The electrical problem has happily been resolved although the precise cause remains uncertain. The alternator and regulator were both bench tested and found to be in prime condition. Stuart at RGV made some suggestions and I passed these on to the electrical engineer dealing with it here. The most likely reason was an earth continuity issue between the alternator and engine with possible poor contact with the field circuit fuses. Engine runs on the ground were OK and I then made the short flight over to Stellenbosch this morning where Juliet Bravo will now have a 50 hour check and oil change.
Phil and I have now completed the outbound journey and I have just dropped Phil off to fly home on a commercial flight while Miranda is en route coming out to join me. Other than settling the route, Phil has done all the hard work in organising clearances (thanks also to Mike of White Rose for actually getting these), fuel, handling and en route accommodation and my grateful thanks to Phil for all this work and for his company on this trip. We make a good team.
Yesterday we drove down to the Cape of Good Hope where we had a wander around being blown about by a strong southeasterly wind, followed by lunch and on the way made a little diversion to see the penguins.
Later in the afternoon, we went to meet a couple of friends of Phil’s who had been on Sam Rutherford’s Libya trip in 2010. They had just flown in from East London with their wives and we had refreshing drinks with them at Stellenbosch Flying Club
I hope our return journey will run smoothly. The next blog entry will be at the weekend as Miranda and I prepare for our departure on Monday.
Cape Town to Stellenbosch: 15 nm in 15 min
