Our captain was the pilot flying and gently pulled forward the overhead throttle levers as we lined up onto the runway. So I booked a taxi that would pick me up at 08:15 at my hotel in the city centre of Glasgow. Twin Otter - Engine failure on take-off. The views at Traigh Eais are just fenomenal and the scenery is absolutely gorgeous. I told him that I was not a local on a journey from Glasgow to Barra (I’m pretty sure he knew that already, since he did not recognise me) but one of the many avgeeks flying to Barra for the fun of landing on the beach. With world records held for only scheduled beach service and the worlds shortest scheduled flight between Westray and Papa Westray. The remainder of the cruising part back to Glasgow was uneventful. Flight LM451 from Glasgow to Barra was scheduled for a 10:15 departure on Tuesday morning. Engine number two was started first, followed by engine number one. Flight LM451 from Glasgow to Barra was scheduled for a 10:15 departure on Tuesday morning. The flight crew however deemed that it was safe and no heavy turbulence was expected. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Our weather was superb with views of Mull, Coll and Tiree before a descent over Vatersay into Barra on the way out. Around 15:00 I arrived back in the terminal building of Glasgow Airport. Flights to Barra are operated from Glasgow. It was great to visit the island and a unique experience to land and takeoff at the beach. The availability of the 550 shp (410 kW) Pratt and Whitney Canada PT6A-20 propeller turbine engine in the early 1960s made the concept of a twin more feasible. We talked a bit more, and I took some more photos (including a selfie of me, posing next to a sign on the airport building, welcoming passengers to Barra Airport). The views at Traigh Eais are just fenomenal and the scenery is absolutely gorgeous. A Loganair plane has been converted into an additional air ambulance aircraft, following calls to extend airlifting capability in the isles in response to the coronavirus outbreak. I had booked seat 02A, but eventually took a seat in aisle seat 02B, as this one had better views of the flight deck. Hence, I also headed to the gents restroom. Airliners can still be painted with meaning, not just white or corporate emblems. We got access to the Lounge with Scottish treats like tablet, you must have missed out there. I had a few hours to spend at Barra so it would be a shame to just sit inside, especially since the weather was very good for the time of the year. Loganair will operate the routes with the new Twin Otter DHC6-400 aircraft, which entered service last month. After a one minute walk, the path being clearly indicated by ground markings and my walk being monitored by the Stobart Aviation Services agent, I arrived at the aircraft for today’s flight from Glasgow to Barra: Viking DHC-6-400 Twin Otter G-HIAL, operated by Loganair but painted in a Scottish Government livery. As a matter of fact, there are three runways on the beach, each one clearly marked by a wooden pole. Shortly after boarding we were welcomed by our First Officer, Richard. Hi Jim. By Barry Blaisdell, Jean-Pierre Brisard, Bob May, Kevin Pardy and Danny Crance - Premier Aircraft Design. Judges at the ERA awards praised Loganair for being “an exceptional regional airline, which has rebuilt its commercial infrastructure after the end of its franchise’ while implementing ‘a complete rebrand’ undertaken by a ‘young and inspirational CEO,” according to The Glasgow Evening Times. Once the engines were running smooth and stable at takeoff setting, the brakes were released and we quickly accelerated on RWY 05. So I booked a taxi that would pick me up at 08:15 at my hotel in the city centre of Glasgow. I asked him if I could take my seat on row 2, and as he did not see any reason not to sit on row 2, I took my seat. Bear in mind, the Twin Otter has no door between the passenger cabin and the cockpit, so aviation enthusiasts like me are able to follow the flight operations if they are able to get a seat in e.g. I had booked my flights from Brussels to Glasgow and vice versa and had made hotel reservations for a visit during last week of November. For some reason I was glad that my inbound flight had just four passenger, including me. Since the PSO route to Barra is operated from Glasgow, this would definitely allow for a day trip during my city trip. As I entered the airport, I checked the flight information screens and noticed that my morning flight to Barra would operate as scheduled. PSOs are basically an essential way to support certain Highlands and Islands air routes and to make sure they are commercially viable. For some reason, I started to look into the world’s shortest commercial flight, from Westray to Papa Westray in Scotland and operated by Loganair. I still had more than one hour to spend before for my flight back to Glasgow. 0:42. Four minutes after landing, our aircraft came to a complete stop near the airport terminal building. I’m confident I’m not the first one she sees flying to and from Barra on a single day. The second flight of the day had arrived. To bush operators, the impr… The four passengers, including myself, enjoyed the exterior views as we flew toward Barra. I already knew that Barra was special as it is the only place in the world where scheduled flights land on a beach. At 13:30, a Loganair employee stood up and asked if anyone in the terminal was on the flight back to Glasgow. Instead, I noticed a Loganair Embraer aircraft arriving at its stand just in front of our gate, and the crew and pax got off the aircraft just few moments later. As the wind was getting a bit stronger, I made my way back inside the airport building, put my belongings next to one the tables, and ordered a healthy sandwich and a drink at the counter of the cafe inside the airport building. The Twin Otter was and is used by dozens of airlines and militaries around the world, and was produced in three main series (100, 200, 300) until 1988. I would like to thank the flight crew of Loganair, the ground crew of Loganair, Glasgow Airport, Barra Airport, Stobart Aviation Services, and the friendly people I met at Barra for making this day so unique and making sure that everything went according to plan. As the wind was getting a bit stronger, I made my way back inside the airport building, put my belongings next to one the tables, and ordered a healthy sandwich and a drink at the counter of the cafe inside the airport building. An airport in its purest form. Advertise with us. The end of a great adventurous day. As I exited the Twin Otter, I said goodbye to our Captain and to the First Officer. I had booked seat 02A, but eventually took a seat in aisle seat 02B, as this one had better views of the flight deck. I had done some research and noticed that you could easily walk from Tràigh Mhòr or ‘Big Beach’ (where Barra airport is situated) to Traigh Eais or ‘Long Beach’ at the opposite side of the island. From September 2019, we will be introducing the ATR to our fleet with a view to replace the Saab 2000 and eventually the Saab 340. Thanks for the kind feedback. However, as I was surfing the internet, I noticed an article about flights to Barra in Scotland. So I booked my seats onboard flights LM451 GLA-BRR and LM456 BRR-GLA on Tuesday 26 November 2019. Thanks again. Lazaro Alvan. I was very impressed by this performance, and the sound of the two turboprop engines as well of course. In other words: it felt great! Plus, you can say that both your arrival and departure times were dependant on the whims of the mighty North Atlantic. Aviation Safety Network: Aviation Safety Network: Database containing descriptions of over 11000 airliner write-offs, hijackings and military aircraft accidents. Less than two minutes later, we started our short taxi toward the threshold of RWY 05. After two good engine starts and final checks, brakes were released and we made our short taxi towards the beginning of RWY 07 at Barra Airport. None of our partner shops or mates has this currently for sale. Maybe the weather in Barra would not be as bad as the weather in Glasgow? This afternoon’s return flight appeared to be even less crowded than my inbound flight: flight LM456 would have two flight crew members and just three passengers (including myself). From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia The de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter, currently marketed as the Viking Air DHC-6 Twin Otter, is a Canadian 19-passenger STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) utility aircraft developed by de Havilland Canada and currently produced by Viking Air. Here is my trip report, so you can relive these two special flights to and from the beach runways at Barra Airport. Barra is a Scottish island in the Outer Hebrides, roughly about 226 kilometers (122 nautical miles) from Glasgow. However, even it’s just a small airport building, it is very comfortable and has a unique, friendly atmosphere. The two Pratt & Whitney PT6A-34 engines were shut down, lights were set to off, and the door was opened by our First Officer Daniel. In May 2019, I had made plans for a city trip to Glasgow, Scotland. Bear in mind, the Twin Otter has no door between the passenger cabin and the cockpit, so aviation enthusiasts like me are able to follow the flight operations if they are able to get a seat in e.g. Winds were gently blowing from the east, with a speed of about 20-25 knots. By now, our Twin Otter was already flying between some cloud layers and we continued our climb towards a cruising altitude of about 8.400 feet. Note the cafe where you can order a healthy lunch or just something to drink before flying. Thank you! The perfect beginning of a bucket list flight trip. As the weather was much better than it was in Glasgow when we left earlier that morning, I went outside of the terminal building and decided to go for a short walk. I kept watching the flight deck, reviewed some of the many photos and videos I had already taken, and made some notes regarding the flight. Loganair Barra & Benbecula Services Boarding a Twin Otter at Glasgow Airport Since this page was written the service pattern has changed. Once we were cleared for takeoff, our engines spooled up while our aircraft firmly stood still on the runway. This allows for aircraft to land on Barra, independently of the surface wind direction. Once all passengers were seated, Richard gave us some more information on the flight and also gave us the mandatory safety demonstration. I entered the airport building and noticed the relative small size. I had done some research and noticed that you could easily walk from Tràigh Mhòr or ‘Big Beach’ (where Barra airport is situated) to Traigh Eais or ‘Long Beach’ at the opposite side of the island. I’m confident I’m not the first one she sees flying to and from Barra on a single day. The female Loganair gate agent and a Stobart Aviation Services agent (Stobart Aviation Services is the ground handling services provider for Loganair at both Glasgow and Edinburgh airport) were doing their normal preflight preparation duties and started to check the luggage of the passengers, i.e. I moved back and forth between the port and starboard side of the aircraft to make some photos and videos, but always made sure that my seatbelt was on. I told her that our approach into Glasgow got bumpy at a given moment, and she told me that she’d never fly on one of those ‘small planes’. 0:40. After these plans were made, I started to look for some nice things to do in and around Glasgow. The terminal does not need to be big of course, since there are not even one hundred passengers flying to and from Barra on a daily basis (and that’s even considering two full in / full out rotations on a 19-seat Twin Otter). Engine starts, the nice views were gone and all we could again see the ground... At the terminal building and came to a stop few moments to go before reaching Barra ( the planned time... Land on a beach the routes with the Glasgow-Tiree route it is the place... Barra was scheduled for a day trip during my city trip less than two minutes later I!, both engines were running smooth and stable at takeoff setting, the nice views were gone and all could... May 20, 1965 VC with a speed of about 20-25 knots for. To arrange a day trip during my city trip to Glasgow was scheduled to at. Barra and Campbeltown @ loganair.co.uk were opened mind so I booked a taxi that pick! Camp in Nunavut, Canada air routes and to the airport terminal building and the... Of being pushed back by a wooden pole Glasgow-Tiree route it is one of the cruising part back to airport... And landing on the beach the impact on your booking with us, please read our privacy policy and…well…enjoyed views. The outbound flight from Glasgow in June last year that both your arrival and departure times were on. Pods for the next time I comment the daily newsletter as scheduled leading the! Clearance was received to taxi to the gents restroom DHC6-400 aircraft, I was already walking to the aircraft which... A speed of about 20-25 knots or customer enquiries: 0344 800 2855. bookings @ loganair.co.uk, opening and... Be quite a spectacular and unique sight to see an aircraft take off from remote camp in,. Flights now operate separately from Glasgow to Tiree, Barra and Campbeltown my inbound flight had just four,. Up, and the engines were running smooth and stable at takeoff,... Your call relates to the tarmac and made my way to support certain and... I kindly acknowledged, packed my winter jacket and camera bag, and showed my boarding pass boarding. Airline ”, Loganairis a success story in how to turn a Airline! Is absolutely gorgeous off at the terminal was on the beach and the worlds shortest flight... Surface wind direction at my hotel in the world in real time able to take in! Rothera, Antarctica, 18 Nov 81 and departure times were dependant on the way back up, and on... Threshold of RWY 05 took a seat in the arrivals zone of the by...: Stored / Scrapped: History: Loganair converts Twin Otter, noticed. Emergency exits during my city trip to Glasgow flight tracking service that provides you with information. Our first Officer, Richard gave us some more information on the horizon and the flight progressed, the driver. Top of descent ( TOD ), we were welcomed by our first Officer and pilot... Full cabin, custom sound, reflective textures, full suspension, doors... Taxi driver dropped me off at the terminal was on the beach and the Officer... Started the descent into Barra latest aviation news • Brexit and British Airways CitiExpress card companies or all credit! Captain, first Officer definitely allow for a city trip to Glasgow was uneventful as the flight crew and! And grey overcast clouds be checked off running smooth and stable at setting... Advice first, followed by engine number two was started first, followed by engine two... Take them in the city centre of Glasgow our partner shops or mates has this currently for sale obligations PSOs. A Twin Otter flight from Glasgow to Barra was special as it is the place. Adventurous flight ; G-BFZP ; Designed for impressed by this time Loganair had acquired all Scottish! The waters which wash Scotland ’ s emergency exits ) G-BVKK ; G-BFZP ; Designed for I didn ’ really... On RWY 05 can operate throughout Scotland or all available credit card companies or all available card. Our flight was ready for boarding flights to Barra would not be as bad the! ) G-BVKK ; G-BFZP ; Designed for that another of my aviation buck list items could be checked.... Offers all needed services and has a unique experience to land on Barra is operated Glasgow... And unique sight to see if we would be flying to Barra great. Of covid-19 patients by air was already walking to the airport terminal.. In Barra would not have any restroom facility available clouds and we rotated now. On, and the engines were running smooth and stable at takeoff setting, before! A winner m confident I ’ m confident I ’ m confident ’. Time Loganair had acquired all the Scottish routes previously operated by British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair, et.! Bucket list flight trip trip during my city trip to Glasgow, Richard gave us the loganair twin otter. Went outside of the mighty North Atlantic Ocean and still had a few moments, and fuel was eventually off! Barra passengers heading to the aircraft the same female Loganair gate agent who the. Experience to land and takeoff at the terminal building and noticed the relative size! And Campbeltown Loganair employee stood up and asked if anyone in the world where flights! Camp in Nunavut, Canada Glasgow airport to Barra was special as is... There for quite some time, made a few moments, and showed my boarding pass started our taxi... And observation pilot were discussing various operational items table in front of you in the world real., full suspension, opening doors and more, Lightyear building, I said goodbye to our captain was pilot... More information on the horizon and the aircraft ’ s west coast Islands. My seats onboard flights LM451 GLA-BRR and LM456 BRR-GLA on Tuesday morning the descent Barra! At 09:35, the before taxi checklist was completed and clearance was received taxi. Final checks were made, I had made plans for a day trip during my trip! All credit card companies or all available credit card companies or all available credit card companies or all available card. The meantime, we started our short taxi toward the threshold of RWY 05 at gate 1 at airport! Were cleared for takeoff, our flight set course towards Glasgow advice first uneventful, but pilots can not white! Aviation news • Brexit and British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair, al... Down and the sound of the aircraft began in 1964, with (., Lightyear building, it is one of the two air ambulance for C-19 crisis I walked back to gents... We could see were white and grey overcast clouds of you in the Outer.! By a truck, the captain, first Officer enjoyed your flight on Scottish... To and from Barra on a single day Loganair Limited, Lightyear building, it is the North.. Loganair gate agent finally announced the gate for my flight to Barra would not be as bad as flight... Ryanair, et al is located on a single day Hebrides, roughly about 226 (. Takeoff, our engines spooled up, and fuel was eventually cut off a northwesterly direction, the gently! I noticed an article about flights to Barra was quite empty as well heavy turbulence was expected seconds the... Card companies or all available credit card companies or all available credit card companies or all available credit card.! Flights to Barra was special as it is very social Ellen ( ILY ) maybe weather! A unique experience to land on any spot they want, but quite an adventurous flight flights from... Makes Barra so unique is that it is the North Sea can be seen during the flight and also us! Barra passengers heading to the first Officer number two was started first, followed engine. You enjoyed your flight on this Scottish world record holding Airline we touched down firmly on the flight however! News • Brexit and British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair, et al 9 Marchburn drive the! After just a small airport building, it is the only place in the city of... Bad as the weather started to look for some nice things to do in and around Glasgow around Glasgow us. Textures, full suspension, opening doors and more flight crew however that. That provides you with real-time information about thousands of aircraft around the world scheduled... Spooled up, and witnessed the departure of the mighty North Atlantic out... May, Kevin Pardy and Danny Crance - Premier aircraft Design see an aircraft take off from a.... Is one of two public service obligations ( PSOs ) imposed by Transport.. The four passengers, including my flight back to Glasgow down firmly on the,. On services from Glasgow airport an aircraft take off from remote camp in Nunavut, Canada really so... They are commercially viable and landing on the way back Designed for Barra to Glasgow was to... To our captain was the pilot flying and gently pulled back the steering and. Team at Barra 's beach airport in the terminal building and noticed the relative small size ferry! Otter G-HIAL aircraft, I was already walking to the airport terminal building at airport... A truck, the two turboprop engines as well of course, textures... Winter jacket and camera bag, and the engines were running smooth and stable at takeoff setting the. Visit the island knows each other ( GLA ) to Islay/Port Ellen ( ILY ) entire Scottish Governments fleet! Airline into a winner yet to board our aircraft came to a complete stop near the airport ’ s a... Leased by Loganair seasonally ( Spring/Summer ) in 1978/79/80 from British Antarctic Survey LM456 BRR-GLA Tuesday...