Republic of Ireland - Photography, aviation and flight simulation

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.

The flight simulation world tour continues with a Britten Norman BN2A Trislander MK III. The initial version of the aircraft is not particularly reliable. There have been engine failures, fatigue cracks in the structure, cowlings opening unexpectedly, etc. Nevertheless, we’re going to try our luck with this aircraft today.

The sandy runway at Barra beach (EGPR) is perfect for a take-off with the BN2A. Today, we plan to fly to Donegal Airport (EIDL) in the Republic of Ireland.

BN2A Trislander airborne from the Barra beach airfield with MSFS

With a three-engine aircraft, pilots don’t take into account the distance to shore in case of engine failure. But if we were flying a single-engine aircraft, we’d have to head for Tiree Island at the highest possible altitude, then turn off towards Donegal.

Virtual BN2A Trislander MK III enroute to Donegal airport (EIDL) in the Republic of Ireland with MSFS

In all realistic virtual flights, a program injects weather data received from airports via the Internet directly into the flight simulator.

For the past few days, the weather in Ireland and Scotland has been nothing but fine. I was expecting rain and low clouds, but it’s been just the opposite.

So, for the time being, the fine weather is making it easier to plan flights over a very large area. Below you can see the rockier landscape around Donegal airport.

BN2A Trislander descending towards Donegal in Republic of Ireland with MSFS

The Trislander is now on final for runway 21 at Donegal. Light winds make the approach easy. No part of the aircraft has been lost on the way!

The Britten Norman Trislander is on final for Donegal airport (EIDL) in flight simulation

The airport staff have already brought out the suitcases for the next flight. Way too much luggage! They must have mistaken the Trislander for a Boeing 737. Aviation rules are strict. I don’t know if the passengers bring back too much shells or beer bottles with them, but some of the suitcases won’t be leaving today!

BN2A arrived at Donegal (EIDL) with Microsoft Flight Simulator

In the evening, a virtual drone flies over the area to observe the cliffs and numerous wind turbines.

Virtual landscape around the Donegal region in the Republic of Ireland with MSFS 2020 flight simulator.

Virtual scenery in the evening in the Donegal region of the Republic of Ireland with MSFS 2020.

Leg 18 of the world tour will take place between Donegal Airport and the Isle of Man, using a Nardi FN-333 Riviera and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020.

Click on the link for more flight simulator flights around the world on my blog.