Just thought I would share this experience......it was almost as exciting as my first solo

On Sunday 17 March with the help of Shane, flight instructor from Light Sport Aviation (who also has never done something like this) we flew from Wonderboom via FAPN to Sir Seretse Khama International airport in Gaborone and back.
I filed the flight plans the day before by phone and with the help of JHB Briefing's friendly staff could do is successfully


Well, after hardly any sleep the time of departure arrived. Shane and I were both nervous as hell as this will be the first time that we really fly the plane since i bought her and she was sent away for a mayor service

We activated our flight plan and took of to FAPN. We cruised at about 90kt with a slight headwind and reached Pilanesberg after about 40 minutes. Cleared customs and immigration in about 5 minutes and was airborne to Gabs. Cruised again at FL065 at 90kt and soon was transferred from JHB Info to Gabs approach freq. Still nervous and keeping a close eye on all instruments we were cleared to GBV beacon with reporting over Gabs dam. We saw a dam and reported, but eish, wrong dam and was informed we are still far and must keep a lookout on the gps for GBV. Soon saw it and after informing Gabs ATC that we are new to the area, they explained where to go and was very friendly. Landed Gabs, cleared customs and after a smoke break, filed another flight plan over the phone with JHB briefing, we were airborne after 30 minutes returning Pilanesberg then Wonderboom.

Left Gabs and got cleared at FL075 and now with a tail wind we cruised at 125kt and at some stage 138kt. Smooth flying with no turbulance. What an amazing experience. Landed back at Wonderboom with a total flight time of 4.3


What an amazing experience. Even had the customs officer at Gaborone stamp my log book as a reminder of my firts cross border flip

Looking forward to the next. That bubble just got so much bigger

Cheers
Piet