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The Grumpy Gang

The Grumman Aircraft Pilots Association European Branch

Flying in loose formation again, we adopted the successful formula whereby Jörg Trauboth as leader cleared us with the controlling authority, while individual aircraft listened on the frequency but did not transmit unless called upon to do so. It was an inspirational feeling to be flying in such "uncharted territory" as far as light aircraft are concerned and to realise that we were following the old French Aeropostale route pioneered in the 1930s by such pilots as the legendary poet and writer Antoine St Exupery.

After only two days together as a group, I was beginning to appreciate the great pleasure of being with pleasant, tolerant and resourceful travelling companions. Our German and Dutch friends spoke flawless English, so conversation flowed easily. It was in Casablanca that Ted Van Dam's first co-pilot Rik departed as planned, for business reasons, to be replaced by Edouard Prisse, another cultivated gentleman who proved a worthy addition to our little company.

We had an uneventful flight to Casablanca in hazy conditions, arriving at the small GA airfield of Tit Melil in the late afternoon. We were met by Henri "no problem" Faivre, and thanks to his contacts were quickly refuelled, parked and ferried into our hotel for a very well earned beer or two. Later Henri and his charming wife Rennelle, took us to a lovely restaurant for a great meal together in relaxing company.

On Saturday Henri had arranged for us to be shown around the Great Mosque as well as a market before flying on south west to Essaouira. Our visit to the Mosque was an emotional experience. Constructed in the 1980s, its vast size and exquisite architecture were both impressive and daunting; the thought of over 25,000 people praying together in such surroundings made one deeply aware of the power and appeal of the Islamic faith. After a fascinating visit to a market, and a leisurely lunch we took taxis back to the airport, driving at breakneck speeds through crowded streets to find the first major problem of the trip.