Nutter Group Flight EGNM (Leeds) to LOWI (Innsbruck)

Yes, I know, it has been quite some time since my last post and unfortunately, I haven't felt very motivated to document many of my past flights.  That is not to say that I haven't been flying...quite the contrary.  Some of the Nutters are meeting in Manchester, UK this weekend for a "simulator weekend" and my goal is to make it across the pond some day to participate.  A few of us (Paul, Marsh, and Josh) grabbed a quick flight from Leeds-Bradford, UK to Innsbruck, Austria for that well known approach through the Alps.  I remember my previous flight into LOWI was not one I would like to talk about since my approach was terrible.  But, this one would be different.  

Four of us slowly taxied to RWY 32, patiently waiting our turn to depart via the LAMIX 2W SID.  We each made our way through the virtual sky and as we all climbed to our respective cruising altitudes, we had the opportunity to experience some "cloud porn."  Yes, the clouds looked great as we made our way to FL350 and the ride up was smooth, with little concern.  We exchanged friendly banter during the flight and after some quick calculations, we began to realize that our approach to RWY 26 was going to take part during the evening hours.  Great...landing at Innsbruck in the dark! 

After a short period of on-line ATC with Langen radar, we were back on unicom and planning our arrival via the RNAV STAR TULSI 3A.  Our spacing or lack thereof became apparent as we approached "TULSI" which has a height restriction of 9500 feet or above.  Not to worry, a quick "hold" was set up and the two pilots ahead of me were able to make their approach down the valley and onto RWY 26.  Paul also set up a hold while I departed RTT (Rattenberg) and began my RNAV arrival for RWY 26.  Thankfully, the weather cooperated during the approach and everyone was able to enjoy the scenery as well as enjoy a successful landing.  Anyway, just a short blog and I'm looking forward to following along as the The Nutters enjoy a weekend of banter, drinking, and virtual flying in the comfort of a full 737 NGX simulator (enter feelings of jealously).  Until next time....see you in the virtual skies.