I had the pleasure of competing in this years Malta Air Rally. It was an experience flying through the controlled airspace of Italy. We were just over a minute outside our specified time for arriving overhead the Giordan Lighthouse at Gozo. We did quite well in the flight planning section and Concours d’elegance. The next 4 days were spent attending Gala Dinners. All very nice. The photos are in the sequence of our route.
Flying through France was a joy as usual. Italy varied from peace and tranquility to 3 crew maxed out at times. All very interesting and many tales to tell.
There was a shortage of information and tales of ‘don’t fly through Italy whatever’ when we were planning the trip. we managed without too much difficulty. Let me know if you need any info.
Leaving Wyton 27 June 07 – Me, Colin Robertson, Colin Williamson and Mick Mahon (P1).
Troyes France, for the first crew change.
Chambery France Night stop and refuel. Colin R (P1). The main runway was closed so we had to use the 700m grass strip.
Leaving Chambery Colin W (P1). The grass strip is past the intersection on the left.
Alps
Voghera Italy, crew change Mick (P1)
http://s130.photobucket.com/albums/p274/rum_monster/Malta%20Air%20Rally%202007/?action=view¤t=113-1306_MVI.flv
L’Aquila Italy Night stop crew change Colin W (P1)
http://s130.photobucket.com/albums/p274/rum_monster/Malta%20Air%20Rally%202007/?action=view¤t=P6280040.flv
L’Aquila Italy
Pescara refuel as none availabe at L’Aquila
Lamezia Italy Night stop Crew change Colin R (P1)
Lamezia Italy waiting to go to Malta
Mt Etna
Luqa – Land, refuel and eat for 4 days
Luqa, meet and greet
Luqa Crew change. Mick (P1)
Malta Air Rally Participants, not the big jet obviously.
Valetta
Olbia Sardinia. Refuel and crew change Colin R (P1)
No photographs as we had to divert for fuel due to a 40 Kt headwind. We were aiming for Ajaccio in Corsica.
Cannes France. Forest fires and strong winds made for a tricky landing. Night stop, refuel and crew change Andy Stevens (P1) replaced Colin W
Back to Troyes. Refuel and crew change Colin R (P1)
http://s130.photobucket.com/albums/p274/rum_monster/Malta%20Air%20Rally%202007/?action=view¤t=15cb7d04.flv
Channel
Dover
Home 5 july 07 – Winners of the Most Sporting Entry. Not sure if that was good or bad.
The route we took
By: Manston Airport - 24th July 2007 at 22:04
3.5 days to get there and 2 days to get back. We took a scenic route down. We had to be over the Giordan Lighthouse at 12:10 local on the Saturday. The rules are here:
http://www.aviationinmalta.com/GeneralAviation/AirRally/AirRallyRules/tabid/421/Default.aspxThere were 2 or 3 from England. One was a Mooney and the other a Commander, G-TECH. Longest distance flown was a Swedish Robin DR400 from North of the Arctic Circle. I think fuel prices and the fact that Italy can be difficult to fly through and the shortage of GA airfields with 100LL make it a bit daunting.
The guy that won it this year has won the last 2 years so he knows the score. We were good for our first attempt.
Fancy trying it?
Col
Oh right wow never knew it was a race always thought it was where you just meet up and discuss GA Planes:)
James
By: jackattack - 24th July 2007 at 21:00
Brilliant shots there how long did it take you to get too Malta? and was there other planes there from England?
James
3.5 days to get there and 2 days to get back. We took a scenic route down. We had to be over the Giordan Lighthouse at 12:10 local on the Saturday. The rules are here:
http://www.aviationinmalta.com/GeneralAviation/AirRally/AirRallyRules/tabid/421/Default.aspx
There were 2 or 3 from England. One was a Mooney and the other a Commander, G-TECH. Longest distance flown was a Swedish Robin DR400 from North of the Arctic Circle. I think fuel prices and the fact that Italy can be difficult to fly through and the shortage of GA airfields with 100LL make it a bit daunting.
The guy that won it this year has won the last 2 years so he knows the score. We were good for our first attempt.
Fancy trying it?
Col
By: Manston Airport - 24th July 2007 at 20:36
Brilliant shots there how long did it take you to get too Malta? and was there other planes there from England?
James
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July 24, 2007 at 4:05 pm