It is without a doubt, the SkySpirit2011 Boeing 747-8i is a brilliant aircraft. Not only did Boeing do a great job extending the life of their largest airliner, but the SkySpirit2011 group brought it to life for us in FS9 and FSX.
The SkySpirit2011 Boeing 747-8i over Anchorage, AK
Since its release, repaints available have been somewhat limited and limited to commercial airlines. With only a small percentage of the population with the means to have a private jet the size of a 747, it is no wonder that private liveries weren’t more abundant. Until now that is.
Recently released by Alexi Antoniou is the “BBJ” livery for the SkySpirit2011 model (link at the end of the post). While the repaint is not without fault (there seem to blending issues on the left wing [fixed in a recent update]), it is still a pretty cool repaint and it is the only one available as of the time of this post.
Since I have been obsessing about a trip to Hawaii, I decided to take the BBJ 747-8i on a “long” trip from Denver, Co (KDEN) to Kailua-Kona, Hi (PHKO). With a distance of about 2,800 nm, the newest 747 is the perfect, roomy personal shuttle to get there in style.
Pre-flight preparation on the ramp at KDEN in FS9
So, we arrived at Denver airport and was promptly escorted to the ramp where our flying hotel awaited us. There was lots of activity loading cargo, stocking the galley and other last minute preparations for our flight to Hawaii. Despite the light rain and thunderstorms in the distance, we anticipated a relaxing flight.
As each engine started, the cabin doors closed and the flight crew escorts us to our leather wrapped personal modules, we took in the beauty of the lavish interior. With lots of fine wood, chrome and gold accents, and enough leather to kill a cattle ranch, we started to feel like kings.
Cleared for takeoff, we begin our flight
Despite the luxurious accommodations and careful pilot, we could feel the motion of the aircraft as we taxied to RWY 17R for departure. The occasional flash of lightning and roll of thunder in the distance made me wonder if we shouldn’t wait. However, the pilot knew more than we did and we trusted his judgement.
Pressed back in our seats as the thrust propelled us forward, we eagerly anticipated that sinking feeling when lift off is achieved. However, we didn’t really notice that we left terra firma until we looked out the window and saw the ground falling away. The pilot made such a smooth transition to flight, we almost missed the moment.
leaving Denver behind, we take to the air
Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t as smooth. Not even one minute after leaving the ground, we experienced some heavy turbulence. Despite the leather and padding, the stomach felt every dramatic drop, lift and bank produced by the unstable air. Ironically, I noticed a lack of puke bags, which made me wonder if the VIPs ever got sick.
Turning west for Hawaii
As we banked toward the west and steadily climbed out over Denver and the Rockies, the cabin crew came by and checked on us. Free drinks and appetizers were being prepped. I asked for a beer and chose the chicken kabobs, as the ahi tuna rolls seemed a little too much for my weary stomach.
After we reached cruise altitude and settled in the for the long flight, we got up and explored the exquisite surroundings. From the polished, wood carved mahogany staircase that led to the executive suite and lounge upstairs to the gold plated fixtures in the master bath, the builder left no luxury behind. We took a seat at the lounge and kicked back with our personal bartender.
Sunset over the Pacific ocean
With a few too many drinks and a fabulous steak dinner with garlic mash potatoes, I retired to the lounge and fell asleep on the couch. I dreamed of being an entrepreneur with many successful companies under my belt, flying around the globe to give speeches to inspire my employees and relax on brilliant white beaches while the money rolled in. Ah, the life.
But the dream was cut short when the cabin crew woke me up and asked to return to leather wrapped throne. We were getting ready to land at Kona. I looked out the window and found nothing but blackness. It was just after midnight in Hawaii and the sun had long set and the moon was but a sliver.
Descending near Hawaii
With an announcement from the pilot, we were ready for landing. I commented to the crew that falling asleep on such a beautiful airplane was like a mortal sin, to which they snickered and walked away.
The flaps extended and the engines quieted. As I began to make out the detail of ocean below us, it quickly changed to land. Then a marker light passed below us, and I prepared for a quick deceleration so typical of commercial jets. Then there a slight jolt, but the deceleration was nothing more than hitting the brakes in the car. This pilot was good.
Touching down at PHKO
We taxied to the ramp and I watched as the staircase was moved into the place and the cabin crew opened the door. You could feel the warm, tropical air rush into the cabin, displacing the leather and varnish smell. I was happy to be here, but sad to leave such an accommodating and large aircraft.
On the ramp with smoke pouring from the rear galley
But, our departure was not without fanfare. One of the cabin crew had left a microwave oven going with a meal in it. As we took a step toward the door, the cabin began filling with smoke. At the top of the stairs, we looked toward the tail and saw nothing but black smoke. The fire crew were on there way and we were ushered quickly down the steps and into the waiting limousine with our baggage. Then our Hawaiian vacation began.
Cheers!
Model: SkySpirit2011 Boeing 747-8i (<download>)
Livery: “BBJ” by Alexi Antoniou (<download>)
Scenery: Default FS9 (boring!)
For an awesome Boeing 777 (POSKY model) BBJ livery, check out BBJ Design Group.
