PIREP Leg 8 Gumrak (URWW) to Atyrau (UATG)

[SEATAC 400]

There I was relaxing on in scenic Volgograd, Russia, which some of you older folks may remember better as Stalingrad, when I got an email from Micke and Joe asking if I could help out and fly the ATWC baton to Atyrau, Kazakhstan. So once I managed to tear myself away from The Motherland Calls statue I began planning for the flight.

I made my way to Volgograd International Airport and inquired if there were any planes available for rent. Luck was with me that day as there just happened to be an Antonov AN-24 available. So I made my way to the ATWC hangar and there she was still in her old Indian Air Force livery. I did a walk around and checked her out and she looked to be in excellent condition. Next step was to give Sharon a call, but unfortunately I could not convince her to join me. She said there was no way she was going to fly in that plane and mumbled something about metal fatigue and Soviet era craftsmanship and hung up the phone. She may be old (the plane that is), but she’s in good shape so I got in and fired her up.

As I was running up the engines I noticed a small wooden box in the corner of the hangar. It must have been left by Andrew.

So I got out, walked over and grabbed the box. Upon opening it up I see the ATWC baton. I brushed off the 69 years’ worth of dust and placed it securely on the plane.

As dawn broke, I commenced pushback.

Taxi to the active.

Takeoff! Wheels up!

Climbing over the Volgograd river to the Southeast.

Cruising along nicely!

Beautiful weather the entire way, until I get near to Kazakhstan and I see there is a low ceiling.

As I followed the ILS down to EW 14 I break through the clouds and sight the runway.

Touchdown!

Turning around to taxi back to the hangar.

Taxiing

There’s the taxiway.

I see the official ATWC IV hangar.

Whoa! It looks like someone’s already in the hangar.

Guess I’ll have to park here.

Shut down and secure the plane.

Now to get the baton.

Whoops! It looks like it rolled around a bit during the flight, but I found it.

I heard there’s a cozy little English pub called the Guns & Roses. I think I’ll find my way there and have a pint while I wait for someone to pick up the baton.

[hurricanemk1c 195]

Great shots Richard! Who's Ben though? And fancy that Goose being in there!

[SEATAC 400]

Great shots Richard! Who's Ben though? And fancy that Goose being in there!

This is one of Piglet's peculiar planes. He includes dog treats with all of them, so I imagine ben is his dog.

[allardjd 1,853]

Good story, and a nice old military bird. What's that on the newspaper?

I'll bet Sharon made it there ahead of you - she always turns up where there's ATWC action happening.

John

[mutley 4,498]

Great PIREP Richard,

That's quite an impressive piece of heavy iron you are flying and thanks for getting us safely to the end of our first sector.

I'm looking forward to the next sector, keep an eye out for the announcement from Micke!

[Kasper 14]

Good story and nice shots!

I have to find those Piglet planes. I only flew the Samdin Design version where the cockpit is a lot less westernized.

[stu7708 244]

Wonderful flight to end our first section..

I hope the have the next section published over the weekend,. I doubt I will have time tomorrow since I will be spending the whole day both tomorrow and saturday alone with my son, and let's just say that his patience with me doing other things than focusing on him isn't that long

In other words, there's no need to wear out your F5-button on the keyboard until saturday night at the soonest to see what legs are up for grabs in the next section

[mutley 4,498]

Hey Micke,

Enjoy your time with Kasper, we can wait for the next announcement!

[rosariomanzo 545]

Wonderful flight, and quite a nice aircraft.

[brett 2,316]

Great flight and pic's. Hope you didn't chip the paint on the baton.

[ddavid 149]

Thanks for bringing Sector 1 to a close with such a flourish - love the Dog Treats!

Cheers - Dai.

[Dizzy 0]

Great pics.