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                                    Cessna 182 takes flight across Atlantic to Germany

Dear Courtesy Aircraft and Associates,

Roenne and I (Constantin) would like to take the opportunity to thank you all very much for your support, ideas and effort to enable us to make a safe trip across the Atlantic to Germany. You all contributed to working on our aircraft, customizing it, installing new equipment and helping us out in case of need.

The story began in December 2005 in Rockford, where Roenne, once again, engaged John Kraman from Courtesy Aircraft to look for a suitable, powerful and IFR equipped aircraft. This time a C182, an aircraft we deem adequate for island hopping (i.e. short take-off and landing capability) in this part of the world and flyable in almost any kind of weather situation. The aircraft, N182PG with a 300 HP engine, was located in Phoenix, AZ and pre-purchase inspected and annualled by Frank Setzler from Chandler Aviation.

Our first, national, 22 hour ferry flight went from Phoenix via Sedona, North Las Vegas, Grand Canyon National, Bryce Canyon, Page, Aspen, Denver Centennial, Red Oak to Rockford. We thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful countryside, great people and service at all fields. Thereafter, both Cliff Wilewski from Heritage Aero and David Wright from Avionics Place further checked and improved the aircraft and installed additional equipment, such as an autopilot. Finally, on June 3, 2006 we were ready to go, well almost ...

As you all might know, it does not really make sense to cross the ocean without proper survival equipment, i.e. protective clothing, satellite phone, several GPS, lifejackets and, last but not least, a life raft. Well, when Roenne and I met in Amsterdam, Roenne confessed that our life raft did not make it and is not going to make it to Chicago because KLM decided not to take it on board in Hamburg, Germany. Here we were in Rockford on a Saturday afternoon, desperately wanting to begin our flight to Europe, but without the pretty important life raft. But, we were in the U.S., and this is the country where service is just perfect! We made a slight (5 hour!) detour, passed by at Sporty's at Clermont County Airport (OH) and bought a life raft on Sunday !.

Now, as the weather showed Highs all the way to Northern Canada, we took off direction North, flying up to 10 hours a day. Crossing the Atlantic requires to give position points every 40 - 45 minutes, in some cases to the airlines for relaying our message as radar coverage is no longer given and the radio stations cannot be reached. The impressions we gained were unique. Prime service at all times, friendly people, partly in the middle of nowhere (i.e. in Kulusuk, Greenland, 500 inhabitants) and fantastic views ...

About 15 minutes after takeoff in Kulusuk, at 5,000 feet, climbing in IMC, about 15 NM away from the shore. Roenne as a matter of interest checked the fuel invoice. It listed Jet Fuel (!). Luckily, it was only a mistake on the invoice, but as you can imagine, it caused some initial concern ...

We never had the feeling or any doubt that our aircraft would quit service, but this, of course, is due to the good job all of you did. Overall, it was and always will be a thrilling experience. Total distance: 4,000 NM, flight time 41 hours - from U.S. to Germany - 4 days .. short nights!

Once again our thanks to all of you! All the best for you and your families and we hope to see you soon! Kind Regards,

Roenne & Constantin