This is an aerial adventure open to all flight simulation platforms, without a strict schedule, time limit, or aircraft and scenery.
The idea is for rotorcraft pilots to gather around the event, with the main hub being FlightSim.com and its forums.
HeliFest 2024 will take us through “the route of the historic Simplon Orient Express of the 1930s, landing at an airport in each city visited by the Orient Express from Paris France to Istanbul Turkey”. This is a 1300-mile adventure, visiting 11 airports in 7 countries. Virtual pilots are expected to share their travel adventures on the forums.
Primary Route
- Paris France, Orly Airport, LFPO
- Dijon France LFSD - Dist. 141.6nm
- Lausanne Switzerland LSGL - Dist. 75.9nm
- Milano Italy LIMC - Dist. 103.3nm
- Venezia Italy LIPZ - Dist. 152.6nm
- Trieste Italy LIPQ - Dist. 50.8nm
- Vincovci Croatia LDOV - Dist. 224.5 nm or Osijek Croatia LDOS - Dist. 224.9nm
- Beograd Serbia LYBE - Dist. 70.8 nm
- Nis Serbia LYNI - Dist. 111.1nm
- Sofia Bulgaria - Dist. LBSF 78.3nm
- Istanbul Turkey LTFM – Dist. 284.5nm or Istanbul Turkey LTBA – Dist. (283.4nm
Here are some notes from the organization:
- Vincovci Croatia, being a major rail hub, was a stop along the Orient Express. However, the closest airport, LDOV, is not available in all sim versions. Therefore, Osijek Croatia is the alternate being the next closest airport. Add-on FSX scenery is available for LVOD through FlightSim.
- Istanbul ITFM is not available in FS9. Therefore, Ataturk LTBA is the alternate being the next closest airport.
The event organizers welcome all rotorcraft but they ask us not to use any “armed, military or police craft”. Custom repaints are welcome and “always a pleasure to see”.
For more information, rules, and sharing your screenshots, check out the official thread.
