Legs 1 - 2
"Amy we're losing power, our airspeed is zero but the gps indicate 110 Knots."
"I see. We're in icing conditions. Pull the carburator heater lever."
"And for the pitot?"
"I'm afraid we have nothing for it but with the engine speed and the gps we can estimate our speed. We'll land at South Bend, end of the leg 2. It's a big airport, I'll be able to inspect the plane and try to find a solution for the pitot" said Amy with a determinated optimistic voice
"Ok, let's do that ... Piece of cake, with nearly no visibility, snow and heavy gust and apparently all airports around in IFR conditions" I grumbled
I am sure, dear readers, that you are wondering how this stage ends, but before we see how it ends, let us see how it began.
A few days before the start of this event, I received a call "Hello Mister Maverick. I'm Ian Holmes, manager of British Vintage Wings Renovation & Replica based in Biggin Hill. We are participating in the Air Rally 2025-2026 with a Miles M.12 replica but our chief pilot broke his leg so we thought of you to replace him. Could you be interested?"
"Why not? I have heard about the event. Seem quiet challenging at this time of the year. Tell me more about the plane. The M.12 was Lindbergh plane when he was in Europe with his wife, right?"
"Yes. He draw the plane with Miles engineers to visit Europe and even India. We have built a replica that is as faithful as possible to the original, in compliance with FAI regulations. We have used the same motor but we haved added a simple com/nav device with VOR and GPS, a transponder and a simple autopilot to help travelling but she's still a VFR airplane" said Ian adding with a laugh "The sky is much less empty than it was in the 1930s"
"Sure, sure. I could be interested but I have to try the plane first. I can be at Biggin Hill in 2 days." was my reply.
"I understand but she's already at Detroit with our test pilot and our chief engineer on this project. They'll help you to master it and the engineer will be your co pilot/navigator/mechanic. We know that you have experience with older aircraft, particularly Miles, and with long-distance flights. It shouldn't be a problem for you, but we need to decide quickly."
After a moment's reflection, I finally replied "A true challenge... Let's discuss salary and other organisational matters"
We reached an agreement and two days later, I joined the team in Detroit. First surprise, the engineer was a girl : Amy Bader, 30 years, a dynamic brunette, aeronautical engineer & private pilot. She and Tom Atkins, the test pilot, were a great help in studying the aeroplane and learning how to fly it and they really know the aeroplane inside out. After some touch and go and 2 flights over the country, I was feeling confident enough to start the adventure.
And so here I'm in this icing airplane, flying low to reach an airport probably in IFR condition if not closed. Yet, the flight had started well. Clear sky, little wind, and we were cruising along Route 194 towards Jackson, Marshall, and finally the end of Leg 1: Battle Creek KBTL.
But after Jackson, the weather became complicated. The ground appeared to be covered with snow and the sky became increasingly overcast, forcing us to descend below 2,000 feet. At this altitude, gusts of wind appeared.
Our initial plan was to complete legs 1 and 2 back-to-back, but with this weather we decided to land at Battle Creek. Unfortunately, the airport was already closed, so we continued on to South Bend. At that point, we were confident because everything was fine on board and there were a few alternate airports along our route. But now we're flying one eye on the gps, one on the engine speed, one on the outside trying the see the road 194 and one on the VOR .
Arriving 10 minutes from our destination, with conditions that no longer resembled a VFR flight, I decided to set the transponder to code 7700 (general emergency) and contacted the tower to request permission to land: "Permission denied. We are in IFR conditions." And just as I was about to reply, I heard Amy's voice: "We are a VFR flight surprised by a change in weather with flight instruments inoperative but ILS capabilities. We are unable to reach another airport so we will land on 23L with or without your permission." The landing was a little rough but not too bad, as the plane stayed in one piece and will be able to take off again.
The reception from the airport authorities was frosty, to say the least, even worst than weather, but no one dared to say anything in front of Amy's determined attitude.
"Tell me, Amy. Your last name is Bader, right? Like Douglas Bader the WWII British pilot?"
"Yes, he was one of my great-uncles." she said proudly in the voice
"I'm beginning to understand from where your love of aeroplanes and your determination come from."
"And my mother is Welsh." she added with a wink. "I have to find a solution for the pitot now"
"Not now Amy. We flew for two and a half hours in difficult conditions and under stress. To do a good job, we first need a good meal and some rest. I found an Irish pub not far from the airport. I also booked a room at the La Quinta Inn & Suites hotel right next to the airport. They are twin beds, don't worry. Tomorrow we will be in good shape to take care of your baby. In any case, the weather won't improve for another two or three days." I said
"You're right, Luc except that the Mohawk is not my baby anymore but our baby" she said with a big but tired smile "And as for the bed, just so you know, I always have a spanner handy." she added with a laugh.
To be continue...
(and sorry for my English)
