Simbrief - Photography, aviation and flight simulation

Today’s flight around the planet takes place between the virtual airports of London City (EGLC) in England and Rotterdam-The Hague (EHDR) in the Netherlands. The weather looks good, apart from a few large TCUs here and there along the route. The crew imports the Simbrief flight plan into Navigraph to facilitate navigation between the two countries.

Daher TBM930 airborne from the London City virtual airport (EGLC) in United Kingdom

For a fast and comfortable journey, we choose the high-performance Daher TBM930 in Canadian colors. Microsoft has truly designed a marvel of a virtual aircraft.

Virtual TBM930 over United Kingdom heading to the Rotterdam airport (EHDR), Netherlands

The operating ceiling is 31,000 feet and the maximum range of the TBM930 is around 1,730 nm. With a cruising speed of 330 knots, we cross the English Channel in no time. As you would expect, there is a lot of shipping traffic between the North Sea and the English Channel.

TBM930 turboprop aircraft over water and approaching Netherlands

We are now above the Netherlands. The programmed route reads as follows: EGLC runway 09 DEP ODUK1H ODUKU M84 TOVGU M84 CLN P44 RATLO M197 REDFA MASOS. We have selected the REDF3R arrival and the RNAV runway 24 approach.

Working Title Simulations Daher TBM930 over Netherlands approaching the Rotterdam virtual airport (EHDR) with Microsoft Flight Simulator

Below, the cockpit photo shows the interior of the TBM930 and the route followed for the approach. We are descending rapidly to reach the recommended altitude of 2,000 feet a little further on for arrival.

Cockpit of the Daher TBM930 as it approaches runway 24 for the Rotterdam (EHDR) in flight simulation MSFS

There are strong winds today and mechanical turbulence throughout the journey to Rotterdam.

TBM930 approaching rwy 24 for the Rotterdam virtual airport (EHDR) with Microsoft Flight Simulator MSFS

The autopilot keeps the single-engine turboprop slightly to the right of the centerline of runway 24 during the long final approach to counter strong crosswinds. The VNAV function does a very good job of maintaining the correct altitude during descent.

MSFS Daher TBM930 on final for rwy 24 Rotterdam airport in flight simulation

During the short final approach, we disconnect the autopilot. Surface winds are blowing at 320/14 knots. Moments later, we land the virtual aircraft without breaking anything. A short taxi brings us to a parking spot where staff are waiting for us.

Canadian Daher TBM930 arriving at the virtual Rotterdam The Hague airport (EHDR) with Microsoft Flight Simulator

Flying virtually with the TBM930 is a treat. It is one of the best virtual aircraft currently available on the market for use with the Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS) flight simulator. What’s more, virtual pilots don’t have to pay extra for this aircraft, as it comes with the MSFS software.

The next leg of this simulated flight around the world takes place between Rotterdam and Paris-Le Bourget Airport (LFPB) in France. Customers have chartered an old MD-11 in KLM colors for a historic flight to the Air and Space Museum in Le Bourget.

Click on the link for the previous stages of this flight simulation tour of the planet in my blog.

For this eleventh leg of the flight simulation world tour, we depart from Padderborn Lippstadt Airport (EDLP) for Helgoland, Germany.

As our sponsor has an unlimited budget, we’ll be flying in an Airbus H160 Luxury helicopter. En route to the destination, we’ll be stopping off at Bremen airport (EDDW).

Airbus H160 helicopter over Bremen airport in MSFS 2020

For aviation buffs, the route from Bremen reads: EDDW DCT DO DCT DW271 DCT DW285 DCT WSN DCT NDO DCT EDXH (Helgoland). I use the following software: Navigraph, Simbrief, FSLTL and the MSFS 2020 flight simulator. The flight is carried out in real weather (injected via the Internet).

After take-off, we fly over some of Bremen’s industrial facilities.

H160 Airbus helicopter over Bremen industrial installation in MSFS2020

I have a co-pilot to help me with the job when I’m taking photos. I can’t say she’s very chatty, but the main thing is to get to the airport safely.

View from the cockpit in the Airbus H160 helicopter

As we approach the North Sea, the coastline is briefly laden with low cloud and visibility diminishes. A few raindrops fall, while a double rainbow forms and a little turbulence is felt.

Precipitation isn’t really a problem, as it doesn’t last long. But with an outside temperature of -5 C, we have to watch out for icing.

Rainbow and updrafts before reaching the North Sea from Bremen in flight simulation

The weather returns to VFR and we head out over the water towards Helgoland.

Airbus H160 Luxury helicopter over Germany heading to Helgoland aiport

Helgoland has changed ownership many times over the decades, as a result of armed conflicts. The site has belonged to Great Britain, Denmark and is now part of Germany. It was a strategic military site whose installations were dynamited (and solidly!) by the British at the end of the Second World War.

H160 helicopter arriving to Helgoland in flight simulation

We look out over the cliffs of Helgoland before heading for the destination of our trip, the small island of Düne, in the background in the photo below.

The cliffs of Lummenfelsen at Helgoland, Germany, in flight simulation

Although not sporty, the landing requires a few precautions due to gusts of 23 knots. On landing, the aircraft floats for a few seconds, behaving like a boat on rough water. But in the end, all goes well.

Landing of a virtual Airbus H160 at Helgoland, Germany with MSFS

The next virtual flight will be to an oil platform located in Denmark in the North Sea. For those who’d like to try the landing, the code name is EHFD F3-FB-1A.

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