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A challenge for the most adventurous pilots only: World’s highest summits tour in the Himalaya range! You are invited to participate to an incredible trip visiting all the peaks over 8’000 meters (26’300 ft). A difficult task in a region with very few navigational aids (VOR, NDB) and thus where VFR is really essential. You can use any single or twin props aircraft fitted for the job. Remember that because of the high altitude involved, very powerful engines are a must and a pressurised cockpit or an oxygen supply is required. I can suggest the following airplanes: Beech 18 (with oxygen system - 25’000 feet) – Cessna Grand Caravan (with oxygen system - 25’000 feet) – Mooney Bravo (with oxygen system - 25’000 feet) – Short 360 (with oxygen system – 25’000 feet) – Dornier 228 (service ceiling 29’600 feet) – Beechcraft Kingair 350 (35’000 feet) – Cessna 414 A (27’000 feet). Most of these aircrafts (FSX & FS9) are downloadable (free) from http://www.premaircraft.com/index.html It is also your part of the job to find among all free downloadable aircrafts available on the web, the one fitted for the task. Some tips about the navigation: of course it is strictly VFR. To reach the peaks from each relevant airfield (see maps & flight plan), you should climb as fast as possible to a minimum of 25'000 to 28'000 feet. When airborn carefully follow the magnetic track leading to each peak as indicated on the flightplan. If an obstacle (mountain) block your way, take the right direction as soon as you reach an altitude which allow you to pass over the obstacle or follow the valleys. PLAN-G is an excellent free program to follow your progression on a moving map (use FS in windowed mode to be able to open the map). Available at http://www.tasoftware.co.uk/ Do not worry to much about finding your way. 8000 meters+ peaks are VERY high and once you have reached an high altitude, you will see them. By the way, almost all hops require fair weather and good visibility! Finally, the 2 maps below will show you where to find these beautiful high mountains. All pilots who will complete all the hops of this challenging trip will receive the HIGH PEAKS AWARD which can be added to their signature. Just drop me a mail when you have flown the last leg.
Do not forget to post your best pictures of these fantastic peaks on the web site! |
