Marrakesh Aerial Express

LEZL>LEJR>LXGB>GMTT>GMMT>GMMX

In expanding my rotary wing training (and endorsements) I needed a check ride in the Sikorsky (thanks Tako!) and thought this RR the perfect opportunity, so ... with all aboard the train ... we climb up to 2,500 feet and set course to LEJR. With the crew strapped in and the big door open to let in the air and sights we soon pass over Jerez, at which point I discover that the PIC (that would be me I guess) forgot the coffee and donuts on the apron in Seville!

Hoping the RAF folks could help us out and taking advantage of the Westland variant a stop at Gibraltar seemed in order. Welcomed with open arms and after a good chat, the needed supplies were on board and we were on way to Morocco. Past Tangier the Sea King is soon in her element and we drop down to 500 feet in attempt to spot any activity in the waters below (one never knows where Nessie might show up).

An hour or so later we hit landfall and passing over Tit Mellil the landscape turned from blue to green (I wasn’t expecting that) and then brown (which I was expecting) all the way to Marrakech. After landing and shutting down I removed my David Clark’s, turned around and saw the crew unloading a crate of chickens (what?) from the hold ... Graham Nash would have been proud ...

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The SrG and T_K Marrakesh Adventure: Flight 3

Once more we decided to have a change in direction so instead of flying directly to GMMX from GMMT we went GMMT-GMMD-GMMX instead. Rob was still in the Bell 222 (but appearing as a Bell 407 in my sim) and I was actually in a Bell 407 (but still looking like a CH-53 to Rob). :dizzy:

The fuel quantity has been checked, the birds have been pre-flighted and any loose camel dung has been kicked away from the area so that it doesn't become FOD so we are good to go!

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It was a beautiful day to be flying as we headed inland from the coast.

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It was at this point that we stared to see what we had expected to see for most of the trip, lots of sand as we got closer to the Sahara Desert.

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Surprisingly the patch of sand was quite small and we soon got back to arable land as we closed in on the distant mountains. Rob and I were both still fighting with semi-functional autopilots but we were making progress.

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We found Beni Mellal airport and put down for one final helo swap.

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Rob switched back to his original Super Puma and I tried my EC-135 as I hadn't flown it on this trip yet.

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Wouldn't you know it, on the final leg of the trip those flakey autopilots decided to start working again! Go figure! :banghead:

There was a distinct line between the arable land to the left and the desert we flew over before on the right. There was also a thick bank of haze/fog in the distance too and we hoped that wasn't going to be an issue, again!

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Marrakesh turned out to be a sprawling city but we did manage to spot the airport easily enough on the western side.

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We had quite a surprise once we got to the airport though as I was not expecting to see hangars full of Sukhoi SU-27s! :eek:

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I hover taxied around the back and discovered what looked like a swarm of Chinese Nanchang CJ-6s! Very odd indeed!

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.... out of Kodak space again!
 
..... Flight 3 continued ..........

I hope these guys weren't discussing the intrusion of a couple of European helos and what they could do about it! :oops: :rolleyes:

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At this point I decided to slink off to the civilian end of the airport to see if I could find Rob!

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He was already shut down by the time I found him but I bet I can find him in the local souk bartering aviation grade kerosene for local dates, figs, wine and possibly hashish too!

We had a blast despite all the technical issues and we'd like to thank Phroggy for hosting the event!

Here's to the next adventure! :ernaehrung004:
 
Now that we've dusted off our basic rotor skills, we can start prepping for June 1st and the next RotorHeads Rotor Run.

The Scottish Reel - Rotor Run 'Round the Highlands

Break out your kilt, warm up your left over haggis, and raise a glass of whiskey (Scotch of course) as you start your flight prep for... June first we drop the rotor brakes and spool up for a 'round the highlands reel. Route and more info will be posted soon. Until then, have a sip or two...
sim-outhouse.org
 
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