We got the good news that the Egrett and the Perlan container were released from Mendoza customs!
Tago was able to inspect the inside of the container and trailer. We had last seen our baby over 2 months ago and 17 crane on or crane off loadings since Minden. Tago sent photos from inside the trailer and only one strap looked a bit loose. The Perlan 2 tail is so tall that there is a tiny door in the back of the upper clamshell of the Cobra custom trailer. Roberta, Arne and Elisa were in Mendoza waiting for the Egrett to clear customs. Roberta went inside the closed trailer to help us out. Arne said he had the tow rope ready. Did we want him to tow the Perlan 2 two thousand kilometers from Mendoza to El Calafate? (The road distance is over 3,000 km…) You gotta love support like that!
The AV Experts Egrett also cleared customs with Jorge Caliri as the “all-things-Perlan” import broker. Jorge started with Perlan 1 with Einar, Fossett and Tago back in 2005. Arne made the 5+ hour non-stop leg from Mendoza to El Calafate. The special made 4 bladed Hartzell propeller pulled Arne on his longest ever flight in the Egrett. We were so happy to see him land and taxi to the Aero Club Lago Argentino ramp. Arne was pleased to arrive after a multi-day ferry from Texas. Jamie Darcy from Airbus was on hand to film the arrival of the Egrett. (That’s Jamie on the ground getting the best angle for another world-class photo.) Roberta and Elisa arrived on a commercial flight just before the Egrett. But they were there to get the Egrett tied down – talk about dedication!
The new radome that Mike Malis went to Texas to build looked awsome. Arne said he really liked the new Garmin weather radar for seeing the tropical storm build-ups ahead of his flight path. He could safely avoid storms on his route. With the new radar, new high altitude clearance (RVSM) and new de-ice boots the Egrett made quick time to Mendoza. The truck, with the container and Perlan 2, is expected in the next 24 hours so it is all coming together! Airbus Perlan Mission II will be ready to soar! Jackie
