The longest wait
0300Z and I rashly telephoned Sam Rutherford in Tamanrasset to enquire if all was well. They were investigating an alternator problem – Sam couldn’t say more.
With a planned take-off of 0440Z the minutes ticked agonisingly by. 0440Z passed so did 0500 and on the sat tracker that bloody little blue balloon stuck rigidly in its last position on the apron at Tamanrasset International. The minutes still ticked by and then the sat tracker showed 8 knots – he was on the move again.
0510 and a text message from Sam “ Arr 0301Z. dep 0500Z. Turnaround completed in 36 minutes, then waited first glimmer light! Photos follow”.
Yee-ha, go for it Steve.
When my heart has settled down to a steady rate I’ll give you all an ETA.
Martin
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03/09/2010 at 06:17
Ah yes, sorry about that! There was more water in than out of XF when she arrived (and the alternator had given out). Martin called (and got hung up on) as we were cowling off and sleeves rolled up. Nothing found so we did the obvious thing which was to put the cowling back on!
Steve got a little over an hour to relax, eat, ‘sleep’ and chill out – he then sat on the piano keys until there was just enough light to take on the final stretch. He’s in very good spirits (as you might imagine). He’s not sure he’ll beat Chalkie’s northbound record, but fingers crossed Henshaw’s (and Chalkie’s) round trips are for the taking…
Stats:
0301Z Arrival
0337Z Turnaround complete
0440Z Engine start
0450Z Taxi
0500Z Lifted
Oh, and by the time he re-started, the Sahara had kindly dried out his alternator!
Sam. (job done, off to bed…)
03/09/2010 at 08:37
Watching this incredible journey unfold – fascinating! I presume all the factors are in place to submit a record claim should Steve achieve the time. This is what ‘adventurous aviation’ is all about, and lifts the spirit.
I gather Steve flies gliders at Nympsfield, my neighbouring club.
BTW, the world distance record in a glider is approximately the same as the distance from Steve’s last fuelling point to southern UK!!
“Bon chance” Steve.
DGR
Chairman, Royal Aero Club of the UK