EIDW - Photography, aviation and flight simulation

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.

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.