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Making a Simulated Norway Getaway

Sometimes simulator trips can be just as surprising as real-life and this Microsoft Flight Simulator journey to Norway was no exception.

Predawn arrival into Norway’s Kristiansund Airport (ENKB) became so spectacular I just had to showcase it. [Courtesy: Peter James]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The author explores the scenic wintry landscapes of Norway within Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, highlighting the beauty and challenges of flying in simulated frigid, high-latitude conditions.
  • A central theme is the preference for manually inputting weather scenarios over real-time weather to achieve enhanced realism, greater flight challenge, and optimal visual effects like extended "golden hour" lighting and crisp visibility.
  • The article showcases several third-party add-ons, including the Horizon Simulations Boeing 787-9, ATC Chatter for realistic audio, FSRealistic for immersive vibrations and sounds, and a WB-Sim Cessna 172 on skis for bush flying, all contributing to a deeper simulation experience.
  • The author recounts diverse flight experiences, from managing a Boeing 787-9 in strong, self-programmed winds to performing unique landings with a ski-equipped Cessna on snowy mountain slopes and fields.
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Often I will set out to formulate a piece within Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 (MFS2020) or X-Plane 12 only to completely redo it as I go. Part of the fun in showcasing these sims is that I am often surprised and shocked at something that steals the show or at least deviates from my theme at hand. This is another example. I recently flew in real time from the U.S. over to Europe to explore. Norway is a place I had not been to in MFS2020, and I have never gone in real life either.

To get a taste of winter, I decided to manually input weather. There are several reasons to make your own weather scenarios:

Peter James

Peter is an experienced Part 135 business jet pilot with a passion for simulators and how they blend with the real world. Learning to fly at age 12, he supplemented his passion and career goals with the early versions of Microsoft Flight Simulator. With the growing realism of all PC simulators today, he frequently uses them for extra proficiency, and loves to show other pilots how great they are.

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