Tall Tales at the Alvear
- Thread starter MM
- Start date
srgalahad
Charter Member 2022
Well, we got the planes all washed and shipshape. While waiting for Dave's parts to arrive ( and apparently McHale is bringing them himself) I hung around the airport bar and ran into an interesting fellow. Ex- Italian Naval pilot, Mauricio apparently knew of McHale from Voltafiore, Italy while the boss was stationed there. Charming guy, he invited me to tag along on his morning mail run to the islands in a rather run-down Grumman Goose he'd bought. Had a great flight cruising low over the ocean - even spotted a couple of wrecked planes in one of the lagoons - Japanese, apparently. A couple of water landings - Mauricio says the land strips are too rough for a real plane. Saw some interesting spots that some day may make a nice place to open a bar and retire on the beach.
Eighty kilometres south-east of Noumea lies the enchanting Isle of Pines (14 km wide, 18 km long) a place where time seems to stand still in an idyllic setting of white beaches under swaying palms and soaring Araucaria pines.
Les Iles de Loyaute ( The Loyalty Islands)-- Lifou, Maré, Ouvéa... Three pearls set in the Pacific Ocean, as if displayed on velvet to protect their hidden treasures. Three islands whose secret beauty has been preserved, three visions of Paradise, so different and yet so near…
I guess we've got a couple more days here in paradise before it's back to the grind.. but even the pax don't mind
Eighty kilometres south-east of Noumea lies the enchanting Isle of Pines (14 km wide, 18 km long) a place where time seems to stand still in an idyllic setting of white beaches under swaying palms and soaring Araucaria pines.
Les Iles de Loyaute ( The Loyalty Islands)-- Lifou, Maré, Ouvéa... Three pearls set in the Pacific Ocean, as if displayed on velvet to protect their hidden treasures. Three islands whose secret beauty has been preserved, three visions of Paradise, so different and yet so near…
I guess we've got a couple more days here in paradise before it's back to the grind.. but even the pax don't mind
Willy
Administrator
I really didn't look close at the allowed airports until after the race started other than a cursory glance. But when I started plotting out my route, I discovered a short cut that would cut out almost 900nm off the trip. Besides, I've been to Jamaica before anyway. So, leaving out of Miami, I cut over to Nassau and then down to Santa Domingo in the Dominican Republic, leaving Havana and Kingston out of it. I almost paid dearly for it though when I got to Santa Domingo.
First off, there was heavy t-storms over the town and airport. Not to mention a thick fog. And the airport is a tiny thing. Moses is always calling the Stratoliner "the Whale" and it's not really that big a propliner, but it was such a tight fit at the airport, that I don't think a Connie would fit. And on final, I had to fit the Strat down between the trees to make touchdown on Runway 1 and still have enough runway to stop on. I'm just glad my night flights are over with and I didn't have to try to put down in that little hole at night. Who ever picked that one for this event, was trying to set someone up! A Connie or a Stratocruiser would have a fun time getting into here.
Now, the question is can I make it back out of here??? :isadizzy:
Edit: Just did a little googling on Herrera Intl.
An International airport with a 4000ft runway just strikes me as misleading somehow.
First off, there was heavy t-storms over the town and airport. Not to mention a thick fog. And the airport is a tiny thing. Moses is always calling the Stratoliner "the Whale" and it's not really that big a propliner, but it was such a tight fit at the airport, that I don't think a Connie would fit. And on final, I had to fit the Strat down between the trees to make touchdown on Runway 1 and still have enough runway to stop on. I'm just glad my night flights are over with and I didn't have to try to put down in that little hole at night. Who ever picked that one for this event, was trying to set someone up! A Connie or a Stratocruiser would have a fun time getting into here.
Now, the question is can I make it back out of here??? :isadizzy:
Edit: Just did a little googling on Herrera Intl.
Wikipedia said:
An International airport with a 4000ft runway just strikes me as misleading somehow.
srgalahad
Charter Member 2022
Back in the heady days of the Golden Age of Aviation the 'big boys' of the established international carriers often used political influence ($$) and other nefarious means to prevent interlopers from entering into competition. I suppose they'd not be above leading the unwary into dangerous traps even in this post-war renaissance to protect their "territory"...
Strange, but those pictures on the desk in the back room... the one of the 'fishing buddies'.. look curiously like Pan American's Juan Trippe and a couple of European fellas... hmmm..
Strange, but those pictures on the desk in the back room... the one of the 'fishing buddies'.. look curiously like Pan American's Juan Trippe and a couple of European fellas... hmmm..
Willy
Administrator
Interesting take off from Herrera Intl (MDHE). I took off from as far back as I dared and if the trees at the other end hadn't of been cleared out a bit, I'd have been making toothpicks. As it was I just barely did get out of there with a full load of passengers. Did manage to get a few picks of the take off.
MM
Charter Member
Started out with routine everything. From Port-Étienne a smooth takeoff into the wind and climb to FL180 for fast cruise south to Dakar. All was good with the sense of serenity that comes with flying above the weather below. Then the descent into what the "weather guessers" described as CAVOK skies at Dakar.
But at 6,000 ft the visibility dropped suddenly. Flying and waiting for ADF to come alive...and waiting and waiting. Finally, dropped down to 3,000 to see the coastline below. Turned west and simultaneously picked up the weak signal. Ouch.
Made for Dakar but misaligned the initial approach—ended up circling the city to set up for Rwy 36. Gave the pax a guided tour of all the sights...
Dakar, here in Senegal, is the administrative capital for all of French West Africa which ranges a thousand miles north and two thousand miles east of here. Rather a firm no-nonsense colonial rule from all accounts. There is talk of giving some of the colonies some weak form of self rule—but nothing serious yet.
Mostly, the local administration has made limited attempts to civilize the local agricultural areas and to reach out to the almost entirely nomadic interior—providing modest medical and educational facilities. Railway lines have been built and port facilities developed. But the payoff in terms of agricultural exports has hardly justified the effort.
The lure of the Sahara nowadays lies in its vast mineral riches. However, as one more deeply considers the possibilities...
A couple of shots of the flight. And then a 1948 postcard featuring French West Africa and a couple of airmail stamps (one showing an aircraft circling over Dakar).
But at 6,000 ft the visibility dropped suddenly. Flying and waiting for ADF to come alive...and waiting and waiting. Finally, dropped down to 3,000 to see the coastline below. Turned west and simultaneously picked up the weak signal. Ouch.
Made for Dakar but misaligned the initial approach—ended up circling the city to set up for Rwy 36. Gave the pax a guided tour of all the sights...
Dakar, here in Senegal, is the administrative capital for all of French West Africa which ranges a thousand miles north and two thousand miles east of here. Rather a firm no-nonsense colonial rule from all accounts. There is talk of giving some of the colonies some weak form of self rule—but nothing serious yet.
Mostly, the local administration has made limited attempts to civilize the local agricultural areas and to reach out to the almost entirely nomadic interior—providing modest medical and educational facilities. Railway lines have been built and port facilities developed. But the payoff in terms of agricultural exports has hardly justified the effort.
The lure of the Sahara nowadays lies in its vast mineral riches. However, as one more deeply considers the possibilities...
With a sense of reverent awe the man-in-the-street feels the wealth of the Sahara trickling through his fingers like an endless string of pearls: oil, natural gas, iron, copper, manganese… diamonds and uranium. These words have a magical ring in his hears. He confuses geology with economics. He mistakes hopes for realities. He overlooks the fact that it is sometimes too costly even to stoop and pick up the treasures in or under the sand, that mineral ores cannot be sold merely because they were extracted from this incredibly exciting desert but only if they can compete on the world market. He underestimates the unlimited liability which the wealth of the Sahara carries with it: endless, empty and almost barren space." Le Canard Enchainé (1958)
Perhaps it is best to move on.
A couple of shots of the flight. And then a 1948 postcard featuring French West Africa and a couple of airmail stamps (one showing an aircraft circling over Dakar).
Easter Island east to Santiago
If you've ever flown close to 7 hours under race conditions you'll know that the milestones mean a lot to a driver. Here are some snaps of such moments. The first one is of Robinson Crusoe Island which is about 360 NM short of the coast, and which has a useful NDB. The second is of the coast of South America, a welcome sight believe me. And the third is a nice shot of the late afternoon light shining across the Santiago valley.
It's nice to make it all the way across the vast Pacific.
If you've ever flown close to 7 hours under race conditions you'll know that the milestones mean a lot to a driver. Here are some snaps of such moments. The first one is of Robinson Crusoe Island which is about 360 NM short of the coast, and which has a useful NDB. The second is of the coast of South America, a welcome sight believe me. And the third is a nice shot of the late afternoon light shining across the Santiago valley.
It's nice to make it all the way across the vast Pacific.
RedGreen
Charter Member
Hard to believe National's Carribbean Tour portion of the race is almost at an end. The sea around the islands are an unbelievable shade of blue, and the islands themselves are strikingly beautiful too. And to think, living in Miami, I'm just a few hundred nautical miles away from each of these beauties.
I'm so glad I got the night flights out of the way early, so I could enjoy the full splendor of the Caribbean in the daylight.
I'm so glad I got the night flights out of the way early, so I could enjoy the full splendor of the Caribbean in the daylight.
Bry Rosier
Charter Member 2014
Great time in Rio , on arrival we were greeted by the Govenor of Rio , who was kind enough to allow me to take his newly acquired Bell 47 for a spin round the city 
Then we had a heavy night in Copacabana , much beer ,much showgirls , not much sleep Then a nice afternoon short flight to Sao Paulo , lovely scenery enroute
Then we had a heavy night in Copacabana , much beer ,much showgirls , not much sleep Then a nice afternoon short flight to Sao Paulo , lovely scenery enrouteTakeoff footage
Takeoff footage from inside to cockpit of Western Airlines DC-6B Departing Kingston Jamaica.
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Takeoff footage from inside to cockpit of Western Airlines DC-6B Departing Kingston Jamaica.
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A long 830nm flight over Morocco,Western Sahara and Mauritania proved to be a little worrying. With few navigational aids and not a lot of visual landmarks it was all about accurate flying and good stopwatch timing.
Fortunately only one small drift after a 330 mile leg between 2 NDB's was the only problem. A nervous wait for the airport NDB to become active but fortunately we were bang on course.
Time for a rest up and try to find something to eat and somewhere to sleep
Fortunately only one small drift after a 330 mile leg between 2 NDB's was the only problem. A nervous wait for the airport NDB to become active but fortunately we were bang on course.
Time for a rest up and try to find something to eat and somewhere to sleep
MM
Charter Member
Great trip down to Rio. The final approach, here over Guanabara Bay, just fills the eyes with stunning beauty. Terrific stuff.
Built on a landfill, Santos Dumont adjoins the central business district of the city. From there you get excellent views of the commercial buildings nearby and Sugar Loaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar) in the distance. To the south you can see the Corcovado on which stands the dramatic Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor)—completed just eighteen years ago in 1931. On the other side of the Carioca range, to the south and west, stand the world famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema.
Now, in 1949, Rio is the capital of the republic as well as the most important port and harbor. It serves as the conduit for a large inland area for exports, most particularly of coffee. This is a commercial and governmental center rather than a manufacturing city.
More important for us is the city's magic. With the inauguration of the grand hotels (the Glória in 1922 and the Copacabana Palace in 1924), Rio has become a romantic, exotic destination for Hollywood celebrities and international high society who come to play and gamble at the casinos and dance or perform in the nightclubs. As important, the Cariocas (Rio's natives) themselves embody the very spirit of "joie de vivre" making it easy for visitors to fall in love. We'll stay just a short while ... this time.
It is difficult to follow Bry down the coast. All the locals now expect big tips!
Built on a landfill, Santos Dumont adjoins the central business district of the city. From there you get excellent views of the commercial buildings nearby and Sugar Loaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar) in the distance. To the south you can see the Corcovado on which stands the dramatic Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor)—completed just eighteen years ago in 1931. On the other side of the Carioca range, to the south and west, stand the world famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema.
Now, in 1949, Rio is the capital of the republic as well as the most important port and harbor. It serves as the conduit for a large inland area for exports, most particularly of coffee. This is a commercial and governmental center rather than a manufacturing city.
More important for us is the city's magic. With the inauguration of the grand hotels (the Glória in 1922 and the Copacabana Palace in 1924), Rio has become a romantic, exotic destination for Hollywood celebrities and international high society who come to play and gamble at the casinos and dance or perform in the nightclubs. As important, the Cariocas (Rio's natives) themselves embody the very spirit of "joie de vivre" making it easy for visitors to fall in love. We'll stay just a short while ... this time.
It is difficult to follow Bry down the coast. All the locals now expect big tips!
Here at Western Airlines, we don't have very good strategists. The debate now taking place before we can file for our next departure is whether or not there is a payload advantage to be gained by breaking up the next leg into 2 shorter hops.
I wish they would decide. I just want to go flying and not worry about it.
I wish they would decide. I just want to go flying and not worry about it.
Great flight to Rarotonga (NCRG.) Had to deal with a 14 knot 90 degree cross wind howling down from the hills to the south across the single 7000 foot runway, but it was all good. Some kodaks: A): Dawn over the South Pacific. B) and C): My semi-awesome cross wind landing!