On the Ascention holidays some of my Swedish friends used to go on a flying trip, and this year was no exception. The tour was going to Krakow, and I got a passenger seat on this beautiful Piper:
Thursday 10th May Jan flew to the Skånes Flygkubb located in Malmö airport where he picked up Joakim and me in the morning.
We lined up on the runway and were just ready to take off when a PIC chair got broken. Back to the apron, quick repair, and try again – this time no surprises.
We were airborne and happy:
From Malmö, Sweden, we crossed over to Germany in FL75. A number of aircraft from other Swedish airports were also on the way. The photo below is from FlightRadar24, and we are not among the group, as we were delayed due to repair.
The air was quite misty, but otherwise the weather was fine. The city of Heringsdorf, Germany:
We all planned for a refueling stop at EPZG, Zielona Gora. The airport had been closed for maintenance, but opened for us on request. Joakim turning on final for RWY06:
It was good to have a break. The refueling part was professionally organized, and went quickly. However, the registration part took ages…
EPZG tower:
I was on my way to the bushes, but was stopped and politely asked, whether I wanted to use a bathroom. The answer was yes, and a car was immediately called. It drove me to the airport building, and back again. Very nice service!
On my way, I took a photo of MIG15:
It was quite hot in Zielona Gora, around +25+27C. At first we enjoyed the sun, but later I got under the wing, too:
From Zielona Gora we headed to EPKP Pobiednik. There were towering and embedded Cu, and thunderstorms on the way. On the radio we could also hear warnings about it.
On our pilot software we could see how the weather developed, and after discussing the possibilities, chose the right point for crossing over between two big cloud formations. View from the cockpit:
It went really well – there was just enough room for our aircraft, and no turbulence. On the other side it was getting better.
Typical Polish countryside with striped fields:
Pobiednik EPKP is a busy place. There are often lots of aircraft in the air inclusive gliders and ultralights. Sometimes parachute jumpers as well. We did a go around due to heavy traffic on landing pattern.
All landed safely. It was nice to see Pobiednik again.
Someone organised beer in the airport’s garden where we relaxed after the long flying day, and waited for the taxis.
The taxis in Krakow only accept cash, therefore an ATM stop on the way:
The whole group met for dinner later:
We had delicious Polish food, and enjoyed the evening together:
Three more wonderful days await us!
