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Re: Iceland

Subject: Re: Iceland
From: Peter S. Lert <peterlert@montrose.net>
Date: Wed, 14 Jan 1998 16:30:55
I've done it close to 100 times in various singles and light twins (used
to make what was ironically called "a living" as a ferry pilot), and
hope to do it the other way in a couple of years when my Europa is
finished.

Basically, _given decent weather_, a doddle even for Europas.  Stornoway
to Vagar (Faeroe Islands) is 232 nm, only another 250-odd to either
Hornafjordur or Nordfjordur in eastern Iceland.  All have at least VOR
or NDB approaches. From there on, the country is full of great
airfields.  A wonderful place to visit, too, terrific aviation-minded
people, fabulous scenery, delicious seafood, and fuel not particularly
expensive. 
        
The problem is, of course, the possibility of bad weather--it can
quickly get foggy even in summer.  If you get to Vagar and it's down,
you're all dressed up with no place to go, so I'd consider an instrument
rating (and, of course, an appropriately equipped Europa) a virtual sine
qua non.  If nothing else, you'd want to have a _good_ GPS and the
ability to make an approach on it "without benefit of clergy" if
necessary.  Best be prepared (i.e. financially) to have to sit it out
for a couple of days in Stornoway or Vagar (for my taste, preferably the
latter!).

        In terms of survival gear, you'll need a dinghy and a good survival
suit for each occupant--and this is no place to skimp!  I'd probably try
to rent a dinghy; and between that and the survival suits, the cockpit
will be pretty snug with two up.  I'd most likely travel with the
proverbial toothbrush and credit card, and ship my more normal
"vacation" clothing ahead of me to Reykjavik.

        Please feel free to contact me if I can help with more detailed
information.  Any of you lot want an experienced copilot?  Pete Clarke,
sorely missed, said I didn't frighten him too badly...


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