From Egilsstadir to Isafjordur. Around the coast of Iceland!
Egilsstadir is the largest city in the east of Iceland. The first houses of today's small town were built in 1944.
The city acquired city rights in 1987 and has grown steadily since then and the inhabitants live from trade and services.
A modern bridge spans the River and Lake Lagarfljót and in the background you can see the airport of Egilsstadir.
The airport was originally opened in 1968 and has been expanded several times since then. The last major renovation, which corresponds to the current state of expansion, was completed on September 23, 1993.
Air Iceland offers flights within Iceland and, depending on the season, flights outside Iceland.
To Reykjavik it takes eight to nine hours by car. By plane, one hour.
Egilsstaðir Airport (along with Akureyri) is the alternate airport for Keflavík Airport.
The landscape is fantastic and offers something for everyone.. maybe a little sightseeing flight?
.. some hiking or fishing?
.. or marvel at modern constructions?..
.. or a flight with the legendary „Loftleidir DC-3“ to Isafjordur.. pretty much at the end of the world!
There are still a few seats available.. so get in!
The flight preparation is done and there is enough fuel in the tanks!
We fly from NDB to NDB more or less along the north coast.
The weather here:
01008KT 9999 SCT040 BKN120 13/05 Q1011
Flight duration: approx. 1 hour 40 minutes
And here is a good advice from the weather-officer here:
"The airport of Isafjordur is a very difficult place - even in good weather," he says. In addition to the tricky location, the winds are particularly tricky. "Sometimes there are strong winds from the side valleys."
We ask you to buckle up and position the seat back vertically.
Push back!
We are ready for taxi!
You don't see that here every day, people are amazed!
We receive permission to enter the runway.
Well then, ready for departure, runway heading 04
And let's go!
By the way, a sea monster is said to live in this lake!
Above the first NDB (BR 382 KHz) we turn on course 030 ° towards the next NDB.
East Iceland has fascinating landscapes of astonishing diversity to offer.
The most distinctive part of the region is undoubtedly the east fjords; here towering mountains give way to deep bays, and beautiful seascapes are presented.
In summer the cliffs and islands are home to countless seabirds, while in winter wild herds of reindeer graze in the lowlands of the region.
In the area here there are numerous natural wonders of volcanic origin.
Fire and Ice!
The fjords in the west reach deep into the country and divide the inhospitable area.
In the meantime, I got the latest weather from Isafjordur:
BIIS 05011KT CAVOK 10/07 Q1013
We will start our approach shortly.
The country roads are very long through the fjords. Return trips in one day are hardly possible. In severe weather and snow, the gravel roads are often impassable.
Our goal is in sight. Approach to runway 08 is planned! It won't be that easy!
Located in a fjord, the approach to the runway requires aircraft to fly close to the surrounding terrain, making it unique and more challenging than at most airports.
The sandbar that supports the place has been repeatedly filled up to create new territory. As a result, the area of the city has grown continuously; the peninsula now extends almost from one bank of the fjord to the other, creating an effectively protected harbor and airport.
Our last waypoint and..
.. then it goes down to 1000 feet.. everything nice..
.. and cozy in a left turn!
And then..
.. it goes to a dead end!
I have a little queasy feeling ..
.. but a nice view of the harbor!
Left turn into final approach..
Pretty tight..
.. and narrow!
At least over the runway with 11 knots cross wind!!
Done..!
Back to the parking lot!
The airport was expanded in a modern and functional way, as it is an important transport hub.
I hope you enjoyed the flight!
And very important: stay healthy !!
We kindly ask you to leave the plane through the rear door ...!
See you!
