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Flight Simulation

Explore the planet in flight simulation (16)

The exploration of the planet in flight simulation continues. Today we’re flying from Bruray / Out Skerries (EG78 or OUK for the IATA code) to the Barra beach airfield (EGPR). It’s a demanding virtual flight, especially when it comes to taking off from Out Skerries. The winds are strong and quite sideways to the small runway. You can see this by observing the windsock from the cockpit.

Virtual DHC-4 Caribou ready for crosswind take-off at EG78 Out Skerries aerodrome with MSFS
Virtual DHC-4 Caribou ready for crosswind take-off at EG78 Out Skerries aerodrome with MSFS

The crew opted to use a good old DHC-4 Caribou, which has proved its worth in difficult landings and take-offs. The virtual clouds reflect the current situation in the Shetland Islands.

With both feet on the brakes, the flaps adjusted and the steering wheel turned to the right to limit the effect of the wind on the right wing, the crew push the throttle to maximum while releasing the brakes. The aircraft moves a little to the left as it rolls, but by using rudder, it stays on the runway long enough to take off.

DHC-4 Caribou virtual aircraft airborne out of Out Skerries (EG78) in Scotland
DHC-4 Caribou virtual aircraft airborne out of Out Skerries (EG78) in Scotland

The flight is made in VFR mode under cloud. Eventually, the sky clears and we can enjoy the scenery as we approach Barra beach. The low tide makes for a smooth landing.

DHC-4 Caribou enroute to the Barra (EGPR) virtual airport on the beach with MSFS
DHC-4 Caribou enroute to the Barra (EGPR) virtual airport on the beach with MSFS

The photo below shows the Caribou in right base for Barra beach. What a great day for visual flying!

Barra (EGPR) sand runway in sight with the virtual DHC-4 Caribou with MSFS
Barra (EGPR) sand runway in sight with the virtual DHC-4 Caribou with MSFS
DHC-4 Caribou on final for the sand runway at Barra virtual airport (EGPR) with MSFS
DHC-4 Caribou on final for the sand runway at Barra virtual airport (EGPR) with MSFS

The DHC-4 is now on short final for the sand runway. Even though it’s a large twin-engine aircraft, its short take-off and landing capabilities mean that it will only need a very small portion of the available range.

The virtual Barra airport (EGPR) and the DHC-4 Caribou on a stopover in flight simulation with MSFS.
The virtual Barra airport (EGPR) and the DHC-4 Caribou on a stopover in flight simulation with MSFS.

A few passengers seem to have already arrived, unless they’re curious onlookers who heard the aircraft approaching. This is certainly a very rare visit by a DHC-4 to Barra!

Virtual DHC-4 Caribou landed on the beach at Barra airport (EGPR) with MSFS
Virtual DHC-4 Caribou landed on the beach at Barra airport (EGPR) with MSFS

Airport management refuses to reveal the aircraft’s destination. In any case, this won’t be the first time a Caribou has made special flights on demanding runways.

Ultimate luxury with sleeping pods for the future passengers of a virtual DHC-4 Caribou with MSFS
Ultimate luxury with sleeping pods for the future passengers of a virtual DHC-4 Caribou with MSFS

A final photo shows the interior of the Caribou. Impressive luxury, with berths available for first-class passengers. There’s no stopping progress!

Stage 17 of this round-the-world flight simulation will take place between Barra and Donegal (EIDL) in Northern Ireland. The virtual Britten Norman BN2A Trislander MK III will make the journey using the Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 (MSFS) flight simulator.

Click on the link for more virtual flights around the world in my blog.

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