Post by scottb on May 14, 2016 19:22:19 GMT -5
Glenn and Todd's talk has inspired me to finally get some PIREPs going again. After getting my new machine up and running and getting everything re-installed (for the second time in six months), I put FSPassengers back on and re-loaded the company I had going, Alaska Wings.
If any of you remember, I was doing a career mode, and was progressing through single engine planes until I had enough hours for twins. Well, now my company is impressed enough that they have promoted me to fly some of our piston twin planes.
Alaska Wings currently has six twin-engine planes in our fleet. We have a bit of a hodge-podge since we recently bought up some planes from a recently bankrupt charter company. Our fleet has three Cessnas, a 310, 402, and 404 that were purchased from the charter company. In addition to them, we have two Piper Navajos and an Aztec.
Since I’m the newest twin pilot, I'll be broken in with our smaller Aztec and 310. After thorough check-rides in both planes, I’m ready to fly solo with actual paying customers.
My flight today is a simple charter from our base in Homer to Kodiak. It's a bit over 120 miles with four charter passengers flying the Aztec.
On the ramp in Homer, shortly after loading everyone up. The weather is good and clear, so it should be an easy flight. I call for my IFR clearance, and then we are ready to go!
Shortly after takeoff, I turn south on my flight plan to Kodiak.
Skirting the Kenai Peninsula, I head for open water to Kodiak Island. It's good to have a two engines on the longer flights over water.
Closing in on Kodiak, I select my approach. I'll be using an RNAV approach to Runway 26. Due to wind, I'm required to circle to Runway 29 on final.
Flying the RNAV approach to Runway 26. The GTN 750 makes it easy to see, but the Aztec's autopilot is not exactly state-of-the-art.
As I approach runway 26, I circle left to runway 29 and line myself up for the final approach. The circling here is really more of flying a base leg to final for 29.
Parked at the Kodiak terminal. I shut down and get all of my passengers and their gear unloaded. Another day, another dollar 
Hope you guys enjoyed the PIREP! I didn't realize until this flight that ORBX had updated Kodiak in their Global Freeware collection. I just auto-update them through FTX Central but I haven't been paying close attention. Looks like they did several Alaskan airports outside of SAK. Kodiak was pretty messed up before with the runway extending into the water, this is much much nicer. I just picked up Homer and several other Alaska airports I didn't have. Better get them while they are on sale . The Aztec flies really nice, I think I'm going to enjoy getting some use out of it.
-Scott
