Small Winlink-equipped airplane on a mission

Stephan and Nicolas Perren, father and son, embarked upon a trip by small plane to raise awareness and seek financial support for a medical mission regarding research with special reference to the treatment of fractures in osteoporotic bone. They did so by using a high performance, four seater single engine Mooney aircraft. Its range is 1600nm (3000km) at a cruising speed of 150kt (300 km/h). It is equipped with the mosy up to date satellite navigation and communication and HF-radio gear.

Of special interest to Winlink users is that the plane is equipped with an amateur radio, that via Winlink, makes progress reports to those who follow the trip.

This ICOM 706 MkII G Ham-Radio gear will be on the Airplane. Transmitting on the Amateur-Bands will be possible with a Sunair long wire antenna, which can be extended and retracted when in flight

Their messages will be relayed via the normal Winlink PMBO ground stations as well as via HB9HAI. The setup of the latter is shown below:

The event was brought to AussieWinlink's attention by Phil (VK6KPS) the Winlink Systems Operator based in Perth in Western Australia. He writes:

" I thought I recognised the callsign - checked and I'd a couple of connections from them late October from Malaysia or thereabouts. Quite an epic flight - and the website is worth a visit."

In turn, Phil's curiosity was due to a Wireless Institute of Australia that rhad eported:

For more information on HB9QS, the flight path and a host of other interesting information you can visit www.spirit-of-davos.ch.

It provides another example of how Winlink contributes to humanitarian endeavors.

AussieWinlink
29 November 2005

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