Flying into Antarctica is an enormous challenge for both pilots and aircraft. A 60-year-old Canadian plane turns out to be perfect for the job.
“It’s a massive adventure,” says Vicky Auld.
Deputy chief pilot for the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), Auld is preparing for the organisation’s annual autumn ferry flight from Canada to Antarctica.
Months in the planning, this will be an epic 55-hour journey over 12 days, covering some 13,700km (8,500 miles) as the crow flies.
This year, Auld will be piloting BAS’ relatively luxurious and spacious four-engine de Havilland Dash -7 but most of her pilot colleagues will be heading south in 40-year-old twin-engine aircraft with unpressurised cabins.
Designed in the 1960s and Still in production today, de Havilland Twin Otters have been described by some as the Land Rover of the skies. “They’re overengineered, adaptable and rugged, designed for bush flying,” says Auld.
“Whether it’s on skis, floats or big tundra tyres, with their short take-off and landing you can get into places that you just couldn’t think about with other aircraft.”
In Antarctica, BAS uses Twin Otters for everything from airborne scientific research to delivering fuel, supplies and field parties to remote locations. “It’s unique,” Auld says. “I can land at places where no-one has ever landed before.”
