The Grumpy Gang

The Grumman Aircraft Pilots Association European Branch

Home > On Tour > Tour 2001 >  Marina di Campo Elba Italy

From Portoroz (Slovenia) to Mariono di Campo Elba (Italy)

Monday 18th June - Our time in Portoroz passed very amicably and very quickly. It was time to commit aviation once again. We intended to cross the Mediterranean, back into France and make for Propriano in southern Corsica that day. Some elected to go direct others decided to take the opportunity to call in at the Island of Elba (where Napoleon Bonaparte was imprisoned in 1814/15). Our planned route took us across the Adriatic then across Italy via Chioggia and Florence (waving to Pisa as we passed).

The Mediterranean was calm and the sea was deep blue - real picture postcard scenery.

Paul Vickrage introducing us to "jet communication"

Elba is a rugged little island rising out of the blue seas to a height of about 3400ft. The runway is situated with one end pointing out to sea and the other pointing at a steep hill - One is warned that a take off from runway 34 requires a minimum climb angle of at least 5%. Even this 'safe' way requires one to weave between hills - all very interesting and exciting.

The fuel here was the most expensive I've ever encountered! US$6.92 per US gallon!!!!) As a consequence I only took enough to give myself a safe margin for the next leg across the Mediterranean to Propriano.

N31RB did one of its usual tricks at Elba! They tried to leave without paying the landing fee and had to return to placate the man in the cash desk. Each of the planes occupants had thought the other had paid - an easy mistake!