Andrew Godden 943 Posted October 26, 2013 Report Share Posted October 26, 2013 Sometimes, and even with something as epic as the ATWC, not all the flying is adventurous and exciting. The concept of natural balance exists, the yin and yang, even in flying adventures, and this was to set the theme for my next Flight Leg. Boring, maybe, but some flying is just a means to an end. I had absolutely no desire to stay in Grenada for longer than it took to find a ride out of here. After reluctantly returning the "Grand Caravan EX", I went and checked into yet, another hotel - I may as well give myself at least the evening and next morning to relax. After a casual start to the morning and a late brunch, I headed back out to the airport and checked in with the flight ops offices of the various carriers operating in and out of TGPY. My logic being, this was the most likely expeditious route out of Grenada. Thankfully, the abundance of freelance flying work still abounds this far south in the Caribbean Conviasa, the Venezualan flag carrier, had been banned from flying to countries in the European Union since back in April 2012 due to safety concerns, and even though this ban had been lifted in July 2013, the affect of pilots suddenly deserting the airline at short notice for better opportunities was still being felt. This had not only left them short a pilot for their scheduled service tomorrow evening to Porlamar (SVMG) on Margarita Island, but also the connecting service to Ciudad Guayana / Puerto Ordaz (SVPR) and the service the following morning to Maiquetia (SVMI). Rather a circuitous route, but, oh well, such is life, and I would be off Grenada and on mainland South America. The Conviasa flight details were, two initial Bombardier CRJ700 services, Flt No. V04013 to SVMG, departing at 6.20 pm, and Flt No. V02358 to SVPR, departing 8.30 pm, and an Embraer E-190 service, Flt No. V02381 to SVMI, departing 8.30 am the following morning. I had a day and a half to kill, so I did take in some of the sights on Grenada over the course of Saturday and Sunday. Arriving at TGPY, the operating aircraft was already on the ramp. The CRJ series has been a success story for Bombardier in the regional jet airliner market and the CRJ700, in particular, is a pleasure to fly. Even though these were night flights, I was looking forward to them nonetheless. With an uneventful flight, we were soon on short finals at Porlamar (SVMG), doing the turnaround and off to Ciudad Guayana / Puerto Ordaz (SVPR) for the overnight stop and change of operating aircraft. The next morning, and it looked like we might be delayed due to fog. Maybe they just allow more latitude for it down here. The Embraer E-190 is another excellent regional jet airliner and another delight to fly. Weatherwise, Maiquetia (SVMI) was marginally better and we were soon directed to our parking, albeit a strange location, being away from the main terminal. Being a cautious and suspicious individual, I found this interesting, but who am I to question. Time waits for no man and nor does my next adventure in this epic series. However, you may have to wait a little while, at least. Cheers Andrew Link to post Share on other sites
ddavid 149 Posted October 26, 2013 Report Share Posted October 26, 2013 Yep, a good storyline, easy to read and convincing. And I'm in favour of your image size - no scrolling, despite the 1650 screen! Thanks for sharing, Andrew - your flights are an excellent addendum to the official ATWC Pireps. Cheers - Dai. Link to post Share on other sites
Andrew Godden 943 Posted October 26, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 26, 2013 Thanks Dai. I hope your recovery is coming along nicely and I understand you are lining up for the London Marathon next year. As with all my Epic Adventure series PIREPs, there is quite an element of real world fact and truth in each one. Cheers Andrew Link to post Share on other sites
brett 2,310 Posted October 26, 2013 Report Share Posted October 26, 2013 Nice and easy PIREP this time around with one extra plus for me. I'm not much of a tube flyer but have always enjoyed the CRJ700 and the way it handles, glad you got a chance to fly it in one of your flights. Hope you took some extra time with your walk-around's. Link to post Share on other sites
jaydor 345 Posted October 26, 2013 Report Share Posted October 26, 2013 You never cease to amaze me with the great story lines you come up with and the good friendly cheer you show to the strangers you meet on your travels.. I just love being a creep.. Now the proper response.. "Bloody loved it mate" Link to post Share on other sites
needles 1,013 Posted October 26, 2013 Report Share Posted October 26, 2013 Jeez James, I never knew there were Ozzie loving Welshmen around. What a Cree..............! Yeah! I liked it also. I must admit. Although it pains me to say so. Go Oz, Go Oz, Go Oz! Link to post Share on other sites
Andrew Godden 943 Posted October 26, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 26, 2013 Thanks James. Cheers Andrew Link to post Share on other sites
allardjd 1,853 Posted October 27, 2013 Report Share Posted October 27, 2013 Reading every one. I enjoy them very much. Not every tale can be a tall one, lest you lose your credibility. John Link to post Share on other sites
mutley 4,495 Posted October 27, 2013 Report Share Posted October 27, 2013 I'm relieved you made it through this one ok, be careful out there! Link to post Share on other sites
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