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Post by Andrew Godden on Dec 15, 2008 18:46:07 GMT -5
Everyone,
My apologies. As Murphy's Law states, "If anything can go wrong, it will." - and it did. Nothing major, but enough to delay me opening Pilot Registration as stated.
Given time zone differences, work commitments (yes, unfortunately I still have to endure this), etc, I hope to have this rectified by later today my time (approx 1000 hrs UTC, 16 Dec 08).
Please understand, I am working deliver a quality event everyone can enjoy in the true tradition of the GAAR and this minor delay shouldn't detract from that.
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Post by Andrew Godden on Dec 15, 2008 18:44:42 GMT -5
Everyone,
My apologies. As Murphy's Law states, "If anything can go wrong, it will." - and it did. Nothing major, but enough to delay me opening Pilot Registration as stated.
Given time zone differences, work commitments (yes, unfortunately I still have to endure this), etc, I hope to have this rectified by later today my time (approx 1000 hrs UTC, 16 Dec 08).
Please understand, I am working to deliver a quality event everyone can enjoy in the true tradition of the GAAR and this minor delay shouldn't detract from that.
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Post by Andrew Godden on Dec 12, 2008 16:00:33 GMT -5
Guys,
Rule One (first and foremost) - Have fun!!!
The interpretation of the rule on eligible aircraft is "provided the model, e.g. 172, or first variant of the model, flew within the specified date period". Both the 172 and 182 fit this criteria. Subsequent model variations do not compromise the rules. Turbocharged engine variants are also eligible under the rules. The only time a model variant becomes ineligible is if it is fitted with a turboprop engine.
I personally ran into trouble with this in the GAAR 2007 event when I wanted to enter a Pilatus PC-6 "Porter". The "Porter" Fitted the eligible criteria, i.e. first flew in 1959 and with a piston engine. However, the model I had was the FSD International model (by the way, a great aircraft model) which is fitted with the now standard turboprop engine. In fact, to the best of my knowledge, a piston engined model for MSFS doesn't exist.
My thanks to Allan for providing some more than appropriate guidance.
Looking forward to seeing you in the event.
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Post by Andrew Godden on Dec 7, 2008 5:29:59 GMT -5
Chris, Dave and Coleman, et al,
Firstly, Chris, thank you for driving me insane. After having checked, re-checked and checked again, I thought all my ESRA data was correct. Now I can't even find how the typo got there!!!!! Anyway, that's fixed.
I have delved a little more into X-Plane for my own curiosity and skimmed through the Bluegrass X-Plane Forum. As I said, whilst I can't officially support it the GAAR 2009, I am happy for you guys to fly the GAAR in X-Plane unofficially and record the results. I think the results could be good for comparative analysis and future consideration, particularly where you are also flying in another MSFS version. I know that due to subtle quirks (mildly stated, that is) between FS9 and FSX, Bill had to make minor time adjustments for the GAAR 2007. These same adjustments need to continue to exist. It seems a minute is not always a minute in the virtual world depending on the version used. (Please, let's not start a big debate on this issue)
I appreciate all the GAAR 2009 airports are covered in X-Plane, I just hope the various VORs and NDBs are as well, as they are more critical in this GAAR - not every Flight Leg is direct.
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Post by Andrew Godden on Dec 6, 2008 17:54:31 GMT -5
As far as the weather goes, I guess it depends upon how the FS9 weather file is made. If it is saved on a given day and time, using FS9's real weather, the same weather can be saved for X-Plane at that time. The weather file, that X-Plane uses, is basically a text file and can be modified if needed. If it is hand made, that might be a bigger challenge, but it should be possible. I will also help if I can. Coleman Coleman, The weather files are manually created based on historical Bureau of Meteorology data for each airport / Flight Leg with a bit of a random twist thrown in occasionally for good measure and to provide that little extra test of skills. If you can convert these to some suitable X-Plane format please feel free. The only other observation I would make (and this is related to my lack of knowledge of X-Plane) is some of the airfields and VORs / NBDs used for navigation are "far, out of the way places" - most Australians wouldn't even know they exist (except maybe for Ed Burke, who I know has traveled to some of these exotic locations).
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Post by Andrew Godden on Dec 6, 2008 17:41:49 GMT -5
OK, it's satisfying to see that now the GAAR 2009 web site is available, people are taking a keen interest and are already doing their early flight planning.
I have received a PM regarding huge errors in the Flight Leg distances. There is some hidden logic in these apparent errors - they are not all "as the crow flies".
In some of the early posts in the Forum regarding event format I eluded to VOR / NDB navigation. All I have revealed to date is the departure and arrival airports for each Leg and the Leg total distance to aid aircraft planning and selection. More detail regarding individual Leg navigation will be forthcoming closer to the time of the event.
I didn't want to give too much away too early.
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Post by Andrew Godden on Dec 6, 2008 17:30:46 GMT -5
Chris / Coleman,
I appreciate your comments. I can't speak for past GAARs, but as for the GAAR 2009 and supported Flight Sims, please understand the following explanation.
Firstly, this is a hobby (an obsession if you ask my family) and I still work full-time, so time availability is a factor. The event is already supported in two versions of MSFS (and this isn't as straight forward and easy as it might sound). Secondly, it is considered the range of freeware and after market payware provides a comprehensive range of aircraft, scenery (especially the Vista Australis freeware scenery), etc to make the event more interesting. Thirdly, weather plays a significant part in the event for each participant to be on a level playing field (even though they are using different aircraft). And finally, I personally don't know enough about X-Plane to comment on whether or not Chris' idea is even feasible.
Sorry guys, but I hope this helps explain why only FS9 and FSX are the officially supported Flight Sims for the GAAR.
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Post by Andrew Godden on Dec 5, 2008 20:38:30 GMT -5
Todd,
Good to hear from you and thanks for the offer regarding the web based PIREPS system. After an email exchange with Bill overnight, we decided you and I deal direct.
I don't have a lot of knowledge in this area, but the process used for the GAAR 2007 is essentially what I think will work best. I am also keen for something that stands alone from the regular Bluegrass PIREP system so that it can be used for subsequent GAAR events.
Anyway, send me a PM with your thoughts so we don't bore everyone with our technical prattle.
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Post by Andrew Godden on Dec 5, 2008 20:25:07 GMT -5
All,
Well, the moment of truth is approaching, if not here already. The GAAR 2009 is officially launched and the web site is now up. More information will be added as we get closer to the opening of Pilot Registration on 15 Dec 08 (UTC).
In the meantime, check out the "Flight Schedule" and finalise choices and preparations of aircraft.
A separate Forum has also been set-up for official notifications, announcements and questions regarding the conduct of the event.
Looking forward to seeing you in the air.
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Post by Andrew Godden on Dec 5, 2008 7:06:11 GMT -5
OK, so after much planning here it is. As the old military saying goes: "Time spent in planning is never wasted.". But now is judgment day. GAAR 2009 is officially launched and the web site is at the following address. bluegrassairlines.com/bgad/gaar_2009The web site contains most of the basic information for now. More details, particularly regarding detailed flight information, required downloads, flight dates and reporting dates, will be added shortly. If you have any questions or comments (or corrections) please let me know.
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Post by Andrew Godden on Oct 5, 2008 18:56:18 GMT -5
Rules, flight specs, etc will all be provided well ahead of time. I am aiming for 01 Dec 08 to have the GAAR 2009 specific website up. As soon as you submit your time for the "Test Flight", your "Target Times" for each leg can be calculated.
One of the main aims of the event is to "have fun", so there will be a degree of flexibility. Even though the event officially runs from Feb through Mar, times can be submitted ahead of the reporting time deadline. However, results will not be posted until after the deadline when all results have been received.
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Post by Andrew Godden on Sept 25, 2008 19:47:13 GMT -5
Allan,
Regardless of the quandary I have created, I'm sure you will find a suitable aircraft. Shupe's Howard 500 and D-18 are both favourites of mine.
One other consideration that wasn't in my recent post because I haven't finalised the weather conditions, is runway length. Most runways in the area are long enough to support the real world Royal Flying Doctor Service flying King Air's. On recollection, the shortest runway length was about 2700'. This was a secondary runway and at 2700' is probably long enough for any aircraft in the event.
Have fun choosing your "bird".
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Post by Andrew Godden on Sept 25, 2008 7:05:13 GMT -5
All,
Spurred on by the comments from Ed and Smithy, I have decided to go with the longest route. I know this might be daunting for some but it allows the best opportunity to provide a real challenge for both novices and the more experienced pilot. Consequently, the conduct of GAAR 2009 will extend over Feb - Mar 09. Detailed dates and reporting times will be released when the website goes up (approx 01 Dec 08).
Route Information: - total distance - 3575 nm; - 19 Legs (some with sub sectors); - average Leg distance - 188 nm; and - maximum Leg planning distance (including possible diversion due to weather) - 450 nm.
Aircraft consideration: - normal rules regarding eligible aircraft, i.e. any piston or radial engined aircraft that flew in the 1930s to 1950s. - range of at least 450 nm (maximum Leg distance is 345 nm, see last point under Route Information); - fitted with NDB and VOR is ideal; - if not fitted with NDB and VOR, NDB is recommended, otherwise most of the event has to be flown by "dead reckoning"; and - fitted with DME would also be good, but not absolutely necessary.
For those that are keen to get in some practice, DC3 Airways are conducting the World Rally 2008 in Oct 08. Whilst it is only flown in the DC3, it looks like it will provide some great practice in navigation in all sorts of weather. See the post in the "News" Forum for details.
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Post by Andrew Godden on Aug 29, 2008 23:55:27 GMT -5
All,
Apologies for the gap in time since my first announcement about GAAR 2009. Unfortunately, I had to go into hospital for some unexpected surgery on an ongoing medical issue that raised it's ugly head again. Enough on that, but suffice to say it has given me extra time to focus on the development of GAAR 2009 both in hospital and now at home.
The route is all but finalised, albeit that I currently have four options ranging in total distance from approx 2840 nm to 3580 nm. Some might say this is rather ambitious, and to a degree it is, but then Australia is a bl**dy big country for those who haven't realised it yet and the outback is expansive - not too many overlapping NDB / VOR NAVAIDS out there, let me tell you.
All I will say for the moment is it picks up where GAAR 2007 left off, Darwin (YPDN). I like continuity, so I have tried to link it so that over a series of GAAR events, you achieve something rather than just random flying criss-crossing across a series of sectors.
For the novices and stalwarts alike, dirt / grass strips, dead reckoning ("as the crow flies") navigation - yes, aerodromes without even NDB's, possible large over water legs, alternate / diversion aerodromes, long, medium and short sectors, multi stage legs, NDB only approaches, VOR approaches, night approaches - oh, and did I mention the weather. It is, after all, the "wet season" in northern Australia in Feb / Mar.
Thanks for the feedback and comments thus far, I will keep you posted.
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Post by Andrew Godden on Aug 29, 2008 21:18:16 GMT -5
Hey guys Does this mean the Pterodactyl might get to spread her wings again. She's been sitting in the barn since I returned round trip from GAAR 2007. I guess I'll spruce her up and finnaly paint the world on her tail. Indeed, spread her beautiful wings and give her a spit and polish. Looking forward to seeing you at the event again.
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