Chapter 37 - Winds turn against us again

Sunday US - Monday Australia.

Had hoped to go to Santa Maria and leave for Hilo this morning, but winds not favourable so we decided to sit it out here at Torrance. We stocked up with food and drinks for the flight to Hilo and additional for the flight to Christmas Island where there is virually no food available for purchase.

We put all equipment etc into the aircraft and set up the 12 volt fuel pumps, HF radios were checked and all aspects of the intended flight reviewed and reviewed and checked and rechecked. All baggage, food clothes, documentation will  be removed prior to the ferry tanks being fuelled and will then be packed to keep the aircraft within the balance envelope.

Empty fuel bladders and fill tube (above) Packed and ready for Santa Maria including empty bottles for the trip (below)

The brand new Bonanza G36 is the most limited for range and the Mooney has the best range. Ray is flying in the Bonanza so I feel somewhat comforted that if he decides the winds are good enough for him to get to Hilo, then the Saratoga has additional reserve.

Lyn decided that Ray would lead in the Bonanza followed by Dan in the Mooney and the Saratoga last. The Mooney will fly behind the Bonanza to the side and 200' lower. The Saratoga will be behind, to the side and 200' lower than the Mooney. When we co-ordinate the speeds we should be able to see the Mooney and the Bonanza in a line ahead. We also have the TCAS so we will have other two visible on our screen showing the distance apart and the various heights above.

The Bonanza will have the main transponder code for the flight and Lyn will handle the HF radio communications for the flight.

Due to the radiation from the sun and reflection back from the clouds, most of the windows will be covered to protect us and to keep the cabins as cool as possible. Yes! We removed the refrigeration gas and have no air conditioning.

We have said goodbye to Lame David on at least three occasions. I have posted his photo on this site as I need him to be readily identifiable to the lawyers if we have any mechanical problems on the way.

We are going to Mojave tomorrow to the aircraft graveyard and the current plan is to leave Torrance at midday Tuesday for Santa Maria and hopefully get suitable winds to depart for Hilo on Wednesday at 6:00 am.