Fri, Nov 25, 2016
Questionable Decisions Halted International Aviation Event, Friends/Relatives Were Worried
The Vintage Air Rally Crete2Cape is a biplane rally starting from Sitia, Crete on the 12th of November 2016 and expected to end up in Cape Town after 5 amazing weeks -- but the original plan has gone a bit astray.
If you thought politics here in the US had gone a bit whacky, then obviously you haven't checked out the Ethiopian side of political craziness. For reasons that are yet to be fully explained, the Ethiopians had halted the specialized air race, claiming that the racers had crossed into the country illegally... despite the fact that the race (and the route) has been publicized for months ahead of time. After some negotiation, the Ethiopians relented and the race has continued.
The race is an intriguing proposition... described by the organizers as, "A flying rally across Africa, from Crete to Cape Town, for aircraft built before the 31st December 1939. Following in the footsteps of the pioneering flights in the 1920s – we’ll connect some of the most beautiful and evocative points in Africa. Flying low along the Nile from Cairo to Khartoum, past the highlands of Ethiopia before the plains of Kenya and the home of African aviation in Nairobi. Then off again past Kilimanjaro into the Serengeti – and on to the spice island of Zanzibar. After a short pause to enjoy the Indian ocean, we continue, crossing Zambia to Victoria Falls, before continuing to Bulawayo in Zimbabwe. Our final days take us across Botswana and into stunning South Africa – to the Cape, journey’s end.
A rally such as this has not been done before. Ever. Throughout we will be staying in a wide variety of locations, from 5* hotels to tented camps (and everything in between). Obligatory equipment will include a sleeping bag, full black tie and a beginners guide to Swahili (all three items will be needed at some stage or another, perhaps simultaneously!)."
The oldest plane taking part hails from 1928, while the oldest pilot is all of 72...
More News
Circle To Runway (Runway Number) Used by ATC to inform the pilot that he/she must circle to land because the runway in use is other than the runway aligned with the instrument appr>[...]
Aero Linx: National Aviation Safety Foundation (NASF) The National Aviation Safety Foundation is a support group whose objective is to enhance aviation safety through educational p>[...]
At Altitude Of About 250-300 Ft Agl, The Airplane Experienced A Total Loss Of Engine Power On November 6, 2024, at 1600 central standard time, a De Havilland DHC-1, N420TD, was inv>[...]
From 2009 (YouTube Edition): Three Hour Flight Was 'Flawless' -- At Least, Until Mother Nature Intervened For anyone who loves the aviation business, this was a VERY good day. Afte>[...]
Also: AMA Names Tyler Dobbs, More Falcon 9 Ops, Firefly Launch Unsuccessful, Autonomous F-16s The Air Force has begun ground testing a future uncrewed jet design in a milestone tow>[...]
ANN's Daily Aero-Term (05.05.25): Circle To Runway (Runway Number)
See All