SR-71 Blackbird Flight Plan?

[Andrew Leonard]

Hello everyone,

I've logged an extensive hours with the SR-71 and feel like I'm finally ready to take her to online to VATSIM. This will be my first flight on the VATSIM network. I understand ATC (How to respond and follow directions), I'm working on understanding the proper approaches and departures, I am able to keep her under 250 knots under FL100 (It's not easy but it can be done). Landing her isn't actually that difficult. It's the turn radius and the massive approach needed that can make things a bit tricky. I even figured out how to use the transponder when the in-cockpit model isn't even functional. That took a LOT of tinkering but I finally figured it out yesterday. Anyway, I was just looking at Simbreif's flight planner and noticed that there is no SR-71 Blackbird aircraft model available to select.

Obviously this is a problem since an ATC controller might have a stroke if he see's a flight plan that reads beachcraft baron 58 screaming towards his airspace at mach 2.5 at FL700. 

Am I allowed to even fly the blackbird in VATSIM? Should I travel just from military base to military base? Are there any special rules that I need to abide by? Is there a supersonic rule? For example am I not able to break the speed of sound over land?

I guess what I'm asking is the following:

1) How the hell do I file a flight plan with this bird when it's not on any aircraft list that I know of?

2) How do I NOT give any controllers a heart attack?

3) Are there any special rules and regs I have to abide by while flying the blackbird in VATSIM?

4) Should I continue working on my departure procedures BEFORE going online to VATSIM?

I freaking adore this bird and I would love to bring my SR-71 piloting ability to VATSIM so other pilots can just see this birds unbelievable raw power but I want to do it safely and responsibly.

 

[Benjamin Koula]

1. Try Filing a flightplan on the myvatsim website, it allows any designator, just advise ATC that that is your type since there's no SR-71 ICAO code.

2. good controllers communicate, so handoffs should be unremarkable, penetrating airspace could be tricky so try communicating outside of their control area (provided you are not currently in a controlled area) before you enter the airspace. 

3. there are a few rules here: when going overland, supersonic flight is not allowed, over water it is though. Flights in military aircraft are restricted to only point to point, as it is substantive of special operations, Flights over FL060 are in Class E airspace (at least in the US) and are uncontrolled so ATC might have a problem with that.

4.You need to be proficient in order to attempt it on the network, nothing is worse than a pilot in a Mach 2+ lawn dart of freedom flying an ILS BackCourse, thinking he on the RNAV.

In my opinion yes you should proceed with your flight but do it with knowledge and professionalism, Know your aircraft, know the procedures and tread with caution, if a conflict happens with a controller, then do what they say, or do .wallop in your pilot client for a supervisor. prepare for it as you would any flight.

[Alistair Thomson]

On 8/20/2022 at 9:31 AM, Andrew Leonard said:

under 250 knots under FL100 (It's not easy but it can be done)

But 250kts is the max. Within 7nm of the threshold your speed should be 160kts. Regarding the huge radius of turn, that will be the case at high speed. If you can fly a rate one turn at all speeds you will be OK.

[Torben Andersen]

According to Stanley Steward "Flying the big Jets" maximum speed below 10000' is 250kts or V_ref+100 (whichever is greater) (p. 232). If this is still valid, you'll need to check the V_ref

[Andrew Leonard]

Thanks for your responses guys. She's a LOT of plane. So to reiterate what I've learned is 1) File flight plan on VATSIM manually 2) Advise ATC of my aircraft type 3) Know the ins and outs of that bird and exactly how to fly it 4) don't break the sound barrier over land, over the ocean however let the bird scream 5) only fly from point A to point B unless I'm in a special operations group (which at this point I am not but possibly looking into joining one)

As far as my cruising altitude do you think I should lower it to 60,000 so I'm still in controlled air space or just stay at 80,000? I'm leaning towards a trans-atlantic route where over land I may stay around 55-60000 ft then once over the ocean, climbing to 80,000 and going supersonic, then once approaching the US mainland, dropping to 60,000 and returning to subsonic speeds.

One thing is for sure. This is going to require quite a bit of planning.... But it should be fun when all my practice finally pays off.

[Andreas Fuchs]

Fly the plane according to its real operating profile and if this means cruising at FL800, then do it. Just don't expect any ATC up there. They flew the Blackbird supersonic over land, too. Don't forget: there are no windows that you can break when going supersonic on VATSIM.

Edited August 25, 2022 at 10:59 AM by Andreas Fuchs

[Raul Ferraz]

Also mostly controlled airspace goes up to 660. After that, you can kinda do whatever you want

[Ralph Kloess]

2 hours ago, Raul Ferraz said:

Also mostly controlled airspace goes up to 660. After that, you can kinda do whatever you want

In US Airspace it's FL600..

Should be fun "Center, Aspen 11: Request IFR clearance to Travis from present position, FL600"

[Andrew Leonard]

6 hours ago, Ralph Kloess said:

In US Airspace it's FL600..

Should be fun "Center, Aspen 11: Request IFR clearance to Travis from present position, FL600"

That's the plan. I'm hoping that this flight might take place coming up soon. I just about got everything sorted through... Just got to triple check a few things. Then maybe one of you guys will hear the Aspen callsign asking for IFR clearance on one of your flights.

I usually fly at night, around 10pm CDT. I may be making a few test flights on VATSIM in the next couple of days (just some really basic maneuvering, climbing, etc) so if you guys hear or see ASPEN 11, I hope a big fat stupid smile comes across your face. I appreciate all of your help.

 

Edited August 25, 2022 at 09:33 PM by Andrew Leonard