All the training and planning is finally behind us as N6511Y departs Groton for Long Island where we will meet our Co-pilot Gilles Glatz.  Gilles is a very smart and experienced pilot who has flown the transatlantic route over 100 times, delivering aircraft back and forth between North America & Europe.  N6511Y and I are delighted to have him join us as we make our fist journey across the pond and we look forward to hearing all his stories of past crossings.

Day 1 of the transatlantic trip started off with a departure from Long Island, NY as N6511Y took to the skies at 10 am arriving in Bangor at 1 pm for a fuel stop.  The weather forecast for the next destination Goose Bay was calling for good weather, but as Gilles my co-pilot says, you never know in this part of the world until you are parked in the hangar!  A quick fueling and turnaround was in order and we were back in the air in good time.   As we climbed out of Bangor N6511Y was delighted at the thought of crossing the border into Canada and the 4 hour flight over the St. Lawrence River was a delightful sight.  The approach into Goose Bay greeted us with a beautiful sunset that turned into rain showers as soon as we landed.  Welcome to Canada!  N6511Y felt right at home as an entourage of two polite customs officers and two linemen greeted her as she pulled up in front of the FBO.

After a long day Gilles & I are happy to sit at a bar table for Dinner at Goose Bay which was simple and included local chicken and fish nuggets served with a pitcher of beer to celebrate the first leg of the trip! 

Tomorrow will be a long day and we all need our rest.  With a little help from the weather patterns, N6511Y will enjoy some tailwind as she makes her way to Greenland in the morning for a fuel stop and an immediate departure to Iceland for an overnight stay!  The 1400 Nautical Miles flight will be her most exciting flight as she stretches her wings over the Atlantic Ocean for the first time in her life.