Rebecca takes to the North Isles skies

Rebecca Simpson has become the first female pilot to fly the world’s shortest scheduled passenger flight, between Westray and Papa Westray.

Rebecca is still a SAAB pilot but has recently taken on the additional position as a relief pilot for the inter-island service.

She said that loves Orkney, and loves flying in the North Isles, and was delighted to take up the opportunity of flying the Islander aircraft in Orkney.

Training for her new role was carried out in Orkney by highly experienced Orcadian pilots Stuart Linklater and Davie Miller.

Phil Preston, chief operating officer at Loganair said: “The Orkney Inter-Isles service is one of the most famous routes in aviation, with people journeying to islands on a daily basis to travel on the world’s shortest flight.

“The service also performs a vital function for Orkney’s residents, acting as their connection to the remainder of the network of islands. It is hugely important and Rebecca will be performing an essential role which I am sure she will excel in.

“She was trained by the route’s longest serving pilot, Stuart Linklater who recently retired after 24 years and an incredible 1.3m miles, showing how rewarding the route is to those who fly it on a daily basis. “I’d like to congratulate Rebecca and wish her every success in her new role.”