פורסם עם: General Aviation
By Yigal Merav October 2003
It has all started in Ikaria last April. Wings Over Aegean Fly-in brought together Greek, Turkish and Israeli pilots for a “professional” convention. One of the good results was a mutual decision to keep on meeting in such Fly-ins.
As I have returned from Ikaria, I have started with my good friend Dror, to plan the next Fly-in, and we decided on Turkey.
One main obstacle we had first to over come, was the expensive handling and landing fees which we had experience in previous flight to Turkey. So we approached Mr. Erdogen Menekse – AOPA Turkey President with this problem and he promised us to host this Fly- in and do his best to reduce the charges as low as possible. I must confess and highlight that Mr. Menekse has fully succeeded in this mission and eventually we had not have to pay any fees or charges at all.
At the beginning we have approached our Greek friends and invited them to take part in this Fly- in and make it an International event. We have tried to invite all AOPA European affiliate associations to join but unfortunately we have not received any respond.
On Friday 3rd of October 2003 we have started our journey to Ephesus LTFB, landing first in Antalia LTAI as point of entry to Turkey and for refueling .
All together, landed in Ephesus, 25 light aircrafts with 67 participants turning the event to a great meeting with colorful and happy atmosphere
On Saturday 4th of October we organized a precise landing competition. 27 contestants divided to 7 clusters of 4 each toke off and execute three landings each, so quick calculation show total of 81 safe landings in only 3 hours with no problems or safety misshapes what so ever.
An Excel file with participant’s names & aircrafts and scores is attached.
After completion of the main Fly- in event, the precise landing competition, the Israeli group with few of the Greek & Turkish pilots, as preplanned, continue their trip in Turkey flying to Ankara, Kapadocia and Adana for another 5 more days.
No words can describes the wonderful, kind and worm hospitality extended to us by AOPA Turkey led by Mr. Erdogen Menekse, who escorted us, with his plane TC-VOR all along our tour and Mr. Volkan Tasan who organized all the small but important details ( like hotels, transportation, guide, places to visit, counting us every time, keeping track of each one of us …) to a perfection.
It was a real pleasure and a great trip and I hope it's only ”… the beginning of a great friendship….” and start of an enjoyable tradition to meet fellow pilots every year in deferent place around the Mediterranean.
Thank you very much Mr. Erdogen Menekse and AOPA Turkey for unforgettable experience and we look forward to seeing you all on April 2004 on the International Fly-in to Israel
