Flying in Malawi 4 Nyassa Air Taxi

Merry Xmas to everyone!

2011-12-24T05:25:00.000-08:00

Hello All!!
Its been a while, way too long.
Europe got me again and kept me busy all year.

Finally on Christmas afternoon I find time for updating my blog again.
And I want to do this with this years Christmas card. So here it is:

I wish you a merry Christmas and always happy landings in the new year 2012.

All the best from Leutkirch, Germany where they have snow covered Hippos running on special alleys...

Be safe and enjoy,
Michael

The Aviation Consumer

2011-02-09T00:53:00.000-08:00

Muli bwanji? Servus! Hello again!

Hi everyone,
Here is an update from sunny Austria.

I'm doing fine coping with the cold and enjoying the scenery of snowy mountains and blue skies.
Flying is kind of slow these days but very enjoyable, so is skiing.

Thanks to Jeff the managing editor of the "The Aviation Consumer" magazine one of my pictures got published. That's really cool. Thank you very much, Zikomo kwambiri Jeff!
Here it is - enjoy:
Get a copy of the magazine to read the article in full or log on to the website.

Hope everyone is doing fine!
Best, Michael

Merry Christmas to you all...

2010-12-23T02:02:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas
and a happy 2011
to you all!

All the best and cheers to you from the Rhine valley,
Michael

Back home - back in the European skies

2010-12-07T03:43:00.000-08:00

Hi all!
Made it home safely - and already back in the European skies.
Here are some impressions about the differences between flying in Malawi and Europe.
Its Wintertime here with amazing flying conditions.
Ferried a Mooney to Lausanne - nice flight with nice equipment ;) with a long train ride back... but the sunset over the lake Geneva made it all worth again - a great treat. Thanks!

Cheers and enjoy,
Michael

My last flight in Malawi... at least for a while! ;)

2010-11-13T02:06:00.000-08:00

Hi ALL!
Its time for my last post from Nyassa Air Taxi.
My time here has come to an end. It seemed it will not happen, but life is going on.
The world is dynamic and everyone is part of it. We are moving every day. Constantly.
Hopefully more forward than...

I had a great last flight and perfect goodbye from the Malawian skies.

I thank god for all the safe flying and the great adventures I had here.

My thanks also go out to everyone here for all the help and friendship, I wish you all the best, including: Blue skies and always happy landings!

Cheers to ALL and lets hope for a reunion,
Michael

Kafunta Safaris - dream weekend in the South Luangwa National Park

2010-09-26T08:27:00.000-07:00

Hi All!
Again I post a about the South Luangwa National Park - this time about Kafunta Safaris!
Been there over the past weekend and enjoyed the beauty of the flora and fauna there. Its great what mother nature has prepared for us and what you can see on professional safari - game drives!

With the guides of Kafunta you get to see it all. Everything that the park has to offer we got to see. An excellent job - well done guys!

SO here is to the whole Kafunta team!

Cheers and thanks again,
Michael

Kalamu - Luamfwa

2010-09-03T10:42:00.000-07:00

Hey all!
Here we are again - today with some pictures of a very beautiful flight to Zambia, Kamalu Luamfwa. This is an airstrip on the southern end of the South Luangwa National Park - from Mfuwe International Airport you follow the Luangwa river and find the strip next to a nice lagoon in a bend of the river. It is special for the South Luangwa National Park because you can fly right into the park and land next to the lodge. It was a great flight in our SUN (Airvan) - and we with a groundspeed like this we were there in almost no time ;)

Following the river we were on a game-"flight" already and saw plenty of hippos, crocs and impalas!

After landing in the park a car picks you up and 2 min later your in the middle of a high class safari camp with a impressive view of the lagoon - it is a very very nice lodge.

ENJOY!

The Cirrus arrived - SR22 GTS

2010-08-21T02:53:00.000-07:00

We ferried a SR22 form Lanseria, Johannesburg to Malawi.
Was a nice experience and a beautiful flight.
It is an amazing aircraft with a state of the art Garmin 1000 flight deck, a parachute system and a EVS camera. Well done Cirrus. Now we hope it stands the rough world of the bush in Malawi.

We wish her all the best and always safe flights!

N457SA to 7Q-CMK

Welcome and enjoy the Malawian skies,
Michael

My new ground office - NAT flight office

2010-08-21T02:03:00.000-07:00

Dear all! Just want to give you an update as well about the new flight office here. This is were everything happens - or most of it! At least the boring paperwork and ground activities, meetings... ;)

But I like it. Its a more quiet and nicer atmosphere then before...

Improvement! Olleee,
Cheers Michael

Sucoma Tower cleared to land...

2010-08-21T01:20:00.000-07:00

Sucoma (Nchalo) is bushstrip south of Blantyre in the shire valley.
It has a beautiful sand / gravel runway and an amazing tower. It is part of the Ilovo sugar estate and our airvan was protected by heavily armed guards. Have a look and see your self.
This is Africa - enjoy!

Flyer's of the Malawi night

2010-07-05T09:58:00.002-07:00

Hey all!
Time to say Hello again. Today to some night active native flyer's: the barn owls!

These are real night flyer's without landings lights or ILS!

Here are a mommy with 3 babies - very beautiful. Amazing creatures.

While in the cage the babies were hissing around and moving their heads wild, but when they were release the they were happy again as they can be.

Enjoy and cheers from Malawi,
Michael

Celebrating 2 years Malawi and Nyassa Air

2010-06-01T08:20:00.000-07:00

Cheers to everyone!
Yesterday was a important day for me. Exactly two years ago I left Austria for my new home. When I arrived I had little info about Africa and what to expect here; not only Flying but also living here was new too me and something to learn and discover. A new culture, people and adventure... was waiting for me around every corner every day! Great!!!

Of course I had some expectations but not the slightest idea of how great this could be and how good it would turn out.

24 months later I still enjoy the sweetness of the dream that brought me here; specially on flights like this one.

Trying to transport this spirit - well aware of the difficult task! - we let these pictures speak for themselves!

Zikoma Kwambiri Malawi!

Tsalani bwino,
Michael

Hello ALL! - back with an update again

2010-05-15T01:35:00.000-07:00

My long time Austrian friends where here for a visit.
They spent 3 weeks in the southern African region with me.
Part of the sightseeing program was Safari at South Luangwa NP, Malawi Likoma Island and a flight to the Indian Ocean - of course we had to fly to the beach.

Here are some random pictures:

Thanks guys for the wonderful time!

Enjoy and Cheers,
Michael

Muli bwanji Malawi!

2010-02-20T05:38:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone,
with late wishes for the new year I start my first post in 2010.
Made it back safe to the mother land... and been busy since arrival here.
Surely I can drop some news again and send out Malawi pictures to all interested.

So here it is: Some random shots about Malawi, Lilongwe and their photographers, the rainy season, market culture, pilot shop and restaurants ;-) and some aircraft maintenance/checks - gear/no gear thats the question. Guess not many had a safe gear up on the ground already! ;-)

Enjoy and be good,
Michael

Christmas time again - Merry Christmas to all!!!

2009-12-20T00:18:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!
From the warm heart of Africa I wish you merry Christmas and a happy new year.
Be good, stay healthy and may all your wishes for 2010 come true.

Like last year I attach a "do it yourself Christmas card". Cut it out, fold it up and stick it under your Christmas tree... and Santa from Malawi will send you a big smile from there! Ho Ho Hoooo!

I am flying home to celebrate Christmas with my family and friends. Next post in the new year!

Tsalani bwino!
Michael

Ode to Makanga - a bushpilots dream

2009-12-06T03:21:00.000-08:00

FWMK - Makanga airfield in the middle of the Liwonde Nationalpark right at the Shire river...
... a bushpilots dream!

Hello again - here is a update about whats going on in Malawi and with Nyassa.

Was at Makanga recently - probably the last flight for the season. Main season is over and the rainy season has begun so that the runway will be unusable soon.
Enjoy the pictures and join celebrating Makanga as the bushpilots dream landing strip of 2009.

FWMK - breathtaking approach over the river, crocs, hippos and some palm tree's -
- soft touchdown on the sand and some impalas to say welcome!
Muli bwanji sweet Makanga.

Cheers, Michael

Vic Falls - the "Zim" side!

2009-10-27T02:52:00.000-07:00

Moni all!
Hope everyone is doing great and enjoying life. You really should!! Here is a rainbow for you....

We enjoyed the Zimbabwe side of the Victoria Falls lately and had a nice flight there. The Falls airport FVFA on the "Zim" side is a real beauty - loved it right away.

This time of the year the falls have less water but they are still a very remarkable site.

Here are some pictures, I hope you enjoy them and I can welcome you on board for the next flight to the mighty wonders of the world.

Cheers,
Michael

Rio Camp - hunters paradise and ultimate survival for pilots!

2009-10-10T12:44:00.000-07:00

Hello hunters, hey ya all!
I am back again with some pictures and news. Flew hunters in and out of Rio Camp - Nyassa L1 game park. It is an extremely adventurous site in the middle of nowhere in the deepest bush in Mozambique. The camp is relatively small as they only have tents for one client and for the PH(professional hunters). The food is excellent, the kitchen cooks what the hunters shoot. We had Eland and Buffalo - that was one of the most delicious meat I ever tasted. And guess what there is even dessert in the wild desert out there, they bake cakes - very good ones!

I had a good time and meet very nice and interesting people.

Stayed in a small tent at the edge of the camp by myself and was able to listen to all sounds of the bush at night. Check the comfort level of the tent it even had hooks to hang up pilot shirt and shoes! ;-)

But watch out for those Tsetse-flies!

This is ultimate survival stage two! Ha

Enjoy,
Michael

Post again!

2009-09-04T05:46:00.000-07:00

Hello ALL!
I'm back again. I know it took for ages, with all vacation and holiday, business trips and weekends... no time for you all. I apologize and send you a quick update from the warm heart of a bush pilot in Malawi.

Here is some material from my latest trip to Zambia. Was there in the Luangwa National park at the Mfuwe lodge. A very nice luxury resort in the middle of the bush. For breakfast in the morning we even had some elephants in the lodge. But they were nice ones, they even checked in at the reception desk before entering...

On the way out of the park we stopped at the Flatdogs lodge. They have a beautiful pool and lounge area with a very nice view of the the river border to the game park.
Awesome "pool bar" sign - guess i need to send a picture to the poolbar festival in Feldkirch as advertisement campaign shown in the southern hemisphere on the dark continent. Dangerous don't get killed... have a drink instead! ;-)

Missed you all!

Tsalani bwino,
Michael

Beira - Indian ocean and seafood

2009-06-23T05:30:00.000-07:00

Went to Beira and finally got to see the India ocean.
Guess what? There is water and its salty. And of course I jumped in there!
The town of Beira is like any other cities of Mozambique quite different to nice and friendly Malawi. Nothing like the warm heart of Africa.

But I must say I had excellent seafood there. A fish-soup-pot with white wine and fresh bread... "Cataplana Peixe" hmmm getting hungry when I just think about it!

The flight was great over the top and in calm air and on both sides with 180 knots on the ground.
Our Seneca did a nice job again and I really enjoyed the out of the ordinary journey.

Looking forward to get to the Indian ocean again.

Tsalani bwino my friends,
Michael

Chinteche Inn and airstrip...

2009-06-03T09:01:00.000-07:00

Hello Africa - hello Malawi & fans!
Drove up to Chintheche yesterday inspected the runway for our operational requirements and spent the night there at the Chintheche Inn. A beautiful drive along the lake and down from the Lilongwe altitude of about 4000feet to the lake-level of 1600feet; 4 hours, 380km of adventurous roads and thousands of beautiful views later we were at our destination: C h i n th e che Inn

By plane the whole journey takes just about 45min; also with nice views but from a very different perspective and angle.

After the RWY inspection, a nice dinner and night I went for a morning swim in the lake before we headed back to the capital city again - too early, wanted to stay longer! It's really worth it!!

THANKS

Enjoy and tsalani bwino, Michael

7Q-SKY ...closer to the sky

2009-05-28T11:26:00.000-07:00

My fellow "listeners",
proudly we'd like to announce a next step in getting our SKY to the sky again! Just finished removing old registration marks and sticking the new ones on.

It was a job but the result can show.

Please join to welcome our "new addition" to the Nyassa fleet,
the 2nd Cherokee Six - 300: 7Q-SKY!!!

"Isn't she a baby?!"

Enjoy and wish her well as we do!

SKY - oleeee,
Michael

Time moves - my "second" b-day in Africa!

2009-05-19T02:47:00.000-07:00

Hey my friends everywhere!
Thank you very much for remembering and your fine wishes for my birthday.

Yes its true its the second one on this continent already.
The first one was in Rabat, Morocco - just before I came to Malawi!

And just 12 months later this is how a true "bushpilot" celebrates his b-day! ;-)
Enjoy!

All the best from the warm heart of Africa.

Love you all.

Cheers Michael 33

Livingstone - Victoria Falls

2009-05-17T04:12:00.001-07:00

Hello everyone!
Sorry for the long wait, the season started and we are really busy. Had almost no time to send updates. Well here we are again. This time from Zambia, Livingstone.
Had a nice flight there with 2 night stay. Got to see the mighty falls and the beautiful area of Livingstone. I can only recommend going there - was an amazing experience and truly one of the World Wonders...

So here are the long waited for pictures, meet the mighty Victori a Falls:

Enjoy!

Tsalani bwino my friends and all the best, Michael

If interested here are some net links:
Zambiatourism
Wikipedia
World W on ders

voila: Likoma Aerodrome officially opened!

2009-04-19T09:19:00.000-07:00

Muli bwanji Likoma?
Hello to my friends...

This weekend a big celebration took place on Likoma Island. The "brand new" aerodrome was officially opened by mister president himself.

We had to fly there and bring Cargo, PAX and Officials to this "once in Likoma lifetime" experience.
Around 1000 local time the two Malawi Airforce helicopters arrived and "Malawi One" parked in front of the new terminal building. Roughly 500 People came to witness the opening ceremony which was rather quick. Half an hour after landing the band was cut and the VVIP lodge was used for a little chat and off the presidental carriage went again.

So did we!

Cheers and Thanks for the new runway!

Tsalani bwino my friends,
Michael

...Happy Easter, folks!

2009-04-07T11:53:00.000-07:00

Happy chicks ...aehm Happy Easter!
... to the whole world!

Recently Capt. Stephane, Kirstein and me had to fly one day old chicks, thousands and thousands in our aircraft - an amazing experience and relaxing ambient sound!
- now we have some Easter pics for you:

Enjoy and Happy Easter from Capt. chick!

Tsalani bwino,
Michael

...its about time for an update again!

2009-03-17T00:16:00.000-07:00

Muli bwanji Everyone!
It took me a while to find some time to update my blog again. Not that there is nothing exciting to share but more there is allot to do to prepare the season. We are getting there, flights are increasing and the bookings look promising! Just working on getting A/C to fly and pilots ready!

Likoma Island has a new airstrip now. Its great! The only thing missing is the terminal building. As the contractors say that will be done by mid of April. Jahuuu, what a change this is to the old bush strip we used before.

Also our fleet is growing. The Baron gets out of her too long hibernation. Here is a picture of the beauty! Possible she will be in service soon and we will call here 7Q-BEE - hopefully she will be as busy as her name!

Also our number 2 Cherokee six is not only collecting dust anymore. She did convince everyone that she is willing to fly this season - and i hope after some more paperwork we finally can call here officially entered our fleet, her name will be 7Q-SKY.

Just a quick update from the Malawian skies.
All the best to everyone!

And as always: Tsalani Bwino my friends!
Michael

FWLK - Likoma "International" Airport is growin...

2009-02-13T10:49:00.001-08:00

Hi folks!
There are not to many flights for us in the rainy season.
But sometimes we get to fly too.
We were at Likoma recently and checked out the new runway development progress.

They did quite some work and started to apply primer to the new RWY. Only the bitumen is missing. Just about 2 months behind the schedule the be finished shortly...
Guess it will be March before everything is done: Terminal building, etc...

But I hope before then we can use the new 1100m x 21m "highway" already.

By the way - got our "EC" online again. Here it is 7QYEC with a new engine! Ola and oleee and all the best for your flying future.
Be safe and prosperous
- and kind to our pilots ;-)

Cheers and tsalani bwino,
Michael

Good times with my brothers!

2009-01-16T12:55:00.000-08:00

Thanx again to Chri and Steve who traveled around the globe to come just to be with me for Christmas and new years!

We had a awesome time at the lake but also in Lilongwe and Blantyre.

Here are some pics from
Club Makokola, Nachengwa Lodge, Kaya Mawa, Liwonde NP , Zomba, Ku Chawe, Michiru... enjoy!

Nigeria and Austria meets Malawi -Ole!

We are all looking forward to team up again.

Time and location will be there... Cheers bros!

And as always: Tsalani bwino!

400h - 2+ times around the globe

2008-12-27T02:31:00.000-08:00

With 400h flying in Malawi - total covered distance more than 2 times around the globe - or the "pear" like my wingman says! - and more than 1000 PAX later we start into the new year!

Celebrated with my brothers and some Partagas and "Greens" at the lake -
Happy 2009! - may all your wishes come true!

Merry Christmas and a happy new year!

2008-12-15T09:05:00.000-08:00

My friends all over the world!

Send you my best wishes for Christmas and 2009.
Came up with the idea of a "do it yourself" Christmas card.
So this year you get a PC-card... Print & Cut-out-card!

Here it is, fresh from the press:

Enjoy and be safe.

Merry Christmas and a happy new year!
X max yabwino ndi chaka chasopano!

Tsalani bwino,
Michael

Karonga - Kayelekera - Uranium!

2008-12-14T22:25:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone, back with an update again.
Was away for a couple days. Had to fly some managers to Karonga to visit the Uranium mine there. 60km west of Karonga and 1 hour cross and country driving away you find Kayelekera, the mining site. Its about half way to Chitipa.
Was allowed to visit the mine and to see the interesting project myself.
Check out Paladines website for more information about mining uranium there:
http://www.paladinresources.com.au/PROJECTS/Kayelekera/tabid/62/Default.aspx
Unfortunately I was not allowed to take pictures of the mine. But on their website you find some:
Pictures from the mine

Stayed at the MotaEngil camp and enjoyed their hospitality especially the kitchen.
Wow, they had very good food! jummy
More info on their website:
http://www.mota-engil.pt/

Bon appetite!
Tsalani bwino

home precious home ...

2008-12-07T12:02:00.000-08:00

Hey folks! guess what I just found online about my home airport LOIH.
Check this out: JO Hohenems airport!!!

Enjoy, hip hip hoooo
Tsalani bwino,
DE-JCR in Austria!!!

Sable Camp - Mozambique - last airplane for this season

2008-11-29T03:13:00.000-08:00

Mozambique. In the middle of nowhere, after one hour of flying over deepest bush finally you get there to the world famous hunters resort: Sable camp!

The camp consists of 4 luxurious tents in a very nice setting. Couldn't believe that you get that much comfort in such a remote location. The staff is super friendly and very knowledgeable. We flew out the last guests for this season. Until next year in April there is nothing going on and nobody there, no flights in and no flights out. Was an interesting feeling to know that we are the last plane for the next 4-5months. Capt. Senthil and I had that nice experience and 7QSUN was delighted to provide us with the reliable service of an GA8 Airvan. Hope to see you next year again,
Tsalani bwino Sable Camp!

Chelinda - Nyika National Park - 7700feet MSL

2008-11-29T01:39:00.000-08:00

Howdy again!
Flew a nice Swedish couple to Chelinda FWCD and spent Wednesday and Thursday up there at the Nyika National park. The elevation is 7700feet above sea level - round 2500meters - and
therefore the climate is very different from the lower laying lake at 1600 feet.
From 35 to 12 degrees Celsius - what a change.

Also the weather is different there. Most of the time its cloudy and rainy.
The very green hilly landscape reminds more of Ireland and Scotland.
It is beautiful! There are lots of hiking trails and Safari tours.
The animals range from very rare elephants to zebras, bucks, leopards and lots of eland.
Here are some pictures - hope that you can get some kind of imagination of how different this place is from the rest of Malawi: The beautiful highlands of Nyika!

The camps have rooms with fireplaces. And with these temperatures at night you really need them. Instead of showers they have bathtubs... even time up here is different!
Welcome to the slow moving time in the mountains, Cheers Michael.

http://www.africaguide.com/country/malawi/parks.htm#nyika
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nyika_National_Park

shorty - growing bigger

2008-11-29T01:14:00.000-08:00

Lately so many asked me about our pilot dog thought give a quick update.
Here are some current pictures of lovely Mr. Short Finals - alias "shorty".
He is growing, growing and getting stronger and wilder...
Soon we will have a lill'watchdog! Soon???

Anyway - enjoy!
Barking "Tsalani bwino" for you,
your real Malawian

and even more Likoma impressions...

2008-11-29T00:28:00.000-08:00

Thought I attach more pictures focusing on the progress of the new runway. Quite interesting how they build a little road like this - just about 1300m long and 20m wide when its done!
Here is another small collection. Enjoy,
Capt. Kirstein and me

Likoma day and night - the construction never stops!

2008-11-21T20:59:00.001-08:00

Hi all, here I am back with some news about the airstrip at Likoma.
They started work on the 17th of Nov. Almost 2 weeks later they have moved quite some material for the new airstrip. They work now 24/7.

In the meantime we are landing at the temporary runway on the east side of the construction site. Agreed and certified processes are in place to make this a safe operation, but it is a real interesting experience to land next to the caterpillars, trucks and leveling equipment.

Stayed there again for the night and found a good book at Kaya Mawa, "Echo of an angry god" by Beverly Harper. They say it is the Australian answer to Wilbur Smith.
And I say that might be true but definitely it is a good book to read while you are staying at Likoma - because the story is about the nice Malawian island in the lake Nyassa.

Here are some shots on the decent into Likoma FWLK: Heading 150degrees, ALT 5500feet, VS 500feet/min, GS 170knots... The radar screen shows the two islands: Likoma and her little sister Chizumulu!

At this point I also want to post a quick video again -its been a while since the last one!
This is how it looks like to fly over the lake coming from Chelinda to Likoma. A nice view after some heavy stroms...

Tsalani bwino, my friends!

new airstrip for Likoma - building a runway

2008-11-17T01:13:00.000-08:00

For quite some time there are plans to build a new airstrip on Likoma island.
Now it seems to be the time to start the construction.
At the same location but longer and with tar-surface it should fit bigger aircrafts to come for visit.

Since we have the most frequent flights in there we were part with the design of the temporary airstrip that we can use while the construction is going on.

It was our job to discuss the layout of the temporary runway with the contractors.
After they removed trees and dirt to make the temporary runway it was also my pleasure to takeoff and land for the first time... testing a runway is not something that happens too often!

So yesterday I took the Seneca for 2 circuits there and it was fine.
That means the work on the new runway can start. OLE!!!

Enjoy,
Michael

...working in the skys above Nyassa land

2008-11-16T11:16:00.000-08:00

Hello Major Tom...
although its been a while since I started working here I thought it might be interesting for some of you and therefore I post some impressions about my workplace up in the Malawian sky... YES this is just do make you jealous! ;-) Love it!!

... völlig losgelöst...

Sable Camp - Mozambique

2008-11-02T05:12:00.000-08:00

Hello World,
Good Morning Mozambique!

Flew again some hunters to Mozambique - this time to Sable Camp, a real bush strip in the middle of pure wilderness...
Was a beautiful flight and an amazing experience.

Looking forward to fly there again and hopefully stay overnight next time.

Enjoy the pics!

Michael

Chileka - RWY10 cleared to land!

2008-11-01T08:04:00.000-07:00

Here is an update from Chileka Airport, Blantyre... FWCL
Flew the Airvan there for its MPI and finally had my camera with me to take pictures.
I was there quite often and always wanted to show you how it looks there. The maintenance hangers but also the "Arizona like" airplane junkyard...
Here is my absolute favorite: the old DHC4 Caribou
Hope you enjoy it as much as i did!
What an aircraft...
Tsalani bwino my friends!

For more info on the caribou check these links:

http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNumSQL.asp?verified=1&NNumbertxt=4365Y

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Havilland_Canada_DHC-4_Caribou

Lilongwe - Karonga in less than 90min

2008-10-30T08:08:00.001-07:00

Moni, muli bwanji friends all over the world?

After a little while I am back with some pictures again.
These ones are from a flight to Karonga.
Lilongwe to Karonga in less than 90min in a Seneca II.
Was a nice early morning flight with calm air. I enjoyed it very much and I think my PAX too! Most of the pictures show the highlands around Chelinda. We are cruising at 11.500feet with 180knots.

Enjoy!

...And I am free - free falling...

Nampula Approach Good Morning (Mozambique)

2008-10-19T08:43:00.001-07:00

Muli bwanji my friends?
Today I post some pictures from Nampula for you. Grant and I flew there on Friday with our Seneca and just came back today. Nampula is almost at the ocean and I hoped to see the sea but we just spent the Saturday relaxing in the city. Was very nice - you could still feel the European/Portuguese influence there. They also have a beautiful catholic church and a very good night life. We found a bar at a side of a road with thousands beer crowns interlaced in the tar. It seems that people just open beer and throw the crowns on to the road. The trucks and cars will do the rest.

But not only the culture is different form here in Malawi, also the landscape is something else. There are little mountains called "Inselberg" everywhere and they really look like little islands in the middle of the otherwise flat land.

Hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed it.
Cheers, Michael

5 days and 4 nights in the bush

2008-10-15T04:40:00.000-07:00

Hi All,
Finally I am back at Lilongwe. After 5 days and 4 nights in the bush its nice to be home again.
Flew a very nice Swiss couple to Makanga, Liwonde National Park and stayed there till Sunday.
Got some good shots of the game there, that I'd like to post here for you: Hippos, Crocs and Sable

This is what happens if you use a Panasonic DMC-FX01 with Swarovski EL8,5x42WB binoculars for a "trick shot" - you get really nice close up of a croc...

One night I stayed at the luxury Mvuu lodge with an attached outdoor shower. Well, that's really cool. The other night was very basic - in an dome tent. Hot, ants and mosquito's made it hard to sleep and also there are elephants strolling around the tent... a scary full moon night!

After that I flew to Chintheche - an airstrip that is just reopened and not frequently used. They say 7QSUN was the 3rd airplane to land there. Cool stuff, and the whole village was coming to the airstrip to see whats going on.

Enjoy and keep you updated again soon.
Tsalani bwino,
Michael

2 nights in Zambia...

2008-10-06T08:51:00.000-07:00

Muli bwanji my friends?
Here is another update. Was in Zambia, Mfuwe - stayed at the Kafunta lodge close to the South Luangwa National Park. A very nice lodge. Anke&Ron and Monja are doing there best to make one welcome.
http://www.luangwa.com

Had to fly a group of Swiss and Malawian passengers and stayed for 2 nights. Was hot and sunny. Loved it. Relaxing, reading and Safari.
(book: MAYDAY by Thomas H Block)

Here is also where I saw my first giraffes. A beautiful and amazing animal!

To get into the park we crossed the Luangwa river by pontoon and truck - a very adventourus experience.

Enjoy the pictures!

And here are some bonus ones with an elephant youngster!

One day in Kaya...

2008-10-02T04:11:00.000-07:00

Had my first "holiday" on the island of Likoma.
Flew there on Monday; back on Wednesday.
And I HAD to stay there on Tuesday!
What a job, what a live?

It was great - stayed at Kaya and enjoyed the beach and a good book.
Elephant song, by Wilbur Smith
http://www.wilbursmithbooks.com/novels/elephant_song.html

Here are some Kaya pics, again enjoy and tsalani bwino!

Shorty - the real Malawian

2008-09-28T11:11:00.000-07:00

Howdy,
after 4 months in the bush my friends thought it is time to get a dog to watch for the pilots.
Well let me introduce you to THE pilots dog.
TäTä her he is:

Welcome mister "Shorty" in ta house!

Thats the kind of protection we need ;-)

Thanks guys!

Luangwa Boma, Zambia - part two

2008-09-24T05:09:00.000-07:00

Hey buddies,
had to pick up my fishermen again at Luangwa. This time I flew there the night before and stayed at the Redcliff Zambezi Lodge - a very beautiful place direct at the Zambezi river.
http://www.redcliff-lodge.com/index.htm
Nice lodge and very good tiger fishing.

Here is a picture of the "pilots house" there:

Luangwa Boma, Zambia

2008-09-20T02:49:00.001-07:00

Hi all, went to Luangwa Boma yesterday; a really nice airfield in Zambia at the corner to Mozambique where the Luangwa river merges with the Zambezi river. Flew a group of fishers there for the famous Zambezi tiger fish.

Here are some pictures.
Find more info about the Luangwa river at Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luangwa_River

Enjoy!

Here is to my friends in NC

2008-09-14T05:32:00.001-07:00

Found some pictures on my cell phone that I wanted to share a long time ago.
These pictures were taken back in May this year. All this time I took them with me in my pocket.
Finally they get to the persons they belong!
Enjoy: Jahaira&Jim, Lisa&Alex, Misty&Marty

...the real pilots plane

2008-09-13T07:33:00.000-07:00

Found this beauty at Mfuwe Airport in Zambia on Friday.
This DC4 ZS-AUB is on of the oldest South African Airways planes.
Let me just say it is gorgeous!!!
Would love to fly one of those!
...but maybe not into Likoma FWLK!

Cheers to SAA and the historic fleet!
http://www.historicflight.co.za/

...the pilots breakfast

2008-09-13T04:55:00.000-07:00

Nsima vs Riebel
The Malawians eat Nsima - the Austrians eat Riebel or "Stopfar" for the same reasons.
After finding all ingredients I had to prepare this traditional Austrian dish here. And it turned out really good!

This is what gives you the power you need while flying in the bush! ;-)
yummy

Here is the recipe:

-milk
-sugar
-butter
-some salt
-semolina

bring milk, butter and sugar to a broil
stir in semolina, add a teaspoon salt
let it sit and cool for about 30min
fry and season with sugar to taste

ENJOY!

The odd looking spider at Likoma

2008-08-30T07:41:00.000-07:00

Finally here are some pictures of the odd spider at Likoma. Still don't know how to call this about 100mm fast running spider with crab fingers... but ENJOY!!!

Finally I heard that the spider is called a scorpion spider. hhmm

South Luangwa National Park - Kapani Lodge

2008-08-27T06:49:00.000-07:00

Hi folks, here is an update of my last overnight at Mfuwe, Kapani Lodge. Had a chance to join a safari and saw my first lion and leopard at the South Luangwa National Park. It was incredible, amazing!!!!

The Lions just laid down for rest after feeding from a buffalo killed the night before.

I heard that they had zebra on the menu before they got to the buffalo - why not everyone deserves variety!

Here is also a quick shot of the pilots house there, Enjoy!

A leopard on the hunt - nightshots are not to easy!
Well, thats the best shot I got.

Here ist to Ray!

2008-08-23T12:28:00.000-07:00

Thanks Ray for letting me be part of your blog! Everyone here should know about you too.
And check your page - the link you can find on top of the attached picture!
Keep it up Ray.
Cheers,
Michael

Flying over Malawi

2008-08-23T11:09:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,
just wanted to share some pictures of a formation flight back from Likoma.
Of course this is only possible when flying the aircraft without PAX.
Capt. Freddy and me took the ladies (MEM and SUN) back before sunset over Africa.
Was a beautifull Journey and a amazing scene, enjoy the pics.
Tsalani Bwino,
Michael

Club Makokola, Lake Malawi

2008-08-20T09:48:00.000-07:00

The nice beach at Club Mak invites for relaxing and swimming!
To bad that we pilots cant stay longer...

Likoma Island, Lake Malawi

2008-08-20T08:55:00.000-07:00

Hello all! A post from Likoma and "our" pilots house there. Got to stay at Kaya Mawa again. Really nice and relaxing. Cheers from Malawi!

Even had a fish eagle on the top of my roof the day I flew out. Guess he wanted to escort me...

And again I found some friends of mine at the airstrip.
Muli bwanji kids?

Mfuwe, Zambia

2008-08-15T04:42:00.000-07:00

Had a nice stay at the Kafunta River Lodge at the border to the South Luangwa National Park. Thanks Michael and Merle!
Check out this webpage for more details:
http://www.luangwa.com/en/camps/kafunta-river-lodge.php

Here is a picture of their designated PH - pilots house.

Breakfast with a nice view of the Luangwa Valley.

7Q-BAT escorted me on the way over there. AXEBO FL085
Thanks Capt. Grant!

LDG Muapula, Mozambique

2008-08-09T14:01:00.000-07:00

Hy guys,here is an update again!
Landed today into a small strip into Mozambique - we took some hunters there! Awesome place in the middle of nowhere.
Cheers and tsalani bwino, Michael

LDG Monkey Bay FWMY

2008-08-06T17:58:00.000-07:00

Nice landing into Monkey Bay FWMY with 7Q-SUN!

Capt. Mike on the controls... iiiiihhhaaaaa!

Mvuu Lodge - Liwonde National Park

2008-08-02T03:01:00.001-07:00

Elephants, Buffalos, Crocs and Impalas...

Caia - Mozambique - first plane arrived there in 2008

2008-08-01T02:18:00.000-07:00

Hey guys, after a little break I am back online.
Send you some pics about my flight into Mozambique airspace.
Caia is a really nice airstip but not very frequently used - 7Q-YEC was the first airplane arrived there this year. Its an unbelievable feeling - I am telling you.

In spite of that the RWY surface was in very good condition - top gravel!
No fuel, no service - just a long wait for the departure again.

50 kids watching every single movement of me and the airplane. Had to shout to them to back off otherwise they would have taken over my PA28. If there would have been a few only I would have showed them the plane. But they were way to many.

Map of Lilongwe

2008-07-10T08:38:00.000-07:00

Quick reference map of Lilongwe with some of the most interesting points here.

The warm heart of Africa celebrates 44th independence

2008-07-07T00:52:00.000-07:00

Here is what Nyasa Times wrote today:
http://www.nyasatimes.com/national/747.html

"While majority were of the supporting opinion that it was worthy winning Malawians independence, “because it is better to be free and poor than to be prosperous while bound – a poor king is better than a rich slave”

“Honesty demands a more truthful analysis. Very objectively speaking, Malawi remains a very sad nation as we are now ranked the poorest nation in the world 44 years after independence,” remarked one Malawian"

Likoma - bringing joy to kids

2008-07-05T12:56:00.000-07:00

Capt. Felix, me and the kids!
Providing notebooks, rulers and pens - seems like Christmas - and we are Santa Claus. Ho ho hooo ;-)

The Santas, hi hi

Kaya Mawa from the air

Likoma Airstrip 360degrees

A bushpilots "traffic pattern" at Likoma! *HA HA*

Club Makokola FWCM

2008-07-04T10:01:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Landing with 7Q-SUN at Club Makokola FWCM - nicly done Capt. Francois!

Makanga sunshine & air

2008-06-27T12:04:00.000-07:00

Capt. Michael smiling happily in the Makanga sunshine...

Liwonde National Park

2008-06-26T07:03:00.000-07:00

A hippo says welcome to Liwonde - such a big aminal!

Some monkeys - close to the trees.

View from the lodge... accross the lake there are some elephants!

HeLLo wOrlD from Likoma Island

2008-06-22T13:46:00.000-07:00

Kids from Chisomo are sending greetings to all over the world!

T/O Likoma

2008-06-22T12:34:00.000-07:00

Capt. Felix takes FOX beautiful into the skies...

Landing Likoma FWLK from ground

2008-06-22T10:13:00.001-07:00

Capt. Felix on his first PIC PAX ride . He takes FOX down safe. No worries, man!

The pilots house, the pilots car and the luxory of sitting on the back of a pick up truck!

2008-06-21T04:05:00.000-07:00

Landing MFUWE FLMF

2008-06-20T00:35:00.000-07:00

Capt. Francois brings SUN back to earth really nice!

T/O Makanga BAT

2008-06-19T15:37:00.000-07:00

Landing Dwangwa FWDW

2008-06-18T23:15:00.000-07:00

Cargo Lifters?

2008-06-17T01:15:00.000-07:00

Airvan GA8 7Q-SUN fully loaded to Likoma Island - some groceries for the lodge!

T/O Makanga

2008-06-17T00:46:00.000-07:00

T/O at Makanga airfield with 7Q-FOX
Capt. Saqib
Close to Liwonde National Park

Landing Likoma FWLK

2008-06-16T10:19:00.000-07:00

Makanga - Liwonde National Park

2008-06-14T13:37:00.000-07:00

Capt. Grant in front of our BAT - 7Q BAT Seneca II

7Q-FOX at Makanga airstrip

Karonga - up north there

2008-06-11T13:52:00.000-07:00

Karonga International Airport

Highlands of Malawi

Capt. Francios using waiting time for passengers. Sleep well!

Mr. "Meteo Karonga" Maxon and Mr. "don't be to late" Fireman tried to start the Airvan and take it for a ride. Thanks guys for helping me kill time. Enjoyed it!

FWLK - Likoma Island, Kaya Mawa

2008-06-09T12:25:00.000-07:00

Kaya Mawa - what a nice place to be!
http://www.kayamawa.com/

Cargo Transport to the island with Capt. Grant

my new home

2008-06-07T11:19:00.000-07:00

after landing...

2008-06-07T09:43:00.000-07:00

for the landing fee you have to play a game with the airport manager...

finally... thats what I am here for!

2008-06-07T09:26:00.000-07:00

Howdy my friends!
Standing here on Likoma Island Airstip. Awesome piece of nature at the lake.

Arrived in Malawi

2008-06-02T13:25:00.000-07:00

Finally after long prep and long flight time I arrived in Lilongwe.

jims home

2008-03-28T18:04:00.000-07:00