GAAR 2017, Leg4, sector1, Port Macquarie to Cessnock«Carpe diem» .. but what an early wake-up today to be ready on time..
Flying weather isn't that good, but still fair – says the weatherman: „a cold front is coming in“..
Well then, lets boost the machine!
Geez! .. back to tidy! But it was a perfect party – I’m right?
G’day my friends and thank you for your hospitality and the great BBQ!!
Steering for runway17..
..and last checks! Nav-settings, other things, and.. my thermosflask with black coffee!! (It will be a long day today).
06.20am going up!..
..and straight on course!
I’m very curious about my flight down to Cessnock, as there are many scary stories to read since a number of aircraft have crashed in and around the Barrington Tops, which are situated on my way!
But according my flight planning, 3500ft QNH should be a save cruising altitude!
Consistently I check the engine instruments – especially the CHT !! (always a bit high.)
Overall – a grandiose Rainforest scenery and no problems !
Overhead the Hunter-Valley, I start my descent towards Cessnock-Airport..
The Hunter Valley wine-growing area near Cessnock is Australia's oldest wine region..
..and one of the most famous, with around 1,800 hectares under vine.
Wine testing? No time..! Unfortunately Cessnock is only a breakpoint today.. to bad!
But for now, full focus - I have to land my aircraft in a reasonable time!
On final for runway17 and I’m cleared to land..
Not that nice landing.. and two minutes behind schedule - Oops!
Eh, see! „Phil“ is already on duty…!
Cessnock Airport is a popular Flight training aerodrome, servicing pilots and students..
..and obviously: they are expecting us !!
Something like 8am here.. a perfect time for an Down Under Wonder: Celebrating the Australian „brekkie“ culture!
..and a relaxing power nap!
GAAR 2017, Leg4 sector2, Cessnock to Camden
After a relaxing rest, I’m ready to wade into leg number two!
Already something like late afternoon and I hope the current weather is holding.. WX-man says: „Building up storms with increasing winds..“
Swahili African people says: «Hakuna matata»; roughly translated, it means "no worries".
..so then turning for runway heading!
Cheers buddies! Well Thom - time to fly!!
Wine testing is next time..!
Eyes front..!
..sloping terrain! No wonder I can’t climb as usual.. Just 110 kilograms below MTOW.. (my load is secret..) – and I need someone to bless my cylinder heads!
I made it..!
In front of me..
..the magnific ...
..Yengo National Park.
The Park is one of the eight protected areas that, in 2000, was enscriped to form part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Greater Blue Mountains Area.
What an experience! But my heavenly peace was disturbed by the ATC.. I shall contact Sydney APP for airspace C clearance.. I have received it kindly from the Sydney ATC Lady..
Passing Katoomba and turning left for approach and final for Camden-Airport.
Generally spoken, Camden ambiance is located only 65 kay’s west of Sydney – and unfortunately NO wine growing region..!
Another story: Due to wind, I was cleared down and expected to land on runway 06.. but my flight time was journeying into afterlife... So I decided to approach for the opposite runway 26..
Nothing heard from the tower lady so far..
..not even a: „Cleared to land“..
„You have NOT received a landing clearance“.. Tower Girl sounds angry..
You know dear pilots: there is a small button on the radio.. saying: OFF
Never do it in real – I’m a retired Air Traffic Controller!
Oh! Thats a pleasant anticipation!!
AN2 fleet - in rank and file.. (Thom must be flying very fast..!)
Lets throw a party!... the tower girl is invited!!
Jazzthom!! are you ready?