Photography, aviation and flight simulation - Photography, aviation and flight simulation

Aviation photography: The Fantastic Snowbirds visit Quebec City.

Post author By Stanley
Post date 10 July 2025
2 Comments on Aviation photography: The Fantastic Snowbirds visit Quebec City.

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.

Click on the link for more aviation-related photos on my blog.

Tags aviation photography, Canada Day, Canadian flag, Canon 70-200 mm f2.8L IS II USM, Château Frontenac, Dufferin Terrace, formation flight, full frame camera, military jet, photography technique, Quebec City, Quebec's national holiday, shutter speed, Snowbirds

Flight Simulation

Explore the world in flight simulation (20)

Post author By Stanley
Post date 4 July 2025

After a “visit” of Dublin’s bars and museums, we begin leg 20 of the round-the-world flight simulation tour. The crew uses a piston-powered Beechcraft B60 Duke for the flight from Dublin Airport (EIDW) to London City Airport (EGLC).

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

Click on the link for previous flights around the planet in flight simulation on my blog.

Aviation photography

Photography and aviation: the Antonov An 124-100M in Quebec City.

Post author By Stanley
Post date 27 June 2025

Antonov An 124-100M on the ground at the Québec Jean-Lesage international airport (CYQB)

We were treated to a pleasant surprise this week at Quebec City’s Jean Lesage International Airport (CYQB). An Antonov An 124-100M cargo plane scheduled to land in Montreal had to change its destination. The reason was the Montreal Formula 1 Grand Prix.

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.

Click on the link for more aircraft photos and technical advices on my blog.

Flight Simulation

Explore the world in flight simulation (19)

Post author By Stanley
Post date 20 June 2025

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.

In the evening, we go out in the Temple Bar area without exaggerating the number of drinks. Tomorrow, we’ll be sure to visit the Guinness Storehouse, the Jameson distillery and the Emigration Museum.

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.

Click on the link for previous legs of this flight simulation world tour on my blog.

Environment

The Scorpion Stick Insect at the Montreal Insectarium.

Post author By Stanley
Post date 16 June 2025

A "Giant prickly stick insect" is on my hand at the Montreal insectarium. — 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.

Tags environment, insect, insectarium, Montréal, nature., photos, Québec, scorpion stick, tiara snail, tourist attraction

Flight Simulation

Explore the Planet in Flight Simulation (18)

Post author By Stanley
Post date 6 June 2025

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 — 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.

Click on the link to read more about the exploration of the planet in flight simulation on my blog.

Tags Blackbird Simulations, Donegal, EGNS, EIDL, engine failure, exploration of the planet, flight simulation, flight simulator, Irish Sea, îsle of Man airport, Microsoft Flight Simulator, Nardi FN-333, Northern Ireland, Paradise Papers, round-the-world, tax haven, United Kingdom

Photos of Quebec

A pedestrian takes a break in Old Quebec.

Post author By Stanley
Post date 30 May 2025

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.

Click on the link for more Quebec photos in my blog.

Tags night photography, Old Quebec, photos, Price Building, Quebec City, safety

Flight Simulation

Explore the Planet in Flight Simulation MSFS (17)

Post author By Stanley
Post date 23 May 2025

The flight simulation world tour continues with a Britten Norman BN2A Trislander MK III. The initial version of the aircraft is not particularly reliable. There have been engine failures, fatigue cracks in the structure, cowlings opening unexpectedly, etc. Nevertheless, we’re going to try our luck with this aircraft today.

The sandy runway at Barra beach (EGPR) is perfect for a take-off with the BN2A. Today, we plan to fly to Donegal Airport (EIDL) in the Republic of Ireland.

BN2A Trislander airborne from the Barra beach airfield with MSFS

With a three-engine aircraft, pilots don’t take into account the distance to shore in case of engine failure. But if we were flying a single-engine aircraft, we’d have to head for Tiree Island at the highest possible altitude, then turn off towards Donegal.

Virtual BN2A Trislander MK III enroute to Donegal airport (EIDL) in the Republic of Ireland with MSFS

In all realistic virtual flights, a program injects weather data received from airports via the Internet directly into the flight simulator.

For the past few days, the weather in Ireland and Scotland has been nothing but fine. I was expecting rain and low clouds, but it’s been just the opposite.

So, for the time being, the fine weather is making it easier to plan flights over a very large area. Below you can see the rockier landscape around Donegal airport.

BN2A Trislander descending towards Donegal in Republic of Ireland with MSFS

The Trislander is now on final for runway 21 at Donegal. Light winds make the approach easy. No part of the aircraft has been lost on the way!

The Britten Norman Trislander is on final for Donegal airport (EIDL) in flight simulation

The airport staff have already brought out the suitcases for the next flight. Way too much luggage! They must have mistaken the Trislander for a Boeing 737. Aviation rules are strict. I don’t know if the passengers bring back too much shells or beer bottles with them, but some of the suitcases won’t be leaving today!

BN2A arrived at Donegal (EIDL) with Microsoft Flight Simulator

In the evening, a virtual drone flies over the area to observe the cliffs and numerous wind turbines.

Virtual landscape around the Donegal region in the Republic of Ireland with MSFS 2020 flight simulator.

Virtual scenery in the evening in the Donegal region of the Republic of Ireland with MSFS 2020.

Leg 18 of the world tour will take place between Donegal Airport and the Isle of Man, using a Nardi FN-333 Riviera and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020.

Click on the link for more flight simulator flights around the world on my blog.

Tags around the world in flight simulation, aviation, Barra, Britten Norman BN2A Trislander MK III, Donegal airport, EGPR, EIDL, flight simulation, flight simulator, Microsoft Flight Simulator, photos, planet exploration, Republic of Ireland, sand runway, virtual weather

Environment

A creative solution for a problematic tree!

Post author By Stanley
Post date 16 May 2025

The photo above is a good example of appropriate human behavior and an original way of avoiding the eternal fence squabbles between neighbors.

Why argue about a tree that’s too close to the property line? Two Quebec City neighbors decided to work together and trim the fence to facilitate the growth of a tree that has been growing over the years.

It’s a minimal effort that preserves good relations between neighbors while taking care of the environment. Intelligence is the ability to adapt!

Click on the link for more articles on environment in my blog.

Tags environment, human behavior, intelligence, photos, Quebec City

Flight Simulation

Explore the planet in flight simulation (16)

Post author By Stanley
Post date 10 May 2025

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.