New Website. Complete Overhaul of Flaps 2 Approach

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The previous website has been replaced with a new website.

This has occurred because the server company (SquareSpace) that hosts the website announced limited support for their legacy software.  As a result, I have had to redesign and restructure every web page on the site to bring them into line with the new system and current technology.

The original website, developed in 2011, was initially meant to be a ‘Dear Diary’ - a medium in which I could record the how or why I did something.  However, over the years the site has become more comprehensive.

In the process of rebuilding the site, I have removed several articles that are not relevant today. I also have edited some of the articles to bring them into line with current operational procedures. This process of updating older articles will continue as technology and procedures change.

  • As you peruse the site you may notice that some of the images on the journal posts may appear pixelated or cannot be enlarged. This will be resolved. Bear in mind it takes many DAYS to prepare images, upload, and re-write journal posts so that they fit within the new system.

To maintain consistency with the old site, I have attempted to retain the original site design and colours as much as possible.  I have also tried to streamline the design in such a way that the site is easy to navigate and doesn’t appear too cluttered.

The cost to maintain this website is not cheap. By choosing not to have advertising means you have a more pleasant reading experience, and it costs me more money. If you find the information helpful and want to help cover the server and hosting cost, please use the PayPal donate button.

I have little doubt there will be some ‘teething’ issues as I learn the new system. If something doesn’t work as expected, be assured that it will be rectified.

I hope you enjoy the new site.

ANZAC Day - Lest We Forget

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Royal New Zealand Fighter Pilots circa Second World War.  New Zealand and Australia have always been close allies.  ANZAC is the abbreviation for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps

In Australia, April 25th is known as ANZAC Day.  ANZAC day began in 1916 and initially was a part day holiday to reflect on those soldiers, who in the First World War had lost their lives in Gallipoli.  Over the years, the day has become one in which to reflect on all those from all services and corps who have lost their lives in military conflicts that Australia has been involved in. 

The significance of ANZAC Day to many Australians, is as a day in which to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of others, and the fact that Gallipoli and other similar actions helped to forge Australia as a nation - a nation that came into being as the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901.

What is the connection between ANZAC Day and the building of a B737-800 flight simulator or for that matter aviation in general?

The carnage of war was one of the main catalysts to the evolution of many new innovations of which aviation was but one.  Of importance. was the emergence of the Australia Flying Corps (AFC) which was the forerunner of the Royal Australian Airforce (RAAF).

Hudson Fysh standing beside one of the first QANTAS aircarft

QANTAS

Emerging from the hell of the Great War came three Australians (Fysh, M’Ginness and McMaster) who, toughened by war, hardship and bonded by mateship, developed what would be the second oldest airline in the world.  In 1920 the trio formed the Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services Ltd, or QANTAS.

Hudson Fysh was born in Launceston, Tasmania, on 7 January 1895. He enlisted with the 3rd Light Horse Regiment, at the outbreak of World War I and saw active service at Gallipoli, Sinai and Palestine before transferring to the Australian Flying Corps. He was commissioned at a lieutenant and served as an air gunner with No. 1 Squadron AFC in Palestine and received a Distinguished Flying Cross for his gallantry in air combat and attacking ground targets in late 1918.

Fysh and M'Ginness in AFC attire circa 1918

Paul McGinness was born at Framlingham, Victoria, on 4 February 1896. He joined the 8th Light Horse Regiment in 1914 as a trooper. After training in Egypt, he served at Gallipoli where he was one of the few survivors of the charge at The Nek in August 1915 and was wounded. He later received the Distinguished Conduct Medal for scouting and leadership in the Sinai desert in 1916.

.Fergus McMaster fought in the Great War as a gunner with the 7th Battery, 3rd Brigade, Australian Field Artillery at Amiens, Villers-Bretonneux and Hamel.

W Arthur Baird was not a founding a member of QANTAS; however, his engineering skill was vital to the early success of the air service.  Baird joined the Australian Flying Corps and served as a flight sergeant in Palestine with No. 1 Squadron AFC where he met Paul McGinness and Hudson Fysh. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) for his ability to maintain aero engines in difficult conditions, and Baird was an obvious choice to keep the aircraft flow by QANTAS in the air.

Lest We Forget.

Advertise With Me - Thank You, But No Thanks....

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When I began this website, I had little insight that the site would be as regularly visited as it is; last month the site received 152,555 visits from different ISP addresses not including robots & spiders.

Can We Advertise With You....

Two companies that produce flight simulation merchandise have contacted me asking that I write about their products and actively support heir products on this website.  In return for my favourable response, the company will give me free products and a percentage of any sales that are generated from my website.

'Money is money' and everyone can probably always use a little more.  The funds generated will probably cover the annual cost of hosting this site and leave a little left over to pay the power bill…

I have thought about the offer; however, have decided to not support or promote any company for the sake of profit… 

Flaps 2 Approach was developed to document the building progress of a Boeing 737-800 simulator, and evolved to include technical and theoretical information. If I commercialise this website, the unbiased nature of the site will be compromised and the site will become another 'megahorn' promoting 'coloured beads and trinkets'.  To alter the style, flare and direction of the site from essentially what is a hobby-based website to that of market-orientated site, does not sit favourably with me; therefore, the website will continue along the same footing.

I believe it’s important not to be swayed by business (and money) and to continue to tell it as it is, or at least how I see it…

I dislike Advertising Pop-Ups....

I dislike the blanket-style of unwanted advertising that many websites have, whether it is generated by google or as adverts for products from particular companies, and  I certainly do not want to add to this advertising glut.

I hope you agree with this philosophy and continue to enjoy the website and its content.   'Blue Skys',   

2012 - 2013: Seasons Greetings, Thank You & 2013 Plans

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First, "Merry Christmas and Seasons Greetings". 

Flaps2Approach has been live since the 737 project commenced in September 2010.  On average, each week the site receives over 10,500 individual hits and 32,000 page views from nearly every developed country on the planet.  I hope the site has provided YOU with information, ideas, interesting reading, and enthusiasm to either begin or continue your own 737 project.

I enjoy documenting the project; I find it helps clear my thoughts!  I hope I have not made too many spelling or grammatical mistakes in the posts.

Thank You

A project of this magnitude is not a one person job; many people have provided advice, assistance and most importantly their personal time in helping me achieve what you see today.  I'd like to thank each person for their help; a number of you (you know who you are...) have been exceptionally patient with me as I learn new skills to add to my quiver.

2012 - Almost Gone!

The new year will be upon us shortly and although much of the construction of the flight simulator has occurred during the past year, 2013 will see some major enhancements as the simulator evolves further toward a fully workable simulator. 

Milestones accomplished during this year have been the conversion of the 737-300 throttle quadrant, two converted OEM 737 ACP units, a replacement of the former platform with a more sturdy, functional platform, and installation of dual rudder pedals and OEM control columns.

What's Planned - 2013

On the near horizon we will see the implementation of full automation of the Boeing 737 throttle quadrant and complete functionality of the speed brake system which will replicate exactly the operational status of the real aircraft.  It's also hoped that OEM parts will become available to develop the forward and aft overhead.  This is in addition to replacing some of the reproduction gauges on the MIP with converted OEM components, such as the brake hydraulic and flaps indicator gauges.

Later in the year, the method in which the overhead is to be mounted will be decided (roll frame or shell) and the external visuals, which to date have not been adequately addressed, will be looked at in detail. 

No doubt, as 2013 progresses there will be a host of other small improvements and most importantly, the opportunity to spend some time behind the yoke actually flying - which I have sourly missed for the past 15 months or so....

Welcome - First Post from Flaps 2 Approach

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This is the first post on Flaps 2 Approach

This website will document the building of a working Boeing 737 simulator.  This is an exciting multifaceted project that will take considerable time to complete.  I'll have to learn skills in a number of fields that, and brush up on old skills not used for sometime.  I expect I'll be phoning knowledgeable friends and asking LOTS of questions....

Also I am not a website designer or developer, so I have a lot to learn in this area as well.

The website, in addition to documenting the progress of the build, will also act as a conduit to:

  • Discuss aviation-minding subjected pertinent to the Boeing 737;

  • Discuss operational and other flight procedures used in the 737 aircraft; and,

  • Provide reviews on hardware and software pertinent to flight simulation (in particular to the 737 aircraft).

Website Name

I thought carefully about a name for the website.  Initially the usual names came to mind - 'My 737 Site' and similar.  I wanted something distinctly aviation and something that related to all aircraft.  Flaps to approach seemed the logical choice as nearly every aircraft has to set flaps to approach.  I used the numeral 2 instead of the word to enable the name to be more easily entered into a browser, and also to differentiate between setting the 'flaps to approach' and the website name.

So let's get the ball rolling..... 

- Chocks Away - or should it be 'Prepare For Landing - Flaps 2 Approach'

- Chocks Away - or should it be 'Prepare For Landing - Flaps 2 Approach'