For many months we had been corresponding with Ralf and Marga Hannemann who will start their RTW trip in October. Today it was time to fly south from Denmark to meet our internet friends and avid international travelers.
Ralf and Marga showing Lec the sights of Germany…….
Morten Wagner in Denmark helped me prepare the flight plan down to Germany. There are subtle differences flying in Europe and it was good to have experienced pilots guiding me during my initial flights in this area. One difference is the requirement to fly through “transition” areas – altitudes where you reset your altimeter to standard pressure when climbing and local barometric pressure when descending. Another is that flight clearances are often only given for one waypoint at a time. The next clearance is not usually received until you are nearing the last clearance point. You have to be careful not to fly beyond your clearance limit over here. Nice to have the G1000 for quick entry of that next waypoint sometimes received only a few miles from your limit……..
A convenient European online resource allows you to file your flight plan (and have it checked and approved) over the internet. This is especially nice since flight plans can be a bit complex and, using this service, Brussels will modify your plan and ensure you have filed an acceptable plan before you arrive at the airport. Pretty handy but don't count on actually flying the filed route!!!!!!
The Hanneman's have done extensive travel in every continent and will start their ultimate trip - Around the World - in their Italian twin engine Partenavia P68 next month. Their web site is www.geier-flyer.com . We stayed at their home for 3 days enjoying superb hospitality and touring the Bavarian area with them. Ralf and Marga have twin daughters, Angela and Nathalie, both nurses who took special care of Lec and me during our extremely memorable visit.
Lec, Angela, Nathalie, Ralf and Marga………
The Bavarian countryside is quiet with small peaceful villages scattered throughout. The pace is slower and more relaxed than in northern Germany where I had often travelled for business meetings. I had a completely different impression of this wonderful country after our time with the Hannemann's.
Typical village church in southern Germany…………..
After 3 great days it was time to move on. Next stop is Bern, Switzerland and a chance to visit our friends from the North Atlantic crossing – Peter and Katrin.
Bye for now to the Hannemann family and looking forward to having you visit us in Thailand in the future. Thanks Ralf, Marga, Angela and Nathalie
Denmark to Hassfurt, Germany
Lec, Angela, Nathalie, Ralf and Marga………
