I tried this flight the opposite way last night in FS9, but it didn't turn out so well (I got completelylost
). Shots taken in FSX, and with different lighting to the real-life flight.
Wheels leaving the Nelson 02 bitumen

Overhead Ruby Bay, looking Back at the Southern Nelson region

The Motueka River

Approaching the hills - there's Mt Arthur on the left.

Passing Mt Arthur

Looking through the hills, I'll be flying through here.

Turning to fly via the Karamea River, currently above the Rolling lands. In the 172 we passed south of these, but the bigger radius of turn means we're over them.

Now following the Karamea river

On the left there is the bit of terrain I got a bit close to yesterday. No worries, just don't go any closer is what my instructor was probably thinking!

Approaching the west coast - the rivers don't look too good.

In the 172 we went over these hills, through the gap to the left...no need for that in this aircraft!

Approaching Karamea

Finals. This was quite easy to handle on approach compared to an F-16!

On finals still.

Touchdown, nice and smooth on the runway.
Unfortunately the F-86 doesn't have very pronounced short-field characteristics, so regrettably I ended up hitting the water at the end of the runway at 50 knots
So uh, that's me, and my afernoon flight yesterday

good thikning, who would wana fly that far in a 172 anyway