Hopefully not nearly as exciting as my Gabon to Poland flight, well documented here, but I'm excited nevertheless. Last ferry trip was from Louisiana to Trinidad & Tobago where I spent 4 years. I was last Captaining the venerable ole S61 on military gigs in the ME, but that market has gone dry, and to keep working, I've dived back into the Arctic bush flying of my youth. I'm slotted to head to Antarctica in the fall, but this summer will be spent in Northern Baffin Island, mostly exploration and scientific research.
So I went from this;
to this (Astar or Squirrel);
I've only got 8 hours on it so far, but it's pretty basic. I'm still not second nature with fuel burns, etc. but they are sending me solo on this route Saturday;
Some of the legs are 275 miles of barren nada, and with any kind of headwind it's too long for this beast, so I'll have a 45 gallon drum in the back and refuelling kit. Plus a shotgun and slugs for polar bears. It's was still -20 F up there last week so I've got a separate duffle with my Canada Goose parka, Arctic overboots, etc.. plus a clamshell survival hut and a bunch of gear, and a big box of MREs.
Originally I was to fly up the East Coast, and was keen to see Mount Thor and some impressive scenery, but the brass figures the weather would be far worse and I'd be much more exposed, so I have this relatively flat and boring route up the Western shore of Hudson Bay. Doubt I'll get too many cool photos but I'll try. Off to Montreal Friday and first set of legs Saturday morning.
Artistic gear shot because I love that shit...
Not sure of internet access but I'll try to keep posting throughout.