ATWC044

[rob16584 42]

This is my first leg for quite a while, I hope that I can match the posts which have gone before me!

Today's flight will only be a short one of just over 100nm, I have elected to use the Lancair IV-P from ORBX. We will have a couple of passengers and one of Sharon's stewardess friends to accompany us on the short trip

As we arrived at the aircraft our stewardess, Una, greeted us

It was a close run thing as to who looked better, Una or the Lancair

After the pre-flight checklists we were ready to taxi to the runway

She sure looks good

As we moved onto the active our passengers saw what was ahead, literally

And began a mad scramble for the exit, along with the baton

Until now I did not know that Una was an expert negotiator. 'Stay there or I'll throw you into the sea' seemed to make the passengers change their mind and take their seats.

After the short commotion we were under way, with a steep climb-out to clear the hill

A shot from outside shows beautiful blue waters and A GREY AND MURKY SKY??? I thought it was sun, sea and sand all the way out here

Not to worry, we were soon turning to our course and climbing to 4,500 feet. That should put us below the clouds

Here is the new office, very nice I'm sure you will agree!

After a few minutes Una pointed out that we were flying over St Maarten. The dull waether has kept everyone indoors, so we didn't see anyone riding the fence

After our detour we are back on track and in the soup

Things began to get very bumpy here. The passengers were beginning to think that Una's threat to throw them out was a better prospect than the flight

After 30 minutes our destination came into view, time to descend

The waters look a little bit more inviting here

We were given clearance to land on runway 7, time to do a short circuit around the airport and get ready to land

The clouds haven't cleared up much

View from the cockpit on short finals

And one from the outside

It wasn't too busy today so one of the ATCO's got this touchdown shot from the tower gantry

Safely down and taxing back to parking, it has been a rough flight

We're all parked up and ready to go to the press conference to spread the word about the final section of the ATWC

After being asked about how the flight went, Una said that she would no longer take Sharon's advice that the Mutley's Hangar pilots were some of the best. She said that the flight 'had aged her 60 years'

[IcedUpPitotTube 0]

That Lancair looks just amazing! Streamlined and fast... and by the way, Una looks scary, no offense. But :gtfl:

[CSoul 182]

Una looks like she knows something. Secret agent, perhaps? Great flight, and a great plane.

[hurricanemk1c 195]

A welcome return here Rob - and a great set of shots!

[needles 1,013]

Hey Rob, :atwc: :gtfl: :great: s.

Ok, that's all the creeping done.

Now, picture #1

How did you fit all those seats behind Una, in that little Lancair??????

Is this aircraft a Tardis by any chance?

Excellent scenery shots also.

The baton is well and truly on it's way now.

regards

Needles:thum:

[ddavid 149]

Hey - nice flight, Rob. Loved the wonky under-carriage - and those magic dials. Great flight!

BTW, say 'Aloha' to Patti from me, eh?!?

Cheers - Dai.

[mutley 4,497]

A very enjoyable flight Rob, what did you do to Una on the flight?

Super shots of the Lancair shame the weather was so grotty but that's the way it goes I guess

Cheers

Joe

[Aidan 1]

:gtfl:

That orbx lancair looks fine, I might buy it in a few weeks! 8)

[SEATAC 400]

Very good post Rob. Well done!

Nice pics. Not sure about Una though. A little unusual.

I think Needles may be right about that Tardis bit.

Enjoyable and entertaning!

[stu7708 244]

Great leg Rob..

Can't help but feel a bit worried about the main landing gear on that model.. it looks like it could snap at any moment..

Must be what had Una worried, can't imagine it was your piloting skills that was the problem :th_smiles73: