FlightSim Series – Part 5: Adventures, Part 3 – Around the World, MD-11 Mastery & Air-to-Air Refueling

Show notes

Episode 21 completes the FlightSim Adventures trilogy and marks Part 5 of the ongoing FlightSim Series. In this final installment, host Jürgen Reis and Airbus A320 first officer Stefan Lorenz present six bucket-list experiences that capture the full spectrum of flight simulation — from endurance challenges and iconic aircraft to mountain flying and precision formation work.

Stefan opens with one of the most ambitious undertakings imaginable in a simulator: flying around the world using only short-haul legs. Departing Europe eastbound, the challenge quickly evolves into a complex logistical puzzle as geography, range limits, and route planning turn the journey into a true aviation adventure. For sim pilots dreaming of circumnavigating the globe, the story offers both inspiration and practical insight.

Jürgen counters with a personal memory from the FSX era: evening flights aboard the Level-D Boeing 767 between Miami and Orlando. Bathed in golden sunset light and Florida’s lush scenery, the route became a perfect short leisure flight — an hour of immersive airliner flying that remains just as captivating today in modern simulators. And for those following the “unofficial Aviation-Quest.cc flight-sim air law,” there’s always the playful option of diverting to the enormous runway at the nearby Kennedy Space Center.

Returning to study-level aircraft, Stefan highlights one of the most iconic add-ons ever released: the PMDG MD-11. Revered by many sim pilots, the aircraft demands skill and respect — especially during hand-flown landings. Often described as a “diva,” the MD-11 rewards precision and patience, making every successful approach a satisfying accomplishment.

Back in Europe, Jürgen introduces a spectacular Alpine adventure starting at St. Gallen–Altenrhein Airport on Lake Constance and heading east toward Innsbruck. The route passes directly over his hometown of Dornbirn and leads into one of Europe’s most demanding mountain environments. With strict terrain constraints and challenging weather conditions, Innsbruck remains a benchmark for IFR precision and situational awareness — both in real aviation and in the simulator.

Stefan’s final entry revisits one of aviation’s great endurance stories: recreating Boeing’s record-breaking ultra-long-distance flight, simulated in a 23-hour non-stop mission. The challenge highlights how flight simulation can bring historic aviation achievements back to life — testing not only aircraft systems but also the patience and endurance of the pilot.

The series closes with one of the most demanding skills a virtual pilot can attempt: air-to-air refueling. Jürgen recalls first mastering the technique in the classic Amiga simulator Fighter Bomber, where carefully positioning behind a tanker required delicate control and patience. Today, modern platforms such as DCS allow pilots to relive the challenge with high-fidelity aircraft like the F-16C — proving that aerial refueling is not about speed or power, but about finesse, precision, and absolute focus.

With FlightSim Adventures, Part 3, the trilogy concludes where the spirit of flight simulation truly lives: at the intersection of imagination, discipline, and exploration. Whether crossing continents, navigating mountain valleys, mastering complex aircraft, or connecting to a tanker in mid-air, these adventures remind us that the simulator remains one of the most powerful gateways into the world of aviation.

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