Our Mozambique fly in this weekend

[gavinwolff]

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.

[3wheels]

You bastards !

Great trip buddy, can't wait to get to the hanger to see the pics

itching with ENVY

[old no 7]

Sounds Fantastic!!
I can't wait for the pics.
Gavin, please post more detail:
* Accommodation (cost and contacts)
* Re-fuelling points
* Customs & paperwork requirements

[gavinwolff]

If anyone can assist with posting pics, please send me email address so I can mail pics for you to put up for me.
I cannot work out how to get to small enough file size.

[cobra]

If anyone can assist with posting pics, please send me email address so I can mail pics for you to put up for me.
I cannot work out how to get to small enough file size.

here we go !

[cobra]

and more

[cobra]

final 3

[gavinwolff]

Old No 7

I will scan copies of what we did etc for info and try to post here and will give a run down of what we experienced, which will give some pointers as to how to make it all work a bit easier.
We had to learn the hard way!
Nothing wrong with that though - never forget it !!

[African Grey]

Gav....well done...!
Mark....Awesome way to fly....as you and I experienced in our X-Country to Hoedspruit....very difernt from Mach 2 in your "other" Cheetah all those years ago...hope nobody recognised your voice on the radio in Moz (or was that in Angola..?)

Look forward to the heads up at the Circus when we see you guys next

Numbi in September and Botswana / Nata Pans and Swamps next year...!

Russ

[old no 7]

Old No 7

I will scan copies of what we did etc for info and try to post here and will give a run down of what we experienced, which will give some pointers as to how to make it all work a bit easier.
We had to learn the hard way!
Nothing wrong with that though - never forget it !!

Many Thanks Gavin,
I would love to do a trip like this soon and am hoping to learn from others experience.
If you can't post, would you mind emailing me at g.dean@spoor.com please.

Regards
glen

[AndyG]

Lovely trip guys.

Would also appreciate more details if possible.

(andrew_crestholme@yahoo.com)


Many thanks


Andy

[Porra]

Well done guys. I am so Always wanted to do that but with the trike. I was there in Jan this year looked around but got worried when i saw no hangars around to lock up the trike at night.Maybe one day.

[swiftprop]

Sounds awesome! Thanks for sharing. Nice to hear about the friendly locals.

[Leprachaun]

Wll done guys , great flight and some great pics - now you know why I wanna fly that little plane - Have you seen "luft Safari ) - Hope you guys vist us soon at Rhino Park Leprachaun