Expedition Day 12 On June 12, I filed IFR and flew along the east coast of Labrador at 11,000 ft, avoiding rain/snow clouds to the west. The terrain is still covered with snow and ice with few alternative airports along the way. It was surreal to cross over the frozen North Atlantic ocean en-route to Baffin island and Iqaluit. The cabin heater and my flight suit barely could keep me warm with outside air temperatures hovering at -5 C. The ground was obscured under the clouds most of the way, but occasionally I could see a glimpse of the land. It was a real pleasure to travel at up to 160 knots at 6.5 gph with 25 knot tail winds. Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach in to Iqaluit, Nunavut. The mighty RV-9A landing in to a brisk wind. Photo Credit: Twitter (thank you airplane spotter living in Iqaluit!) 63°44'49.09"N, 68°31'2.17"W and the closest I have flown to the North pole. Photo Credit: Twitter After landing, I fueled the plane with the last of the 2017 AVGAS (2 barrels remaining) . Frobisher bay was still frozen and had not received it's one shipment of fuel for the year. I lost a few gallons fueling the plane in 30 knot winds. A broken down Antonov AN-2 is pushed to the side of the runway. Behind the battered aircraft, a chain-link fence keeps out wandering and curious polar bears. The weather this far north is extremely unpredictable and one can experience all seasons within a short period of time. The temperature hovered around 1C while I waited 3 days for a weather opening to Greenland. The frozen Frobisher Bay is close to break-up and the entire town is waiting for the supply ships to arrive.
Kiwi RV-6
6/13/2018 11:56:39 pm
Following your progress with interest and and a healthy dose of jealousy. I even managed to watch and listen to your departure from Goose Bay using FlightAware and LiveATC. Almost as good as being there.
Brian Eisner
6/14/2018 05:05:04 am
Hi John.
PedroPat
6/14/2018 08:33:32 am
John
Brian Foster
6/15/2018 09:00:06 am
My wife, Sylvia, and I were on a round the world flight in our RV10 at this time last year. We set off from South Africa heading west. You flights over that frozen terrain certainly bring back the memories. Greenland and Iceland were the best.
John Ragozzino
6/16/2018 04:58:36 pm
Great flight! Have fun and be safe. How many gallons is your Comments are closed.
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