ZA - NAM 2011: VULTURE SQUADRON

[Asterix]

Sodwana. Leaving tomorrow for Standerton. At last a very weak 3g signal. Some pics

[Asterix]

More..

[Cacofonix]

awesome! i want to have such an adventure you look like a drowned rat James great pics get home safe

[Asterix]

Okei, die sein hou nog.

Spent the morning leisurely flying around the Sodwana area in beautiful weather. We have a good collection of video footage now, but a lot of editing lies ahead. We'll post links to youtube laaater in next week.

We're on 1048 miles, with another 300 odd miles to go - back to Microland.

Tonight we are sleeping in Francois hangar - me literally under Geel Kerneel's wing (on a bed, mind you) Should have sweet dreams...

[John Young]

Here, we received the legendary "gasvryheid" from the Guys at Light FLight - Steak rolls and boeries, some cold ones, hangarspace,fuelrun, good advice and plenty of friendliness.

Kevin Friar who pops into Solo Wings from time to time did a few tweaks on my hangbolt, and again, I learned a lot about my plane.

Kevin and Dean took us to Emoyeni lodge by car - we could not fly in because of a modelplane competition going on.

To all the guys at Light Flight, you are a great bunch of people - I think I must move to KZN! . And I promise I won't piss of your ATC again!

Hi Guys,

It was our pleasure to meet you two and assist.

That ATC from FAPM was amusing "East is east and west is west". No worries mate - Sakkie will sort it out.

Good luck with the rest. K@K news about Bluemax's trike.

Regards
John N????B

[Bugwar]

The Vulture Squadron is stuck in Sodwana because of a rather serious headwind. We really having it tough here in Jan Maak n Jol's bar.......

[Tribal Croc]

Aha Finally

Thanks for the photos

I must admit when Asterix told me about being wet I thought he was exaggerating but like they say a picture tells a 1000 words

Cool photos guys I can’t wait for the DVD

[Blue Max]

Well done both of you.
Great Pics.
Get home safely..
Want to hear the rest of the story and more pics.!!!

[Bugwar]

1400 miles later and I am back on terra firma. We took off from Sodwana this morning and had to do some serious flying to stay clear from the mist. James decided to stay over in Standerton for a day and should be back on Tuesday. Pics to follow later in the week.

[Asterix]

Ja, We split ways earlier - Bygwar home to Microland, I still have some leave so will spend it on my dad's far, bringing them up to date with our adventure.

Left this morning, out of Sodwana by 06h15. Nice flight over Jozini and past Pongola, although the fog coming of the Highveld loomed above. Landed Piet Retief two hours later to refuel and took of again. The ground rises to the west, with a ridge to cross before you reach the flats around Standerton / Secunda. The fog was lying on the reach - precautionary landing time!

We landed on a piece of field next to a harvested soybean field - a bit rough! We decided to check out the field itself and found it quite smooth and firm and decided to rather take of here than in the field where we landed. Taxi'd there, then stepped out the proposed take-of site when Bugwar saw six or so locals approaching. Not wanting to take chances with possible confrontations we decided to take of immediately instead of waiting out the low cloud. Airborne, we saw that we could try and route to the North, around the ridge. As we turned on the extreme northern point we got back on track again but soon rrealised that we would still end up in trouble ahead, so, we deviate to Ermelo.

About 30 minutes from landing the skies really started to open up, but a fresh Southerly started to blow. Bugwar indicated that he would rathe route straight for Microland after waiting the wind out, and I decided to stick to Standerton, wanting to see my family. I took of about 11h00 in a strongish wind, and bounced my merry way to Standerton, 50 miles, in about 40 minutes.

Time nowe to reflect on the last week or so. There has been frustration, sadness, elation, gratefulness, and a host of other emotions.

The overriding feeling however is one of ecstatic joy that one derives from the pureness and freedom of microlight flying.

A picture that is engrained into my mind is that of the two bateleurs (berghane) that came to play and fly with me for 15 seconds or so near Albert Falls. No money in the world can buy that feeling of belonging in the sky, with the creatures that call the sky "home".

Some more pics

[AndyG]

Well done guys, it was an absolute pleasure meeting you okes and glad that you got back safely.

Fly safe,,

[cloud 10]

Well done guys, jammer oor jou aerie Paul, hoop jy vlieg weer binnekort.
Kallie ZU-BWJ

[Bugwar]

The actual route of the Vulture Squadron

ACTUAL ROUTE

[Asterix]

The last member of Vulture Squadron touched down safely at Microland just before 12h00 today. Geel Kerneels is in its hangar, wing and all pockets and zips opened up for a MAJOR wash.

Johannes, trusty custodian of ZU-DLY will be drenching him in water and soap this afternoon, then more water.

Thereafter it will be me, cans of Q20 and Silicone spray, and a painstaking post-trip cleanup and service. You won't believe the amount of salty stuff sitting on the airframe - if your aerie visited the coast - you have work! Leave the salt at the risk of your airframe rotting away! The ocean is a trike killer...

You coastal guys - any advice on proper treatments / things to look for after exposing your plane to the coastal conditions?

[Cacofonix]

Welcome home