Flight Log: Heraklion LGIR -- Luxor HELX 03.11.2010

Distance: 867 NM
scheduled Flying time: 7h16min
Filed Route: SIT PAXIS GESAD DBA KHG LXR
ATIS Heraklion: 0620 rwy 27 wind 180 07kts vis 10km+ clds few 020 temp 15 QNH 1020
Clearance: SIT 3C than as filed
Take Off Time: 06:55 (UTC)
ATIS Luxor: 1250 rwy 02 wind 330/4kts vis CAVOK temp. 33/14 : QNH1010
Landing Time: 13:35 (UTC)
03.11.2010 Heraklion/Luxor: This time in Heraklion we wanted to check our plane on the ground very thoroughly. We looked at the plane twice from all sides and checked whether the cap on the oil gauge was closed. Because on the flight from Split to Heraklion it was open.

After we had obtained permission from the tower, we were told that our flight slot had already elapsed. It had been scheduled for 8.00 and not 8.45. But we were able to solve this problem ten minutes later and took off on the 09 for Luxor.

To start with, we made quite a steep ascent over the mountains of Crete. Now I could see from above what I`d already experienced on an alpine hike. Crete is a very long island, so we could see the mountain chain for quite a long time from the plane. First of all, we add to reach altitude to fly over this mountain chain. Afterwards we turned right and then the flight proceeded southwards at 150 degrees over the Mediterranean. The wind was very moderate and the sea calm below us. At least until we had flown half the way to Egypt. Then a closed blanket of cloud formed at low altitude. Now after about two and a half hours, it was time to eat something. Because we had only had a relatively frugal breakfast.

After about three and a half hours, the African coast appeared under the clouds. We could see the Mediterranean beaches and endless desert opened up in front of us. We assumed Cairo was on the left. But due to weather conditions, we couldn`t see the city. It was relatively misty. The desert was a vast expanse, but near to the coast also included dead straight motorways and roads which we could see trucks driving on from the plane. When we flew on into the interior, we spotted a few mountain ranges and dried-out rivers. We wondered when it had rained the last time here. And then in the distance we saw a green line - the Nile, Egypt`s lifeline. Green vegetation, forests, palm trees and oases line the Nile to the left and right. The area is densely populated and very built up. When we came closer to Luxor, we saw the busy shipping traffic on the Nile.

Contact with the tower in Luxor was very easy. The weather was good, so we were able to make a landing according to visual flight rules. Straight after landing we were asked if we required the fire brigade. I said no, but regretted it later. Because a plane landed after us that the fire brigade welcomed with a fountain of water since it was its first landing in Luxor. My requests to do the same for our »Marie« were unfortunately in vain. They said the plane was a bit too small to justify the fire brigade coming. Then we had to refuel our aircraft. The filling station attendant persuaded me to pay in cash in dollars and not by credit card as we had planned. As it turned out, this was all much easier.

The IAB handling agents gave us a very friendly reception and directed us through all the checks till we reached the taxi.