Grenchen, Switzerland - Wick, Scotland (UK)

1. Leg: Grenchen, Switzerland (LSZG) – Wick, Scotland (EGPC) – 1050 NM

On Wednesday afternoon, 23 August 2006 the journey started. All eqipment on board, fuel tanks full to the top (W&B so-la-la ok). After takeoff in Grenchen we encountered that the 210 HP turbocharged 6 cylinders engine engine doesn't provide its full power and the aircraft does not climb according to the pitch applied! It's is most dramatic incident of the entire trip (as we afterwards summarize). What is happening: the back-up Oxygen bottle, which we had installed between the seats, shifted when starting and is blocking the trim wheel.

......to be checked (no yahoo translation): ......With additional tax pressures and the opening of the trim wheel however the problem is solved within seconds.

First daily objective is to be filled up the channel island jersey around the machine for the far flight after Wick in the northeast of Scotland. We gave both flight plans up electronically in Grenchen. The weather over France worsens appreciably. Also a kaltfront already is in threatening proximity of Great Britain. Restaurants the weather of jersey promises also nothing property: Fog, view at the IFR minimum. To consultation of our Fuel of computer and the data of the min 430, we decide to fly directly to Scotland.

ATC gives us over the channel nearly a direct Routing after Wick. Our initial flat steel bar 120 does not prove as optimal - because of Icing we rise then to flat steel bar 150. After nearly 6 hours flight, optimal Fuel management (Leaning on 8.5 Gal/h), a middle Grounspeed of 180 kts we land with poorest visibility in Wick. The Fuel reserve amounted to still another one hour. The first test for a Long rank flight is existed! We settle the administrative tasks for the landing and the takeoffs in the C-office on the next morning as well as the flight plans for the next 2 days. In the pouring rain the machine is filled up and prepared for the takeoff. With some pints in a local Pub the overnight accomodation in the hotel Queens we decide the first day of our adventure.

Images Grenchen - Wick

After approx. 40 minutes flight is enough the sprit still for approx. 949 Nm

Wick is still 745 Nm with strong head wind makes distant we still approx.. 137 kts Groundspeed

on the bank of the English Channel the bad weather begins after a front

approx.. 3 Std 50 min remains still approx. two hours flying time

speed now 158 kts - to consumption 9 G/Std

in Aberdeen, Scotland still approx. 70 Nm - speed 210 kts - Low Fuel announcement - remain Pwr Setting of 25,5"with 2200 RPM

33 Nm before Wick, our daily objective we still Fuel for 2 Std 11 min

the coast of Scotland briefly before Wick

safe on the airfield by Wick landed

total time 5 Std 51 min

the new Tower of EGPC

the dispatch hall

the military accommodation

the general aviation terminal

our Mooney with the Tower in the background

Tower and dispatch hall

Ivo with the Saeckelmeister of Wick

view of the old part of town of Wick