I didn't expect the weather to be so close, but Auckland had caught the tail of Lola and it was pretty wet.
It’s a well-made exterior, lots of plumbing to gawp at.
Takeoff RWY02 and that Cyclone is very present at the 10 O’Clock
Bit of a bumpy climb-out, and glad to be heading the other way. Looks ever more promising.
All good, clearing the mighty Waikato and threading the two volcanoes.
Wow those plastic wings are flexy.
Bit of a dogleg over Wellie for the sightseeing – it’s a charter flight, remember**
Then letting down over the Canterbury coast
Lovely sunny Christchurch, and NZA Simulations made a wonderful rendering of this airport.
Not my usual flightsim experience, but was good to have a go at the heavy stuff.
The 787 is maturing after 14 years and has stopped looking "New" to my mind.
** I don’t operate heavy metal on a regular basis and was a bit surprised to find myself generally headed in the right direction!
The model is a little buggy which didn't help...
