Flight Diary

October 30th
Diabetes in Cyprus...
Parents, concerns over discrimination, and hard voluntary work are what will be remembered from Cyprus.

Douglas met with Loulla Constantinidou and Sodiris, the Cyprus Diabetic Association Secretary and Chairman respectively, over a meal in the capital city of Nicosia. Diabetes runs at 8% of Cyprus' total population of c. 700,000, a high figure, and the Association operates a busy schedule. In fact, there are striking similarities between the Maltese and Cypriot Associations. Most Association committee (or Council) members comprise parents of children with diabetes. Incidence is high, and the Association operates on a totally voluntary basis, arranging campaigns to increase general awareness, camps for different age-groups, and free blood testing at Association centres, amongst many other acitivities.

Parents have been referred to as 'People with Type 3 Diabetes', as diagnosis can be a traumatic experience and involves the whole family. Parents have to live with and be particularly involved with the management of young children's diabetes (normally Type 1), and concerns continue for many years after. Indeed, strong concerns were voiced over distinct discrimination against people with diabetes in Cyprus. Past examples were given of children being prevented from school activities such as physical education and school camps, and also of perceived discrimination at job interviews and workplaces. The issue of discrimination against people with diabetes is a serious one, and is coming to the forefront in many countries. Some countries' laws protect against certain discrimination (e.g. the UK), but not all. Loulla arranged an interview with a journalist who was keen to use DWF to highlight that diabetes should not prevent people from carrying out their dreams and ambitions, and to try to outline (and help with) the issue of discrimination.

The basis of discrimination can often be lack of knowledge and
misunderstanding, and this is why Diabetes Associations' educational and awareness campaigns are so important. The meeting with Loulla (plus later on, Loulla's son, George) and Sodiris was fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable. DWF wishes Sodiris, Loulla and all the Cyprus Association members the best of luck with their work, and looks forward to remaining in touch.

Flight to Cyprus...
An 'interesting', but enjoyable day! Late delivery of Jeppesen Trip Kits (required for onward navigation) delayed DWF's planned departure at 1.30 p.m. Another unexpected delay occurred at passport control when it transpired that DWF crew had technically been illegal immigrants due to passports not being checked properly on arrival! Refueling eventually took place prior to departure, with engine start-up clearance finally being received at 3.50 p.m.

It was a relatively short flight to Cyprus of just over two hours. En-route weather conditions offered excellent visibility and views of Rhodes Island soon after takeoff. Darkness fell swiftly and the last hour was spent cocooned in the warm, dial-illuminated cockpit - it was good to be night flying again for the first time since the US. Transition to final approach for Pafos' westerly runway saw a departing Boeing 767 airliner pass 1,000 feet underneath while DWF punched through broken cumulus clouds. Once on the ground, it was tremendous to be met by handling agent 'Abelair' which very kindly offered to waive the normal handling fees. (Many thanks indeed!)

Crete
The Greeks are well known for hospitality and entertainment. This was no exception. A dinner of local goatmeat, rabbit, beer and red wine (read brandy!) was enjoyed in Iraklion with Dr. Nikolas Kefalogiannis, the Vice President of the Hellenic Diabetologist Association, and George Mavrantonakis, Advisor to the President & CEO of Olympic Airways. Every country visited so far has had interesting facts to learn about diabetes. Total incidence in Greece stands at 6% of population, around the same as the US. However, Type 1 Diabetes only accounts for 2.8% of total diabetes incidence, one the the world's lowest (normally it is 5 - 10%) behind Israel at 1.8%. Why? No direct causal factor can be identified but once again, genetic make-up is believed to be most likely. Dr. Nikolas is a well known diabetologist in Crete. One of his clinic attendees is an 82 year-old man with Type 1 Diabetes who lives in Crete's central mountains. This person has had diabetes for 49 years without any end organ (e.g. kidney and eye) complications, a tribute to his blood sugar control and also Dr. Nikolas' healthcare.

Crete will be warmly remembered for hospitality, plus one or two frustrations! On arriving at Iraklion it was discovered that private flights suffer a fuel surcharge (imposed by the Finance Ministry) resulting in one of the most expensive fuel costs anywhere in the world at US$8.40 per US gallon. This compares to around US$2.60 in the US and US$6.70 in Greenland where remote location understandably results in more expensive fuel costs. This private flight 'penalty' is somewhat surprising given Greece's membership of the European Union. Despite considerable efforts over the following two days to try to persuade Customs of DWF's 'commercial' charity fund-raising status, the paperwork requirements just could not be met. However, so many staff at the airport strongly supported DWF and many thanks go to these and in particular to George and Olympic Airways, plus the Civil Aviation Office's tremendous assistance while in Iraklion.

October 27th
Malta to Crete…..
With clocks going back one hour, it felt like an early start! Emmanuel Jones, the Malta Airport Operations Department Officer, looked after DWF tremendously while the flight plan was filed, and it was with considerable appreciation that the handling fee was waived due to DWF’s fund raising status. Overall the Malta airport staff were extremely welcoming and helpful, and if a flying visit could be made again to Malta there would be no hesitation! The subsequent flight to Crete was smooth and clear, with Sicily visible to the north soon after takeoff. Crete’s coastline could be seen from almost 50 miles distance while its high central mountains peered through cumulus clouds. With broken clouds continuing to Iraklion on the north coastline, an instrument approach had to be made to the westerly runway. A small glitch occurred again with the primary GPS navigation system resulting in a “hand-flown” approach – a much more exciting way to finish the flight!

Two days are anticipated in Crete, including a meeting with a local Diabetologist…more news to follow.

October 26th
Diabetes incidence in Malta one of the highest....
The incidence of diagnosed cases of diabetes in Malta is 10% of the population, an extremely high figure. Why should Malta have such a high figure compared to 2% in Iceland, 3.8% in the UK and 5.7% in the US? It is believed to be a number of reasons, with genetic make-up and close family structures being particularly important, changing diet over the years and increased incidence of overweightness/obesity. Discussions were held with John Spiteri, a former Diabetes Association Council Member and Anna Zammit McKeon, the current Maltese Diabetes Association President who very kindly invited Douglas to the Association’s Annual Dinner on 25th October (a most enjoyable and informative evening). An excellent visit was made to the St. Lukes Hospital Diabetes Clinic to meet Dr. Alan Lellul, Moira Grishti, Tonio Mercieca (who has an impressive knowledge of aircraft!) and Phylis Camilleri on 26th October. There is no doubt that the number of diabetes cases stretches existing medical resources in Malta. The Association is also kept busy, offering free blood tests and reduced price test strips once a week at their office in Valletta, and organising monthly meetings for different age groups and summer camps for teenagers. 10% really is an extremely high figure!

During the three-day visit, DWF was delighted to receive coverage from The Malta Times and Malta State Television, and many thanks indeed go to all the above who made Malta such a fascinating and enjoyable visit.

A distressing and somewhat ironical piece of news....
While in Malta, Ty - DWF’s current safety pilot from Florida - received a distressing and somewhat ironical piece of news. Maria, his fiancée, had been ill in hospital and was subsequently diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. DWF's thoughts and best wishes are with Maria for a speedy recovery and control over blood sugars....

Wednesday 23rd October
Cannes to Malta...
A sharp breeze spilled over mountains to the west of Cannes resulting in a turbulent takeoff from the southerly runway. It was a clear day though, and Corsica was soon visible to the south with Sardinia following shortly after. The route took DWF along French, Italian and Maltese airways, passing over a notably Italian navigation waypoint called 'Carbonara'! A large cumulonimbus cloud (thunderstorm) loomed over Sardinia and DWF could not avoid brushing by some towering cumulus with brief but severe turbulence. Being close to freezing level at Flight Level 110 (11,000 feet) some light icing added to the excitement. A visual approach was made to the west of the islands of Gozo and Malta where steep limestone cliffs reared out of the water. It was interesting to note that the tightly packed (limestone brick) housing of Malta was difficult to differentiate against the rocky background until closer to the shores. Final approach to Runway 06, however, clearly displayed the beautiful capital city of Valletta with its 450 year-old buildings and surrounding harbours.

Three days are anticipated in Malta: more news to follow....

Sunday 20th October
London to Cannes.....
It had been a busy and productive few days in London, catching up with old and new friends, and carrying out meetings and organisation for DWF. One meeting was with Sarah Ball, Andy Ross and Stephen Fishwick of Diabetes UK whose support of DWF from early this year has been so much appreciated. It was excellent to see several friends at White Waltham for departure, including Polly and Peter Vacher. Polly carried out www.worldwings.org in 2001, flying solo around the world in a single-engine Piper Dakota and raising funds for Flying Scholarships for the Disabled. (Another challenge is currently being organized by Polly.) White Waltham proved to be an excellent stopover in London. A particularly hearty “thank you” goes to James Aidan again for making it such an enjoyable and easy stay.

A deep low-pressure weather system with gale-force winds and heavy rain was approaching the UK as preparations were made for departure. Take-off was into the first of these rains and the initial “airways join” was made somewhat more challenging by the first GPS navigation system refusing to comply with instructions! Fortunately the second GPS system backed up perfectly and the earlier problem subsequently rectified. As DWF passed the south coast of England and on to the English Channel, the rains subsided to offer unrestricted visibility to Le Havre on the French coast. The four-hour flight to Cannes continued with sunshine and unrestricted visibility, with the last hour displaying The Alps mountain range in its full glory. Beautiful!

Thursday 17th October
An excellent reunion and trip down memory lane….
A flight was made to Royal Air Force College Cranwell, the training base where Douglas carried out his basic flying training on Jet Provosts between 1985 and 1987. A meeting had been arranged with Group Captain Mike Cross OBE RAFC, who was the Chief Flying Instructor at Cranwell during Douglas’s training. Mike Cross and his son Will both have Type 1 diabetes, and are organising a particularly exciting and inspiring expedition to the South Pole later this year. Mike is the project organiser while Will is the expedition leader. It was extremely good to meet up with Mike again after 15 years and share information about each other’s projects. Both projects have much in common, aiming to raise awareness of diabetes, raise funds for diabetes research, and to demonstrate that clinical conditions such as diabetes should not limit the scope of ambitions and dreams. Details of the South Pole expedition can be found on www.curewalk.com DWF wishes Mike and Will the very best of luck in their project, and very much looks forward to remaining in touch.

Many thanks go to those who made today’s visit possible. It was a particularly meaningful day for DWF, with impressive media arrangements bythe Royal Air Force.

Monday 14th October
After a relaxing day with family on 13th October, DWF had a quick and cloudy flight on 14th October from Carlisle to White Waltham, a grass airstrip west of London where James, DWF’s first safety pilot, is based. James had been acting as an excellent advisor for DWF’s UK flights, and it was clear whose cheerful tones were broadcasting the ground radio as we approached the airstrip!

George Duncan and his wife were also at White Waltham. George had been an airline pilot with British Airways when he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes – so much in common with DWF regarding diabetes and a lost flying career. It was excellent to discover recently that George was one of the first people to gain a National Private Pilot Licence under an exciting new scheme introduced by the UK Civil Aviation Authority on July 31st 2002.

Some more facts about UK diabetes….
A couple of questions have arisen after the last note on diabetes facts for the UK: Why are the numbers of diabetes cases rising? And what can be done to help prevent the onset of diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes accounts for approximately 90% of cases, and it is suggested that numbers are increasing due to a combination of more sedentary lifestyle and increasing incidence of overweightness and obesity. The aging population is likely to be another contributory factor. Type 2 Diabetes can be an insidious condition as diagnosis may not occur until internal organ damage (e.g. kidneys, eyes) has already occurred. Common advice on how to reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes stresses the importance of a healthy diet, taking regular exercise, and keeping weight to normal levels.

Type 1 Diabetes is more difficult to answer as no direct causal or contributory factor has been identified. People are genetically predisposed to Type 1 Diabetes and cases can occur after a virus, shock, trauma or stress, or a combination of these. The numbers of Type 1 have also been increasing in the UK over the past 30 years and researchers are trying to find how to identify those who are predisposed, and subsequently find a way to reduce the risk for those not diagnosed.

Saturday 12th October
Flight from Inverness – Prestwick – Carlisle, UK
Flying doesn’t come any better than this!” said Ty, DWF’s new safety pilot from Florida, as the aircraft flew low-level down Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands. Agreed! Low level flying in steep-sided valleys where Douglas grew up is definitely one of life’s more enjoyable flying experiences. In good Lochaber tradition, though, a heavy rain shower sat over Douglas’ parents home! However it did not detract from the sheer enjoyment of this
flight. As DWF passed by Ben Nevis, United Kingdom’s highest mountain, shafts of sunlight and clearer weather could be seen in the distance over Loch Linnhe. The mystical qualities of the Scottish Western Isles shone through as we flew over tranquil waters and under wispy low clouds by Oban, Crinan and Lochgilphead. Off to the distant southwest, the Isle of Colonsay
nestled in cloud-diffused sunlight and mirror-still waters, an incredibly beautiful sight.

This really was a superb flight, finishing off with a visual approach into Prestwick, near Glasgow. Today’s end-destination was Carlisle where Douglas was to stay nearby with his sister and family, but first the rented North Atlantic survival kit needed to be dropped off for onward return to Ed Carlson’s “Export Aircraft Inc.” in Mansfield, Boston. After delivering the kit to Greer Aviation Ltd, an immensely friendly FBO (fixed base operator), a short flight was made to Carlisle just south of the Scottish border. Once again, it was a beautiful flight, with recent rain having cleared to reveal The Solway Firth from over 50 miles away, plus the Lake District mountains further to the south.

More news to follow…with departure from the UK set for 20th October.

7th October – 12th October
Some facts on UK diabetes....
It was a busy and interesting few days while enjoying time with family and friends. Iain Ferguson in Fort William had arranged local media coverage, which was much appreciated.

Interestingly, a last-minute opportunity arose to sit in on a local presentation on Type 2 diabetes by Glaxo Smithkline Beecham and Dr. Andy Gallacher, a leading Consultant Diabetologist from Victoria Infirmary, Glasgow. The health statistics for diabetics can be daunting at times and this was no exception, particularly when it comes to expectations for long-term diabetic complications and longevity. Every time you hear them, it is always a strong incentive to try to achieve good long-term sugar control.

One message came through hard and fast: - the numbers of diabetes cases are ever increasing in Scotland, with the volume in Lochaber region alone having reached surprising levels this year. It is estimated that 3 million Britons will have diabetes by year 2010, almost 5% of the population compared to an estimated 3.8% at present. (These figures only account for diagnosed diabetics. Type 2 diabetes accounts for around 90% of total diabetes cases, and some suggest that there are as many people again with diabetes who have not yet been diagnosed.) At present diabetes care accounts for 9% of the British National Health Service (NHS) budget. The rising cost implications for the NHS in the future are very clear.

Monday 7th October
Flight from Reykjavik to Inverness, Scotland.
The previous day’s blustery showers had improved to calm and dry conditions in Reykjavik, a welcome change for planned departure early that afternoon. Kim, from the Iceland Diabetic Association, made a brief visit to the airport to bid farewell which was much appreciated. Omar, a reporter from the government television station, also arrived at the airport and conducted a brief interview. Omar is a well-known character in Iceland who has enjoyed some adventurous flying, including a mountain-top microlight landing near Reykjavik!

After takeoff, cruising Flight Level 090 (9,000 feet) was soon reached. The first 30 minutes tracked along the southern coast of Iceland where an icecap and mountains were just visible through the clouds. Strong 30-knot headwinds slowed progress for the 650-mile flight, and when a frontal band of rain resulted in some icing, permission to descend below freezing level was granted by Iceland Radio. As dusk fell the Highland mountains appeared ahead - a welcome sight for a Scotsman! Arrival was made five hours after engine-start, making it the longest DWF flight so far. This completed the North Atlantic crossing and it was good to peel off the immersion suits for the last time.

The flight to Inverness also completed James’ safety pilot ctivities. James has been great company for the North Atlantic crossing and he leaves with sincere thanks and very best wishes. DWF looks forward to remaining in touch.

Inverness is 50 miles from Lochaber, the home area of Douglas’ parents who were driven out to meet DWF as it parked on the apron - an excellent touch for flight completion. A reporter and photographer with the Press & Journal newspaper were also awaiting arrival.

The next few days were to be spent in Lochaber before onward flights to the south of the UK. Departure from the UK to France is set for 20th October - more news to follow…

Thursday 3rd – Sunday 6th October
Each arrival triggers the next round of flight planning and onward DWF administration e.g. arranging updated maps and instrument approaches to be sent from Jeppesen who very kindly donated North Atlantic “Trip Kits”, and arranging or confirming meetings with diabetes associations. After completing this on Friday morning, a trip was made to Blue Lagoon, a geothermal seawater spring/spa near Keflavik. The silica and salt properties have medicinal benefits for certain skin disorders, and it was a relaxing three-hour bathe before returning to Reykjavik. Contact had been made with Kim, one of the Iceland Diabetic Association Trustees, who conducted an excellent 300 km tour on Saturday through volcanic scenery to a geothermal power station, geysers, waterfalls and historic sites. It was a great day out (with some of the weather reminding us of a good day’s rain in Scotland!) and a fine dinner of Icelandic lamb followed at Kim and Sesseljia’s home, plus plenty of discussion.

Some Iceland diabetes facts to highlight: In Iceland there are 5,000 people with diabetes, less than 2% of the 285,000 total population. This is significantly lower than the estimated figure of 3.8% of population in the UK and 5.7% in the USA. The University of Iceland is carrying out research on milk produced by Iceland’s dairy herd which has existed “in isolation” for some hundreds of years and may have developed constituents which prevent higher incidence of diabetes, particularly Type 1 (insulin dependent).

On Sunday, a walk with some members of the Iceland Diabetes Association was joined and a meeting with the Trustees Iceland Diabetes Assocation followed. A visit was also made to Frida and Chrisjian’s home, an historic 110 year-old house in central Reykjavik. It’s been a pleasure to meet Iceland Diabetes Association members and many thanks indeed go to Kim for hosting DWF!

A flight to Inverness is planned for Monday 7th October….more news to follow.

2nd October
Flight to Iceland
Another tremendous day’s flying. The day’s start was disappointing though, with low clouds and mist delaying a morning departure. Any potential frustration was soon defused by chatting with Jens, a most animated and entertaining Greenland Air Dash 7 Captain! Conditions improved by midday and immersion suits were donned for departure. Breaking through clouds at
5,000 feet exposed beautiful fiords to the west and as we turned east towards Reykjavik the Greenland Icecap was an awesome sight as it rose to 9,000 feet ahead. At cruising altitude, the Icecap stretched as far as you could see to the north, punctuated only by mountain peaks rising out of the ice. An hour later, mountains were still visible almost 150 miles to the north. The four-hour flight to Reykjavik continued in mainly clear conditions with one small detour around towering cumulus clouds. Reykjavik
had been soaked by a day´s rainfall but as we approached, only a thin layer of cloud interrupted an otherwise clear instrument approach. It was good to arrive.

So far all flights have been thoroughly enjoyable and blood sugar tests have been within the regulatory range. It´s also been a real pleasure to fly with James, the safety pilot. DWF now looks forward to meeting members of the Icelandic Diabetic Association.

1st October
Flight to Greenland
The North Atlantic flights were expected to be challenging. Weather conditions can change rapidly at this time of year, airframe icing can be encountered, and Narsarsuaq, which nestles amongst steep sided mountains at the head of 43 mile fiord in southern Greenland, has one of the more dangerous instrument approaches around. Cold weather and maritime survival equipment must be carried in case of a forced landing or ditching, and immersion suits are worn by aircrew of light piston aircraft.

Meantime, DWF appeared determined to follow the track of former Hurricane/Tropical Storm Isidore! This had now developed into a deep low-pressure system to the south of Greenland resulting in a day’s wait on 30th September in Goose Bay. By 1st October the low pressure system had moved eastwards and opened up a “weather window” for the Greenland flight. A plan was made to fly at 9,000 feet and descend below freezing level should icing conditions be encountered in forecast layered clouds between 2,000 and 15,000 feet. As it turned out, we remained clear of cloud tops at 12,000 feet almost all the way, and a current weather report 100 miles out from Narsarsuaq confirmed the earlier (good) forecast of few clouds at 2,500 feet and broken clouds at 4,500 feet. Approaching the Greenland coast, an
attempt was made to descend below layered clouds. However, the layers continued below 2000 feet and fog had developed down to near sea level, something not forecast! As we prepared for an instrument approach, some layers cleared to reveal the stunning 43 mile Fiord leading up to Narsarsuaq. Great! A visual approach was then made along the steep-sided fiord which had isolated icebergs piercing the calm water surface below. An excellent finish to a memorable flight!

Narsarsuaq base was used in World War 2 as a staging post for ferrying aircraft from the US to the UK, and now comprises only the airfield, an hotel, a few accommodation blocks, equipment shelters and an old US army hospital further up the valley. For passing aircrew, the atmosphere in Narsarsuaq was thoroughly helpful, friendly and enjoyable.

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