All afternoon, planes land without any significant vortices. Then a CRJ9 flies overhead, leaving two beautiful swirls behind it. I place my camera between the two bars of the airport fence along Jean Gauvin Road and take a few shots.
Photography technique
I use a Canon 5DSR full-frame camera with ISO set to 200. The autofocus is set to SERVO mode. A shutter speed of 1/1000 is sufficient to follow the jet as it flies away. Cropping will then be necessary to bring the aircraft closer and position the vortices appropriately.
It is best to keep the runway lights in the frame to add more dynamism to the scene. They help to better situate the environment in which the CRJ9 is located at the moment the vortices appear.
The Dash 8-400 is also known as the DH8D or Q400 (Q standing for “quiet”). It is pictured here at the threshold of Runway 29 at Quebec City’s Jean Lesage International Airport. It is awaiting takeoff clearance.
PAL Airlines DH8D aircraft and Pascan Saab-340B at the Québec Jean-Lesage international airport.
Photography technique
I focus on the back of the aircraft. The limited depth of field blurs the rest of the image. The shutter speed is between 1/80 and 1/125, so as not to freeze the propellers. The result is a more dynamic photo.
With the plane’s back to the camera, interest is limited unless something special is happening. The frequency scanner indicates that a Pascan Saab-340 (SF32) will shortly be taking off from runway 24. With a bit of luck, I’ll be able to capture it and include it in the shot of the Q400.
A few seconds later, the aircraft enters the lens’ field of vision. The idea is to capture it while it’s still vis-a-vis the gasoline fumes from the engines. I took a few photos and kept the one with the best photographic composition.
Below is a photo of an Air Canada Rouge aircraft taking off from 24 after a heavy downpour.
An Air Canada Rouge Airbus jet takes-off from a wet runway at the Québec Jean-Lesage international airport.
This time, there’s no question of limiting the shutter speed to 1/125. The plane has no propellers, so you can choose 1/1000 without making a mistake. For greater dynamism, wait until the nose of the plane starts to lift. You can also keep a long trail of water splashes.
Finally, it’s often best to show a bit of landscape in the foreground to better situate the aircraft in its environment.
Click on the link for more aircraft photos on my blog. There are also photo galleries in the menu.
Montreal city view from Mount Royal in the evening in HDR.
This photo of Montreal in the evening during the blue hour is actually three photos superimposed with different apertures (HDR photography). In the absence of a tripod, I placed the camera on the rampart at the top of Mont-Royal. This allowed me to use a very low ISO and a nice depth of field.
Mount Royal is a major tourist attraction. The many visitors crowd along the rampart and compete for a selfie. Getting through the three HDR exposures without being hit by a curious onlooker is a miracle. As soon as my camera moves the slightest bit, I have to take all three photos again. And that evening, Mount Royal was crowded! But luck eventually smiles on us.
Sculpture of a winged demon on a Montreal building.
In Montreal, you can expect many styles of sculpture to grace the facades of buildings. The red-eyed demon above has an strong effect on the pedestrian! Good thing it’s not in front of a restaurant…
Rabagliati artwork on a Montreal building.
On the Plateau Mont-Royal, there’s a space reserved for a creation by Michel Rabagliati, the Quebec author renowned for his Paul series of comic strips. He also produces graphic novels, of which “Rose à l’île” is a good example. The winter scene on the building contrasts with the warm summer day in Montreal at the time of our visit.
The day after Quebec’s national holiday, the Snowbirds make a few flybys over Quebec City. Although not an air show per se, their formation flights always dazzle the crowds.
The Quebec flag, the Price Building and the Snowbirds in flight in Quebec City
Photography technique.
As the flight over the city takes place at around 17:00, it’s a good idea to position yourself so as not to have to pose against the sun. Normally, a photographer located in Lévis captures excellent shots of Snowbirds passing by the Château Frontenac. But at 5:00 p.m. with the sun directly in front of you, all plane photos taken from the south shore mean uninteresting washed-out skies and far too strong contrasts. Snowbirds deserve better.
Considering the position of the sun, the citadel is the best location for a successful photo session. The light comes from behind as the aerobatic team flies over the St. Lawrence River, around the Château Frontenac and towards the Dufferin Terrace.
The Snowbirds are in flight formation near Château Frontenac in Quebec City.
Spectators know that the performance will only last about fifteen minutes. A photographer needs to prepare accordingly to maximize the chances of getting some memorable shots.
Photography theory
I use a Canon 70-200 mm f2.8L IS II USM lens to give me better leeway between the distant and close passages of the nine military jets. Coupled with a Canon 5 DSR full-frame camera, a quality zoom produces surprising results. You can crop at will without losing definition, provided the initial ISO is 200 and the shutter speed is fast enough. You don’t really need to go beyond 1/1000.
The Snowbirds in flight formation approach the Dufferin terrace in Quebec City.
With Canada Day a few days later, I now have an interesting photo of the Snowbirds and the Canadian flag.
Snowbirds in flight and the Canadian flag over the citadel of Quebec City.
The virtual aircraft is a creation of Black Square Simulations, and is a great success with virtual pilots.
Beech Duke BE60 airborne from the Dublin airport ( EIDW)
Estimated enroute time is around 01:25 and distance to cover about 305 nm. There are favourable winds from 312/21 for the trip.
BE60 Duke over England heading to the London City airport (EGLC)
Over England, the sky becomes overcast. London reports a broken ceiling at 1700 feet and full-cloud deck at 2200 feet. However, visibility remains excellent.
The Beech Duke’s autopilot presents some difficulties with altitude changes. Unlike most aircrafts, the procedure for generating a descent and reaching another flight level requires a little more knowledge. You can’t apply an intuitive method, as the aircraft will always seek to return to its initial altitude.
Black Square Beechcraft Be60 Duke with Microsoft Flight Simulator
The Duke makes a right turn at the end of the trip on the L15 ODUKU TOPDU trajectory. This will place the Beech Duke on very long final for Runway 27 at London City Airport (EGLC).
Turning towards London City airport EGLC with MSFS 2020
Below is a view of the trajectory flown by the virtual pilot. Near the TOPDU point, the Beechcraft is still veering to establish itself on final approach.
GPS showing ODUKU TOPDU and approach for runway 27 EGLC airport
Excellent visibility and a well-defined ceiling make for an easy approach to runway 27. Slight crosswinds do not represent a problem.
Black Square B60 Duke on final runway 27 at London City airport EGLC
Around London, you can observe the Millennium Dome, all in white. This was the subject of a three-part series on Netflix entitled “The Diamond Heist”. It deals with an attempted theft in 2000 of the Millennium Star diamond and other precious stones worth a total of $350 million. The documentary is well worth seeing.
La dernière photo ci-dessous présente une vue de Londres obtenue au moyen d’un drone virtuel avec le simulateur de vol Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS 2020).
A virtual view of London using Microsoft Flight Simulator
Of the 55 aircraft of this model built in the 1980s, only 26 remain in service worldwide. The Antonov 124 can carry a load 17% greater than that of the C-5A Galaxy.
I took the first photo in close-up to emphasize the enormity of the aircraft compared to a human. Note also the “Be brave like Kharkiv” logo on the nose of the aircraft, in reference to the war between Ukraine and Russia.
Antonov AN 124-100M departing the Québec Jean-Lesage international airport (CYQB) for Harrisburg (KMDT) in the United States.
Tips in photography
The aircraft took off from runway 24 bound for Harrisburg (KMDT) in Pennsylvania. As the runway was wet, a photographer positioned at the threshold of runway 24 to observe the takeoff would have seen only water being lifted by the engines.
The thresholds of runways 06 and 29 were therefore an excellent choice. Runway 29 provided a nice side-on shot with no visual contaminants. Curiously, while many photography enthusiasts were massed near the thresholds of 06 and 24, I was alone near 29. This made it possible to get a shot from an original angle.
As the cargo plane was quite a distance from my position, I used a Canon 70-200mm f2.8L IS II USM telephoto lens. An acceptable shutter speed to avoid motion blur meant sacrificing depth of field.
The full-frame sensor’s 50.6 megapixels then made it possible to crop the subject sufficiently without compromising photo quality.
Photography technique
A good photography session goes hand in hand with proper planning. Listen to ground frequency 121.9, control tower 118.65 and terminal 127.85 to improve your chances of success.
A cell phone allows you to use the Flightradar24 application (for scheduled arrivals and departures and current trajectories). Flightaware is also an excellent choice. The cell phone can also be used to find out if there are any road closures around the airport that would prevent us from getting to our desired destination. It also provides information on current weather conditions and forecasts. In Canada, the AWWS site is a mine of information for aviation enthusiasts.
Cessna 310R airborne from Isle of Man airport with MSFS
The crew got their hands on a Cessna 310R for the next stage of their round-the-world flight simulation. The virtual aircraft is manufactured by Blackbird Simulations and scores highly with users. Departure is from the Isle of Man Airport (EGNS), with Dublin as the destination. This will be the only stopover in the Republic of Ireland before proceeding on to London, UK.
Blackbird Simulations twin engine Cessna 310R is crossing the Irish Sea towards the Dublin airport (EIDW)
The good weather continues in this part of the world known for its rather cloudy conditions. Flying the Cessna 310R is a real pleasure. With its cruising speed of 188 knots, we reach Dublin quickly.
The left engine is considered critical in the event of engine failure. Vmc is 80 knots. Stall occurs immediately below this speed when only the right engine is running.
Car ferries on the Irish Sea with Microsoft Flight Simulator
The aircraft approaches the Republic of Ireland as it flies over two ships carrying cars.
The Blackbird Simulations Cessna 310R turns on final for the Dublin airport (EIDW)
Dublin airport (EIDW) is in sight. A last turn to runway 16 takes us onto long final. Winds are not a problem for the approach.
The virtual pilot extends the landing gear and flaps. Even though this is a flight simulation, you have to keep to the required speeds with flaps and gear, otherwise the flight will come to a halt.
Virtual Cessna 310R on short final for Dublin airport in flight simulation
The UK-registered aircraft arrives on short final after an uneventful flight.
Blackbird C310R taxiing at Dublin after arrival from Isle of Man
We make our way through the airport to the agreed disembarkation point. Along the route, we can observe several parked aircraft, including those of British Airways, WestJet and Aer Lingus.
FSLTL software works effectively to furnish most airports with virtual aircraft.
Blackbird Simulations Cessna C310R on the ground at Dublin with MSFS 2020
At last, a passenger who had the idea of getting a yellow suitcase instead of the eternal black ones that everyone confuses on luggage straps.
Dublin in the evening with Microsoft Flight Simulator
A flight with the virtual drone gives an idea of Dublin illuminated just before nightfall. This is the version offered by Microsoft’s MSFS 2020 flight simulator. The light is superb.
The next leg of our round-the-world trip will soon take us from Dublin to London City Airport (EGLC) in a Black Square Beechcraft B60 Duke.
A “Giant prickly stick insect” is on my hand at the Montreal insectarium.
What a wonderful experience this week at the Montreal Insectarium! While we were visiting one of the pavilions, an attendant offered to hold a Extatosoma tiaratum, also known as tiara snail, scorpion stick or Australian walking stick.
The insect gets its scorpion-like reputation from the fact that it curls its tail in the same way as a scorpion when it feels in danger. But it doesn’t sting. You can then put your hand upside down and it will grab you effortlessly. This is its natural position under a branch.
As someone who rarely carries his cell phone around with me, I was delighted to have the opportunity to take a photo of him that day!
Part of the insect collection at the Montreal insectarium.
The diversity of shapes and colours of insects in the environment is astounding. Nature never ceases to amaze.
Superb specimens at the Montreal insectarium.
In addition to the central pavilion, home to a large number of colourful insects, visitors can also take a stroll through the butterfly aviary. The butterflies wander around the visitors, but it is forbidden to touch them.
Among Quebec’s tourist attractions, the Montreal insectarium is well worth a visit.
Click on the link for more articles and photos on the environment in my blog.
Stage 18 of the round-the-world flight simulation takes place between Donegal Airport (EIDL) and Isle of Man Airport (EGNS), also known as Douglas Ronaldsway. This island is renowned as a tax haven and for its online gaming. It has a more “advantageous” financial regime than the UK. Its role also came to light in the “Paradise Papers”.
Since we fly over the Irish Sea in a single-engine aircraft, the Nardi FN-333 is an excellent choice in the event of engine failure. What’s more, it offers an attractive range (490 nmi) and a respectable cruising speed (143 knots at 8,000 feet).
Virtual Nardi FN-333 Riviera at the Donegal (EIDL) with MSFS
Capable of an ascent of 1280 feet/minute, it flies smoothly over the terrain after taking off from Donegal.
Virtual Nardi FN-333 Riviera airborne from the Donegal airport (EIDL) in the Republic of Ireland with MSFS
To the left of the flight path is Northern Ireland’s Strangford and Lecale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, https://strangfordlough.org/ a tourist attraction rated 4.8/5 by Google users.
Nardi FN-333 Riviera flying by the Strangford and Lecale area of outstanding natural beauty in Northern Ireland with MSFS
Once over the Irish Sea, you can see the first container ship, which will be followed by many other vessels with a variety of functions (Irish Ferries, car carriers, tankers, LNG carriers, etc.).
Nardi FN-333 Riviera overflying a container ship in the Irish Sea with Microsoft Flight Simulator
At the end of the day, the Isle of Man becomes visible. It’s always nice to arrive before dark when landing for the first time at an unfamiliar airport. This allows the pilot to get a good look at the surroundings.
Nardi FN-333 Riviera on final for the Isle of Man airport with MSFS
The sun illuminates the cockpit in a very realistic way with the new flight simulators. In the past, shadows didn’t move in the cockpit.
Isle of Man in sight in the evening with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020
Very close to the Isle of Man Airport (EGNS) is a huge building, King William’s College. It offers private education to young people between the ages of 3 and 18. I wonder if the staff have ever had a scare because of a missed approach by one of the many aircraft that land on the island every day. After all, there is no shortage of accidents.
King William’s College near the Isle of Man airport with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020
Fortunately, the landing did not frighten the students at the nearby college.
The Nardi FN-333 Riviera just landed at the Isle of Man (EGNS) airport in the evening.
A few days’ stopover will be necessary before embarking on the rest of the trip. We’ll then reach the Republic of Ireland, landing at Dublin airport (EIDW) with the MSFS 2020 flight simulator and the Cessna 310R from Blackbird Simulations.
A pedestrian takes a break in Old Quebec, with the Price building in the background.
A pedestrian rests in the evening in the shadow of the Price building in Old Quebec. Many residents and tourists alike appreciate the safety of the Old Town. Accompanied or unaccompanied, even the elderly feel at ease here late in the evening.
The Price building is the only skyscraper allowed in Old Quebec. During my photography sessions in this area, I enjoy finding different vantage points and special lighting to feature this unique building. At the time I captured the scene, there was still a bit of blue in the sky. This color blends delicately with the surrounding orange-yellow.
