Ja Nee Japie,
Just read my own posting again and what is not clear is the lighter engine pushed the CG back, but we moved the battery FWD to counteract this force and ended up with a less AFT CG for the design at light weights. Heavy with fuel, pilot and survival gear, pushed the CG aft, but not beyond limits.
ATC in Africa (RSA) gave direct routings, but the routes are close to direct at any rate. France gave direct routings and wished me "Bon Voyage" through Military airspace, but this only saved a few miles, if any.
Luanda demanded that I route over VNA, but to any / all who know this airspace, it is about the most congested and also the worst controlled airspace in Africa, so I elected to stick to my flight plan and route direct.
This made me a nervous boy, but prevented a long detour over Luanda.
Regards, Chalkie.