Pole to pole!

[jordonj]

I eagerly await updates on the trip!!!

[jordonj]

Hey, did we run out of gas or what?

[tsunami_KNUW]

Hey, did we run out of gas or what?

Patience is a virtue  ;) He probably is still flying but he just waits a while and posts all his screenshots at once  :)

[jordonj]

[quote]
Patience is a virtue

[tsunami_KNUW]

I just didn't want this thread to be forgotten...I mean, it was on the third page already!

Lol, I know what you mean! If it did get lost I'm sure Staiduk would start another one and continue on from there  ;D

[Staiduk]

Nice to be missed.  ;D

Waterloo Wellington Flight Center is the FBO for this little adventure; the intent was of course to take the time to prepare the DC-3 for the next leg of the journey. After we landed at Kitchener; we rolled C-GAQV into the hangar for a full cleanup, inspection and maintainance program. Tough or not; the old girl's exactly that - old; and she needs to be taken care of. We offloaded all supplies and fuel; gave the bird a good scrubbing inside and out. The cowlings came off and we went over the engines with a fine-toothed comb; to our satisfaction the twin R-1830's were in excellent shape. We did find some plug fouling, and replaced a magneto that didn't pass spec. Both props were removed and checked out OK. The left-side gear's oleo was found to be leaking; so we removed it and replaced the offending seal. Following that; we did a full flush-and-fill of all fluids, put everything back together again and pronounced AQV ready for the next leg.

Since the next leg would be flown entirely over the Americas with plenty of airports nearby; according to the plan we loaded the spare fuel and survival gear - apart from that normally carried in-flight - onto a chartered 737 bound for our next base camp at Tierra Del Fuego. While loading; we found several drums of fuel to be substandard; with a great deal of water in them so we replaced the drums and carried on. The 737 took off from K-W at noon. Since I fly out of this airport and know the tower controllers; I had the opportunity to go up into the tower and collect a few shots of the departing jet. Here they are:


Our chartered support 737 taxis out to rwy 25




The Boeing takes off for Tierra del Fuego

[Staiduk]

Day 13

With our supplies safely enroute; it was time to continue the journey. The original plan was to fly to JFK, New York, but we decided that would take me too far out of the way; so I decided to head for Washington instead.

[Staiduk]

I set up for landing at Ronald Reagan International. While on downwind to rwy 22; I thought the late evening sky looked very nice, so I grabbed a quick shot:



Landing was uneventful; apart from almost getting smeared by an MD-80 taking off on rwy 15 while taxiing; I refuelled and shut down for the night.


After clearing customs; it's now time to check out the Washington night-life.

[jordonj]

Okay a question about posting images ?  

Is the limit 500k per post?  I thought it a thread was what was created when you start a new subject?

GRRREAT shots by the way...and an even better story too!

[atotti2000]

its a thread methinks, but i never stray over that anyway  ::) really.
quality pictures again and a great story so far. wcant wait for the next leg.

[Omag 2.0]

Just don't stop Staiduk ... this adventure is so good! I like your story alot.

[jordonj]

[quote]its a thread methinks, but i never stray over that anyway

[tsunami_KNUW]

Great shots Staiduk! This story is awesome!  ;D

[Staiduk]

Had a great evening in Washington. After locking the 'plane down; I took a cab over to the Lincoln Memorial and walked around the National Mall. I'm not exactly a fan of marble; but it's quite a pleasant place to spend a warm early summer's eve. After that; I went off in search of more Washington scenery at a local bar.

Day 14
Spent the morning drinking tomato juice and sucking oxygen from the onboard supply. Let me tell you; it's no fun cranking over those big Pratt & Whitneys on a hangover - as pilots have known for 50 years; Aspirin is your friend.

After taking off from Reagan Intl. (taking extra precautions to avoid 'Propellerus Unsynchronitis' - a headache's worst nightmare); I headed 210 deg. for Myrtle Beach.
Visibility closed in around Jacksonville; so I climbed from 9,000 to 12,500ft. to get above the haze. The rest of the flight was uneventful; as was approach and touchdown.


Turning downwind for rwy 18; Myrtle Beach Intl.

[SideWinder9]

Can't wait for more! The next leg should probably be in a new post.

Tsunami- patience is a virtue- especaily if you are a doctor!