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Simulation Record Completed
CANADA DAY - 1 July 2001 On 1 July 2001 at 0701 Zulu, the "Fat Fox" landed in Point Cook Australia and completed the FIRST hand flown, pole-to-pole flight of a single pilot, single engine helicopter in simulation. It may also be the first ever circumnavigation of the globe from pole-to-pole by a helicopter in real life or in simulation. This mission is dedicated to Vanda, my most patient and understanding wife, without who's support this mission would have never have happened much less been completed. |
Background
To our knowledge prior to 2001 no one has ever attempted or completed a pole-to-pole solo flight in a single engine, single pilot, helicopter, either in real life or simulated. The only known records in real life flying are two pilots flying Bell 206 and Bell430 twin engine helicopters. This record is simulated flying and focuses on planning and single pilot flying skills. Microsoft FS2000 scenery was a pretty crude capability compared to today, but watching it all go by gives you a real sense of the size of the earth.
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Modeling
MD530F Specification
Performance Top Speed at Max Continuous power 79PSI Torque 1000 feet 133Kts Maximum range at 1000 feet avg 29.5 gph, over 740 nm Maximum range at 10,000 feet avg 18.3 gph over 1150 nm >8.0 hrs airborne Vne 155 kts, max cruise 133 kts Service Ceiling 18,700 ft ASL Hover: (At max Gross weight 3300 lbs) In Ground Effect ISA +20DegC 14,800 ft ASL Out of Ground Effect 12,400 ft ASL |
Mission Reports
Every flight was logged by email with actual weather, in-flight radio comm using early VOIP and photos from each leg. FS2000 was pretty good for the day but nothing like can be done today with current computer and display technology. We've come a long way in realism.
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