Video: Hair-Raising Approach into Westman Islands

The Westman Islands, locally known as Vestmannaeyjar, are a group of islands off the southern coast of Iceland. Like their better known neighboring island, the Westman Islands are distinguished by rugged terrain that makes flying there particularly challenging.

See for yourself how a pilot of former Islandsflug closely skirts the rough mountainsides and ridges to maneuver the airplane on to short final for Runway 22 and a perfect landing on the 3,806-foot strip at Vestmannaeyjar Airport. With no space for taxiways, the large 42-seat ATR-42 also has to make a tight 180-degree turn on the runway to taxi back to the terminal area.

Looking at the terrain, you can’t help but wonder if a left approach would have presented fewer hazards for the pilot.

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Pia Bergqvist joined FLYING in December 2010. A passionate aviator, Pia started flying in 1999 and quickly obtained her single- and multi-engine commercial, instrument and instructor ratings. After a decade of working in general aviation, Pia has accumulated almost 3,000 hours of flight time in nearly 40 different types of aircraft.

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