Red's Cape-to-Cape Snowbird Adventure

[RedGreen]

First off, you may be wondering, why call it a "Snowbird" Adventure. Well, here in Michigan we use the term "Snowbird" to describe residents who go south during the winter months and come back north for the summer. And seeing as how I'll be spending most of my time going north, it seemed appropriate.

I'm about ready to depart Cape Town for Johannesburg in the Rockwell Turbo Commander. Fans of Bob Hoover may be disappointed that I plan on having both engines going during the entire duration of this race, but the civil aviation authorities from South Africa to Sweden have been understandly relieved to hear this news.

And it's time to go!

[RedGreen]

The Turbo Commander is fast, but does she ever go through her fuel quickly! Even with very favorable tailwinds it required a bit of fuel management to get her into Johannesburg safely. The approach wasn't too difficult, the weather was as good as could be asked for, and the landing was acceptable on this one. However, one has to wonder if this bird's lack of fuel mileage will be an Achille's heel further on into the race....

http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFlight.php?detail=flight&value=eavrAIryddQDOtPhQ2ufNdmbE

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c263/JackRyanWMU/CtoC1.jpg

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[RedGreen]

It didn't take long into this race for the Rockwell's fuel guzzling to become an issue. Seeing as how Zimbabwe is closed for landings, it took away my optimal route north. I was thusly faced with three unenviable choices: Make short flights and extra landings that would hurt in the reference race, go for an extra long leg and pray I didn't hit headwinds, or deal with the government officials in Mozambique. I finally decided on the latter choice being the least of the evils. Do not fear though, readers. I'm bringing along three essential items that should prove invaluable on this next leg....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5puAN1PGQw

Now departing FAGM for FQCH, in the quaint little town of Chimoio. :kilroy:

[RedGreen]

This was overall a pretty smooth and nondescript flight. Literally the only challenge on the descent was a 4100 foot knoll directly in my flightpath that both the GPS and FSNav inexplicably failed to indicate ahead of time. Let's just say I'm glad I made a heading change a few degrees to the west before coming upon it! :icon_eek:

With that obstacle behind me however, the rest of the approach and landing were cake. Calm winds, unlimited visibilty and a gracious 8000 foot runway made for an easy conclusion to the flight.

Now for the really difficult part. I see some men in fatigues approaching with AK-47s slung over their shoulders. Not sure they're altogether happy to see me. :kilroy:

(I hereby accept a 30 minute penalty for landing in Mozambique.....unless the aforementioned lawyers, guns and money I carried somehow mitigate that sentence!)

http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFlight.php?detail=flight&value=YLmYNTIFn5SaSRryhstwydnv0

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[RedGreen]

Well, our experience with the Mozambique authorities didn't turn out too awful bad. They gladly accepted our "presents" in the form of greenbacks and firearms, and our lawyers even managed to get themselves prime positions in the national governemnt. (Crooks look out for other crooks, it would seem.) However, there was one major loss in this escapade. No, I don't mean the 30 minute penalty. While searching the plane the authorites found our generous stock of alcoholic beverages and promptly confiscated it for themselves! Off all the barbaric things!

So it's with great pleasure that we leave Mozambique behind us and continue our way to Karonga, Malawi. (FWKA)

[RedGreen]

If nothing else, the short range of the Turbo Commander is certainly giving me the opportunity to explore little-seen parts of Africa. I observed some thunderstorms off to the west over Lake Nyasa before I landed at Karonga International Airport. For an international airport, it would seem like you would be able to pick it out of the landscape from a little farther away than four miles. Yet, that was I close I was (in very good conditions) before the runway finally presented itself in full view. Anyway, I did some reading up on this place after I landed and it turns out that there's a uranium mine near here....

Now where did I put my lead underpants? :kilroy:

http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFlight.php?detail=flight&value=UqoXdbopf9f92UUS1OxuvtBfq8

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[RedGreen]

While sleeping near a uranium mine may be disconcerting, we've run a geiger counter over the plane and ourselves and are confident that we won't be glowing in the dark anytime soon. So today we push on to the checkpoint at Nariobi, home of a thoroughly modern airport with a runway long enough to handle a strategic bomber. So naturally, we must land instead at an airport five miles away with only a third the runway length and not even its own NDB to speak off.

(I'm starting to think Ms. Murphy is something of a sadist.....:kilroy:)

Upward and onward!

[RedGreen]

Well, this flight proved far less painless than what I thought it would. Had a nice view of a canyon going through Tanzania, and weather conditions were ideal in Naroibi. Not that the conditions were would have been ideal had I arrived a little bit later. I was definitely satisfied that I managed to get the Rockwell into town before the thunderstorm to the northeast managed to move into the city. So far, the weather's been on my side; no headwinds and clear visibility on every landing. Makes me wonder how long it will be until nature decides to unleash her fury on me....

http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFlight.php?detail=flight&value=8FVI0pSSseonWULbjQ8LDhd1k

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[RedGreen]

Well, here's a leg where fuel mileage won't be an issue: a short 150 mile hopper over to Kisumu. I don't believe I've ever flown in this part of the world, so every mile's a new experience so far.

[RedGreen]

Made it to the shores of Lake Victoria! One moment Nariobi was a mere speck in the distance, and not long at all afterward the shores of the mighty lake became clear on the horizon. What also became clear were some onimous dark clouds and fog down below that seemed more than a little forboding as I approached. Visibility didn't prove to be a hinderance however, and I made a solid landing. Now, off to check out the Museum in Kisumu that everyone tells me I have to see while I'm here.

http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFlight.php?detail=flight&value=EB37mKp7aFCeSWsNrGnNfnC98E

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[salt_air]

Looks like you are faring rather well.

Fine choice of aircraft Red ... Best of luck on your way!

[RedGreen]

Next stop: Kisangani, DRC. This leg is a bit of a conundrum for the Rockwell. It's too short to justify breaking down into two smaller legs, but it's just enough at the edge of its practical range that a headwind could prove to be a major headache. We'll see if the weather spirits are with me on this leg.

[RedGreen]

This has assuredly been one of the most breathtaking flights in my travels so far. From the expanses of Lake Victoria (which reminded me of the Great Lakes of Michgian) to the mountain range in the middle of my flight (which brought back fond memories of the Rocky Mountains) to the building almost right in front of the runway threshold (which had me wondering if the guy who built it wanted an airplane to crash into it); this truly was a memorable flight. I even made Bob Hoover proud by touching the right landing gear down before coming back up and landing cleanly on the main gears. (It wasn't intentional, granted, but I'm still proud that I pulled it off.) :icon_lol:

http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFlight.php?detail=flight&value=zEzqD8BUNM6uF67w6BAlFpKuPJ8

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c263/JackRyanWMU/CtoC17.jpg

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[PRB]

That's a sweet looking ride, RG! Nice run too.

[RedGreen]

Thanks PRB!

Next stop, Lisola. A short leg...but a gravel runway? What, was this race just not exciting enough as it was?

In all seriousness though, I've never tried landing the Rockwell on an unimproved surface before, so I'm not sure what's going to happen when I touch down. Although it does seem to handle being put down on one wheel well enough....:kilroy:

[RedGreen]

Going into a gravel strip with only an NDB for navigational aid. Old Man IFR has an uncanny ability to reveal himself at the worst times. The clear weather I had experienced early in the flight soured quickly as I approached Lisola. The haze caused me not to spot the airport until less than five miles away from it, and then I was far left of where I needed to be. It took quite a bit of fancy maneuvering to get the Turbo Commander where it needed to be to land safely. And as I was coming down, I heard the dreaded "Stall!" alarm going off. I instinctively applied throttle, only to feel the landing gear touch down. As the airplane started trying to climb back in the air I had to quickly idle the throttles to get the plane back down on the ground.

This one definitely goes in the file of "Memorable Flying Adventures"!

http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFlight.php?detail=flight&value=PeAgpJLXIq4c7iwypOTBYVOpctc

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[RedGreen]

More evidence that the race organizers may be a little sadistic? :kilroy: I now get to fly more than 500 miles....away from the northward direction where my ultimate destination lies. Further, I have to eschew two major airports at the destination of my next leg and land at one with a much shorter runway and little in the way of useful navaids (an NDB a full mile to the left of the runway heading. Yep, I'm heading for Kinshasha.

Leastways after this leg I finally get some indepence to my routing. But I also have some number crunching to do in order to figure out what my precision time should be.

But first things first....

[RedGreen]

After miles and miles of smooth sailing, Mother Nature decided it was time to remind me of the calamity she can cause. I was cruising along with a decent quartering tailwind with everything seeming hunky-dory. Then about 140 miles from FZAB I ran smack into a thunderstorm that had the Rockwell bucking like a bronco and its airspeed gauge and altimeter wildly fluctuating. Had to slow down to prevent any chance of an overspeed while I rode the storm out. I was more than a little thankful when I finally broke out of the storm cell and found Kinshasha just to the south of the thunder and lightning.

I wasn't nearly as thankful to find another moron had put a building right on the glide path to the runway. Is it a pastime in this part of the world to see how close you can put a building in front of runway until someone crashes into it?

Anyway, I'm happy that I made it safe through south-central Africa. Now I need to break out the slide rule and start making calculations for my precision time...

http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFlight.php?detail=flight&value=I6M1L614gsJPiVrlZtVp9sKLA

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c263/JackRyanWMU/CtoC24.jpg

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[RedGreen]

After much number crunching, pondering, and instrospection, I have finally settled on a precision time of 32 Hours, 30 Minutes, 0 Seconds.

Will I even come close to this number? No clue whatsoever....

[RedGreen]

Turning northward, the next destination is Libreville, Gabon. Airport Idenitifier: FOOL. An appropriate term for someone about to fly to a place where thunderstorms are in the forecast? You be the judge....

[Willy]

Red, I just flew into there tonight going the other direction. Expect thunderstorms at FOOL and on up the coast.

[RedGreen]

Flying into a thunderstorm is never a fun experience, especially so if you're heading into a place you've never been before. Thunder was booming all around and flashes of lightning lit up the cockpit on the descent. Visibility was quite poor on the approach, and for what seemed an eternity I couldn't find the airport. I scanned back and forth among the buildings at Libreville, saying to myself, "I don't get it...it should be right there!"

It was only when I was about to make my base turn that the airport revealed itself between the bottom of the bluff that the town stood upon and the ocean. It would be quite easy to see from the east, but from the west the bluff conceals it until you're almost perpendicular with the airport heading. (Suppose that's why it's called FOOL?) Anyhow, we were very gratified to get the wheels on the ground, having successfully ridden out the storm.

http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFlight.php?detail=flight&value=P6PlXQLNIViz0O3hrlQGrWDrdM

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[RedGreen]

Next up, a flight over the Atlantic to the town of Cotonou, Benin (DBBB). Thankfully the weather looks a lot better for this leg than it did the last one.

[RedGreen]

A pretty smooth ride over the Atlantic on this one, without much in the way of drama. The visibility at Cotonou wasn't ideal, but more than acceptable. Landed just past the numbers with plenty of runway to spare.

http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFlight.php?detail=flight&value=VSCt0Dmyp3LWPqYvPWeFsy18Qrk

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c263/JackRyanWMU/CtoC29.jpg

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[salt_air]

Some great flying Red!


I really like these screen shots ... The Aero Commander is growing on me.


Easy to see why you would have chosen it.

[RedGreen]

Thanks Austin! I had the privilege to watch Bob Hoover perform in his Commander when I was young. The things he could do with that plane were simply incredible!

I'm now continuing on to the next checkpoint at Niamey, Niger. Lucky me, Cumulonimbus clouds have been observed in the area....:kilroy:

[Moses03]

I had the privilege to watch Bob Hoover perform in his Commander when I was young. The things he could do with that plane were simply incredible!



Me too RG. I saw him at an airshow back in 1976. Amazing stuff.

Nice run so far-

[RedGreen]

Those big scary clouds turned out to be a whole lotta nuthin'. Conditions were ideal at Niamey. A very routine and unremarkable flight.

http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFlight.php?detail=flight&value=XuCd8WX8QQjgLm1kFgdiSC1S1I

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[RedGreen]

I'm now starting the "desert voyage" portion of my journey. Next stop Tessalt, Mali (GATS). And yes, I've checked the map multiple terms ensuring this is east of Timbuktu. I'm pretty sure this is the first time I've seen a weather report of "widespread dust" at a destination airport!

[RedGreen]

Well, it appears no paint got sandblasted off my plane. Wasn't in a good position on my approach and was high and fast and over the numbers by the time I finally got the plane aligned with the runway. Big ugly bounce on landing, and I'm certainly glad I got the plane stopped when I did. Probably less than a thousand feet to spare by my guesstimate.

Although if I had gone off, I highly doubt I would have run into anything. Nothing to really crash into in this place....

http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFlight.php?detail=flight&value=qmgZbVLrrVvUmczUeU0aFIdXTCs

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[RedGreen]

The long journey across the desert continues to the town of Adrar, Algeria (DAUA). I have already determined I'll be quite happy to get out of the desert. Seriously, I've flown over oceans that provided more scenic variety than the Sahara!

[RedGreen]

An overall pretty non-dramatic leg. Not the best landing I've ever done, but satisfactory. Nice of the Algerians to put an airport with a 9000 foot runway in the middle of nowhere...

http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFlight.php?detail=flight&value=6tb7TfaxmvjKm7r4GVCLWqIzX54

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[RedGreen]

Up next, a quick hop to the next checkpoint at Bechar.

[RedGreen]

A fairly straightforward and unremarkable leg. Winds weren't ideal to say the least, but I made Bechar in good time. Only one more leg before we touch European soil!

http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFlight.php?detail=flight&value=p0MQbFwyWJcWsi1If4YCc6tI1gk

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[RedGreen]

The time has finally come to get out of Africa and make landfall in Europe! Well, yes, technically Palma de Mallorca (LEPA) is on an island in the middle of the Mediterranean, but it's part of Spain. It counts in my book!

[RedGreen]

Farewell, Africa! Buenos Dias, Espana! What a thrill it was indeed for the Sea to finally come into view, and then to leave the land of Africa. Knowing I had travesed from the southernmost points of the continent and leaving it from the north was a very satisfying feeling. Landing at Mallorca was a cinch. Plenty of navaids and a gracious runway made for a very easy and routine landing.

Now, some calculations are in order to figure out my strategy in the Swiss Alps. Good thing I haven't misplaced my slide rule....

http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFlight.php?detail=flight&value=2EwZRcmWK4QrJqMbp4TWxxb1Wo

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[RedGreen]

After some downtime in Palma de Mallorca, I'm off to Aosta, Italy (LIMW) to pick up some bonus time.

[RedGreen]

Well, as happy as I was to see Europe, the continent of Europe clearly did not share my sentiments. First it gave my horrific headwinds and IFR conditions at 15,000 feet(!), then it gave my crazy windshifts while over the Sea. In my entire CtoC run up to this point I had zero overspeed incidents. I had three on this flight alone. Thankfully, things cleared up over the Alps, but it didn't make the approach to Aosta any easier. With no navaids to speak of, it was entirely visual and hand-controlled from the time I nosed into the valley until I touched down. And this landing is one of the ugliest I've ever done. Had an awful bounce on touchdown and only got the plane stopped by the hair of my chinny-chin-chin before I ran out of runway. And yet, green duenna and an hour of bonus time after all was said and done.

This flight is proof I would rather be lucky than good!

http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFlight.php?detail=flight&value=XsZIcvyamZn2c68w9ZeBlojVuh0

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[RedGreen]

Onward to the checkpoint at Interlaken. Short flight, but lots of terrain issues packed into a small amount of nautical miles....

[RedGreen]

Had to make both a steep ascent and a deep descent on this flight. Landing was much, much smoother than last time. Some fog as I approached over the river to Interlaken, but it cleared up nicely as I came over land.

http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFlight.php?detail=flight&value=zZ3JczVuB1q7ABmWDee9yUtBo

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[RedGreen]

We're in the home stretch. Time to make the final push to the finish line. Next stop is Malmoe, Sweden (ESMS). Things are foggy here in Interlaken. I sincerely hope I don't run into any granite clouds while trying to get out of Switzerland.

[RedGreen]

Well, I managed to avoid running into any mountains. The winds were on my side and the conditions were ideal in Malmoe when I made my landing. The only drama that occurred on this leg was when I looked up and discovered I was only cruising at 140 KIAS; a phenomenon I can only attribute to my cat deciding it would be funny if she walked across my keyboard in the middle of a flight.

Hard to believe I only have a couple more legs to go.

http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFlight.php?detail=flight&value=90BdK1LtfnxVOvPS9NF9YKv7oRM

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[robert41]

Got to watch out for them cats. Never know what they will get into, or onto.

[salt_air]

Some great flying buddy!

Nice pace ... continued Good Luck into Hammerfest.



I have an open tab at Miss Nellie's, but that's about 10000 NM and maybe 75 years from where you will wind up.

Don't think anyone would remember me leaving there in the Vega, might be a good idea not to ask anyway .... just in case.

:ernae:

[RedGreen]

Thanks to both of you for the replies. And don't worry, Austin. I have a rather generous "slush fund" to draw from to support my drinking habits once I finally arrive in Hammerfest. :ernae:

I was going to make my second to last flight tonight, but with thunderstorms moving through my neck of the woods in real life, I've decided not to risk losing a flight to a blackout and simply delay my arrival at the finish line by a few days.

[Dil52]

Good job as usual Red!
Great flying, great plane, and the screen shots look real life!

[RedGreen]

Thanks Fred! With good looking forecasts both in real Michigan and virtual Sweden, it's onward tonight to the town of Sundsvall (ESNN).

[RedGreen]

This flight was a good one. Very good weather the whole way and possibly the best landing I've pulled off so far in this race. Looking forward to wrapping the Adventure up later this week!

http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFlight.php?detail=flight&value=hHSmLIpASiwe9J2afOidJdmNMWI

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[RedGreen]

This is it. After thousands of miles and several long hours in the cockpit. Next destination: The finish line at Honningsvag!

[Willy]

GO RED GO!

[RedGreen]

Well, the race organizers certainly can't be faulted for picking a boring place for the race to end. Boring does not describe a 2000 foot runway with an offset ILS and loads of terrain issues. And just for more fun, Mother Nature threw in lowered visibility, rain, and a 20-25 knot quartering crosswind. It was indeed a big relief when the tires planted themselves firmly on the ground and the Rockwell came to rest for the final time this race.

And so, Mission Accomplished! Hats off to the organizing committee for an outstanding event that truly was an exercise in strategy, planning, and pilot skill.

Now, I would head to the bar to celebrate, but I'm uncertain if there is one on this isolated Norwegian hamlet....

http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFlight.php?detail=flight&value=zhT4jPFWPkpjZtmwoQL7C8eiz0Y

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[Willy]

Congratulations Red! I think the Viking Steakhouse & Motel down the road serves beer.:ernae:

[Moses03]

Excellent run RG.:icon29: Jeff buying the drinks?:eek:

[salt_air]

Well, the race organizers certainly can't be faulted for picking a boring place for the race to end. Boring does not describe a 2000 foot runway with an offset ILS and loads of terrain issues. And just for more fun, Mother Nature threw in lowered visibility, rain, and a 20-25 knot quartering crosswind. It was indeed a big relief when the tires planted themselves firmly on the ground and the Rockwell came to rest for the final time this race.

And so, Mission Accomplished! Hats off to the organizing committee for an outstanding event that truly was an exercise in strategy, planning, and pilot skill.

Now, I would head to the bar to celebrate, but I'm uncertain if there is one on this isolated Norwegian hamlet....



You wouldn't have had it any other way .... Great Job David!

It is always enjoyable for me to follow your endeavors in these fine events we are privileged to participate in ...

Well balanced narratives .... impeccable timing and and a super sense of humor.




Welcome to Norway bud!

[MM]

Terrific job, David.

Loved the splendid screenshots that illustrated your story. Made if fun to follow along with you on your adventure in that classic aircraft.

--Mike

[PRB]

Well Done, RG!

[CavalierDuck]

Congratulations Red! :applause: Well done on completing the course. That small runway in the gloom certainly made a nervous end to the C-to-C for me as well, and a big relief when the aircraft came to a stop. Come and join me and Jeff for a beer and reindeer burger ....:ernae:

[jt_dub]

Great Run Red! Fastest and most miles travelled. Well Done. Open bar, I've got the tab. :ernae:

[Spookster67]

Congratulations! :icon29:

[robert41]

Congrats Red. :ernae:

[RedGreen]

Thanks for the congratulations everyone. It truly is an accomplishment just to finish one of these events, regardless of how you place.

However, there was one last thing I had to do before I put the Rockwell in the hangar for a well deserved rest.... :cool:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8R23Ps9pmU

[Spookster67]

However, there was one last thing I had to do before I put the Rockwell in the hangar for a well deserved rest.... :cool:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8R23Ps9pmU

[Like]

I must have missed reading the rule about bonus time for inverted flight!! :icon_lol: