Unfortunately, I did not make a video of what I’m about to describe. But that actually may be good news, because it gives you, my dear reader, the excuse you (don’t) need to go fly this route for yourself!
There’s a reason this is called the “World’s most dangerous airport”, and a reason that as few as only 8, or as many as only 24 (depending on which article you read) pilots are certified to even attempt this in real life.
Setup a VFR flight (I used the Turbo Bonanza, but your choice) from VE44 to VQPR, direct GPS. But forget about the direct business, as soon as possible after takeoff, select the RNAV 15Z approach with the PR888 transition, at 13,900’, and set your autopilot to fly it for you. I did feel the need to briefly take over to clear a ridgeline at (I think) PR816, but the approach plate swears it was safe.
Now, keep in mind that even though this bone chilling IAP exists, the airport is restricted to severe VFR weather in daylight hours only, and for good reason, as you’ll soon learn when you fly it yourself. It’s difficult enough in a little 6-seater piston (even if it is turbocharged), I can’t imagine doing it in an Airbus, but here is a video of an A319 flying final and landing:
The best extreme approach video of Paro Airport, Bhutan. Please watch HD and full screen - YouTube
Of course, I didn’t know any of this before hand, I certainly don’t have any training (not that it’s available for sim-pilots), I never watched any videos, and I didn’t even bother looking at the approach plate before hand, but it’s below for those interested. I just saw the “Challenge” in Volanta and went for it. I don’t even know if I got my trophy or not, I need to check on that. Of course, other than patting myself on the back, I don’t know what it’s going to buy me, besides the bragging rights from this post/thread. At least I hope it becomes a thread lol…
Approach Plate:
Here’s 2 pictures of my actual flight path from Volanta, one big picture, and the other tighter in for the (very, very manual) final approach and landing.
Zoomed Out:
And zoomed in:
I took over from the autopilot somewhere in the vicinity of PR810, as it was about to fly me into a ridgeline, and I had to land the sucker manually anyway. That consisted of essentially a 360° turn over a pretty cool looking Buddhist temple onto the numbers for a greaser. (Go me!!)
Here’s a pic after landing and shutdown:
And a couple of interesting and relevant articles:
Paro Airport - Wikipedia
Why So Few Pilots Are Allowed At Bhutan’s Paro Airport - Simple Flying
So, what are you waiting for? Put the Internet down and go try this for yourself. The skies are calling…
