Tours, Tours, Tours
I know how to send my weekend...
I’ve been busy filling in the gaps in the tour schedule both last night and this morning. We now have tours for the Flying Club (general avaiation), Transport (turboprops), Business (business jets), Express (commercial jets), and World (the big jets). We don’t have anything for “Historic” yet.
Mountains Tour - Himalayas
The Himalayas, meaning "abode of snow" in Sanskrit, are the world's highest and most rugged mountain range, forming an immense arc across South Asia. Stretching approximately 2,400 kilometers through Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, and Pakistan, they are home to nine of the world's ten highest peaks, including the formidable Mount Everest, Earth's highest point at 8,848 meters.
This colossal range is a result of the ongoing collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, a geological process that continues to elevate its majestic summits. Beyond their sheer scale, the Himalayas profoundly influence global climate patterns, acting as a barrier to monsoon winds and influencing weather across vast regions.
Culturally and spiritually, the Himalayas are deeply revered, home to ancient monasteries, sacred pilgrimage sites, and diverse indigenous communities whose lives are intricately woven into the mountains. They are also the source of major Asian rivers like the Ganges, Indus, and Brahmaputra, providing vital water resources for billions. This awe-inspiring range represents not only a geological marvel but also a unique ecosystem of immense biodiversity and profound human significance.
Available to the Virtual Flight Transport fleet of aircraft (Class D pilots, copilots and above)
Mountains Tour - Pyrenees and Alps
Europe boasts two iconic mountain ranges: the Pyrenees and the Alps. While both offer stunning alpine scenery and outdoor activities, they possess distinct characteristics.
The Pyrenees form a formidable natural border between France and Spain, stretching approximately 430 kilometers from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. They are generally older than the Alps, resulting in a slightly less jagged, more rounded appearance in many areas, though still featuring impressive peaks like Aneto (3,404m). Known for their wilder, less developed feel, the Pyrenees offer a sense of remote beauty, with lush forests, hidden lakes, and unique cultural influences, particularly Basque and Catalan. The tiny country of Andorra is nestled within its peaks.
The Alps, in contrast, are Europe's highest and most extensive mountain range, arcing approximately 1,200 kilometers across eight countries, including France, Switzerland, Italy, and Austria. Younger geologically, the Alps feature dramatic, towering peaks, extensive glaciers, and iconic summits like Mont Blanc (4,809m) and the Matterhorn. They are a global hub for mountaineering, skiing, and hiking, with well-developed infrastructure and famous resorts. The Alps are also the source of several major European rivers, highlighting their immense hydrological importance.
Available to the Virtual Transport fleet of aircraft (Class D pilots, copilots and above)
Mountains Tour - The Andes
The Andes Mountains form the world's longest continental mountain range, stretching an impressive 7,000 kilometers (4,300 miles) along the entire western edge of South America. This colossal chain spans seven countries: Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. Its immense length and varied elevations create incredibly diverse ecosystems, ranging from arid deserts and high-altitude plateaus to lush cloud forests and dramatic glaciers.
Geologically, the Andes are a result of the ongoing subduction of the Nazca Plate beneath the South American Plate, a process that continues to uplift and shape the peaks, many of which are active volcanoes. Mount Aconcagua in Argentina, standing at 6,962 meters (22,841 feet), is the highest peak in the Western Hemisphere.
The Andes are a cradle of rich cultural history, most famously home to the ancient Inca Empire, whose impressive ruins like Machu Picchu still marvel visitors. Indigenous communities, such as the Quechua and Aymara, continue to thrive in the highlands, maintaining ancestral traditions and an deep connection to the mountains. The range also boasts unique biodiversity, with iconic species like the Andean condor, llamas, alpacas, and the elusive spectacled bear, all adapted to its challenging environments.
Available to the Virtual Transport fleet of aircraft (Class D pilots, copilots and above)
Regional Tour - Australia
Australia, the world's largest island and smallest continent, is a land of stunning contrasts. From the vibrant, multicultural cities like Sydney with its iconic Opera House, and Melbourne known for its laneway culture, to the vast, arid "Outback" stretching across its interior, it offers a diverse tapestry of landscapes and experiences.
Its natural wonders are truly breathtaking: the ancient, sacred monolith of Uluru, the magnificent Great Barrier Reef teeming with marine life, and pristine white-sand beaches like Bondi. Australia is also renowned for its unique wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, and countless endemic species.
With a history shaped by Indigenous cultures dating back over 60,000 years and later by European settlement, Australia boasts a rich blend of traditions. Its contemporary culture is largely Western, influenced by its British heritage, but also vibrant and modern, embracing a relaxed outdoor lifestyle, sports, and a burgeoning food and wine scene. Despite its vastness, the majority of its population lives along the more temperate coastal regions, making its major cities bustling hubs of activity and innovation.
Available to the Virtual Business fleet of aircraft (Class C pilots, copilots and above)
Regional Tour - Canada
Canada, the world's second-largest country by land area, is a vast and diverse nation stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific and northward into the Arctic. Its immense landscape encompasses everything from the majestic Rocky Mountains and expansive prairie grasslands to the rugged coastlines and vast boreal forests. This geographical variety also translates into a wide range of climates, from temperate zones in the south to the extreme cold of the Arctic tundra.
Culturally, Canada is a vibrant mosaic. While English and French are its two official languages, reflecting its British and French colonial heritage, the nation proudly embraces multiculturalism, welcoming people from all over the globe. This has enriched its culinary scene, arts, and social fabric. Canadians are often known for their politeness, love for the outdoors, and passion for ice hockey, which holds a special place in the national identity. Despite its immense size, the majority of its population resides in the southern regions, often within a short distance of its extensive border with the United States.
Available to the Virtual Business fleet of aircraft (Class C pilots, copilots and above)
Regional Tour - The Mediterranean
The Mediterranean Sea, an almost entirely enclosed intercontinental sea, cradles a rich tapestry of history, culture, and biodiversity. Bordered by Europe to the north, Africa to the south, and Asia to the east, it has historically served as a vital crossroads for trade, exploration, and the exchange of ideas. Civilizations from the Egyptians and Greeks to the Romans and Ottomans flourished on its shores, leaving an indelible mark on art, philosophy, and governance.
Its climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, fosters unique ecosystems. Olive groves, vineyards, and citrus orchards thrive, producing the foundational elements of the renowned Mediterranean diet, celebrated globally for its health benefits. Underwater, diverse marine life, from vibrant corals to elusive dolphins, inhabits its sometimes overfished waters.
However, the Mediterranean faces significant challenges. Over-tourism strains coastal environments, while pollution, particularly from plastic, threatens its delicate marine ecosystems. Climate change manifests through rising sea temperatures and increased extreme weather events, further endangering its unique balance. Preserving this indispensable sea requires concerted international effort, ensuring its historical legacy and ecological richness endure for future generations.
Available to the Virtual Business fleet of aircraft (Class C pilots, copilots and above)
World Tour - Circling the Globe
Circumnavigating the world in a "big jet" like a Boeing 747 or Airbus A380 is a feat of modern aviation, transforming what was once a perilous multi-year voyage into a matter of days. These colossal aircraft, designed for long-haul travel, can cover vast distances with impressive speed, allowing passengers to traverse continents and oceans with relative ease.
A typical global circumnavigation route might involve a series of carefully planned legs, optimizing for fuel efficiency, prevailing winds, and convenient stopovers at major international hubs. Passengers experience multiple time zones, witness diverse landscapes from high altitudes, and enjoy the comfort and amenities these wide-body aircraft offer, a stark contrast to the cramped conditions of early air travel or maritime journeys.
While the "around the world" flight is often a personal goal for adventurers or a luxurious travel package, it underscores humanity's incredible progress in conquering distance. It's a testament to aerospace engineering, global air traffic control, and the intricate logistical networks that allow these magnificent machines to safely and efficiently connect the farthest corners of our planet.
Available to the Virtual World fleet of aircraft (Class A pilots and copilots)
A quick reminder of how the rank structure works
Your flight time determines your rank.
Your rank determines the aircraft available to you.
The aircraft are grouped into airline fleets which align with rank.
Each tour is aligned with an airline.
For more information on Ranks and the Fleet, visit the Airline Guide.
You can fly the legs in any order, and in any aircraft you wish.
Most importantly, have fun!
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https://patreon.com/virtualflightonline
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