ATWC052 Miquelon to Narsarsuaq - Part 1

[ddavid 149]

Just keep heading towards the Semitak Island VOR, Doc. I'll shout out when I can see the wave tops... Sam, the eternal bl**dy optimist! We'd descended from our cruising height of 6000 feet towards the mirk that was now engulfing us at 2000. The ILS at Narsarsuaq was inoperative and the only way in was to dodge the icebergs going up Eriksfjord. The instructions were simple enough - cross over the Semitak VOR at magnetic 78 and take the middle fjord, when you see the land. Easy!

No sign yet, Doc - gently does it!

Of course, we didn't have to be here - and we wouldn't, if it hadn't been for Mavis. Sam's sister, that is. She'd written to Sam a few months back, telling him about the advert she'd seen in the Montreal Herald. Mavis had lived in Canada since getting married to Frank, who worked in air traffic at Trudeau. The advert said that Air Saint-Pierre were planning to start a cargo division and that they needed air-crew. Our boss in Auckland had seemed happy to give us a sabbatical - the Mount Cook charter work was slowing down anyway. Only a certain young lady had expressed any concern about us going...

We'd taken the red-eye through Honolulu, and spent a couple of days in L.A. Sam had dragged me along Hollywood Boulevard and we'd eaten at that chinese restaurant. Another night flight on a Delta B737, had brought us to Montreal, where Mavis had picked us up and thrown a party in our honour - well, something like that. I must admit, it was all a bit of a blur, now.

Looking out of the window, I could make out the buildings at Miquelon. Next stop Saint-Pierre itself - the last remaining vestige of the French American colonies - we'd need our passports to dismbark. About half the passengers had got off here, and now the stairs were coming up.

The flight attendant was quietly checking the belts, when she stopped by us. Are you gentlemen our new crew? Sam's reaction was predictable - he was in love - again! That's right - I'm Sam, and this here's Doc! She flashed a smile at me. Ah. In that case, I can give you this... She passed Sam a taped up package. It arrived at our office, mm - hier - er, yesterday? It 'as your name on it, Captain Williams. Somesing special, nes pa? Sam hefted it and looked quizically at me. Another secret weapon, eh, Doc?!? He winked. The ATR was trundling towards the runway.

With more than a little rumbling, the plane left the deck. I was glad I wasn't flying this time - it felt sluggish and unresponsive. Sam and I exchanged glances. Could be the sea air? Or, maybe they're running the engines in... Always a joke to lighten the mood.

The sun was close to setting - it was strange to see it going down in the sea on the east coast.

Looking across to the isthmus of Miquelon, I wondered how Sam and I were going to get on with the natives. French was not my strong point - would they speak any english at all? All would be revealed pretty soon as Saint-Pierre itself came into view.

The wheels clunked down and a very well spoken french voice informed us that we were about to land and welcomed us to Saint-Pierre. Would we please wait for the aircraft to come to a complete halt and have our passports ready? Of course we would...

The attendant came hurrying back to us. We were please to stay aboard and meet Captain Jabot and the crew? He would then take us to meet our new employers. Sam asked if she would be accompanying us - he never gives up. Her demure smile gave nothing away as she pointed out of the window to our new home.

The other passengers started to get their things together. The terminal was a short walk from the plane. Sam nudged me and pointed towards a nearby hangar. There she is, Doc - our new ride!. I could just see the silver nose of an old DC-3, peeping out of the hangar doors. As we exchanged looks a hand tapped gently on my shoulder. Captain WIlliams, je suppose? That refined french voice belonged to a stocky, friendly looking guy in an immaculate blue-grey uniform. Je m' appelle Jabot - Georges Jabot. Enchanté! He shook our hands in turn and motioned us towards the rear exit.

She's in wonderful condition - how long has she been with you? I asked Georges as we approached the hangar. Georges told us some of her history - she had started of in the miltary, ferrying troops and equipment in the far east. Did she fly the Hump? Sam's dad had been in the RAAF and had been in Burma when the Japanese had retreated. Maybe - I am not sure. But after the war, she was converted to passenger er, and returned here with Eastern. The boss, he very much like the old machines and, well, we convert her back to cargo - ready for you!

After a quick walk around, we headed over to the main Saint-Pierre offices, where the C.E.O. was waiting. Turned out he was the son of the founder, Albert Briand, whose name we'd seen on the ATR. Jean-Paul's english was impeccable, with only a trace of any accent. I'd spoken to him at length on the 'phone, but we'd not met in person. He embraced us passionately, much to Sam's surprise, and beckoned us towards a large table spread with maps. We leave for Goose Bay tomorrow - early - and I come with you to er 'appy Valley?! So,. first we 'ave a good look at the route and then we will 'ave dîner, eh? Getting our priorities right was important to Georges...

It was still dark when Sam roused me the following morning - Half Five, Doc! We promised old Georgie we'd be on the ramp by quarter past six. Oh, and get that down you... A cup of tea clattered down beside me. Thanks, Sam

The maintenance crew were warming up the engines when we arrived:

Georges was making finishing touches to the flight plan. O.K. - after climb out, we turn to a heading of 343 degrees magnetic to Stephenville. This overcast should clear at around 2000 feet so I think we cruise at around six? I had another quick walk around and watched the sun claw its way out of the sea into the mist:

Climbing aboard through the cargo doors, I gave the ground crew the thumbs up as Sam crabbed the old girl round with the engine-opposite brake technique. A quick check on the cargo, and I was settling into the left hand seat before Sam started the taxi. Georges was happily sitting in the radio operator seat and busy with the dials. The intercom grated as he switched to our circuit. O.K. Boys - 'appy Valley, 'ere we come!

With clearance from the tower under our belt, we pushed the throttles forward. With the cargo and fuel load, today, she should climb at 500 feet per minute without trouble, but watch the manifold pressure, eh? We started to roll...

Gear up! Sam was enjoying himself, so I asked him if he wanted to take the first leg. No worries, Doc - we'll soon clear this overcast and be sunbathing for a change, eh?

Georges called out the new heading, which would take us to Stephenville, just about half-way. I reached across and checked the Sperry's settings. O.K. to engage the auto-pilot, Sam? Just give me a few more minutes, Doc - I want to get used to the old girl... I watched the VOR needle centering as Sam lined up with the 343 degree radial. Clearing the mist, we could see the Labrador coastline to the north and west.

Sam reluctantly turned on the A.P. and Georges joined us in the cockpit with the coffee flask. He knew the area well and related a few interesting anecdotes from his past. As the eastern tip of Newfoundland got closer, he left us to go back to his radio. That is Stephenville coming up - we change course 'ere to 006 magnetic.

Sam adjusted the heading on the Sperry and reset the OBS on the VOR. The plane swung smoothly to the right...

How long to Goose Bay, Georges?, asked Sam. Another 50 minutes, maybe. I let you know when we need to descend. Feeling distinctly superfluous, I decided to take a walk round.

Stopping by Georges station, I realised that we had the original radio equipment installed in Douglas's Santa Monica plant. Still, if it works, don't change it, I thought.

I clambered past the wooden crates to the end of the main cabin. Half a dozen well made boxes almost filled the cargo area.

Had a quick peep at the port wing, with the engine humming sweetly:

Back in my seat, I asked Georges for an update on our position. About 40 miles so you can start the descent. We should pick up the localiser in about 5 minutes.

O.K. Sam - I've got control. Turn off the A.P., please. We headed down into the murk below. Georges called up Goose Bay and informed them of our position. Would we climb to 11000 feet and turn left? George repeated his request for ILS clearance and emphasised that we were unlikely to achieve the required altitude - inserting a couple of choice french expletives for additional emphasis. After a little hesitation, the operator agreed to a straight in approach to runway 08. He wished us well - it was at least Cat II.

We slid into the overcast. Up came the localiser and I slowed to 100 knots with 25% flaps. Sam upped the mixture and counted down the altitude. At 500 feet AGL there was a glimmer of lights in front of us and I eased back again on the throttle - a bit high, but the line up wasn't too bad.

The landing wasn't too bad either, but the roll just seemed to go on and on. Not too much brake! shouted Georges Keep the nose Up! We slowed and turned at the very end of the runway and were directed back towards the main airport buildings.

A collection of cold war combatants appeared out of the gloom, on our left. Looks like the whole of Number 27 Squadron is here to meet us! joked Sam.

I remembered reading about the Port Stanley raid. Respect, Sam! Eh?!?

Georges was at our shoulders, now. 'ere we are. We use the Universal ramp until we get our own hangar - turn in, O.K.?

Leaving the unloading to the ground crew, we headed towards the canteen...

To be continued.

Cheers - Dai.

[mutley 4,498]

Very enjoyable first section Doc, you really have me sucked into the plot.

Superb supporting shots< love the sunrise from the hangar shot and the Vulcans emerging from the mists

I am hoping the dizzie will make the whole leg.

Joe

[rob16584 42]

Excellent stuff Dai! You should take up story writing

[IcedUpPitotTube 0]

Excellent story and commentary David! May I ask you a question: does that ATR come with a VC? Payware or freeware?

[hurricanemk1c 195]

Ahhhh - just as I got into it, it ended!

A superb story line there Dai (or should that be Doc?) and am really looking forward to Part 2

[stu7708 244]

:atwc:

Great stuff Dai..

Can't wait for the next part.

[needles 1,013]

:icon_bowdown: Dai Christian Anderson I believe?

Excellent shots and story going there Dai, looking forward to part Deux.