GAAR 2021 Leg6 Latrobe Valley to Canberra
@ Luuk
Community of destiny.. something like that happened to me too!
Surprise surprise! During my flight preparations for the flight to Canberra, I noticed that the ignition system for engine 2 has failed! In such a case, of course, you have spare parts with you and the best mechanics are on site!
I leave the mechanics to work and look around. What is Thom doing? It looks like he's ready..
..and shortly afterwards he is on the way to runway 03
Good old Pratt & Whitney engine sound! You don't hear that here every day!
In the meantime, my patient was looked after and repaired..
.. and the chief mechanic personally checked the entire ignition system!
Onward flight granted! Perfect.. ready for taxi!
On the way to the runway, a few thoughts about the first section to Mt Hotham. It is Australia's highest-altitude airport, pretty high mountains all around and when I look at the clouds right now.. better not!
At the "hold short point" I check carefully the engines and monitor all engine instruments.. All's well!
Well then..
Everything is going fine..
In the air at time 9.25am and going up to 8000 feet AMSL right away! See you!
Abeam the City of Traralgon..
..and through more or less dense bands of clouds..
..in direction of the "Alpine National Park". Lake Glenmaggie says hello!
About halfway! Mt Kent (5121 feet) is hiding a little to the right in front of me!
You should actually be able to see the mountain top..
But at 8,000 feet cruising altitude I have nothing to fear!
Snowfall occurs frequently and heavily, and sub-freezing maximum temperatures can be recorded throughout the year—even at the height of summer. In wintertime that sure looks nice. Everything covered in snow!
I am planning to approach YHOT runway 11 from the west and I reach the Great Alpine Road which leads to the airfield directly. May the cloud god be gracious!
According GPS.. final approach!
Cross your fingers!!
If I'm not mistaken, I see the runway and lights in front!
Men and aircraft are ready for a touch and go at the highest situated airfield in Australia!
.. they say that I am too high..
.. but I don't really care!
That would be done! Flighttimer shows almost 40 minutes of flight time! That means: two minutes later than planned.
Up up and away! Some hard-shelled people did not miss the spectacle and organized a picnic!
An accident in 2005 shows that this airfield is not without danger. A Piper Navajo crashed in adverse weather into terrain trying to land at the airport, killing the pilot and two passengers.
Back to safety..
.. and again I fly over mountainous, cloud-covered terrain in the direction of Corryong!
Here I pass the Dartmouth dam and lake. With millions of cubic metert of water, it is the largest dam in Victoria.
It takes a bit of getting used to.. but one has an autopilot.. Best use of equipment!
Wabba Wilderness Park.. nestled in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range south-west of Corryong, a remote and rugged park with mature eucalypt forests offering impressive views of the surrounding mountains.
In front of me, the wide valley on the upper reaches of the Murray River! I start my descent to 4500 feet inbound YCRG runway 06
.. and further down to 2000 feet..
.. into a short final 06
Ready for my second touch and go today!
Checking the clocks and timers..
Full throttle and pull..
Corryong ist the home of: "The Man from Snowy River" and "Jack Riley". Jack was the legendary horseman who migrated from Ireland to Australia as a 13-year-old in 1851 and
Jack's spirit comes alive every year in Corryong at the Man from Snowy River Bush Festival.
After the work in the cockpit is done, I steer on a new course towards Canberra-approach sector.
The Murray River has its source in the southern part of the Australian Alps and initially flows northwestward. Near Corryong it forms the border between Victoria and New South Wales.
Up to its mouth near Lake Alexandrina, it becomes Australia's most water-rich but heavily loaded river. Its total length is about 2,375 km
Need recovery? Tantangara Dam or Lake Tantangara makes it possible! Hiking, camping and catching fine fish.
The area around the city of Canberra has a lot to offer! Various national parks, wineries and breweries. From skiing to everything the heart desires!
What's the weather like? IFR or VFR? Once more the question!
I'm of good cheer! VFR approach runway 35!
I am no longer in good spirits!
No light, no runway in sight!
At the very last moment, the runway comes into view..
That is a cheek! All around the best weather, but a fog bank sits over the threshold!
At least on Ground! A minute and a half late!
Definitely, I'm at a major airport..
.. Wide-body aircraft, construction sites, a clutter of taxiways, signs and flashing lights..
.. as well as an imposing general aviation center!
But somehow I manage to find the right way to the GAAR parking lot!
Final positioning by marshaller..
.. and that's it!
I wonder what Thom has experienced today!
Stories and tales will make the round until late night.. I'm sure!
In any case, food and drinks will be provided!
Cheers from Canberra!