2012 Cape-to-Cape Moses Golden Age Italian

[Moses03]

Well, after I shut down last night it hit me that I flew to DAUA using the NDB. I just plain forgot about it being a Dead Reckoning leg. (I guess I was thinking that portion started at DAUA).

I doubt I would have found the airport without the beacon as that whole area was in a sandstorm so I am going to disqualify myself from the race.

[MM]

Sent a telegram back to the home office and received a brief response.

TELL THAT PILOT TO STOP AND AWAIT FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS STOP
NR STOP

[MM]

Again, through the glass door to bring another problem to Miss Nellie. Meekly, I explained, "On his leg to Adrar, the FIAT pilot apparently forgot that he was flying under Dead Reckoning rules and used the radio beacon to find the airport. He would otherwise have been lost."

Miss Nellie stared at her yellow pencil and puzzled for a minute. "This is an error, but an error in following race procedures rather than a flying mistake. The pilot must immediately return to Colomb-Béchar and re-fly the leg—this time using Dead Reckoning as indicated in the race rules. That fellow is lucky that he caught his own error immediately after the event and before going forward. The brain-dead moment will not cost him time on his log book. And disqualification is not on the table."

She tapped the pencil against the desktop with a little more force than necessary, "Give the fellow the rule book...in Italian. Tell him to read it."

She glanced at the Sahara map for a moment and turned back, "And tell him another thing, The Race Organizers are relieved to hear that he is safe."

[Moses03]

Well that was a bit humiliating, getting escorted back to Bechar by the unmarked DC-2.

A wise sage once said "git yer head out yer butt". Words to live by. Once again on the road to DAUA.

[Moses03]

Down at DAUA. The airport appeared in the distance about 7 degrees off our starboard side, 6 minutes ahead of schedule.

http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFli...4IhrnToRPJVVtQ

[Moses03]

Further into the desert, DAUA to DATM.

[Moses03]

The FIAT Redemption. DATM was right where it should be at the estimated time. After hundreds of miles of nothing, a highway appeared and we knew that we were in the zone.


http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFli...a45tbQjALnd7eY

[Moses03]

I think the redemption was short lived. DATM is an emergency airstrip and not a regular fuel stop. I had my notes mixed up or some such. Looks like a three hour penalty. Sigh.

Yeah I know, I helped plan this event but that has not added any advantage.

[Willy]

If it helps, I got the same penalty.

[Moses03]

I’m just worried about the local Bedouins raiding the temporary camp we have set up.

Of note: It’s a bit warm here during the day…

[Moses03]

DATM to GAGO.

[Moses03]

At GAGO.

http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFli...99v8tb4rWq0rSQ

[Moses03]

Onward to checkpoint Niamey, DRRN.

[Moses03]

Arrived DRRN. That turned out to be more interesting than it needed to be. The idea of a sunset hop into Niamey went south in a hurry when a sandstorm blew in and dropped the viz. The thing is, we were able to spot the town lights and then the airport better in the dark.

http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFli...OYJ9UZPo3CVXSA

[salt_air]

Good Job Kevin!

Well you can break out the ADF's for a little while now.

Nice night shot of the Itallion Stallion ...



Thought about night flying for the town's lights, but bad news at dark if you loose visibility.

[Moses03]

Thanks Austin.

Weather reports are favorable for the coast. Departing for DNMM.

[Moses03]

Safe on the coast at DNMM.

Shortly after we parked on the ramp a man walked up and said if we gave him $100, he could have access to $10,000 and would split it with us. Sounds like a great deal...

http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFli...7OXV8H7YQ987yQ

Note: Had a Duenna glitch. I will wire the numbers to Miss Nellie to sort out.

28.04.2012 15:48:17z ERROR NEW: [Same A/C]
28.04.2012 15:48:17z AT N 10* 52.5' / E 2* 59.0' at 10987ft GS:230kts, IAS:185kts, VS:2ft/min
28.04.2012 15:48:17z STATE
28.04.2012 15:48:17z AIRCRAFT FIAT G-18V MVG 3 / Counter 0
28.04.2012 15:48:17z
28.04.2012 15:48:18z ERROR RESOLVED: [Same A/C] (Duration 00:00:01)
28.04.2012 15:48:18z AT N 10* 52.4' / E 2* 59.1' at 10987ft GS:230kts, IAS:185kts, VS:0ft/min
28.04.2012 15:48:18z STATE
28.04.2012 15:48:18z AIRCRAFT FIAT G-18V MVG 3 / Counter 2

[Moses03]

Over the Atlantic (Bight of Bonny) for a bit. Departing DNMM for FOOL.

[Moses03]

Down through the clouds and turbulence into FOOL. 7% fuel left in the FIAT.

http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFli...TstwX4YY6qLEp0

[Moses03]

Saddling up for FZAB.

[MM]

The London office confirms that the error in post number 42 represents a familiar Duenna glitch. No worries.

[Moses03]

At FZAB. Have to run, will post paperwork later.



Edit: Added stuff.

http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFli...Ws5hC7Y2Jehv40

[Moses03]

Up the Congo, FZAB to FZGA.

[Moses03]

Down without incident at FZGA. We are knee deep in the Congo now. Had to throttle back for the first third but then the wind came around a bit and gave us a quartering boost.

http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFli...4x1JQJjd3uaeQo

[Moses03]

Fueled up and off we go again. FZGA to checkpoint FZIA. Should be able to make it before sundown.