Border run

As planned, Gilbert, Toddy and I had an early morning flight this morning that took us down to the Mexican border at Nogales International Airport. I arrived in the crew room just before 5am, and started printing out the necessary paperwork: local weather reports, winds aloft data, airport data and instrument approach procedures. Toddy arrived soon after, and we set about organising everything.
After a slight delay (change of aircraft needed) - we took off from Goodyear at 06:50, and got handed over to Phoenix Sky Harbor Departures, who gave us radar vectors towards Tucson. Here's Toddy and Gilbert looking (almost) convincingly as if they know what they're doing...



The flight down went really well, and when we arrived at Nogales Toddy did a couple of test runs using the approach procedures. We then landed, parked up, and headed inside for a coffee refuel while the Warrior was also refueled (not with coffee, although it might have helped the poor performance....)
Here's a shot of Nogales International Airport main building. It sounds impressive, but I've seen bigger sheds in B&Q...



Once refueled, it was my turn to hop in and drive. I took off on runway 21, then followed the missed approach procedure before heading back in on the correct radials, then executed a touch-and-go before heading back 'oop north' towards Goodyear.
All in all it was a great flight for Toddy and me, and a great laugh for the three of us. I can honestly say I will be gutted when we move onto another instructor for twin engine training.
Mind you, the take off performance upon leaving Nogales does make me wonder if Gilberto hadn't smuggled a couple of immigrants over the border...