rob16584 42 Posted August 1, 2009 Report Share Posted August 1, 2009 After a long and very enjoyable adventure, it's time to bring things to a close. We sat there at the ramp and wondered what aircraft we could possibly use to kick off the final leg of this fantastics adventure, and then the answer was sat there staring me in the face... I grabbed the keys and just before I started the taxi, another bird of large proportions grabbed my attention All aboard and off we head to the runway for this first leg to Paris Orly, LFPO The tower gave us clearence to enter the runway and take-off without any trouble After take-off it was a quick climb to FL290 in this lightly loaded A380, as we cruised along we were able to take in the fantastic sights along the way But before long the French ATC began to bring us down for our final approach into Orly As per usual they were being awkward and decided to take me miles away from the airport before bringing me back around for landing, but at least we got to see the Eiffel Tower Finally they decided to bring us in for our final approach And the Eiffel Tower was on the other side now! We touched down with a super smooth landing in this collosal aircraft We just managed to fit onto the taxiway And parked up on a remote stand After a quick break for a BLT French Stick and a cup of coffee, it was back out to our next aircraft. Unfortunately Joe had pinched the keys to the A380 to make sure he was back in England before us. But he had left us with another great aircraft, the Duchess, which could probably fit in the A380's cargo hold! All set and ready to go. This flight would take us across the Channel and into Marston, EGMH, airfield Looks as though the weather is still good for flying Instruments are all working as they should be We had to hold for a short while until this A300 had cleared the runway; the cheek of some people! Tower clears us for take-off The cruise over northern France wasn't anything special, MS hasn't been kind to this area of the world with regards to the scenery However, we continued to plough on towards the Channel, and thankfully the weather held out As we reached the coastline of France we began to descend and position ourselves for arrival The coastline of England is far better than that of France, thank you Just Flight! Almost there now And all of a sudden something caught our eye as we were about to land, the shot from Dai in the tower showed us this strange vehicle on the runway which ATC can't have seen. Is this Joe's sunday run-around perhaps? After a safe landing we taxied to the parking area and tied down the aircraft for the night So this is it, the final chapter of this epic adventure. The crowds are gathering at London City and Sharon and myself are all set for this early morning departure in a classic aircraft, the Tiger Moth! I only found the installer for this earlier in the week lurking on an old USB stick. The tower caught me wrestling the Moth towards the runway on this crisp Saturday morning. The flight plan is simple: Keep the coast on the left and fly up the Thames We received clearance to depart and the Moth lifts off at around 50kts VFR Scenery really helps to improve the flights Weather is looking fantastic this morning, more than can be said for outside my room where it is chucking if down! Follow that coastline! An early morning beach-goer thought the booze from last night was still having an effect when he saw us flying overhead Nice and calm waters out in the North Sea Caught be a gust of wind Wow! Almost at the mouth of the Thames, not long now Right or left? Right of left? 'RIGHT!' shouts Sharon. I can only just hear her over this fantastic engine note Looks as though the rain may be moving south, I hope it holds off Murky waters near London, it has to be the Thames All quiet down below as the English capital comes to life Looks like we have outrun those dark clouds Descend down a little lower to make finals a bit easier London looks good in FSX The chase chopper got this shot for the BBC News 24 Channel We were asked to fly a left handed traffic pattern into runway 10 Peaceful on the waters I can almost smell my Bacon Buttie! I wonder if we will be able to catch a game later??? The final turn of this great adventure Short finals, a little low BBC News 24 covering the event live John was waiting in the tower for us. Smile please! TOUCHDOWN!!!! All that's left to do is taxi to the terminal and go for some breakfast with the crew Parked up and secure, Sharon jumps out and races into Joe's arms. She's been gone a long time! Thanks for organising a fantastic adventure Joe, it's been brilliant seeing how everyone gets from one airport to another. Link to post Share on other sites
mutley 4,487 Posted August 1, 2009 Report Share Posted August 1, 2009 Sharon! **erhem** Rob Superb final leg, I don't think we have had any of these aircraft in the ATWC before so a rare treat. I really enjoyed your mini adventure and classic ATWC post. The screenshots were the best I have seen from you and are a fitting tribute to all that have taken part in the challenge. (More of that later) So, for now, well done Rob, excellent Job. Oh I have got it!! Cheers Link to post Share on other sites
The red barron 41 Posted August 1, 2009 Report Share Posted August 1, 2009 :blush: That was a fantastic ending to a fantastic challenge! thanks to Joe for organising and to every one who flew along the way. Now then mut Again!?! :biggrin: Link to post Share on other sites
mutley 4,487 Posted August 1, 2009 Report Share Posted August 1, 2009 :blush: Now then mut Again!?! :biggrin: Possibly later in the year Ed when we are all back from holidays and looking forward to Christmas etc! In the short term Mutley Field operations will be taking over, the quicker we can get the flights done and money in, the better the routes and choice of aircraft will be. Cheers Link to post Share on other sites
CaptHill 0 Posted August 2, 2009 Report Share Posted August 2, 2009 Good to see we have made it back safe and sound and seen parts of the world you wouldn't normally think of visiting without this challenge. It seems so long ago that I started out from London City headed for Jersey. Time to concentrate on Mutley field now i think for time being. CaptHill Link to post Share on other sites
fighterpilot 0 Posted August 3, 2009 Report Share Posted August 3, 2009 Great adventure, It has been a real pleasure flying in it and hopeit will be a third! Link to post Share on other sites
hurricanemk1c 195 Posted August 5, 2009 Report Share Posted August 5, 2009 Simply amazing. Brilliant end to a brilliant challange. I wonder what the rest of the year will bring? Link to post Share on other sites
ddavid 149 Posted August 5, 2009 Report Share Posted August 5, 2009 Da iawn, Rob - well done, mate - an excellent final leg - loved the moff! :nea: Sorry I've not posted before - been trying to finish a new livery for you (see PM). Cheers - Dai. Link to post Share on other sites
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