SolarImpulse - Destination Morocco patch.
July 17, 2012
Bertrand Piccard took off this morning at 3:36AM (UTC), Tuesday 17 July, beginning the last part of this year’s Crossing Frontiers mission flights. Unfortunately the chances of making another speed record, either forwards or backwards, are quite slim today given the placid weather conditions.
There was an initial suspense around the flight plan for this return leg home. Over the weekend, the Mission Control Center and the Flight Director were evaluating whether to wait for the perfect weather forecast for a direct Madrid to Payerne flight or rather seize the opportunity to get closer to the final destination by crossing the Pyrenees today and proceeding to Payerne tomorrow, after an overnight pit stop in Toulouse. But as you may have noticed, the Solar Impulse team has opted for the latter, slowly approaching Switzerland in these ideal weather conditions.
Flight Madrid-Toulouse takeoff
Today’s flight is predicted to unfold smoothly. Bertrand will navigate HB-SIA in the direction of Atlantic crossing the western part of the Pyrenees around Biarritz and into France. It will then veer to the east and make its way to Toulouse. The prototype will keep a fairly low altitude throughout the flight allowing the pilot to breathe without an oxygen mask for most of it.
Don’t forget about the photo contest! Be Solar Impulse’s exclusive photographer for this last bit of the Crossing Frontiers mission flights by taking either an in-flight or a landing photo and posting it here. You will have the chance to be one of two winners of a number of prizes. At stake are a Solar Impulse cap, an official team T-Shirt and a Solar Impulse book signed by its founders and pilots, André and Bertrand!
SolarImpulse in flight
Flight: Madrid - Toulouse
PILOT: BERTRAND PICCARD
DATE: 17.07.2012
TAKE OFF: Bajaras-Madrid Airport 03:33 AM (UTC)
EXPECTED LANDING: Toulouse-Francazal airport after 06:30 PM (UTC)
Follow the SolarImpulse flight live online: http://live.solarimpulse.com/
Image, Video, Text, Credit: SolarImpulse.
Cheers, Orbiter.ch
