Categories
Flight Simulation

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
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
Virtual DA-62 over Scotland enroute to the Shetland Islands
DA-62 aircraft near Fair Isle in the Shetland Islands with Microsoft Flight Simulator
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
Flight trajectory towards Out Skerries (EG78) on the Shetland Islands, Scotland
Approaching Out Skerries (EG78) airport in Scotland with the DA62 virtual aircraft
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
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
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.
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.

Categories
Flight Simulation

Explore the planet in flight simulation (14)

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