What a feeling after a 3 1/2 h flight to at last be on the ground in Africa, can’t believe it !
With the temperature at 30 degrees it didn’t take long for me to remove my immersion suit and Nomex flight suit, I felt like a “boil in the bag” and my clothes were dripping wet !
Mersa Matruh is a military airfield in the middle of nowhere and I felt a little intimidated by the military presence as two F16’s taxied in behind me. What appeared to be a deserted apron was suddenly filled will people approaching the aircraft. The escort vehicle driver, my handler who was co-ordinating my arrival, the airport official requesting to see my fumigation certificate and empty cans, customs wanting to check the luggage in the aircraft, the fuel lorry then turned up with a team of three, the fire truck then arrived to have a look with another team of people. All were very friendly, very efficient and interested in the trip. Thank you !
Once fuelled and customs cleared I departed bound for 6th October airport (HEOC) on the outskirts of Cairo. I was delayed departing by 40 minutes due to a radio issue then waiting for further F16’s to land, fingers crossed I would be in Cairo by sunset !
