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...
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