Yesterday, the much-anticipated 2016 Summer Olympic Games officially opened. After watching the stunning Opening Ceremony at the Maracanã Stadium, I got the idea to fly around Rio de Janeiro in X-Plane (and upgraded to 10.50r1 while I was at it).

I happened to see a video on YouTube titled “Rio de Janeiro - Santos Dumont (SDU) Approach runway 02,” which claims it is “One of the most difficult landing approach in the world. NDB V RWY 20 procedure + circle to land on runway 02R.” Alright then, off to Santos Dumont Airport we go.

I pulled up the charts to have a look. If it were just Runway 20, it didn’t seem too hard. However, with the circle to land after passing the airport—making a big loop in the bay with mountains ahead and to the right—the difficulty is definitely there. So, I decided to take a small plane out for a spin.

Here are a few shots from the flight. First, flying along the 134-degree radial of the NDB CAX over Rio de Janeiro/Galeão International Airport, Then a Turn to the south, Heading 196 towards Santos Dumont Airport, After passing the airport, starting the 180-degree turn inside Guanabara Bay. Straight ahead is the famous Sugarloaf Mountain.

Completing the 180-degree turn, aligning with the Runway, about to land. The altitude is a bit high though…

The landing was barely a pass, I suppose. Pulled into the Apron for a souvenir photo.

I don’t have any special Scenery installed on my machine, so the ground looks bare and boring, so you should watch the actual flight video to get a feel for the charm of this approach.

By the way, the Olympic cauldron for this year’s Games has a mysterious, cosmic quality that I really like.