Barra - Photography, aviation and 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

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.

Explore the planet in flight simulation (15)

Through the videos on Youtube, I see that a runway called Out Skerries (EG78 or OUK) in the Shetland Islands attracts interest for its challenging landing. It is only 1195 feet long.

The tiny airstrip will therefore be the destination for leg #15 of our round-the-world flight simulation tour with the MSFS flight simulator.

To increase the fun, we choose a twin-engine aircraft, which is heavier and requires a longer breaking distance.

We take off from Dundee (EGPN) with a virtual Diamond DA-62 and arrive at dusk. It’s probably a bit tight for a short, unlit runway, but we’ll give it a go.

DA-62 aircraft taking off from Dundee airport, Scotland, with Microsoft Flight Simulator

The stall speed of the DA-62 in landing configuration is 68 knots, which will help us to succeed in our undertaking. We take a 018-degree northerly course to reach the islands from Dundee. Ground speed is around 155 knots for this 250 nautical mile journey.

Virtual DA-62 over Scotland enroute to the Shetland Islands

DA-62 aircraft near Fair Isle in the Shetland Islands with Microsoft Flight Simulator

We have to fly off Fair Isle on the way to our destination. I learn from some research that Fair Isle knitwear remains one of Shetland’s most famous products. I imagine that fish products are also very popular.

Flight trajectory towards Out Skerries (EG78) on the Shetland Islands, Scotland

Approaching Out Skerries (EG78) airport in Scotland with the DA62 virtual aircraft

Here we are, approaching Out Skerries. The absence of runway lights makes the operation tricky.

The surrounding hills block the pilot’s view at low altitude, and what is considered a landing strip is not visible until fairly late in the approach. There are no other aids to help locate the facilities.

The omnipresent winds complicate the task, as does the turn on approach. One of the runway thresholds ends in a cliff ready to receive ill-prepared aviators.

After landing at Out Skerries airport (EG78) with Microsoft Flight Simulator

We see the runway threshold at the last moment. Since the DA-62 weighs more than a single-engine model, the aircraft requires a longer braking distance.

Ground contact is harder than usual, but without bouncing. If there’s a bounce, the pilot has to climb back up and repeat the approach.

You really have to glue the aircraft to the ground at the runway threshold, immediately raise the flaps while pulling back on the stick to maximize braking efficiency. In real life, we’d add that braking must be performed without locking the wheels.

I classify this exercise as a challenging virtual flight.

Fishing boat around the Shetland Islands with Microsoft Flight Simulator

Once the flight is over, the crew visits the surroundings. Many fishing boats come and go around the islands.

Mussel farming around the Shetland islands in Scotland, with Microsoft Flight Simulator.

We can even see mussel farming facilities.

On our next flight, we head for Barra Airfield (EGPR). It’s located in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides and is the only airport in the world “where scheduled services land on a beach”. We’ll be sure to check the tide before take-off…

Click on the link for more stages of this flight simulation world tour on my blog.