The refueled quantity is 90 liters of Avgas.

"Please, captain, sign the voucher!"

"OK, why do you want I sign for 200 liters?"

"Because we had to open a new drum for you!"

"I understand but I will just sign and paid for what I have used!"

"OK, Sir, I will check with my boss!"

…. Later

"My boss is angry, but has accepted, so please sign for 100 liters!"

"You mean 80 liters?"

The guy with surprised face asked me: "Why 80 liters?"

"Why 100 liters?"

So, finally, the right amount was charged to my Air BP card.

Thai people and the Navy ones have been delightful. They helped me out with everything I needed, and after a nice and short night, I was able to take off one hour after getting up.

My flight plan to Vietnam has been accepted and I was happy. Also happy as the KF is performing as it has been for so long. Temperature was 27C, and pressure 1010 mb (Sea level). I also emptied the small fuel tank installed at the floor, between the rudder pedals and stick. About 25 pounds were removed and what a big difference!

Aircraft took off soon and I was able to reach the runway end at 500 ft. It was 0732 local time. Once I was heading south, my route was clearly marked and easy to follow: Just entering the first thunderstorm and flying from one to another! The rest of the sky was almost clear!

Again sorting the weather (this time TS were quite visible, not embedded), it came to my mind the hundred General Declarations needed for a flight like this. Funny, but should anybody visit the places I do, it is quite convenient.

Between thunderstorms, some rest was possible, so I turned off the Seat Belts and No Smoking signs, called the stewardess and got a nice breakfast ( actually banana chips). Some music from Phnom Penh , via the ADF ( Automatic Direction Finder) was also welcome.

I have been taught to avoid CB with a 10 NM distance when below 20000 ft. Here, I was avoiding them by 30 ft (much more fun!). When I find a cloud wall, I just remember a phrase: there is always an opening in the clouds, for the honest pilot, and soon I find out if I have been honest or not!

I was already approaching KAKET point, not the real Vietnam entry point, but the one they use. I got a relay from Vietnam 714, and was cleared by Vietnamese controllers into their airspace.

WHAT A JOY! Everything ready, all clearances. GOOD! I was so happy that I mentally asked the controller for a short cut. More happy when the controller mentally cleared me the short cut!

I overflew some very nice islands (paradise ones) and got to the (I hope) lowest Latitude of the flight: 10N!

I was able also to see the Duangdong runway, with scattered trees in the landing surface. What a pity!

Thunderstorms were now everyplace but easy to avoid. Maximum deviation to avoid was 15 NM. Again some thoughts, and happy to know about the support I am receiving. I am not able to check the web, so not able to know about the comments in there. Don, wisely, sent me a copy of some of them when he feels I need it. I really do appreciate the support of everybody!

I was entering the Vietnam firm land. I was surprised on the many straight roads with lengths around 5 NM. Actually they are not concrete road, but water roads, channels. Their red to brown color was water, not dirt.

Several homes scattered along them and no classic roads were visible from my flying altitude. It is very interesting to discover the world, and what a beautiful way doing that from an light aircraft.

"Down wind Ho Chi Minh runway 25 R."

"YOY, how much endurance you have left and confirm if you can fly to U-Taphao!"

"I just check what I have filed in the flight plan, check the fuel remaining and answer: "Three hours left, not enough to U-Taphao. Is there any problem?"

"No sir, no problem, go to Tan Son Nhut tower 118.7 and have a good day."

So, after landing (14:13 local) and at a remote parking area, a nice committee was waiting for me (about 15 people, airport representatives, security, police).

"Sir, why did you land here without clearance?"

That was the beginning of another nightmare. I was able to get to the hotel by 10 PM, and, although well treated, I feel like in prison. I am the first private light aircraft to land in Vietnam since war, they consider I have violated their airspace and landed without permission. Yesterday night there was an urgent meeting at Hanoi just for me. I am locked right now here and not cleared to depart.

The rest of history is about to come!