The Grumpy Gang

The Grumman Aircraft Pilots Association European Branch

Home > On Tour > Tour 2007 >  Fez

From Casablanca (Morocco) to Fez (Morocco)

We had flight planned to Essaouira, 200 miles further south west , along the coast, where we were to be met by Sahib Bleher. However it was not to be. As we started engines and prepared for departure, gendarmes came running out, ordering us to switch off. There had been a terrorist attack in Algiers and this, coupled with the nearby presence of the King on a visit to Casablanca, resulted in all VFR flights in the vicinity being cancelled.

Henri's best negotiating skills could not reverse the decision, but magically he found places for us back in the hotel and as a consolation we enjoyed another great meal together in a fish restaurant that he recommended.

On Sunday morning we tried again, but it was no good; despite all Henri's efforts we could not get permission to continue south. Undeterred, Jörg and Henri decided that the only practical option was to go north east to Fez and we hastily flight planned accordingly.

So it was that later on the 9th September, our little formation touched down on the airfield at Fez after a good flight albeit in somewhat cloudy /hazy conditions.