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).
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.
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!
The sixth leg of this world tour of flight simulation continues with a journey from the Molde (ENML) airport to the Sandane/Anda (ENSD) airport in southern Norway.
Ready for departure from Molde (ENML) virtual airport to Sandane (ENSD) airport.
The destination can’t accommodate a private jet like the Cessna Citation Longitude, as runway 08/26 is only 3182 feet long. A good old light twin-engine plane, repainted a hundred times over, will have to be rented for the trip, and we’ll just have to hope the engines hold out.
Enroute to the virtual Sandane airport (ENSD) in Norway with Microsoft Flight Simulator
The mountains of Norway come into view, and the ascent continues gradually to ensure that the highest peaks along the route pose no problems.
The navigraph tool for flight simulation and the VFR map from ENML to ENSD.
Above, a view of the aircraft’s instrument panel as it climbs, with a Navigraph map showing the route flown in visual flight. Virtual weather is integrated in real time whenever a new weather report is issued by a ground observation station around the world.
View of the Norwegian mountains from the pilot seat
Morning sun over the Norwegian mountains with Microsoft Flight Simulator.
Another sunrise view that brings Norway’s magnificent mountain landscape to life.
Approaching the Sandane virtual airport in flight simulation.
We are now almost at our destination. The plane is in left base for runway 08 at Sandane/Alda airport.
Turning final for runway 08 at Sandane (ENSD) virtual airport in Norway.
Over the still-frozen Innvikfjorden, the final turn is made to stabilize the aircraft on final runway 08. On short final, there’s a cliff just short of threshold 08, and a difference in runway height to take into account for the landing.
View of the Sandane (ENSD) virtual airport with Microsoft Flight Simulator.
Above, a view of the Sandane/Alda virtual airport (ENSD) using Microsoft Flight Simulator. There is no margin for error, as the two runway thresholds are bordered by a cliff and a stretch of water.
Help for parking is offered at the Sandane (ENSD) virtual airport in Norway.
Service at the airport is excellent. Two employees are waiting to help us park our aircraft.
Sandane is known for its magnificent panoramas, waterfalls, Briksdalsbreen glacier and horseback riding. The village is nestled inland from the Gloppe Fjord. If you’re traveling there in summer, you’ll need to be prepared for a fair amount of precipitation.
The next flight is from Sandane to Stockholm-Bromma in Sweden with a Beechcraft King Air 350I which has not flown for a long time. We’ll have to fly over the high mountains of the Jostedalsbreen Nasjonalpark before reaching our destination.
Airborne from the Ivalo virtual airport (EFIV) in northern Finland.
The fifth leg of this world tour in flight simulation continues with a journey from Ivalo airport (EFIV) in Finland to Molde airport (ENML) in southern Norway. It’s hard to see daylight through the cloud cover as we take off.
In anticipation of this and subsequent flights, I subscribed to Navigraph to make the experience even more immersive. The map below shows the choices for arrival procedures at Molde airport. In green are the reporting points for the arrival and in orange those for the approach. The aircraft follows these points automatically, thanks to the on-board computer.
Navigraph informations for the arrival in Molde (ENML)
I’m only just getting to grips with Navigraph and am still going through a trial-and-error process when it comes to using the data. But I’m making progress…
Heading towards the Molde (ENML) airport in Norway with MFS2020.
Once through the cloud layer, the aircraft finally reaches flight level FL380 (38,000 feet).
The runway at Molde airport is 2221 metres (7287 feet) long, and lies on the shore of Moldefjorden. It’s perfect for the Cessna Citation Longitude, but there are mountains on the approach.
Navigraph map superposed on the geography on approach for the Molde airport (ENML)
The data provided by Navigraph helps the pilot to use the correct altitude limits to maintain a safe height above the terrain at all times. You can also track the aircraft’s progress along the chosen route. Several types of maps are also available to help prepare take-offs and landings. When required, maps can be overlaid with the Navigraph system, while maintaining the aircraft’s planned route over the local geography.
Cessna Citation Longitude descending towards the Molde airport (ENML) airport in Norway in flight simulation.
We start the descent to Molde airport. The cloud cover is relatively thin and visibility is not a problem.
Descending for Molde airport (ENML) in Norway with Microsoft Flight Simulator.
The setting sun makes for beautiful scenes on the descent to Molde.
Approaching the virtual Molde airport (ENML) with the Cessna Citation Longitude
Once out of the clouds and in ideal weather, the autopilot is disconnected and the approach is made visually.
On final for runway 25 at the Molde virtual airport (ENML) in flight simulation.
Winds oriented almost in line with runway 25 facilitate the approach.
Exiting runway 25 at the Molde airport (ENML) in Norway.
The Cessna Citation leaves runway 25 and parks for a few days in Molde, a Norwegian town renowned for its beautiful mountains and numerous parks and rose gardens. This town was saved from famine in 1740 by the presence of herrings. The town’s coat of arms features a whale hunting herrings in a barrel as a reminder of this period. Thanks to its position along the fjords and the foehn effect, winters in Molde are relatively mild (and very mild compared to Canada).
Soon the sixth leg of the flight will take place, from Molde to Sandane (ENSD), a Norwegian airport surrounded by beautiful mountains.
The novel “Un monde au-delà des hommes” by Catherine Hermary-Vieille.
The novel ” Un monde au-delà des hommes” will be of particular interest to readers whose knowledge of early Antarctic expeditions is limited. If you don’t know whether Norway’s Roald Amundsen or Britain’s Robert Scott reached the South Pole in Antarctica first, don’t do the research before opening this book. You’ll find it much more interesting.
In the days of the great conquests of the planet’s uncharted territories, explorers risked their lives for the glory of their country. Here, Norway and Great Britain race to reach the South Pole first.
This historical novel runs to just 134 pages, allowing the author to concentrate on the essentials. She has divided the book into two parts. The first focuses on Amundsen, the second on Scott. The two men used very different methods to achieve their ends. At the beginning of the book, she includes a map showing the routes chosen by each team and the stopovers they agreed on.
Author Catherine Hermary-Vieille discusses the preparation of the journey, the strategic choices made regarding objectives, the obstacles encountered along the way, not to mention the mental attitude adopted by each explorer and the members of the expedition.
Back cover of the novel “Un monde au-delà des hommes” by Catherine Hermary-Vieille.
On this trip, one of the two expedition leaders will use sledge dogs as their main means of transport, while the other will try to make progress with mules. One will have only one objective in mind, the other will have several goals to achieve. One will behave as a flexible leader, the other will be more intransigent. The choices and attitude of each explorer will have a direct impact on the success of the expedition.
It’s worth noting that the two competitors don’t start their journey to Antarctica at the same time, so there’s an imbalance right from the start as to when they’ll arrive at the South Pole. But even so, once you know this, there’s still a frozen continent to cross, men to feed, crevasses to avoid and frostbite to treat. You also have to be able to come back alive.
A novel like this can be read in a day. We can forgive a few sketchy descriptions and even a small error like the one on page 19, where the name of the Inuit dog “Funcha” appears twice in the list. These distractions don’t detract from the intensity of the story. These are, after all, the stories of men who went to the very end of themselves for the glory of their country.
Today, we’re witnessing a similar race between countries to send humans to the planet Mars. Which country will get there first? And once it gets there, will it have the right to claim a planet for itself at the expense of Earth’s other humans?
Click on the link for more biography books on my blog.
The Dargaud publishing house has come up with the excellent idea of choosing some of Georges Simenon’s novels (excluding those in which Inspector Maigret takes centre stage), and converting them into comic books. They intend to use two scriptwriters in turn, as well as different illustrators, for each of the eight publications planned over the next few years.
The first of these publications is entitled “Le passager du Polarlys”. I wasn’t sure when I saw this new title in bookstores, but the name of Georges Simenon on the album convinced me to give it a try. And what a great reading experience it was. Everything is there: an interesting plot, very well-executed drawings, endearing characters and, above all, the sea with all its challenges, especially at the time when the novel was written.
We sail along the Norwegian coast, with its small villages and perilous access in heavy weather for a summarily equipped ship. The colours chosen also lend themselves well to the drama unfolding on the boat. In short, you finish reading and immediately want to pick up the story again. You won’t be disappointed.
