Albuquerque, NM, U.S.A (PG City)

The Flight Experience

Albuquerque offers one of the most geographically dramatic and visually stunning flight experiences in the Southwestern U.S. The city is defined by the sharp vertical rise of the Sandia Mountains immediately to the east, the flat, high-desert Rio Grande valley, and its unique blend of Pueblo and Spanish colonial architecture. The high altitude and frequent thermal activity demand precise performance management. The photogrammetry, prominently featured in World Update X (USA), captures the dense urban corridor and the breathtaking contrast of the city against the mountain backdrop, making it a spectacular destination for both scenic and procedural flying.

Albuquerque International Sunport (KABQ)

KABQ is the largest commercial airport in New Mexico and shares airspace with the adjacent Kirtland Air Force Base.

• The Strip: KABQ operates three runways: 03/21, 08/26, and 12/30 (all long, with the longest exceeding 13,700 feet), necessary for high-altitude, high-temperature operations.

• The Challenge: High Altitude and Density Altitude: The primary challenge here is performance management. The airport sits at over 5,300 feet (1,619 meters) MSL. High summer temperatures drastically increase the density altitude, severely reducing engine and lift performance. Pilots must meticulously calculate take-off and landing distances and manage climb performance, especially when departing toward the high terrain to the east.

Visual Highlights

• Sandia Mountains: The absolute, unmissable natural anchor. This immense mountain range rises sharply over 5,000 feet from the valley floor. The striking, sheer western face is fully exposed to the city and provides the most dramatic visual backdrop in the entire sim.

• The Sandia Peak Tramway: This spectacular, visible cable car line ascends the mountain, providing a clear visual reference point on the mountain's steep slope.

• Old Town and Downtown Core: The dense PG core captures the city's unique architectural blend, including the historic Old Town (which often features its unique plaza and Adobe buildings) and the modern high-rise buildings along the Rio Grande.

• The Rio Grande River: The massive river flows through the flat valley, defining the north-south axis of the city and providing a clear VFR guide through the high desert.

• Balloon Fiesta Park: Located north of the city, this massive, wide-open field is the site of the world-famous Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and is a huge, easily identifiable POI.

Pilot’s Note: The "Mountain Shadow Run"

For a flight that tests high-altitude procedural skills and rewards with a dramatic scenic view, take a medium jet (like a B737) or a fast turboprop (like a TBM 930) and plan a visual approach toward the mountains.

The Maneuver: After departing KABQ to the west, execute a sharp 180-degree turn and climb toward the Sandia Mountains. Fly a low-altitude pass (around 7,000 to 8,000 feet MSL) along the western face of the mountains. This places you right in the "shadow" of the massive peaks, providing an incredible visual study of the terrain. The key is monitoring your altitude and performance in the high, thin air before returning to the airport pattern.