I reflected on the experience, grateful for the opportunity to fly such an iconic turboprop airliner in X-Plane 11. The ATR 72-600 was a joy to fly, and I looked forward to many more hours in the virtual cockpit.
As I started up the engines, the familiar sound of the Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127M turboprops filled the air. I completed the pre-flight checks, feeling the satisfying clicks and whirs of the aircraft's systems coming online.
As I taxied to the apron, I received a message from air traffic control about a sudden change in wind direction. I quickly adjusted the aircraft's configuration to compensate for the new wind, feeling the ATR 72-600 respond eagerly to my inputs.
After about 45 minutes, I began the descent into Rotorua. I disconnected the autopilot and took manual control of the aircraft, configuring it for landing. The approach was smooth, and I touched down on Runway 15 with ease.
I settled into the cockpit of my trusty ATR 72-600, registered as ZK-MZE, and began to prepare for departure from Auckland Airport (AKL) to Rotorua Airport (ROT) in New Zealand. The weather forecast looked good, with clear skies and a gentle tailwind.