The World’s SHORTEST Flight….FAILED

I traveled to Kirkwall in Scotland to try to fly on the World’s Shortest scheduled passenger flight between Westray and Papa Westray. Flights on the route are scheduled for one and a half minutes with actual flying time is closer to one minute. The record was set at 53 seconds.
After a few amazing inter island flights on LoganAir Britten-Norman Islander the day before, I had a dramatic change in the weather and suffered a set back.
Throughout my inter-island flights, I’ve learnt these flights are crucial to support the remote community in Scotland. I also traveled on Logan Air Saab-2000, the world’s fastest turboprop from Aberdeen to Kirkwall.
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Hope you all enjoyed the video and thank you for your continued support of my channel. Subscribe for more trip report and flight review videos.
Sam Chui
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Join me for an exciting look into the short flights between the different constituent islands of the Orkney Islands in Northern Scotland. These island hopping flights are a real lifeline service for the inhabitants of these tiny Scottish islands and are subsidised by the British government to ensure that residents of the islands are not dependent upon a ferry service which only operates once a week and is vulnerable to being cancelled due to the frequent bad weather which plagues the area.
It’s a real treat to be able to meet the local pilots who make it all possible and to hear from passengers about how much these flight services mean to them. Some of the Orkney islands have less than 100 inhabitants, but these essential flight services ensure that these small communities and their unique culture can continue well into the future.
I start in Aberdeen International airport, from where I travel to Kirkwall, the capital of the Orkney islands. The flight is operated by Loganair and takes 25 minutes to complete at an altitude of 14,000 feet. At the last minute, there is a pleasant surprise when the flight is seemingly upgraded from the Saab 340 to the Saab 2000 aeroplane. The difference between these two is very noticeable indeed with the former being far less powerful with only 1750 shaft horsepower in each engine whereas the Saab 2000 has a huge 4100 shaft horsepower on either side which incidentally makes the Saab 2000 the world’s fastest turboprop passenger aeroplane. The Saab 2000 is also much more comfortable - despite the small size of the aeroplane, there is surprisingly more leg room with each individual seat than you would find with the likes of the Boeing 737 or the Airbus A320 - brilliant!
Upon arriving at Kirkwall, I meet a senior pilot who has been flying these short flights between the Orkney islands for years and he outlines the tour of the Orkney Islands which we will be taking by air. I travel with him in the cockpit as we start by flying to North Ronaldsay, which is 25 nautical miles away and takes 15 minutes. From there, it’s on to Papa Westray which takes 8 minutes and then we go back to Kirkwall which takes a further 12 minutes.
We also fly between Sanday and Stronsay which takes between 3 and 4 minutes and is therefore probably the second shortest scheduled airline flight in the world. The flights have a really lovely homely and local communication touch and feel to them, with one couple even getting the pilot to check on the well-being of their dinner in the hold (a pie, I’m told!)
The weather back in Kirkwall is pleasant - even in June the temperature is around 11 degrees but the sun is out and it’s not raining so you can’t complain!
Our final flight was to be the world’s shortest scheduled airline flight, at just two minutes (though it can be done in less than 60 seconds if the wind is blowing in the right direction) between Westray and Papa Westray. This flight is operated as a round trip between Westray, Papa Westray and Kirkwall and is run for the benefit of those in Westray who need to get to Kirkwall.
Unfortunately, the changeable British weather scuppers my plans, with thick fog rolling in severely reducing visibility and forcing the operators to cancel the flight four hours after it was due to take off. It’s a shame as I had really wanted to get my Orkney Inter Island Air Service certificate for taking the world’s shortest flight but it wasn’t to be on this occasion. Never mind though - I’ll definitely be back and hopefully the weather we will be better then.
What did you think of the whole Orkney Island hopping experience? Let me know in the comments section down below and, as always, thanks for watching!

[@stevenleyson728]

The pilot seems to enjoy his job so much

[@aricovillacrusis5130]

Ok

[@marybarry2230]

Even for a short flight you see the most beautiful scenery. No wonder he enjoys his job!

[@linuxleica]

Seams like a very good pilot! excellent crosswind imputs, Takes care of his passenger, would trust him 100%

[@chaoszombie9995]

Despite being short, it’s flying, how can you hate that!

[@Sskaaksssko]

Agreed

[@lhw.iAviation]

When the safety briefing is longer than the flight itself.

[@transendencem8480]

It is there

[@einechterwiener6261]

👌🏻🤣🤣 Safety always comes first.

[@clintonfindlay7009]

I live there and yeah that's. True

[@morrsen424]

Now we'll talk about safet... prepare for landing

[@Surendracyclist]

😂😂

[@FELiPES101]

Honestly I think it's cool that it's like an airplane bus...pilot gets to meet a ton of people, doesn't get cramped or groggy, and gets a ton of practice for takeoff and landing.

[@michaeljacobs629]

I grew up in Northern California and flying in the 1970's looked just like this. I often flew co-pilot. Thanks for the memories.

[@davecrupel2817]

What a life you live, Sam. I'm painfully envious. 😭

[@27852]

Yitzy tbh, I have flown on it and it’s very nice and quiet. After the fixes, I recommend the 737 MAX as a good plane :)

[@27852]

@Yitzy before it was grounded

[@27852]

@Yitzy yes, but wait until.its back. Give it a chance. Trust me. I survived.

[@gamingsquad3684]

@@BondJFK wait until he flies the first commercial space flight in probably a couple decades

[@regionaljets1116]

this was worded like a morrisssey lyric lol

[@MattsAviationChannel]

Another top video Sam! Wonderful footage, absolutely fascinating and highly interesting report! I love Loganair. Such a great pioneering airline with most friendly staff. I flew twice with them in Saab 340 and it was both times outstanding. Huge like! Cheers Matt

[@SamChui]

Loganair staff are all very friendly and aviation minded!

[@berenddeboo5841]

Awesome Sam Chui! Keep up the amazing work!!!

[@shekarc]

Sam: You are a one of a kind, unique Aviation Vlogger. Truly amazing!! Aviation reviews are not just about general commercial airlines that everyone would know. It is also about special routes like these too. You must have done tremendous research to find this and come all this way to do this. Amazing! If there is one person, who I totally envy in Aviation, it is you!! You get to do all these beautiful, unique stuff! It keeps justifying to me as to why I subscribe to your channel!! Please keep it coming!

[@zapfanzapfan]

You know it's a small airline when you are sitting next to the captain :-)

[@RobDavisAkaMonk]

You know it's a small airline when you are the first officer.

[@WASIURPA]

You know its no airline if you're the captain

[@EBGamez1]

SGG you know it’s nothing at all when the plane is unmanned or non-existent.

[@flyingbicycle6303]

@@EBGamez1 lmao

[@nadroj-88]

You know it’s a small airline when you own the plane

[@treenahasthaal4499]

Kirkwall is a town, the island is Orkney. Fabulous video, and welcome to Scotland.

[@AverytheCubanAmerican]

Fly the world’s shortest international flight from Sint Maarten to Anguilla, a total of about ten minutes. Anguilla is beautiful and underrated

[@SamChui]

oh sounds good, didn't know this one!

[@fishyface3940]

@Simple Legos - your average LEGO channel French

[@TheHilarygrant]

FISHY FACE half is French, half is Dutch. You are correct though, the airport is in the French side

[@legowagfles7287]

Hilary Grant It’s on the Dutch side, actually. Last time I checked Princess Juliana was Dutch

[@legowagfles7287]

FISHY FACE Half Dutch, half French

[@TuukkaVarjoranta]

@10:43 I love the way how the captain explains the safety card so relaxed ;-D

[@rakshitmangla811]

This guy is following his passion of travelling while working at the same time GREAT RESPECT!

[@jukebox4two]

Thanks!

[@kineticdeath]

I waved back at the lady behind you, greetings from australia! I had a feeling that was an Islander, those things arent new planes but these ones maintained so well they are utterly spotless. Those planes are going to keep going forever at that rate

[@craigwillis3372]

Sam you never cease to amaze me !! Cockpit access on the Saab and in the depths of Scotland..and what about that take off sound and vision !! This is one of your BEST flight reviews and a I loved it and what about the scenery!! Great stuff Sam !! More like this please!!!

[@nycflyertravel]

Loganair is one of my favorite airlines! The people are so nice and I love the tartan livery! Too bad you weren’t able to do the worlds shortest flight.

[@SamChui]

Will make another attempt again!

[@anthonydyer3939]

Sam Chui when you do, try and wait until the service is all electric. They have aspirations to convert the aircraft you flew on to an all electric power plant! www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-45876604 Whilst you’re in Scotland, you also need to put Barra on your list of airports to visit, and if you can pull some strings I’m sure you can get a flight in a helicopter to an offshore oil platform.

[@royalnavy941]

Hebrides Airline flight!

[@peerbrent]

NYC Flyer So you want a friendly airline? Try Philippine Airlines then.

[@BL-ii5sr]

Sam Chui Hi sam you should came to papua (indonesia) and look how fastes flight in world i think thank you

[@an3ssh]

Its not about money or comfortness and all its about being happy in what you do. Huge Respect to the pilots doing the one man show and so gracefully serving the island. You guys are the best!!!!

[@gabriell.4440]

I wish you showed more footage of the tiny airports in the Scottish Isles. I find them fascinating!

[@julianphilipp2340]

This by far my most favorite video of yours. Beautiful scenery and cool flying. Its too bad you didn't get the chance to fly the Worlds Shortest flight. I look forward to seeing you you go back.

[@equissatya]

Always fun to see a notif for these. Great work Sam

[@muhammadraahil5172]

Pilot Number of flights:2000 People :WOW Flight hours:3 hours People:What the?

[@jjwilson5413]

Ramahl Ah Chee "noob" are you 4 or something

[@playervsk]

@@hotwaterbottles45 you know, indians

[@ahsun_yt2279]

@@hotwaterbottles45 Talks Trash about Others When He Is Himself.

[@HalfTimeAntics]

Ramahl Ah Chee have you lost a few chromosomes mate😂

[@muhammadraahil5172]

One piece Hype 😂

[@robm3074]

This is nothing personal about your trips Sam, however so many of the travel reports overall can be very predictable. This trip however is a REAL adventure and is an extremely fun video to watch. Thanks for a video outside the norm.

[@or9606]

I agree

[@efthymiosn3381]

Any time.

[@bigboi2286]

@@efthymiosn3381 bruh u aint even him XD

[@mandycharrluvr2248]

This. Was. Amazing! Thank you Sam, for the "slice of life" feel of this trip report, made me smile all the way through it.

[@SsiolisP]

Captain Collin McAllister has numerous of landings and take-off's and barely a flight hour per day! If you read his resume without knowing, you'd think that Captain McAllister is a trampoline operator!!!

[@timroden6617]

I envy his job. Short flights and home for dinner.

[@lkm4276]

Scottish VFR ballet, virtuous bush piloting just without the bushes.

[@eyeofthetiger6002]

@@timroden6617 what happens if he falls ill during the flight? Will Sam take over? Lol🤣

[@UnbelievableEricthegiraffe]

He Doesn't have a Resume he has a CV !!

[@NewBalance-pu8ft]

@@eyeofthetiger6002 Sam could. He has done so many flight hours.

[@raindropshine]

Dear Sam, We are so fortunate to see your video blog on Scotland and the world's shortest airline route. I am so very fascinated by the little hops the route and your journey was. Big cheer to you. Keep posting more. Good luck

[@Individual_two]

It's all good! Nice video showing Loganair's vital operations for northern Scotland.

[@yusralsine1955]

From all of your videos I've seen, this is the the best. Event in the end of the journey you have to canceled the flight because of the weather. All the the people in the video are smiling, they look so happy of what they are doing. I'm happy to see this video. I wish I could go there and feel theirs warmest energy.

[@sjishah]

Great service by LoganAir, all the pilots and staff do good service for the community and Airline but Colin Mcalister is exceptional and look like a great guy.

[@stein1385]

Remarkable vid Sam! I like how you show their great hospitality... Thats true respect. Good job!

[@billywhizz6483]

Never a dull day in the office for that pilot!

[@leslienordman8718]

You got to sit up front, in the cockpit, and listen over the intercom! That is so cool! Thanks for this.

[@paulienkhamvaiphei134]

What a cool and friendly pilot.salute👍I would love to fly with him.

[@mohuyamukherjee8170]

Simply a good one,-the air service,the people, weather -,shown here is really nice. Keep it up Sam.👍

[@kazeyomi4131]

The captain flying the aircraft just like driving the bus!!

[@harryabbott9994]

Kazeyomi Jeff he probably does it a dozen time’s a day.

[@slimey99uk]

Just found your channel (came here from 74 Gear), and love seeing the BN Islander in this video. My father used to maintain the Islanders at the BN headquarters in the 1970's and 80's. My first airplane flight was in one as it did a test flight.

[@anthonynicholson8062]

At 6:45 he is performing a magneto check. Instead of a typical electrical ignition system in a car, some planes use little generators that use magnets to create electrical pulses to create spark for the engine. Each cylinder has 2 spark plugs where 1 is connected to the left magneto, and the other to the right. That way, if 1 of the magneto fails the other one will still create spark to keep the engine running. Here he is turning off one then the other to test them. You switch one side off, and look for a small RPM drop which you can hear, then switch back to both, the RPM will go back up, then switch the other side off, RPM drop again, and then back to both. If the RPM drop is too much for either one, then it is back to the hanger to be fixed!. The blue handles he is playing with is the propeller pitch, which changes the angles of the blades. The black handles are the throttles as you may have guessed, and the red handles are the fuel mixture. If the plane uses a carburetor instead of fuel injection you must adjust the fuel mixture yourself for maximum engine efficiency. On the ground there is lots of air, so you want full rich (Forward) for maximum power. As you climb in altitude the air gets thinner, so you want to reduce the fuel mixture so it is not too rich. Helps in 2 ways, it prevents carbon deposits forming, and increases your fuel mileage. You do not want to lean it back too far though, because then the engine will get hot, and you can get cylinder burnout. It is definitely a balancing game.

[@eudofia]

Impressive! Thanks for the information. I learned something new today.👍

[@polarable]

Wtf?

[@이진규-j1t9m]

Bad weather, so sad... :( But safety is first. Cheer up!! Nice video thanks sam in south korea~

[@akabill79]

Kinda like DejaVu Noel Philips just flew Logan air on his Vlog tonight on the worlds only beach landing..

[@wyattwinsaviation757]

Like the song deja vu

[@geordanallan7364]

I just came from that vid lol

[@SamChui]

that's great. I did it in 2015 when LoganAir was operating for FlyBe to Barra!

[@drewmccullough599]

Lachlan Melville That’s where I came from

[@drewmccullough599]

Geordan Allan same

[@JuneMiller-ot2jc]

Thanks for a very interesting virtual tour, Sam.

[@niphaphonbunchoei3602]

Great video Sam like always, great details

[@kangiwan5822]

You are amazing, Sam. It's great to know there are scheduled flight with shortest flight like in North Scotland

[@Roberto97810]

Hi Sam its Peace from South Africa🇿🇦 Keep up the good work

[@mikyles.1830]

Heyyy same here!

[@Roberto97810]

Bloemfontein 👍🏻

[@muzingwenya64]

From Roodepoort here

[@leonbe075]

Sam you are the best. You videos are cool and soothing. Continue with the good work. Kudoos

[@lifestories7957]

Wow! I'm from Nepal. But, I live in Hong Kong. I love Turbo Props. Happy flying Sam.

[@SamChui]

Good to know you love props!

[@Espanyol_Espaghetti]

Sam, thank you so much for your videos. It has really helped me remove my fear of flying. Seeing your vids made me realize what to enjoy than to fear. Keep it up.

[@ahahm]

Looks like very efficiently run airlines! Got to try it someday!

[@bobbybrian9295]

@samchui nice to see some Scottish content and recognition hope it was a pleasant time here in my home country "sunny" Scotland.

[@OutlawNix]

Living in that general area look's like it would be a nice place to call home.

[@horsenuts1831]

Nope. Try Winter.

[@mxyzptlyk]

One of Sam's best videos and a vampire loadmaster! It doesn't get any better than that! 😁

[@R-ty4mo]

thats so cool they let you sit next to the captain

[@ddnaomi]

It's to help balance the load

[@trainspotting101]

Correct

[@cameronsmyth6646]

That little Britten Norman Islaner brought back memories. I grew up in Far North Queesland. Different country, different terrian. But the little Islanders and DC3s where the life line link to the remote communities.

[@daveykonijnenberg951]

Sam Chui Should Be Officially Named The King Of Aviation Geeks

[@tedatoka7350]

Totally enjoyed this video Sam. Like to see more like this. Thank you.

[@soonlytaing1708]

1:29 “Saab 2000 is the fastest turboprop plane” TU-114: *AM I A JOKE TO YOU?*

[@leoferreyra8606]

Perhaps he forgot to mention “the fastest turboprop -in operation today-”.

[@AileanMohr]

Delighted that you’ve come to Scotland, such a shame that the flight didn’t happen for you though. Please come back and try it again some time!

[@TomMattin]

I'm suprised you're there, I only learnt of this flight a couple months ago and thought you only done the big and expensive flights!

[@runwayincursion3376]

Also short expensive flights... 😂

[@Cladcreeper]

Loganair! What a common airline! (Well, common at Norwich!) Good video Sam! As always, you nailed it!

[@Iain1983]

God bless you coming to Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@SamChui]

Love Scotland!

[@Iain1983]

Scotland loves you 👍🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@ehoque8]

Amazing Sam. So many takeoffs & landings to enjoy in a single day. Wish I could enjoy a flight like this.

[@bonjourimchloe]

I work in Aberdeen airport, sad I didn’t see you!

[@ezraipg]

Thank you Sam for this videos! It was a nice way to finish my Birthday! Thank you again!

[@kerbyfab]

Pilot for Logan Air.... what a great job!

[@dennisdalessio8238]

Sam, wonderful video. A great experience even though you did not get on the shortest flight, but I know you will one day. Thanks

[@HerbieHerbHerb]

I enjoyed this video for obvious reasons lol. Thanks!

[@frogstamper]

That's a great airline you have there H...:)

[@HerbieHerbHerb]

it's just a coincidence I have the same last name. ha

[@goytabr]

@Michaeltube , no, and better not anger him. He might suddenly pull out big adamantium claws that can cut steel and concrete like butter! 🤣

[@Royalblue228]

I love this channel. I love more, the ominous music that there is a cancelled flight in Scotpand due to fog. Classic. Mon the Gers.

[@g.yeshwanth867]

Please make a video on free Singapore trip from Changi airport

[@efthymiosn3381]

@@Qatari2007 oh nice.

[@faisal4455357]

Good to see you enjoying travelling, this kind of life once I dreamed of , happy to see you , have safe journeys.

[@tylerbews3643]

That is where my gran and grandad live in Kirkwall

[@sheenodj]

Hi Sam, I loved this video! I hope you had a great time in my home country of Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Looking forward to the next video.

[@akshaymolakalapalli5768]

How does he make a 19 minute video for a flight that's a minute 30 seconds long

[@JackJackProductions]

It is 19 minutes and 45 seconds

[@aeroflot0014]

@@JackJackProductions xD

[@mohammedalnaseri4346]

Akshay Molakalapalli he made it to show his other flight and everything he experienced

[@cray-zgamer6498]

How many flights did he take and how much time did he spend at the airport huh?

[@dash8brj]

Ahh that little puddlejumper reminds me of the vulcanair P38C I flew in over in Uluru. I also got asked by the captain to stretch my legs to avoid fouling the yoke. They have less legroom than a Cessna C172. I took control once we'd cleared the turbulant air at around 2500' and handed back a few minutes before landing. Landing onto and taking off from a dirt strip is a treat! Enjoy your videos Sam, just subscribed, as you keep popping up in my suggested video's and every one I have watched has been very enjoyable!

[@sjwilkin]

The captain could NOT be anymore Scottish looking

[@lewis5319]

wilkin.simon nah if he could be anymore Scottish looking he would be a red head

[@thegreenbastard5171]

What us Scottish-looking exactly?

[@leodahvee]

Love your videos, Sam! Love from the Philippines 🇵🇭

[@klimenkoandrei]

Those pilots are cool! 👨‍✈️🛩

[@HelloImGio2012]

Sam your videos are awesome!!!! Keep em coming!!

[@zhangchenwang1110]

“A lot of people in China will see you as well” I’m one of them 😂

[@nathi3527]

I love to watch your channels sir thank you for showing us the world. from South Africa

[@koalatheworld]

I am surprised you are in Scotland! Please come and visit me in Glasgow!

[@tracey-lout9708]

I live in Guernsey in the Channel Islands. We have these little Britten Norman Trilander and Islander planes as well for our 15 minute island hops. If the flight is full, one passenger sits in the jump seat with the pilot and wears a head set. It’s so much fun!

[@robertbruce2182]

Hey Sam I’m from Aberdeen and Kuala Lumpur Hello from Australia

[@kenminc]

TheKingSalmon ! So are you from Aberdeen, Kuala Lumpur or Australia

[@jennyreddaway2666]

Thank you for illustrating how lifeline services - flights or in our case, ferries - are so vital to island dwellers

[@panstacker8393]

I once flew king island airlines on a piper chieftain from Melbourne

[@michelobing815]

Thank you so much for doing all the hard work so we get a chance to experience something we would not otherwise have a chance to....Thanks!!!

[@susripathy]

Soooo ahhhmazingggg love this. Such a beautiful country!! 'Lots of people in China will see you as well' hahaha

[@revenester9416]

Thanks Sam for sharing this awesome flight video 👍

[@phobia6661]

Sam, I have seen everything but the zero gravity flight on your channel.

[@exlagerer]

Welcome to Scotland Sam.

[@martinjanossy6062]

1:43 the pilot says "Flight Level 140" instead of "(mumbles)" ;)

[@NHR2020]

Hi Sam, as always, great video. I was just in Orkney yesterday, hoping to fly out & back to N. Ronaldsay. It was a beautiful morning...but we could not take off because 90kg overweight. All of the other pax we either islanders or people going for work, so I volunteered to stay back. But the islands are so lovely I didn't mind too much...its an excuse to go back!

[@juanjo_101_3]

Hi Sam, I’m from Spain, I would like you to do an Iberia a350 review. Thank you so much, your videos are so enjoyable.

[@bulganmak1689]

Hey my name is sam

[@srb5808]

Amazing video Sam. Enjoy!

[@JohanMsWorld]

I used to live pretty much next door to the SAAB factory in Linköping. One of my school projects was designing a meassurement tool for SAAB 2000. Johan.

[@MegaSnow121]

Sam, I love all your videos. China, Saudi Arabia, Scotland and many other fascinating places. Whether you fly in a tiny plane like here or a huge luxury one, your flights are always fun and interesting to watch. Keep up the great work. Greeting from the US north west coast. :-) PS: This was a fascinating, interesting video about “flying buses.”

[@nepp1e_836]

he’s flown the shortest flight ever and the longest flight ever 😳

[@bishopscore]

Thanks for sharing this wonderful experience. It felt like I was there with you. lol

[@redstonedragon8928]

Cool viddy should come to Australia one day and visit Stefan drury

[@finnleithomczyk5292]

yesss

[@qiyuandeng4677]

He is Australian citizen🙂

[@Xylos101]

He lived here for like 18 years.

[@cameronb2765]

Omg that would be an awsome video!!

[@sunny75290pk1]

Excellent Sam... Wonderful experience

[@karengumley5774]

I was on a 16hr flight once,and I'm in Ireland

[@flashhobbies]

Honestly seems like a dream job for me. Just constant flying, beautiful scenery. Polite passengers.