salt_air's Mountain Mission Expedition ... " Looney in a Gooney"

[salt_air]

Delayed arrival of some spares for the Gooney Bird has postponed my first leg.

Goods should be here by day's end .... then we're southbound to Argentina.

Would say I was headed to the Andes Mountains, but I'm already there as the islands of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao, are actually submerged peaks of the extreme northern edge of Andes Mountains.



Best of luck and good times to all of the freight haulers in this event ... "Hat's in the air" for the efforts and time spent on planning and maintenance by it's authors.


¡muchas gracias mis amigos!


40653

[salt_air]

Spares finally showed up ... (fresh windows and FS9 installs).

A few more bells and whistles and we're off.

Speaking of whistles, where's my co-pilot?


41228


Hopefully out to Maracaibo later today (night) to get loaded ... [talking about freight here] ... and GO!



41229


:jump:

[salt_air]

Finally getting to the starting gates at Maracaibo.

Great idea ... this "Shakedown Cruise" from Curacao ... found all sorts of last minute probs to get straight.



4126541266


Plenty of parking available ... most everybody's gone.

Jeeze ... the smoke from all the Pratt & Whitney's hasn't settled yet.




4126741268


Getting paperwork in order on all the cargo ... cash for all the various customs officials stationed along the route ... last of the provisions packed and loaded ... last of the delivery secured in the bay ... fuel and oil ... fill the canteens and don't forget the slop jar (for those who can't "hold it till we get on the ground.


Looks like all checked and ready for a dawn launch to another wonderful Andes Adventure ... plan to hit 'um all.





Yeah ... no worries on the Duenna guys ... online tracking was turned off for this flight.


41269


Cheers,

[Moses03]

Have any yoke time on the DC-3 Austin?
;)

Good luck Sir.

[salt_air]

Have any yoke time on the DC-3 Austin?
;)

Good luck Sir.


Hi Kevin!


Thanks for lookin' in on me.

Yoke time indeed ... even though I still "fly" with the keyboard [talk about old school].

'bout to log some more .... next post.



Thanks! ... and Good Luck to you as well!

[salt_air]

"All billed out and bound to go" ... From Big Bill Broonzy's "Key to the Highway"



Out of Maracaibo with a load of Wesson oil ... 3 tons of it! ... headed to Bocono.

They're having their first annual "Big Chicks" Oil Wrestling Championships this weekend.

Whew-wee ... that's a lotta oil there guys!

Ground crew here mumble "Las mujeres gobiernan grandes" while walking like chickens and snapping their fingers.

I can hardly wait to see what sort of cargo I'll be taking out of there :wiggle:


Taking Off: SVMC - SVBK

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 26,200

Takeoff Weight: 23,335

Empty Weight: 16,145

Fuel: 850

Payload: 6,000

Crew: 340

[salt_air]

Had to leave the sim world in order to handle a situation at work (from the home) ... returned to find a crashed plane.

Resetting to start again from Maracaibo .... arrgh, not a good start matey ...aye Capn!


Pre-flight checklist to include the ignore switch on the phone .... engaged!


Taking Off: SVMC - SVBK

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 26,200

Takeoff Weight: 23,335

Empty Weight: 16,145

Fuel: 850

Payload: 6,000

Crew: 340

[salt_air]

Clouds, clouds, and more clouds ... the forced go-around was more stressful than the original approach.

If seat cushions could talk ....

Sally! .. locate the heart medicine and bring it to the cockpit before we take off please.

WOW!

Landed: SVBK

Distance: 117.6

Fuel Used: 586.1

Flight Time: 00:54:35

Maintenance: 0



Total Airports Serviced: 1

Total Cargo: 6,000

Total Fuel: 586.1

Total Flight Time: 00:54:35

Total Maintenance: 0


4133941338413374133641335



http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFlight.php?flight=0QMYAGCiXpcGNE2ARRJSOcpRY8

[salt_air]

No Ma'am ... absolutely NOT staying for the weekend ... sign here, I gotta go!



A quick hop to Meridia before preparing customs papers for Colombia.

Cargo of books being donated to a local school there.



Taking Off: SVBK-SVMD

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 26,200

Takeoff Weight: 22,848

Empty Weight: 16,145

Fuel: 363.6

Payload: 6,000

Crew: 340

[salt_air]

I Follow Rivers works as long as you follow the right one ... close encounters of the power line tower kind.

Valley looked like it would go the distance, but had to struggle with a near stall speed climb to make it over a ridge lurking in the mist.


We havin' fun yet?


Landed: SVMD

Distance: 69.2

Fuel Used: 279.6

Flight Time: 00:27:53

Maintenance: 0


Total Airports Serviced: 2

Total Cargo: 12,000

Total Fuel: 865.7

Total Flight Time: 01:22:29

Total Maintenance: 0



413424134141340

[salt_air]

All paperwork in order for this load of railroad ties ... must of had some trouble with a landslide ... need these PDQ.

Heading out to beat the sunset to Bucaramanga.

[had to look over about three times to get the spelling on that one]

That will have me a my ol' gal Sal ... I mean the co-pilot Sally, in Columbia before dark.

Taking Off: SVMD - SKBG

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 26,200

Takeoff Weight: 23,434

Empty Weight: 16,145

Fuel: 949.4

Payload: 6,000

Crew: 340

[salt_air]

Clouds and vis are going to be the second biggest factor in this mission ... first?, well now that would be them there granite trees I keep flying through ... some over, but mostly through.

Landed: SKBG

Distance: 149.0

Fuel Used: 593.4

Flight Time: 01:03:13

Maintenance: 0







Total Airports Serviced: 3

Total Cargo: 18,000

Total Fuel: 1459.1

Total Flight Time: 02:25:42

Total Maintenance: 0



414274142841429



http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFlight.php?flight=cwF8vRlIcAPumzn6ULpkgFifKo

[salt_air]

Cargo crews are acting a bit nervous this morning while we take on a load of ammo for the capital city.

I'm instructed to make sure this ordinance gets to the right hands as there is a good bit of political unrest there.

"Beware of the bandoleros and and wait until General Pinilla himself is present before unloading a single pound."

I have been guaranteed a quick turn around at the cargo ramp ... unload and load right back with cargo for La Nubia Airport at Manizales ... some agricultural equipment.



Taking Off: SKBG - SKBO

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 26,200

Takeoff Weight: 23,139

Empty Weight: 16,145

Fuel: 654

Payload: 6,000

Crew: 340

[salt_air]

Okay Sally ... 1.02 lbs of fuel after we park is NOT what I call having some left over for reserve ... [shaking my head while the co-pilot covers her mouth and snickers].


First Required Airport



Landed: SKBO

Distance: 156.4

Fuel Used: 638.3

Flight Time: 01:09:31

Maintenance: 0



Total Airports Serviced: 4

Total Cargo: 24,000

Total Fuel: 2097.4

Total Flight Time: 03:35:03

Total Maintenance: 0



414974149841499




http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFlight.php?flight=FpqW3Jeuvgw1TUBWEVjs6OLw

[salt_air]

All loaded up for Manizales ... not a minute too soon as I can hear gunfire in the distance ... don't think it's "huntin' season" either.



Taking Off: SKBO - SKMZ

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 26,200

Takeoff Weight: 22,884

Empty Weight: 16,145

Fuel: 400

Payload: 6,000

Crew: 340

[salt_air]

A left - downwind to RWY 9 was in order ... it would give me a nice look at the airport before I dropped into the soup and allow for a more gradual descent ... better suited to the terrain issues as well.

Don't usually fly with loads of any kind ... final was a bit high and a steeper angle didn't result in as much float on flare as does when empty.

Big help on this one, but could make for a loud crunching noise if the flare is too late somewhere else further down the "trail"!



Second Required Airport



Landed: SKMZ

Distance: 82.5

Fuel Used: 322.2

Flight Time: 00:35:27

Maintenance: 0


Total Airports Serviced: 5

Total Cargo: 30,000

Total Fuel: 2419.6

Total Flight Time: 04:10:30

Total Maintenance: 0




4151141512415134151441515


http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFlight.php?flight=uQKGqZr261rmBwsmsMWYECRbM

[teson1]

Okay Sally ... 1.02 lbs of fuel after we park is NOT what I call having some left over for reserve ... [shaking my head while the co-pilot covers her mouth and snickers].
Hehe, that's what I was telling myself as well when I saw the TO message with 654 lbs... :icon_lol:

Good fuel planning. Every ounce counts up there... You know how harsh Mrs Nellie ca be about squandering fuel by lugging unnecessary weight around. (That's also the reason why Sally's flying in a bikini, right?)

Excellent fuelefficient flying btw. :salute:

[MM]

"Now there's a boy who understands the meaning of a dollar." -- Miss Nellie considers this high praise indeed.

[salt_air]

"Now there's a boy who understands the meaning of a dollar." -- Miss Nellie considers this high praise indeed.


Waste not want not .... hehehe [blushed face] ... tell Miss Nellie Thank ya!

But what I want not is to not run out of fuel as far apart as most of these airports are ... whew!!.

Hope I'm not expected to beat that ... but of course, the spirit of saving fuel will remain to the completion of CC AA's mission.






Hehe, that's what I was telling myself as well when I saw the TO message with 654 lbs... :icon_lol:

Good fuel planning. Every ounce counts up there... You know how harsh Mrs Nellie ca be about squandering fuel by lugging unnecessary weight around. (That's also the reason why Sally's flying in a bikini, right?)

Excellent fuelefficient flying btw. :salute:



Not so bad when find this sort of thing out upon landing, but when you're still 20 minutes out from destination ... and it's the nearest airport ... pretty bad on the nervous system.

A slower and higher final than I wanted, but all well.

A tad cold for a bikini lol ... heck she looks great all wrapped up!




Thanks Guys!

[salt_air]

Definitely want to get this trip completed before dark.

Nothing unusual about planes getting loaded with coffee here ... but to go such a short distance.

Seems as though the locals in Pitalito prefer the beans grown here for there brew.

Reckon I'll run down there, since the road washed pretty bad in last night's rain ... Juan and his burrow are okay, but can go ... oh well, suits me and we can chalk up another load for CC AA.

Let's see ... south to Matecana and then over the ridge to the river .... pretty simple if there's any visibility at all.



Taking Off: SKMZ - SKPI

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 26,200

Takeoff Weight: 23,385

Empty Weight: 16,145

Fuel: 901

Payload: 6,000

Crew: 340

[salt_air]

Whoa .... it's over there! ... shouts the co-pilot.

Following rivers works well, yeah .... except when the map shows 1 and you get there to find 2 and visibility is ... oh say 1/4 mile! :blind:

They were close enough together, but still zig zaggy flight path ... was about to turn Sally out on the wing for a better view ... right!, I mean of the airport ...sheeze!



Landed: SKPI

Distance: 191.8

Fuel Used: 745.9

Flight Time: 01:18:56

Maintenance: 0


Total Airports Serviced: 6

Total Cargo: 36,000

Total Fuel: 3165.5

Total Flight Time: 05:29:26

Total Maintenance: 0



415614156041562




http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFlight.php?flight=8P712CTobiWYcmyHXf6KOd62hU

[salt_air]

Goat's Milk! .... whatever ... Goat's milk to Pasto.


Taking Off: SKPI - SKPS

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 26,200

Takeoff Weight: 22,835

Empty Weight: 16,145

Fuel: 350.6

Payload: 6,000

Crew: 340

[salt_air]

Got milk? ... yup!

Tried the ol' straight over the top ... sure does use up the fuel that way ... not really sure what good it did other than shorten the distance.

Eh ... false economy there ... might want to rethink that next time.

Also another close call on fuel ... put 25 lbs in each aux tank ... had to switch them before I ever got visual on the airport.

Second thought to put in the extra fuel ... woulda crashed for sure without it.



Gunna ask ya again there Pedro ... are we haven fun yet? ... yeeeup!




Landed: SKPS

Distance: 79.8

Fuel Used: 307.4

Flight Time: 00:32:36

Maintenance: 0



Total Airports Serviced: 7

Total Cargo: 42,000

Total Fuel: 3472.9

Total Flight Time: 06:02:02

Total Maintenance: 0



416014160241603






http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFlight.php?flight=agyEibiv0jOqk2iv86TuYg7os

[salt_air]

"Quito 'fo dark" with a hot load of Kerosene for all the oil burnin' funaces ... it does get a tad cool at night.

Trivia: "On February 12, 1949, a realistic broadcast of H. G. Well's novel The War of the Worlds led to citywide panic and the deaths of more than twenty people who died in fires set by mobs."
Wikipedia


Taking Off: SKPS - SEQU

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 26,200

Takeoff Weight: 23,285

Empty Weight: 16,145

Fuel: 801

Payload: 6,000

Crew: 340

[salt_air]

Just doesn't seem right to be strugglin' along ... trying to put your hands through the windscreen so you can maybe feel where you are going because you sure as heck can't see ... and then a break in the clouds, just long enough for you to see that you are only a few minutes east from being able to fly at quarter of this altitude (14000') in clear skies ... and then whoosh, right back to white out like conditions ... may as well snow.


Quito is a tricky one ... been here at least 6 or 7 times in RTW's .... better show this one some respect.

Miscellaneous terrain everywhere ready to give you a "welcome hug" if your not paying attention.



Well, anyway ... Made it to Ecuador ... going to find a bunk and grab a little shut eye.


Third Required Airport


Landed: SEQU

Distance: 117.2

Fuel Used: 520.9

Flight Time: 00:50:34

Maintenance: 0


Total Airports Serviced: 8

Total Cargo: 48,000

Total Fuel: 3993.8

Total Flight Time: 06:52:36

Total Maintenance: 0


416134161441615





http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFlight.php?flight=vtiBLvwZ1nPvfOC9vJ2BWSCqnt4

[salt_air]

U.S. Ambassador Sheldon T. Mills just happened to be on hand at Mariscal Sucre Int'l and stopped by the cargo ramp to say hello and wish us well as we readied the Gooney for the trip through the Andean Highlands to Riobamba ... delivering some medical supplies.


After some "shop talk" with Jeff (jt_dub) I'm going to tote a bit more fuel for the rest of the way.



Also I'm looking at some differential between posted totals and what shows up on Paul's summary.

I haven't checked and likely won't, but I will make a +/- adjustments after this flight to bring my posted totals in line ... prolly a good idea to discontinue using the calculator (even with the big AARP buttons) in the dark with the only ilumination being from the glow from the monitors ... :redface:.




Taking Off: SEQU - SERB

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 26,200

Takeoff Weight: 23,186

Empty Weight: 16,145

Fuel: 701.2

Payload: 6,000

Crew: 340

[salt_air]

Sally ... make sure you refill all of the O2 tanks before we take off again please.

Too bad ya can't get a mask on these Pratt's .... and we ain't even in the highest part of this chain yet.

14000' and AGL was low enough to see whether or not folks on the ground were smiling or frowning .... not good in terrain this lumpy.

Relatively straight up VOR nav with a twist around a hump outside of town.


Landed: SERB

Distance: 92.5

Fuel Used: 353.5

Flight Time: 00:35:39

Maintenance: 0


Total Airports Serviced: 9

Total Cargo: 54,000

Total Fuel: 4346.2 (Adj. reflected in this total)

Total Flight Time: 07:28:24 (Adj. reflected in this total)

Total Maintenance: 0



419074190841909



http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFlight.php?flight=QxcZCAAWs8oQK67dXPWIJPnY5w

[salt_air]

So ... we're going to haul loose household goods? ... this outta be good.

Let's keep this thing loaded as even as possible ... is that a piano?


Taking Off: SERB - SETM

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 26,200

Takeoff Weight: 23,385

Empty Weight: 16,145

Fuel: 900.8

Payload: 6,000

Crew: 340

[salt_air]

wooo weee !! ..... yeeee haw!!!


Fourth Required Airport



Landed: SETM

Distance: 147.2

Fuel Used: 543.4

Flight Time: 01:00:15

Maintenance: 0


Total Airports Serviced: 10

Total Cargo: 60,000

Total Fuel: 4889.6

Total Flight Time: 08:28:39

Total Maintenance: 0



419984199942000



http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFlight.php?flight=0jc7PIsOBcpDi8Chfn1e8t0Vc

[salt_air]

Headed into Peru with several wooden crates said to contain some Pre-Columbian artifacts for the collection of a wealthy Banana farmer in Jaen, Peru ... to remain unnamed for now.



Taking Off: SETM - SPJE

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 26,200

Takeoff Weight: 23,135

Empty Weight: 16,145

Fuel: 650.9

Payload: 6,000

Crew: 340

[salt_air]

Havin' a ball!

Easy navigation ... straight in to RWY 16 from a 160 degree flight path lined up on the AEN VOR at the airport.

This would have been a real pisswilly to find without the VOR ... there are no NDB's in range, but the river did make a good ground reference.

Usual MSFS white out on approach was particularly thick ... good thing it lifted during final.

I was right of the runway and about to bust it up on a hill less than a mile from the threshold ... full flaps and near stall speed to a gravel runway.

We're having fun now by golly ... and by the looks of the charts this party's just gettin' started ... :wiggle:



Landed: SPJE

Distance: 102.2

Fuel Used: 371.9

Flight Time: 00:40:46

Maintenance: 0


Total Airports Serviced: 11

Total Cargo: 66,000

Total Fuel: 5261.5

Total Flight Time: 09:09:25

Total Maintenance: 0



420164201742018



http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFlight.php?flight=QjqJI6VYpTu94aiNYEffroYWoBw

[salt_air]

So we get here and there are six wagons loaded with bananas ... off go the crates to the ground ... must have been a dozen folks working ... the whole aircraft sweep out then the wagons come over one at a time they "run" the bananas (knew this would happen) into the plane and take the crates off the ground ... then down the road they go.

So we're back out loaded and headed to Cajabamba ... hope they didn't "pad" the figures on the claimed weight ... there's a LOT of bananas in here ... smells good enough, but me and Sally can't get to the facilities.

nos vamos!




Taking Off: SPJE - SPJB

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 26,200

Takeoff Weight: 23,235

Empty Weight: 16,145

Fuel: 750.6

Payload: 6,000

Crew: 340

[salt_air]

Yeah ..... if your just looking at the maps and charts thinking that "RWY 23 would be a good choice" ... it ain't!


The Lukla of the Andes ... well a little deeper and a good bit wider, but wider doesn't matter all that much .... unless you're doing "S" turns to bleed off ground speed and there's NO more room ahead. :icon_eek:

Good thing we had a load of fresh bananas in here ... making things smell real nice.

If the viz had been bad .....



Landed: SPJB

Distance: 128.5

Fuel Used: 539.6

Flight Time: 00:48:16

Maintenance: 0


Total Airports Serviced: 12

Total Cargo: 72,000

Total Fuel: 5801.1

Total Flight Time: 09:57:41

Total Maintenance: 0




421094211142113





http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFlight.php?flight=G4gT6IXsKLonD4QKXSeWlSvb3U

[salt_air]

Going to Huaraz at Anta with a load of boulders ... nicely shaped for a construction project.

Grabbing a extra O2 tank and a little bit heavier jacket out of the back too!


Taking Off: SPJB - SPHZ

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 26,200

Takeoff Weight: 23,185

Empty Weight: 16,145

Fuel: 700.8

Payload: 6,000

Crew: 340

[robert41]

Carefull taking off from there.

[salt_air]

Clear skies (relatively) the whole trip ... that was good since this is a "Valley" run and the plane was surrounded with granite from take off to landing.

Bonus was the 2 mile long paved runway even if it was set back in the riverbank just a bit.


Fifth Required Airport



Landed: SPHZ

Distance: 107.4

Fuel Used: 422.9

Flight Time: 00:43:18

Maintenance: 0


Total Airports Serviced: 13

Total Cargo: 78,000

Total Fuel: 6224.0

Total Flight Time: 10:41:09

Total Maintenance: 0


421484214742146




http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFlight.php?flight=Wr8bTCgZVoe4qii2oCweVEH50O4

[salt_air]

Bound for Huanuco with a load of lumber that was barged here from the coast ... it would take many burros to haul it over the mountains ... the river is turning the other way.


Si ... muchos burros!


Taking Off: SPHZ - SPNC

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 26,200

Takeoff Weight: 23,085

Empty Weight: 16,145

Fuel: 599.7

Payload: 6,000

Crew: 340

[salt_air]

What a struggle for the DC-3 .... operating at 15000' for most of the flight.

I'm REAL glad that it's been clear.



I remember using the Gooney Bird as my Transport/Bomber class entry in what was one of my all time favorite events ... Pan AM 1941.

Wiggling through some of these same passes (I think) ... but without the aid of these 195 NM VOR's we're using here.

On one instance I squirmed around a couple of passes and got disoriented and didn't even have an NDB in range when I finally popped through to lower ground (east) ... just compass and a guess at the times for the previous headings ... then a lucky guess as to what correction angle to use and which NDB's to look for ... Good Times!



Sixth Required Airport




Landed: SPNC

Distance: 89.4 nm

Fuel Used: 361.9

Flight Time: 00:38:30

Maintenance: 0


Total Airports Serviced: 14

Total Cargo: 84,000

Total Fuel: 6585.9

Total Flight Time: 11:19:39

Total Maintenance: 0



421564215542154



http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFlight.php?flight=VlTD0scPv5irG3gQI1bVtEY91U

[salt_air]

Short hop to Vicco with a crowd of folks that were on a bus that broke down and a bunch of suitcases and satchels.




Taking Off: SPNC - SPVI

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 26,200

Takeoff Weight: 22,935

Empty Weight: 16,145

Fuel: 450.8

Payload: 6,000

Crew: 340

[salt_air]

Getting dark ... slow gradual steady climbing to 15000' before a slow steady descent and then dead stick on short final in to the top of the butte.

Dead Reckoning through the valley tracking out of NUC NDB with some verification from the YON NDB to the west ... stop watch was handy too!


Landed: SPVI

Distance: 57.2

Fuel Used: 274.2

Flight Time: 00:23:10

Maintenance: 0


Total Airports Serviced: 15

Total Cargo: 90,000

Total Fuel: 6860.1

Total Flight Time: 11:52:49

Total Maintenance: 0


421714217042169



http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFlight.php?flight=pzfzwYaZ6Y4SbbqyUAZlmGmE

[salt_air]

Out of Vicco out to the coast with several good sized pieces of equipment that need to be repaired or replaced.


Taking Off: SPVI - SPLP

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 26,200

Takeoff Weight: 22,885

Empty Weight: 16,145

Fuel: 400.8

Payload: 6,000

Crew: 340

[salt_air]

Reflying the leg to Las Palmas Airport at Lima ... awaitng a ruling from Miss Nellie's Director of Maintenance on what points need be incurred ... will reflect on next post.

Computer lock on approach ... then intermittent losses of inputs (I use the keyboard to fly ... talk about old school) ... then regained until short then more of the same behavior ... lock-up(s) and fps in single digits as low as 1 ... sim returned from locked up on a go around ... way high and fast ... frames that slow had me "watching" a slide show at thousand yard intervals ... then only a millisecond to adjust .... then locked up again back and forth rodeo ride .... to crashed ... then desktop ... then drywall repairs added to the honey-do ... (told the missus I was sorry, but I wasn't ... I am now) ... luckily didn't find a stud ... :applause:

Should have hit the abort key on the duenna ... but it just ain't natural ... and a restart sometime during the day (18 hours) would have been prudent.



Copied and pasted from original post:

Out of Vicco out to the coast with several good sized pieces of equipment that need to be repaired or replaced.


Taking Off: SPVI - SPLP

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 26,200

Takeoff Weight: 22,885

Empty Weight: 16,145

Fuel: 400.8

Payload: 6,000

Crew: 340

[salt_air]

Beautiful day ... take off, turn slightly left and head for the passe on the right and follow the river to the beach.

Of course there were clouds, violent turbulence, lumpy terrain and poor viz around the airport ... that's why we get paid the big bucks fellas ... :wiggle:


Seventh Required Airport


Landed: SPLP

Distance: 90.6

Fuel Used: 321.6

Flight Time: 00:44:15

Maintenance: 0 (pending)


Total Airports Serviced: 16

Total Cargo: 96,000

Total Fuel: 7181.7

Total Flight Time: 12:37:04

Total Maintenance: 0 (pending)



422314223242233




http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFlight.php?flight=NdfzAtexu3qQ5olPEwOwwW3BHOk

[salt_air]

After a very cool dip in the ocean ... clears the head and helps put the salt back in salt_air ... me and Sally go back to get the Gooney ready to go to Ayacucho with a miscellaneous load of pier freight and some lost baggage from brought over from one of the "other" airlines at Jorge Chavez Int'l airport.


Taking Off: SPLP - SPHO

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 26,200

Takeoff Weight: 23,937

Empty Weight: 16,145

Fuel: 1452.0

Payload: 6,000

Crew: 340

[Bry Rosier]

then drywall repairs added to the honey-do ... (told the missus I was sorry, but I wasn't ... I am now) ... luckily didn't find a stud ... :applause:



I know exactly how you felt Austin . I run FSX with loads of memory sapping add-ons on a much out of date old setup , and a seasoned pro at trying to fly with single digit Frames , I completely understand the stuttering frustration ( unflyable IMHO)
:banghead:

If your Missus is like mine then the "Look" you received would be punishment enough :)

Excellent Flying and all the best for the remaining legs

[salt_air]

Oh yeah Bry!


THE "Look" ... plus the arms folded and patting the foot ...


Appreciate the Good Cheer ... right back to ya!

[salt_air]

Ayacucho ... Gesundheit!

Crawl across the tops of the ridges with not many options ... valleys or rivers to follow.

Almost got tricked into a couple of dead end passes ... like driving on ice ... no brakes and no gas ... just float along and hope you can keep from hitting anything with the slight corrections you can make.


Landed: SPHO

Distance: 174.1

Fuel Used: 751.4

Flight Time: 01:09:47

Maintenance: 0


Total Airports Serviced: 17

Total Cargo: 102,000

Total Fuel: 7933.1

Total Flight Time: 13:46:51

Total Maintenance: 0 (pending)


422394224042241



http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFlight.php?flight=FNJgB6ApRgNL4c3yhNwB8uR2XY

[Dil52]

Looks a bit soupy down below salt!

[salt_air]

Looks a bit soupy down below salt!


Justa bit ... clear as a bell above 9000' ... nice departing, but no reward for arriving.



:blind:

[salt_air]

All loaded up with some very handsome hand made pews for a church over in Cuzco.


Taking Off: SPNO - SPZO

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 26,200

Takeoff Weight: 23,425

Empty Weight: 16,145

Fuel: 940.0

Payload: 6,000

Crew: 340

[salt_air]

Clouds under me on the last four or five flights ... this one had them building overhead.

Didn't quite make it to Cuzco before it got completely socked in ... luckily wasn't extremely dense.

Great time running through the valleys and across the lower ridges along the river.




Landed: SPZO

Distance: 134.3

Fuel Used: 457.5

Flight Time: 00:49:30

Maintenance: 0


Total Airports Serviced: 18

Total Cargo: 108,000

Total Fuel: 8390.6

Total Flight Time: 14:36:23

Total Maintenance: 0 (pending)




422864228742288



http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFlight.php?flight=BnPdD8WJXRUexzYnrYY6L03NmE8

[salt_air]

Going to Puno ... our last stop in Peru.

Cargo for this trip is a "Package Deal" from Evinrude for some tourist outfit on Lake Titicaca ... mostly some outboard motors, but a few small water craft, skis, and they even thew in a few life jackets and what not.

Wouldn't mind helping them test everything out if it wasn't winter ... :wiggle:




Taking Off: SPZO - SPNP

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 26,200

Takeoff Weight: 23,525

Empty Weight: 16,145

Fuel: 1040.0

Payload: 6,000

Crew: 340

[MM]

Just checked with Miss Nellie and Alonso Contreras, our chief mechanic, about the incident at Las Palmas. They agreed that this was nothing to worry about. Clearly a computer-caused catastrophe. The ruling is no "Maintenance Points" ... merely re-fly the route as you have already done.

Superb screenshot just above! :cool:

--Mike (for the Committee)

[salt_air]

Another scenic voyage through the valleys of Peru ... with just a brief scare period of ... oh fifteen minutes of white windscreen ... then back to clear.

It was just like one of those wee hours of the morning sunglasses commercials ... not a minute too soon as the shadows get long this time of year a little earlier than I'm used to ... needed to get on the ground at Ventilla before dark ... would have been very hard to find ... was bad enough at dusk.

After you pass the JUL VOR at Inca Manco Capac (SPJL) you run up to a smaller lake where you turn (almost bisect) towards Lake Titicaca and the airport is out on a point between two small coves ... just so happens if the wind isn't horrific coming behind you, then you will be about lined up for RWY 12 ... soft field ... no lights.


Lots of fun on that trip .... had to briefly climb out of a 15000' cruise, only once.


Spend the night here and take a load of recycled plastics (crushed) down to a plant in Bolivia tomorrow.



This place sorta reminds of a camp I went to as a young'un ... Be a while so I'm not real sure, but I think it was called Lake Run-A-Muck. :jump:




Landed: SPNP

Distance: 175.2

Fuel Used: 639.2

Flight Time: 01:04:21

Maintenance:0


Total Airports Serviced: 19

Total Cargo: 114,000

Total Fuel: 9029.8

Total Flight Time: 15:50:44

Total Maintenance: 0



423244232542326




http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFlight.php?flight=ZLTaHSlIC9hZhnCXOfNnxVkP9JY

[salt_air]

Just checked with Miss Nellie and Alonso Contreras, our chief mechanic, about the incident at Las Palmas. They agreed that this was nothing to worry about. Clearly a computer-caused catastrophe. The ruling is no "Maintenance Points" ... merely re-fly the route as you have already done.

Superb screenshot just above! :cool:

--Mike (for the Committee)


Thank you!

Please pass on to Alonso and the fine Miss Nellie, that I was pleased to find out how the incident was considered.

Back out in the AM to make CC AA even more money!!



The screenshot was taken during a particularly tight maneuver to follow the valley trail I had committed to AKA the river ... thanks!

[salt_air]

Venezuela, Columbia, Ecuador, Peru, and now we'll take Miss Nellie's vision into the highlands of Bolivia ... first stop, La Paz.

Yeah ... I didn't think this was plastic, these are old tin cans going back to the smelter to get incorporated with what is coming out of the mines there ... hope they don't get any ideas about this plane.

Sally, grab a few extra "clips" and the 12 gauge out of the under floor storage compartment ... shells too.



Taking Off: SPNP - SLLP

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 26,200

Takeoff Weight: 23,225

Empty Weight: 16,145

Fuel: 740.0

Payload: 6,000

Crew: 340

[salt_air]

... in order to reset FS time to dawn for some better dawn screenies.



:mixedsmi:

[salt_air]

Dream ride across Lake Titicaca ... 15000' almost arrow straight out of Ventilla RWY 12 to El Alto Int'l RWY 10 and a flight path of roughly 115 +/-.

Keep an eye on the barometer ... proximity to water, altitude, time of day or any combination of those and other conditions lead me to hit the "B" key about every five minutes with hundreds of feet to adjust in altitude each time.

Need to watch that close on a flight that's only at the most 2000' AGL and still dark on the ground.

Yeah ... reset the time after first takeoff hoping to get some nice snaps and wound up setting the clock back a little too far.

Did manage to grab the sun's first peek over the mountains of this region's Altiplano ... at roughly the same time as crossing the border at the east end or side of the lake.

15 kt tailwinds all the way to put some salt and pepper on the eggs .... hey wait a minute, it's breakfast time!


Eighth Required Airport


Landed: SLLP

Distance: 116.3

Fuel Used: 365.4

Flight Time: 00:39:23

Maintenance: 0


Total Airports Serviced: 20

Total Cargo: 120,000

Total Fuel: 9395.2

Total Flight Time: 16:30:07

Total Maintenance: 0



42403424044240542406
42407



http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFlight.php?flight=L0w1yamAiW4BcrZQLibdy2eJH9c

[salt_air]

Salteñas - Only eaten in the morning. A warm savory pastry that holds a juicy combination of chicken or meat, greens and sauce, and is cooked in an oven.

Hope these bad boys don't have a short fuse on them ... tasty, but no time today for frequent stopping ... :running:


Bolivia is the highest (altitude) capital city on the planet ... that's nice, won't have to climb out so far.

Sounds good, but my charts are showing the highest peaks so far coming up on this next leg to Cochabamba .... but I don't see any rivers running in that direction ... makes me wonder if I'll have valleys to run in like I've been doing so far.

This could get interesting ... let's check the weather reports too ... could get real interesting.

Going to run some prisoners (heavily guarded) and equipment to a work farm just a few miles from Jorge Wilstermann Airport.



Taking Off: SLLP - SLCB

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 26,200

Takeoff Weight: 23,224

Empty Weight: 16,145

Fuel: 739.7

Payload: 6,000

Crew: 340

[salt_air]

Thinking I wouldn't find a "safe" valley to operate in ... I climbed out to 17000' and just tried to keep the needle centered on the VOR at Jorge Wilstermann, but was actually able to locate a valley just left of intended flight path before the clouds set in.

The floor was quite lumpy with some tall peaks so I held out till around thirty minutes out of La Paz to start a descent.

After a break in the cloud cover it was obvious I could make the descent steeper ... one last hump in the way ... right or left? ... went right and set up for clear visual on RWY 31.

A little longer approach than needed, but was able to enjoy tailwinds at 20+ kts, so I spent the savings on a safer altitude and downwind to look at terrain around the airport.

The terrain's not too bad, but it would be enough to bust you up if the viz was bad.



Feel like a few more hops ... but we'll just let the aging GPU cool off a while, dump these caches, reset memory (mine as well) ... maybe grab some lunch.


Great day for winds ... better not stay too long.



Ninth Required Airport




Landed: SLCB

Distance: 128.1

Fuel Used: 425.1

Flight Time: 00:47:19

Maintenance: 0


Total Airports Serviced: 21

Total Cargo: 126,000

Total Fuel: 9820.3

Total Flight Time: 17:17:26

Total Maintenance: 0



424164241742418




http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFlight.php?flight=SMLScHWsT36jdlJ2uWpOvu8308w

[salt_air]

Stud Llamas to Sucre .... yeah!


Taking Off: SLCB - SLSU

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 26,200

Takeoff Weight: 23,125

Empty Weight: 16,145

Fuel: 640.0

Payload: 6,000

Crew: 340

[salt_air]

Straight line 15000' tailwinds ... a few less clouds would have been perfect ... but it could have been a LOT worse too.

Thunder and Lightning after exiting the runway.


Landed: SLSU

Distance: 107.6

Fuel Used: 376.4

Flight Time: 00:39:18

Maintenance: 0



Total Airports Serviced: 22

Total Cargo: 132,000

Total Fuel: 10196.7

Total Flight Time: 17:57:04

Total Maintenance: 0




424414244242443



http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFlight.php?flight=q8seaMHa8cLeuoUsFB1Hye4mqY

[salt_air]

A quick uphill run to Potosi with a load of hay bales.


Taking Off: SLSU - SLPO

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 26,200

Takeoff Weight: 22,967

Empty Weight: 16,145

Fuel: 482.4

Payload: 6,000

Crew: 340

[salt_air]

Short flight packed with all the fun MSFS demons that you've come to love ... much like me.

Locked screen ... only for a second, but after the fiasco on the beach in Peru ... my "cheeks" may be welded together for days.

Of course the white out on approach ... either on base or short final ... and how can we forget the phenomenal surface turbulence in no wind.

At 140 indicated from where I took off and a rate of climb around 500 fpm, I barely was able to make the top of the mountain just in the direct path to Potosi.

If the viz is low watch out! ... the autopilot was off way before it would have needed to be ... no time for that "dance" switching it off in the face of a climb only to have the plane nose straight down ... no thanks!


Last stop in Bolivia



Landed: SLPO

Distance: 41.3

Fuel Used: 179.2

Flight Time: 00:16:18

Maintenance: 0


Total Airports Serviced: 23

Total Cargo: 138,000

Total Fuel: 10375.9

Total Flight Time: 18:13:22

Total Maintenance: 0




424654246642467





http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFlight.php?flight=2stKu5eCBBbB8Lk5FkndOjiEHs

[salt_air]

Busy flight ... not much for nav aids on the last part of the flight ... you can pick up the VOR at Diego Aracena Int'l for orientation the whole way, but w/o DME it's only minimal help ... just keep left of it ... if the plane had 2 nav radios I could triangulate some way between the VOR at El Loa .... or busy up and switch back and forth with just 1.

Going to need to stay on top of wind drift, ground speed/time for distance after losing the NDB signal from Potosi and still manage terrain and the hard ceiling of 17500'.

Possible twist and turns will hamper navigation whose figures will be predicted on a fairly straight line.

Add in the lack of landmarks and ability to know your there until you see the airport ... that means you'll have to be a minimum of 10 nm from the airport as you pass .... know which direction to look ...

Pile on the possibility of low viz at just the right time and you will not see the airport or know you are there unless you've navigated yourself directly to it ... even then it's sittin' down in a bowl ... or ..... Plan B.



You could by the rules switch up the order so that you leave Potosi and go straight to Iquique on the coast, then back to Coposa with direct nav aids for the entirety of each flight and (ballpark) something close to 50 nm extra as a trade off .... hmmm. :wiggle:


There's no distance category to consider and it won't be enough to jeopardize total time figures with penalty, but will cost on fuel which is a strong point if I even have one so far ... thinking some more ... a miss attempt at finding Coposa for any of the reasons above could run up a 50 nm "bill" or close real easy.

If the winds were out of the east at a good clip this would be THE way to go, but they have been out of the NW pretty steady for the last couple of days.



Note to self: [Okay dummy, this is just one more on a long list of reasons to get a stinkin' grip on sextant navigation]



You will burn extra fuel on plan B ... no way out of that ... you at least give yourself a chance not to by going straight to Coposa




Take extra fuel ... pack a lunch ... pay attention and stay one step ahead on navigation while watching out for the granite trees ... no worries.

Another cup of coffee and one to go ... then we're out of here with a dismantled barn that was purchased by an individual that lives near the airport ... headed straight for Coposa ... just navigated the Pacific Ocean ... I'll find it!




Taking Off: SLPO - SCKP

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 26,200

Takeoff Weight: 23,725

Empty Weight: 16,145

Fuel: 1240.0

Payload: 6,000

Crew: 340

[salt_air]

or .... you could just stay south of a direct path ... booby trapped with terrain issues even at 17000' ... parallel to it in a bit of a trough .... not really a valley and still a hazard or two and enough clouds to add a few years to your life .... then with your OBS set to the VOR at Iquique for 290 ... turn towards it when the needle centers.

Watch out for terrain (duh!) on descent ... clouds will add immensely to your already high pucker factor ... and get set up for RWY 35 (if your winds are the same) ... there's some room east of the airport for a real tight left downwind if needed.

Lights and a generous runway (2 miles long) help out a lot.




Very interesting flight ... I started before dawn with clear skies and a good image of the horizon .... depth perception was not good at all, but I had checked the distance to the terrain yesterday during daylight.

Winds as predicted with the exception of two instances of rapid direction changes ... kind of spastic ... lasted almost a full minute (forever) each with the second one just at the above described waypoint and of course all the way to short final.




Two more Chilean stops and I can just about see them both from up here ... a little stress relief flying out to the coast next and then more "gravy" flying up the river to Calama from Iquique ... jeeze what a fantastic event!!

I could fly exclusively in South America in vintage and historical aircraft for the rest of my life and never get bored.





Landed: SCKP

Distance: 181.8

Fuel Used: 630.3

Flight Time: 01:10:47

Maintenance: 0


Total Airports Serviced: 24

Total Cargo: 144,000

Total Fuel: 11006.2

Total Flight Time: 19:24:09

Total Maintenance: 0



425574255842559




http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFlight.php?flight=8d8kRY7eJp7hRdCDZkJ88tsxth4

[MM]

Austin, both the "strategery" post and the telling of the tale are music to the designer's ears. Superbly well done.

[salt_air]

Austin, both the "strategery" post and the telling of the tale are music to the designer's ears. Superbly well done.

Why Thank You Sir!



As I have progressed through this event it has become apparent to me that a lot of thought and consideration was put into it ... not just a random or haphazard list of airports.

There is a lot of design that could go unnoticed if one were to rush through or just adopt a "well ...what's next?" attitude and merely press on to the end.

I have and continue to enjoy the planning and thought processes that had to have gone into this event and excited as well to find what the extra consideration will afford those who will just take a look.

That facet is just as much fun as the flying itself.



Indeed, compliments to the Chef!



:guinness:

[salt_air]

There is a lot of mining that supports the economy in this part of the continent (even still today).

The plane is loaded with nitrate that has been bagged up and ready for export ... trucks will be meeting us at the airport to take the cargo the rest of the way to the waterfront to be loaded on waiting US flag vessel headed back to the "States".


No added fuel ... we need to burn off what we have so it doesn't loose it's punch.

We'll add some at Diego Aracena Int'l



Taking Off: SCKP - SCDA

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 26,200

Takeoff Weight: 23,109

Empty Weight: 16,145

Fuel: 534.3

Payload: 6,000

Crew: 340

[salt_air]

Clouds covering the coast and far enough inland to make descent a challenge as the elevation stays high ... then drops off like a cliff.

Looks like the truck that is here to pick up the cargo of nitrate has brought something along with him to go further south.




Landed: SCDA

Distance: 85.5

Fuel Used: 286.3

Flight Time: 00:37:53

Maintenance: 0


Total Airports Serviced: 25

Total Cargo: 150,000

Total Fuel: 11292.5

Total Flight Time: 20:02:02

Total Maintenance: 0



425874258642585




http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFlight.php?flight=h4fKaIcOk2XTHS0sbyIiqykeNs

[Willy]

The original idea for this event was DC-3s in the Rockies. The Andes have worked out much better.

[salt_air]

The original idea for this event was DC-3s in the Rockies. The Andes have worked out much better.


Yes ... and that means we can still do the Rockies later!

:applause:

[salt_air]

So ... what's in these crates? ... What the heck is a "tratar con cuidado" anyway?

Juan looks up at me while he's loading the plane ... between setting down a box and going for another ... and says in broken English ... it's a dynamite ... then gets right back to work.

Great ... no pressure on this next landing at Calama I thinkin' ...

Juan looks up again on his next trip and says it's okay ... you can drop it .... just don't light it.

[could have sworn I heard him snicker as he walked back down the ramp]




Taking Off: SCDA - SCCF

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 26,200

Takeoff Weight: 23,209

Empty Weight: 16,145

Fuel: 724.8

Payload: 6,000

Crew: 340

[salt_air]

Follow the coast to the river and turn left was working okay until the clouds meet with the haze and then it was just flying on instruments all the way in ... with no break in viz.

The closer to the ground the better I could see, but the less time I had to duck.

The gained vision (as well as heart rate) for flying at 300' AGL at around 140 IAS did indicate that I needed to stop the descent and fly leveled out almost until I had visual on the airport.

Short - tight right hand pattern in to RWY 27 and we were done for the day and have completed the last stop in Chile.

The journey will draw to an end after this next flight into Salta where I'll not only be delivering the last of Miss Nellie's revenue heavy cargo, but the entire aircraft itself.


Starting to feel a little bit ... little ... I'll be in Argentina with no aircraft and a long way from the one I left in Curacao ... I'm sure the good Mr. Trippe hasn't forgotten what he said about getting me back there ... with pay.

Now I just have to wonder how ......




Landed: SCCF

Distance: 137.8

Fuel Used: 602.4

Flight Time: 00:57:20

Maintenance: 0


Total Airports Serviced: 26

Total Cargo: 156,000

Total Fuel: 11894.9

Total Flight Time: 20:59:22

Total Maintenance: 0


426404263842637




http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFlight.php?flight=OxNkBiNZvQ0TOBZFLWTSsZ1Lqg

[Moses03]

...I'll not only be delivering the last of Miss Nellie's revenue heavy cargo, but the entire aircraft itself.




Make sure you get a receipt!:icon_lol:

[salt_air]

What to me has been a fabulous journey ... one of my personal favorites ... will draw to a close as we land in Salta later this morning.

Sally, my very capable co-pilot, has asked to stay on with me until we get back to the US ... I have agreed of course.



The cargo for this last flight is being guarded closely by officials from Argentina who will accompany the items ... billed as radio equipment ... I don't know - I don't care ... it's just another load of cargo to me.

Sad that the Andes Airways' mission will be complete, but looking forward to spending some "Quality" time off while I wait to hear what Juan Trippe has in store for me.

Caught by surprise at my arrival ... sooner than expected ... he is currently en route to Salta from New York with several stops of his own to make along the way.

Could be "camped out" in Salta for several days or longer, but by being a guest of the Peron family and thought very highly of by the owners of this DC-3 that I have "brought home", I'll be well taken care of and likely spoiled rotten before he arrives.

I will be receiving messages from Mr. Trippe as he travels via shortwave radio from his aircraft to the Pan American facilities ... then by wire to Salta.



Looking over my shoulder at the last cot, bench or floor that I will be sleeping on for a while, I grab my satchel, and flight bag and start towards the plane.



Taking Off: SCCF - SASA

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 26,200

Takeoff Weight: 23425

Empty Weight: 16,145

Fuel: 940.3

Payload: 6,000

Crew: 340

[salt_air]

Make sure you get a receipt!:icon_lol:


Show me the money!!


:jump:

[teson1]

Austin,
all the best for this last leg of a long trip done with style.
It was a pleasure following allong your flights, and learn a thing or two about flying the DC-3.
Hats off to the Pelican. :salute:

[salt_air]

Across the room when the engine noise stopped ... a glance at the monitor from there found the DC-3 at a comfortable 17000' and at least 3 or 4 thousand AGL.

Started toward the the computer to switch tanks and ran the toes of my right foot right into the leg on a chair ... now I'm holding that foot up to my belt line (why?) ... with both hands and drawing air in rapidly past clinched teeth ... sounds a little bit like a snake or cat maybe and hopping on the other foot (again why?).

Funny, looking back, but by now the DC-3 is completely out of patience and is pointed upwards to the sky at about 60 degrees doing every bit of 70 kts. under no power at all ... with the exception of what ol' man Gravity is willingly providing while rubbing his hands together with anticipation and drawing air between his teeth much as I described myself.

Already grabbing for keys before I'm completely in the chair, age, fresh injury, and by now a good bit of anxt setting in, I miss the chair landing straight on the floor looking up at the monitor like a small child with butt cheeks getting ready to turn a blueish color for a few days.

My language has drawn a particularly unfriendly crowd to the doorway .... never mind I about came through the floor to the room downstairs below me after dislocating a toe (immediately set when I grabbed it) ... let's just address the language issue that is now getting out of hand ... even by my standards .... the crowd marches off ... Good!




Meanwhile ... turned off the Lear ... caught the plane that had somehow gotten dangerously close to the hard ceiling turning it nose down and switching tanks for an engine restart .... power back up and re trim ... engage Lear and try to figure where I am as the course I was on is a memory.

Lost .... now I get oriented and find a valley I hadn't seen in planning that took me south and west of the airport .... careful wide left hand into RWY 1.




Hope you guys have had the fun that I have ... :wavey:




All finished ... mission complete ... I'll collect my pay and settle in ... waiting to hear what adventure will get me back to Curacao and on my way home.



Excellent Event! ... One of my favorite parts of the planet in one of my favorite aircraft ... able to participate in an event that "somebody else" put together and managed (icing on the cake).

I've put a few events together myself and know first hand what it takes of everyone involved .... you guys did a wonderful job ... I appreciate it ... had a ball!





Landed: SASA

Distance: 235.5

Fuel Used: 792.9

Flight Time: 01:27:09

Maintenance: 0


Total Airports Serviced: 27

Total Cargo: 162,000

Total Fuel: 12687.8

Total Flight Time: 22:26:31

Total Maintenance: 0



Posted totals are of course subject to review and edit by the General Manager of Andean Airways.


Good Luck All!


427224272142720



http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFlight.php?flight=mq1KnhS4JDRRsfdbyHwm8eO4

[salt_air]

Austin,
all the best for this last leg of a long trip done with style.
It was a pleasure following allong your flights, and learn a thing or two about flying the DC-3.
Hats off to the Pelican. :salute:


Roger on that Gunter!


Get your bags packed brotha ... we got some hikin' to do pretty soon to get back to Curacao.


Thanks mate!

[Great Ozzie]

Outstanding Austin!

:salute: btw

[MM]

Congratulations Austin. Your narratives have been engaging and truly entertaining. What wonderful cargo manifests. Every post became a "must read." The last story, in particular, had me on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen on the final dramatic leg. Nice save. (You mention the exercise of a certain colorful vocabulary, and the unappreciative reaction of the local observers. How truly familiar is that scene. Not everyone understands. We surely do.) Bravissimo!

[Bry Rosier]

Absolutely fantastic to follow progress and great commentary all the way . One perfect DC-3 at Salta , A great achievement . Still desperately trying to re-skin the belly fuselage on the C-54 . At least the bare-metal finish should be nicely weathered by the time I return it to london :)

The organisers have certainly produced probably the finest event yet .

First rate Austin . Congrats:icon29::applause:

[robert41]

Congrats Salt. One hell of a flight.

[PRB]

Excellent run, Austin!!

:ernae:

[mickj300]

Great flight my friend, just sorry I didn't get to fly along with you. Well done!

[salt_air]

First off I'd like to say thanks to this great group of well respected pilots for these fine closing acknowledgements.


Secondly ... there's no rest for the weary and I have found more work :wiggle:


http://www.flightsim.com/vbfs/showthread.php?235431-quot-Solo-Flight-quot-...-fourth-thread-...-the-road-to-Weeksville&p=1601754#post1601754


"Spooky" to me as to how my "Solo Flight" around the world has been able to incorporate (with a tad of imagination) three free standing events that just happened to be be in it's path.


Hope to finish as close to Labor Day as possible ... just shy of the anniversary date of 10 Aug 2011.



Cheers,

[jt_dub]

Congrats on a great run and very entertaining commentary. Most economical with the avgas too. I am sure Miss Nellie appreciates that.

:guinness::guinness::guinness: :icon29::icon29::icon29:

[Moses03]

Reread your story Austin. You should write a novel. :mixedsmi:

[salt_air]

You guys are too kind! ... all of you.

Thanks, I appreciate it.



We each had our own hurdles to get over ... some a little more than others.

It's all of the parts that make up the whole (group) and what a great group it is.

Everyone that came out did a fantastic job in their own right.



:wavey:

[Willy]

Great run Salt!

[salt_air]

Thanks Willy!


Finding my way back to Curacao ... wasn't sure about making additional posts beyond the event and it will eventually tie into me finishing up a flight around the world that's about a year old now.... :sleep: ... so I'll pile them up on this thread:



http://www.flightsim.com/vbfs/showthread.php?235431-quot-Solo-Flight-quot-...-fourth-thread-...-the-road-to-Weeksville&p=1603637#post1603637


Hoping to "pick up" some stragglers along the way, but if not then my co-pilot Sally should keep things interesting.



Awesome event ... now back to work!