We came in time at gate D53 to see "Annie Romein" PH-KCf waiting for us.
What we didn't know at that time was that our suitcase was not going to make the connection.
ETD was 14:25 and boarding went smooth. We sat in seats 38 A and B, all in the back and only 2 seats abreast
We were pushed from the gate only 5 minutes late and after taxiing for about 15 minutes we lined-up on the Kaagbaan ( RWY 24 ).
We made a VALKO 1S departure with 257.1 tons at a rotate speed of 165 knots ( 297kph or 185mph ). The SID made us fly a 240° track until 4DME ( distance measurement equipment ) where we had to follow a 226° track to PAM radial 253° and so to VALKO.
Having reached our cruising altitude cabin service began.
First a drink, shortly followed by a hot meal.
First time that I had real good airline food.
It was really tasty and with real fork and knives ( no plastic )
We also received this gift and a glass of champagne because it was our honeymoon and because I gave the pilots some nice drawings of mine
The bussiness gifts should come in handy later.
Since we would arrive in the hotel without suitcase ( was 1 day late ) it was very nice to find a comb and toothpaste and toothbrush inside.
After two inflight movies ( "The day after tomorrow" and "The prince and I" ) the FA called us to the cockpit.
She said : "In exceptional cases the captain can allow a cockpitvisit"
We both got a badge to put on and were escorted to the flightdeck.
I even was allowed to take my camera
We were greeted by captain Van Munster and 2 nd officer Puyenbroek.
Being it a long flight there were 3 pilots.
1st officer Trog ( Belgian and ex-SABENA ) was resting at that time in a bunk behind the cockpit.
At that time we were already 8 hours in flight and approaching Guadaloupe.
The captain explained almost everything of the instruments and showed us the route we were flying on a map but also the flightplan on the FMC ( flight management computer ).
He also explained that we made a small detour because of hurricane Daniëlle.
At 19:25 ( Belgian time ) we were flying at FL370 ( 37000 feet ) with amach speed of 0.82 at a fuel flow of some 2300kgs/hr per engine.
Exhaust temp was around 650°C and outside temp -52°C.
After 4494NM ( 8089km or 5055 miles ) and 9 hours and a half we saw Aruba
We made a spectacular approach towards RWY 10 witha nice view of the Caribian Sea.
With some very funny "luchtzakken" we landed in AUA/TNCA on RWY 10 with a speed of 149 knots ( 268kph or 167mph ) and a weight of 184.8 tons.
Having used 72.3 tons of Jet A-1.
