DAY 18, LEG 79 - Santiago to Isla San Felix
After a day off in Santiago, we arrived early to pick up "SPC" fresh from maintenance and fitted with an auxiliary fuel tank. Thanks to the hard work from the engineers the aircraft is well-prepared for the long Pacific crossing and the remote island hopping that will make up the next few days of our trip. The first stop in the Pacific is on the Desventuradas islands and the Isla San Felix, home to a Chilean Naval Base. The name "Desventuradas" is translated as "Unfortunate" and the only airport is located on the small island of San Felix. Due to the remoteness of the island, fuel is scarce so the aircraft is filled up with the maximum 2634kgs of fuel for the next leg so we can land in Isla San Felix with as much fuel as possible to limit the amount we need to uplift for the long leg to Easter Island.
Parked outside the hangar at Santiago.
Taxiing out past two Sky Airline 737-200s. One bound for Puerto Montt and the other to Copiapo in the Atacama Desert.
Taking off past the terminal at Santiago.
Climbing westbound with the Andes mountains in the background.
A 119kt headwind at FL250 is hindering our progress somewhat so a descent to FL200 is requested where the wind is slightly lighter.
Leaving South America behind.
After a long overwater flight, the small island of San Ambrosio comes into view so we descend down to take a closer look.
San Ambrosio island as seen from the cockpit.
Isla San Felix.
Downwind for runway 11.
Final approach to the short, unpaved runway at the airport.
About to turn around and backtrack to the apron with San Ambrosio island in the distance.
Parked at the remote Isla San Felix Airport waiting to be refuelled.
SCEL - SCFX stats
Takeoff time: 0721
Landing time: 0915
Flight time: 02:54 (-1 hour time difference)
Fuel used: 1384kgs / 3045lbs
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