The first leg of my new Europe at the Edge adventure tour ( exploring Europe’s Borders) took us from the quiet village of Sterpenich in Luxembourg to the Hanseatic city of Gdańsk in Poland. A journey full of contrasts: from a sunny morning ride on the Vespa to the airfield, through hot summer skies over Germany, and finally into rain showers in Poland before reaching the fresh sea breeze of the Baltic coast.
We departed early in the morning in the Blackwing, my fast and lightweight two-seater, fully loaded for a long cross-country flight.
Starting the day on two wheels – a short ride to the airfield before our long cross-border journey.
Fuel and performance planning
Given the high temperatures, even in the morning, and the fact that we had two people on board with full baggage, I decided not to fully top up the fuel in Sterpenich (EBAR). With its 380-metre runway and the day’s elevated density altitude, a maximum take-off weight would have been unnecessarily risky.
Instead, I planned a fuel stop at Breitscheid (EDGB) in Germany, which offers a considerably longer runway.
An unexpected challenge: high density altitude
On arrival in Breitscheid, my Garmin confirmed a density altitude of 4,600 ft – despite the airfield’s published elevation of just 1,673 ft. This was due to the combination of warm temperatures (OAT 38°C) and lower air pressure, meaning the air was much thinner than the altimeter reading suggested.
In practical terms, high density altitude reduces aircraft performance: longer take-off rolls, slower climb rates, and slightly reduced engine output. While the Blackwing’s excellent performance meant we still required far less than the available runway, it was a timely reminder that density altitude is not just a mountain flying concern – it can have a significant effect even in central Europe on a hot summer’s day.
Rain showers over Poland
After refuelling and a thorough pre-flight check, we continued our journey towards the Baltic.
We even adjusted our route to avoid Berlin airspace during a state visit by President Zelensky.
In western Poland we encountered rain showers. Thanks to our on-board instruments, satellite weather and a bit of weaving through the gaps, we found a safe passage without significant deviation from our planned route.
Approaching the Baltic – smiles in the cockpit as Poland’s coastline comes into view.
The final hours of the flight offered magnificent views over Poland’s vast plains, and eventually the coastline of the Baltic Sea came into view. We landed at Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport with the sun on our faces – a fitting end to day one.
Destination reached
Gdańsk welcomed us with its historic port, narrow streets and vibrant atmosphere. A place where Hanseatic history and modern culture blend seamlessly. The contrast with our departure point could hardly have been greater – exactly why this Explore Europe’s Borders tour promises to be so special.
📍 Day 1 route:
Sterpenich (EBAR) → Breitscheid (EDGB, fuel stop) → Gdańsk (EPGD)
Total distance: approx. 1,000 km, and no speed radars in the skies when I fly at nearly 300 km/h
