Today, we had a short flight. 1.5 hours between the Southern UK and Kortrijk, Belgium. It felt so short compared to every other day we’ve flown. The weather was nice for our departure, but got quite cloudy by the time we reached Belgium without really being a full overcast. We therefore got down without any issues and landed at our first European airport.
I asked one of our pilots who is also a passionate photographer to take my picture in front of N727DX since I am now officially checked out on the airplane (actually, I was checked out in the UK, but the photographer joined us only in Belgium). After 28.5 hours flying in IMC (in between cloud layers), clear skies and some rain, I have figured out how to fly this little aircraft. Sam, the master of this expedition, told me it would take 2-3 days to get used to it. And, he was right (as he often is). One thing that needs to be said, is that most pilots learn a new aircraft by doing lots of circuits and landing it at least 10 times. When ferrying aircraft, we don’t have that luxury. So, you basically take off and land only 7-9 hours later. By getting only one landing done each day, it takes longer to learn how to master the aircraft.The differences are quite interesting.
First, because it’s a diesel aircraft and a modern one at that, it has a liquid-cooled engine, a FADEC system, no carburetor and no magnetos. So, that changes quite a few things with regards to managing the engine and understanding its operation.
Then, the precision of the instruments tends to show so much detail that you spend the first couple of days fighting with the controls to maintain altitude until you understand that the porpoising of the aircraft is quite normal. We normally don’t notice it in an older piston aircraft, but due to the digital displays, it’s very obvious.
And, finally, the landing is different due to the overall weight of the aircraft. I as used to flying light aircraft (less than 1500 lbs). This one weighs 2500 lbs. So, it’s not a good idea to pull the power back to idle on final. You need a little more energy, at least until you master the beast.
Let me now introduce my fluffy companion: Moo-Moo. My son brought it to me in Montreal on June 14 so he could do the long trip with me. You will see more of him in the coming posts. He has travelled with us since 2018. The rule is, he is only allowed to come with us and be on display if we’re flying. So, no road trips for him (except in a suitcase).
Here is a great photo of all three Archers on the ramp in Kortrijk, Belgium. I flew N727DX with Raymond from Goose Bay to Kortrijk, Belgium. Then, I was assigned to N721DX to complete the journey to India, with Jaxon. See both photos below.
Jaxon and Sandrine
Ray and Sandrine
