HEADING FOR HOME
Morning All. Steve departed Cape Town at 0320Z this morning after a good 6 hours sleep and further rest time which has put him (purposely) about an hour behind plan. He is going to pace himself on the way home, judging carefully how long he can rest at each stop (Brazza and Tam) so as to stave off the inevitable exhaustion but still break the record. A slight head-wind in the Windhoek area (which was a good tail-wind on the way down) has him making around 164k, but his speed should increase as he goes further north. He is having a problem with his autopilot (as did Chalkie) but as he concentrates on flying his RV manually to get the last few knots out of it this should not be more than an irritation. Weather is looking good for this leg.
As to ETA Southend, at this stage it looks certain that he will be later than the planned 1405Z by about 2 hours but there’s a long way to go yet so watch for regular up-dates .
Will him on…………..
Martin Barraclough
Project Co-ordinator
02/09/2010 at 08:05
Hi Martin
Thanks for keeping us all updated. Do you have any details about Steve’s arrival at Southend? If we go there to welcome him home will the airport allow us to go “airside”?
02/09/2010 at 21:49
Yes Mark. We have laid on a reception and you will be most welcome. Just come to the Executive Flight Briefing Office. You will be able to go airside within the area we have been allocated for selected parked aircraft which of course will include Steve’s RV.
Martin
02/09/2010 at 08:59
You cannot believe how many thousands of people from all around the world are thinking of you Steve, sending their good wishes…. and willing you on to break this record.
02/09/2010 at 19:12
Huge thanks to Martin and all the “backroom boys(and girls) for the support and the news of the trip. It is superb.
Willing you on son, to break the record – doing great so far!
Thinking of you
M & D
02/09/2010 at 19:15
Huge thanks to Martin and the backroom boys(and girls) for keeping us up to date and able to watch Steve,s progress.
Sending love son and willing you on to break the record. See you tomorrow
Mum & Dad
03/09/2010 at 15:11
Not wishing to interfere but has any one checked spot winds over europe. Latest is north France 10-310-10, 5-360-5 and 2 080-5. Also decending at 100ft per min from where he is would add significant speed and get him at about 1500ft at Southend. Do not have info here to do the pressure altitude corrections but might save him a few minutes.
03/09/2010 at 16:02
Well done fantastic.
Are you going to LAA rally!!!!