Karachi to Cairo

Pakistan International Airlines used to operate the Karachi-Cairo route en-route London with the classic 707-320 series in the 70s. Then the route was switched to the 747 and the A300 and eventually cancellation of the route a couple of years back due to low demand. I chose the Ready For Pushback 747 classic addon for FS2002 by VMAX systems specifically painted in PIA livery by me for this flight plan.

Ground Check (Exterior Walk Around )
After reaching the Quaid-e-Azam Airport and going through the weather report and log-book we ( read "me"! ) were transported by the staff vehicle to our PIA aircraft- The B747-200 Reg- AP-AYW. We conducted a Ground Check of this huge monster. After making clear that everything was ok and in place, we finally boarded the aircraft and entered our office- the flight deck.

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Pre-Flight Checklists and Engine Start-up
After making ourselves comfortable in our respective seats, a pre-flight check was conducted which included INTERIOR SAFETY CHECK, ESTABLISHING ELECTRICAL POWER ( APU, OXYGEN PRESSURE, GALLEY POWER, STANDBY POWER ETC.).

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After establishing APU and electrical power, a green light was given for the passengers to board the aircraft. During this time we focused our attention on PNEUMATICS AND AIR CONDITIONING, OVERHEAD PANEL, CENTER INSTRUMENT PANELS, CENTER PANEL AND PEDESTAL, F/E MID AND LOWER PANELS, F/O RADIO CHECKS and Flight Planning.

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After confirming that all passengers were on board, and the baggage has been loaded, all pax and cargo doors for closed. At this time me and the F/O PRE-START Checklist.
Radio Checks --- DECLARE
INS POS/WPTS --- DECLARE
Cabin Signs --- ON
Gear Pins/Pitot Covers --- ON BOARD
Loose Objects/Equipment --- CHECKED
Exterior Lights --- SET
Compasses --- SYNC/XCHKD
Altimeters --- SET/XCHKD
Clocks --- DECLARE
Rudder/Aileron Trim --- ZERO
Fluid Service --- DECLARE
Takeoff Bugs --- DECLARE
INS Status --- CHK/NAV
Shoulder Harness --- FASTENED
Flight Director --- ON
AutoPilot --- SET/OFF
Radio Altimeter --- MDA/DH

Take-off & Cruise
After making sure everything was cleared the F/O obtained ATC Clearence for Pushback. After being pushed back we conducted the engine start sequence and obtained taxi clearance to Runway 25L. During taxi the F/O went throught the PRE-FLIGHT check list and set the flaps to 15. We were given Clearance for take-off after holding short of the runway.

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After taking off we banked left on the Arabian sea towards Iran. The Arabian sea off the coast of Karachi has been in the news for a week or so due to an oil spill threatening the ecological system of the area. After going through the checklists again we were finally given clearance to climb to our cruising altitude of FL360.

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Cruising at 36000 feet.
During Cruise the F/O took command of the aircraft and I made a short walk in the pax cabin to stretch my legs ( a favourite PIA 747 pilot pastime!) of this immense aircraft. Captaining such a huge plane with 400 plus passengers is like being a mayor of a small town.

Ali-16 The Upper Deck Economy Class Cabin.
Ali-17 Looking down the stairway.

Ali-18 Looking jealously at the First Class Cabin from a cramped economy class seat.

Ali-19 Comfortable First Class seats that would make any economy class passenger jealous.
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Ali-21 Left Wing view.
Ali-22 Contrails of the Giant jumbo at 36000 Feet.

Descent, Approach and Taxi to gates
After crossing Iran and the port city of Bandar Abbas, we crossed over to Oman, UAE, Saudi Arabia, the Red Sea and finally into Egypt. We started our descent and during this time the passengers had the time to freshen themselves up and fill out landing cards and stuff while we were busy going through the checklists again.

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Ali-24 Starting our descent into Cairo Intl.
Ali-25 Passing the Ancient Giza Pyramids on approach to Cairo Intl.
Ali-26 On finals to Cairo Intl.
Ali-27 Touchdown at Cairo Intl.
Ali-28 Applying Thrust Reversers and Speed Break.
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Ali-30 Taxing to the gate.
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After a 4:50 minutes flight on the classic 747, crossing the 4 Middle Eastern countries, we finally touched down at Cairo- the land of the pharoahs and a land blessed with rich history and culture. Hope to see all you fellow simmers in the skies again. Till then Adios and Salam- Au- Alaikum!

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Ali Mujtaba
ali2128@mail2pilot.com