Postscript

Juliet Bravo went for her annual shortly after our return and the passenger door was carefully examined by RGV. It transpired that a couple of rivets in the mechanism had broken and this is what had caused it to jam.

We were advised to wear pilots’ uniform when outside Europe; clearly the handlers and various airport officials expected this and if we found ourselves in any queue with CAT passengers, we were immediately shunted to the top of this. No visas were required except for entry into Muscat where we were staying for longer than the period for which aircrew do not need visas. Miranda required a visa for Abu Dhabi; next time she will also be kitted out in appropriate uniform!

Mike Grey of White Rose Aviation efficiently arranged all our overflight clearances and fuel/handling at Riyadh. We made handling arrangements at the other airfields we visited and other than landing fees at Muscat for which we were billed on our return, paid cash in US $ on departure.

Day 21: Avignon LFMV to Elstree EGTR – home

Palais des Papes, Avignon
Palais des Papes, Avignon

We spent the first part of the morning wandering around and buying the odd present for family/friends before setting off for the airport. Phil was flying back to his home base at Biggin Hill and we were going to Elstree to night stop in London and see our children before flying north to Carlisle the following day. Phil soon left us behind but in fair weather, we had a pleasant flight and arrived back in quite Spring like conditions after the inevitable dumping at Detling.

Au revoir at Avignon
Au revoir at Avignon; back in winter clothes

Apart from the two glitches mentioned in this blog, it was a great outing and for me, the first serious long range tour – may there be more! It was also great doing it with a friend and fellow pilot particularly when the glitches happened!

Avignon to Elstree: 583 nm in 3 hours 35 min.