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Leg 45 - Cancun Intl (MMUN) - Roberts Intl (MWCR)


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Apologies for the slight delay!

 

I can't say I really liked Cancun. Sure it's nice enough, but for me heat doesn't go down well. I was certaintly glad when Kasper landed in the dark - at least it's a few degrees cooler then!

 

So, what aircraft to use on the flight? It's not that long, but mainly over water. So that means twin engine minimum. Speed is required, so that makes it a jet or fast turbopop. Looking at the options, there was a few commerical flights, but they were very expensive for some reason. They weren't until I said it was for the ATWC, then the price rocketed. Must have seen J G somewhere.....

 

So, stuck in Cancun in the blistering heat with no aircraft. Having just finished reading Vulcan 607 again, thoughts turned to the V Force. Although long since withdrawn, someone somewhere found one flying. With a full crew, except that the captain had been taken ill. On long-range naviagation exercises, the crew were more than happy to have me along. Problem solved - no expensive ticket and the ability to get up very high and very cold!

 

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The commerical option - Embraer ERJ of COPA Airlines. I think my aircraft slightly out-performs it in certain respects

 

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Just what you want to see - 4 engines turning and burning

 

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The tug *just* squeezes under the nose!

 

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Passing some of the smaller GA, where Kasper's aircraft ended up last time around

 

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Not quite the average radio call!

 

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A Delta 757 arrives into Cancun

 

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And another pair of 757's heading for the States

 

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Probe view as we head off down the runway

 

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As we are flying a Falklands spec airframe, the engines have been unharnessed to provide maximum thrust. An already lively aircraft is a lot more fun!

 

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Rocketing upwards

 

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AEO view of the underside of the aircraft

 

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Climbing ever upwards

 

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Hitting the magic V-Force 50000ft

 

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Cruising eastwards

 

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Destination in sight, approximately 150 miles away at this point. A similar view must have welcomed to crews to Ascension Island

 

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Going down in a rather steep descent

 

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The AEO reports an Echo-band search radar to our 9 o'clock position. No threat at this time

 

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Soon though, the threat becomes a bit more real. A fire control radar looks out for use, so jamming and evasive action. Tight turn, full power down to the deck. What has John got us into?

 

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Pounding along low, just waht the crews were trained to do

 

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Luckily the threat clears, so we climb slightly to get into postition for landing

 

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Nearly there

 

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Touchdown!

 

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Streaming the braking parachute

 

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Off the runway to allow a Beechcraft to take off, we take a look at some of the other aircraft. Hard to imagine that the Vulcan is about the same size as a 737

 

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Having gone around the ramp, we park up in the remote apron near a Miami Air 737

 

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Over to you Pete!

 

Add-ons used:

Iris Vulcan B2

World of AI AI

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Nice ride! I can almost hear that wonderful howl!

 

Interesting to see that you were painted by radar.  Don't worry, it's me they are looking for. but I am glad to see you played it safe!

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Nice ride! I can almost hear that wonderful howl!

 

Interesting to see that you were painted by radar.  Don't worry, it's me they are looking for. but I am glad to see you played it safe!

 

That's not much help when they see a military aircraft on a strange flight - they think it's you!

 

Thanks all!

 

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Nice ride! I can almost hear that wonderful howl!

 

Interesting to see that you were painted by radar.  Don't worry, it's me they are looking for. but I am glad to see you played it safe!

 

That's not much help when they see a military aircraft on a strange flight - they think it's you!

 

Thanks all!

 

 

 

That was going to be my comment...take a wild ride like that up and Puttinfeld is going to immediately suspect a J.G. trip/opportunity. This has me thinking ahead to my choice in a couple legs...might need to keep my butt VERY safe and go either Low Key, or very Loki on my trip. This Section is feeling a little hot and Chafe-y. Something to stew on on my commercial flight down to Jamaica for my leg start.

 

Great PIREP! I bet the fuel cost of that Vulcan was far more than a commercial ticket would have cost to get there :P Ah, but the ride itself must have been priceless.

 

Cheers.

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Great PIREP Kieran, but we really must take some action against this Puttinfeld threat... we can't have them blowing us and our precious baton out of the sky!!

 

As of now all ATWC-pilots have authorization from the challenge committee to use what ever force necessary to get to their destination!! :whis:  

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A fascinating aircraft choice — and some great (if slightly nostalgic, now...  <sigh> ) pics.    

 

Well done!     :)

 

 

@Micke

 

> "...use what ever force necessary to get to their destination!!"

 

I generally find that 232,000 lb static thrust gets me there OK.     ;)

 

Cheers,

 

bruce

a.k.a. brian747

 

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@Micke

> "...use what ever force necessary to get to their destination!!"

I generally find that 232,000 lb static thrust gets me there OK. ;)

Cheers,

bruce

a.k.a. brian747

Indeed mate.. position yourself, and the villains, just right and you'll have no issues disposing of them ....

https://youtu.be/ZJ9uWsvR1l0

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