OffTheHoox.com

So much has happened since I last posted anything but I will not list everything cos I really don’t think anyone cares about my itinerary. This should not read like a diary. All I can say is it’s been fantastic to be back in South Africa! I feel like I am home.

Leaving Istanbul was painless. Got on my flight and fell asleep. Maybe I suffer from a undiscovered variant of Narcolepsy called Aviation Narcolepsy which slips me into a coma as soon as my body acknowledges the seatbelt click. If that is the case then it’s a wonderful strain of this otherwise not very nice disease and I only wish it could be contagious as I would try to spread it around. My flight from Turkey to SA effectively lasted about 45 minutes for me.

Walking through Johannesburg International Airport (Oliver R Thambo Airport as it’s now been renamed) was incredible. A bit fat smiling immigration officer, effective baggage carrousel, more smiles at customs, walking outside into beautiful sunshine and picking up a hire care that was ready waiting for me (thanks AH). I got on the brilliant 4 lane highway and without crazy drivers or hectic traffic I shot my way through to the northern suburbs at 140 jiving to Roxette on the radio (Highveld Stereo). My God I felt like crying. I was finally home!

(Click for more)

Things have been fairly hectic to say the least. Catching up with friends and family, having “one or two quiet drinks” at random locations, doing some irresponsible things (screw it I’m on holiday) but most importantly just relaxing and being chilled. I have been to Joburg and Cape Town already (finally met Lou - Went for a very kewl lunch in Joburg).

Damn this country is expensive for basic technology that I have become used to such as cell phone charges and internet access. Neither service is fantastic but you still pay ridiculous prices. I had a problem with my cell provider on a pay-as-you-go top-up after loading it with R500 (+- £40) and was told to “Just be patient and wait a few days”

I’m now in Port Elizabeth catching up on my flying for my PPL renewal. Waiting for an aircraft has given me time for a breather and the ability to catch up now. Flying again has been awesome. I went for a check flight with an instructor and it all just came back to me. After 3 quick touch ‘n’ go’s he signed me off again for solo flight. My next flight was just short of 2 hours and we (myself and Mullac) went down the coast to Cape St. Francis and back. It was stunning. A very technical landing to say the least with cross wind and turbulence just over the threshold had us bouncing all over the place but fortunately Mullac is not a stranger to aviation so he handled it very well. I mean there was no puking or crying or screaming like a little baby girl. The whimpers heard in Air Traffic Control were from me.

Rush Hour - Awaiting take off

Cape St Francis by air

Hoox and co-pilot

Technical Landing - 08

My baby - MXS

Now I’m sitting here waiting for the next available plane while the weather is still good to go and get another 1.2 hours which will be the minimum required for my license renewal. Hopefully on the weekend I will get to do a conversion to a 172. Then I can start taking passengers, safely (don’t ask).