World Flight 2003

May 8th- Iraklion, Crete to Luxor, Egypt
5hrs 11 mins non-stop flying

An early start to the day was required for the departure from Iraklion for two reasons. Firstly high temperatures were forecast for early afternoon and more importantly once the airport becomes busy with departing holiday charter traffic, WF2003 would have to wait.

Our handling agent, Olympic Airways were very efficient in meeting us at security to take us to the aircraft. We uplifted enough fuel for the flight to Luxor. Avgas here was the most expensive to date and there was no point in taking any more than we required. There was a slight delay caused by our flight plan, despite being faxed the previous evening, not being submitted in time by the control tower.

Departure was on the westerly facing runway with a right 180 degree turn to fly coastal offshore until we had reached a safe level to cross over the high mountainous terrain on the island. We then took up a south easterly heading that we would remain on till El Alamain. Radio communication over the south Mediterrian Sea is very poor and at 9000 feet we had to rely on overflying traffic at higher levels to make contact with Cairo Control. Thanks to two aircraft who were particularly helpful, Reach 93Y and G-PHFG. Our first sighting of Egypt meant we had finally left Europe behind us. Due to military restrictions over Cairo we had to accept a re route via El Kharga (south west of Luxor) adding about 100 miles to this leg.

On opening the aircraft door the heat of 40 degrees centigrade hit us. Greeted by Mr Anwar, traffic officer for AN Aviation we were swiftly processed through the terminal and within 20 minutes we were in a taxi on our way to The Sheraton Hotel. Our driver, Asfraf also acted as a good tour guide. Driving here is a very interesting experience with the purpose of the white line is unsure. Our hotel room offers a view of the Nile river.

Luxor, Egypt

Nile Sunset