Can't even show the full flight line in this window... it's about 3900 nm.
In RL, I could probably get away with adding smaller tanks aft all the way to last normal cargo station, but FS will not allow more than 2 extra centerline tanks. so here's my config: No pax; empty weight reduced about 100 lbs assuming seats, etc. removed; Enlarged main center tank and two more aux tanks- total 2804 gals (no, I didn't figure the wieght of the tanks themselves, but I think shaving only 1000 lbs off the empty weight for all passenger amenities, including insulation, left me some extra). On the last leg my avg mpg was 1.4 mpg, so this should give me just about enough to reach Cassidy. As the ship gets lighter, mpg should improve. The wind could spoil everything (or save my bacon), but assuming I can get a nav signal from the Marquesas VOR about halfway, if I have less than 800 gals. aboard before I read a 120 degree left bearing to those islands, I'll give up and divert south for a landing at Nuku- Hiva, following the beam all the way. That's assuming it's in range...
Well, it's dawn, and all is ready. Really not sure how I'll stay awake, but I'm all rested up from a few days lying on the beach here staring at giant iguanas, and occasionally watching the crew finish the new tanks ;D . And I'll have plenty of Red Bull and coffee...
.Of course, in the sim, I'll be using time comp. whenever possible... I mean, it's all overwater... boring...
I say my goodbyes, and squeeze past the fuel tanks to the flight deck (forward door is stuck
).
She's not too sluggish at this weight; the tail comes up less than halfway down the runway...
But even after waiting until about 100 kts to rotate, it soon becomes apparent- she's way overloaded. Climb rate is apalling, but I have to get the gear up ASAP. Luckily, she climbs a little more.
Looks promising: she's still climbing pretty well. I start to set power and props for normal climb.
Here's where it all goes awry- she's very nose-heavy; the aft tank is already being sucked on despite my having started with only wing tanks selected. I'm forced to use emerg. settings to get the climb going again.
I try to split the difference, but she won't have it. So this is "overload" DC-3 flying, with poor w&b to boot... as Hassel said in Ernest Gann's Fate is the Hunter: "Put your faith in God and Pratt and Whitney"...
The weather is decent, but I open an IFR plan, mostly to have company and get some radar-assisted navigation corrections. I've filed for 5,000. I have a last glimpse of land: the rugged wastes of the Galapagos. I think about heading back, but just for a moment.
More to Come!
