(Photo Credit: Infinite Flight)
Like most, I’ve been spending a lot of time checking the App Store and IFC, patiently waiting for the CRJ update. Well, I guess somewhat patiently would be more accurate. To give credit where credit’s due, the new liveries and ATC rework that came with IF 18.1 are pretty amazing.
We tend to desire what we don’t have. “If I could only have that”, or, “I really wish I had one of those.” It’s natural, and we all do it. Recently, however, that way of thinking was put into perspective.
While scrolling through the many choices, trying to select an aircraft for my next flight, I stopped at the C-130. To be honest, I almost passed it by, like I’d done so many times in the past. Yet, on that day, I decided to take it for a flight, and try to re-familiarize myself with this legendary aircraft.
The C-130 came with a lot of hype from FDS. 4K textures, animated parts, and a detailed cockpit helped fuel the fire. For whatever reason, the excitement surrounding the C-130 peaked, then subsided rather quickly. The fact that it’s primarily a military aircraft which appeals to a specific audience may have had something to do with it.
Though not as fast and flashy as a fighter jet or modern airliner, I’m here today with renewed respect and appreciation for the C-130. It takes off in less than half the distance of most aircraft, climbs like a rocket, yet responds smoothly to any input from the controls. In a dive, you can lower the flaps, use reverse thrust to control your speed, and still butter the landing.
The C-130 is a hidden gem. For such a rugged aircraft, it’s surprisingly maneuverable and forgiving. With four variants to choose from, there’s a livery that fits almost every mission; from airborne assault, to search and rescue, to humanitarian relief. The C-130 has the capability of moving troops and supplies to remote corners of the world, providing its pilots with unique opportunities that aren’t available in other aircraft.
I’ve thoroughly been enjoying my time flying the C-130, and will never put it on the back shelf again. In fact, lately I’ve been finding it difficult to get out of the cockpit in favor of something else. Thank you, FDS, for producing such a wonderful aircraft. Remember, happiness is not always having what you want, but also wanting what you have.
