An Eccentric Problem It seems quaint and charming, typically British as we used to understand them from vintage films. The idea of taking a 1.7 mile flight from Westray in the Orkney Islands to Papa Westray within visual range may seem a bit eccentric. The landing on the beach at low tide seems even more so. Loganair, which serves the Orkney Islands, experiences many ups and downs in a day, their longest flight taking a mere 15 minutes. Twice-a-day flights between the Westrays can be disrupted by North Sea weather, as can boat passages between the islands, which often take two turbulent hours. Obligingly, the airline offers flex tickets good for essentially – whenever. Fares seem reasonable, though, a one-way trip either way costing 7.25 Pounds ($8.72). Beyond the scheduling difficulties, operation of air-cooled engines for such short flights does not promote long periods between overhauls. Electric motors are ideal for such duties. A Reasonable Solution Cranfield University in the …