Expedition Day 18 After three relaxing days in Nuuk, it was time to depart Greenland. My flight was scheduled to climb to 13,000 ft over the ice cap and head east towards Iceland. Outside air temperatures decreased to -15c as I progressed over the east coast of Greenland. It was impossible to keep warm, even with the heater on full blast. Beneath my plane lay clouds at 11,000 ft and the two mile thick layer of ice called the Greenland Ice cap. My view was largely blocked due to the cloud layer. On a clear day, previous RTW pilots have spotted dozens of polar bears wandering across the massive ice cap. IMAX worthy Thousands of icebergs were visible while I flew over the coastal waters of eastern Greenland. The 11,500 ft (3505 m) underwater cataract is located in the Denmark Strait. Enduring the Denmark Strait.
I was increasingly concerned about hypothermia. My body temperature was dropping despite the thick neoprene survival suit and down jack I was wearing. The cabin heater was on full blast and the shivering persisted for the entire flight. I requested a descent to a lower altitude with somewhat warmer temperatures and greater oxygen levels for the passage over the 450nm Denmark Strait. As I approached the north-west coast of Iceland, the cloud layers kept building to over 11,000 ft. ATC reported the ice level at 5,000 ft, so I again climbed to remain near the top of the cloud layers until close to the airport terminal area. Just off the coast, I descended quickly through the cloud layers as ice coated the leading edges of the wings. In less than 60 seconds, the windshield was iced over, obscuring all forward visibility. Ground temperatures were above freezing, so I continued my descent following vectors from ATC. Below 3,500 feet, the ice melted and quickly shed off the airframe. Airports throughout Iceland reported similar conditions, so landing at Reykjavik seemed the best option with it's precision approach and long runway. I landed at Reykjavik airport (BIRK) chilled to the bone and relieved to be on ground.
Steve Melton
6/20/2018 08:34:26 pm
Beautiful photos. We will be watching you all the way. Stay warm, soon you will be on a warm beach.
Brian Eisner
6/21/2018 05:02:52 am
Beautiful pictures again John. I see you're almost to Wick (EGPC) Scotland. Not surprised you picked up a bit of icing on your treck through the North Atlantic; almost impossible not to get it that time of year up there. Soon your Freezing Levels will be high enough not to worry about it. Don't feel bad about not seeing a Polar Bear; I spent almost a month in the Canadian High Artic with the Canadian Navy and never seen a Polar Bear either. Keep the beautiful pictures coming and will be tracking your flight.
Brian Foster
6/21/2018 06:28:47 am
I see you've just landed at Wick. We were stuck there for 10 days last year due to weather. Andy will look after you. Another memorable day over. Keep safe.
BRIAN EISNER
6/21/2018 01:20:32 pm
Just checked the weather charts for the next few days. Big Upper Ridge building over Europe. Looks good weather wise for a week or so as he heads to the South East. Probably a big relief after that challenging North Atlantic crossing.
MIke W
6/22/2018 06:47:41 am
Biggin Hill way to go. R u going to fly a spit?
AbuAnas
6/24/2018 03:49:55 am
Hi John Comments are closed.
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