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Flight Diary
29th September
The flight to Goose Bay took four hours in
near-perfect conditions at 9000 feet, with uninhabited Canadian
outback clearly visible through few clouds below. The last few minutes
saw a bumpy final descent through a sleet shower with some airframe
icing, certainly adding some adrenaline to the systems before breaking
out of cloud at 3000 feet. DWF now awaits clearer weather conditions
near Narsarsuaq, Greenland, to continue the North Atlantic flights.
26th - 28th September
James Aiden, the safety pilot for the North
Atlanic, arrived in good time on 26th September. Also in good time
for the remnants of Tropical Storm Isidore to pass by North Eastern
USA! The 27th was spent sheltering from heavy rain and low clouds
along the intended route North Eastwards. With clearer conditions
on 28th Sep, a short and sunny flight was made from Mansfield up
to Bangor International Airport, Maine. With a bit more chill in
the air, the opportunity was grabbed to buy warm clothes for the
North Atlantic flights.
25th September 2002
Flew to Mansfield, near Boston, under high
clouds spinning off Hurricane Isidore (about to hit the Gulf Coast
and New Orleans area). The next couple of days will be spent collecting
hired survival gear from Ed Carlson for the North Atlantic crossing,
and to join up with James Aiden, the first safety pilot, who flies
in from London.
More news to follow....
24th September 2002
Great to start DWF!
Accu-chek Compact meters and Test
Drums were donated for the flight by Roche Diagnostics. This new
testing kit is ideal for flying and testing in general, being lightweight
and convenient to use with the new test “drum” system.
After interviewing with local Omaha press and
television stations at Council Bluffs Airport, Douglas departed
at 3.40 p.m. and joined up for a formation flight on another Beech
Baron. Mark, Brian – Douglas’ instructor for the summer
– plus Dave from “Omaha Approach” and Laurie were
on board to take photographs and bid farewell. It has been a tremendous
summer of preparations in Omaha and Council Bluffs, and heartfelt
thanks go to everyone listed on the “Thanks” page.
Four hours of crystal-clear conditions ensued
to Cuyahoga County Airport, Cleveland. En-route, the Chicago skyline
was silhouetted by sunset and visibility then stretched to over
80 miles in the dark. Dave had added a comment "First leg of
round the world flight" in the "Remarks" section
of the IFR flight plan which led to a few questions en-route and
good wishes - a nice touch Dave, thanks!
Indeed, a great way to start DWF!
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