Solo around the world Artic caps screens.

[trucker17]

Here is a run down of day 1.
Day one started with a full breakfast, sandwiches made for the flight, and a thermos full of coffee......
December 14th 2013, arrive at Chino airport at 0700, Breakfast at Flo's Airport Café. Always great food.( REAL LIFE.). Get sandwiches and thermos and cup of coffee to go, in car and head for the plane.
Store baggage in Baggage compartment, inspection starts 0758.



FIRST 1. Fuel Quantity -- CHECK VISUALLY for desired level in BOTH Tanks 2. Fuel Filler Caps -- CHECK SECURE 3. Windshield -- CHECK CABIN 1. Pilot's Operating Handbook, ARW -- AVAILABLE IN THE AIRPLANE 2. Control Wheel Lock -- REMOVE 3. Ignition Switch -- OFF 4. Master Switch -- ON 5. Fuel Quantity Indicators -- CHECK QUANTITY 6. Flaps -- 10°, CHECK for proper extension 7. Master Switch -- OFF 8. Fuel Selector Valve -- BOTH LEFT WING 1. Main Wheel Tire -- CHECK for proper inflation and security 2. Brakes -- CHECK for cracks and security 3. Fuel Sump -- DRAIN small amount, CHECK FUEL, CHECK CLOSED 4. Cabin Air Intake -- CHECK for blockage LEFT WING Leading Edge 1. Pilot Tube Cover -- REMOVE and CHECK opening for blockage 2. Stall Warning Opening -- CHECK for blockage 3. Fuel Tank Vent Opening -- CHECK for blockage LEFT WING Trailing Edge 1. Flap -- CHECK freedom of movement and security 2. Aileron -- CHECK freedom of movement and security 3. Position Light -- RED Empennage 1. Rudder Gust Lock -- REMOVE 2. Control Surfaces -- CHECK freedom of movement and security 3. Antenna -- CHECK for security RIGHT WING Trailing Edge 1. Flap -- CHECK freedom of movement and security 2. Aileron -- CHECK freedom of movement and security 3. Position Light -- GREEN RIGHT WING 1. Main Wheel Tire -- CHECK for proper inflation and security 2. Brakes -- CHECK for cracks and security 4. Fuel Sump -- DRAIN small amount, CHECK FUEL, CHECK CLOSED 4. Cabin Air Intake -- CHECK for blockage

Exterior of plane.

NOSE 1. Engine Oil Level -- CHECK, do not operate with less than 6 quarts. Fill to 8 quarts for extended flight 2. Fuel Strainer -- DRAIN for 4 seconds, CHECK CLOSED 3. Propeller and spinner -- CHECK for nicks and security 4. Alternator belt -- CHECK for tightness 5. Carburetor Air Filter -- CHECK for blockage 6. Landing Light -- CHECK for condition and cleanliness 7. Nose wheel Strut and Tire -- CHECK for proper inflation and security 8. Static Source Opening -- CHECK for blockage CABIN 1. Master Switch -- ON 2. Flaps -- RETRACT 3. Radios -- ON and WORKING, listen for ATIS, get CLEARANCE (CRADS) 4. Radios -- SET 5. Radios -- OFF 6. Lights (all), Pilot Heat -- ON and WORKING 7. Lights, Avionics Power Switch, Pilot Heat -- OFF 8. Master Switch -- OFF 9. Elevator Trim -- TAKEOFF 10. Baggage Door -- CLOSED and LOCKED 11. Tie Downs -- DISCONNECT BEFORE STARTING ENGINE.

Back inside cockpit.
Secure Sandwiches and thermos, and anything else that may roll or slide around the cockpit.
Start engine turn on lights......Taxi lights on, Landing lights off......
Prepare for Taxi.....
0817 got permission to Taxi, heading for the runway.
Lift off at 0825
http://i960.photobucket.com/albums/ae83/mandygirlts/2013-12-14_10-43-50-21_zpsaee43253.png (http://s960.photobucket.com/user/mandygirlts/media/2013-12-14_10-43-50-21_zpsaee43253.png.html)
Lake Elsinore in the Distance.
http://i960.photobucket.com/albums/ae83/mandygirlts/2013-12-14_11-2-43-513_zps77841099.png (http://s960.photobucket.com/user/mandygirlts/media/2013-12-14_11-2-43-513_zps77841099.png.html)
San Diego and Mexico in the distance.
http://i960.photobucket.com/albums/ae83/mandygirlts/2013-12-14_11-12-55-428_zps33ffc169.png (http://s960.photobucket.com/user/mandygirlts/media/2013-12-14_11-12-55-428_zps33ffc169.png.html)
Crossing into Mexico....
http://i960.photobucket.com/albums/ae83/mandygirlts/2013-12-14_11-39-41-145_zps019af724.png (http://s960.photobucket.com/user/mandygirlts/media/2013-12-14_11-39-41-145_zps019af724.png.html)

[trucker17]

Over Gulf of California.
http://i960.photobucket.com/albums/ae83/mandygirlts/2013-12-14_11-59-53-854_zps6677b06a.png (http://s960.photobucket.com/user/mandygirlts/media/2013-12-14_11-59-53-854_zps6677b06a.png.html)
http://i960.photobucket.com/albums/ae83/mandygirlts/2013-12-14_12-0-11-820_zps5905dcb9.png (http://s960.photobucket.com/user/mandygirlts/media/2013-12-14_12-0-11-820_zps5905dcb9.png.html)
Approaching land again.
http://i960.photobucket.com/albums/ae83/mandygirlts/2013-12-14_12-33-34-902_zps59da155f.png (http://s960.photobucket.com/user/mandygirlts/media/2013-12-14_12-33-34-902_zps59da155f.png.html)
Arrived at Valle Del Fuerte, Mexico.
http://i960.photobucket.com/albums/ae83/mandygirlts/2013-12-14_13-6-59-6_zpseabb4699.png (http://s960.photobucket.com/user/mandygirlts/media/2013-12-14_13-6-59-6_zpseabb4699.png.html)
Time for a short break......Day 1 half over.

[Skyhawk_310R]

I admire your patience! I have to confess I cannot tolerate flying FSX for more than about 10 minutes and cannot even tolerate cross country flights, much less having the patience to do something truly epic like this! I'm looking forward to this thread's development!

Ken

[trucker17]

Second half of flight left the ground at 1630. ( For the one's who don't military time.....That's 4:30 PM......)
Back out over water.
http://i960.photobucket.com/albums/ae83/mandygirlts/2013-12-14_18-9-35-925copy_zps27a0c2f5.jpg (http://s960.photobucket.com/user/mandygirlts/media/2013-12-14_18-9-35-925copy_zps27a0c2f5.jpg.html)
http://i960.photobucket.com/albums/ae83/mandygirlts/2013-12-14_18-9-38-3copy_zpsf2fc0854.jpg (http://s960.photobucket.com/user/mandygirlts/media/2013-12-14_18-9-38-3copy_zpsf2fc0854.jpg.html)
http://i960.photobucket.com/albums/ae83/mandygirlts/2013-12-14_18-10-16-295copy_zps3129b4f2.jpg (http://s960.photobucket.com/user/mandygirlts/media/2013-12-14_18-10-16-295copy_zps3129b4f2.jpg.html)
http://i960.photobucket.com/albums/ae83/mandygirlts/2013-12-14_18-10-36-303copy_zps1bd50b87.jpg (http://s960.photobucket.com/user/mandygirlts/media/2013-12-14_18-10-36-303copy_zps1bd50b87.jpg.html)

[trucker17]

Arrival at Lic Benito, Juarez, Mexico.

http://i960.photobucket.com/albums/ae83/mandygirlts/2013-12-14_19-36-22-345copy_zps7d2758ad.jpg (http://s960.photobucket.com/user/mandygirlts/media/2013-12-14_19-36-22-345copy_zps7d2758ad.jpg.html)
http://i960.photobucket.com/albums/ae83/mandygirlts/2013-12-14_19-48-45-346copy_zps7bc69231.jpg (http://s960.photobucket.com/user/mandygirlts/media/2013-12-14_19-48-45-346copy_zps7bc69231.jpg.html)
And down for the night.....End of day 1.
http://i960.photobucket.com/albums/ae83/mandygirlts/2013-12-14_19-48-2-619copy_zps0f8e50bd.jpg (http://s960.photobucket.com/user/mandygirlts/media/2013-12-14_19-48-2-619copy_zps0f8e50bd.jpg.html)
Flight was very long but seen some nice scenery.( Untill the sun went down , that is....:mixed-smiley-010: ).

[Naismith]

That is a very attractive livery on the Cessna.

[Skyhawk_310R]

I know you are going to take the route over Argentina and then go from "north" to "south" over Antarctica. But, in my review of the charts, it appears to keep going in the same overall direction you have to either fly to Australia or New Zealand. Then, after that leg, it looks home free in terms of range. Can your Skyhawk handle the range from the closest airbases in Antarctica to New Zealand or Australia?

Ken

[trucker17]

That is a very attractive livery on the Cessna.
Thanks Naismith. I requested this repaint.....The real paint is on a 1974 Cessna 182......Repaint is by Venesim.
And is available here.....
http://venesim.com/?p=4087

[trucker17]

I know you are going to take the route over Argentina and then go from "north" to "south" over Antarctica. But, in my review of the charts, it appears to keep going in the same overall direction you have to either fly to Australia or New Zealand. Then, after that leg, it looks home free in terms of range. Can your Skyhawk handle the range from the closest airbases in Antarctica to New Zealand or Australia?

Ken


Hey Skyhawk.....Yeah I will make it.....Once the fuel is leaned out their is enough fuel for the trip.....
Besides.....I thought you were going to make that leg of the trip with me, to operate the hand pump for the fuel......:smile-new:

[trucker17]

Day 2.......
http://i960.photobucket.com/albums/ae83/mandygirlts/2013-12-15_11-53-9-602copy_zps55cffd91.jpg (http://s960.photobucket.com/user/mandygirlts/media/2013-12-15_11-53-9-602copy_zps55cffd91.jpg.html)
http://i960.photobucket.com/albums/ae83/mandygirlts/2013-12-15_11-30-7-275copy_zps6b53ba85.jpg (http://s960.photobucket.com/user/mandygirlts/media/2013-12-15_11-30-7-275copy_zps6b53ba85.jpg.html)
http://i960.photobucket.com/albums/ae83/mandygirlts/2013-12-15_13-25-50-514copy_zpsba6732ed.jpg (http://s960.photobucket.com/user/mandygirlts/media/2013-12-15_13-25-50-514copy_zpsba6732ed.jpg.html)
http://i960.photobucket.com/albums/ae83/mandygirlts/2013-12-15_11-49-59-229copy_zps05115f2e.jpg (http://s960.photobucket.com/user/mandygirlts/media/2013-12-15_11-49-59-229copy_zps05115f2e.jpg.html)

[trucker17]

http://i960.photobucket.com/albums/ae83/mandygirlts/2013-12-15_11-53-9-602copy_zps55cffd91.jpg (http://s960.photobucket.com/user/mandygirlts/media/2013-12-15_11-53-9-602copy_zps55cffd91.jpg.html)
http://i960.photobucket.com/albums/ae83/mandygirlts/2013-12-15_12-14-30-140copy_zps7aa48716.jpg (http://s960.photobucket.com/user/mandygirlts/media/2013-12-15_12-14-30-140copy_zps7aa48716.jpg.html)
http://i960.photobucket.com/albums/ae83/mandygirlts/2013-12-15_13-41-47-918copy_zps2cb48219.jpg (http://s960.photobucket.com/user/mandygirlts/media/2013-12-15_13-41-47-918copy_zps2cb48219.jpg.html)
Break time after this leg.....

[Portia911]

Hey Skyhawk.....Yeah I will make it.....Once the fuel is leaned out their is enough fuel for the trip.....
Besides.....I thought you were going to make that leg of the trip with me, to operate the hand pump for the fuel......:smile-new:

So given your planning, what is the longest distance leg you need to do, Trucker?
Nice pics - where did you land at the end of Day 2?

[trucker17]

So given your planning, what is the longest distance leg you need to do, Trucker?
Nice pics - where did you land at the end of Day 2?

The longest leg will be 1,600 miles.....When I lean the fuel I can stretch 1700 miles out of the 2 tanks....I usually lean the fuel to 50%, especially for this flight....
Day to ended just inside Panama.....Today I took a little detour to fly over the Panama canal, then back on course to my next destination for the night.....
These picts will be posted at the end of Tonight's flight....
I will also remember to mention where I shut down at.....

[trucker17]

Day 3.
As always....Inspection of plane done.....Aircraft in beautiful shape.....Had to pull around to fill tanks.....
Stored thermos for flight....
Taxi out at 0815.
Wheels in the air at 0832.
Airport I just left from....
http://i960.photobucket.com/albums/ae83/mandygirlts/2013-12-16_10-44-1-954copy_zpsf8962463.jpg (http://s960.photobucket.com/user/mandygirlts/media/2013-12-16_10-44-1-954copy_zpsf8962463.jpg.html)
Heading to altitude
http://i960.photobucket.com/albums/ae83/mandygirlts/2013-12-16_10-44-32-66copy_zps66a56d39.jpg (http://s960.photobucket.com/user/mandygirlts/media/2013-12-16_10-44-32-66copy_zps66a56d39.jpg.html)
Out over a large lake.
http://i960.photobucket.com/albums/ae83/mandygirlts/2013-12-16_10-45-50-800copy_zps7c2a2173.jpg (http://s960.photobucket.com/user/mandygirlts/media/2013-12-16_10-45-50-800copy_zps7c2a2173.jpg.html)
Could'nt help going out of route to see the Panama Canal and the locks.
http://i960.photobucket.com/albums/ae83/mandygirlts/2013-12-16_11-21-36-407copy_zpsabce52d0.jpg (http://s960.photobucket.com/user/mandygirlts/media/2013-12-16_11-21-36-407copy_zpsabce52d0.jpg.html)

[WarHorse47]

Trucker, how are you navigating your trip? I didn't notice any flightplan on the GPS.

[trucker17]

http://i960.photobucket.com/albums/ae83/mandygirlts/2013-12-16_11-26-13-871copy_zpsfaea9f3e.jpg (http://s960.photobucket.com/user/mandygirlts/media/2013-12-16_11-26-13-871copy_zpsfaea9f3e.jpg.html)
http://i960.photobucket.com/albums/ae83/mandygirlts/2013-12-16_11-30-6-226copy_zpscc87ef8c.jpg (http://s960.photobucket.com/user/mandygirlts/media/2013-12-16_11-30-6-226copy_zpscc87ef8c.jpg.html)
http://i960.photobucket.com/albums/ae83/mandygirlts/2013-12-16_11-30-55-496copy_zps0639c679.jpg (http://s960.photobucket.com/user/mandygirlts/media/2013-12-16_11-30-55-496copy_zps0639c679.jpg.html)

[trucker17]

Leaving Panama heading for Ecuador.....
http://i960.photobucket.com/albums/ae83/mandygirlts/2013-12-16_11-34-31-906copy_zpsf321792e.jpg (http://s960.photobucket.com/user/mandygirlts/media/2013-12-16_11-34-31-906copy_zpsf321792e.jpg.html)
Heading out over the ocean.
http://i960.photobucket.com/albums/ae83/mandygirlts/2013-12-16_11-34-52-547copy_zps84bb82c4.jpg (http://s960.photobucket.com/user/mandygirlts/media/2013-12-16_11-34-52-547copy_zps84bb82c4.jpg.html)
http://i960.photobucket.com/albums/ae83/mandygirlts/2013-12-16_12-11-8-386copy_zps55353a84.jpg (http://s960.photobucket.com/user/mandygirlts/media/2013-12-16_12-11-8-386copy_zps55353a84.jpg.html)
http://i960.photobucket.com/albums/ae83/mandygirlts/2013-12-16_11-46-18-565copy_zps2844f5d5.jpg (http://s960.photobucket.com/user/mandygirlts/media/2013-12-16_11-46-18-565copy_zps2844f5d5.jpg.html)

[trucker17]

http://i960.photobucket.com/albums/ae83/mandygirlts/2013-12-16_12-20-14-648copy_zpsbd485615.jpg (http://s960.photobucket.com/user/mandygirlts/media/2013-12-16_12-20-14-648copy_zpsbd485615.jpg.html)
Sunset in Ecuador.
http://i960.photobucket.com/albums/ae83/mandygirlts/2013-12-16_12-30-12-400copy_zpsf3abe8a0.jpg (http://s960.photobucket.com/user/mandygirlts/media/2013-12-16_12-30-12-400copy_zpsf3abe8a0.jpg.html)
On ground safe and sound, in Santo Domingo Los Colorados, Ecuador.
http://i960.photobucket.com/albums/ae83/mandygirlts/2013-12-16_12-37-44-641copy_zpsb0b5f115.jpg (http://s960.photobucket.com/user/mandygirlts/media/2013-12-16_12-37-44-641copy_zpsb0b5f115.jpg.html)

[trucker17]

Trucker, how are you navigating your trip? I didn't notice any flightplan on the GPS.

Yeah one of the features I discovered today with the A2A C172.....I had to turn it off and then back on again, to get it to work.....Wondering what other surprises they have hidden in this bird.....Already had to fix a tire because it was flat......( Literally....Love this ACCU-SIM....)

[Skyhawk_310R]

Hey Skyhawk.....Yeah I will make it.....Once the fuel is leaned out their is enough fuel for the trip.....
Besides.....I thought you were going to make that leg of the trip with me, to operate the hand pump for the fuel......:smile-new:

No, brother, I'd be more like 200 pounds of useless load! LOL!!!

Ken

[trucker17]

No, brother, I'd be more like 200 pounds of useless load! LOL!!!

Ken

We can all use a good navigator and good conversation on these long flights........:)

[trucker17]

The next leg of this flight is being postponed due to daughter buying more Xmas lights....Like 26 strands are not enough.....

[Skyhawk_310R]

The next leg of this flight is being postponed due to daughter buying more Xmas lights....Like 26 strands are not enough.....

Hey now! You're not supposed to let the "real world" interfere with this flight! The online world is waiting! LOL!!!

Ken

[trucker17]

Hey now! You're not supposed to let the "real world" interfere with this flight! The online world is waiting! LOL!!!

Ken

That's true.....and the online world is more fun....:)

[trucker17]

Day 4.
Leaving Santo Domingo Los Colorados, Ecuador.
0830 in the morning.
http://i960.photobucket.com/albums/ae83/mandygirlts/2013-12-17_10-2-41-352_zps7a5d9faa.png (http://s960.photobucket.com/user/mandygirlts/media/2013-12-17_10-2-41-352_zps7a5d9faa.png.html)
http://i960.photobucket.com/albums/ae83/mandygirlts/2013-12-17_22-27-42-233_zps5d8689f9.png (http://s960.photobucket.com/user/mandygirlts/media/2013-12-17_22-27-42-233_zps5d8689f9.png.html)
http://i960.photobucket.com/albums/ae83/mandygirlts/2013-12-19_10-47-0-761_zps06580777.png (http://s960.photobucket.com/user/mandygirlts/media/2013-12-19_10-47-0-761_zps06580777.png.html)
http://i960.photobucket.com/albums/ae83/mandygirlts/2013-12-19_12-35-12-521_zps722791a3.png (http://s960.photobucket.com/user/mandygirlts/media/2013-12-19_12-35-12-521_zps722791a3.png.html)

[trucker17]

http://i960.photobucket.com/albums/ae83/mandygirlts/2013-12-19_12-34-11-371_zps9ed954e6.png (http://s960.photobucket.com/user/mandygirlts/media/2013-12-19_12-34-11-371_zps9ed954e6.png.html)
Sun set
http://i960.photobucket.com/albums/ae83/mandygirlts/2013-12-19_12-41-1-15_zps7cb10099.png (http://s960.photobucket.com/user/mandygirlts/media/2013-12-19_12-41-1-15_zps7cb10099.png.html)
http://i960.photobucket.com/albums/ae83/mandygirlts/2013-12-19_12-41-15-714_zps7e8976f9.png (http://s960.photobucket.com/user/mandygirlts/media/2013-12-19_12-41-15-714_zps7e8976f9.png.html)
http://i960.photobucket.com/albums/ae83/mandygirlts/2013-12-19_12-40-31-491_zps7299512a.png (http://s960.photobucket.com/user/mandygirlts/media/2013-12-19_12-40-31-491_zps7299512a.png.html)

[trucker17]

Sundown about 5 miles from airport.....
http://i960.photobucket.com/albums/ae83/mandygirlts/2013-12-19_12-49-2-432_zps2789288e.png (http://s960.photobucket.com/user/mandygirlts/media/2013-12-19_12-49-2-432_zps2789288e.png.html)
http://i960.photobucket.com/albums/ae83/mandygirlts/2013-12-19_12-51-7-239_zpsb54533e0.png (http://s960.photobucket.com/user/mandygirlts/media/2013-12-19_12-51-7-239_zpsb54533e0.png.html)