Fly the world famous Isle of Man TT Mountain Course

[Flylogical]

Two wings beat two wheels any day. The world-renowned TT motorcycle road-racing season is kicking-off on the Isle of Man. Over the next few weeks (30th May to 12th June 2011), this erstwhile tranquil & sleepy island in the middle of the Irish Sea transforms itself into petrol-head heaven. Mostly of the two-wheeled variety, but no need to get left out if you prefer two wings to two wheels. You can fly the TT course (above 3000 feet, you need to comply with air traffic at EGNS -- they operate TT airspace restrictions during the races, details by NOTAM). In a typical light aircraft you'll have little chance of beating the times achieved by the bikes. They complete a lap of the circuit in 15 minutes, reaching 200 mph or so on the straights. I've tried it in my Bulldog. Best I could achieve was little over 20 minutes... (Google iNavCalc for a link to the TT route with waypoint locations for the Mountain Course).

[MichaelJP59]

20 minutes isn't a bad time, but I'm sure you must have cut a few corners while following the course, after all I'm sure even a Bulldog couldn't turn as tight as Ramsey Hairpin

[Flylogical]

Of course you are right. The legs are too short in places (e.g., Ramsey hairpin, Gooseneck etc) to fly effectively. However, I hammer round with max rate turns to smooth out the wrinkles to get my 20 (or so) minutes... The iNavCalc route I posted-up has smoothing compared to actual roads -- but even then, as stated almost impossible to fly.

I have flown round during the actual bike races (very friendly ATC at EGNS that particular day). It is amazing watching the bikes buzz underneath over the mountain...

[martinprice]

Reminds me of The Snake race scene from Iron Eagle.

YouTube - ‪Iron Eagle - Doug races Knotcher‬‏

[Flylogical]

Excellent...I expect that this would lead to some consternation with EGNS ATC...