Darrington to Orcas Island – Flying the Draco X
Posted: Sat Sep 26, 2026 9:04 pmAfter yesterday's flight in the Seattle area, I decided to take the Draco X from Darrington to Orcas Island.
Instead of following the valley, I decided to cross the mountains. The PT6-powered Draco climbed strongly at around 1,500 ft/min, taking me up to 5,500 ft for the crossing. Once the mountains were behind me, I descended to around 1,500– 1900 ft to stay within VFR conditions — although that did not entirely work out as planned.
Approaching Orcas Island, I was expecting to land from the opposite direction. Instead, I was assigned Runway 34. I was already abeam of the airport, so I continued past the runway end, made a wide turn and lined up with Runway 34.
With full flaps extended, the Draco came down beautifully. The approach was remarkably slow, stable and controlled, and the aircraft settled onto the runway very smoothly.
What had initially looked like an awkward approach turned into a surprisingly easy landing.
The Draco may be a PT6-powered beast, but at low speed and with the flaps fully out, it can be remarkably well behaved.
Another very enjoyable flight in this extraordinary aircraft.
Instead of following the valley, I decided to cross the mountains. The PT6-powered Draco climbed strongly at around 1,500 ft/min, taking me up to 5,500 ft for the crossing. Once the mountains were behind me, I descended to around 1,500– 1900 ft to stay within VFR conditions — although that did not entirely work out as planned.
Approaching Orcas Island, I was expecting to land from the opposite direction. Instead, I was assigned Runway 34. I was already abeam of the airport, so I continued past the runway end, made a wide turn and lined up with Runway 34.
With full flaps extended, the Draco came down beautifully. The approach was remarkably slow, stable and controlled, and the aircraft settled onto the runway very smoothly.
What had initially looked like an awkward approach turned into a surprisingly easy landing.
The Draco may be a PT6-powered beast, but at low speed and with the flaps fully out, it can be remarkably well behaved.
Another very enjoyable flight in this extraordinary aircraft.
