Page 54 - COPA_July2023

TRAVELOGUE
Day Two: Aug. 8
Leg 5: CYFB:BGSF (487 NM)
This was the big leg. Crossing to Greenland was in my dreams and nightmares for four years. The distance itself wasn’t great, but the psychological barrier of completing the crossing was. Flying the crossing not only gets you to Greenland but officially into the Arctic Circle when you land at Kangerlussuaq. We put on the survival suits, made the life raft accessible as well as the life vests and beacon. Before departure we did a simulated ditch where we opened the doors, hopped on the wing, and grabbed all of our gear.
On departure we immediately saw some of the most amazing topography imaginable. Soon the clouds covered the bay below and it was VFR on top to Greenland. Upon arriving over the Greenland shores, the skies opened a bit and the mountains and cliffs came into full view. Looking down on them from above, highlighted by the water, was something special. Soon after though, we were back in IMC and had to shoot the instrument approach into Kangerlussuaq. It was tough under- standing the controllers and they are not as specific as the U.S. They gave me vectors for the localizer but didn’t specifically tell me to intercept it and fly
The quaint town of Upernavik, Greenland is highly recommended for a stay.
the approach. I did it anyway as there was terrain to be avoided. It was very exciting touching down and getting out as it’s not every day you fly to Greenland for the first time. I felt so excited that I had crossed a huge personal barrier.
Lesson Learned: Upon entering the FBO we learned three things: (1) We were being hit with a $1,000 late fee for coming in after 1700 UTC. (2) There were no hotels available in Kangerlussuaq. (3) If we wished to go on to Upernavik, where I had a room booked, we would need to pay a $1,000 airport opening fee. I should have done more investigation into airport opening and closing times. The FBO helped us out though and put us in crew quarters.
Day Three: Aug. 9
Leg 6: BGSF:BGUK (365 NM)
We experienced poor flying condi- tions that morning. After speaking with Greenland weather services, we had planned to depart to Upernavik in the afternoon. The weather was forecast SCT 400 and 1200 – plenty of room for the RNAV into Upernavik.
The departure was 600 OVC from BGSF. After clearing the tops, we were visual after reaching 7,000, but eventually went to IMC and started to gather rime ice. Based on the chart, I believed the minimum safe altitude for W20 IFR was 4,500, and I knew the lower altitudes
52
JULY 2023 COPA Pilot
Recording the first-time landing in Greenland, Justin (left) and Wesley in their survival gear with the Cirrus.