Córdoba, Spain (PG City)

The Flight Experience

Córdoba offers a richly historical and technically demanding flight experience, defined by its flat location on the Andalusian Plain and its unparalleled concentration of UNESCO-listed Islamic and Christian architecture. The city’s core is a dense, white-walled ancient labyrinth bisected by the massive Guadalquivir River. The flying environment is open and subject to extreme summer heat. The photogrammetry, a key feature of World Update 8 (Iberia), perfectly captures the immense scale of the Mezquita and the intricate structure of the Roman Bridge, making it a spectacular historical touring destination.

Córdoba Airport (LEBA)

LEBA is a regional airport serving the city, located southwest of the urban area.

• The Strip: LEBA features a single runway (03/21), which is 2,070 meters (6,791 feet) long. This medium length is suitable for regional jets and high-performance turboprops.

• The Challenge: High Heat Performance: The primary challenge here is density altitude. Located on one of the hottest plains in Europe, the summer temperatures are extreme. Sim pilots must meticulously calculate takeoff, climb, and landing distances, as the hot, thin air significantly degrades aircraft performance, requiring maximum proficiency in flight planning.

Visual Highlights

• Mezquita-Cathedral: This is the city's absolute, unmissable visual anchor. The massive, unique complex—a mosque with a cathedral built inside—is perfectly rendered in the photogrammetry, dominating the Old Town and riverfront.

• Puente Romano (Roman Bridge): The ancient, historic stone bridge spans the Guadalquivir River and leads directly to the Mezquita complex. Its long, segmented structure is a clear, essential VFR landmark.

• Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos: The massive, fortress-like royal palace and its geometric gardens are clearly visible near the Mezquita, providing another major historic POI.

• Guadalquivir River: The wide, slow-moving river defines the southern edge of the historic core. It serves as a continuous, clear geographical guide through the flat plain.

• The Old Town PG: The dense, white-walled, historic urban fabric of the Old Town is beautifully captured, creating a cohesive, unmissable visual texture.

Pilot’s Note: The "High-Heat Performance Challenge"

For a flight that tests your procedural and performance skills, take a regional jet (like a CRJ or E-Jet) and set up a scenario at LEBA on a simulated mid-day summer schedule (e.g., 40°C / 104°F).

The Maneuver: Before starting engines, calculate your performance metrics for the high density altitude. Executing the takeoff requires careful use of full thrust and a stable, low-pitch climb to maintain sufficient airspeed in the thin air. After takeoff, execute a climbing turn to the north to fly past the Sierra Morena hills before returning. This flight is a rigorous test of operating turbine aircraft safely in extreme heat conditions.