Donegal - Photography, aviation and flight simulation

Explore the Planet in Flight Simulation (18)

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.

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.