Oh well, it's 1700h on Sunday the 18th of November - the original planned date for our marathon flight into Rotterdam (EHRD) and then to Le Touqet (LFAT) and then back to Rochester via Rotterdam. I am glad we didnt fly, the winds are gusting to 38KTs as I write this and getting back from Rotterdam would have been a challenge (if not downright reckless). So my phone is still at Le Touquet and I am beginning to wonder if I should just get a new one.
Weather wasn't the only proverbial 'spanner in the works' though, we had problems getting an aircraft. G-SOHO the DA40 Carlos normally get's from his mates at Tropair had an engine overhaul. The Mi**en Aviation aircraft (G-CCUS, G-CCLB, PA28's) seem to spend more time in the hangar than in the air and the 172's are normally manned by an OAP who couldnt be bothered to get out of bed on a sunday morning. We refused to pay Scabair (Cabair) their exhorbitant rates for 2 seater diesel dishwashers. So two pilots, who between them have over 4800 hours of flying, were grounded because they couldnt even find an aircraft!! Not to mention poor Vince, on whom I have had to cancel for the 3rd time!
Anyways, as Superman would say - "Up Up And Away..."
So, heres the plan to get us back in the air.
The friendly CFI Eva Paul at Denham has kindly agreed to check me (and Carlos?) out on a nice C182 at Denham next Sunday. I have also booked the aircraft for the 9th of December. Weather permitting this looks promising! (However, I recommend that we book the C182 at Tropair as a backup)
The excellent load carrying capability of the C182 means, Vince can bring his girlfriend along (with the jenever and cheese ). Cruise of 135Kts can take us there faster, and we get free landings at Denham.
We can use this event forum to plan and share information about the flight.
What we need first is a destination! We dont have to go to Le Touquet as I am going to get UPS to pick my phone up. (Its cheaper!) Does anybody have a place they would like to fly into? The only restriction is that it should not be more than 150 NM from Rotterdam.
Happy landings!
