American Airlines Virtual

I was inspired by this photo on Airliners.net to travel to Queenstown, New Zealand. http://www.airliners.net/photo/Qantas-( ... ddfdf9c93a
When I first saw the photo, I thought it was a Norwegian fjord, and was surprised to see it was in New Zealand. "With all the water and mountains, it must be a fun approach" I thought. I was not disappointed.

Well, Queenstown is a long way from Los Angeles, but has service to both Syndney and Auckland, so I connected the three in my FREQ. Queenstown also isn't very big, so a Qantas 737 does quite nicely.

Departing Sydney to the North lets the passengers see all the famous Sydney landmarks, the Sydney Tower, the Harbour Bridget, and the Sydney Opera House.

These next two shots show how someone has very inconveniently placed a large mountain in front of the threshold. As a result, the ILS does not run TO the runway, but instead runs PAST the runway on the right side. It is left to the pilot to make a visual on the runway and sideslip to the left a few hundred yards.

Here is a view of the airfield from the top of the mountain.

http://www.airliners.net/photo//0971349 ... 8c495d5aee

Being a bit rusty at sideslipping before touchdown, I was not lined up well on my first approach. Time to go around. WOW! Look at the cliff on the far side of the airport! (I don't think it's that dramatic in real life).

Second time around is MUCH better.

Hmmm. Now which one should I take to Auckland?

I feel a dangerous airports GFI rising ...

Congratulations Michael!!

I will try this visual landing next!!

Harold Henderson wrote:I feel a dangerous airports GFI rising ...

Sounds like a good idea to me...