Our Mozambique fly in this weekend
Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2008 7:12 pm
Just got back from a stunning trip in Cheetah ZU-EHY
Mark and I flew to Mozambique and back this weekend, taking turns at the flying and nav duties on each leg.
Left from Circus Airfield (near Kliprivier) at 13h00 on Saturday.
First stop was Kruger International, to get customs clearance into Mozambique.
I flew that leg and Mark did nav back up checks on the maps.
Serious thermals over the Highveld and I got whacked good and proper, but smoothed out nicely once over Waterval Boven and then a nice trip into FAKN.
1st time into a controlled field and made a slip up in that I did not call tower from 25 miles out. Had a stern talking to from controller on duty. He was quite right and I apologised and ;learnt from the incident.
Once cleared for Moz, Mark took over flying and I did the nav bit on the map.
Pretty smooth into Maputo and landed on 05 which looked about as long as the N3 to Durban.
Great night and good prawns in Maputo, with the assistance of a wonderful chap called Dido who assisted us through the customs procedures at the airport and gave us a hangar for the night!!
Thank you Dido - You are a star !!
Next morning early, Nelson the taxi driver collected us, took us to a petrol station for Mogas and then out to the airport.
Mark again flew the next leg, which was stunning – up the coast for 60 miles, to a place called Bilene. All 500 foot following the coast
What a wonderful place!! I am not even going to try to explain, but will post some pics as soon as I work out how to do so. Closest to paradise I could imagine!!
At Bilene airport we were actually met by the local on duty, with batons, to guide us into our parking slot. I think we were the first plane there in a few weeks, but we were parked nonetheless.
After a great time at Praia do Sol in Bilene and taking up managers Arnie and Val for a flip, we departed this morning.
Thanks also to both Arnie and Val for making the experience wonderful.
I flew the Bilene / Maputo leg, again at 500foot, through a 30 mph headwind and some rain and landed on the “N3†again at Maputo.
Quite an experience talking through approach then tower and ground. Very different from calling finals at Circus Airfield, but what a great learning experience!
After doing the necessary at dispatch and customs, I flew the led from FQMA to FAKN.
This time I had the gist of it and went through the approach procedures with no problem and landed with no issues at all.
Inbound customs stamped and a trip to the closest Engen, courtesy of Ernest at fuel depot, and we were on the final leg home.
Mark flew this one and I did the map nav again.
Somewhat bumpy again as could be expected over the Highveld at the time of day.
Landed safe and sound back at Circus at around 15h30.
All I can say about the whole trip and flying experience is WOW!!!!!!!!!
Pics to follow as soon as I work out how.
Mark and I flew to Mozambique and back this weekend, taking turns at the flying and nav duties on each leg.
Left from Circus Airfield (near Kliprivier) at 13h00 on Saturday.
First stop was Kruger International, to get customs clearance into Mozambique.
I flew that leg and Mark did nav back up checks on the maps.
Serious thermals over the Highveld and I got whacked good and proper, but smoothed out nicely once over Waterval Boven and then a nice trip into FAKN.
1st time into a controlled field and made a slip up in that I did not call tower from 25 miles out. Had a stern talking to from controller on duty. He was quite right and I apologised and ;learnt from the incident.
Once cleared for Moz, Mark took over flying and I did the nav bit on the map.
Pretty smooth into Maputo and landed on 05 which looked about as long as the N3 to Durban.
Great night and good prawns in Maputo, with the assistance of a wonderful chap called Dido who assisted us through the customs procedures at the airport and gave us a hangar for the night!!
Thank you Dido - You are a star !!
Next morning early, Nelson the taxi driver collected us, took us to a petrol station for Mogas and then out to the airport.
Mark again flew the next leg, which was stunning – up the coast for 60 miles, to a place called Bilene. All 500 foot following the coast
What a wonderful place!! I am not even going to try to explain, but will post some pics as soon as I work out how to do so. Closest to paradise I could imagine!!
At Bilene airport we were actually met by the local on duty, with batons, to guide us into our parking slot. I think we were the first plane there in a few weeks, but we were parked nonetheless.
After a great time at Praia do Sol in Bilene and taking up managers Arnie and Val for a flip, we departed this morning.
Thanks also to both Arnie and Val for making the experience wonderful.
I flew the Bilene / Maputo leg, again at 500foot, through a 30 mph headwind and some rain and landed on the “N3†again at Maputo.
Quite an experience talking through approach then tower and ground. Very different from calling finals at Circus Airfield, but what a great learning experience!
After doing the necessary at dispatch and customs, I flew the led from FQMA to FAKN.
This time I had the gist of it and went through the approach procedures with no problem and landed with no issues at all.
Inbound customs stamped and a trip to the closest Engen, courtesy of Ernest at fuel depot, and we were on the final leg home.
Mark flew this one and I did the map nav again.
Somewhat bumpy again as could be expected over the Highveld at the time of day.
Landed safe and sound back at Circus at around 15h30.
All I can say about the whole trip and flying experience is WOW!!!!!!!!!
Pics to follow as soon as I work out how.
Well done guys. I am so 