Red Lake Bush Adventures

I can honestly say that this is without a doubt the toughest flight I've ever experienced.

I had caught a previous ride to CYXL in order to pick up OPAS CF-PVL where she was in for an overhaul at AeroPedro's. This was to be a no stress run back in a plane I am very comfortable with but I got a panic call from the chief of MNR saying that they absolutley had to get some very special lab equipment back to Red Lake asap! Their regular freight service had dropped the equipment at XL by mistake and refused to complete their contract in less than a week's time. My contact was furious because the equipment was already late and a year long study was in jeopardy, would I please take the equipment back to Red Lake? "Of course, as soon as the weather clears, says I". "No, right now!" says he. "But it's blowing a blizzard…" "It's imperative Cpt. Troll! "It's not safe≥" "We'll pay" "I'll do it"

So I did but I'm not sure the $5000 was compensation enough. The cross winds were fierce there were wind shear warnings and vis was choked from 900 feet up to well above the Otter's service ceiling.

Icy taxiways and strong gusts make it tough

CYXL — getting a lecture from the flight office

PVL virtually jumped into the air — and she was fully loaded

Can't see a thing!

After trying to get above it I had to settle for a belly rub flight

Top end of Lac Seul Resevoir – approaching Ear Falls ah, calm weather, what a relief!

Ear Falls power dam

Ear Falls – CYMY

Nearly home – BAM! another weather wall

CYRL – gusting cross winds make for white knuckles

CYRL – crabbing in stiff cross wind

CYRL – centering…

CYRL – TD!

CYRL – easy on the brakes…

CYRL – get the flaps off her!

CYRL – easy on the power, she wants to fly…

CYRL – ah home hangar… get her unloaded

CYRL – parking… something I usually feel saddened to do — NOT TODAY!!! Can't wait to change my flight suit.

Hope you enjoyed the snapshots. I'm looking forward to a good stiff drink.

Regards



Mission:	RLBA2
Title:	CYXL-CYRL
Date:	01.04.2005

DEP:	CYXL - Sioux Lookout Airport
ARR:	CYRL - Red Lake Airport
TIME:	1 hour 50 minutes
DIST:	115 nautical miles
FUEL:	274 lbs.
DETAILS:	I can honestly say that this is without a doubt the toughest flight I've ever experienced. I had caught a previous ride to CYXL in order to pick up OPAS CF-PVL where she was in for an overhaul at AeroPedro's. This was to be a no stress run back in a plane I am very comfortable with but I got a panic call from the chief of MNR saying that they absolutley had to get some very special lab equipment back to Red Lake asap! Their regular freight service had dropped the equipment at XL by mistake and refused to complete their contract in less than a week's time. My contact was furious because the equipment was already late and a year long study was in jeopardy, would I please take the equipment back to Red Lake? "Of course, as soon as the weather clears, says I". "No, right now!" says he. "But it's blowing a blizzard…" "It's imperative Cpt. Troll! "It's not safe≥" "We'll pay" "I'll do it" So I did but I'm not sure the $5000 was compensation enough. The cross winds were fierce there were wind shear warnings and vis was choked from 900 feet up to well above the Otter's service ceiling. Obviously I made it but… The following are highlights of the mission: Leaving Aero-Pedro facilities at CYXL Icy taxiways and strong gusts make it tough CYXL — getting a lecture from the flight office PVL virtually jumped into the air — and she was fully loaded Can't see a thing! After trying to get above it I had to settle for a belly rub flight Top end of Lac Seul Resevoir – approaching Ear Falls ah, calm weather, what a relief! Ear Falls power dam Ear Falls – CYMY Nearly home – BAM! another weather wall CYRL – gusting cross winds make for white knuckles CYRL – crabbing in stiff cross wind CYRL – centering… CYRL – TD! CYRL – easy on the brakes… CYRL – get the flaps off her! CYRL – easy on the power, she wants to fly… CYRL – ah home hangar… get her unloaded CYRL – parking… something I usually feel saddened to do — NOT TODAY!!! Can't wait to change my flight suit. Hope you enjoyed the snapshots. I'm looking forward to a good stiff drink. Regards
SIGNED	Cpt. Troll