Challenging marginal VFR flight across the Western Isles of Scotland

[@seattleraf]

Very cool! I got my PPL this past June in Seattle and then in July I spent about a week driving around Scotland! Isle of sky is amazing … must be so cool to fly around there

[@CharlieLamdin]

Very cool! Yes it's awesome flying in Scotland.

[@7X2TT]

Really enjoyed watching the video. Done a 1st flying lesson today on a microlight and really loved it.

[@CharlieLamdin]

Great to hear! Welcome to the skies!

[@patrickshea-simonds5827]

Another great video Charlie - thanks. Interesting to hear the decision making during what was clearly a more challenging flight in changeable conditions.

[@CharlieLamdin]

Glad you enjoyed it. It was a gripping flight!

[@ChrisM-gs6xu]

Well done Charlie. That brought back a load of memories.. 1982 either sitting waiting in Bergen for a week, listening to the incessant rain or waiting for the cloud to pick up at Sumburgh to give me a decent chance of getting in. And 1981 whilst having a briefing on thunderstorms during my PPL training at Curzon Flight, Redbird, Dallas. We had a first gust which blew all the Tomahawks 45 degrees off their original parked direction, fortunately all were tied down. Thanks to my instructor Chuck. "Always tie your aircraft down" and "Go find the party and don't risk it". Loving the videos.

[@CharlieLamdin]

Great stories, thanks Chris!

[@kevchilton908]

A great video, Charlie. A challenging flight with some serious decision making. I’m pleased it worked out well for you and look forward to the next instalment 👌👍👏👏👏

[@CharlieLamdin]

Thanks Kev. It was a rewarding flight to complete!

[@JodelFlyer]

Enjoyed the video Charlie and good to hear your thought process as the flight developed. Looking forward to the next stage..

[@CharlieLamdin]

Thanks Tim 👍

[@DeadReckoner]

That looked a tad uncomfortable at times! EGPL is high on my list, but I might've missed the window, this year...

[@CharlieLamdin]

It was an attention-focusing flight!

[@marcbaker1962]

Charlie trying to enhance my learning, interested in your thinking behind not going IFR at all on that journey I must admit I would have been tempted to climb with terrain

[@CharlieLamdin]

Hi Marc. That question is worthy of a video in itself! There were actually a list of factors affecting the VFR/IFR decision, including currency and intermittent autopilot issues, but the primary reason was not wanting to be in or on top of clouds with so much high(ish) terrain in/under them. All things considered that day I opted for being in sight of the surface and remaining close to the coast line so I could easily avoid terrain if needed, or find some to land on if needed! But if myself and the plane were fully functioning current IR it would have been the better option for sure. Although less fun!

[@marcbaker1962]

Thanks Charlie for your insights marc

[@andycampbell5491]

Another good warts and all video. You have an IMC rating so I really would have filed an IFR flight plan up to FL110 which would have been all over land. A much safer option than scud running in dodgy VFR weather over high ground, you even fell below their radar coverage. You could have even opted for some radar controlled class E airspace, available as an IMC rated pilot. EGPL SUPIT ORSUM LOMON GOW EGPK would be a good route. Scottish are exceptionally helpful. I think you should try to keep your RT to a minimum, yes ask for Oban weather and tell them you are marginal VMC, but don’t clog up the airways with your thoughts.

[@CharlieLamdin]

Thanks Andy, fair comment.