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View Full Version : Yet Another AVGAS Thread... Oct/Nov 2010


Dusty_B
10th Sep 2010, 21:31
Hey all,

I've done a bit of digging hoping to find some clear information as to avgas availability across the continent, but it is fairly clear that stocks are transitory - hence I'm asking the same old question again!

I've got to plan a route for one of our company aircraft, a rather large and thirsty avgas drinker, from the UK to Jo'burg in mid october, and back home again in mid November.

Max range (still air) is 1050nm plus FRF, so we're looking for maximum distance between gas stops of 800-900nm (depending on en-route alternates and wind). Fuel burn is close to 1.25ltrs/nm - or to put it another way, almost 1200ltrs for each 900nm leg. :}

I understand the east coast is a more reliable bet for shorter legs (ie, if you're not in an RV7!). Could you all pass on your ideas, tips, and contacts/agents/fuel companies/decent hotels along our route?

Cheers.

The Ancient Geek
10th Sep 2010, 23:37
Hmmm - Coventry - Is this one of the famous DC3s ?

You have quite a flight planning challenge with this one, your best bet
would be to consult one of the specialist ferry pilots who often deliver light aircraft between SA and Europe. They will have the latest information and the scuttlebut on what to avoid.

Expect around 10 stops en route. For your quantities you will need to make special arrangements to have to required amounts reserved and waiting for you at each stop, many places only keep a few drums for the odd itinerant light aircraft.

Siguarda al fine
11th Sep 2010, 11:56
You should consider a ferry system for extra fuel and you MUST take all the engine oil with you as you will not find AD120 in any qty enroute. AIR BP Capetown is the best source of info.

Dusty_B
13th Sep 2010, 19:58
Unfortunately there's no spare weight to tanker fuel... not by the time we've loaded all the spares and oil!

Looks like options are good once south of Niarobe, but I'm still struggling - even through Total/BP/Shell - to find any information about Asmara, Djibouti and Adis Ababa.

Any suggestions?

Also, your opinions on hotels/lodges to aim for or avoid!

Smoketrails
13th Sep 2010, 22:01
Dusty,

I've got no info on Avgas availability but would suggest taking a videocamara on this adventure. Would be a massive hit on PPRUNE:ok:

JEP
15th Sep 2010, 12:43
A member of our flying club took his C182 from Odense, Denmark to Stellenbosch, South Africa this spring.

His diary including his struggles for AVGAS can be found on his website.
Hosbiz.com [index] (http://www.hosbiz.com)

He might be able to give some advice.