Post by Dan on Mar 23, 2009 5:50:59 GMT -5
Solo to Sydney
- a flight replication of Sir Francis Chichester – December 20, 1929.
Sir Francis Chichester flew from Groydon Aerodrome near London, England on a journey that he planned with such incredible detail that he would eventually reach Mascot Aerodrome (now Kingsford Smith Intl), Sydney, Australia 182.30.5 hours later – only 2.15 hours longer then he planned. The aircraft he used was a DeHavilland Aircraft Co., LTD DH60 G Gypsy Moth. The aircraft used for this journey is a DH60 G Gypsy Moth by Jim Douglass – Avsim: dh_60_moth_pkg.zip
The flight plan for Flight Simulation was created by Bruce Kennewell, Canberra, Australia – “1929 Solo to Sydney - The flight by Francis Chichester and his DH60 Gypsy Moth ‘Elijah’” Avsim: cchester.zip
The Book “Solo to Sydney”, by Sir Francis Chichester, published by Stein And Day, New York, will be used throughout, to add realism to it all – but not all.
The flight will encompass between 10-14,561 miles depending on where else I decide go and will follow his route and timeliness as plotted by GW3. That said, that’s about all that will be authentic, as it is a different world today and I have no intention of flying that distance without a cigar and a cold beer, a good steak once in awhile, and maybe a Gin & Tonic – here and there!
His original list of items packed into the Gypsy Moth included the following - I’ve modified them!
One Knife
One Pocket Compass - GPS
Two pairs of goggles
One spare pair of spectacles - Sunglasses 
Maps - Laptop Computer + Backup
Atlas - Laptop
Pair Dividers - Laptop
Ruler - Laptop
Douglas Protractor - Laptop
Course and Distance Calculator - Laptop
Route information - Laptop
Log Book - Laptop
Journey Log Book - Laptop
Torch and Spare Battery – High Powered Spot Light & 10 Lithium Batteries
Carnet-de-passage – Master Card
Passport
Pilot’s License - Don’t have one
Permit to fly over country – take my chances
Coffee andwater - Gin
Bread, butter, cheese, dates, fruit, meat - McDonald's Coupons
One Cigarette lighter - Four
Helmet
Scarf – Redhead gave it to me ;D
Sidcote suit – Tuxedo
Sheepskin boots – Motorcycle Waterproof Cowhide
Cotton wool – Polyester Cotton
Clock – Cell Phone
To Carry in Front Cockpit
Tool Kit
63 spare parts – 28 (Genuine NAPA)
Blankets – w/Basket Lunch
Rubber Boat w/mast, sail & oars – Coast Guard type w/ElecMotor
Pump – Auto Inflation Device
Rope
Dunlop repair outfit – Self Sealing Tires
Air Pistol
Screw Pickets – Not sure what these are
Engine, propeller, and cockpit-covers – 11.5 Cases of Beer & 8 Coolers w/Ice
Spare oil – Synthetic 30,000 Mile Life
Hatchet - Portable Chain Saw
Razor and gear
Hair Brush – Hair Dryer
Spare Shirt - Multiple plus sport & evening wear (Starched)
Spare Underwear
Spare Stockings
Spare Trousers - 4 spares - never know when I might run into another 747!
Mackintosh - IBM
Goloshes – Waterproof Spray
Pair Shoes – Black Formal for Tuxedo
Box of plugs – Box of Cigars (using NAPA 100,000 mile plugs)
Candle – NOAA Radio w/Light & Crank
Antiseptic Soap - plus Deodorant & Aftershave
Sheepskin Coat – Lands End all Weather
Emergency ration of tinned black bread (Pumpernickel) in case of sea voyage in the rubber boat – Beef Jerky
So, here we go . . .
It’s Friday, 2:30 AM and while Sir Francis was in a hurry to get out of town for fear of his finance company wanting more upfront money, I’m getting out of town for fear of never getting out of town . . .
It’s dark, it's cold, and it's foggy . . .
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But, I'm on my way
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and above the fog - this is quiet, tranquil, and peaceful
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The Coast
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To France . . .
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And so the journey has begun - time for a 'hot' cup of steamy coffee with a little shot of Baileys Irish Cream (stowed it behind the seat . . . ahhh
Dan
…it’s great being a kid again – without the glue! ;D
- a flight replication of Sir Francis Chichester – December 20, 1929.
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[/a][/center]"]Sir Francis Chichester flew from Groydon Aerodrome near London, England on a journey that he planned with such incredible detail that he would eventually reach Mascot Aerodrome (now Kingsford Smith Intl), Sydney, Australia 182.30.5 hours later – only 2.15 hours longer then he planned. The aircraft he used was a DeHavilland Aircraft Co., LTD DH60 G Gypsy Moth. The aircraft used for this journey is a DH60 G Gypsy Moth by Jim Douglass – Avsim: dh_60_moth_pkg.zip
The flight plan for Flight Simulation was created by Bruce Kennewell, Canberra, Australia – “1929 Solo to Sydney - The flight by Francis Chichester and his DH60 Gypsy Moth ‘Elijah’” Avsim: cchester.zip
The Book “Solo to Sydney”, by Sir Francis Chichester, published by Stein And Day, New York, will be used throughout, to add realism to it all – but not all.
The flight will encompass between 10-14,561 miles depending on where else I decide go and will follow his route and timeliness as plotted by GW3. That said, that’s about all that will be authentic, as it is a different world today and I have no intention of flying that distance without a cigar and a cold beer, a good steak once in awhile, and maybe a Gin & Tonic – here and there!
His original list of items packed into the Gypsy Moth included the following - I’ve modified them!
One Knife
Two pairs of goggles
Passport
Coffee and
Helmet
Scarf – Redhead gave it to me ;D
To Carry in Front Cockpit
Tool Kit
63 spare parts – 28 (Genuine NAPA)
Blankets – w/Basket Lunch
Rope
Air Pistol
Screw Pickets – Not sure what these are
Razor and gear
Spare Underwear
Spare Stockings
Antiseptic Soap - plus Deodorant & Aftershave
So, here we go . . .
It’s Friday, 2:30 AM and while Sir Francis was in a hurry to get out of town for fear of his finance company wanting more upfront money, I’m getting out of town for fear of never getting out of town . . .
It’s dark, it's cold, and it's foggy . . .
[a href="
"][/a][a href="
"][/a]But, I'm on my way
[a href="
"][/a]and above the fog - this is quiet, tranquil, and peaceful
[a href="
"][/a][a href="
"][/a][a href="
"][/a]The Coast
[a href="
"][/a]To France . . .
[a href="
"][/a]And so the journey has begun - time for a 'hot' cup of steamy coffee with a little shot of Baileys Irish Cream (stowed it behind the seat . . . ahhh
Dan
…it’s great being a kid again – without the glue! ;D
As Sir Francis stated "collecting and stowing of food and packing in my gear, which seemed prodigious in quantity and bulk" - it was a task more fit to a crossword puzzle expert then a pilot. 