02-20-2007, 07:39 AM
Today I commenced the first leg of the Route 66 BID Division event.
Acting on advice, I have downloaded the Boeing Stearman and what a beautiful aircraft. It was so stable that even without an auto pilot it maintained heading and altitude so well I could take my hands and feet off the controls and make minor throttle adjustments to keep it on course.
Here's some screenies of my first flight:
1. Flying out of Chicago following a snow covered Route 66.
![[Image: Route66_leg1_01.jpg]](http://markrichards.gallery.netspace.net.au/albums/AirSource/Route66_leg1_01.jpg)
2. From above looking down.
![[Image: Route66_leg1_02.jpg]](http://markrichards.gallery.netspace.net.au/albums/AirSource/Route66_leg1_02.jpg)
3. The 2D panel level at 2,500'
![[Image: Route66_leg1_03.jpg]](http://markrichards.gallery.netspace.net.au/albums/AirSource/Route66_leg1_03.jpg)
4. The Virtual Cockpit looking forward. This thing has a HUGE prop!
![[Image: Route66_leg1_04.jpg]](http://markrichards.gallery.netspace.net.au/albums/AirSource/Route66_leg1_04.jpg)
5. Looking towards this awesome beast
![[Image: Route66_leg1_05.jpg]](http://markrichards.gallery.netspace.net.au/albums/AirSource/Route66_leg1_05.jpg)
6. The sun is starting to set - nice bit of "sun strike" in my eyes as I fly
![[Image: Route66_leg1_06.jpg]](http://markrichards.gallery.netspace.net.au/albums/AirSource/Route66_leg1_06.jpg)
7. The sun is going down fast, I need to get a move on but with only 85knots ground speed, this is going to be a slow trip.
![[Image: Route66_leg1_07.jpg]](http://markrichards.gallery.netspace.net.au/albums/AirSource/Route66_leg1_07.jpg)
8. Joining left base for Bloomington.
![[Image: Route66_leg1_08.jpg]](http://markrichards.gallery.netspace.net.au/albums/AirSource/Route66_leg1_08.jpg)
9. Made a close left base and floated over the runway. I need practice coping with a tail dragger
![[Image: Route66_leg1_09.jpg]](http://markrichards.gallery.netspace.net.au/albums/AirSource/Route66_leg1_09.jpg)
10. Safely back on terra ferma
![[Image: Route66_leg1_10.jpg]](http://markrichards.gallery.netspace.net.au/albums/AirSource/Route66_leg1_10.jpg)
If you've not signed up and want something VERY different, have a look at http://www.air-source.us/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=1527 and sign up today!
This is going to be a great tour!
Acting on advice, I have downloaded the Boeing Stearman and what a beautiful aircraft. It was so stable that even without an auto pilot it maintained heading and altitude so well I could take my hands and feet off the controls and make minor throttle adjustments to keep it on course.
Here's some screenies of my first flight:
1. Flying out of Chicago following a snow covered Route 66.
![[Image: Route66_leg1_01.jpg]](http://markrichards.gallery.netspace.net.au/albums/AirSource/Route66_leg1_01.jpg)
2. From above looking down.
![[Image: Route66_leg1_02.jpg]](http://markrichards.gallery.netspace.net.au/albums/AirSource/Route66_leg1_02.jpg)
3. The 2D panel level at 2,500'
![[Image: Route66_leg1_03.jpg]](http://markrichards.gallery.netspace.net.au/albums/AirSource/Route66_leg1_03.jpg)
4. The Virtual Cockpit looking forward. This thing has a HUGE prop!
![[Image: Route66_leg1_04.jpg]](http://markrichards.gallery.netspace.net.au/albums/AirSource/Route66_leg1_04.jpg)
5. Looking towards this awesome beast
![[Image: Route66_leg1_05.jpg]](http://markrichards.gallery.netspace.net.au/albums/AirSource/Route66_leg1_05.jpg)
6. The sun is starting to set - nice bit of "sun strike" in my eyes as I fly
![[Image: Route66_leg1_06.jpg]](http://markrichards.gallery.netspace.net.au/albums/AirSource/Route66_leg1_06.jpg)
7. The sun is going down fast, I need to get a move on but with only 85knots ground speed, this is going to be a slow trip.
![[Image: Route66_leg1_07.jpg]](http://markrichards.gallery.netspace.net.au/albums/AirSource/Route66_leg1_07.jpg)
8. Joining left base for Bloomington.
![[Image: Route66_leg1_08.jpg]](http://markrichards.gallery.netspace.net.au/albums/AirSource/Route66_leg1_08.jpg)
9. Made a close left base and floated over the runway. I need practice coping with a tail dragger
![[Image: Route66_leg1_09.jpg]](http://markrichards.gallery.netspace.net.au/albums/AirSource/Route66_leg1_09.jpg)
10. Safely back on terra ferma
![[Image: Route66_leg1_10.jpg]](http://markrichards.gallery.netspace.net.au/albums/AirSource/Route66_leg1_10.jpg)
If you've not signed up and want something VERY different, have a look at http://www.air-source.us/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=1527 and sign up today!
This is going to be a great tour!
