out of KPT.

== Complexity ==
Steep non-standard climb and descent angles, LLZ offset to runway heading. Try throwing some weather in for good measure.

== FlightGear Scenery ==
The required scenery for LOWI is [ftp://ftp.ibiblio.org/pub/mirrors/flightgear/ftp/Scenery-1.0.1/e010n40.tgz e010n40.tgz]. It includes all airports listed in this article.

==External links==
*Austro Control Website: [http://www.austrocontrol.co.at/en/content/lfa/Flugbewilligungen/Special_Performance_Procedures/LOWI/LOWI.shtml| LOWI Page]
*Airport Building Images: [http://www.travel2austria.com/?Tirol:Airport_Innsbruck_Kranebitten| travel2austria.com]

[[Category:Airports in Austria]]
[[Category:Challenging airports]]

Category:Challenging airports

2009-06-15T22:38:56Z

Emailwedgy: /* Airports to add */ Removed Innsbruck From List

This is inspired by a [http://flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=3295 thread found on the FlightGear forums at the end of March/2009 ("Going to Mount Everest")].

This page is meant to eventually help maintain a list of airports/places with challenging real life scenery and/or complex departure/approach procedures, so that this information can be used to showcase FlightGear aircraft performing interesting departures/approaches in challenging (e.g. mountaineous and windy) surroundings.

Various airports have been added here already, based on a [http://www.pprune.org/tech-log/331425-most-difficult-approaches.html related discussion by professional pilots on pprune.org].

==Airports to add==
* Tribhuvan International Aiport (ICAO:VNKT)
* Quito Airport (ICAO:SEQU)
* Peshawar International Airport (ICAO:OPPS)
* Leeds Bradford International Airport (ICAO:EGNM)
* Samos International Airport (ICAO:LGSM)
* Gilgit Airport (ICAO:OPGT)

Innsbruck Airport

2009-06-15T12:09:37Z

Emailwedgy: Added internal chart link. External didn't work.

{{infobox Airport
|name = Innsbruck Airport
|image = Innsbruck_Airport_img1.jpg
|alt =
|iata = INN
|icao = LOWI
|type =
|owner = Tiroler Flughafenbetriebs GmbH 
|city = Innsbruck, Austria
|runway= 08/26
|length= 2000m
|material= Asphalt
|website = [http://www.innsbruck-airport.com/index.html/_lang/en Innsbtruck Airport]
}}
Nestled high in the Austrian stretch of the Alps is '''Innsbruck Airport'''. Innsbruck is a seasonally busy [[:Category:Airports|airport]] that serves the ski/alpine industry. It takes local, national and international aviation [[Interactive Traffic|traffic]].

Use of the Innsbruck Airport is restricted to "High Performance" aircraft by Austrian authorities (see the Austro Control link below). The airport lies within a steep East-West valley, requiring non-ICAO standard procedures to approach and depart.

==Procedures==
=== Approach===
''Approach maps have been provided in the links below. These are sourced from Austro Control - but may not necessarily be current.''

[[Media:InnsbruckAppEast.jpg| Chart: Approach From East]] 
[[Media:InnsbruckAppWest.jpg| Chart: Approach From West]] 
[[Media:InnsbruckDepAll.jpg| Chart: Depart East or West]] 

'''Approach From The East:''' ILS Approach RWY 26. Navigate to the Rattenberg NDB (RTT 303) at FL100. Salzburg Maxglan (LOWS) provides a close and suitable departure runway. From overhead RTT, turn to heading 211°, descend to 9600ft and intercept the ILS (OEJ 109.7). Dial in Absam NDB 313. At Minimum Descent Altitude (overhead the Absam NDB), pilot must be visual or perform the prescribed missed approach. Turn to runway heading when required and land.

'''Approach from the West:''' LLZ/DME Approach into the circuit for a RWY 26 landing. Depart airport Memmingen Allgau (EDJA), navigate to Kempten VOR (KPT 109.6). Overhead KPT, join the 138 radial and navigate to the Kuhtai NDB (KTI 413), at FL130. When LLZ (OEJ 109.70) is identified (not established), depart the NDB heading 104° not below FL115. At DME 20.4 miles, commence descent, and join the LLZ. Do not proceed below FL105 if not established on LLZ. Observe minimum altitudes on descent, stop descent at 3700ft. If visual, turn final and land, otherwise follow prescribed missed approach.

=== Departure ===
''Departure maps have been provided in the links below. These are sourced from Austro Control - but may not necessarily be current.''

'''Departure to the East:''' Using Absam NDB (AB 313) and LLZ (OEJ 109.7), depart RWY 08 at max climb. Fly overhead the NDB, establish on the LLZ, to 9500ft.

'''Departure to the West:''' Starting on Absam NDB (AB 313) and Kempten VOR (KPT 109.6), depart RWY 08 at max climb. Cross the AB NDB not below 5600ft and make right turn to 245, for Innsbruck NDB (INN 420). Cross INN not below 9400ft, turn to KPT. Altitude must be 11500 by 39 miles out of KPT.

== Complexity ==
Steep non-standard climb and descent angles, LLZ offset to runway heading. Try throwing some weather in for good measure.

== FlightGear Scenery ==
The required scenery for LOWI is [ftp://ftp.ibiblio.org/pub/mirrors/flightgear/ftp/Scenery-1.0.1/e010n40.tgz e010n40.tgz]. It includes all airports listed in this article.

==External links==
*Austro Control Website: [http://www.austrocontrol.co.at/en/content/lfa/Flugbewilligungen/Special_Performance_Procedures/LOWI/LOWI.shtml| LOWI Page]
*Airport Building Images: [http://www.travel2austria.com/?Tirol:Airport_Innsbruck_Kranebitten| travel2austria.com]

[[Category:Airports in Austria]]
[[Category:Challenging airports]]

File:InnsbruckDepAll.jpg

2009-06-15T12:00:51Z

Emailwedgy:

File:InnsbruckAppWest.jpg

2009-06-15T11:59:06Z

Emailwedgy:

File:InnsbruckAppEast.jpg

2009-06-15T11:56:22Z

Emailwedgy: uploaded a new version of "Image:InnsbruckAppEast.jpg"

File:InnsbruckAppEast.jpg

2009-06-15T11:52:10Z

Emailwedgy:

Innsbruck Airport

2009-06-14T08:53:15Z

Emailwedgy: /* Introduction */ Changed word.

{{infobox Airport
|name = Innsbruck Airport
|image = Innsbruck_Airport_img1.jpg
|alt =
|iata = INN
|icao = LOWI
|type =
|owner = Tiroler Flughafenbetriebs GmbH 
|city = Innsbruck, Austria
|runway= 08/26
|length= 2000m
|material= Asphalt
|website = [[http://www.innsbruck-airport.com/index.html/_lang/en Innsbruck Airport]]
}}

== Introduction ==
Nestled high in the Austrian stretch of the Alps is Innsbruck Airport. Innsbruck is a seasonally busy airport that serves the ski/alpine industry. It takes local, national and international aviation traffic.

Use of the Innsbruck Airport is restricted to "High Performance" aircraft by Austrian authorities (see the Austro Control link below). The airport lies within a steep East-West valley, requiring non-ICAO standard procedures to approach and depart.

== Approach Procedure ==
''Approach maps have been provided in the links below. These are sourced from Austro Control - but may not necessarily be current.''

'''Approach from the East:''' ILS Approach RWY 26. Navigate to the Rattenberg NDB (RTT 303) at FL100. Salzburg Maxglan (LOWS) provides a close and suitable departure runway. From overhead RTT, turn to heading 211°, descend to 9600ft and intercept the ILS (OEJ 109.7). Dial in Absam NDB 313. At Minimum Descent Altitude (overhead the Absam NDB), pilot must be visual or perform the prescribed missed approach. Turn to runway heading when required and land.

'''Approach from the West:''' LLZ/DME Approach into the circuit for a RWY 26 landing. Depart airport Memmingen Allgau (EDJA), navigate to Kempten VOR (KPT 109.6). Overhead KPT, join the 138 radial and navigate to the Kuhtai NDB (KTI 413), at FL130. When LLZ (OEJ 109.70) is identified (not established), depart the NDB heading 104° not below FL115. At DME 20.4 miles, commence descent, and join the LLZ. Do not proceed below FL105 if not established on LLZ. Observe minimum altitudes on descent, stop descent at 3700ft. If visual, turn final and land, otherwise follow prescribed missed approach.

== Departure Procedure ==
''Departure maps have been provided in the links below. These are sourced from Austro Control - but may not necessarily be current.''

'''Departure to the East:''' Using Absam NDB (AB 313) and LLZ (OEJ 109.7), depart RWY 08 at max climb. Fly overhead the NDB, establish on the LLZ, to 9500ft.

'''Departure to the West:''' Starting on Absam NDB (AB 313) and Kempten VOR (KPT 109.6), depart RWY 08 at max climb. Cross the AB NDB not below 5600ft and make right turn to 245, for Innsbruck NDB (INN 420). Cross INN not below 9400ft, turn to KPT. Altitude must be 11500 by 39 miles out of KPT.

== Complexity ==
Steep non-standard climb and descent angles, LLZ offset to runway heading. Try throwing some weather in for good measure.

== FlightGear Scenery ==
The required scenery for LOWI is [ftp://ftp.ibiblio.org/pub/mirrors/flightgear/ftp/Scenery-1.0.1/e010n40.tgz e010n40.tgz]. It includes all airports listed in this article.

==External links==
*Approach Chart: [[http://www.austrocontrol.co.at/en/Images/LOWI%20LLZ_DME%20Procedure%20EAST%20-%20AIP%20Chart_tcm586-47372.pdf| From East]] 
*Approach Chart: [[http://www.austrocontrol.co.at/en/Images/LOWI%20LLZ_DME%20Procedure%20WEST%20-%20AIP%20Chart_tcm586-47374.pdf| From West]] 
*Departure Chart: [[http://www.austrocontrol.co.at/en/Images/LOWI%20Special%20Performance%20Departure%20-%20AIP%20Chart%202%2E24-4-3_tcm586-47376.pdf| Both Directions]] 
*Departure Notes: [[http://www.austrocontrol.co.at/en/Images/LOWI%20Special%20Performance%20Departure%20-%20AIP%20Chart%202%2E24-4-3A_tcm586-47377.pdf| Both Directions]] 
*Austro Control Website: [[http://www.austrocontrol.co.at/en/content/lfa/Flugbewilligungen/Special_Performance_Procedures/LOWI/LOWI.shtml| LOWI Page]] 
*Airport Building Images:[[http://www.travel2austria.com/?Tirol:Airport_Innsbruck_Kranebitten| travel2austria.com]] 

[[Category:Airports in Austria]]
[[Category:Challenging airports]]

Lukla Airport

2009-06-14T08:52:01Z

Emailwedgy: Added pic

{{infobox Airport
|name = Lukla Airport
|image = Lukla_Airport_img1.jpg
|alt =
|iata = LUA
|icao = VNLK
|type = Public
|owner =
|city = Lukla, Nepal
|runway= 06/24
|length= 527 m
|material= Asphalt
|website =
}}
== Introduction ==
Built by Sir Edmund Hillary in the 1960's, Lukla Airport (recently renamed in honour of Tenzing and Hillary) provides a starting point high in the Himalayas for people attempting to climb Everest.

Lukla is only a short hop from Khatmandu (VNKT). It is an asphalt strip, a little over 500m length. The strip has a steep 10° incline, and is completely enclosed by the mountains at one end. Thus, landing is in only one direction (RWY 06) and there is no circuit. Due to the altitude, terrain and physics of the strip, Lukla is only serviced by helicopters and Twin Otters. Most traffic arrives from Khatmandu.

The Twin Otter is the recommended aircraft for Lukla.

== Approach Procedure ==
"...From (Khatmandu) VNKT climb to at least 13000 ft while following VOR 112.30 outbound on track 096° for about 70 nm. Now turn on terrain mode (TERR) on your GPS navigator and carefully locate the low elevation valley running north and south with VNLK on its path. Follow the valley to the north while descending to just above the airport elevation at 9100 ft. When you have the airport in sight on your right side line up with the 2500 ft asphalt runway at 60° and land... " Courtesy of [http://www.forum.aerosoft.com/index.php?s=4747885d4f37ac9538579108232e4d4b&showtopic=15226&st=0&p=88323&#entry88323| forum.aerosoft.com].

If GPS isn't your preferred method, it is just as easy to fly the 096° radial from Kathmandu, then turn north onto the 010° radial of Lamidada NDB 236 as you intersect it. This heading takes you straight into the valley to Lukla. Most aircraft will allow both these to be dialled in on seperate displays at the same time.

Make sure your descent from FL130 on the turn is made without delay, there isn't much time before the airport appears ahead on your right. Full flaps are a must.

== Departure Procedure ==
Depart the airfield to the South, climb toward FL130. Using Khatmandu VOR 112.3, turn west onto the 096° radial as you intersect it. Clear of the mountains, descend 7000ft. Don't be tempted to descend any lower, as after a 6-8 min stretch without mountains, there is one more range to hop over. Once past, descend as able and prepare for an imminent landing. As the plains stretch away beneath you, the runway should become visible. If not, immediately overhead the VOR, turn north. The airfield is within a mile or two of the VOR.

== Complexity ==
On approach, the landing happens from a descending turn onto a short final. There is a visual perception that can place the plane too low without any time to correct. Terrain makes the go-around very difficult.

Departure is easier. Add an extra level of flaps to give some extra lift on take off.

== FlightGear Scenery ==
The required scenery for VNLK is [ftp://ftp.ibiblio.org/pub/mirrors/flightgear/ftp/Scenery-1.0.1/e080n20.tgz e080n20.tgz]. This tile includes Kathmandu.

==External links==
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lukla_Airport| Wikipedia: Lukla Airport]
* [http://www.airliners.net/photo/Yeti-Airlines/De-Havilland-Canada/1421484/M/| Image: Lukla From The Ground] (Courtesy of Airliners.net)
* [http://www.airliners.net/photo/Yeti-Airlines/De-Havilland-Canada/0197484/M/| Image: On Final For 06] (Courtesy of Airliners.net)

[[Category:Airports in Nepal]]
[[Category:Challenging airports]]

File:Lukla Airport img1.jpg

2009-06-14T08:50:47Z

Emailwedgy:

Innsbruck Airport

2009-06-14T08:44:52Z

Emailwedgy: Page added.

{{infobox Airport
|name = Innsbruck Airport
|image = Innsbruck_Airport_img1.jpg
|alt =
|iata = INN
|icao = LOWI
|type =
|owner = Tiroler Flughafenbetriebs GmbH 
|city = Innsbruck, Austria
|runway= 08/26
|length= 2000m
|material= Asphalt
|website = [[http://www.innsbruck-airport.com/index.html/_lang/en Innsbruck Airport]]
}}

== Introduction ==
Nestled high in the Austrian stretch of the Alps is Innsbruck Airport. Innsbruck is a seasonally busy airport that serves the ski/snow industry. It takes local, national and international aviation traffic.

Use of the Innsbruck Airport is restricted to "High Performance" aircraft by Austrian authorities (see the Austro Control link below). The airport lies within a steep East-West valley, requiring non-ICAO standard procedures to approach and depart.

== Approach Procedure ==
''Approach maps have been provided in the links below. These are sourced from Austro Control - but may not necessarily be current.''

'''Approach from the East:''' ILS Approach RWY 26. Navigate to the Rattenberg NDB (RTT 303) at FL100. Salzburg Maxglan (LOWS) provides a close and suitable departure runway. From overhead RTT, turn to heading 211°, descend to 9600ft and intercept the ILS (OEJ 109.7). Dial in Absam NDB 313. At Minimum Descent Altitude (overhead the Absam NDB), pilot must be visual or perform the prescribed missed approach. Turn to runway heading when required and land.

'''Approach from the West:''' LLZ/DME Approach into the circuit for a RWY 26 landing. Depart airport Memmingen Allgau (EDJA), navigate to Kempten VOR (KPT 109.6). Overhead KPT, join the 138 radial and navigate to the Kuhtai NDB (KTI 413), at FL130. When LLZ (OEJ 109.70) is identified (not established), depart the NDB heading 104° not below FL115. At DME 20.4 miles, commence descent, and join the LLZ. Do not proceed below FL105 if not established on LLZ. Observe minimum altitudes on descent, stop descent at 3700ft. If visual, turn final and land, otherwise follow prescribed missed approach.

== Departure Procedure ==
''Departure maps have been provided in the links below. These are sourced from Austro Control - but may not necessarily be current.''

'''Departure to the East:''' Using Absam NDB (AB 313) and LLZ (OEJ 109.7), depart RWY 08 at max climb. Fly overhead the NDB, establish on the LLZ, to 9500ft.

'''Departure to the West:''' Starting on Absam NDB (AB 313) and Kempten VOR (KPT 109.6), depart RWY 08 at max climb. Cross the AB NDB not below 5600ft and make right turn to 245, for Innsbruck NDB (INN 420). Cross INN not below 9400ft, turn to KPT. Altitude must be 11500 by 39 miles out of KPT.

== Complexity ==
Steep non-standard climb and descent angles, LLZ offset to runway heading. Try throwing some weather in for good measure.

== FlightGear Scenery ==
The required scenery for LOWI is [ftp://ftp.ibiblio.org/pub/mirrors/flightgear/ftp/Scenery-1.0.1/e010n40.tgz e010n40.tgz]. It includes all airports listed in this article.

==External links==
*Approach Chart: [[http://www.austrocontrol.co.at/en/Images/LOWI%20LLZ_DME%20Procedure%20EAST%20-%20AIP%20Chart_tcm586-47372.pdf| From East]] 
*Approach Chart: [[http://www.austrocontrol.co.at/en/Images/LOWI%20LLZ_DME%20Procedure%20WEST%20-%20AIP%20Chart_tcm586-47374.pdf| From West]] 
*Departure Chart: [[http://www.austrocontrol.co.at/en/Images/LOWI%20Special%20Performance%20Departure%20-%20AIP%20Chart%202%2E24-4-3_tcm586-47376.pdf| Both Directions]] 
*Departure Notes: [[http://www.austrocontrol.co.at/en/Images/LOWI%20Special%20Performance%20Departure%20-%20AIP%20Chart%202%2E24-4-3A_tcm586-47377.pdf| Both Directions]] 
*Austro Control Website: [[http://www.austrocontrol.co.at/en/content/lfa/Flugbewilligungen/Special_Performance_Procedures/LOWI/LOWI.shtml| LOWI Page]] 
*Airport Building Images:[[http://www.travel2austria.com/?Tirol:Airport_Innsbruck_Kranebitten| travel2austria.com]] 

[[Category:Airports in Austria]]
[[Category:Challenging airports]]

File:Innsbruck Airport img1.jpg

2009-06-14T08:38:38Z

Emailwedgy:

Lukla Airport

2009-06-13T12:24:47Z

Emailwedgy: /* Approach Procedure */ Typo

{{infobox Airport
|name = Lukla Airport
|image =
|alt =
|iata =LUA
|icao =VNLK
|type =public
|owner =
|city =Lukla, Nepal
|runway= 06/24
|length= 527 m
|material= Asphalt
|website =
}}
== Introduction ==
Built by Sir Edmund Hillary in the 1960's, Lukla Airport (recently renamed in honour of Tenzing and Hillary) provides a starting point high in the Himalayas for people attempting to climb Everest.

Lukla is only a short hop from Khatmandu (VNKT). It is an asphalt strip, a little over 500m length. The strip has a steep 10° incline, and is completely enclosed by the mountains at one end. Thus, landing is in only one direction (RWY 06) and there is no circuit. Due to the altitude, terrain and physics of the strip, Lukla is only serviced by helicopters and Twin Otters. Most traffic arrives from Khatmandu.

The Twin Otter is the recommended aircraft for Lukla.

== Approach Procedure ==
"...From (Khatmandu) VNKT climb to at least 13000 ft while following VOR 112.30 outbound on track 096° for about 70 nm. Now turn on terrain mode (TERR) on your GPS navigator and carefully locate the low elevation valley running north and south with VNLK on its path. Follow the valley to the north while descending to just above the airport elevation at 9100 ft. When you have the airport in sight on your right side line up with the 2500 ft asphalt runway at 60° and land... " Courtesy of [http://www.forum.aerosoft.com/index.php?s=4747885d4f37ac9538579108232e4d4b&showtopic=15226&st=0&p=88323&#entry88323| forum.aerosoft.com].

If GPS isn't your preferred method, it is just as easy to fly the 096° radial from Kathmandu, then turn north onto the 010° radial of Lamidada NDB 236 as you intersect it. This heading takes you straight into the valley to Lukla. Most aircraft will allow both these to be dialled in on seperate displays at the same time.

Make sure your descent from FL130 on the turn is made without delay, there isn't much time before the airport appears ahead on your right. Full flaps are a must.

== Departure Procedure ==
Depart the airfield to the South, climb toward FL130. Using Khatmandu VOR 112.3, turn west onto the 096° radial as you intersect it. Clear of the mountains, descend 7000ft. Don't be tempted to descend any lower, as after a 6-8 min stretch without mountains, there is one more range to hop over. Once past, descend as able and prepare for an imminent landing. As the plains stretch away beneath you, the runway should become visible. If not, immediately overhead the VOR, turn north. The airfield is within a mile or two of the VOR.

== Complexity ==
On approach, the landing happens from a descending turn onto a short final. There is a visual perception that can place the plane too low without any time to correct. Terrain makes the go-around very difficult.

Departure is easier. Add an extra level of flaps to give some extra lift on take off.

== FlightGear Scenery ==
The required scenery for VNLK is [ftp://ftp.ibiblio.org/pub/mirrors/flightgear/ftp/Scenery-1.0.1/e080n20.tgz| e080n20.tgz]. This tile includes Kathmandu.

==External links==
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lukla_Airport| Wikipedia: Lukla Airport]
* [http://www.airliners.net/photo/Yeti-Airlines/De-Havilland-Canada/1421484/M/| Image: Lukla From The Ground] (Courtesy of Airliners.net)
* [http://www.airliners.net/photo/Yeti-Airlines/De-Havilland-Canada/0197484/M/| Image: On Final For 06] (Courtesy of Airliners.net)

[[Category:Airports in Nepal]]
[[Category:Challenging airports]]

Lukla Airport

2009-06-13T12:24:21Z

Emailwedgy: /* Introduction */

{{infobox Airport
|name = Lukla Airport
|image =
|alt =
|iata =LUA
|icao =VNLK
|type =public
|owner =
|city =Lukla, Nepal
|runway= 06/24
|length= 527 m
|material= Asphalt
|website =
}}
== Introduction ==
Built by Sir Edmund Hillary in the 1960's, Lukla Airport (recently renamed in honour of Tenzing and Hillary) provides a starting point high in the Himalayas for people attempting to climb Everest.

Lukla is only a short hop from Khatmandu (VNKT). It is an asphalt strip, a little over 500m length. The strip has a steep 10° incline, and is completely enclosed by the mountains at one end. Thus, landing is in only one direction (RWY 06) and there is no circuit. Due to the altitude, terrain and physics of the strip, Lukla is only serviced by helicopters and Twin Otters. Most traffic arrives from Khatmandu.

The Twin Otter is the recommended aircraft for Lukla.

== Approach Procedure ==
"...From (Khatmandu) VNKT climb to at least 13000 ft while following VOR 112.30 outbound on track 096° for about 70 nm. Now turn on terrain mode (TERR) on your GPS navigator and carefully locate the low elevation valley running north and south with VNLK on its path. Follow the valley to the north while descending to just above the airport elevation at 9100 ft. When you have the airport in sight on your right side line up with the 2500 ft asphalt runway at 60° and land... " Courtesy of [http://www.forum.aerosoft.com/index.php?s=4747885d4f37ac9538579108232e4d4b&showtopic=15226&st=0&p=88323&#entry88323| forum.aerosoft.com].

If GPS isn't your preferred method, it is just as easy to fly the 096° radial from Kathmandu, then turn North onto the 010° radial of Lamidada NDB 236 as you intersect it. This heading takes you straight into the valley to Lukla. Most aircraft will allow both these to be dialled in on seperate displays at the same time.

Make sure your descent from FL130 on the turn is made without delay, there isn't much time before the airport appears ahead on your right. Full flaps are a must.

== Departure Procedure ==
Depart the airfield to the South, climb toward FL130. Using Khatmandu VOR 112.3, turn west onto the 096° radial as you intersect it. Clear of the mountains, descend 7000ft. Don't be tempted to descend any lower, as after a 6-8 min stretch without mountains, there is one more range to hop over. Once past, descend as able and prepare for an imminent landing. As the plains stretch away beneath you, the runway should become visible. If not, immediately overhead the VOR, turn north. The airfield is within a mile or two of the VOR.

== Complexity ==
On approach, the landing happens from a descending turn onto a short final. There is a visual perception that can place the plane too low without any time to correct. Terrain makes the go-around very difficult.

Departure is easier. Add an extra level of flaps to give some extra lift on take off.

== FlightGear Scenery ==
The required scenery for VNLK is [ftp://ftp.ibiblio.org/pub/mirrors/flightgear/ftp/Scenery-1.0.1/e080n20.tgz| e080n20.tgz]. This tile includes Kathmandu.

==External links==
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lukla_Airport| Wikipedia: Lukla Airport]
* [http://www.airliners.net/photo/Yeti-Airlines/De-Havilland-Canada/1421484/M/| Image: Lukla From The Ground] (Courtesy of Airliners.net)
* [http://www.airliners.net/photo/Yeti-Airlines/De-Havilland-Canada/0197484/M/| Image: On Final For 06] (Courtesy of Airliners.net)

[[Category:Airports in Nepal]]
[[Category:Challenging airports]]

Lukla Airport

2009-06-13T12:22:49Z

Emailwedgy: /* Departure Procedure */ Made corrections.

{{infobox Airport
|name = Lukla Airport
|image =
|alt =
|iata =LUA
|icao =VNLK
|type =public
|owner =
|city =Lukla, Nepal
|runway= 06/24
|length= 527 m
|material= Asphalt
|website =
}}
== Introduction ==
Built by Sir Edmund Hillary in the 1960's, Lukla Airport (recently renamed in honour of Tenzing and Hillary) provides a starting point high in the Himalayas for people attempting to climb Everest.

Lukla is only a short hop from Khatmandu (VNKT). It is an asphalt strip, a little over 500m length. The strip has a steep 10° incline, and is completely enclosed by the mountains at one end. Thus, landing is in only one direction (RWY 06) and there is no circuit. Due to the altitude, terrain and physics of the strip, Lukla is only serviced by helicopters and Twin Otters.

The Twin Otter is the recommended aircraft for Lukla.

== Approach Procedure ==
"...From (Khatmandu) VNKT climb to at least 13000 ft while following VOR 112.30 outbound on track 096° for about 70 nm. Now turn on terrain mode (TERR) on your GPS navigator and carefully locate the low elevation valley running north and south with VNLK on its path. Follow the valley to the north while descending to just above the airport elevation at 9100 ft. When you have the airport in sight on your right side line up with the 2500 ft asphalt runway at 60° and land... " Courtesy of [http://www.forum.aerosoft.com/index.php?s=4747885d4f37ac9538579108232e4d4b&showtopic=15226&st=0&p=88323&#entry88323| forum.aerosoft.com].

If GPS isn't your preferred method, it is just as easy to fly the 096° radial from Kathmandu, then turn North onto the 010° radial of Lamidada NDB 236 as you intersect it. This heading takes you straight into the valley to Lukla. Most aircraft will allow both these to be dialled in on seperate displays at the same time.

Make sure your descent from FL130 on the turn is made without delay, there isn't much time before the airport appears ahead on your right. Full flaps are a must.

== Departure Procedure ==
Depart the airfield to the South, climb toward FL130. Using Khatmandu VOR 112.3, turn west onto the 096° radial as you intersect it. Clear of the mountains, descend 7000ft. Don't be tempted to descend any lower, as after a 6-8 min stretch without mountains, there is one more range to hop over. Once past, descend as able and prepare for an imminent landing. As the plains stretch away beneath you, the runway should become visible. If not, immediately overhead the VOR, turn north. The airfield is within a mile or two of the VOR.

== Complexity ==
On approach, the landing happens from a descending turn onto a short final. There is a visual perception that can place the plane too low without any time to correct. Terrain makes the go-around very difficult.

Departure is easier. Add an extra level of flaps to give some extra lift on take off.

== FlightGear Scenery ==
The required scenery for VNLK is [ftp://ftp.ibiblio.org/pub/mirrors/flightgear/ftp/Scenery-1.0.1/e080n20.tgz| e080n20.tgz]. This tile includes Kathmandu.

==External links==
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lukla_Airport| Wikipedia: Lukla Airport]
* [http://www.airliners.net/photo/Yeti-Airlines/De-Havilland-Canada/1421484/M/| Image: Lukla From The Ground] (Courtesy of Airliners.net)
* [http://www.airliners.net/photo/Yeti-Airlines/De-Havilland-Canada/0197484/M/| Image: On Final For 06] (Courtesy of Airliners.net)

[[Category:Airports in Nepal]]
[[Category:Challenging airports]]

Lukla Airport

2009-06-13T12:04:05Z

Emailwedgy: /* Approach Procedure */

{{infobox Airport
|name = Lukla Airport
|image =
|alt =
|iata =LUA
|icao =VNLK
|type =public
|owner =
|city =Lukla, Nepal
|runway= 06/24
|length= 527 m
|material= Asphalt
|website =
}}
== Introduction ==
Built by Sir Edmund Hillary in the 1960's, Lukla Airport (recently renamed in honour of Tenzing and Hillary) provides a starting point high in the Himalayas for people attempting to climb Everest.

Lukla is only a short hop from Khatmandu (VNKT). It is an asphalt strip, a little over 500m length. The strip has a steep 10° incline, and is completely enclosed by the mountains at one end. Thus, landing is in only one direction (RWY 06) and there is no circuit. Due to the altitude, terrain and physics of the strip, Lukla is only serviced by helicopters and Twin Otters.

The Twin Otter is the recommended aircraft for Lukla.

== Approach Procedure ==
"...From (Khatmandu) VNKT climb to at least 13000 ft while following VOR 112.30 outbound on track 096° for about 70 nm. Now turn on terrain mode (TERR) on your GPS navigator and carefully locate the low elevation valley running north and south with VNLK on its path. Follow the valley to the north while descending to just above the airport elevation at 9100 ft. When you have the airport in sight on your right side line up with the 2500 ft asphalt runway at 60° and land... " Courtesy of [http://www.forum.aerosoft.com/index.php?s=4747885d4f37ac9538579108232e4d4b&showtopic=15226&st=0&p=88323&#entry88323| forum.aerosoft.com].

If GPS isn't your preferred method, it is just as easy to fly the 096° radial from Kathmandu, then turn North onto the 010° radial of Lamidada NDB 236 as you intersect it. This heading takes you straight into the valley to Lukla. Most aircraft will allow both these to be dialled in on seperate displays at the same time.

Make sure your descent from FL130 on the turn is made without delay, there isn't much time before the airport appears ahead on your right. Full flaps are a must.

== Departure Procedure ==
Depart the airfield to the South, climb toward FL130. Using Khatmandu VOR 112.3, turn west onto the 096° radial as you intersect it. Clear of the mountains, descend 7000ft. Overhead the Khatmandu VOR, turn north and descend for landing. Khatmandu Airport is in 5 miles.

== Complexity ==
On approach, the landing happens from a descending turn onto a short final. There is a visual perception that can place the plane too low without any time to correct. Terrain makes the go-around very difficult.

Departure is easier. Add an extra level of flaps to give some extra lift on take off.

== FlightGear Scenery ==
The required scenery for VNLK is [ftp://ftp.ibiblio.org/pub/mirrors/flightgear/ftp/Scenery-1.0.1/e080n20.tgz| e080n20.tgz]. This tile includes Kathmandu.

==External links==
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lukla_Airport| Wikipedia: Lukla Airport]
* [http://www.airliners.net/photo/Yeti-Airlines/De-Havilland-Canada/1421484/M/| Image: Lukla From The Ground] (Courtesy of Airliners.net)
* [http://www.airliners.net/photo/Yeti-Airlines/De-Havilland-Canada/0197484/M/| Image: On Final For 06] (Courtesy of Airliners.net)

[[Category:Airports in Nepal]]
[[Category:Challenging airports]]

Lukla Airport

2009-06-13T12:03:21Z

Emailwedgy: /* Approach Procedure */

{{infobox Airport
|name = Lukla Airport
|image =
|alt =
|iata =LUA
|icao =VNLK
|type =public
|owner =
|city =Lukla, Nepal
|runway= 06/24
|length= 527 m
|material= Asphalt
|website =
}}
== Introduction ==
Built by Sir Edmund Hillary in the 1960's, Lukla Airport (recently renamed in honour of Tenzing and Hillary) provides a starting point high in the Himalayas for people attempting to climb Everest.

Lukla is only a short hop from Khatmandu (VNKT). It is an asphalt strip, a little over 500m length. The strip has a steep 10° incline, and is completely enclosed by the mountains at one end. Thus, landing is in only one direction (RWY 06) and there is no circuit. Due to the altitude, terrain and physics of the strip, Lukla is only serviced by helicopters and Twin Otters.

The Twin Otter is the recommended aircraft for Lukla.

== Approach Procedure ==
"...From (Khatmandu) VNKT climb to at least 13000 ft while following VOR 112.30 outbound on track 096° for about 70 nm. Now turn on terrain mode (TERR) on your GPS navigator and carefully locate the low elevation valley running north and south with VNLK on its path. Follow the valley to the north while descending to just above the airport elevation at 9100 ft. When you have the airport in sight on your right side line up with the 2500 ft asphalt runway at 60° and land... " Courtesy of [http://www.forum.aerosoft.com/index.php?s=4747885d4f37ac9538579108232e4d4b&showtopic=15226&st=0&p=88323&#entry88323| forum.aerosoft.com].

If GPS isn't your preferred method, it is just as easy to fly the 096° radial from Kathmandu, then turn North onto the 010° radial of Lamidada NDB 236 as you intersect it. This heading takes you straight into the valley to Lukla. Most aircraft will allow both these to be dialled in on seperate displays at the same time.

Make sure your descent from FL130 is without delay, there isn't much time before the airport appears ahead on your right. Full flaps are a must.

== Departure Procedure ==
Depart the airfield to the South, climb toward FL130. Using Khatmandu VOR 112.3, turn west onto the 096° radial as you intersect it. Clear of the mountains, descend 7000ft. Overhead the Khatmandu VOR, turn north and descend for landing. Khatmandu Airport is in 5 miles.

== Complexity ==
On approach, the landing happens from a descending turn onto a short final. There is a visual perception that can place the plane too low without any time to correct. Terrain makes the go-around very difficult.

Departure is easier. Add an extra level of flaps to give some extra lift on take off.

== FlightGear Scenery ==
The required scenery for VNLK is [ftp://ftp.ibiblio.org/pub/mirrors/flightgear/ftp/Scenery-1.0.1/e080n20.tgz| e080n20.tgz]. This tile includes Kathmandu.

==External links==
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lukla_Airport| Wikipedia: Lukla Airport]
* [http://www.airliners.net/photo/Yeti-Airlines/De-Havilland-Canada/1421484/M/| Image: Lukla From The Ground] (Courtesy of Airliners.net)
* [http://www.airliners.net/photo/Yeti-Airlines/De-Havilland-Canada/0197484/M/| Image: On Final For 06] (Courtesy of Airliners.net)

[[Category:Airports in Nepal]]
[[Category:Challenging airports]]

Lukla Airport

2009-06-13T12:02:29Z

Emailwedgy: /* Introduction */ Added recommended aircraft

{{infobox Airport
|name = Lukla Airport
|image =
|alt =
|iata =LUA
|icao =VNLK
|type =public
|owner =
|city =Lukla, Nepal
|runway= 06/24
|length= 527 m
|material= Asphalt
|website =
}}
== Introduction ==
Built by Sir Edmund Hillary in the 1960's, Lukla Airport (recently renamed in honour of Tenzing and Hillary) provides a starting point high in the Himalayas for people attempting to climb Everest.

Lukla is only a short hop from Khatmandu (VNKT). It is an asphalt strip, a little over 500m length. The strip has a steep 10° incline, and is completely enclosed by the mountains at one end. Thus, landing is in only one direction (RWY 06) and there is no circuit. Due to the altitude, terrain and physics of the strip, Lukla is only serviced by helicopters and Twin Otters.

The Twin Otter is the recommended aircraft for Lukla.

== Approach Procedure ==
"...From (Khatmandu) VNKT climb to at least 13000 ft while following VOR 112.30 outbound on track 096° for about 70 nm. Now turn on terrain mode (TERR) on your GPS navigator and carefully locate the low elevation valley running north and south with VNLK on its path. Follow the valley to the north while descending to just above the airport elevation at 9100 ft. When you have the airport in sight on your right side line up with the 2500 ft asphalt runway at 60° and land... " Courtesy of [http://www.forum.aerosoft.com/index.php?s=4747885d4f37ac9538579108232e4d4b&showtopic=15226&st=0&p=88323&#entry88323| forum.aerosoft.com].

If GPS isn't your preferred method, it is just as easy to fly the 096° radial from Kathmandu, then turn North onto the 010° radial of Lamidada NDB 236 as you intersect it. This heading takes you straight into the valley to Lukla. Most aircraft will allow both these to be dialled in on seperate displays at the same time. Make sure your descent from FL130 is without delay, there isn't much time before the airport appears ahead on your right. Full flaps are a must.

== Departure Procedure ==
Depart the airfield to the South, climb toward FL130. Using Khatmandu VOR 112.3, turn west onto the 096° radial as you intersect it. Clear of the mountains, descend 7000ft. Overhead the Khatmandu VOR, turn north and descend for landing. Khatmandu Airport is in 5 miles.

== Complexity ==
On approach, the landing happens from a descending turn onto a short final. There is a visual perception that can place the plane too low without any time to correct. Terrain makes the go-around very difficult.

Departure is easier. Add an extra level of flaps to give some extra lift on take off.

== FlightGear Scenery ==
The required scenery for VNLK is [ftp://ftp.ibiblio.org/pub/mirrors/flightgear/ftp/Scenery-1.0.1/e080n20.tgz| e080n20.tgz]. This tile includes Kathmandu.

==External links==
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lukla_Airport| Wikipedia: Lukla Airport]
* [http://www.airliners.net/photo/Yeti-Airlines/De-Havilland-Canada/1421484/M/| Image: Lukla From The Ground] (Courtesy of Airliners.net)
* [http://www.airliners.net/photo/Yeti-Airlines/De-Havilland-Canada/0197484/M/| Image: On Final For 06] (Courtesy of Airliners.net)

[[Category:Airports in Nepal]]
[[Category:Challenging airports]]

Lukla Airport

2009-06-13T11:42:18Z

Emailwedgy: /* Introduction */ Added more Introduction

{{infobox Airport
|name = Lukla Airport
|image =
|alt =
|iata =LUA
|icao =VNLK
|type =public
|owner =
|city =Lukla, Nepal
|runway= 06/24
|length= 527 m
|material= Asphalt
|website =
}}
== Introduction ==
Built by Sir Edmund Hillary in the 1960's, Lukla Airport (recently renamed in honour of Tenzing and Hillary) provides a starting point high in the Himalayas for people attempting to climb Everest.

Lukla is only a short hop from Khatmandu (VNKT). It is an asphalt strip, a little over 500m length. The strip has a steep 10° incline, and is completely enclosed by the mountains at one end. Thus, landing is in only one direction (RWY 06) and there is no circuit. Due to the altitude, terrain and physics of the strip, Lukla is only serviced by helicopters and Twin Otters.

== Approach Procedure ==
"...From (Khatmandu) VNKT climb to at least 13000 ft while following VOR 112.30 outbound on track 096° for about 70 nm. Now turn on terrain mode (TERR) on your GPS navigator and carefully locate the low elevation valley running north and south with VNLK on its path. Follow the valley to the north while descending to just above the airport elevation at 9100 ft. When you have the airport in sight on your right side line up with the 2500 ft asphalt runway at 60° and land... " Courtesy of [http://www.forum.aerosoft.com/index.php?s=4747885d4f37ac9538579108232e4d4b&showtopic=15226&st=0&p=88323&#entry88323| forum.aerosoft.com].

If GPS isn't your preferred method, it is just as easy to fly the 096° radial from Kathmandu, then turn North onto the 010° radial of Lamidada NDB 236 as you intersect it. This heading takes you straight into the valley to Lukla. Most aircraft will allow both these to be dialled in on seperate displays at the same time. Make sure your descent from FL130 is without delay, there isn't much time before the airport appears ahead on your right. Full flaps are a must.

== Departure Procedure ==
Depart the airfield to the South, climb toward FL130. Using Khatmandu VOR 112.3, turn west onto the 096° radial as you intersect it. Clear of the mountains, descend 7000ft. Overhead the Khatmandu VOR, turn north and descend for landing. Khatmandu Airport is in 5 miles.

== Complexity ==
On approach, the landing happens from a descending turn onto a short final. There is a visual perception that can place the plane too low without any time to correct. Terrain makes the go-around very difficult.

Departure is easier. Add an extra level of flaps to give some extra lift on take off.

== FlightGear Scenery ==
The required scenery for VNLK is [ftp://ftp.ibiblio.org/pub/mirrors/flightgear/ftp/Scenery-1.0.1/e080n20.tgz| e080n20.tgz]. This tile includes Kathmandu.

==External links==
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lukla_Airport| Wikipedia: Lukla Airport]
* [http://www.airliners.net/photo/Yeti-Airlines/De-Havilland-Canada/1421484/M/| Image: Lukla From The Ground] (Courtesy of Airliners.net)
* [http://www.airliners.net/photo/Yeti-Airlines/De-Havilland-Canada/0197484/M/| Image: On Final For 06] (Courtesy of Airliners.net)

[[Category:Airports in Nepal]]
[[Category:Challenging airports]]

Lukla Airport

2009-06-13T11:38:11Z

Emailwedgy: /* Introduction */

{{infobox Airport
|name = Lukla Airport
|image =
|alt =
|iata =LUA
|icao =VNLK
|type =public
|owner =
|city =Lukla, Nepal
|runway= 06/24
|length= 527 m
|material= Asphalt
|website =
}}
== Introduction ==
Built by Sir Edmund Hillary in the 1960's, Lukla Airport (recently renamed in honour of Tenzing and Hillary) provides a starting point high in the Himalayas for people attempting to climb Everest.

Lukla is only a short hop from Khatmandu (VNKT). Due to the altitude, terrain and physics of the strip, Lukla is only serviced by helicopters and Twin Otters.

== Approach Procedure ==
"...From (Khatmandu) VNKT climb to at least 13000 ft while following VOR 112.30 outbound on track 096° for about 70 nm. Now turn on terrain mode (TERR) on your GPS navigator and carefully locate the low elevation valley running north and south with VNLK on its path. Follow the valley to the north while descending to just above the airport elevation at 9100 ft. When you have the airport in sight on your right side line up with the 2500 ft asphalt runway at 60° and land... " Courtesy of [http://www.forum.aerosoft.com/index.php?s=4747885d4f37ac9538579108232e4d4b&showtopic=15226&st=0&p=88323&#entry88323| forum.aerosoft.com].

If GPS isn't your preferred method, it is just as easy to fly the 096° radial from Kathmandu, then turn North onto the 010° radial of Lamidada NDB 236 as you intersect it. This heading takes you straight into the valley to Lukla. Most aircraft will allow both these to be dialled in on seperate displays at the same time. Make sure your descent from FL130 is without delay, there isn't much time before the airport appears ahead on your right. Full flaps are a must.

== Departure Procedure ==
Depart the airfield to the South, climb toward FL130. Using Khatmandu VOR 112.3, turn west onto the 096° radial as you intersect it. Clear of the mountains, descend 7000ft. Overhead the Khatmandu VOR, turn north and descend for landing. Khatmandu Airport is in 5 miles.

== Complexity ==
On approach, the landing happens from a descending turn onto a short final. There is a visual perception that can place the plane too low without any time to correct. Terrain makes the go-around very difficult.

Departure is easier. Add an extra level of flaps to give some extra lift on take off.

== FlightGear Scenery ==
The required scenery for VNLK is [ftp://ftp.ibiblio.org/pub/mirrors/flightgear/ftp/Scenery-1.0.1/e080n20.tgz| e080n20.tgz]. This tile includes Kathmandu.

==External links==
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lukla_Airport| Wikipedia: Lukla Airport]
* [http://www.airliners.net/photo/Yeti-Airlines/De-Havilland-Canada/1421484/M/| Image: Lukla From The Ground] (Courtesy of Airliners.net)
* [http://www.airliners.net/photo/Yeti-Airlines/De-Havilland-Canada/0197484/M/| Image: On Final For 06] (Courtesy of Airliners.net)

[[Category:Airports in Nepal]]
[[Category:Challenging airports]]

Lukla Airport

2009-06-13T11:37:48Z

Emailwedgy: /* Introduction */ Oops. Typo.

{{infobox Airport
|name = Lukla Airport
|image =
|alt =
|iata =LUA
|icao =VNLK
|type =public
|owner =
|city =Lukla, Nepal
|runway= 06/24
|length= 527 m
|material= Asphalt
|website =
}}
== Introduction ==
Built by Sir Edmund Hillary in the 1960's, Lukla Airport (recently renamed in honour of Tenzing/Hillary Airport) provides a starting point high in the Himalayas for people attempting to climb Everest.

Lukla is only a short hop from Khatmandu (VNKT). Due to the altitude, terrain and physics of the strip, Lukla is only serviced by helicopters and Twin Otters.

== Approach Procedure ==
"...From (Khatmandu) VNKT climb to at least 13000 ft while following VOR 112.30 outbound on track 096° for about 70 nm. Now turn on terrain mode (TERR) on your GPS navigator and carefully locate the low elevation valley running north and south with VNLK on its path. Follow the valley to the north while descending to just above the airport elevation at 9100 ft. When you have the airport in sight on your right side line up with the 2500 ft asphalt runway at 60° and land... " Courtesy of [http://www.forum.aerosoft.com/index.php?s=4747885d4f37ac9538579108232e4d4b&showtopic=15226&st=0&p=88323&#entry88323| forum.aerosoft.com].

If GPS isn't your preferred method, it is just as easy to fly the 096° radial from Kathmandu, then turn North onto the 010° radial of Lamidada NDB 236 as you intersect it. This heading takes you straight into the valley to Lukla. Most aircraft will allow both these to be dialled in on seperate displays at the same time. Make sure your descent from FL130 is without delay, there isn't much time before the airport appears ahead on your right. Full flaps are a must.

== Departure Procedure ==
Depart the airfield to the South, climb toward FL130. Using Khatmandu VOR 112.3, turn west onto the 096° radial as you intersect it. Clear of the mountains, descend 7000ft. Overhead the Khatmandu VOR, turn north and descend for landing. Khatmandu Airport is in 5 miles.

== Complexity ==
On approach, the landing happens from a descending turn onto a short final. There is a visual perception that can place the plane too low without any time to correct. Terrain makes the go-around very difficult.

Departure is easier. Add an extra level of flaps to give some extra lift on take off.

== FlightGear Scenery ==
The required scenery for VNLK is [ftp://ftp.ibiblio.org/pub/mirrors/flightgear/ftp/Scenery-1.0.1/e080n20.tgz| e080n20.tgz]. This tile includes Kathmandu.

==External links==
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lukla_Airport| Wikipedia: Lukla Airport]
* [http://www.airliners.net/photo/Yeti-Airlines/De-Havilland-Canada/1421484/M/| Image: Lukla From The Ground] (Courtesy of Airliners.net)
* [http://www.airliners.net/photo/Yeti-Airlines/De-Havilland-Canada/0197484/M/| Image: On Final For 06] (Courtesy of Airliners.net)

[[Category:Airports in Nepal]]
[[Category:Challenging airports]]

Lukla Airport

2009-06-13T11:35:50Z

Emailwedgy: Added introduction

{{infobox Airport
|name = Lukla Airport
|image =
|alt =
|iata =LUA
|icao =VNLK
|type =public
|owner =
|city =Lukla, Nepal
|runway= 06/24
|length= 527 m
|material= Asphalt
|website =
}}
== Introduction ==
Built my Sir Edmund Hillary in the 1960's, Lukla Airport (recently renamed in honour of Tenzing/Hillary Airport) provides a starting point high in the Himalayas for people attempting to climb Everest.

Lukla is only a short hop from Khatmandu (VNKT). Due to the altitude, terrain and physics of the strip, Lukla is only serviced by helicopters and Twin Otters.

== Approach Procedure ==
"...From (Khatmandu) VNKT climb to at least 13000 ft while following VOR 112.30 outbound on track 096° for about 70 nm. Now turn on terrain mode (TERR) on your GPS navigator and carefully locate the low elevation valley running north and south with VNLK on its path. Follow the valley to the north while descending to just above the airport elevation at 9100 ft. When you have the airport in sight on your right side line up with the 2500 ft asphalt runway at 60° and land... " Courtesy of [http://www.forum.aerosoft.com/index.php?s=4747885d4f37ac9538579108232e4d4b&showtopic=15226&st=0&p=88323&#entry88323| forum.aerosoft.com].

If GPS isn't your preferred method, it is just as easy to fly the 096° radial from Kathmandu, then turn North onto the 010° radial of Lamidada NDB 236 as you intersect it. This heading takes you straight into the valley to Lukla. Most aircraft will allow both these to be dialled in on seperate displays at the same time. Make sure your descent from FL130 is without delay, there isn't much time before the airport appears ahead on your right. Full flaps are a must.

== Departure Procedure ==
Depart the airfield to the South, climb toward FL130. Using Khatmandu VOR 112.3, turn west onto the 096° radial as you intersect it. Clear of the mountains, descend 7000ft. Overhead the Khatmandu VOR, turn north and descend for landing. Khatmandu Airport is in 5 miles.

== Complexity ==
On approach, the landing happens from a descending turn onto a short final. There is a visual perception that can place the plane too low without any time to correct. Terrain makes the go-around very difficult.

Departure is easier. Add an extra level of flaps to give some extra lift on take off.

== FlightGear Scenery ==
The required scenery for VNLK is [ftp://ftp.ibiblio.org/pub/mirrors/flightgear/ftp/Scenery-1.0.1/e080n20.tgz| e080n20.tgz]. This tile includes Kathmandu.

==External links==
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lukla_Airport| Wikipedia: Lukla Airport]
* [http://www.airliners.net/photo/Yeti-Airlines/De-Havilland-Canada/1421484/M/| Image: Lukla From The Ground] (Courtesy of Airliners.net)
* [http://www.airliners.net/photo/Yeti-Airlines/De-Havilland-Canada/0197484/M/| Image: On Final For 06] (Courtesy of Airliners.net)

[[Category:Airports in Nepal]]
[[Category:Challenging airports]]

Lukla Airport

2009-06-13T10:58:42Z

Emailwedgy:

{{infobox Airport
|name = Lukla Airport
|image =
|alt =
|iata =LUA
|icao =VNLK
|type =public
|owner =
|city =Lukla, Nepal
|runway= 06/24
|length= 527 m
|material= Asphalt
|website =
}}

== Approach Procedure ==
"...From (Khatmandu) VNKT climb to at least 13000 ft while following VOR 112.30 outbound on track 096° for about 70 nm. Now turn on terrain mode (TERR) on your GPS navigator and carefully locate the low elevation valley running north and south with VNLK on its path. Follow the valley to the north while descending to just above the airport elevation at 9100 ft. When you have the airport in sight on your right side line up with the 2500 ft asphalt runway at 60° and land... " Courtesy of [http://www.forum.aerosoft.com/index.php?s=4747885d4f37ac9538579108232e4d4b&showtopic=15226&st=0&p=88323&#entry88323| forum.aerosoft.com].

If GPS isn't your preferred method, it is just as easy to fly the 096° radial from Kathmandu, then turn North onto the 010° radial of Lamidada NDB 236 as you intersect it. This heading takes you straight into the valley to Lukla. Most aircraft will allow both these to be dialled in on seperate displays at the same time. Make sure your descent from FL130 is without delay, there isn't much time before the airport appears ahead on your right. Full flaps are a must.

== Complexity ==
The landing. A descending turn onto a short short final, and a visual perception that can place the plane too low without any time to correct. Terrain makes the go-around very difficult.

== FlightGear Scenery ==
The required scenery for VNLK is [ftp://ftp.ibiblio.org/pub/mirrors/flightgear/ftp/Scenery-1.0.1/e080n20.tgz| e080n20.tgz]. This tile includes Kathmandu.

==External links==
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lukla_Airport| Wikipedia: Lukla Airport]
* [http://www.airliners.net/photo/Yeti-Airlines/De-Havilland-Canada/1421484/M/| Image: Lukla From The Ground] (Courtesy of Airliners.net)
* [http://www.airliners.net/photo/Yeti-Airlines/De-Havilland-Canada/0197484/M/| Image: On Final For 06] (Courtesy of Airliners.net)

[[Category:Airports in Nepal]]
[[Category:Challenging airports]]

Challenging Airports

2009-06-13T10:57:09Z

Emailwedgy: Removed Lukla details, inserted link to Lukla_Airport

Lukla Airport

2009-06-13T10:05:40Z

Emailwedgy: /* Complexity */

{{infobox Airport
|name = Lukla Airport
|image =
|alt =
|iata =LUA
|icao =VNLK
|type =public
|owner =
|city =Lukla, Nepal
|runway= 06/24
|length= 527 m
|material= Asfalt
|website =
}}

== Approach Procedure ==
"...From (Khatmandu) VNKT climb to at least 13000 ft while following VOR 112.30 outbound on track 096° for about 70 nm. Now turn on terrain mode (TERR) on your GPS navigator and carefully locate the low elevation valley running north and south with VNLK on its path. Follow the valley to the north while descending to just above the airport elevation at 9100 ft. When you have the airport in sight on your right side line up with the 2500 ft asphalt runway at 60° and land... " Courtesy of [http://www.forum.aerosoft.com/index.php?s=4747885d4f37ac9538579108232e4d4b&showtopic=15226&st=0&p=88323&#entry88323| forum.aerosoft.com].

If GPS isn't your preferred method, it is just as easy to fly the 096° radial from Kathmandu, then turn North onto the 010° radial of Lamidada NDB 236 as you intersect it. This heading takes you straight into the valley to Lukla. Most aircraft will allow both these to be dialled in on seperate displays at the same time. Make sure your descent from FL130 is without delay, there isn't much time before the airport appears ahead on your right. Full flaps are a must.

== Complexity ==
The landing. A descending turn onto a short short final, and a visual perception that can place the plane too low without any time to correct. Terrain makes the go-around very difficult.

== FlightGear Scenery ==
The required scenery for VNLK is [ftp://ftp.ibiblio.org/pub/mirrors/flightgear/ftp/Scenery-1.0.1/e080n20.tgz| e080n20.tgz]. This tile includes Kathmandu.

==External links==
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lukla_Airport| Wikipedia: Lukla Airport]
* [http://www.airliners.net/photo/Yeti-Airlines/De-Havilland-Canada/1421484/M/| Image: Lukla From The Ground] (Courtesy of Airliners.net)
* [http://www.airliners.net/photo/Yeti-Airlines/De-Havilland-Canada/0197484/M/| Image: On Final For 06] (Courtesy of Airliners.net)

[[Category:Airports in Nepal]]
[[Category:Challenging airports]]

Lukla Airport

2009-06-13T07:18:58Z

Emailwedgy:

ICAO: VNLK 
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lukla_Airport| Wikipedia: Lukla Airport] 
[http://www.airliners.net/photo/Yeti-Airlines/De-Havilland-Canada/1421484/M/| Image: Lukla From The Ground] (Courtesy of Airliners.net) 
[http://www.airliners.net/photo/Yeti-Airlines/De-Havilland-Canada/0197484/M/| Image: On Final For 06] (Courtesy of Airliners.net)

== Approach Procedure ==
"...From (Khatmandu) VNKT climb to at least 13000 ft while following VOR 112.30 outbound on track 096° for about 70 nm. Now turn on terrain mode (TERR) on your GPS navigator and carefully locate the low elevation valley running north and south with VNLK on its path. Follow the valley to the north while descending to just above the airport elevation at 9100 ft. When you have the airport in sight on your right side line up with the 2500 ft asphalt runway at 60° and land... " Courtesy of [http://www.forum.aerosoft.com/index.php?s=4747885d4f37ac9538579108232e4d4b&showtopic=15226&st=0&p=88323&#entry88323| forum.aerosoft.com].

If GPS isn't your preferred method, it is just as easy to fly the 096° radial from Kathmandu, then turn North onto the 010° radial of Lamidada NDB 236 as you intersect it. This heading takes you straight into the valley to Lukla. Most aircraft will allow both these to be dialled in on seperate displays at the same time. Make sure your descent from FL130 is without delay, there isn't much time before the airport appears ahead on your right. Full flaps are a must.

== Complexity ==
The landing. A descending turn onto a short short final, and a visual perception that can place the plane too low without any time to correct.

== FlightGear Scenery ==
The required scenery for VNLK is [ftp://ftp.ibiblio.org/pub/mirrors/flightgear/ftp/Scenery-1.0.1/e080n20.tgz| e080n20.tgz]. This tile includes Kathmandu.

Lukla Airport

2009-06-13T07:18:15Z

Emailwedgy:

= LUKLA Airport =

ICAO: VNLK 
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lukla_Airport| Wikipedia: Lukla Airport] 
[http://www.airliners.net/photo/Yeti-Airlines/De-Havilland-Canada/1421484/M/| Image: Lukla From The Ground] (Courtesy of Airliners.net) 
[http://www.airliners.net/photo/Yeti-Airlines/De-Havilland-Canada/0197484/M/| Image: On Final For 06] (Courtesy of Airliners.net)

== Approach Procedure ==
"...From (Khatmandu) VNKT climb to at least 13000 ft while following VOR 112.30 outbound on track 096° for about 70 nm. Now turn on terrain mode (TERR) on your GPS navigator and carefully locate the low elevation valley running north and south with VNLK on its path. Follow the valley to the north while descending to just above the airport elevation at 9100 ft. When you have the airport in sight on your right side line up with the 2500 ft asphalt runway at 60° and land... " Courtesy of [http://www.forum.aerosoft.com/index.php?s=4747885d4f37ac9538579108232e4d4b&showtopic=15226&st=0&p=88323&#entry88323| forum.aerosoft.com].

If GPS isn't your preferred method, it is just as easy to fly the 096° radial from Kathmandu, then turn North onto the 010° radial of Lamidada NDB 236 as you intersect it. This heading takes you straight into the valley to Lukla. Most aircraft will allow both these to be dialled in on seperate displays at the same time. Make sure your descent from FL130 is without delay, there isn't much time before the airport appears ahead on your right. Full flaps are a must.

== Complexity ==
The landing. A descending turn onto a short short final, and a visual perception that can place the plane too low without any time to correct.

== FlightGear Scenery ==
The required scenery for VNLK is [ftp://ftp.ibiblio.org/pub/mirrors/flightgear/ftp/Scenery-1.0.1/e080n20.tgz| e080n20.tgz]. This tile includes Kathmandu.

Lukla Airport

2009-06-13T07:17:00Z

Emailwedgy: /* Chalenging Airports Lukla */ Created and filled

= LUKLA Airport (ICAO:VNLK)=

[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lukla_Airport| Wikipedia: Lukla Airport] 
[http://www.airliners.net/photo/Yeti-Airlines/De-Havilland-Canada/1421484/M/| Image: Lukla From The Ground] (Courtesy of Airliners.net) 
[http://www.airliners.net/photo/Yeti-Airlines/De-Havilland-Canada/0197484/M/| Image: On Final For 06] (Courtesy of Airliners.net)

== Approach Procedure ==
"...From (Khatmandu) VNKT climb to at least 13000 ft while following VOR 112.30 outbound on track 096° for about 70 nm. Now turn on terrain mode (TERR) on your GPS navigator and carefully locate the low elevation valley running north and south with VNLK on its path. Follow the valley to the north while descending to just above the airport elevation at 9100 ft. When you have the airport in sight on your right side line up with the 2500 ft asphalt runway at 60° and land... " Courtesy of [http://www.forum.aerosoft.com/index.php?s=4747885d4f37ac9538579108232e4d4b&showtopic=15226&st=0&p=88323&#entry88323| forum.aerosoft.com].

If GPS isn't your preferred method, it is just as easy to fly the 096° radial from Kathmandu, then turn North onto the 010° radial of Lamidada NDB 236 as you intersect it. This heading takes you straight into the valley to Lukla. Most aircraft will allow both these to be dialled in on seperate displays at the same time. Make sure your descent from FL130 is without delay, there isn't much time before the airport appears ahead on your right. Full flaps are a must.

== Complexity ==
The landing. A descending turn onto a short short final, and a visual perception that can place the plane too low without any time to correct.

== FlightGear Scenery ==
The required scenery for VNLK is [ftp://ftp.ibiblio.org/pub/mirrors/flightgear/ftp/Scenery-1.0.1/e080n20.tgz| e080n20.tgz]. This tile includes Kathmandu.

Lukla Airport

2009-06-13T07:12:22Z

Emailwedgy: New page: = LUKLA Airport (ICAO:VNLK)= == Links == [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lukla_Airport| Wikipedia: Lukla Airport] [http://www.airliners.net/photo/Yeti-Airlines/De-Havilland-Canada/...

= LUKLA Airport (ICAO:VNLK)=

== Links ==
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lukla_Airport| Wikipedia: Lukla Airport] 
[http://www.airliners.net/photo/Yeti-Airlines/De-Havilland-Canada/1421484/M/| Image: Lukla From The Ground] (Courtesy of Airliners.net) 
[http://www.airliners.net/photo/Yeti-Airlines/De-Havilland-Canada/0197484/M/| Image: On Final For 06] (Courtesy of Airliners.net)

== Approach Procedure ==
"...From (Khatmandu) VNKT climb to at least 13000 ft while following VOR 112.30 outbound on track 096° for about 70 nm. Now turn on terrain mode (TERR) on your GPS navigator and carefully locate the low elevation valley running north and south with VNLK on its path. Follow the valley to the north while descending to just above the airport elevation at 9100 ft. When you have the airport in sight on your right side line up with the 2500 ft asphalt runway at 60° and land... " Courtesy of [http://www.forum.aerosoft.com/index.php?s=4747885d4f37ac9538579108232e4d4b&showtopic=15226&st=0&p=88323&#entry88323| forum.aerosoft.com].

If GPS isn't your preferred method, it is just as easy to fly the 096° radial from Kathmandu, then turn North onto the 010° radial of Lamidada NDB 236 as you intersect it. This heading takes you straight into the valley to Lukla. Most aircraft will allow both these to be dialled in on seperate displays at the same time. Make sure your descent from FL130 is without delay, there isn't much time before the airport appears ahead on your right. Full flaps are a must.

== Complexity ==
The landing. A descending turn onto a short short final, and a visual perception that can place the plane too low without any time to correct.

== FlightGear Scenery ==
The required scenery for VNLK is [ftp://ftp.ibiblio.org/pub/mirrors/flightgear/ftp/Scenery-1.0.1/e080n20.tgz| e080n20.tgz]. This tile includes Kathmandu.

Challenging Airports

2009-06-13T03:48:19Z

Emailwedgy: /* LUKLA Airport (ICAO:VNLK) */ Added required information for VNLK.

{{Stub}}

This is inspired by a [http://flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=3295 thread found on the FlightGear forums at the end of March/2009 ("Going to Mount Everest")].

This page is meant to eventually help maintain a list of airports/places with challenging real life scenery and/or complex departure/approach procedures, so that this information can be used to showcase FlightGear aircraft performing interesting departures/approaches in challenging (e.g. mountaineous and windy) surroundings.

Various airports have been added here already, based on a [http://www.pprune.org/tech-log/331425-most-difficult-approaches.html related discussion by professional pilots on pprune.org].

= Todo =
* collect additional resources on each airport (e.g. aerial/satellite imagery)
* provide links to approach/departure procedures (i.e. IFR charts)
* provide description summarizing complexity/challenging aspects of airports
* provide the scenery file or lat/long in which each airport can be found

= LUKLA Airport (ICAO:VNLK)=
'''Wikipedia:''' http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lukla_Airport

== Imagery ==
[http://www.airliners.net/photo/Yeti-Airlines/De-Havilland-Canada/1421484/M/| Lukla From The Ground] 
[http://www.airliners.net/photo/Yeti-Airlines/De-Havilland-Canada/0197484/M/| On Final For 06]

== Approach Procedure ==
"...From VNKT climb to at least 13000 ft while following VOR 112.30 outbound on track 096° for about 70 nm. Now turn on terrain mode (TERR) on your GPS navigator and carefully locate the low elevation valley running north and south with VNLK on its path. Follow the valley to the north while descending to just above the airport elevation at 9100 ft. When you have the airport in sight on your right side line up with the 2500 ft asphalt runway at 60° and land... " Courtesy of [http://www.forum.aerosoft.com/index.php?s=4747885d4f37ac9538579108232e4d4b&showtopic=15226&st=0&p=88323&#entry88323| forum.aerosoft.com].

If GPS isn't your preferred method, it is just as easy to fly the 096° radial from Kathmandu, then turn North to join the 010° radial of Lamidada NDB 236 as you intersect it. Most aircraft will allow both these to be dialled in on seperate displays at the same time. Make sure your descent from FL130 is without delay, there isn't much time before the airport appears ahead on your right. Full flaps are a must.

== Complexity ==
The landing. A descending turn onto a short short final, and a visual perception that can place the plane too low without any time to correct.

== FlightGear Scenery ==
The required scenery for VNLK is [ftp://ftp.ibiblio.org/pub/mirrors/flightgear/ftp/Scenery-1.0.1/e080n20.tgz| e080n20.tgz]. It includes Kathmandu.

= Innsbruck Kranebitten Airport (ICAO:LOWI) =
'''Wikipedia:''' http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Innsbruck_Airport

= Tribhuvan International Aiport (ICAO:VNKT) =
'''Wikipedia:''' http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tribhuvan_International_Airport

= Quito Airport (ICAO:SEQU) =
'''Wikipedia:''' http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quito_airport

= Peshawar International Airport (ICAO:OPPS) =
'''Wikipedia:''' http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peshawar_International_Airport

= Leeds Bradford International Airport (ICAO:EGNM) =
'''Wikipedia:''' http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leeds_bradford_airport

= Samos International Airport (ICAO:LGSM) =
'''Wikipedia:''' http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samos_Airport

= Gilgit Airport (ICAO:OPGT) =
'''Wikipedia:''' http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilgit_Airport

= Closed/Other =
== Kai Tak Airport ==
'''Wikipedia:''' http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kai_Tak

Seneca II Panel Reference

2009-06-13T01:15:37Z

Emailwedgy: Merge request removed. This is a detailed reference, there is no room on the suggested page for it.

This is a quick reference to the instruments and controls in the Seneca's cockpit. (Piper PA34-200T Seneca II)
= The Controls of the Seneca II =
[[Image:Seneca_II_reference_left.jpg|thumb|left|Pilot's Panel]]
[[Image:Seneca_II_reference_right.jpg|thumb|left|Co-Pilot's Panel]]
[[Image:Seneca_II_reference_fuel_trim.jpg|thumb|left|Fuel-Trim Console]]
 

# magneto - left engine
# magneto - right engine
# starter - press left for left engine, right for right engine
# primer - left/right engine
# taxi/landing lights
# nav lights
# anit collision lights - left half: fin (beacon), right half: wing (strobes)
# pitot and stall warning heat
# fuel boost pumps - up: high, down: low, center: off
# battery master
# alternator on/off
# switch panel lights dimmer (noop)
# clock
# airspeed indicator
# attitude indicator (artificial horizon)
# altimeter (barometric)
# radar altimeter
# adf indicator
# turn coordinator
# horizontal situation indicator (hsi)
# vertical speed indicator (vsi)
# vor/ils indicator NAV2
# alternator ampere meter (shows alternator load)
# cylinder head temperature
# oil temperature
# oil pressure
# fuel
# RPM left engine
# dual manifold pressure gauge
# RPM right engine
# landing gear lever and emergency gear extension
# landing gear indicator
# autopilot control
# autopilot pitch control
# parking brake
# engine alternate air
# cowl flaps
# instrument lights dimmer
# fuel flow meter
# exhaust gas temperature (EGT) left/right engine
# DME frequency source (NAV1/Hold/NAV2) and ON/OFF
# DME indicator
# HSI gyro control
# ADF radio
# KX165 COM2/NAV2 radio
# KX165 COM1/NAV1 radio
# GMA340 intercom
# surface deice (boots)
# wing ice inspection light
# prop deice
# prop deice control gauge
# windshield deice
# annunciator with test button
# gear warning light
# autopilot capture light
# flap lever
# autopilot mode
# gyro pressure
# cicruit breaker panel
# magnetic compass
# fuel selectors - forward: on, center: off, backwards: cross-feed
# elevator trim
# rudder trim

= Related content =
* [[Piper PA34-200T Seneca II]]
* [[Seneca II Checklist]]
* [[Seneca II HOWTO]]

[[Category:Piper PA34-200T Seneca II]]

Helicopter Flight

2009-06-12T12:29:25Z

Emailwedgy: Removed duplicate content, added redirect to more suitable page.

#REDIRECT [[Flying the Helicopter]]

Howto:Fly a helicopter

2009-06-12T12:25:57Z

Emailwedgy:

==Summary==
Helicopters have a flight control stick called ''collective''. If you increase the collective you will rotate one way, so you need to increase the tail rotor speed so you don't spin the helicopter. You can use rudder pedals or a twisting joystick for this. Helicopters control the RPM by themselves in FG, but not in real life. You're recommended to read the rest of the article if you don't understand this.

== Preface ==
'''First:''' in principle everything that applies to real helicopters, applies also to [[FlightGear]]. Fundamental maneuvers are well described on: http://www.cybercom.net/~copters/pilot/maneuvers.html Some details are simplified in FlightGear, in particular the engine handling and some overstresses are not simulated or are without any consequence. In FlightGear it is (up to now) not possible to damage a helicopter in flight.

[[Image:bo105_cockpit.jpg]]

Since the release of version 0.9.10 some improvements have been made to the [[helicopter]] flight model and therefore version 1.0.0 or the CVS version should be used. With these improvements the helicopter flight model of FlightGear should be quite realistic. The only exceptions are “vortex ring conditions”. These occur if you descend too fast and perpendicularly (without forward speed). The heli can get into its own rotor downwash causing the lift to be substantially reduced. Recovering from this condition is possible only at higher altitudes. On the Internet you can find a video of a Seaking helicopter, which got into this condition during a flight demonstration and touched down so hard afterwards that it was completely destroyed.

For all Flightgear helicopters the parameters are not completely optimized and thus the performance data between model and original can deviate slightly. On the hardware side I recommend the use of a “good” [[joystick]]. A joystick without springs is recommended because it will not center by itself. You can have this by modifying (removing the spring) from a normal joystick, or by using a force feedback joystick, with a disconnected voltage supply. Further, the joystick should have a “thrust controller” (throttle). For controlling the tail rotor you should have pedals or at least a twistable joystick, keyboard would be the hard way. ('''hint:''' Flightgear supports more than one joystick attached at the same time.)

If using a mouse it's recommended to turn off the Auto-coordination in the [[FlightGear Wizard]].

== Getting started ==
The number of available helicopters in FlightGear is limited. In my opinion the [[Eurocopter Bo105|Bo105]] is the easiest to fly, since it reacts substantially more directly than other helicopters. Since helicopters get more and more popular in FlightGear, there are many other [[helicopter|helicopters]], all of them have their unique flight behavior.

Once you have loaded FlightGear, take a moment to centralize the controls by moving them around. In particular the collective is often at maximum on startup.

[[Image:s76c_landed.jpg]]

The helicopter is controlled by four functions. The stick (joystick) controls two of them, the inclination of the rotor disc (and thus the inclination of the helicopter) to the right/ left and forwards/back. Together these functions are called “cyclic blade control”. Next there is the “collective blade control”, which is controlled by the thrust controller. This causes a change of the thrust produced by the rotor. Since the powering of the main rotor transfers a torque to the fuselage, this must be compensated by the tail rotor. Since the torque is dependent on the collective and on the flight condition as well as wind can add additional torque on the fuselage, the [[tail rotor]] is also controlled by the pilot using the the pedals. If you push the right pedal, the helicopter turns to the right (!). The pedals are not a steering wheel. Using the pedals you can yaw helicopter around the vertical axis. The number of revolutions of the rotor is kept constant (if possible) by the aircraft.

[[Image:ec135_in_the_air.jpg]]

== Lift-Off ==
First reduce the collective to minimum. To increase the rotor thrust, you have to “pull” the collective. Therefore for minimum collective you have to push the control down (that is the full acceleration position (!) of the thrust controller). Equally, “full power” has the thrust controller at idle. Started the engine with “}”. After few seconds the rotor will start to turn and accelerates slowly. Keep the stick and the pedals approximately centered. Wait until the rotor has finished accelerating. For the Bo105 there is an instruments for engine and rotor speed on the left of the upper row.

Once rotor acceleration is complete, pull the collective very slowly. Keep your eye on the horizon. If the heli tilts or turns even slightly, stop increasing the collective and correct the position/movement with stick and pedals. If you are successful, continue pulling the collective (slowly!).

As the helicopter takes off, increase the collective a little bit more and try to keep the helicopter in a leveled position. The main challenge is reacting to the inadvertent rotating motion of the helicopter with the correct control inputs. Only three things can help you: practice, practice and practice. It is quite common for it to take hours of practice to achieve a halfway good looking hovering flight. Note: The stick position in a stable hover is not the center position of the joystick.

Quick Reference:
# Press } to start the turbines
# Disengage parking or rotor brake. (If applicable)
# Wait for your turbine to come to full speed
# Push the throttle '''Down''', not up. Pushing up makes the chopper go down
# When at desired altitude, push throttle to about 60%
# Fly freely

== In the air ==
To avoid the continual frustration of trying to achieve level flight, you may want to try forward flight. After take off continue pulling the collective a short time and then lower the nose a slightly using the control stick. The helicopter will accelerate forward. With forward speed the tail rotor does not have to be controlled as precisely due to the relative wind coming from directly ahead. Altogether the flight behavior in forward flight is quite similar to that of an badly trimmed airplane. The “neutral” position of the stick will depend upon airspeed and collective.

Transitioning from forward flight to hovering is easiest if you reduce speed slowly by raising the nose of the helicopter. At the same time, reduce the collective to stop the helicopter from climbing. As the helicopter slows, “translation lift” is reduced, and you will have to compensate by pulling the collective. When the speed is nearly zero, lower the nose to the position it was when hovering. Otherwise the helicopter will accelerate backwards!

== Back to Earth I ==
To land the helicopter transition to a hover as described above while reducing the altitude using the collective. Briefly before hitting the ground reduce the rate of descent slowly. A perfect landing is achieved if you managed to zero the altitude, speed and descent rate at the same time (gently). However, such landing are extremely difficult. Most pilots perform a hover more or less near to the ground and then decent slowly to the ground. Landing with forward velocity is easier, however you must make sure you don't land with any lateral (sideways) component to avoid a rollover.

Quick Reference
# Get to the airport
# Throttle up slowly to about 80%
# Keep it level
# Don't come down too hard
# Land and turn your turbines off (key-{-)
# Have a nice day

[[Image:bo105_landed.jpg]]

== Back to Earth II ==
It is worth mentioning autorotation briefly. This is an unpowered flight condition, where the flow of air through the rotors rotates the rotor itself. At an appropriate altitude select a landing point (at first in the size of a larger airfield) and then switch the engine off by pressing "{". Reduce collective to minimum, place the tail rotor to approximately 0 degrees incidence (with the Bo push the right pedal about half , with Russian or French helicopters (like the [[Aérospatiale Alouette II|Alouette 2]]) the left). Approach at approximately 80 knots. Don't allow the rotor speed to rise more than a few percent over 100%, otherwise the rotor will be damaged (though this is not currently simulated). As you reach the ground, reduce the airspeed by lifting the nose. The descent rate will drop at the same time, so you do not need to pull the collective. It may be the case that the rotor speed rises beyond the permitted range. Counteract this by raising the collective if required. Just above the ground, reduce the descent rate by pulling the collective. The goal is it to touch down with a very low descent rate and no forward speed. With forward speed it is easier, but there is a danger of a roll over if the skids are not aligned parallel to the flight direction. During the approach it is not necessary to adjust the tail rotor, since without power there is almost no torque. If you feel (after some practice), that autorotation is too easy, try it with a more realistic payload via the payload menu.

[[Image:bo105_auto.jpg]]

'''Much fun with the Flightgear helicopters!'''

Helicopter Flight

2009-06-12T12:23:55Z

Emailwedgy: Removing all content from page

Helicopter Flight

2009-06-12T12:23:39Z

Emailwedgy: /* Landing */

{{mergeto|Flying the Helicopter}}

'''How to fly a helicopter'''

Helicopters are much harder to fly than regular aircraft. So here are the steps to a successful takeoff and landing.

Helicopter Flight

2009-06-12T12:23:32Z

Emailwedgy: /* Takeoff */

{{mergeto|Flying the Helicopter}}

'''How to fly a helicopter'''

Helicopters are much harder to fly than regular aircraft. So here are the steps to a successful takeoff and landing.

===Landing===
# Get to the airport
# Throttle up slowly to about 80%
# Keep it level
# Don't come down too hard
# Land and turn your turbines off (key-{-)
# Have a nice day

Howto:Fly a helicopter

2009-06-12T12:17:48Z

Emailwedgy: /* Back to Earth I */ Merged from another page.

{{mergefrom|Helicopter Flight}}

==Summary==
Helicopters have a flight control stick called ''collective''. If you increase the collective you will rotate one way, so you need to increase the tail rotor speed so you don't spin the helicopter. You can use rudder pedals or a twisting joystick for this. Helicopters control the RPM by themselves in FG, but not in real life. You're recommended to read the rest of the article if you don't understand this.

== Preface ==
'''First:''' in principle everything that applies to real helicopters, applies also to [[FlightGear]]. Fundamental maneuvers are well described on: http://www.cybercom.net/~copters/pilot/maneuvers.html Some details are simplified in FlightGear, in particular the engine handling and some overstresses are not simulated or are without any consequence. In FlightGear it is (up to now) not possible to damage a helicopter in flight.

[[Image:bo105_cockpit.jpg]]

Since the release of version 0.9.10 some improvements have been made to the [[helicopter]] flight model and therefore version 1.0.0 or the CVS version should be used. With these improvements the helicopter flight model of FlightGear should be quite realistic. The only exceptions are “vortex ring conditions”. These occur if you descend too fast and perpendicularly (without forward speed). The heli can get into its own rotor downwash causing the lift to be substantially reduced. Recovering from this condition is possible only at higher altitudes. On the Internet you can find a video of a Seaking helicopter, which got into this condition during a flight demonstration and touched down so hard afterwards that it was completely destroyed.

For all Flightgear helicopters the parameters are not completely optimized and thus the performance data between model and original can deviate slightly. On the hardware side I recommend the use of a “good” [[joystick]]. A joystick without springs is recommended because it will not center by itself. You can have this by modifying (removing the spring) from a normal joystick, or by using a force feedback joystick, with a disconnected voltage supply. Further, the joystick should have a “thrust controller” (throttle). For controlling the tail rotor you should have pedals or at least a twistable joystick, keyboard would be the hard way. ('''hint:''' Flightgear supports more than one joystick attached at the same time.)

If using a mouse it's recommended to turn off the Auto-coordination in the [[FlightGear Wizard]].

== Getting started ==
The number of available helicopters in FlightGear is limited. In my opinion the [[Eurocopter Bo105|Bo105]] is the easiest to fly, since it reacts substantially more directly than other helicopters. Since helicopters get more and more popular in FlightGear, there are many other [[helicopter|helicopters]], all of them have their unique flight behavior.

Once you have loaded FlightGear, take a moment to centralize the controls by moving them around. In particular the collective is often at maximum on startup.

[[Image:s76c_landed.jpg]]

The helicopter is controlled by four functions. The stick (joystick) controls two of them, the inclination of the rotor disc (and thus the inclination of the helicopter) to the right/ left and forwards/back. Together these functions are called “cyclic blade control”. Next there is the “collective blade control”, which is controlled by the thrust controller. This causes a change of the thrust produced by the rotor. Since the powering of the main rotor transfers a torque to the fuselage, this must be compensated by the tail rotor. Since the torque is dependent on the collective and on the flight condition as well as wind can add additional torque on the fuselage, the [[tail rotor]] is also controlled by the pilot using the the pedals. If you push the right pedal, the helicopter turns to the right (!). The pedals are not a steering wheel. Using the pedals you can yaw helicopter around the vertical axis. The number of revolutions of the rotor is kept constant (if possible) by the aircraft.

[[Image:ec135_in_the_air.jpg]]

== Lift-Off ==
First reduce the collective to minimum. To increase the rotor thrust, you have to “pull” the collective. Therefore for minimum collective you have to push the control down (that is the full acceleration position (!) of the thrust controller). Equally, “full power” has the thrust controller at idle. Started the engine with “}”. After few seconds the rotor will start to turn and accelerates slowly. Keep the stick and the pedals approximately centered. Wait until the rotor has finished accelerating. For the Bo105 there is an instruments for engine and rotor speed on the left of the upper row.

Once rotor acceleration is complete, pull the collective very slowly. Keep your eye on the horizon. If the heli tilts or turns even slightly, stop increasing the collective and correct the position/movement with stick and pedals. If you are successful, continue pulling the collective (slowly!).

As the helicopter takes off, increase the collective a little bit more and try to keep the helicopter in a leveled position. The main challenge is reacting to the inadvertent rotating motion of the helicopter with the correct control inputs. Only three things can help you: practice, practice and practice. It is quite common for it to take hours of practice to achieve a halfway good looking hovering flight. Note: The stick position in a stable hover is not the center position of the joystick.

Quick Reference:
# Press } to start the turbines
# Disengage parking or rotor brake. (If applicable)
# Wait for your turbine to come to full speed
# Push the throttle '''Down''', not up. Pushing up makes the chopper go down
# When at desired altitude, push throttle to about 60%
# Fly freely

== In the air ==
To avoid the continual frustration of trying to achieve level flight, you may want to try forward flight. After take off continue pulling the collective a short time and then lower the nose a slightly using the control stick. The helicopter will accelerate forward. With forward speed the tail rotor does not have to be controlled as precisely due to the relative wind coming from directly ahead. Altogether the flight behavior in forward flight is quite similar to that of an badly trimmed airplane. The “neutral” position of the stick will depend upon airspeed and collective.

Transitioning from forward flight to hovering is easiest if you reduce speed slowly by raising the nose of the helicopter. At the same time, reduce the collective to stop the helicopter from climbing. As the helicopter slows, “translation lift” is reduced, and you will have to compensate by pulling the collective. When the speed is nearly zero, lower the nose to the position it was when hovering. Otherwise the helicopter will accelerate backwards!

== Back to Earth I ==
To land the helicopter transition to a hover as described above while reducing the altitude using the collective. Briefly before hitting the ground reduce the rate of descent slowly. A perfect landing is achieved if you managed to zero the altitude, speed and descent rate at the same time (gently). However, such landing are extremely difficult. Most pilots perform a hover more or less near to the ground and then decent slowly to the ground. Landing with forward velocity is easier, however you must make sure you don't land with any lateral (sideways) component to avoid a rollover.

Quick Reference
# Get to the airport
# Throttle up slowly to about 80%
# Keep it level
# Don't come down too hard
# Land and turn your turbines off (key-{-)
# Have a nice day

[[Image:bo105_landed.jpg]]

== Back to Earth II ==
It is worth mentioning autorotation briefly. This is an unpowered flight condition, where the flow of air through the rotors rotates the rotor itself. At an appropriate altitude select a landing point (at first in the size of a larger airfield) and then switch the engine off by pressing "{". Reduce collective to minimum, place the tail rotor to approximately 0 degrees incidence (with the Bo push the right pedal about half , with Russian or French helicopters (like the [[Aérospatiale Alouette II|Alouette 2]]) the left). Approach at approximately 80 knots. Don't allow the rotor speed to rise more than a few percent over 100%, otherwise the rotor will be damaged (though this is not currently simulated). As you reach the ground, reduce the airspeed by lifting the nose. The descent rate will drop at the same time, so you do not need to pull the collective. It may be the case that the rotor speed rises beyond the permitted range. Counteract this by raising the collective if required. Just above the ground, reduce the descent rate by pulling the collective. The goal is it to touch down with a very low descent rate and no forward speed. With forward speed it is easier, but there is a danger of a roll over if the skids are not aligned parallel to the flight direction. During the approach it is not necessary to adjust the tail rotor, since without power there is almost no torque. If you feel (after some practice), that autorotation is too easy, try it with a more realistic payload via the payload menu.

[[Image:bo105_auto.jpg]]

'''Much fun with the Flightgear helicopters!'''

Howto:Fly a helicopter

2009-06-12T12:15:51Z

Emailwedgy: /* Lift-Off */ Quick reference added, merged from another page.

{{mergefrom|Helicopter Flight}}

==Summary==
Helicopters have a flight control stick called ''collective''. If you increase the collective you will rotate one way, so you need to increase the tail rotor speed so you don't spin the helicopter. You can use rudder pedals or a twisting joystick for this. Helicopters control the RPM by themselves in FG, but not in real life. You're recommended to read the rest of the article if you don't understand this.

== Preface ==
'''First:''' in principle everything that applies to real helicopters, applies also to [[FlightGear]]. Fundamental maneuvers are well described on: http://www.cybercom.net/~copters/pilot/maneuvers.html Some details are simplified in FlightGear, in particular the engine handling and some overstresses are not simulated or are without any consequence. In FlightGear it is (up to now) not possible to damage a helicopter in flight.

[[Image:bo105_cockpit.jpg]]

Since the release of version 0.9.10 some improvements have been made to the [[helicopter]] flight model and therefore version 1.0.0 or the CVS version should be used. With these improvements the helicopter flight model of FlightGear should be quite realistic. The only exceptions are “vortex ring conditions”. These occur if you descend too fast and perpendicularly (without forward speed). The heli can get into its own rotor downwash causing the lift to be substantially reduced. Recovering from this condition is possible only at higher altitudes. On the Internet you can find a video of a Seaking helicopter, which got into this condition during a flight demonstration and touched down so hard afterwards that it was completely destroyed.

For all Flightgear helicopters the parameters are not completely optimized and thus the performance data between model and original can deviate slightly. On the hardware side I recommend the use of a “good” [[joystick]]. A joystick without springs is recommended because it will not center by itself. You can have this by modifying (removing the spring) from a normal joystick, or by using a force feedback joystick, with a disconnected voltage supply. Further, the joystick should have a “thrust controller” (throttle). For controlling the tail rotor you should have pedals or at least a twistable joystick, keyboard would be the hard way. ('''hint:''' Flightgear supports more than one joystick attached at the same time.)

If using a mouse it's recommended to turn off the Auto-coordination in the [[FlightGear Wizard]].

== Getting started ==
The number of available helicopters in FlightGear is limited. In my opinion the [[Eurocopter Bo105|Bo105]] is the easiest to fly, since it reacts substantially more directly than other helicopters. Since helicopters get more and more popular in FlightGear, there are many other [[helicopter|helicopters]], all of them have their unique flight behavior.

Once you have loaded FlightGear, take a moment to centralize the controls by moving them around. In particular the collective is often at maximum on startup.

[[Image:s76c_landed.jpg]]

The helicopter is controlled by four functions. The stick (joystick) controls two of them, the inclination of the rotor disc (and thus the inclination of the helicopter) to the right/ left and forwards/back. Together these functions are called “cyclic blade control”. Next there is the “collective blade control”, which is controlled by the thrust controller. This causes a change of the thrust produced by the rotor. Since the powering of the main rotor transfers a torque to the fuselage, this must be compensated by the tail rotor. Since the torque is dependent on the collective and on the flight condition as well as wind can add additional torque on the fuselage, the [[tail rotor]] is also controlled by the pilot using the the pedals. If you push the right pedal, the helicopter turns to the right (!). The pedals are not a steering wheel. Using the pedals you can yaw helicopter around the vertical axis. The number of revolutions of the rotor is kept constant (if possible) by the aircraft.

[[Image:ec135_in_the_air.jpg]]

== Lift-Off ==
First reduce the collective to minimum. To increase the rotor thrust, you have to “pull” the collective. Therefore for minimum collective you have to push the control down (that is the full acceleration position (!) of the thrust controller). Equally, “full power” has the thrust controller at idle. Started the engine with “}”. After few seconds the rotor will start to turn and accelerates slowly. Keep the stick and the pedals approximately centered. Wait until the rotor has finished accelerating. For the Bo105 there is an instruments for engine and rotor speed on the left of the upper row.

Once rotor acceleration is complete, pull the collective very slowly. Keep your eye on the horizon. If the heli tilts or turns even slightly, stop increasing the collective and correct the position/movement with stick and pedals. If you are successful, continue pulling the collective (slowly!).

As the helicopter takes off, increase the collective a little bit more and try to keep the helicopter in a leveled position. The main challenge is reacting to the inadvertent rotating motion of the helicopter with the correct control inputs. Only three things can help you: practice, practice and practice. It is quite common for it to take hours of practice to achieve a halfway good looking hovering flight. Note: The stick position in a stable hover is not the center position of the joystick.

Quick Reference:
# Press } to start the turbines
# Disengage parking or rotor brake. (If applicable)
# Wait for your turbine to come to full speed
# Push the throttle '''Down''', not up. Pushing up makes the chopper go down
# When at desired altitude, push throttle to about 60%
# Fly freely

== In the air ==
To avoid the continual frustration of trying to achieve level flight, you may want to try forward flight. After take off continue pulling the collective a short time and then lower the nose a slightly using the control stick. The helicopter will accelerate forward. With forward speed the tail rotor does not have to be controlled as precisely due to the relative wind coming from directly ahead. Altogether the flight behavior in forward flight is quite similar to that of an badly trimmed airplane. The “neutral” position of the stick will depend upon airspeed and collective.

Transitioning from forward flight to hovering is easiest if you reduce speed slowly by raising the nose of the helicopter. At the same time, reduce the collective to stop the helicopter from climbing. As the helicopter slows, “translation lift” is reduced, and you will have to compensate by pulling the collective. When the speed is nearly zero, lower the nose to the position it was when hovering. Otherwise the helicopter will accelerate backwards!

== Back to Earth I ==
To land the helicopter transition to a hover as described above while reducing the altitude using the collective. Briefly before hitting the ground reduce the rate of descent slowly. A perfect landing is achieved if you managed to zero the altitude, speed and descent rate at the same time (gently). However, such landing are extremely difficult. Most pilots perform a hover more or less near to the ground and then decent slowly to the ground. Landing with forward velocity is easier, however you must make sure you don't land with any lateral (sideways) component to avoid a rollover.

[[Image:bo105_landed.jpg]]

== Back to Earth II ==
It is worth mentioning autorotation briefly. This is an unpowered flight condition, where the flow of air through the rotors rotates the rotor itself. At an appropriate altitude select a landing point (at first in the size of a larger airfield) and then switch the engine off by pressing "{". Reduce collective to minimum, place the tail rotor to approximately 0 degrees incidence (with the Bo push the right pedal about half , with Russian or French helicopters (like the [[Aérospatiale Alouette II|Alouette 2]]) the left). Approach at approximately 80 knots. Don't allow the rotor speed to rise more than a few percent over 100%, otherwise the rotor will be damaged (though this is not currently simulated). As you reach the ground, reduce the airspeed by lifting the nose. The descent rate will drop at the same time, so you do not need to pull the collective. It may be the case that the rotor speed rises beyond the permitted range. Counteract this by raising the collective if required. Just above the ground, reduce the descent rate by pulling the collective. The goal is it to touch down with a very low descent rate and no forward speed. With forward speed it is easier, but there is a danger of a roll over if the skids are not aligned parallel to the flight direction. During the approach it is not necessary to adjust the tail rotor, since without power there is almost no torque. If you feel (after some practice), that autorotation is too easy, try it with a more realistic payload via the payload menu.

[[Image:bo105_auto.jpg]]

'''Much fun with the Flightgear helicopters!'''

Challenging Airports

2009-06-11T13:04:58Z

Emailwedgy: /* Todo */

Challenging Airports

2009-06-11T12:46:41Z

Emailwedgy: