Tag: around the world in flight simulation

Explore the Planet in Flight Simulation (22)

Post author By Stanley
Post date 7 November 2025
No Comments on Explore the Planet in Flight Simulation (22)

KLM MD-11 airborne from Rotterdam The Hague virtual airport in Microsoft Flight Simulation

After Holland, France is stage 22 of the flight simulation tour of the world. The first airport of interest will be Paris-Le Bourget (LFPB), more specifically the Musée de l’Air et de l’Espace du Bourget. Since this is a historical visit, we choose the aircraft accordingly.

So, departing from Rotterdam, passengers board an MD-11 in KLM colors. The last flight of KLM’s MD-11 passenger aircraft in the real world took place in 2014, departing from Montreal to Amsterdam.

Today, several MD-11s are still flying, but only in cargo versions. Airlines are progressively replacing them by more modern aircrafts.

TFDI produced this high-quality virtual aircraft. An updated version has further improved the aircraft. It can be seen below flying at 13,000 feet.

A KLM MD-11 climbs for FL210 towards Paris-Le Bourget (LFPB) with MSFS

Below, the MD-11 reaches flight level FL210. The virtual weather based on METAR reports from Rotterdam and Paris indicates no serious problems for the approach and landing.

Virtual TFDI KLM MD-11 about to reach FL210 enroute to (LFPB) Paris Le Bourget airport

For this flight, the MD-11 is carrying only about 100 passengers. The runway at Le Bourget offers plenty of room for maneuvering when landing such an aircraft. Thirty-five degrees of flaps will therefore be sufficient for the final approach to runway 25.

The approach axis is unusual in that it is offset by 26 degrees from the center of the runway. As Jean-Pierre Otelli so aptly puts it in his book, ” Piloter en sécurité ” : “If the localizer were in line with the runway, the final approaches at Le Bourget would pass 1,000 feet above Terminal 1 at Roissy” […]. Aircraft landing on 25 must make a final 26-degree turn after following the localizer.”

Le Bourget is not the only airport where a serious turn is necessary on final approach. We obviously remember the Hong Kong Checker Board Approach for runway 13 at the former Kai Tak Airport in Hong Kong. At that airport, the final turn was not 26 degrees, but 47 degrees.

Finally, we can also mention Ronald Reagan Airport, where the approach for runway 19 requires a final turn of 36 degrees to avoid the area surrounding the White House.

KLM MD-11 on final for the virtual airport Paris Le Bourget (LFPB) with Microsoft Flight Simulator

The MD-11 taxis down the runway after a smooth landing. After switching off the autopilot for the final approach, an alarm sounds in the cockpit. Even after the plane has touched down, no matter what I do to silence the alarm, nothing works. I still have several hours of study ahead of me to master this aircraft.

Virtual KLM MD-11 taxiing on rwy 27 Paris Le Bourget airport after landing with MSFS

The MD-11 taxis to a makeshift parking area near the museum after crossing the disused runway.

A KLM MD-11 de KLM arrives at the Paris Le Bourget (LFPB) airport with Microsoft Flight Simulator

Le Musée de l’Air et de l’Espace du Bourget (The Air and Space Museum in Le Bourget).

Virtual Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace du Bourget with Microsoft Flight Simulator MSFS — Virtual Musée de l’Air et de l’Espace du Bourget with Microsoft Flight Simulator MSFS

The next stage of our flight around the world with Microsoft Flight Simulator will also take place in France. The current weather conditions will once again dictate the choice of aircraft and destination.

Click on the link for photos and previous flights around the world in flight simulation on my blog.

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.

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

Flight Simulation

Explore the planet in flight simulation (14)

Post author By Stanley
Post date 29 March 2025

H160 ready for take-off from the ENXB Eldfisk B oil platform for Edinburgh, Scotland, with MSFS

Take-off for stage 14 of this flight simulation exploration of the planet takes place in the early hours of the morning, with good winds. Fortunately, take-offs require much less work than landings.

Airbus helicopter H160 airborne from the ENXB Eldfisk B oil platform heading to Edinburgh, Scotland

The Airbus H160 Luxury virtual helicopter leaves the ENXB Eldfisk B oil platform for the Palace of Holyrood in Scotland. The flight then continues to Edinburgh Castle, and ends with a landing in Dundee (EGPN).

Virtual H160 landed at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Scotland with MSFS

We received permission to land in the inner courtyard of the Palace of Holyrood to drop off a dignitary visiting King Charles III. Virtual flights make it easy to obtain all kinds of authorizations!

Airbus H160 helicopter by the Edinburgh Castle in Scotland with Microsoft Flight Simulator MSFS

One of the passengers organized a detour to Edinburgh Castle to take a few pictures. A structure well protected by its location on a rocky massif! The helicopter then returned to Dundee Airport (EGPN).

Enroute for Dundee (EGPN) in Scotland with MSFS

Scotland’s splendid landscape features many valleys and fields in magnificent shades of green and yellow.

Route towards Dundee (EGPN) in Scotland in flight simulation

The VFR approach to Dundee is carried out in good weather.

Approaching the Dundee airport (EGPN) in Scotland with an Airbus H160 helicopter and MSFS

With just one more river to cross, we’ve arrived in Dundee.

Helicopter H160 Luxury landed at Dundee virtual airport (EGPN) with MSFS

Finally at destination! Flying this helicopter and landing it on oil rigs has been a very stimulating experience (flights 11, 12, 13 and 14). But now it’s time for a change of aircraft.

The next step is a demanding virtual flight. The destination known as Out Skerries EG78 is an aerodrome with a short 1,200-foot runway. It is located in the Shetland Islands, north of Scotland. To spice things up, the crew will be flying a light twin-engine rather than a single-engine aircraft.

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

Tags Airbus H160 Luxury, around the world in flight simulation, Dundee airport, Edimburg, EGPN, ENXB Eldfisk B, explore the planet, flight simulation, helicopter, Holyrood Palace, MSFS, oil platforms, Scotland, virtual flights

Flight Simulation

Explore the Planet in Flight Simulation (13)

Post author By Stanley
Post date 14 March 2025

Airbus H160 helicopter airborne from the EHFD F3-FB-1A in the North Sea with MSFS

Stage 13 of the round-the-world flight simulator tour takes place with the Airbus H160 Luxury helicopter. I’m still using Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS).

Internet injects real weather data for the trip between two oil platforms located in the North Sea. The helicopter then takes off from EHFD F3-FB-1A, a helipad in the Netherlands.

Everyone head to Norway on this flight, on an installation known as ENXB Eldfisk B. Scotland’s FIR (Flight Information Region) provides the SAR (Search and Rescue) service for the area.

H160 helicopter enroute to the ENXB Eldfisk B oil platform with MSFS

Around 90 nm separates the two facilities. Atmospheric conditions are deteriorating in places, but this is hardly surprising in the North Sea.

Virtual low clouds over the North Sea seen from a H160 helicopter in flight simulation

During this virtual flight, we come across other oil and gas platforms. Aerosoft Offshore Landmarks virtual scenery allows a better immersion. One of the installations is shown below. But the digital scene also adds fishing vessels, tankers and cargo ships. In short, everything normally found in the North Sea, English Channel and Irish Sea.

One of the oil platform in the North Sea with Microsoft Flight Simulator

The approach to the helipad begins with strong winds, complicating the landing procedure. Gusty winds and the pilot’s relative inexperience make maneuvering tricky. The crew labors for twenty minutes to land the Airbus H160 helicopter safely.

H160 helicopter on final approach for the oil platform ENXB Eldfisk B in Norway in MSFS

A look at the windsock in the photo below gives a good idea of the weather conditions. What’s more, the wind direction constantly pushes the helicopter towards the facilities. In the end, however, the landing goes smoothly.

Nevertheless, the multiple approach attempts shake the passengers’ composure. One person decides to change career and will now work in an office on land.

Strong winds for a virtual landing with a H160 helicopter on the ENXB Eldfisk B oil platform in Norway

The ENXB Eldfisk B oil platform in Norway but in the Scottish FIR under MSFS Microsoft Flight Simulator

Stage 14 of the simulated exploration of the planet will take place between ENXB Eldfisk B and Scotland, via the city of Edinburgh and Dundee Airport (EGPN).

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

Tags Airbus H160 Luxury, around the world in flight simulation, challenging virtual flights, difficult landing, EHFD F3-FB-1A, ENXB Eldfisk B, explore the planet, flight simulation, flight simulator, Holland, Microsoft Flight Simulator, MSFS, North Sea, Norway, oil platforms, Scotland

Flight Simulation

Explore the Planet in Flight Simulation (12)

Post author By Stanley
Post date 7 March 2025

Airbus H160 helicopter leaving Helgoland (EDHX) for an oil platform in the North Sea

This twelfth leg of the round-the-world flight simulation trip features a precision landing. Indeed, there is a stopover on an oil platform in the North Sea. The code name of this facility in the Netherlands is EHFD F3-FB-1A. As usual, we’re using the MSFS flight simulator.

Airbus virtual H160 helicopter in flight towars the EHFD F3-FB-1A oil platform in flight simulation.

We are airborne in the evening from the island of Düne, in Germany. We shall reach the oil platform around dusk.

Virtual H160 helicopter approaching a wind farm in the North Sea with MSFS.

The photo above shows a wind farm straight ahead in the North Sea. In the event of a ditching, the H160 helicopter is equipped with floats that can be activated by the captain.

The night approaches as the H160 approaches the oil platform in MSFS

The virtual flight takes place in real weather conditions. As the day draws to a close, the sky takes on superb hues.

A few minutes later, the rig becomes visible.

Very windy for an H160 landing at EHFD F3-FB-1A oil platform in the North Sea with MSFS

Generally, the winds remain at a fairly high speed for the approach to the helipad. In addition, the crane constantly moves from left to right not too far from the landing zone. As a result, the helicopter needs to be in the appropriate place. Moreover, turbulence near the building complicates manoeuvres. Therefore, two approaches become necessary before landing safely.

H160 helicopter landed on the EHFD F3-FB-1A oil platform in flight simulation

The helicopter will finally spend the night on the platform. Crew and passengers will certainly enjoy a well-deserved rest. Tomorrow, our mandate is to make the connection to a second drilling rig. This one is located further north, in the territory of Norway. For flight simulation fans who’d like to try it out, the code name is ENXB Eldfisk B.

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

Tags around the world in flight simulation, EHFD F3-FB-1A, explore the planet, flight simulation, flight simulator, Germany, H160, helicopter, hélipad, MSFS, night flight, Norway, oil platform, virtual flights

Flight Simulation

Explore the planet with MSFS flight simulator (11)

Post author By Stanley
Post date 21 February 2025

For this eleventh leg of the flight simulation world tour, we depart from Padderborn Lippstadt Airport (EDLP) for Helgoland, Germany.

As our sponsor has an unlimited budget, we’ll be flying in an Airbus H160 Luxury helicopter. En route to the destination, we’ll be stopping off at Bremen airport (EDDW).

Airbus H160 helicopter over Bremen airport in MSFS 2020

For aviation buffs, the route from Bremen reads: EDDW DCT DO DCT DW271 DCT DW285 DCT WSN DCT NDO DCT EDXH (Helgoland). I use the following software: Navigraph, Simbrief, FSLTL and the MSFS 2020 flight simulator. The flight is carried out in real weather (injected via the Internet).

After take-off, we fly over some of Bremen’s industrial facilities.

H160 Airbus helicopter over Bremen industrial installation in MSFS2020

I have a co-pilot to help me with the job when I’m taking photos. I can’t say she’s very chatty, but the main thing is to get to the airport safely.

View from the cockpit in the Airbus H160 helicopter

As we approach the North Sea, the coastline is briefly laden with low cloud and visibility diminishes. A few raindrops fall, while a double rainbow forms and a little turbulence is felt.

Precipitation isn’t really a problem, as it doesn’t last long. But with an outside temperature of -5 C, we have to watch out for icing.

Rainbow and updrafts before reaching the North Sea from Bremen in flight simulation

The weather returns to VFR and we head out over the water towards Helgoland.

Airbus H160 Luxury helicopter over Germany heading to Helgoland aiport

Helgoland has changed ownership many times over the decades, as a result of armed conflicts. The site has belonged to Great Britain, Denmark and is now part of Germany. It was a strategic military site whose installations were dynamited (and solidly!) by the British at the end of the Second World War.

H160 helicopter arriving to Helgoland in flight simulation

We look out over the cliffs of Helgoland before heading for the destination of our trip, the small island of Düne, in the background in the photo below.

The cliffs of Lummenfelsen at Helgoland, Germany, in flight simulation

Although not sporty, the landing requires a few precautions due to gusts of 23 knots. On landing, the aircraft floats for a few seconds, behaving like a boat on rough water. But in the end, all goes well.

Landing of a virtual Airbus H160 at Helgoland, Germany with MSFS

The next virtual flight will be to an oil platform located in Denmark in the North Sea. For those who’d like to try the landing, the code name is EHFD F3-FB-1A.

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

Flight Simulation

Around the world in flight simulation (10).

Post author By Stanley
Post date 22 November 2024
4 Comments on Around the world in flight simulation (10).

Leg 10 of this round-the-world flight simulation trip takes place between Poland and Germany. Two very different aircraft will be used to complete the journey during this day of VFR flying: an old Junkers Ju 52/3m and a modern business helicopter, the Airbus H160.

Junkers JU 52 airborne from the Lublin airport (EPLB) in Poland.

Departure is from Lublin airport (EPLB) in Poland. The Junkers Ju 52/3m takes off without a hitch over a short distance. The big three-engine tailwheel is as predictable as the Cessna C-170B I used in real life to cross Canada in 1981. Above, one can see the cultivated fields of Poland.

Junkers JU 52 and the Moritzburg Castle in Germany in flight simulation

It’s shaping up to be a beautiful morning, weather-wise. The first leg of the trip takes us over Moritzburg Castle (Schloss Moritzburg), northwest of Dresden. Built in 1542, it was originally the hunting lodge of the Duke of Saxony.

Junkers JU 52 enroute to the Landesmuseum für Vorgeschichte Halle in Germany

On the way to Halle is a large wind farm. Germany, like Europe, is rapidly developing its green energy. Russia’s recent attitude to Europe’s natural gas supply has drastically changed energy planning in neighboring countries.

A Junkers JU 52 flying over the State Museum of Prehistory Halle in Germany in flight simulation

Above, in the center of the photo, is a partial view of the National Museum of Prehistory in Halle (Landesmuseum für Vorgeschichte Halle), not far from Leipzig. It is one of Central Europe’s leading archaeological museums.

Fly-by of the Kyffhaüser-Denkmal in Germany by a Junkers Ju 52 in flight simulation

Before reaching Calden airport to change aircraft, we gaze at the Kyffhaüser monument (Kyffhaüser Denkmal). Once in Calden, we jump into a modern Airbus-built H160 helicopter and head for Göttingen, more precisely over the Münchhausenstrasse.

We’ve obtained permission to fly over this thoroughfare at very low altitude, just long enough to say hello to an old acquaintance. This dubious authorization will probably cost Germany’s Minister of Transport his job.

Streets of Göttingen, Germany, in flight simulation

A flyover of this Göttingen street is necessary to verify the extent of the traffic.

Helicopter descending on Münchhausenstrasse, Göttingen, Germany, in flight simulation.

The descent is gradual between the buildings. We hover just above the cars. Pedestrians seem to wave at us, but we may misinterpret the gesture. Our friend is at the window and takes the time to stop his reading of an excellent comic strip to wave at us. We then continue on our way to Padderborn Lippstadt Airport (EDLP), our destination for today.

Helicopter H160 landing at the Padderborn Lippstadt (EDLP) in Germany in flight simulation.

Still, there’s a fair amount of activity at the airport. Immediately after landing, we’ll start planning leg 11 of this round-the-world flight simulation and real weather trip.

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

Flight Simulation

Around the world in flight simulation (9)

Post author By Stanley
Post date 18 October 2024

The Antonov 225 taking-off from the Antonov airport (UKKM) in Ukraine heading to Sochi, Russia.

Today, the Antonov 225 is reborn for another leg of this world tour of flight simulation. In reality, this aircraft was destroyed by Russia during its invasion of Ukraine. At the time of writing, war is still raging between the two nations. But in virtual mode, we have more latitude to alter the course of events and simulate peace.

So, we leave Ukraine’s Antonov airport (UKKM), fly over Crimea and then stop off in Sochi, Russia (airport code USSR). Our destination is Lublin airport (EPLB) in Poland.

The weather is looking good, with clear skies for the arrival in Sochi. The scenery around Sochi is splendid, and it’s best to land in good weather.

Take-off is a breeze, but the Antonov 225’s heaviness takes some getting used to. The weight of the aircraft means that every time the pilot makes a maneuver with the flight controls, initially nothing happens. Then, the aircraft slowly begins to obey. So, you have to expect delays and anticipate the outcome of maneuvers.

Navigraph is used for navigation. Of course, I plan to deviate from the initial route to fly over Crimea and then on to Sochi.

The pink triangle indicates the position of the Antonov 225 entering Crimea on its flight to Sochi in Russia and then Poland.

Below, the ploughed fields of the Ukraine. Ukraine is considered the breadbasket of the world.

The Antonov 225 over the cultivated fields of Ukraine.

Crimea is a beautiful region from the air, but fiercely contested on the ground. A pilot would say that today, it’s more turbulent down there than up.

The Antonov 225 entering Crimea on its flight to Russia then Poland

A few minutes later, the flight over the Sea of Azov begins in the direction of Sochi.

The approach is spectacular, with the surrounding mountains. As with all large aircraft, the Antonov has to be stabilized well in advance to avoid overcorrecting on final.

Antonov 225 on long final for runway 06 in Sochi (USSR), Russia.

The cargo plane stops in an extremely short distance for such a heavy aircraft. When the thrust is reversed on six engines, there’s no need to set the brakes to maximum, especially in Sochi. We make a short stopover.

Antonov 225 parked for a short stopover at Sochi (USSR), Russia.

Just after our arrival, a Russian Sukhoi 27 military jet makes a low pass near the tower. The fighter jet was created at the time in response to the construction of the American F-15.

A Sukhoi Su-27 makes a low pass at the Sochi Airport (USSR), Russia.

The flight resumes in the late afternoon. Below, the Antonov 225 is on final approach to runway 25 at Lublin airport in Poland.

Antonov 225 on final for rwy 25 at Lublin airport, Poland

The thrust reversers allow the aircraft to exit onto the taxiway in the middle of the runway.

Antonov 225 with thrust reversers after landing at Lublin (EPLB) airport in Poland.

We get a little help with parking.

Antonov 225 with some help for the parking at Lublin airport, Poland

The next stage of this round-the-world flight simulation will be with a smaller aircraft, heading for Germany. A flight over Göttingen is planned with a helicopter (D-JORG). The trip will end at Paderborn Lippstadt Airport (EDLP).

Click on the link to read more about this round-the-world flight simulation on my blog.

Flight Simulation

Around the world in flight simulation (7).

Post author By Stanley
Post date 11 July 2024

A surprise awaits us as we depart from the Sandane airport (ENSD) for Sweden, Stockholm-Bromma airport (ESSB).

Drone on the ground at Sandane airport (ENSD) in Norway.

A Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk drone is at the airport. This long-range surveillance aircraft has an autonomy of around 35 hours and a range of 22779 kilometers. It flies at altitudes of up to 60,000 feet (18288 meters). Its maximum speed is 635 km/h, and each hour of operation costs $24,000.

Beech 350I airborne from the Sandane Airport (ENSD) heading to Stockholm-Broma airport (ESSB)

Today, we’re repositioning a twin-engine Beechcraft King Air 350I that hasn’t flown in ages. The usual checks have been carried out to ensure that no birds have nested under the engine cowling. We also checked that there was no condensation water at the bottom of the fuel tanks. Finally, we ran the engines for a long time on the ground. The aircraft takes off from Sandane for a planned altitude of 18,000 feet.

Over Norway snowcapped mountains heading to Sweden in flight simulation.

We fly over the mountains of Norway towards Sweden. Everything goes according to plan.

Navigraph chart showing a flight from Sandane (ENSD) to Stockholm-Bromma (ESSB)

The Navigraph map shows the planned route between the two countries.

Engine failure on a twin engine aircraft with Microsoft Flight Simulator.

Suddenly, the left engine experiences problems. It stops and the propeller feathers to minimize drag. Since we’re approaching the runway at Stockholm-Bromma airport, we choose to continue on our way, as we benefit from a large airstrip and emergency response services. Now unsure about the reliability of the second engine, we keep a slightly higher altitude than a normal approach would generally dictate.

Double engine failure on a twin engine with Microsoft Flight Simulator.

A few minutes later, the second engine stops. The plane becomes a large glider. The clouds prevent a good view of the surrounding area, but we feel our altitude is sufficient to attempt an approach to the airport when the runway is in sight.

On final for Stockholm-Bromma airport with a double engine failure

The flaps and landing gear will only be extended once we’re established on final and the aircraft is stabilized and certain of reaching the runway. Microsoft’s flight simulator doesn’t allow us to do just anything with an aircraft. If we exceed the aircraft’s structural capabilities when attempting to reach the airport, the flight will stop immediately.

On the ground at Stockholm-Bromma with a double engine failure on a Beechcraft 350I in flight simulation.

The final approach and taxiing caused no problems. The aircraft gradually slows down until it comes to a complete stop on the runway. The poor air traffic controllers now have to apply Plan B to reorganize air traffic around the airport, with the main runway temporarily blocked.

Beechcraft maintenance hangar at the Stockholm-Bromma virtual airport

Fortunately, Beechcraft offers maintenance services at Stockholm-Bromma airport. So, we’ll leave the aircraft for major repairs and find something faster for the next flight to Ukraine. Why not an F-14 Tomcat? It is not in military service anymore and thus its presence in the air should not worry too much.

P.S. This story is based on a real even that happened in Quebec several years ago. An acquaintance of mine (Paul B.) was scheduled to fly from the Val-d’Or airport (CYVO) to Rouyn-Noranda (CYUY) in a light twin-engine aircraft that hadn’t flown in a long time. Halfway between CYVO and CYUY, the first engine failed. The pilot decided to continue. With the runway in sight in the distance, the second engine stopped. The pilot hovered the aircraft and managed to land on route 117, just behind a large truck which accelerated to give way to the aircraft he could see descending in his rear-view mirror. The aircraft landed safely and without damages!

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