Explorer Flight Missions: Focus on Rotary + Light Fixed-Wing Aircraft Option
This month we are focusing on the rotary aircraft + an option for light fixed-wing aircraft as well. This iteration has been curated by Jan | TPC280.
All of the heliports will require free add-ons from Flightsim.to. Alternative airports for fixed-wing aircraft are provided.
For a free rotary option, we recommend freeware helicopter HPG H135 Helicopter Project for FS2020.
You can fly these flights on your own or get a group going - it’s up to you. Make sure you choose an appropriate aircraft and conduct proper flight planning. Let the adventure begin!
To get the Explorer server role (access to Explorers DISCORD channel) and 500 TPC Points for each flight:
Fly to or from any of the airports on this list.
Leave a comment on this post with the ICAO code of the airport you flew into. Feel free to share more details about your flight, if you’d like.
Post pics from your flight in screenshots channel on DISCORD.
1. LNMC - Monaco Heliport.
Monaco Heliport, ICAO LNMC, also known as Monte Carlo Heliport, is situated in the district of Fontvieille in the Principality of Monaco. The heliport is the only aviation facility within Monaco. It was opened with the support of Prince Rainier III in 1976, with only one helipad, later expanded to include 6 concrete helipads & 2 platform helipads.
Alternative airport for fixed-wing aircraft: LFNM, just west of Monaco.
2. GIHP - Great Barrier Reef.
The heliport’s ICAO is GIHP and provides easy access to the stunning Great Barrier Reef as well as Green Island, Arlington Reef, Fitz Island, and the coastal city of Cairns, each with a variety of custom helipads you can use as a destination. You can also land on a helipad atop a cruise ship at the Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal.
YBCS is the airport right in the city for fixed-wing jockeys: The reef and islands is 12nm to the East.
3. LOJT - Alpin 5 Helipad near Innsbruck.
This mission has a variety of helipads near the city of Innsbruck, Austria, all of which are excellent departure or arrival options for a sightseeing trip through the alps. Or perhaps, if you own the HPG H145 Action Pack, you can run a few scenarios rescuing lost hikers in the mountains.
Note: a couple of the helipads from this add-on require the Orbx Innsbruck scenery, but most do not.
For fixed-wing pilots, LOWI is a beautiful choice as an alternative.
4. KSFCG - Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco.
In this mission you start at the Coast Guard Air Station (CGAS) in San Francisco. The ICAO in the sim is KSFCG and offers a variety of starting points for helicopters. From there, you can explore San Francisco’s many bridges, or even make a trip out to Alcatraz Island and land at ALC1 - Alcatraz Island Heliport.
Naturally, KSFO is a great alternative for those without a helicopter at their disposal.
5. EIBN - Fastnet Rock Lighthouse.
Leaving EIBN Bantry in a helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft, you’ll head 6.8 km southwest of Clear Island in County Cork to reach Fastnet Rock Lighthouse. The rock rises 30 meters above the sea. The rock is occupied by a lighthouse of the same name, the Fastnet, and was constructed in 1853 under the direction of Robert Mallet.
6. Bonus Mission:
EGPC - Aerosoft Offshore Landmarks: North Sea
For those with access to Aerosoft’s payware Offshore Landmarks add-on, here’s a suggested bonus trip in a helicopter. Start in EGPC Wick Airport for FS2020 and head to the coast to explore the multitude of offshore platforms and vessels, all equipped with landpads just begging for you to squeeze your helicopter onto. This will no doubt test your rotor control skills! We recommend the H145 helicopter equipped with floats, and don’t be ashamed to use them.
