Quote Originally Posted by carl View Post
Reading that Stars & Stripes story about the C-17s flying in central Africa made me smile. New pilots always react like that 'Wow, there's no radar.' 'Wow, those people on the ground are walking right next to the runway.' 'Wow, those controllers can be hard to understand.' I was the same way. After a while it is 'Ok there is a family of six walking across the runway about halfway down. Hmm, they should be out of the way by the time I get there. Drive on.'

What those crews didn't say is what hardships they face are more than made up for by getting to live in Entebbe. Boy what a nice place that is.
Hey Carl !

Recalling my HF conversation in 94 with a 141 crew still brings me to tears

"Cedar Radio, MAC 1234 on one eleven upper" (11176).
MAC 1234, Cedar Radio has you loud and clear, over.
"Cedar Radio, the Goma tower is not responding and we are on final approach to land 18."
MAC 1234, negative, land on 36 and I will contact the tower... maybe at lunch.
"Cedar Radio, Charlie Charlie. But there are goats and people on approach 36?"
MAC 1234, I'll get the military to sweep 36, stand by.
"Cedar, there is a huge mountain. Is that the end of the runway ?"
MAC 1234, that's the overrun and is covered in solidified lava.

After minutes of silence she landed !

TIS... This is Africa !