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The Grumpy Gang

The Grumman Aircraft Pilots Association European Branch

As I pulled the idle cut out for the last time on our return from the AYA Moroccan trip, and the faithful Lycoming fell silent, my co-pilot and long standing friend John Collins shook hands with me. After 33 eventful flying hours it was good to get home, but the memories and emotions of the previous 2 weeks will remain with us for ever.

It had started back in March this year, when the European Regional Director, Jörg Trauboth proposed that we should have an expedition to Morocco in September. My wife politely declined the offer, pleading a headache. I have known John since we flew together as 16 year old Air Training Corps cadets in 1953; we still share the use of a sailplane and he was the ideal companion for the trip and, what is more, he leapt at the opportunity.

"If we don't do it while we are young" he said, "we never will"

So the die was cast, and we signed up for the great adventure.

As the year progressed we became aware of the efforts that Jörg was making to ensure the success of the trip. Details of maps and airspace for VFR flight were difficult to come by, but eventually we had assembled enough information and documentation aided by Henri Faivre who now lives in Morocco and by Sahib Bleher who also operates his business from there. However, it must be said that the cost of the documentation alone would have bought a couple of budget airline tickets to Casablanca! But, as we all know when we eat our 100$ hamburgers, that's not the point, is it?