Planning completed, charts printed, checklists checked, takeoff and landing data updated, frequencies jotted, and hot chocolate spiked (Bailey’s and peppermint hot cocoa is this pilot’s cold weather beverage of choice), I start up the sim and begin the virtual flight.
I step to the aircraft at 1700Z (10:00 am local) to prepare for 1730am departure. In this fictional scenario, the Concorde is lightly loaded with the flight crew, three stewards, and 25 passengers of mysterious and as-of-yet undeclared purpose on the journey. Why are they on this flight? Where are they going? The galleys are packed full of champagne, caviar, and a whole load of Sonoran hot dogs from Chaco’s on Old Nogales (his dogs beat both BK’s and Guero Canelo’s, hands down). Flight time at M0.95 is only about 2 and a half hours – just enough time for indigestion to sit in – so sufficient quantities of Tums and Pepto Bismol are stowed onboard as well.
I have a slight issue with INS #1 not completing alignment, requiring a restart, but the system recovers and I’m able to complete the startup checklists on time, pulling away from the gate almost exactly on time.
The fuel configuration for this subsonic and lightweight flight is bizarre and I’m almost hesitant to begin the flight with the configuration suggested by CPS. Oh well, I decide, it’ll be an interesting story one way or the other!
The takeoff run is a little rocky, with the number 4 engine reheat cancelling out at 60 knots, a common problem in FSL Concorde X. Luckily, the takeoff card allows for a 3 engine reheat takeoff, so I press with the rollout and manually fly the Tucson Eight SID, transition PHX.
The default FSX scenery isn’t really all that great. Maybe Santa will bring an ORBX package or two this year!