Hi there...
After finishing all my main exams, what better way to chill and unwind than a nice flight on IVAO...I decided to fly from Sofia as there was a big event going on... the airport was well staffed with approach, tower and radar all online...and there was also a nice string of ATC all over Europe.
The flight started with me loaded up at the gate. As i looked through my window during pre flight checks, I saw the majestci A320 of Phil Nutt coming smoothly down the glideslope of runway 27 at LBSF. He made a nice smooth touchdown just infront of my position. I then noticed the other Boeing 767-300 piloted by Conrad Oldcorn, on vectors for the ILS...(unfortunately his sim crashed, I know the feeling mate
)
The first picture I took was on the ground and shows a MD80 "Mad Dog" Alitalia, which is a great looking plane.
I then proceeded with my Pre-Start checklist, and then contacted Sofia Tower to receive my clearence...
"EuroHarmony One Three Four Three ready to copy IFR Clearence destination Amsterdam"
I am given the clearence and am set to receive vectors after departure from the controllers.
I am told to taxi via Alpha to holding point. During the taxi, i managed to get this great shot of a Boeing 737-700 on very short final.
With a blast of the throttles, the Level D 767 powers majesticly down runway 27,
"v1, Rotate...V2, positive climb - gear up"
I activate VNAV and heading hold, before thanking the controller for his ATC. I then contacted Sofia Departure.
After some advice from conrad, I tried to get out of his airspace as quickly as possible.
I am vectored to the GOL VOR before proceeding on course. I activate LNAV, and accelerate to cruise speed as I pass Fl100.
There you can another airplane, an Air Berlin 737-800 cruising towards Sofia for the event.
I pass leave approaches airpace unscaved, and continue climb to Fl290 initially ( the final cruise was FL380)
The controller on radar was great, and I was soon at my cruising altitude, as the passangers enjoyed the views and some complementary meals.
The LDS VC is very nicely done.
Here is the incredible centre pedestal, which is a scal replica of the real thing.
The rest of the flight passed with more of the same, passing through various FIR's before starting my descent just over western germany, near the border with Holland.
There is no ATC at EHAM so i check the METAR and select 36R for arrival. The metar looked very nice with a light 4th wind just blowing across the runway from the left slightly.
On the base leg for arrival, some traffic visible on TCAS.
Gear down - Flaps Set, landing checks complete, Amsterdam Radar came online just I was getting alligned.
" Good eveing sir EuroHarmony one three four three with you visual approach to 36R at 6 1/2 miles from touchdown"
I soon receive my landing clearence, and take a few more shots. Here is another from the VC, with lots of visible traffic on the ground, it was quite a busy day at EHAM.
The cockpit view shows that we are nicely alligned and we are at the perfect altitude according to the PAPI
I land and vacate the runway. Holding position for a Martinair 767 to pass me by. Aircraft on the ground were getting clearences. Here I am parked next to a Transavia 737-800 which im sure was bound for a sunnier climate.
The Sofia event was fantastic and well done to all those who made it and took part, special congratualtions to the Bulgarian Division.
comments appreciate...
Regards Razza
