Flying high and low

My students at the University of Southern Denmark god a short lunch break, for me to leave a few minutes early in order to reach Oslo/Kjeller (ENKJ) before dark.

While flying to Odense (EKOD) on FL75, the return started in 2500 ft. due to a low sky base. For 20 of the 35 minutes of ocean crossing from Denmark (NOA) to Sweden (RANAV) I had to fly on instruments, as the light drizzle took away most visual references. North of Gothenburg (NOL) the sky base came down to 1000 ft., and I revisited Lysekil for a hole in the sky to climb on top.

Then it was smooth sailing back to CAVOK in Oslo.

Route: EKOD-ODN-TNO-NOA-MOLUD-RANAV-NOL-SABAK-REGMA-ENKJ.

Time: 3:15.

Reaching Odense before dark in 30 kts crosswind

I left the Norwegian Radio Days at Oslo Plaza hotel at 2:45 p.m., and planned landing at Odense (EKOD) before dark (7:45 pm). Driving to Kjeller (ENKJ) outside Oslo during rush hours were our first obstacle. Then 30 kts. crosswind during cruise at the Swedish coastline and even a stronger wind component as we crossed over to Denmark became our second worry. Flying on top over the ocean we had to spiral through a hole as we reached the Aalborg area. Then the sun went down as we passed Aarhus, and it was pretty close to dark as my friend Einar landed at Odense 20 minutes later than planned.

A few extra challenges, but a smooth flight without any of the announced turbulence.

Route: ENKJ-REGMA-SABAK-NOL-EKLS-ML-BOGENSE-EKOD.

Time: 3:20.