Sultan Ismail

Fuel in the Karoo

Can any of you folks advise on the availability of fuel in the vicinity of Carnarvon and Cradock?

Can you also advise on the current status of these airfields, its 20 years since I went into either of them.

I am planning a trip FAGC - FACN - FACD - FAGC during early December, however as this is being planned in the steaming jungles of Malaysia, I need your local input.

Thank you

Sultan Ismail

George Tower

There is fuel available at Beaufort West (FABW) 84nm SSE of FACN. Spent a few nights there although not by choice it has to be said I'm very grateful for its existance. It was a municipal airfield but now has been taken over by a couple that have left Zimbabwe.

In the Eastern Cape I would suggest trying Graff Reinet. I have not been but about 12 months ago the airfield was apparently renovated and there is a small but active flying club there. I was told that they do have AVGAS available.

I have tried getting fuel at Victoria West (FAVW) and De Aar (FADA) but always drawn a blank. May be they didn't have a clue what I was on about due to my pommie accent. All contact details are in the current AIP.

Hope this helps & that you have a good trip.

GT

Just found a few links regarding the above:

http://www.sleeping-out.co.za/member...p?MemberID=133

http://www.aeropages.com/FCgrnt.html

Goldfish Jack

YOU will get fuel at Beaufort West and Graaff Reinet, no problem, but sugest you phone ahead and confirm and book some. December is the high season and quite a few people stop there to refuel on the way to the Cape, so supplies might be at a premium.

Otherwise you can try Springbok, Aggenys - they should have AVGAS there - check the AIP for latest details.

But I suggest a cheaper option - stop at FAKM - Kimberly on the way down and full up - it is a lot cheaper there.

Have a good flight

Sultan Ismail

Thank you guys for the fuel update, FAKM and FAGR are the stops of choice, however I still need to know the condition of the airfields at Carnarvon and Cradock, preferably from a flyer.

Thank you

Sultan Ismail

George Tower

Sultan

I suggest you ask your question on another forum: www.aeropages.com - a site frequented by the General Aviation community in SA. Chances are you will get some good feedback from pilots that have been to the places you mention.

I do seem to recall that Graff Reinet does now have a tarred runway but I'm 100% sure.

Tiger Bob

Definitly fuel there (under new management). A faily active club has started there. Contact details are on the door if there is no-one in the clubhouse

4granted

Try the new : www.fliteops.com site.