Sliding alongside Iran

The coolest thing about today was what could have been but was not. Our track from Bahrain to Karachi took us to within 5 miles of Iranian airspace.

Now you might not have heard but the Persian gulf is a pretty militarized area. The radios were filled with chatter from American pilots "on tactical". We don't know what that means but we presume it means that they don't disclose where they are going to ATC or, for that matter, us.

So as we are motoring along over water very nicely thanks, the ATC controller comes onto the radio with a friendly American accent to give us a heads up. "You're passing by some aircraft carriers to your south so don't be surprised if they send someone up to check you out". I was absolutely buzzing with the possibility of a fighter jet sliding alongside and spent a solid half an hour just scanning the ocean for signs of the carrier.

Unfortunately, neither the carrier nor any jets were sighted.

So the day was a relatively calm (at least from after takeoff) 7 hours. The takeoff was marred by a long delay waiting for fuel and the fact that I had forgotten to take a wad of cash (in excess of $10,000USD) out of the hotel safe.

We unfortunately arrived in Karachi 15 minutes before Ramadan broke so we had to wait for prayers to be completed before we could leave the airport.

At the hotel, it seems a good chunk of wealthy Karachi turned up for the Ramadan breaking feast so we went along for the ride. Good food, buffet style, outdoors with a 4 horned goat and a fake castle for decoration. This coupled with the loud music and the lucky draw meant it was at least entertaining.

Weather is the next item on our list of things to worry about. Asian monsoon season is nearby.

Approx Track Miles:     932 NM  
Hobbs Hours:               7.6
Fuel Added Before:      402
Price per Litre:             AUD $4.32