Africa touchdown. Friday 15th September

After two and a half weeks of flying and almost a week at the Southern tip of Spain awaiting final approval to fly across to Africa, the final leg of the journey took place on Friday Morning 16th September.  After some time trying to get the required formal approval to fly to Tangiers it was decided that rather than wait another week, I should make the flight to the less complicated crossing from Tarifa to Ceuta, on the tip of the Moroccan coastline. Ceuta while in Africa, is (like UK Gibraltar) a Spanish city.

FlyAfrica final Route

The unfortunate thing about the timing of arrival, which was a good bit earlier than anticipated, was that we arrived at the Festival of Eid, when many Moroccans would be on holidays and the contact for the Aviation Authority was unfortunately away on family holidays and few others were in a position to deal with the approvals.

Ceuta, ironically is within Spanish (Madrid) airspace and a crossing did not involve FIR boundary transit, making it easier in terms of ‘International crossing’. Approval was sought from Saville ATC, who agreed a window, and agreed to ‘turn a blind eye’ on the basis that a formal flight plan would not be submitted and no associated rescue services would be standing by.  They liaised with Ceuta Helipad (who I had already chatted to) who control the local zone and after I had agreed I didn’t need to land there (insurance issues) they were happy to ignore me if I was in and out early before any activity took place on their apron, or wishing their ATC.  

A practical solution to a complicated little crossing!  In hind sight when i saw about 5 or 6 fancy choppers on the small helipad, I am glad we didn't agree to landing there!!

On landing I packed my bags and headed for the ferry home.  This was the furthest I have ever carried my flying gear on the ground!  Also carried on a wing bag was immersion suit, two life jackets, flares, marine VHF radio, and other survival gear!

On Monday afternoon, my flight permit was approved to fly to Morocco.  Such is life. Next time.

Now on the way back home to Ireland and due before the end of the week.