Rainbird Virtual Airlines

An experiment with imaging

Brian — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 00:41:26 GMT

Hey Gents,

Sorry if this is not appropriate but I was messing around today with Paint Shop and created this image from an old pic I had. Its taken from FS9 and I created the reflection by duplicating the original image and then flipping it upside down. After I darkened it, I erased away a lot of the layer to give the impression of a puddle of water beneath the plane.

Just for giggles, I added some birds in the background.

Charter flight KLAS to U42

Brian — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 03:16:53 GMT

Picked up the folks at the Signature terminal in McCarren:

And on the RNAV approach into Salt Lake City Muni;

I was pleased to see the contours on the Sandel unit (shown in pop-up view here) exactly matched those on the Jepp approach plate. Pretty cool!

Now for Pappy to deliver these folks to their lodge.

Welcome new Captain! Manesh Saxena RBD043

Dogcreek — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 02:43:36 GMT

Captains,

Please welcome our newest Pilot! Manesh Saxena. Manesh hails from India and has VA experience.. We hope you enjoy it here Manesh. Makes sure to let us know if we can help in any way as you begin your Rainbird career.

Best Regards, Jeff

B200 panel

Brian — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 18:00:45 GMT

Hey Gents,

Here's the final version of the King Air panel I've put together. It utilizes several Reality XP guages (EADI, Sandel 3400, and weather radar) and ISG units (FMS and HSI);

Congrats to Ken M! Airline Chief Pilot!!!

Dogcreek — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 02:20:21 GMT

Way to go Ken!!

Rainbirds...Please join me is congratulating Ken M for reaching 110 flights and the coveted rank of AIRLINE CHIEF PILOT!!!

Ken has been an excellent pilot for Rainbird, he flies a lot of different planes and should be commended on his diligence and activity!

Thank you Ken!!

Jeff

B200 vacation run to Utah

Timber — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 08:16:07 GMT

Rainbird has received a request to pick up passengers at McCarren Intl - KLAS - and fly them to U42 - Salt Lake Muni Nr 2. From there Eagle Valley Air will fly them to a lodge in Dutch John for a five day fishing trip. They will be flow back to U42 to await a Rainbird return flight to McCarren.

Request notification of arrival at U42 be posted in this topic.

Flight numbers

Dept KLAS 49KL

Dept U42 49KL

LA marine layer

Brian — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 02:30:28 GMT

Two shots from the flight into LAX today. Here's over the 405/10 interchange;

And holding short of 25L for departing traffic.

Do you fly in instrument conditions?

Brian — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 20:45:09 GMT

Hey Gents,

I was wondering how many of you out there are flying in IFR weather, whether online or self generated.

Sun and moon

Brian — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 03:09:43 GMT

Flying through a layer of cirrus today (KSLC to KSAN), I looked up and saw the moon, just above and to the right of the sun and thought it looked like a Kodak moment.

747 Freight Routes?

Pappy — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 13:34:17 GMT

Jeff, the 2.5 and longer routes are fine for the weekends, but by the time I get home from work and eat, it is 7:30. I really do not have time to fly most of these. I recommend:

1. a return for KMEM to KDEN.

2. new routes: KMEM - HOUSTON - SANTA FE - KLAX - KSEA and return.

Thanks...

Project Open Sky Releases Bombardier CRJ 700 v3

Blacky — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 21:30:31 GMT

Project Open Sky would like to announce the release of the much-anticipated, and one of our longest running project, CRJ700 V3.

Development spanned over 4 years since our first decision was made to develop this aircraft. This project evolved from V1 to V2 (both not released), and from V2 to what is now version 3. Version 3 incorporates the latest XML animation control system as seen on our 777 V2 series. Also featured is the Lektro� pushback truck.

We hope that you will all enjoy our ...

Get the SGA Freeware DC-9

Dogcreek — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 02:58:14 GMT

Captains,

You can find the newest member of our fleet here:

http://simviation.com/fs2004jets74.htm

DC3 northen routes

westwind — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 00:55:17 GMT

Here are my flight ideas for Canada, this is just the first round, I'll have more in Canada.

CYBW (Spring Bank, AB) - CYXS (Prince George, BC)

CYXS (Prince George, BC) - CYZP (Sandspit Airport, BC)

CYZP (Sandspit Airport, BC) - CZST (Stewart Airport, BC)

CZST (Stewart Airport, BC) - PAKW (Klawock Airport, AK)

PAKW (Klawock Airport, AK) - PASI (Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport, AK)

PASI (Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport, AK) - CYSQ (Atlin Airport, BC)

CYSQ (Atlin Airport, BC) - PAYA ...

New Fleet Info

Dogcreek — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 22:31:03 GMT

As per the earlier NOTAM.

Here is the new Rainbird Fleet. I am now loading flights for the new additions. Current planes have some flights loaded but are not complete.

N10NR KSEA KSMO CTX Cessna Citation X 2824m|2454nm 580mph|504knts 0 0 12

N200NR KSEA KOXR BKB Beechcraft King Air 200B 1715m|1490nm 325mph|282knts 0 0 13

N737NR KSEA 47 73H Boeing B737-700 PAX 3872m|3365nm 520mph|452knts 8 0 130

N742NR KSEA KSEA 74F Boeing B747-228F Freighter 7899m|6864nm 564mph|490knts 0 0 0

N755NR KSEA CYVR 752 Boeing ...

Rainbird Reorganization Underway!

Dogcreek — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 21:48:21 GMT

Gentlemen Captains and Friends,

Rainbird is currently undergoing a complete reorganization. This is due to financial stress placed on the VA by fuel prices and the number of flights being flown. In an effect to stem the tide, Rainbird has sold off a large number of AC that will no longer be on the schedule. These are mostly aircraft that get little time in the air and also AC that have large lease payments. Some have also been sold as they don't fit the model for Rainbird after the reorganization.

In ...

Signature

Jeff Sturgeon — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 18:05:19 GMT

I know I am a Senior Captain and all, but I am having a real hard time getting this signature to work. Can one of you give me some pointer's.

Thanks Jeff.

Happy Birthday Brian!!

Dogcreek — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 20:01:04 GMT

Senior Captain Nuss will be 45 this week!! Please join in saying

"Happy Birthday"

The beers are always on the Birthday lad!!

Jeff

Night flight to Santa Monica

Brian — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 07:22:39 GMT

A clear night and a half moon made for a nice flight to Santa Monica

A bad day at the office

westwind — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 07:51:59 GMT

With the resent rise in fuel prices I have been trying to save money buy reducing my take off weight. I have already removed all the life vest on domestic flights and have reduced my fuel loads so I fly around with less.

Flying St Johns to Ottawa the inevitable happened. I ran out of gas I glided down from 29k' but ended up 30-40nm short of the field.

You might not be able to tell from the pic but that a 737 on its side along some unknown highway.

This is my second failed ...

Off the scope

Dogcreek — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 04:44:12 GMT

Captains,

I will be in KMSP until Wednesday morning and as such may not have much time to visit the forums or email.. In fact I have delayed making any changes to the forum until I return... Keep 'em flying boys!!

Jeff

Sunset vector for the ILS

Brian — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 09:18:36 GMT

Snapped this baby on the way into Torrance tonight.

Here is the link.

Jeff Sturgeon — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 15:34:36 GMT

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2008-9/1321807/CWEOF-RNCOI-A-340jpeg.jpg

Here is the link.

Fleet forum

Dogcreek — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 07:11:25 GMT

Gentlemen Captains,

Rainbird is in search of a new Fleet Manager... Interested? You will not have to paint planes... but actually work with the new VAFS

on scheduling and a much improved RW based schema on our new fleet.

Interested...? Let me know...!

Thank you!

Jeff

Brians King Air B200 routes

Timber — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 23:09:56 GMT

Routes 43KL through 49KS tariff remained a standard VCAS rate. However the passengers will be paying dearly for their luggage. Passengers on routes 50KS through 53KO will be paying for luxury seating.

Have fun.

43KL BKB KLAS McCarran Intl KPDX Portland Intl 2.8 763 -------

44KV BKB KVGT North Las Vegas KGCN Grand Canyon Natl Park 1.0

45KL BKB KLAS McCarran Intl KSMO Santa Monica Mun 1.2 235 -------

46KL BKB KLAS McCarran Intl KSLC Salt Lake City ...

No King Air routes?

Brian — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 18:31:04 GMT

Is it just me, or have there been no routes set up for the King Air?

I couldn't find anything in VAFs.

Need help with home cockpit

Brian — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 06:50:39 GMT

Hey Gents,

It looks as if I may get a real steal on a simulator, an ancient device that I would like to turn into a home cockpit. My intial idea would be to gut this thing out and slap some flat panel displays in.

If it works out, my plan would be to put two to three vertical displays that would function as PFD and MFD to replicate a jet panel.

A few questions for those in the know:

Can you get smaller display panels (maybe 6"x9") that could be placed into the face ...

I know what I'll be doing today

Brian — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 18:29:33 GMT

http://laartcc.org/event/info/65

Los Angeles Center (AE) 135.30 Eugene Zaporozhets (ZS)

Los Angeles Center (BC) 127.10 Will Sabransky (WX)

Los Angeles Center (DF) 135.25 Jim Johnson (JM)

Las Vegas Approach (West) 127.15 Bradley Podd (BP)

Las Vegas Approach (East) 133.95 Brandon Grchan (BG)

Las Vegas Approach (Final) 125.05 Mike Cassel (ML)

Socal Approach (Los Angeles) 124.50 Andrew Doubleday (AJ)

Socal Approach (Burbank) 134.20 Available

Socal Approach (Coast) ...

Gentleman Captains

Dogcreek — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 06:58:10 GMT

Hi Guys,

Well the old forum has slowed down... Flight have dropped off the map and well.... Not quite sure

what to think....but despite all that....Rainbird will carry on... I have been encouraged by a couple of other VA owners

who have agreed to help keep Rainbird alive!

In the next few days.. Expect some directional thoughts on where Rainbird will go over the next few weeks. The good news?

I will not close it down!!! Even if only three or four of us are flying!

The ...

Tooting my own horn

Brian — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 16:29:40 GMT

Heh heh...

I just broke 50 hours with Rainbird!

I'm going to break open a case of Alaskan Amber!

This Forum

Dogcreek — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 07:08:06 GMT

Gents

This forum will remain open for pics and videos...

Thank you!

Jeff

Route Notice

Dogcreek — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 07:05:39 GMT

Gents

Due to restructuring...this forum will remian open...

Please archive any subjects you wish. Watch for updates on routes in the "Rainbird Room" and NOTAMS

Thank you!

Jeff

Notice

Dogcreek — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 07:03:48 GMT

This forum will remain open while we go through restructuring!

Notice

Dogcreek — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 07:01:57 GMT

Gents

Due to inactivity...

This forum will close on Sunday the 14th... Please archive any subjects you wish.

UPDATE...This forum has enough activity to stay open...

Thank you!

Jeff

ISDT ATR 72-200 Released

Blacky — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 04:42:09 GMT

Get it here

http://www.isdt-israel.com/Projects/ATR-72-200.htm

Citation X payload

Timber — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 04:04:48 GMT

Brian, From what I can find on the web the CTX has a "Useful payload & fuel of 14300 lbs and a payload of 1326 Lbs". Is this correct?

I have seen questions about other planes payloads on the VAFS forums and wondering about our planes. For example they have the B1900C payload as 3486lbs, and the B1900D at 1847lbs.

LOWW - Schwechat to EGLL - Heathrow Enjoy!!!!

Jeff Sturgeon — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 21:55:48 GMT

TrackIR Pro4

Blacky — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 17:51:59 GMT

I just purchased one of these, and it makes the VC environment so much more realistic. Check it out here.

http://www.naturalpoint.com/trackir/02-products/product-TrackIR-4-PRO.html

Los Angeles to Seattle. Enjoy!

Jeff Sturgeon — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 17:41:13 GMT

August Financials

Pappy — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 01:55:52 GMT

Great month for the financial...... Are you lending out?

Congrats to Rob C!! Senior Captain!!

Dogcreek — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 20:46:41 GMT

Gentlemen,

A big "way to go" to Rob!!! He has flown 8 this month alone and is just wrapping up his 13th flight!! Excellent job Rob!

Jeff

Rainy arrival in Great Falls

Brian — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 19:25:50 GMT

It was pouring cats and dogs when we got into Great Falls, Montana, this morning.

Thanks Blacky

Dogcreek — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 03:42:58 GMT

Gentlemen Captains,

I am sorry to announce that Blacky has resigned as fleet manager. He has a lot on his RW plate right now and isn't able to fly and still do the things needed to keep up our extensive fleet. He will be staying on as a pilot.

Blacky, your help here has been greatly appreciated and I thank you sincerely for evrything you have done for Rainbird! I am glad you will stay on as a pilot...

Thanks again!

Jeff

Eagle Valley off to a flying start!

Dogcreek — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 03:29:09 GMT

Captains,

As some who follow the PAC board may be aware... and as a method to help release the news... Here is an announcement!

Our own Pappy has dusted off and revamped a his Charter VA, Eagle Valley Air!

Here is the site: www.eaglevalleyair.com and his

forums: http://www.eaglevalleyair.com/phpBB3/index.php

Hop on over and see what Pap is up to.... I think he has a cool concept using VAFS and offers the "low and slow" a lot of us enjoy...

Best wishes ...

Fresh out of the paint Hangar

Brian — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 04:30:06 GMT

Here it is gentlemen....after many, many hours of sweat and toil (and more than a few beers ), I present to you, the Rainbird Boeing Business jet, in the Anniversary livery:

Burbank to Salinas

Brian — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 19:18:43 GMT

I had to move some suits for a conference in Salinas which is just inland from Monterey (CA).

Ready to fire up the engines:

Taxiing out to runway 15 for the Van Nuys 7 Departure

Climbing out over the San Fernando valley:

I love this view of the X:

The clouds have filled in beneath me as I get farther north:

On the descent for the GPS approach, runway 31 with occasional glimpses of the ground:

Inside the FAF and the vis ...

Vacation

Timber — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 17:30:10 GMT

Just to let you know, Mern - my stew - and I will be departing tomorrow from our land mark by KPAE to head out on a vacation for the next week or so.

Runway lights

Ken Macelmon — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 02:46:55 GMT

I know this may be a general question,But im doing some DC-3 flight into some pretty small airports.Today I flew into myap just after dark had to switch to daytime in order to land.My question is,is there any way to find out if these smaller airports have lights or not.Turning on the sun sort of took the realism out of my flight.

DC3's

Timber — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 07:21:43 GMT

We bought two DC3's. N300RB is assigned to the Toronto Hub. N310RB is assigned to the Seattle Hub.

There's a "Painters needed" sign over the Paint Hangar door.

Flight1 MD80 for FSX

Timber — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 05:04:01 GMT

Looks like Coolsky has released an MD80 for FSX. Flightone is their carrier pigeon

Twin Heaven!

Pappy — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 04:33:47 GMT

I took a break from the big iron to jump back into my favorite twin. Had a charter out of Ketchikan. Hope you like the pics.