Briefing

27th March 2014

Overview	We all know how high Mount Everest is, but do you think your aircraft can get that high. This event will explore the landscape surrounding Everest and also to experience two of the most thrilling airfields in the world.
Start Time and Place	This event will run for the entire day of 27th March. If you would like to fly in a group then log in to the teamspeak server from 1930 and prepare to take some brilliant pictures. The start location is VQPR Paro.
Weather ...or not	Before starting we will check the weather. If it is unsuitable for our trip as planned, then we will fix it. Something we can do in the simulator - wouldn't it be nice if we could do it in real life! FSInn has a "CAVOK" button. Click this and you get calm clear weather. Those using SB will need to turn off the on-line weather updates, and select calm in the FS weather options.
Flight Planning	So the layout of the event is as follows: This is a very simple event so that all members can take part and not feel troubled by the complexity of the task like in some previous events. You will start off at VQPR (Paro) and take off at your own leisure towards VNLK (Lukla), but there is a catch. During the route you are not allowed to fly direct to Lukla. To get there you have to remain below the peak of the mountains and fly down the valleys and gorges. Multiple routes are possible so try not to follow each other as the fun off this event will be all but removed by doing this. When you get to Lukla be prepared for a very, very, very short runway, and to add to the challenge there is a big mountain face fly towards. Lots of videos can be found online of the interesting approaches and landings that pilots have to face. If you want to continue the valley flying you can fly south to VNLD (Lamidad) or even head up to Everest itself and see if you can see anyone waving at you from the peak. Your flight plan for the event should show: Departure: VQPR Destination: VNLK Route: Direct VFR Comments = /V/ DAYLIGHT / CIX VFR CLUB / A Plan-G file of the route can be found here FSX Scenery For Lukla can be found here If you have not already done so, you will have to register on flightsim.com - it's free. Search for FSX Lukla in the File Library.
What Should I Fly	Due to the high altitudes you should choose either a turboprop, turbo charged, or gas turbine aircraft or helicopter. It should also have very good short takeoff and Landing (STOL) capabilities. Either a Cessna Caravan or a Twin Otter would be a good choice.
ATC	It is unlikely that there will be any ATC cover for this event.
PIREP	Don't forget to record your flight by submitting a PIREP. This will result in an event star award.
Radio Discipline	Take care not to let our Teamspeak chat cut across ATC. Stop any conversation immediately the R/T comes alive, then continue if "he wasn't talking to us". This is difficult because when transmitting on Teamspeak you can't hear the R/T. So be brief on Teamspeak, and be aware that ATC might be trying to get through. If anyone hears an R/T message which seems to be being ignored, just say "ATC is calling G-CIXN" if you have identified the callsign, or "ATC is calling us" which is a cue for everyone to be quiet on Teamspeak until ATC call again (which they will). Remember too that if asked to "Stand By" by ATC, you do not reply - not even "Roger", but simply wait until you are called again. Remember also that there are several different ATC frequencies in use, and you may not be able to hear when communications are taking place. Make sure you have set and know how to use a Teamspeak mute switch.
Acknowledgements	Event planning: Edward Warnell Briefing: Edward Warnell.