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Leg #56 SAWH - YSRN

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EHM-2097 Andrei:
This is one more leg along the Andes, and a rather short and straightforward one. I flew it with the ATR-72. A small jet would do the trick too, but the best is to fly low and enjoy the landscape. Note that "low" refers to height not altitude, because the initial climb I suggest is towards 13500ft.

Take off heading south, or else be very careful at the high terrain north of the airport, and turn right as soon as airborne. South of the departure airport is the airport of Tulcan (SETU), very close but on the other side of the border - in Ecuador.

Over Tulcan, follow a shallow valley downstream, first to the south and then to the southwest. Further south, this valley turns right out of the mountains, while we continue southwest along a tributary valley.

The Yehuarcocha Lake appears a little left of the valley. South of the lake is the Atahualpa airport (SEIB). From Atahualpa continue southwest.

After Atahualpa we enter an area featuring small lakes hung on top of volcanic peaks. There are three lakes along the valley; the first one is San Pablo down in the valley, then Cuicocha and Mojanda high on the surrounding peaks.

Fly right through these lakes and maintain the same course further southwest. Soon a large city will appear ahead on the hills, it is Quito the capital city. Fly towards the city, and then towards the airport (SEQU) as soon as this one appears in sight.

Besides from being a valuable waypoint, Quito provides another "benefit": it is here that we cross the equator for the first time in this tour (I am not very sure, but I expect 3 more crossings later in the tour).

Fly right over the airport, and once over it turn south. The large shape of the Cotopaxi peak appears ahead. Note two lower peaks side by side right in front of the Cotopaxi and fly to cross the mountains west of both these lower peaks. While doing so it soon becomes obvious we need to cross a large and shallow saddle. Be on the lookout though, this saddle may be shallow but it is not much lower than the level we fly at.

While crossing the saddle, note a road and a railroad running in the same direction. You may follow these south of the saddle - or just fly to the south, and the destination airport will soon appear in sight. Before reaching the airport, note the peak of Chimborazo in the distance further south; more of this one will be seen in the following leg.

As soon as the airport appears in sight, you should start descending in order to do a straight-in approach to the south (and enjoy the luxury of the corresponding ILS approach).

EHM-2097 Andrei:
This leg is the most difficult one along the Andes - until now. First, it is a long leg and I suspect the "wise" VFR route is to get down the mountain, follow some river over the Amazonian jungle, and then get up the mountain again at the destination. Yet, again, this would spoil the fun of flying in the Andes so I persevered in finding a high mountain route for this leg.

  There are three very different sections along this route. The first part, from Cotopaxi to Cuenca, is relatively easy to follow. The middle section, between Cuenca and Bagua, lacks identifiable landmarks so it is tricky (so tricky that I got lost at some point, came back on my tracks and eventually found the correct route). These problems are also related to Google Earth, which does not provide much detail for this area. Finally, the last section is easy to navigate again, but provides quite a surprise in the end!

After takeoff, climb to 12500ft and fly south, along a railway that runs very close to the airport. The railroad leads along a shallow valley, first to the town of Ambato and the nearby airport of Chachoan (SEAM).

At this point, Chimborazo peak is clearly visible ahead (a little to the right, in fact). Continue following the railroad towards Chimborazo eastern mountainside, across a shallow but high saddle, then down south on the other side. After passing the saddle, a city appears to the southeast, it is Rio Bamba. Within the city there is the Chimborazo airport (SERB).

Be careful while following the railroad in this area, it enters and exits the town at a very sharp angle, so be sure you do not miss the "exit" leg of the railroad.

Follow the railroad along (and downstream) a shallow valley. At some point, the valley changes dramatically into a steep and deep valley, as the river struggles (and eventually succeeds) in getting out of the mountains. In this area (and before reaching "down"), the railroad splits. One branch (the right) follows the river downstream up to the Pacific, which we are not interested in, while the other (the left one) climbs back on the mountain.

Follow the railroad as it climbs diagonally across the mountainside, then upstream a valley to the left. As the railroad reaches the top again, a large city appears to the right: Cuenca. The railroad leads there, after crossing a smaller town dispersed on several hills, which is Azogues. As we approach Cuanca, the Mariscal Lamar airport (SECU) appears. The bad news is that the railroad we have so conveniently followed until now ends here.

At Cuenca, head south to get out of the valley the city is located in. The terrain ahead looks like a high plateau, with higher ground on its edges. There are several roads going out of Cuenca; locate the one that follows the western edge of this plateau. This road goes where we are going so follow it further south, there are no other terrain features that could make usable waypoints.

At some point, the road leaves the edge of the plateau and continues south in sharp turns. Ignore a road that splits and runs to the west, and follow the one along the plateau. Shortly after, the road leads towards a city, which is Catamayo. Before reaching the city, look on your right for the airport of Camillo Ponce (SETM).

The airport is located in a valley. Follow this valley to the south (upstream). Shortly after, a road coming from Catamayo joins the river we are following, but this is of little use as it ends in a loop in one of the nearby villages. However, from this point the valley to follow appears clearly to the south, so orientation becomes easier.

The valley ends in a saddle; cross this saddle and follow the valley on the other side, downstream, which is to the south again. The valley is easy to follow and the river even becomes larger (and thus rendered as a water body) further down. Descend to 9500ft because from now on there is no more point in flying very high.

As the river gets larger, follow its right bank, looking for the next waypoint. This is the point where the river turns sharply northeast and gets out of the mountains, while receiving a tributary river from the south. Caution, the river leg going "down" gets visible only when one gets close to this point. Also. On the right of the river, is the airfield of Shumba (SPJE).

From this point, locate a second tributary valley, less visible and with a smaller river along it, coming from the southeast. Follow this shallow valley upstream.

As we follow the valley, something really strange appears ahead. It looks like a rock tower and, as you probably guessed by now, the destination airport is right on top of it. Take the time to admire this terrain feature, because it is unique: you won't see it in the real world (I found no clue that such a "tower" would exist there). Moreover, this is not just a simple airport elevation mismatch in FS, because not only it is very tall but also it has some micro-terrain features of its own on top!

Speaking of terrain, once you decide to land it is easier to approach from the west, because in the opposite direction you will meet high terrain in the vicinity of the runway threshold.

EHM-2097 Andrei:
The previous leg has led us slightly outside the main and high line of the Andes. Time to get back into it!

The landscape is - again - spectacular, especially if one does not fly too high. Also, note that altitudes indicated in this leg description shall serve as an orientation means too, for instance in telling the correct saddle to fly to from the others that are too high.

I found the landing after this leg to be particularly difficult, in fact it is the second leg when I crashed (the first being Brighton Island, for those who remember it) and I had to fly the leg again. Thus I don't advise anything too big or too difficult to put down, the terrain provides enough of a challenge by itself. As for me, I successfully flew it with the PC12.

While planning the departure, do not forget where the airport is located, on that strange rock tower. This allows for some unique takeoff techniques, especially if one uses runway 31, like taking off downwards! So enjoy this opportunity, and while doing so descend to 6500ft after departure.

The first section of this leg leads back where we came from, to Bagua and eventually the large river we have been following in the previous leg. At this point, turn right and follow the valley that leads southwest (upstream).

Soon, the valley turns east, then southeast and becomes larger. Later on, the valley turns south and becomes narrower. Climb to 7500ft to avoid the bottom that keeps getting closer.

There are quite a few tributary valleys on the left and right side, but the one we need is on the left (western) side and low enough to enter it. There is also a road that seems to follow the valley but eventually climbs to the mountain south of it. Follow this valley.

If the initial section of the valley is low, this is going to change further west so climb to 12500ft. After a few sharp and narrow bends, the valley gets larger and eventually turns into a plateau. In this area there is a town near the valley, which is Cholocal.

From Cholocal follow the river to the south (as the valley is difficult to locate as such). Note some strange cliffs on the left, which is another FS-only feature due to an airfield located in this area, Pampa Grande (SPJB.) Don't hesitate to check in order to be sure, but be advised the airfield is visible only while flying really close to those cliffs. Continue along the river.

The edge of this plateau becomes visible but this is of little interest: over that edge is a valley that leads back to the same other valley we have been following. However, it is useful to fly near this edge in order to locate the lake nearby, which is an important waypoint.

From this lake fly west, then south following a river and a road and climb to 13500ft because we are getting close to the saddle to cross. Note a lake on the left, hung on a mountainside; the saddle is slightly south of it. After crossing the saddle, follow the valley that runs to the south and descend to 7500ft. This was the highest point of this leg.

Look for a railroad that follows the valley (not quite from the saddle, though), because this is related to an important waypoint. As the valley turns right, the Pacific appears in sight but in the same area the railroad splits. One branch continues downstream to the coast, while the other leads upstream into another valley. Follow the latter and climb to 9500ft.

This valley is narrow and has sharp bends on its lower part, so be sure to follow the railroad. Further south, the valley gets larger but in the same area the railroad ends. No problem though, because the valley itself is now easy to follow.  Climb to 10500ft and prepare for a difficult approach (though I did not expect to have such a hard time at first view)

The destination airport does not have clear terrain on either end, but rather high mountainsides. The choices are either steep descents (hopefully ended with a successful strong flare) or a level approach from the west with very short turns on finals. Personally I tried the latter option for runway 16 but the final score was Touchdowns:1 - Crashes:1. I wish you a better luck !(and / or technique of course)

EHM-2097 Andrei:
This is one more leg along the Andes... with a twist, this time (which will be revealed at the appropriate time). Approach at destination looks like the one in the previous leg, but it is easier. I flew this leg with the ATR72... and no crash this time.

After takeoff, fly southwest (upstream) along the valley while climbing to 15500ft. Note that when departing from runway 16 it's not 100% guaranteed the aircraft can clear the nearby mountains, so plan and watch your climbing gradient carefully.

Further south, the valley becomes shallow and eventually it is possible to spot the saddle, which we reach near a small lake (Laguna Conococha). Unlike the valley we have been following, the valley ahead is very deep and flows to the west; the Pacific is visible in that direction.

To the left there is the Cordillera Huayhash, a range of high peaks always covered in snow. Aim to the large saddle north of this range, which is reachable at the altitude we are cruising at. Caution, this is not a very precise waypoint, and a cruising altitude significantly different from the suggested one can make a lot of difference (in confusion, that is).

Beneath the mountains we reach the surprise I was mentioning in the introduction. Near such an impressive mountain range as the Cordillera Huayhash one could expect: more spectacular peaks, deep valleys, or at least some hills as a transition to lower terrain. Well, in this case it's none of the above. Instead, the Andes have the "altiplano", high plateaus so flat that one could think they are just hundreds of feet above sea level - while in reality it's over 10000ft.

Fly towards the two lakes ahead, the longer one is Lake Lauricocha. A deep valley appears on the left, but we should remain above the plateau between this valley and the mountains. While doing so, we reach a crescent-shaped lake located in a narrow and deep valley.

From this lake, a much larger lake is visible to the left; this is Lake Junin. Fly towards it, with an "orientation bonus" if you fly over its northern shore: the airport of Vicco (SPVI), displayed on a raised platform as it occurs often in this area in FS.

Aim for the southeastern end of Junin Lake, and then continue in the same direction until a railroad appears. The next section of the leg follows this railroad to the south, with the only difficulty to locate all junctions and in each case follow the right track.

Soon, the railroad turns slowly to the southwest, and then after a sharp loop back to the southeast. Right after this turn there is a first junction; continue to the southwest ignoring the railroad to the southwest.

The railroad leads parallel to the hills on the left (ok, these look like hills but at this altitude...) Near the end of these hills, there is another junction with a railroad to the southwest. The main track then turns left towards a small lake (Laguna de Paca). There is also an airfield here, Francisco Carle (SPJJ), which is sunken into the ground.

The railroad turns again to the southeast, following a river, towards the town of Huancayo. At Huancayo, the railroad continues along the same river to the south, towards a section of narrow valley. Further south, the valley becomes shallow and the terrain turns into a plateau again.

The railroad continues roughly to the southeast, but at some point turns west towards a town visible in the distance, Huancavelica. At this point, leave the railroad and continue to the southeast. Caution, after this point the obvious waypoints are scarce so be on the lookout and be sure you can turn to a safe point, which in this case should be Huancavelica.

Note a deep valley on the left, but do not fly towards it, instead follow the plateau edge. As a town appears in sight down in the valley, fly towards it. This is Ayacucho, and the airport nearby is the Colonel Alfredo Mendivil Duarte (SPHO).

Continue past Ayacucho and upstream the valley located east of the town. There is a road along this valley too. After a while, it becomes visible that the valley ends into a saddle with a deeper valley beneath. On the edge, leave the road and follow this valley to the south.

Note a big "V" river bend (a triple bend, in fact) pointing east. From the tip, follow the tributary valley coming from the east. While following this valley, note a lake that appears on your left (Pacucha Lake); when this lake becomes visible, the destination airport is roughly at mid-distance.

The straight-in approach from the west requires a very precise vertical profile management, due to the high hill just west of the airport. There are PAPI lights that could help, but I did not check whether these actually provide a profile that clears that hill. It is also difficult because unless you fly very high, the runway itself is hidden from view by the same hill.

Instead, I suggest a more level approach. Descend while flying over the runway (which gives a good opportunity to assess its position), and then over the southern shore of Lake Pacucha. Turn 180 degrees over the lake, which gives a good sight of the runway. The only problem is the required turn on very short finals, but by carefully following the terrain it is possible to make this turn less sharp.

EHM-2097 Andrei:
While most of this leg follows the altiplano, its first section crosses a maze of river valleys that is some challenge for orientation. The narrow dirt runway at destination severely limits the aircraft choice. For me (and my present skills), such a runway calls for a C172 but… just for laughs, try to get one of these airborne at SPHY, the show is worth the lost time! So I used the B1900D for this one.

After takeoff, climb to 13500ft while flying to Lake Pacucha (northeast of the airport). From the lake, fly left of the hill nearby to a saddle (which is very close to the lake) and beyond, along a valley that descends to the north in a steep slope. This valley ends into the larger and deeper valley flowing from the west to the northeast.

Be on the lookout because VERY soon we need to change the direction again, when reaching an important confluence point. The main valley turns left and flows northwest (to lower terrain, which is clearly visible when looking in that direction). We came here following one tributary from the west, and there are two others, one from the east and one from the southeast.

Follow the tributary valley to the east!

The valley leads east, then northeast. Later, the valley turns to the southeast as we reach the Apurimac canyon. At first, only high snowy peaks are visible on the left side, but after a while tributary valleys appear from that direction.

Follow the first of these valleys that obviously leads to a saddle that is lower than your cruise altitude (if set as indicated in this leg description). Aim for that saddle while following this valley, which in its upper part leads east.

As we reach the saddle, a lake is visible ahead (at roughly the same altitude). Fly to this lake and watch the ground for a railroad a little left of it. This railroad is to be followed for the remaining of the leg, so as soon as you get it in sight the hard part of this leg is over.

Follow the railroad to the east. Note a crescent-shaped lake on the left side, as well as numerous villages along the railroad. Soon we get to the town of Cuzco and the Velasco Astete airport (SPZO).

After Cozco, the railroad leads downstream a valley, until this one turns to the northwest and out of the mountains. From this point, the railroad leads upstream a tributary valley almost changing direction (so one can easily miss the spot where the terrain stops descending and starts climbing again).

A lake appears on the right side, suspended above the valley (Laguna de Pomacanchis). Climb to 15500ft and note smaller lakes on the right side of the railroad. We soon reach the highest point of the railroad, situated in the La Raya saddle. Beyond the saddle the terrain is relatively flat and provides no orientation clues, so be sure to keep the railroad in sight at all times.

After a long crossing of the altiplano, what seems to be a small lake appears on the left but in fact it is a branch of Lake Titicaca. We do not fly directly towards it, instead we follow the railroad some more, until we reach Juliaca airport (SPJL). After Juliaca, the railroad turns west and crosses the mountains all the way to the Pacific coast.

From Juliaca, fly to the lake (which is now visible as large as it is) and follow (roughly) its western shore. In fact, the time required to cross the lake speaks for itself about the size of the lake.

A long promontory (east-west oriented) appears in the middle of the lake. Fly to the tip of this promontory, and then along it and close to its shore looking for the destination airfield. Caution, this one is hard to spot so one has to pass close to it to locate it. Do not descend yet because there is high terrain close to the airfield.

As soon as you get the runway in sight, the best approach is to memorize its position and orientation, and then fly away from it over the water while descending and eventually turn towards it on finals. Most of there maneuvers, however, need to be performed without actually having the airfield in sight.

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