Estrella de Oriente has arrived in Salta
Arrived Salta.
Fuel used 1674 lbs
Flight time 01:12:01
Cargo 12500
Maintenance 0
Total fuel used 26486 lbs
Total flight time 18:48:26
Total Cargo 327500 lbs (675 Units)
Total Maintenance 10
Airports serviced 27
A very satisfying and exciting final leg. Every thing went well the first half of the flight. Selected a cruise altitude of 17000. Shot the gap to the right of Volcan Lascar and picked up the SAL VOR for my course adjustment to Salta. I could see the terrain on my direct course was higher than my cruise altitude so a diverted to the left seaking lower terrain. Then I noticed that my IAS which had been about 160knts had decayed to 140knts and was slowley falling. The throttle was maxed, I increased the prop pitch without results. I was still at 17K but my airspeed was closing in on 120knts. I didn't like that so I started a gentle descent (-300 fpm) to try to maintain speed. I was slowly passing the high terrain on my right but was not sure what was ahead. Finally I spotted the major road (Hgwy 81) and followed it around the peak and down a long valley to Salta. Once below 15000 feet my airspeed picked back up and it was easy approach and landing.
Great Fun. My compliments to the planners. A terrific event.
yes great feeling after all those hours.
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