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Post by aerofoto on Sept 13, 2016 14:07:15 GMT 12
Since this particular forum page is devoted virtual aviation I thought I´d introduce the FS group I represent along with some of the work in which we specialise .... as a quality "FREEWARE" producer .... for the benefit of any FS enthuisasts here.
I additionally thought I´d do this by way of presenting our current DC-10 simulations (actually in the process of being upgraded with much greater emphasis upon "systems fidelity" and which are earmarked for re-release either late this year or early next year) .... and to do this with a distinctly "New Zealand" reflection in mind also 
Our group is internationally respected as "HJG" .... the "HISTORIC JETLINES GROUP" .... and with whom I´ve been associated and have represented since late 2001.
Prior to 2006 HJG offered B707, CV880, CV990, and DC-8 simulations only.
Since this time .... and thanks to the efforts of its small, but, highly skilled development team, along with considerable community support also, HJG has added B717-200, B727, BAe 146-300/RJ-100, CARAVELLE, CONCORDE, DC-9, DC-10, L-1011 TRISTAR, and MD-80/90 simulations to its virtual flightline .... with a number of other new projects and upgrades currently being developed behind the scenes (and in secret) and for future release.
Although FS2004 remains the focus of HJG´s prime development, all of its simulations (with the exception of the BAe 146/ARJ, CARAVELLE, CONCORDE, and its current DC-10 panel range) are "FSX portable" .... but .... "not FSX native" .... since there "IS" a major difference between both categories.
Each of the simulations developed by HJG are composed of highly realistic and animated 3D models, high quality FDE, accurate and highly functional 2D panels (sorry we can´t do VC´s), authentic custom soundpacks, as well as hundreds of textures/skins representing the identities of past and present real world operators from around the world.
HJG simulations don´t represent just a single varient of any aircraft type either, but rather, are compiled to include each of the primary sub-marques of any aircraft type represented .... in order to provide "the best/most comprehensive" representation of any particular aircraft type family .... especially in regard to simulated aircraft weights, engine type and thrust ratings, and various aerodynamic refinements which differentiate one aircraft type version from another .... MEANING .... each of the aircraft type simultions offered by HJG do perform differently .... and as they should. This´s generally ensured by our reliance upon real-world technical data (AOM´s primarily) upon which we base our development work, and as accurately as we´re capable of compiling it, given our own current skill level whilst also being conscious of certain limitations imposed by the MSFS host program itself .... of course" 
Given the manner in which each of our HJG´s simulations are developed also, and the time we like to take in order to properly do so, it´s fair to say the FS performance of by far the majority of what HJG offers exceeds that of most competing payware .... or at least that´s what the international FS communinity constantly tell us 
But for the majority of end users the best aspect of everything offered by HJG is the fact that it´s all "100% FREE" .... as well as being high quality and very enjoyable simulations representing some of greatest civil aircraft of the jet age
"THIS" then concludes my brief introductory profile of HJG and which is located at the following website address ....
HISTORIC JETLINERS GROUP
simviation.com/hjg/
During 2011 I embarked upon a new FS project on behalf of HJG .... "the DC-10"
Being a New Zealander .... AIR NEW ZEALAND, and its former international fleet of DC-10-30´s (upon which I flew regularly during the 1970´s and 80´s), was my prime motivation for wanting to undertake this particular project.
I also wanted to try´n ensure the development of "decent" DC-10 simulations also .... since I felt the quality of everything I´d previously seen, and used, and which was representative of these aircraft (both FS payware and freeware) was either "defficient" or "disappointing" 
This project took some 3 years to develop. That´s quite normal in FS .... "if" any particular project is going to be "developed" (not rushed) with emphasis upon quality .... and which is what we, at HJG, strive to try and deliver.
We completed and released "VERSION 1.0" of our DC-10 simulations during December 2014. These simulations are represented by the following DC-10-10/-10CF/F, DC-10-15, DC-10-30/-30CF/F, DC-10-30ER, DC-10-40, DC-10-40D, DC-10-40I, and DC-10-40F projects .... each of which are supported by credible 2D panels, accurate FDE, and authentic soundpacks ....
1. DC-10-10 (short/medium range US domestic configuration without CLG unit .... featuring both original Splitter Plate and later modified engine exhaust pipes)
DC-10-10CF/F (short/medium range freighter configuration without CLG unit .... featuring both original Splitter Plate and later modified engine exhaust pipes and an animated port side forward fuselage maindeck cargo door)
DC-10-10 PANEL - composed of GE CF6-6 calibrated engine gauges and 3X (only) landing gear lamps.
DC-10-10 GE CF6-6 TURBOFAN SOUNDPACK - audio-visual presentation ....
2. DC-10-15 (hot & high short/medium range PAX configuration without CLG unit .... featuring later production short engine exhaust pipes)
DC-10-15 - composed of GE CF6-50 calibrated engine gauges and 3X (only) landing gear lamps.
3. DC-10-30 (intercontinental PAX configuration with CLG unit .... featuring both original long and later production short engine exhaust pipes)
DC-10-30CF and -30F (intercontinental freighter configuration .... featuring both original long and later production short engine exhaust pipes and an animated port side forward fuselage maindeck cargo door)
DC-10-30ER (high gross weight intercontinental extended range PAX configuration .... featuring later production short engine exhaust pipes)
DC-10-30 PANEL - composed GE CF6-50 calibrated engine gauges and 4X landing gear lamps.
DC-10-15/-30 GE CF6-6 TURBOFAN SOUNDPACK - audio-visual presentation ....
4. DC-10-40 (NWA US domestic and international PAX configuration with cLG unit .... featuring bulbous #2/tail engine inlet and JT9D-20 type exhaust pipes)
DC-10-40D (low/medium gross weight JAL domestic PAX configuration without CLG unit .... featuring bulbous #2/tail engine inlet and shorter JT9D-59 type exhaust pipes)
DC-10-40F (aftermarket freighter conversion in both medium and high gross weight configurations with, and without, CLG units .... featuring bulbous #2/tail engine inlet and shorter JT9D-59 type exhaust pipes)
DC-10-40I (high gross weight JAL International PAX configuration with CLG unit .... featuring bulbous #2/tail engine inlet and shorter JT9D-59 type exhaust pipes))
DC-10-40 PANEL - composed of P&W JT9D-20 calibrated engine gauges and 4X landing gear lamps.
DC-10-40D PANEL - composed of P&W JT9D-59 calibrated engine gauges and 3X landing gear lamps.
DC-10-40I PANEL - composed of P&W JT9D-59 calibrated engine gauges and 4X landing gear lamps.
DC-10-40 P&W JT9D SOUNDPACK - audio-visual presentation ....
Among our DC-10-30 simulations I purposely represented "the entire AIR NEW ZEALAND fleet" .... supporting each variation of livery and/or reconfiguration (minor though some of these were) applied to these aircraft between 1973 and 1983 when the type first entered service and eventually departed the fleet.
Only a selected handful of these AIR NEW ZEALAND DC-10-30 texture/skins are currently downloadable from the HJG website, but, each of the missing fleet members "ARE" available directly from myself and for which there´s "NO CHARGE AT ALL" .... of course
Here´s each of the AIR NEW ZELAND DC-10-30 fleet members as represented by HJG ....
ZK-NZL (1973)
ZK-NZM 1973) - with "1974 Commonwealth Games" legend
ZK-NZL (1974) - with "1974 Commonwealth Games" legend & logo
ZK-NZM (1975)
ZK-NZN (1976)
ZK-NZP (1978) - center cabin windows reconfiguration (I was, at first, dubious about representing this one .... for obvious historical reasons .... but .... I eventually concluded that since this was intended to be "a historic representation" of the entire fleet, then, it couldn´t not be included. What happened to -NZP is, and will forever be, a part of our civil aviation history/culture .... which shouldn´t ever be forgotten or ignored)
ZK-NZQ (1982) - 1/4 nacelle engine striping plus NZ flag
ZK-NZR (1983) - 1/2 nacelle engine striping plus NZ flag
ZK-NZS (1980) - center cabin windows reconfiguration
ZK-NZT (1981) - center cabin windows reconfiguration
Along with the following lesser known hybrid livery too ....
ZK-NZN (1979) - lease to MALAYASIAN IRLINE SYSTEM
In compiling this particular project I couldn´t resist the temptation to represent AIR NEW ZEALAND DC-10-30´s in the their post sale liveries too (those that we´ve been able to represent, so far, given the suitability of available references) .... so .... here they are also .... along with a little information concerning the history of each indidual aircraft beyond its AIR NEW ZEALAND service ....
N821L (1981) - ex ZK-NZN
N821L (1983) - AIR PACIFIC lease from WESTERN AIRLINES - ex ZK-NZN
N144AA (1985) - ex ZK-NZN
ZK-NZN became the first of AIR NEW ZEALAND´s 7 remaining DC-10 aircraft (after 1979) to depart the fleet .... being sold to ILFC on April 14th 1981 and then leased to WESTERN AIRLINES as N821L. This transaction became the first ever sale of a foreign owned DC-10 to a US carrier. During its service with WESTERN AIRLINES this particular aircraft was also sub-leased to AIR PACIFIC (becoming the airlines first long-range wide-body equipment) to operate its Nadi/Honolulu/Los Angeles service from September 21st 1983 until December 28th 1984 when it was returned to ILFC. This aircraft was then sold to AMERICAN AIRLINES on January 3rd 1985, to become N144AA, and with whom it served until its withdrawal from service during December 2000 and storage at Mojave, California, USA. It was then sold to GA TELESIS TURBINE TECHNOLOGIES LLC on April 26th 2002 and scrapped later during 2002.
N136AA (1981) - ex ZK-NZL
ZK-NZL became the first DC-10-30 delivered to AIR NEW ZEALAND on January 27th 1973 .... under the command of captain Phil LE COUTER. This particular aircraft entered commercial service with the airline on February 3rd 1973 .... operating between Auckland and Sydney. It was sold to AMERICAN AIRLINES on October 21st 1981 and became N136AA. It was then sold to POLARIS LEASING CORPORATION during January 1984 and leased back to AMERICAN AIRLINES .... and with whom it was writtren-off/damaged beyond repair as the result of an aborted T/O attempt at Dallas FW, Texas, on May 21st 1988. "ACCIDENT REPORT - DC-10-30 N136AA ....
aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19880521-0&lang=es
N137AA (1982) - ex ZK-NZM
ZK-NZM was sold to AMERICAN AIRLINES on July 16th 1982 and became N137AA .... and with whom it served until its withdrawal from service and storage at Mojave, California, USA from November 2000. It was then sold to GA TELESIS TURBINE TECHNOLOGIES LLC on April 26 2002,
N138AA (1982) - ex ZK-NZQ
ZK-NZQ was sold to AMERICAN AIRLINES on September 17th 1982 and became N138AA. It was then sold to POLARIS LEASING CORPORATION during January 1994 then leased back to AMERICAN AIRLINES until October 1993 when it was withdrawn from service and stored at Marana, Arizona, USA. It was next sold to CONTINENTAL AIRLINES on January 19th 1996 and became N14074 (fleet # 074) .... and with whom it operated until it was finally withdrawn from service during August 2001 and stored at Mojave, California, USA. This particulae aircraft was then sold to CONTINENTAL AIRLINES PURCHISING SERVICES on November 30th 2001 and scrapped during 2008.
CC-CJS "Valparaiso" (1982) - ex ZK-NZS
SE-DFH "Rurik Viking" (1990) - ex ZK-NZS
From June 13th 1982 and June 29th 1982 ZK-NZT and ZK-NZS were both leased to LAN CHILE for 4 years .... as CC-CJT (named "Valparaiso" fleet # 102) and CC-CJS (named "Santiago" fleet # 101) respectively. These particular aircraft became the alirlines first long-range wide-body equipment.
CC-CJS was returned to AIR NEW ZEALAND, at Auckland, on July 8th 1986, upon the conclusion of its LAN CHILE lease and sold to ILFC on August 1st 1986 .... then onsold to SAS, as SE-DFH (named "Rurik Viking"), and by whom it was operated until October 10th 1990. During its SAS service this aircraft was also leased to the airlines SCANAIR subsidiary .... from October 4th 1986 until March 30th 1987 .... when it returned to SAS service. It was then sold to ELECTRA AVIATION on October 10th 1990 and leased to AIR OUTRE MER, as F-ODLY (named "Tourquiose"), then transferred to AOM FRENCH AIRLINES on March 1st 1992 after the AIR OUTRE MER/AOM merger, and then sold to the airline on October 5th 1999 and re-registered F-GTLY on May 5th 2000. It was next transferred to AIR LIB on October 28th 2001 after the AOM/AIR LIBERTE merger and with whom it remained until its withdrawal from service during February 2003 and storage at Havana, Cuba. This aircrft was then sold to SOCIETE NORMANDIE D'ENTERPRISES SARL on October 17th 2005.
CC-CJT "Santiago" (1982) - ex ZK-NZT
Upon the expiry of its LAN CHILE lease CC-CJT was sold to ILFC during March 1986. It was then onsold to AMERICAN AIRLINES on June 17th 1986, as N164AA, and with whom it operated until its withdrawal from service during December 2000 and storage at Mojave, California, USA. On June 25 2001 it was sold to PACIFIC AIRCORP 46950 INC, then onsold to ART 46950 LLC on July 2nd 2003 and remains in storage at Marana, Arizona, USA.
F-GDJK "Maputo" (1983) - ex ZK-NZR
F-GDJK "Maputo" (1986) - ex ZK-NZR
ZK-NZR became the last DC10-30 to remain in AIR NEW ZEALAND service .... and flew its final commercial service for the airline on November 2nd 1983, operating between Hong Kong and Auckland, under the command of captain Ian HUTCHINS. This aircraft was sold to ILFC on December 18th 1982 and leased to UTA FRENCH AIRLINES, then sub-laesed to LINHAS AEREAS DE MOCAMBIQUE, as F-GDJK (named "Maputo"), It was then sold to EQUATOR LEASING INC during September 1991 and leased back to LAM until May 2th 1992 when it was temprarily withdrawn from service and stored at Le Bourget, Paris, France. This aircraft was then leased to AIR MARTINIQUE from May 27th 1992 until September 1993. It was next leased to AOM FRENCH AIRLINES, as F-GNDC, from October 12th 1993 and sold to the airline during March 1996, then sold to RECHERCHE AVIATION GROUPE SA and leased back to AOM from April 18th 2001, and then transferred to AIR LIB on October 28th 2001 after the AOM/AIR LIB merger. It was next sold to SAS RECHERCE AVIATION GROUPE on January 1st 2002 and leased back to AIR LIB, and then sold to the airline on November 22nd 2002 and stored at Chateauroux, France. This aircraft was finally sold to AVICO on July 25th 2003 and scrapped during August 2004.
SO.... there it "IS" folks .... an introduction to HJG, and just one of its simulations, and with a distinctly New Zeland flavour added also.
All queries and any FS support requied in relation to these simulations should be directed to the HJG forum .... at the grops above-stated website address.
HJG DC-10 SIMULATION FS COMPATIBILITIES
- All DC-10 3D models and FDE are FS2004 compatible/native and FSX portable
- All DC-10 2D panels are FS2004 compatible/native (only) .... PLEASE NOTE: These panels "ARE NOT" (yet) FSX compatible/portable
- All DC-10 soundpacks are FS2004 compatible/native and FSX compatible/native .... PLEASE NOTE: Separate FS9 and FSX specific soundpacks are available for each FS versions.
PLEASE NOTE ALSO: Dual FS2004 and FSX DC-10 compatible panels are currently being developed by HJG. These are slotted for late 2016 or early 2017 release .... "at this stage". The following HJG forum link will provide insight as the nature of some of the improvents being incorporated into these new/upgraded simulations ....
tonymadgehjg.proboards.com/thread/7956/dc-panels-version-coming-soon
And just as a matter of additional interest .... all HJG DC-8 FDE´s were recently upgraded. A similar revision and expansion representing historic AIR NEW ZEALAND DC-8 liveries for FS (fo the HJG DC-8-50 3D models) is also currently in progress and is intended for release within the very near future.
Mark C
AKL/NZ & BOG/CO
HJG
simviation.com/hjg |
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Post by Ian Warren on Sept 13, 2016 20:46:44 GMT 12
Hi Ya Mark, One gorgeous aircraft, the Freeware would be absolutely brill, I have the payware CLS model, the DC-10 something about this aircraft, both free and pay the type are jaw dropping to look at, from the era only two really stick out , the DC-10 and the Boeing 747, tho the Tristar could edge in , when first PRE - introduced in 1973 my father took us to the airport , Christchurch Intl as pilots were get familiar with the type .. everything down and dirty it looked impressive.
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Post by aerofoto on Sept 14, 2016 6:54:22 GMT 12
"YES" .... I always loved the "THE BIG DC-10" (and DC-8) too
I did 6 trips on AIR NEW ZEALAND 10´s (and 3 on its 8´s) .... flying on -NZM, -NZN, and -NZS .... and did 6 trips on UTA 10´s also .... flying on F-BTDB, F-BTDD, N54629 (a few weeks prior to it being blown out of the sky over the Niger Desert during September 1989 .... sadly flown by the very same captain (Georges RAVENEAU) with whom I´d flown aboard it also), and N54649.
The DC-10, during its career (although 2 remain operational (excluding KC-10´s) as freighters with KFC in Canada .... I believe), certainly went though the school of hard knocks´n´bruises .... BUT .... it came our shining in the end and with a lot of professional admirers too
HJG´s DC-10 simulations are avilable/downloadable "NOW".
All aspects of these are FS2004 compatible and FSX portable .... "with the exception of for our current range of panels" which, as I mentioned above, are currently "FS2004 SPECIFIC ONLY" .... but .... which are also currently being redeveloped for future re-release and FSX portability.
I do feel our "FREEWARE" DC-10 simulations (even in their current form) do have significant performance edges over that of competing commercial payware.
Our DC-10 panels re-development project will likely be composed of some 11 different panel configurations .... for each of the various aircraft type versions .... and will be represented by both round analogue and tape engine instrument standards, a more sophisticated and multi-function AP, along with a "very functional" F/E panel as well.
We anticipate these new DC-10 panels being of a similar complexity as those for our virtual DC-9 flightline .... MEANING .... "pretty complex", but, nothing to be afraid of given the level of technical support HJG tries to provide in order to aid peoples understanding and enjoyment of its simulations.
Apart from the forthcoming advances hinted above .... HJG´s inventory of DC-10 textures/skins is constantly expanding .... and that´s despite the group already offering something in the region of 150X, or more, different liveries covering NZ and other global operators of the type.
Here´s few more images of some of these DC-10 simulations in action ....
DC-10-10
LAKER AIRWAYS SKYTRAIN DC10-10 G-BBSZ "Canterbury Belle" (1981)
TURKISH AIRLINES DC10-10 TC-JAV "Ankara" (1974)
DC-10-15
MEXICANA DE AVIACION DC10-15 N1003L "Azteca" 1981
DC-10-30
ALITALIA DC10-30 I-DYNA "Galileo Galilei" (1979)
IBERIA DC10-30 EC-CBP "Costa Dorada" (1979)
CANADIAN AIRLINES INTERNATIONAL DC10-30ER C-GCPJ (1994)
DC-10-40
AMERICAN TRANS AIR DC10-40 N184AT (1983)
DC-10-40D
JAPAN AIRLINES DC10-40D JA8546 (1995)
DC-10-40I
JAPAN AIR CHARTER DC10-40I JA8544 (1990)
We also offer L-1011 TRISTAR simulations too .... and which are composed of similar thoroughness and complexity (call it auhenticity) given that the entire L-1011 family is represented by HJG .... with the exception of the shorter and much longer legged L-1011-500 version .... BUT .... we, at HJG, do have a few ideas/plans up our sleeve in regard to this one too, and which "may" (possibly) come to fruition later .... quite a bit later on though.
Although the L-1011 never flew on the NZ civil air register .... it "DID" fly to NZ with regular US tourist charter flights throughout the 1980´s and 90´s (operated by ATA primarily) .... and .... it was even briefly operated into AKL on scheduled services too, by HAWAIIAN AIRLINES (also in conjunction with AIR RAROTONGA INTERNATIONAL), between December 1989 and March 1990 .... as is evidenced by the following photographs which I shot at AKL during this period ....
HAWAIIAN AIRLINES L-1011-1 N763BE - first HA L-1011 flight to AKL December 1988
Prior to this HA´s sked operations into AKL, between 1988 and 1990, were supported by their DC-8 SUPER 62H (primarily) and DC-8 SUPER 63 aircraft .... as I also recorded at the time ....
HAWAIIAN AIRLINES DC-8 SUPER 62 N8970U - first HA sked service to AKL December 1987
HAWAIIAN AIRLINES DC-8 SUPER 63 N4934Z - first sked service to AKL March 1988
HAWAIIAN AIRLINES/AIR RAROTONGA DC-8 SUPER 63 N4934Z - first GZ service from AKL September 1988
HAWAIIAN AIRLINES/AIR RAROTONGA DC-8 SUPER 62H N8969U - December 1988
HAWAIIAN AIRLINES/AIR RAROTONGA L-1011-1 N763BE - first GZ L-1011 flight from AKL December 1989
HAWAIIAN AIRLINES DC-8 SUPER 62H N8973U - last HA flight to AKL July 1990
TO RETURN TO TOPIC (re-intercept the correct radial) AGAIN THOUGH ....
I might, "if" interest is apparent, make a similar, but separate, presentation of HJG´s FS "freeware" L-1011´s later on .... sometime .... and "iF" that´s OK with Dave .... given that although the L-1011 has never flown on the NZ civil air register, it "HAS" flown to NZ commercially .... and one of the beauties of FS (of course) is that one can fly almost anything, anywhere, anytime .... be it within NZ scenery or that relating to another virtual region of the globe
FS does tend to be non-discriminatory/unrestricted like that
ALL PHOTOS AND FS IMAGES BY MARK R.CRANSTON
Mark C
AKL/NZ & BOG/CO
HJG
simviation.com/hjg |
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Post by Ian Warren on Sept 14, 2016 8:14:16 GMT 12
I did catch a Tristar flying out off Christchurch, it may have been RAF, or more than likely in the early 1990's the silhouette is un-mistakable, I was just to far away and on a road, it was just after 10.00 in the morning finishing work, as for the DC-8, last Air New Zealand aircraft I viewed was the Cargo Eight at the 1987 Singapore to Christchurch Air Race' Airshow , course again have the luxury with the payware JUST FLIGHT DC-8, only recent DC-8 in Christchurch is the NASA Eye Spy 70 series, It really gets exciting here during this time of the year.
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Post by aerofoto on Sept 14, 2016 9:55:13 GMT 12
Given the time frame you´ve mentioned Ian .... I´d say (and with a great degree of confidence) that what you saw, at CHC, was more than likely to have been one of the ATA/AMERICAN TRANS AIR L-1011 tourist charters. AMERICAN TRANS AIR L-1011-50 N186AT (1997) AMERICAN TRANS AIR L-1011-50 N186AT (2002) Several ATA tourist charters operated into both AKL, and CHC, during the mid 1980´s and throughout the 1990´s .... flown by both the airlines standard L-1011 as well as short fuselage L-1011-500 aircraft .... and in both of the above ATA liveries too. I managed to shoot most of these at AKL during this period. The only RAF L-1011 we´ve had through NZ (to my knowledge) was a -500 SERIES TANKER which participated (along with an RAF VC-10 TANKER) as a statitc exhibit during the RNZAF 50th anniversay air show at WPE, in AKL ..... and which was 3-day event during 1984 .... as I recall. Other than these .... The only other L-1011´s I´ve ever recorded, in NZ, were those operated by HAWAIIAN AIRLINES .... acquired from ALL NIPPON AIRWAYS, and which HA operated for a few years only before replacing them with ex AMERICAN AIRLINES and ex CONTINENTAL AIRLINES DC-10-10´s and -30´s .... HAWAIIAN AIRLINES DC10-10 N122AA (2000)  HAWAIIAN AIRLINES DC10-30 N140AA (2000) HAWAIIAN AIRLINES DC10-30 N12061 (1999)  JUST coming BACK TO THE HA L-1011´s THOUGH FOR A MOMENT .... HAWAIIAN AIRLINES L-1011-1 EI-BTN (1993) HAWAIIAN AIRLINES L-1011-50 N763BE (1989) On January 18th 1990 I was fortunate enough to fly on one of them (N763BE) .... between RAR and AKL. I´d flown up to RAR 2 weeks prior, on their DC-8 SUPER 63 (N4934Z .... my last ever DC-8 flight and my only SUPER DC-8 experience). I was itinerised to fly back to AKL on one of their SUPER 62´s, but, as these aircraft (including their single SUPER 63 also) were also used for military charters, 2 of these aircraft ended up getting stuck in Guam as the result of a severe tropical cyclone .... and their only other available DC-8´s were tied up on other services .... so .... surprise/Surprise/SURPRISE .... my service was oeprated by an L-1011 (my only L-1011 experience .... but .... I wasn´t complaining). I felt it was simlar to the DC-10 to ride in, but, with a cabin cross-section appoximating that of the B747 (possibly a fraction wider) .... and with a similar 3/4/3 abreast encomomy class cabin seating configuration .... as per the B747 .... except in HA´s premiere class cabin up-front. This particular HA L-1011 service preceded the airline using these aircraft on regular/sked services into AKL .... although it had already operated a couple (only) of HAWAIiAN AIRLINES/AIR RAROTONGA services during December 1988 in order to cope with seasonal Christmas/New Year traffic on the AKL/RAR route. When the L-1011´s were eventually used by HA, on sked services into AKL, they were apparently only allowed to sell these aircraft to "DC-8 CAPACITY" .... due to industry regulations in-force at the time .... so .... every flight operated at "a considerable loss". Why they ever introduced the L-1011, on sked services, to AKL, at all, and under these restrictions .... "GOD ONLY KNOWS" .... but .... heads did roll as the result of the decision being made .... and which was made in AKL. Consequently .... DC-8 SUPER 62´s ended up being brought back on HA´s AKL services, operating via PPG (since the AIR RAROTONGA service .... which was commenced after COOK ISLANDS INTERNATIONAL had folded-up during August 1988 .... had by this time been dropped) and until the airline eventually withdrew from NZ during July 1990. During this period of HA DC-8 operations into AKL, they were "the only/the last" airline (other than SOUTH PACIFIC ISLAND AIRWAYS whom had briefly a operated B707-320B into AKL, during early 1985, and before folding-up also) operating 1st generation narrow body classics jetliners on sked services into AKL. Also during this very same priod .... 1, of 2 CARVAIR freighters (ex NATIONWIDE AIR) which had been sitting at HLZ after having been rebuilt, was being prepared for delivery to the Hawaiian Islands (to be used as flying bread-bins on the inter-island bakers round I believe). This particular aircraft (the CARVAIR) made a number of proving flights into, and out of, AKL, and HLZ, prior its delivery flight to HNL .... and of the big joke which apparently circulated within ANZ FLT OPS went something like .... "OH maybe HA are finally upgrading their fleet" Them woz da days alright .... and I´m glad to have seen, and recorded, the best/most interesting part of it all Mark C AKL/NZ & BOG/CO HJG simviation.com/hjg |
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Post by Ian Warren on Sept 14, 2016 14:14:34 GMT 12
That would have been very unique ATA/AMERICAN TRANS AIR L-1011, a least'd aircraft maybe, they do get the weird and wonderful at Christchurch.
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Post by camtech on Sept 14, 2016 20:06:36 GMT 12
Just a minor point - the RNZAF 50th air shows were March/April 1987, not 1984 as mentioned in regard to the RAF aircraft visiting.
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Post by aerofoto on Sept 15, 2016 2:34:03 GMT 12
AKL might be the principle international air gateway to NZ .... but .... CHC certainly gets its fair share of weird and wonderful air traffic that AKL doesn´t normally ever see. Especially with the Operation Deep Freeze base being located down there .... and in conjunction with the many B737 and ATR maintenance contracts AIR NZ was getting throughout the 1990´s too. ON THE SUBJECT OF ATA THOUGH .... ATA/AMERICAN TRANS AIR .... prior to it demise during 2008 .... operated quite a sizeable fleet approaching something in the vicinity of some 60 odd aircraft. These ranged from a B720, and B707-320B´s during the early 1980´s (which visited AKL) .... to B727-100´s, and L-1011´s (-1´s, -100´s, and -500´s .... all regular seasonal vistors to AKL and CHC) from mid-to-late 1980´s .... and B757´s (both 200´s and -300´s) from the late 1980´s .... followed by B727-200´s during the early 1990´s and later B737-800´s too. These were all utilised on scheduled services, tourist charters, as well as military charters also. ATA also operated a communter service .... CHICAGO EXPRESS/ATA CONNECTION .... between 1999 and 2005. Most of the ATA fleet were leased (that´s common), but, I think the airline might have "owned" it´s L-1011´s .... which it had acquired from both DELTA and TWA. Thanks for that correction re the RNZAF 50th ANN airshows "CAMTECH" I remember achieving a spectacular rotation shot (full-frame and dead-side-on etc) of the "Golden SKYHAWK" during the 3-day show .... only it was the very last frame on that particular reel of film. In those days KODAK had a reputation for "just cutting" film strips (without any due considerations) beyond the 24th or 36th frame and which is precisely what they did/what happened in the case of this 1 particular frame of mine .... essentially "destroying the shot". As one can probably imagine .... I was most pleased/impressed with them/KODAK .... I don´t think Mark C AKL/NZ & BOG/CO HJG simviation.com/hjg |
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Post by Ian Warren on Sept 15, 2016 6:58:46 GMT 12
AKL might be the principle international air gateway to NZ .... but .... CHC certainly gets its fair share of weird and wonderful air traffic that AKL doesn´t normally ever see. Especially with the Operation Deep Freeze base being located down there .... and in conjunction with the many B737 and ATR maintenance contracts AIR NZ was getting throughout the 1990´s too. I've sorta lived with Operation Deep Freeze all my life, this very month thing start really cooking , head out to the Jet Maintenance hangar you get all sorts, it just a pity with the new airport build one did not have the foresight and insight to place a viewing platform on the new build, I spent many thousands of hours on the old building .. today its just a bloody cattle shed. |
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Post by Ian Warren on Sept 15, 2016 7:54:47 GMT 12
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Post by nzav8a on Sept 15, 2016 15:48:08 GMT 12
The only RAF L-1011 we´ve had through NZ (to my knowledge) was a -500 SERIES TANKER which participated (along with an RAF VC-10 TANKER) as a statitc exhibit during the RNZAF 50th anniversay air show at WPE, in AKL ..... and which was 3-day event during 1984 .... as I recall. Other than these .... The are only other L-1011´s I´ve ever recorded, in NZ, were those operated by HAWAIIAN AIRLINES .... acquired from ALL NIPPON AIRWAYS, and which HA operated for a few years only before replacing them with ex AMERICAN AIRLINES and CONTINENTAL AIRLINES DC-10-10´s and -30´s .... RAF L-1011's have been to Christchurch at least twice that I have seen during the 90's  The last L-1011 to visit would have been from Luzair  |
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Post by Ian Warren on Sept 15, 2016 16:51:11 GMT 12
Thanks Dave, my aircraft recognition is generally pretty good and more than likely it would have been the RAF jobbie, the cheat line and few other details do stick out like dogs balls and it was the around this period.
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Post by aerofoto on Sept 16, 2016 4:21:36 GMT 12
HMMM .... "I-N-T-E-R-E-S-T-I-N-G" .... those 1990´s L-1011 movememts at CHC .... and both being -500´s too.
"THANKS" for that information "NZAV8A"
In regard to the DC-10 generally .... I think Ian´s "ON TO IT" (obviously a man of great taste and "class" ) .... as follows ....
Be it realworld or a virtual aviation scenario .... the DC-10 (I feel) "IS" most certainly "A GOOD LOOKER" .... in either its earthly-dirty and/or heavenly-clean regimes. I loved the thing .... but then again .... I like most big things with wings, and engines, that look good, go fast, and make a lot of noise too coming BACK TO THE DC-10 SIMULATIONS THOUGH .... I "did" try the CLS "payware" product .... that version of it which was available prior to 2011 .... BUT .... whilst it was certianly composed of some very nice features (it´s VC for one .... and which is something, even I admit, HJG can´t provide) along with a resonable degree of complexity too .... "TO BE BRUTALLY HONEST" (and not intentionally critical because I´m only too well aware of what goes into the development of any FS production) .... a number of aspects of the CLS product did leave me "disappointed" given what I expected/anticpated the product might be, and in accordance with how I know any simulation of the DC-10 family could, and should, have been developed .... and which left me feeling somewhat "short changed" given that people are paying good money for CLS product .... it´s "NOT" freeware. I´m by "no means" implying the CLS DC-10 product isn´t any good .... because it "IS" good .... "in it´s own way" .... and the product has a significant following for that reason too, but, HJG do, I feel, provide "a superior product" .... by virtue of their more thorough/complete and accurate representation of the DC-10 family .... each of which perform differently and somewhat better than the same simulations represented within the alternative CLS product. HJG, don´t seek to compete with CLS .... or anyone else for that matter. The group (being an idependant one) simply does its own thing .... in its own way .... as it´s always done over the past 16 years .... BUT .... in doing so it´s also places high emphasis upon incorporating as much authenticity into its simulations as both FS, and its own abilities, will permit .... and which require a good development team, extensive knowledge of any particular aircraft type being developed for FS purposes, as well as access to that aircrafts realworld technical resources too .... something some "payware" developers seem to either lack, avoid, or are sadly much less concerned with. As I mentioned within my very first introductory posting of this thread .... HJG is well advanced with the further upgrading of its own DC-10 simulations (particularly in regard to making its panel/s for these simulations FSX portable and which is their only current handicap). This revision will not only be promoting of even more extensive representation of these aircraft, but, will also result in even greater technical authenticity and functionality within these simulations. I´m purposely being "somewhat guarded" about what, exactly, HJG´s up to in these respects, but, I can assure all serious FS enthusiasts out there (those at least with an interest in quality simulations and these aircraft in particular) .... that despite the DC-10 simulations currently offered by HJG already being "VERY GOOD" .... what replaces these (in the very near future) will be "EVEN BETTER STILL/BY FAR SUPERIOR" .... and you can certainly bank on that Mark C AKL/NZ & BOG/CO HJG simviation.com/hjg |
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