{"id":4608,"date":"2025-03-11T16:01:36","date_gmt":"2025-03-11T20:01:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/msfsbushnavlog.com\/?p=4608"},"modified":"2025-03-11T16:01:38","modified_gmt":"2025-03-11T20:01:38","slug":"the-amazon-the-planets-largest-river","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/msfsbushnavlog.com\/index.php\/2025\/03\/11\/the-amazon-the-planets-largest-river\/","title":{"rendered":"The Amazon – The planet\u2019s largest river"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Zip file with MSFS 2024 pln files for each leg<\/a>Download<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Printer Friendly Link<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n

The Amazon<\/p>\n

The planet\u2019s largest river<\/p>\n

South America\u2019s Amazon is the planet\u2019s largest river and one of its most renowned and storied natural features. Originating high in the Peruvian Andes, the Amazon flows 4,000 miles in a generally eastward course to its delta on the Atlantic Ocean at the equator. The Amazon basin \u2013 the region that is drained by the Amazon River \u2013 is 2,700,000 square miles in area, the largest drainage basin in the world. Comprising 1,100 tributaries, the total volume of water that flows through the Amazon River system is immense, approximately 1,700 cubic miles per year, the greatest of any river on the planet.<\/p>\n

The Amazon Rainforest, the largest rainforest in the world, covers most of the Amazon Basin. The rainforest and the Amazon River system support a massive wealth of life. This includes over 1,500 bird species, 1,500 species of amphibians, 3,000 fish species, 1,400 mammals, 80,000 plant species, and 2.5 million insect species. The Amazon is the most biodiverse region on the planet.<\/p>\n

The Amazon has been the focus of exploration to outsiders for centuries, but much of it remains shrouded in mystery. The area is sparsely populated, with most of the cities located along the Amazon or its major tributaries. The Amazon\u2019s human history dates back thousands of years, with some cultures having developed advanced agriculture techniques and other technologies. Europeans arrived in the early 1500s and exploration began in the mid-1500s incentivized by the prospects of discovering gold.<\/p>\n

This bush trip explores the Amazon River from the depths of the Amazon Rainforest to its delta. Pilots will bask in some of the greatest sights this renowned river system has to offer, from lush stands of endless forest to coastal islands.<\/p>\n

Flight tips:<\/p>\n

Weather, date and time are customizable. Live weather is preset.<\/p>\n

Set your aircraft to &quot;cold and dark&quot; after each landing to end the flight, preferably in one of the parking lots.<\/p>\n

Use ATC if you like.<\/p>\n

This mission is created as a VFR flight. All necessary information is contained in the Navlog. If necessary, a GPS course is available.<\/p>\n

See trip in Skyvector<\/a><\/p>\n

Total Legs: 10 Total Distance: 906 Total Time(125kts): 7 hours 14 minutes<\/strong><\/p>\n

Leg 1<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ponta Pelada to Presidente Figueiredo Airport<\/strong><\/p>\n

Leg Distance: 81.03 Approximate time at 125kts: 39 minutes.<\/strong><\/p>\n

See leg in Skyvector<\/a><\/p>\n

Ponta Pelada(SBMN) to Amazon Theatre(POI1)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Distance: 2.49NM Bearing: 309\u00b0 1 minutes<\/strong><\/p>\n

After taking-off from Ponta Pelada Airport, set a course to the northwest and fly over the southern reaches of Manaus. The city is the capital of Amazonas, the largest state in Brazil and the largest national subregion in South America. With more than 2.2 million inhabitants, Manaus is the largest city within the Amazon region and one of only two that has a population greater than 1 million, the other being Bel\u00e9m, also of Brazil. The city is located on the northern bank of the Rio Negro (Black River) just to the west of its confluence with Rio Solim\u00f5es (Solim\u00f5es River).<\/p>\n

The Solim\u00f5es River is the name often used within Brazil for the Amazon River upstream of its confluence with the Rio Negro. The Rio Negro, named such due to its dark color, is the Amazon River system\u2019s second largest tributary and joins the Solim\u00f5es \/ Amazon from the north. The Rio Negro and the Solim\u00f5es \/ Amazon meet less than a mile to the east of Ponta Pelada Airport. The water of each, the Rio Negro being dark colored and the Rio Solim\u00f5es \/ Amazon being light colored, run side-by-side for nearly four miles downstream. This confluence is called \u201cMeeting of Waters\u201d and downstream of this point the river is known exclusively as the Amazon River. The color of each river is due primarily to the type of sediment carried and also to water speed and temperature.<\/p>\n

In addition to incredible vistas of the surrounding natural environment, this first leg of the journey brings wonderful architectural sights of Manaus into view. One of the most splendid is the Amazon Theater (Teatro Amazonas). Located just a few blocks north of the north bank of the Rio Negro, the Amazon Theater was constructed in 1884 during the rubber boom of the Amazon. The rubber boom spanned from 1879 to 1912 and marked a dramatic period in the entire Amazon Basin. Based on the extraction of natural rubber in the area, industrialists made massive fortunes which provided the basis for construction of beautiful works of architecture. The most notable of these is the Amazon Theater. The theater, built in the style of Renaissance Revival, is today the home of the Amazonas Philharmonic Orchestra and hosts the annual Amazonas Opera Festival.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Amazon Theatre(POI1) to Journalist Phelippe Dahsou Bridge(POI2)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Distance: 3.3NM Bearing: 302\u00b0 2 minutes<\/strong><\/p>\n

Maintain heading to fly out over the northern side of the Rio Negro and pass over the Journalist Phelippe Dahsou Bridge. Also called the Rio Negro Bridge, the span is the fourth longest in Brazil at just over 2 miles in length.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Journalist Phelippe Dahsou Bridge(POI2) to Arena da Amazonia(POI3)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Distance: 3.53NM Bearing: 72\u00b0 2 minutes<\/strong><\/p>\n

Over the Journalist Phelippe Dahsou Bridge, turn sharply to the northeast. Pass over the southwestern aspect of Manaus and gain a visual on and then pass over Arena da Amaz\u00f4nia, the Amazon Arena. The arena, which seats over 40,000, hosted matches of the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Arena da Amazonia(POI3) to Urubu River Bridge(POI4)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Distance: 57.94NM Bearing: 19\u00b0 28 minutes<\/strong><\/p>\n

Turn north over Arena da Amaz\u00f4nia and follow the course of highway BR-174. Views of urban expanse are quickly replaced by broad vistas of the massive Amazon Rainforest. This section of the journey grants an intimate appreciation for both the sheer scale of the Amazon Basin and the intricate details of growth that compose the rainforest. The vegetation canopy is so thick that little sunlight reaches the floor of the rainforest.<\/p>\n

Gain a visual on the Urubu River (Rio Urubu) and the small village of Rio Urubu on its southern bank. Pass over the Rio Urubu Bridge (Ponte Rio Urubu).<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Urubu River Bridge(POI4) to Urubu River(POI5)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Distance: 11.3NM Bearing: 315\u00b0 5 minutes<\/strong><\/p>\n

At the Rio Urubu Bridge, turn onto a northwest course and follow the Urubu River upstream. The Rio Urubu, like the Rio Negro, is a blackwater river. The color is due to decaying particulates of organic matter, primarily trees and plants of the rainforest. The Urubu River is a tributary to the Amazon River downstream from Manaus.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Urubu River(POI5) to Presidente Figueiredo Airport(SBRI)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Distance: 2.47NM Bearing: 32\u00b0 1 minutes<\/strong><\/p>\n

Gain a visual on Presidente Figueiredo Airport (SBRI), which lies to the north of the Urubu River amid agriculture fields, and land. The airport is located just to the southwest of an agricultural complex.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Leg 2<\/strong><\/p>\n

Presidente Figueiredo Airport to Balbina<\/strong><\/p>\n

Leg Distance: 45.87 Approximate time at 125kts: 22 minutes.<\/strong><\/p>\n

See leg in Skyvector<\/a><\/p>\n

Presidente Figueiredo Airport(SBRI) to Presidente Figueiredo(POI6)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Distance: 8.21NM Bearing: 132\u00b0 4 minutes<\/strong><\/p>\n

Take-off from Presidente Figueiredo Airport and set a course to the southeast. Fly over the town of Presidente Figueiredo, named after Jo\u00e3o Batista de Figueiredo Tenreiro Aranha, the first president of Amazonas (when it was a province). The town is known as the \u201cLand of Waterfalls\u201d due to more than 100 waterfalls in the area.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Presidente Figueiredo(POI6) to Balbina Dam(POI7)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Distance: 33.54NM Bearing: 94\u00b0 16 minutes<\/strong><\/p>\n

Turn onto a northeast heading and gain a visual on Lake Balbina (Lago de Balbina), a large reservoir. Follow the Amazonas state highway AM-240 from Presidente Figueiredo to the southeastern extremity of Lake Balbina and the Balbina Dam. The lake was formed by the construction of the Balbina Dam on the Uatum\u00e3 River (Rio Uatum\u00e3), a northern tributary of the Amazon River. Lake Balbina covers approximately 900 square miles of Amazon rainforest.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Balbina Dam(POI7) to Balbina(SWBL)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Distance: 4.12NM Bearing: 108\u00b0 2 minutes<\/strong><\/p>\n

Turn to the east over Balbina Dam and gain a visual on the town of Balbina. Land at Balbina Airport (SWBL), which is located just to the northeast of town.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Leg 3<\/strong><\/p>\n

Balbina to Urucara<\/strong><\/p>\n

Leg Distance: 123.03 Approximate time at 125kts: 59 minutes.<\/strong><\/p>\n

See leg in Skyvector<\/a><\/p>\n

Balbina(SWBL) to Uatuma River(POI8)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Distance: 5.3NM Bearing: 228\u00b0 3 minutes<\/strong><\/p>\n

Lift off from Balbina Airport and turn onto a southwest heading and gain a visual on the Uatum\u00e3 River (Rio Uatum\u00e3). Like other rivers in this part of the Amazon Basin, the Uatum\u00e3 River is a blackwater river. The area is home to numerous archaeological sites, including ancient petroglyphs. Due to the incredible growth in the Amazon, many archaeological ruins remain undiscovered, deeply buried beneath soil and vegetation.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Uatuma River(POI8) to Uatuma River Meanders and Oxbows(POI9)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Distance: 27.99NM Bearing: 143\u00b0 13 minutes<\/strong><\/p>\n

Follow the Uatum\u00e3 River along its course to the southeast and gain a visual on a series of distinct meanders of the river. Meanders form due to the complex action of a river\u2019s incising action and deposition of weathered and eroded sediment. Pass over the meander of the Uatum\u00e3 River where a southern tributary of the river joins the main branch. Several oxbows, small bow-shaped lakes formed by the migrating action of a meander, are located just north of the main branch of the river.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Uatuma River Meanders and Oxbows(POI9) to Amazon Tall Tower Observatory(POI10)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Distance: 9.15NM Bearing: 48\u00b0 4 minutes<\/strong><\/p>\n

Once over the meanders and oxbows of the Uatum\u00e3 River, gain a visual on the river Igarap\u00e9 Tucumanduba to the south. The river joins the Amazon at the southernmost point of the prominent meander of the area. Fly over the confluence and turn onto a course of 47\u00b0 M and pass over the dense rainforest of the area. Continue on course to reach the Amazon Tall Tower Observatory (ATTO), a 1,066-foot (325 meter)-tall steel tower. The structure is a joint German-Brazilian scientific initiative to learn more about the interaction of the atmosphere, the rainforest, and the ground of the Amazon Basin. The ATTO, which is the tallest structure in South America, houses numerous instruments that work in concert with sensors on two other towers in the area and on the ground level of the rainforest.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Amazon Tall Tower Observatory(POI10) to Lake Cumateuba(POI11)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Distance: 7.64NM Bearing: 163\u00b0 4 minutes<\/strong><\/p>\n

Turn sharply at the ATTO onto a southeast heading and gain a visual on the Uatum\u00e3 River and Lake Cumate\u00faba (Lago Cumate\u00faba). The lake was formed by the migration of the large meander of the Uatum\u00e3 River directly to its south.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Lake Cumateuba(POI11) to Jatapu River(POI12)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Distance: 44.44NM Bearing: 125\u00b0 21 minutes<\/strong><\/p>\n

After passing over Lake Cumate\u00faba, follow the path of the Uatum\u00e3 River to the east-southeast to the confluence of the Uatum\u00e3 and Jatapu Rivers. The Jatapu River (Rio Jatapu) is a major tributary to the Uatum\u00e3 River, flowing into it from the north. The numerous tributaries of the Amazon that come into view from the air dramatically show the intricacies and interrelatedness of the hydrologic structure of the greater Amazon Basin. The region experiences tremendous levels of rainfall; Manaus receives an average of 93 inches of rainfall per year, nearly eight feet! The precipitation throughout the entire 2.7-million-square-mile Amazon Basin ultimately flows into the main Amazon River (along with meltwater from its source high in the Peruvian Andes) through over 1,100 tributaries like the Jatapu.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Jatapu River(POI12) to Urucara(SWWK)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Distance: 28.51NM Bearing: 114\u00b0 14 minutes<\/strong><\/p>\n

Continue following the course of the Uatum\u00e3 River. Pass the confluence of the Marip\u00e1 River (Rio Marip\u00e1), which flows into the Uatum\u00e3 River from the north. Pass the town of S\u00e3o Sebasti\u00e3o do Uatum\u00e3, which lies just to the east of the confluence of the Marip\u00e1 and Uatum\u00e3 rivers. The town is a center of cassava and livestock production and is renowned by anglers for its sports fishing. Continue following the river to the town of Urucar\u00e1, which lies on the north bank of the Uatum\u00e3 River. Land at Urucar\u00e1 Airport (SWWK), located on the north side of the town.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Leg 4<\/strong><\/p>\n

Urucara to Parintins<\/strong><\/p>\n

Leg Distance: 63.84 Approximate time at 125kts: 31 minutes.<\/strong><\/p>\n

See leg in Skyvector<\/a><\/p>\n

Urucara(SWWK) to Amazon Confluence(POI13)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Distance: 12.94NM Bearing: 74\u00b0 6 minutes<\/strong><\/p>\n

After taking-off from Urucar\u00e1 Airport, continue to the northeast, following the Uatum\u00e3 River. Continue tracking the Uatum\u00e3 River until it ends at its confluence with the Amazon River at a large meander in the Amazon\u2019s course.<\/p>\n

The wealth of life engendered by the Amazon River and the Amazon Basin\u2019s tropical climate supported multiple societies in the area long before the first European explorers arrived. Archaeologists estimate that up to 3 million indigenous people lived throughout the Amazon basin in advanced societies, practicing farming, hunting, gathering, and fishing.<\/p>\n

In 1500, Spanish explorer Vicente Y\u00e1\u00f1ez Pinz\u00f3n was the first European to document a journey into the Amazon. During his expedition, which penetrated just fifty miles upstream from the delta, he named the river \u201cR\u00edo Santa Mar\u00eda del Mar Dulce,\u201d Saint Mary\u2019s River of the Sweet Sea \u2013 \u201cSweet Sea\u201d a reference to the fresh water of the delta region. In 1541 to 1542, Spaniard Francisco de Orellana and his expedition descended the river, beginning in the Andes, during a quest for gold and other riches. After passing present day Manaus, his expedition encountered native female warriors he named \u201cAmazons\u201d after legendary women fighters described in Greek mythologies. His use of the term Amazon was repeated in literature and it eventually was used as the basis for the name of the River.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Amazon Confluence(POI13) to The Saracura Event – Amazon Tsunami(POI14)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Distance: 33.01NM Bearing: 124\u00b0 16 minutes<\/strong><\/p>\n

Continue following the Amazon downstream and pass the small village of Mocambo on its northern bank. The river widens at this point, flowing around three large islands and several smaller islets. Fly over the islands and islets to reach the southern bank of the river, a part of the Amazon called by some the \u201cEagle Coast,\u201d which is near the village of Saracura. A seismic shift in a fault under the Amazon in this area caused a series of waves, some as tall as 20 feet, to roar down the river and impact the village of Saracura. Called the Saracura Event, this \u201cAmazon Tsunami\u201d displaced over 100 residents, killed a farmer, and cut a cove into the southern bank of the river.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The Saracura Event – Amazon Tsunami(POI14) to Parintins(SWPI)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Distance: 17.89NM Bearing: 130\u00b0 9 minutes<\/strong><\/p>\n

Continue following the southern bank of the Amazon and gain a visual on the city of Parintins. Parintins Airport (SWPI), also called J\u00falio Bel\u00e9m Airport, is located southwest of the city adjacent several small river channels.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Leg 5<\/strong><\/p>\n

Parintins to Obidos<\/strong><\/p>\n

Leg Distance: 89.84 Approximate time at 125kts: 43 minutes.<\/strong><\/p>\n

See leg in Skyvector<\/a><\/p>\n

Parintins(SWPI) to Bumbodromo(POI15)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Distance: 3NM Bearing: 62\u00b0 1 minutes<\/strong><\/p>\n

Lift off from Parintins Airport and fly to the northeast to Parintins. With just over 100,000 inhabitants, Parintins is the second largest city in the state of Amazonas after Manaus. Pass over the Parintins Cultural Center and its Bumb\u00f3dromo, an amphitheater with seating for up to 35,000 spectators. The Parintins Folklore Festival, one of Brazil\u2019s most renowned cultural events, is hosted at the Bumb\u00f3dromo every year.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Bumbodromo(POI15) to Santa Julia(POI16)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Distance: 21.53NM Bearing: 72\u00b0 10 minutes<\/strong><\/p>\n

Continue following the Amazon\u2019s course to the northeast. Gain a visual on the small village of Santa J\u00falia, which is located on a clearing on the river\u2019s southern bank. Stay on course and leave Amazonas and enter Par\u00e1, Brazil\u2019s second largest state by area, then pass over Santa J\u00falia.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Santa Julia(POI16) to Juruti(POI17)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Distance: 26NM Bearing: 71\u00b0 12 minutes<\/strong><\/p>\n

Track the southern bank of the Amazon and pass Macaianim Island (Ilha do Macaianim) and then gain a visual on the city of Juruti, located on the southern bank of the Amazon. The city supports a large bauxite mine that is located to its southwest. Bauxite, the world\u2019s primary source of aluminum, is a key export of Brazil. The majority of Brazil\u2019s bauxite is mined in the state of Par\u00e1.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Juruti(POI17) to Obidos(SNTI)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Distance: 39.31NM Bearing: 82\u00b0 19 minutes<\/strong><\/p>\n

Continue on course to the northeast, tracking the southern bank of the Amazon. Gain a visual on the Trombetas River (Rio Trombetas), a 470-mile-long northern tributary to the Amazon that is known for its numerous rapids. The city of \u00d3bidos is located just to the east of the confluence of the Trombetas and Amazon Rivers on the Amazon\u2019s northern bank. Land at \u00d3bidos Airport (SNTI), located on the north end of the city.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Leg 6<\/strong><\/p>\n

Obidos to Santarem<\/strong><\/p>\n

Leg Distance: 55.67 Approximate time at 125kts: 27 minutes.<\/strong><\/p>\n

See leg in Skyvector<\/a><\/p>\n

Obidos(SNTI) to Vila Menino Desus(POI18)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Distance: 22.45NM Bearing: 157\u00b0 11 minutes<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Amazon turns onto a southeast course downstream of \u00d3bidos. Take-off from \u00d3bidos Airport, follow the river, and gain a visual on Great Curuai Lake (Lago Grande do Curuai), located to the southwest of the Amazon. Pass over the village of Vila Menino Desus, located on a low spit of land between the Amazon and the lake.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Vila Menino Desus(POI18) to Santarem(SBSN)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Distance: 33.22NM Bearing: 139\u00b0 16 minutes<\/strong><\/p>\n

Continue on course and pass over the confluence of the Tapaj\u00f3s River (Rio Tapaj\u00f3s) and the Amazon. The 1,300-mile-long Tapaj\u00f3s is a major tributary of the Amazon and joins the river from its south. Gain a visual on the city of Santar\u00e9m on the eastern side of the confluence. Land at Santar\u00e9m-Maestro Wilson Fonseca Airport (SBSN), located on the western side of Santar\u00e9m.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Leg 7<\/strong><\/p>\n

Santarem to Monte Alegre<\/strong><\/p>\n

Leg Distance: 57.99 Approximate time at 125kts: 28 minutes.<\/strong><\/p>\n

See leg in Skyvector<\/a><\/p>\n

Santarem(SBSN) to Santarem(POI19)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Distance: 4.22NM Bearing: 129\u00b0 2 minutes<\/strong><\/p>\n

After lifting off from Santar\u00e9m-Maestro Wilson Fonseca Airport, head to the southeast and pass over the city of Santar\u00e9m. The city is today one of the most important business, financial, cultural, and tourism centers in the entire Amazon Basin. Its port, Port of Santar\u00e9m, is a critical hub as it is located midway between Manaus and the Atlantic coast. The port is a vital logistical center for the numerous villages in the region and for transport of the many agricultural and other products of the area. The beaches and clear water of the area has made Santar\u00e9m renowned as a vacation destination.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Santarem(POI19) to Great Lake of Monte Alegre(POI20)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Distance: 34.89NM Bearing: 94\u00b0 17 minutes<\/strong><\/p>\n

Turn to the east-northeast over Santar\u00e9m and pass over a small group of low islands and then reach the Great Lake of Monte Alegre (Lago Grande de Monte Alegre) on the north side of the Amazon River. The large lake is an important source of fish for locals in the area.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Great Lake of Monte Alegre(POI20) to Monte Alegre(SNMA)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Distance: 18.88NM Bearing: 35\u00b0 9 minutes<\/strong><\/p>\n

Turn to the northeast over the Great Lake of Monte Alegre and sight the city of Monte Alegre. The area is an important archaeological region that has revealed troves of information about pre-colonial societies in the Amazon. Land at Monte Alegre Airport (SNMA), located in the middle of the city.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Leg 8<\/strong><\/p>\n

Monte Alegre to Almeirim<\/strong><\/p>\n

Leg Distance: 94.85 Approximate time at 125kts: 46 minutes.<\/strong><\/p>\n

See leg in Skyvector<\/a><\/p>\n

Monte Alegre(SNMA) to Prainha(POI21)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Distance: 37.16NM Bearing: 91\u00b0 18 minutes<\/strong><\/p>\n

Lift off from Monte Alegre Airport and fly along the northern shoreline of the Amazon to the city of Prainha. The city was established as a port and trading center to leverage the commercial activity on the Amazon.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Prainha(POI21) to Almeirim(SNYA)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Distance: 57.69NM Bearing: 90\u00b0 28 minutes<\/strong><\/p>\n

Continue on course along the northern bank of the Amazon. Pass the river islands of Jurupari and Almeirim and then gain a visual on the town of Almeirim. Land at Almeirim Airport, located just north of town. Almeirim was established in the early 1600s by Portuguese and Dutch colonists. Decades later, in 1685, the Portuguese built a fort to control navigation on its section of the Amazon.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Leg 9<\/strong><\/p>\n

Almeirim to Macapa Intl<\/strong><\/p>\n

Leg Distance: 145.75 Approximate time at 125kts: 70 minutes.<\/strong><\/p>\n

See leg in Skyvector<\/a><\/p>\n

Almeirim(SNYA) to Grand Gurupa Island(POI22)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Distance: 36.47NM Bearing: 105\u00b0 18 minutes<\/strong><\/p>\n

After taking-off from Almeirim Airport, fly out over the midline of the Amazon and pass over Commandi Island (Ilha do Comanda\u00ed). As the Amazon nears its outlet to the Atlantic Ocean (at this point just under 250 miles distant), its rate of downstream flow slows very gradually. The amount of sediment it can carry is related to water speed. The faster the flow, the more sediment it can carry; and as it slows, the river deposits sediment. This deposition creates complex networks of low islands like Commandi Island. Pass another low island, Urucuricaia Island (Ilha Urucuricaia) and reach Grand Gurup\u00e1 Island (Ilha Grande de Gurup\u00e1). This large island (80 miles long by 28 miles wide) comprises several small rivulets, islets, and is covered in vast swaths of rainforest. The island is the westernmost aspect of the Amazon River Delta, which has formed over millennia as the last of the river\u2019s sediment is deposited at its juncture with the Atlantic Ocean.<\/p>\n

The entire group of islands in the Amazon River Delta is called the Maraj\u00f3 Archipelago. There are more than 2,500 low islands built of fine silt in this island group, the westernmost being Grand Gurup\u00e1 Island.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Grand Gurupa Island(POI22) to Itatupa-Baquia Sustainable Development Reserve(POI23)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Distance: 55.28NM Bearing: 62\u00b0 27 minutes<\/strong><\/p>\n

Fly on a northeasterly course along the midline of Grand Gurup\u00e1 Island and climb to 3,000 feet to gain a view of the western portion of Amazon River Delta. Fly over the Itatup\u00e3-Baqui\u00e1 Sustainable Development Reserve, located at the northeastern end of Grand Gurup\u00e1 Island. The Brazilian government established the reserve to protect the unique ecosystem of this part of the Amazon Delta region.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Itatupa-Baquia Sustainable Development Reserve(POI23) to Santana(POI24)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Distance: 43.38NM Bearing: 34\u00b0 21 minutes<\/strong><\/p>\n

Maintain altitude and heading and pass over a series of islands and channels to the northeast of Grand Gurup\u00e1 Island, many of which are protected reserves. The view from this altitude provides a great perspective to understand how the delta region and the Maraj\u00f3 Archipelago was formed and continues to evolve.<\/p>\n

Sight the city of Santana in the distance and continue onto the northern bank of the Amazon, passing into the Brazilian state of Amap\u00e1. Pass the confluence of the northern tributary of the Vila Nova River (Rio Vila Nova) and then fly over Santana Island (Ilha de Santana). Pass the confluence of the northern tributary of the Matapi River (Rio Matapi) and then pass over the city of Santana.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Santana(POI24) to Milton de Souza Correa Stadium(POI25)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Distance: 6.25NM Bearing: 78\u00b0 3 minutes<\/strong><\/p>\n

At Santana, gain a visual on Amap\u00e1 state highway AP-010, the course of which parallels the northern bank of the Amazon. Follow the highway to Milton de Souza Corr\u00eaa Stadium. Commonly referred to as Zer\u00e3o, the stadium is located just a few hundred feet north of the equator, hence the nickname Zer\u00e3o (Big Zero), as in 0 latitude.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Milton de Souza Correa Stadium(POI25) to Sao Jose de Macapa Fortress(POI26)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Distance: 2.64NM Bearing: 66\u00b0 1 minutes<\/strong><\/p>\n

Continue on course to the northern shore of the Amazon and S\u00e3o Jos\u00e9 de Macap\u00e1 Fortress (Fortaleza de S\u00e3o Jos\u00e9 de Macap\u00e1). Built in the late 1700s, this fort was built to establish a stronghold on the northern bank of the Amazon. The city of Macap\u00e1 grew in the presence of the fort in the decades after its construction. Today, apart from being the capital of Amap\u00e1, the city of more than a half million is a vital center of commerce.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Sao Jose de Macapa Fortress(POI26) to Macapa Intl(SBMQ)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Distance: 1.73NM Bearing: 333\u00b0 1 minutes<\/strong><\/p>\n

Turn to the northwest and fly over the central portion of the city of Macap\u00e1, the capital of the Brazilian state of Amap\u00e1. Gain a visual on and land at Macap\u00e1 International Airport (SBMQ).<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Leg 10<\/strong><\/p>\n

Macapa Intl to Fazenda Montenegro Airport<\/strong><\/p>\n

Leg Distance: 148 Approximate time at 125kts: 71 minutes.<\/strong><\/p>\n

See leg in Skyvector<\/a><\/p>\n

Macapa Intl(SBMQ) to Ponta Do Ceu(EH)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Distance: 71.49NM Bearing: 73\u00b0 34 minutes<\/strong><\/p>\n

Prior to take-off at Macap\u00e1 International Airport, configure the ADF receiver to 290.0 kHz for NDB Ponta do C\u00e9u (EH). Take-off and fly to the northeast and pass over the northern bank of the Amazon River. Once in range of the NDB, use it as the primary navigation guide.<\/p>\n

After leaving Macap\u00e1 International Airport, the route passes to the north of Car\u00e1 Island (Ilha do Car\u00e1), Jurupari Island (Ilha Jurupari), and then passes over the northwestern extremity of Vi\u00e7osa Island (Ilha Vi\u00e7osa). Continue back over the Amazon after passing over Vi\u00e7osa Island to reach the NDB at Ponta do C\u00e9u, located at the southern end of Curu\u00e1 Island (Ilha Curu\u00e1).<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Ponta Do Ceu(EH) to Sao Sebastiao de Vicosa(POI27)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Distance: 11.22NM Bearing: 202\u00b0 5 minutes<\/strong><\/p>\n

Once at Ponta do C\u00e9u, turn to the south and pass over the Amazon River where it meets the Atlantic Ocean. Gain a visual on the eastern extremity of Vi\u00e7osa Island and pass over the fishing village of S\u00e3o Sebasti\u00e3o de Vi\u00e7osa, located on the north side of the island at the head of a small rivulet extending to the Amazon.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Sao Sebastiao de Vicosa(POI27) to Caviana Island(POI28)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Distance: 21.82NM Bearing: 163\u00b0 10 minutes<\/strong><\/p>\n

After passing over S\u00e3o Sebasti\u00e3o de Vi\u00e7osa, turn onto a heading of 163\u00b0 M and pass over Santa Rosa Bay (Ba\u00eda de Santa Rosa). The route traverses the outer edge of the Amazon River Delta. While the open Atlantic Ocean lies beyond to the east, under the water the delta extends in a massive cone of sediment for hundreds of miles, built over millennia by the inexorable flow of the Amazon River.<\/p>\n

Maintaining course, sight a small unnamed island at the southern end of Santa Rosa Bay and pass over it to reach a small bay on the northern end of Caviana Island (Ilha Caviana).<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Caviana Island(POI28) to Pacas Island(POI29)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Distance: 17.22NM Bearing: 134\u00b0 8 minutes<\/strong><\/p>\n

Once at Caviana Island, turn onto a heading of 134\u00b0 M and pass over the eastern end of the island. Gain a visual on two islands in the distance. Pass over the larger, western island, Pacas Island (Ilha das Pacas).<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Pacas Island(POI29) to Mexiana Island(POI30)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Distance: 12.63NM Bearing: 183\u00b0 6 minutes<\/strong><\/p>\n

Once over Pacas Island, turn onto a heading of 183\u00b0 M and fly over the midpoint of Mexiana Island (Ilha Mexiana), a low, swampy island. The equator passes directly through the midline of Mexiana Island.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Mexiana Island(POI30) to Fazenda Montenegro Airport(SBTM)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Distance: 13.62NM Bearing: 183\u00b0 7 minutes<\/strong><\/p>\n

Now back in the Southern Hemisphere, pass over the channel to the south of Mexiana Island and gain a visual on three small bays on the northern end of Maraj\u00f3 Island (Ilha Maraj\u00f3). Locate the small airfield, SBTM, behind the middle bay. Maraj\u00f3 Island is the second largest island in South America and the largest in the Maraj\u00f3 Archipelago. It is known for its water buffalo population and a tidal bore wave that occurs when incoming high tides collide with strongly flowing river water. Land at SBTM to complete this incredible journey along the Amazon River. Congratulations!<\/p>\n

<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Printer Friendly Link The Amazon The planet\u2019s largest river South America\u2019s Amazon is the planet\u2019s largest river and one of[…]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4608","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-blog"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/msfsbushnavlog.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4608","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/msfsbushnavlog.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/msfsbushnavlog.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/msfsbushnavlog.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/msfsbushnavlog.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4608"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/msfsbushnavlog.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4608\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4651,"href":"https:\/\/msfsbushnavlog.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4608\/revisions\/4651"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/msfsbushnavlog.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4608"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/msfsbushnavlog.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4608"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/msfsbushnavlog.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4608"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}