Flying the ATR 42-600 in Bhutan: Challenging Approaches and Stunning Scenery

Pre-Flight Checks and Briefing

• ✈️ Before each flight, the Pilot in Command (PIC) or First Officer conducts a mandatory walk-around to ensure the aircraft is in optimal condition.
• ⚠️ Key checks include verifying the emergency brake accumulator pressure (1,600 PSI), inspecting the wheel well for cleanliness, and ensuring flaps are at zero.
• ⚙️ Engine cowlings are checked for proper closure and latches, and the free turbine engines are confirmed to turn without issue.
• 💡 The oxygen status is verified to be full (green), and the angle of attack probes are checked for clarity, as they are connected to the stall warning system.

Scenic Flight to Bumthang

• 🏞️ The flight to Bumthang is a short, approximately 20-minute journey, covering under 90 miles.
• 📍 A special route is taken for the video, flying directly towards the Tiger's Nest monastery before continuing to Bumthang.
• ⛰️ The aircraft levels off around 10,000 ft for a few seconds to provide a great view of the Tiger's Nest, Bhutan's most symbolic icon, believed to be where Guru Rinpoche landed on the back of a tiger.

Challenging Landing at Bumthang

• ☁️ The weather in Bhutan can be variable, with clouds present during descent, but generally good once inside the valley.
• ⚠️ The landing at Bumthang uses runway 324, with reported visibility of 10 km and a feature of 8 k28.
• 🚨 During the approach, the crew encounters multiple terrain warnings ('Terrain ahead. Pull up. Avoid terrain.'), indicating a highly challenging and dangerous landing scenario.
• ✅ Despite the warnings, the crew successfully executes the landing, bringing the aircraft to a stop on the runway.

Return Flight and Pilot Insights

• 🔄 After a quick turnaround in Bumthang, the flight returns to Paro, taking approximately 25 minutes.
• 👩‍✈️ The video highlights a unique approach where the pilot, Tweety, flies directly to the airport and then performs a U-turn for runway 5, deviating from the standard valley approach.
• 👨‍✈️ Captain Joan Sever, who is half Bhutanese, expresses his pleasure working with skilled co-pilots like Tweety, emphasizing their professionalism and flying skills.
• 🌟 Junior First Officer Chuki Wongchuk shares her rewarding experience flying for Druk Air for three years, calling it an exciting and challenging career step.