Leg 31: Cairns to Alice Springs

[GabethePilot 1]

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Thanks Rob. I have the baton.

BUT... what's a 'PIREP' I thought as I read about the 'Around The World Challenge' at Mutley's forum? Maybe it's some guy from Oldham, flogging dodgy Pukka Pies down the pub? Who knows? Anyway, being a little bored with a lot of time on my hands, I thought I'd pick up the baton from Rob, and take in the pretty landscape of the FTX Australian scenery in my trusty Piper Cheyenne (DA / Aerosoft).

My leg is from the holiday resort / international hub in the north-east of Australia:

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Spin ? Hmmm... possibly a bad choice of words, but ironically, it was to prove more relevant as the flight progressed. This was in part, due to the fact that central Australia doesn't seem to "do" VORs. No.. only NDBs. Every flamin' airfield has a published NDB approach. And what happens when you cross an NDB? Yes, the (ADF) needle starts to spin !

Now, this in itself may not seem a big deal: "No Worries... " I hear you cry; but in my early Cheyenne model (the PA31 1), although I do have an ADE receiver, the DME display, is not coupled to it!

So, I'm in trouble and feeling like a proper "Gallah" - but, I have an ace up my proverbial sleeve. Well, to be precise, the ace is in the form of my

[ddavid 149]

What a crazy mixture! Breath-taking dialog - are you sure you're not a journalist in your 'day' job?!? :smiley:

And then you completely lost me on the technicalities - but thanks for including them, none-the-less. :another-smiley:

Great post, mate - have another XXX on me! :tinnie-smiley:

Cheers - Dai.

[mutley 4,498]

Well thanks Gabe for a superb post and yep I got a smilie for that!

I really enjoyed the pie, that rep is a good sales man! Faultless in it's quality and content and a smashing start to sector 4.

If you are out of pocket send in the expenses and I will get Sharon to settle it.

Thanks Gabe, I hoped you enjoyed it as much as I did.

Joe

[rob16584 42]

Great post Gabe. Enjoyable to read and follow along. I'll be looking forward to more later in the challenge

[hurricanemk1c 195]

Superb leg there Gabe!

[GabethePilot 1]

Thank you all.

Mrs Cardboard says "... Hi!.. " as well. She's firing-up the barbie as we speak.

Back to Cairns tomorrow, where I believe my psychiatrist awaits my arrival...

[SEATAC 400]

Great PIREP! Sets the standard high for those to follow, who I know are up to the challenge.

[Aidan 1]

Nice Shot & Leg Mate!

[The red barron 41]

Really enjoyed reading this leg, just a shame I couldn't bid for it!

@ who piper model is that please?

[needles 1,013]

Great post Gabe, one burning question.........Did you get Cardboard Sheila's number??

Don't mention to wifey I asked.

Regards

Needles

[GabethePilot 1]

To answer the questions - rhetorical or not - yes, I certainly got HER number "555, cardboard" , and the piper was the Digital Aviation / Aerosoft Cheyenne 1.

They also have the 1A, II and II XL - just bigger and more powerful engines... :blush:

I prefer the XLL as it has 700 lbs more cargo room, 750 bhp engines ( = ~40 more kias top speed) and a slightly more functional AP; but I had been experimenting with the 'rarely-used' Cheyenne 1, to try out a retro-fit of the RealityXP 530WAAS... and was testing it. Works great, so installing it to the XLL now.