Manfredc3, Rookie started his LM adventure.
- Thread starter manfredc3
- Start date
manfredc3
SOH-CM-2022
Bring her home today Sir! Enjoying your story in the Melbourne news rag!
I will certainly do my best Sir, Oh, And I'll make sure to pick up that newspaper.
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manfredc3
SOH-CM-2022
Okay, we are all ready and very excited that we are now anle to make that final flight in to Melbourne.
Quick update on our issue with the generators and battery yesterdat; After several hours of searching and test flying. between me and a volunteer mechanic, we finally found the cause of the problem.
A connector of one of the power cords from the generators got loose, resulting in the insulation being scraped off. That caused a disconnect every time we banked above a certain angle.
It's one of those thing that's really hard to find.
But with that fixed we are confident that our final flight in to Melbourne will be successful.
Okay just filed my flightplan, s owe are heading out, and looking forward to a pleasant arrival and party this afternoon.
DEPARTING!!
YNRM - YMEN
ETA: 13:30
We hope to see you all in Melbourne to share our stories.
Quick update on our issue with the generators and battery yesterdat; After several hours of searching and test flying. between me and a volunteer mechanic, we finally found the cause of the problem.
A connector of one of the power cords from the generators got loose, resulting in the insulation being scraped off. That caused a disconnect every time we banked above a certain angle.
It's one of those thing that's really hard to find.
But with that fixed we are confident that our final flight in to Melbourne will be successful.
Okay just filed my flightplan, s owe are heading out, and looking forward to a pleasant arrival and party this afternoon.
DEPARTING!!
YNRM - YMEN
ETA: 13:30
We hope to see you all in Melbourne to share our stories.
manfredc3
SOH-CM-2022
Oh, wow. Unbelievable, the feeling when we touched down at Essendon, Melbourne.
WE MADE IT!!
I will post more about our final flight later, as the adrenaline is still rushing though me, and my crew. And the news reporters are al over us.
ATA: 13:17:51
Flight Time: 2:34:05
Routine Ground Time:
Special Ground Time:
Penalty time:
View attachment FlightLog_11-00-21.TXT
WE MADE IT!!
I will post more about our final flight later, as the adrenaline is still rushing though me, and my crew. And the news reporters are al over us.
ATA: 13:17:51
Flight Time: 2:34:05
Routine Ground Time:
Special Ground Time:
Penalty time:
View attachment FlightLog_11-00-21.TXTSpookster67
Charter Member
Well done!! Your determination is impressive, and I'm looking forward to the full story of the last leg. 
manfredc3
SOH-CM-2022
Well done!! Your determination is impressive, and I'm looking forward to the full story of the last leg.
Welcome to Melbourne. A great run. Congrats.
Thanks for the compliments and welcome, gentlemen.
It was quite the journey.
manfredc3
SOH-CM-2022
Recap of the "Uiver's" final leg in to Melbourne.
So, now that we finally have some privacy, after all the attention we got after our arrival in Essendon, am sitting down with a well deserved (I think so) beer.
That gives me the chance to recap our final leg of the London to Melbourne race.
Departing from Narromine was without any issue, so the generator problem seemed to be resolved successfully. Only thing different for previous departures, was that me and the crew were extremely excited to finally make it to Melbourne, and on the deadline date. If anyone would have told me a week or so ago that we would make it to Melbourne, then I would have called them crazy.
About 30 minutes before entering Melbourne airspace we were joined by a P3 Orion from theRoyal Australian Air Force. Over the radio they informed us that we were their escort in to Essendon. Now that was a welcome surprise. The pilot found it, and I quote, "a privilege to to join such an iconic aircraft on it's final leg to the finish line".
The Orion crew took some pictures, of our beloved "Uiver", as we made our way to Melbourne.
As we announces our approach to the tower, they re-directed all inbound traffic away from runway 25, giving is a clear entry in to Essendon.
Due to the strong crosswind I had to do some crabbing to safely land on runway 25.
Stue could not stay away from the cockpit during that time, as she wanted to see is touch-down.
All in all this was an incredible experience, and I want to thank the Australian authorities for their support and hospitality.
The mayor of Melbourne offered us a welcoming dinner with all other pilots that made it in to Melbourne, but we all agreed that some well deserved sleep would be first on our list. Yje mayor understood, and we are now all invited next Wednesday for dinner. I hope to be able to share experienced with all pilots at that time.
Now it's time for a few more drinks with the crew and others, and then sleep and rest .
So, now that we finally have some privacy, after all the attention we got after our arrival in Essendon, am sitting down with a well deserved (I think so) beer.
That gives me the chance to recap our final leg of the London to Melbourne race.
Departing from Narromine was without any issue, so the generator problem seemed to be resolved successfully. Only thing different for previous departures, was that me and the crew were extremely excited to finally make it to Melbourne, and on the deadline date. If anyone would have told me a week or so ago that we would make it to Melbourne, then I would have called them crazy.
About 30 minutes before entering Melbourne airspace we were joined by a P3 Orion from theRoyal Australian Air Force. Over the radio they informed us that we were their escort in to Essendon. Now that was a welcome surprise. The pilot found it, and I quote, "a privilege to to join such an iconic aircraft on it's final leg to the finish line".
The Orion crew took some pictures, of our beloved "Uiver", as we made our way to Melbourne.
As we announces our approach to the tower, they re-directed all inbound traffic away from runway 25, giving is a clear entry in to Essendon.
Due to the strong crosswind I had to do some crabbing to safely land on runway 25.
Stue could not stay away from the cockpit during that time, as she wanted to see is touch-down.
All in all this was an incredible experience, and I want to thank the Australian authorities for their support and hospitality.
The mayor of Melbourne offered us a welcoming dinner with all other pilots that made it in to Melbourne, but we all agreed that some well deserved sleep would be first on our list. Yje mayor understood, and we are now all invited next Wednesday for dinner. I hope to be able to share experienced with all pilots at that time.
Now it's time for a few more drinks with the crew and others, and then sleep and rest .
Telegram for Albury
"Congratulations on bringing Uiver back to Melbourne. Really an amazing accomplishment. We are glad you did not have to make use of our racecourse, all prepared for you just in case. We would like to invite you and Stue to visit us at your convenience to celebrate your accomplishment. A day-time visit would be preferred; just give us a few hours advance notice, and we will get the "barbie" going. Drinks of course are on us!"
Well done!
Sorry that should be telegram "From" Albury
"Congratulations on bringing Uiver back to Melbourne. Really an amazing accomplishment. We are glad you did not have to make use of our racecourse, all prepared for you just in case. We would like to invite you and Stue to visit us at your convenience to celebrate your accomplishment. A day-time visit would be preferred; just give us a few hours advance notice, and we will get the "barbie" going. Drinks of course are on us!"
Well done!
Sorry that should be telegram "From" Albury
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manfredc3
SOH-CM-2022
Kudo's to Miss Nellie and her staff
After a good night sleep, and taking the time for a good breakfast, it's time to give kudo's.
We want to thank Miss Nellie and her staff for an excellent job organizing and managing this great event. A personal thanks goes to Miss Nelly for keeping me out of jail (even though she used my wine as leverage)
I want to thank my crew members for a job well performed, and especially Stue for keeping me on my toe's.
And last, but not least, our beloved Douglas DC-2 "Uiver" for enduring my rookie mistakes, and keeping us all safe.
Looking forward to the next London to Melbourne event in a year or so, but I guess I will not be able to enter as a rookie again
So, now I have to figure out the route to get the "Uiver" back to the Netherlands. We did not work on that before the race, as we were not sure how our grande old lady would do. Well, she certainly surprised us all.
But for now, the airplane will stay in Melbourne, while we fly back on a commercial flight next weekend, to celebrate the Holidays with our families.
After a good night sleep, and taking the time for a good breakfast, it's time to give kudo's.
We want to thank Miss Nellie and her staff for an excellent job organizing and managing this great event. A personal thanks goes to Miss Nelly for keeping me out of jail (even though she used my wine as leverage)
I want to thank my crew members for a job well performed, and especially Stue for keeping me on my toe's.
And last, but not least, our beloved Douglas DC-2 "Uiver" for enduring my rookie mistakes, and keeping us all safe.
Looking forward to the next London to Melbourne event in a year or so, but I guess I will not be able to enter as a rookie again
So, now I have to figure out the route to get the "Uiver" back to the Netherlands. We did not work on that before the race, as we were not sure how our grande old lady would do. Well, she certainly surprised us all.
But for now, the airplane will stay in Melbourne, while we fly back on a commercial flight next weekend, to celebrate the Holidays with our families.
manfredc3
SOH-CM-2022
Thanks for the compliment Rob.
It was a steep learning curve, flying you and your team's excellent rendition of the DC-2 "Uiver" by the numbers. But that was the reason I entered the race with this graceful lady, to learn the in's and out's of my most favorite aircraft. And the legacy of the "Uiver" is unprecedented. I can only hope that I did it justice.
But now I can call myself an experienced "Virtual" DC-2 pilot.
spokes2112
Charter Member
Spectacular run! Kudos for hitting all the "original" airfields! Bravo Zulu!
Good on you! Thank YOU for the compliment.But now I can call myself an experienced "Virtual" DC-2 pilot.
Cheers, Rob
manfredc3
SOH-CM-2022
Spectacular run! Kudos for hitting all the "original" airfields! Bravo Zulu!
Thanks Roman,
The run certainly had it's challenges, but it was an unforgettable experience. The "Uiver" team did an amazing job bringing this wonderful airplane to the virtual world. It is definitely a "must have" for anyone that loves the vintage props.
manfredc3
SOH-CM-2022
Rob, the compliment is well deserved.
Anyone who loves vintage props should have this one in their hangar.
Happy flying,
Manfred
manfredc3
SOH-CM-2022
With an enjoyable dinner at the Lord Major's house (his wife is an excellent cook!) we established everlasting contacts for us personal, as well as London's commercial aviation. Heck, we even set dates for the KLM to meet with local Airlines and businesses. Aviation future between Europe and Australia is looking promising.
I have been in contact with KLM regarding the return flight to the Netherlands. They pretty much agreed to fund the continuation of our trip east wards.
This means, that the London to Melbourne Race ends where the trip around the world continues. KLM did demand promotional stops at certain cities, to which I was happy to agree.
I mow have to talk to the crew, and find out if they are interested to continue the journey with me, or that I will have to find a new crew. I'll discuss that with them tomorrow, after the bbq.
Then they have the Holidays to think about it. Plan is to depart fro Essendon by the end of January 2015. I'm not sure where I will be reporting about that. It might be in this thread, or I may have to start a new one. (That is, if anyone is interested in reading about it!?)
For now I wish everyone Happy Holiday's. Oh, that's from all crew members!
Happy flying,
Manfred
I have been in contact with KLM regarding the return flight to the Netherlands. They pretty much agreed to fund the continuation of our trip east wards.
This means, that the London to Melbourne Race ends where the trip around the world continues. KLM did demand promotional stops at certain cities, to which I was happy to agree.
I mow have to talk to the crew, and find out if they are interested to continue the journey with me, or that I will have to find a new crew. I'll discuss that with them tomorrow, after the bbq.
Then they have the Holidays to think about it. Plan is to depart fro Essendon by the end of January 2015. I'm not sure where I will be reporting about that. It might be in this thread, or I may have to start a new one. (That is, if anyone is interested in reading about it!?)
For now I wish everyone Happy Holiday's. Oh, that's from all crew members!
Happy flying,
Manfred