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The Grumpy Gang

The Grumman Aircraft Pilots Association European Branch

Later that afternoon, we departed VFR for Grenaa (EKGR), a grass strip 64 miles to the south, near Aarhus.

Just as we were setting ourselves up to join right base for runway 19, the obvious approach from the north, Nigel (who loves to be first on the ground!) yelled that we all had to make left circuits! Brian had to abandon his approach, or suffer the anger of his European Director, and pulled round over the coast for another attempt. Unfortunately this time he landed long and although he managed a perfect landing, he overran the runway into soft ground which required the help of a very friendly farmer to retrieve the situation.
No harm was done and after G-MALC had had a thorough wash, Brian and Roger were later able to join us on the Gdansk leg.

However, I am getting ahead of myself. The Grenaa gang, consisting of Niels Bille, Peter Wendelboe, Vagn Stenhoved, Jan Lindholt, new AYA'er Iver Hansen and Bjarue welcomed us as returning heroes, and after recovering Brian (now called Grumpy Plough), Roger and G-MALC, we set off for a seafront restaurant where we could meet all their wives and partners, eat and, drink as much as we liked and be merry. What an invite!

Then it was off to the local Sports Hotel, the site of the highly successful 2004 European AYA annual Fly-In, (in reality, a youth hostel!) where we stayed the night. Just as we were getting ready for bed after such an eventful day, Niels dropped off a crate of beer - we must have looked thirsty! Thanks Niels! What a nice end to a Sunday.

The following day we had planned to go to Kalmar (ESMQ) on the east coast of Sweden, but the day started with 200ft cloud base and drizzle. While Peter kept updating us on the weather, Niels and Vagn drove us into Greena, where we explored and had lunch. Finally, the weather improved, we flew the few miles to Aarhus airport (EKAH), refueled and flight planned for Sweden, all with the exception of Brian and Roger, with as G-MALC underwent an inspection. Yogi and I had filed IFR, much to the amusement of André and Nigel, who are convinced it only causes delays, which was true in this case as they crept into Kalmar while I was directed around for a radar vectored ILS. What a smug grin that Nigel puts on! I am glad to say that Peter and Ed remained perfect gentlemen and never felt they had a point to prove!