Fourth time unlucky - 4 November 2020 - No7

It’s 4am GMT on 4 November when I’m starting this blog.  I’ve had some fitful sleep since we took off shortly after 10pm last night. At the moment we’re on stand at Dakar being re-fuelled with an expectation that we will leave at around 6:30am for the Falklands.  With all the disruption, delays and disappointment many of us have encountered there is optimism that this time we’ll head south and actually get there.  All of the crew on the aircraft are acutely aware of the hassles we’ve all been through and many of the announcements are peppered with phrases acknowledging this.  That said the last announcement at Dakar was less than gallant and referred to “getting rid of us” as soon as possible.

We took off from Dakar later than 6:30am.  All was going well until the Captain announced at around 11:45am that because of deteriorating weather conditions on the Falkland Islands we had already turned round and were now heading north again, either to Dakar or to Brize Norton.  From the navigation display it would appear, that at the time we turned around, we were off the coast of Brazil (near Recife).   I was sitting in the centre section of the aircraft.  I was blissfully unaware of that manoeuvre.  

Selfie on hearing we’re heading back

The decision to turn round was made after we’d been travelling for around 13 hours.  This elapsed time includes the time on the ground at Dakar - and given this, and flying back directly to Brize  we only have to endure around a 9 hour trip back!   Having chatted with the crew I learnt that previously the aircraft would make a trial approach at the Falklands.  If it proved too risky the plane would fly off to Montevideo.  However the Uruguayan government has refused permission for Montevideo to be used in this way - hence the point of no return for flights now appears to be around where we reached today.  

There is much in organisation of these flights that I find frustrating - however there is also much to be impressed by.  The range and capacity of this aircraft is truly impressive - and you can see why it makes an ideal airborne refuelling tanker.

Each time I attempt the journey I improve my packing, add extra useful items.  After this experience I’m going to add a second drinks container and take some snacks.

We’ve had three films shown on board - all of which have been absolutely dreadful and, for me entirely unwatchable.  Fortunately all my devices have worked fine, power management hasn’t been an issue (although it may become one if I can’t recharge everything tonight).  

The return journey

I don’t know where I’m going to spend the night yet.  Much will depend on how soon my passage down can be rescheduled...  I think I’d struggle physically and mentally if we turned around in less than 24 hours.  You just need to decompress and ideally have a good nights sleep - something I’ve lacked over the previous two nights.