Amateur Radio Newsline Report 2073, for Friday, July 21, 2017
Amateur Radio Newsline Report Number 2073, with a release date of
Friday, July 21, 2017, to follow in 5-4-3-2-1.
The following is a QST. Remember Dayton Hamvention? We offer you a
tour of Germany's Ham Radio Friedrichshafen. In Australia, a beacon
is back in business -- and we talk to Brian Lloyd, WB6RQN, who's
been recreating Amelia Earhart's historic flight.
All this and more, as Amateur Radio Newsline Report 2073, comes your
way right now.
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BILLBOARD CART
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AMELIA EARHART TRIBUTE FLIGHT: SUCCESS AND SETBACKS
STEPHEN/ANCHOR: We open this week's report with an update on an
American pilot's tribute to famed flyer Amelia Earhart. Brian Lloyd,
WB6RQN, was about to begin the final leg of his journey when he
turned back recently to New Zealand, where Kent Peterson, KC0DGY,
was able to connect with him.
KENT'S REPORT: On June first, Brian Lloyd, WB6RQN, departed Florida on
a flight to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Amelia Earhart's famous
attempt at circumnavigating the world. I caught up with Brian for an
update on his flight.
BRIAN: Greetings from Hamilton, NZ, where its 10 degrees Celsius, that
is, and it looks like another beautiful day. I wish I were flying.
KENT That's right, Brian can explain why he's on the ground.
BRIAN: A couple days ago, I departed from new Zealand, heading to Pago
Pago, and got 50 miles north, and my engine began to have problems. I
got the airplane turned around, but the engine quit several times, and
it wasn't clear I was going to make it back, and I stood a chance that
I was going to go swimming.
KENT: By adjusting the throttle, the mixture control, and the electric
fuel pump, Brian was able to make it back to New Zealand.
BRIAN: There were some moments there, where I was a little concerned,
but it all turned out OK.
BRIAN: It has been an amazing experience. I've gone through some 20
countries now. Everyone everywhere, has been supportive and helpful.
Everywhere I've gone, either a ham or an aviation person, has put me
up in their home, its just been great.
KENT: Using his on board HF rig, Brian was able to make ham contacts
during the first part of his flight.
BRIAN: I'd say I've made a hundred or 150 contacts, and there have been
a lot of times when I've gone out there and called, and no one has
responded. Its been a little hit and miss. When I'm making contacts,
it's a bit interesting on the receiving end of a pile up. That's not
something I'm used to. I am not a big gun, I have wire antennas and 100
watts. Flying an airplane with a note pad on your lap while taking down
calls and writing down the time, is a bit of a challenge. Not being a contester,
I can't run a contact in 6 seconds or 10 seconds. I just plug
along, taking each call as it comes, until I have to do something else
like fly the airplane, or talk to air traffic control.
KENT: But, he had some problems with his HF radio, and ended up getting
the radio replaced, so he's once again on the air, and hopes to make
ham contacts on his Pacific leg of the trip.
BRIAN: If I can get the fuel pump fixed in the next three days, there is
a good chance I can make it to Oshkosh. Not on the first day, but
chances are good I can make it. The bottom line is safety, security, and
schedule. I do care if I'm able to safely and security complete this
trip.
BRIAN: It's all about completing Amelia Earhart's flight, and it would be
nice icing on the cake if I can make it to Oshkosh, but just completing
it all is a significant achievement from my point of view. I've had a a
few road blocks thrown up, but all I can do is put one foot in front of
the the other, and eventually I'll get to my destination, and that's my
goal.
Reporting for Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Kent Peterson, KC0DGY.
--- SBBSecho 3.01-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - wx1der.dyndns.org (57:57/10)
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