Festival under capricious skies

On June 7 and 8, the Stadtwerke Dessau hosted the Hugo Junkers Fest 2025, and the organisers had a lot in store to enchant visitors from the city and the surrounding area for two days. In addition to fairground rides, a vintage car exhibition and a marquee, one theme was not to be missed in Dessau. Aviation.

Junkers had a surprise in store, as DAEC President Claus Cordes flew in at 12:30 on the dot in his Junkers A50 Junior. Accompanied by Junkers granddaughter Charlotte Junkers in the front cockpit and flanked by two Junkers F13s and another Junior. The spectators crowded round the fence in front of the flight line to greet the corrugated iron aeroplanes that connect them with their city. During the interview, Claus Cordes and Charlotte Junkers answered questions and even signed autographs for young and old.

After the opening of the festival by the mayor of Dessau, a heavy band of rain swept over the area and the spectators took refuge in the marquee for just under an hour.

Claus Cordes was not only in town for the 19th Hugo Junkers Festival, but also because he is starting his 14,000 kilometers tour of Europe from Dessau. After the first ‘Meet the Pilot’ conference, he proudly affixed the first of a total of 12 country stickers to the cowling of his D-MQUI, before taking off a short time later into the cloudy sky.

Finally, on the way 

After starting the 14000 km tour in Dessau, Claus Cordes had to make a small divert, to attend the opening celebration in his position as the DAEC president of the famous Deutschland-Flug at Lahr. Claus Cordes then starts to fly from from Germany to Poland. His destination is Suwalki in the far northeast of the country. 

The engine was started at 0811 in the morning, and he was flying over the famous German Black Forest in the direction of Rothenburg ob der Tauber just to cross the starting grid at the qualification in the German Gliding Masters. At the picturesque Moritzburg Castle, he took some more pictures right out of the cockpit. Then he entered CTR Dresden to make a first fuel stop at Kamenz. After 4 hours and a fuel consumption of 62 liters, it was time to refuel the smoothly running Rotax engine of the A50 and to defuel the pilot. 

The next and last leg was to Poland. Crossing the German mining area, endless forest in the direction of the former Bromberg. The big river Weichsel was a good optical sight to reach and cross and make the way into Poland. The Masurian Lakes covered with unbelievable cloud formations were the first real change in the landscape. A heavy crosswind at the Destination Suwalki made him look for an alternate route, but a professional like him handled it well, and he finally tickled the grass runway of Suwalki.  After a photoflight with the polish journalist and well known photographer Filip Modrzejewski the important things took over the list. Getting some food and spend the night at the aviation club’s house. A rest well deserved. 

Next stop, Finland. 

Flying to Finland: A Journey Above the Land of a Thousand Lakes

Spending the night at the clubhouse of Aeroclub Suwałki, Claus Cordes left early for the next long leg to Finland. Shortly after departure toward Riga, he encountered an issue with flight control — they couldn’t locate his flight plan. As a result, he had to return to Suwałki to straighten things out.

After a second take-off, everything went smoothly, and he followed his planned route to Riga for refuelling. Upon landing, the ground agents in Riga were a bit surprised to see such a small aircraft — they had been expecting an international flight. After a brief but friendly exchange, they handled both the Junkers A50 and its pilot with care and great charm. From there, Claus flew past endless beaches and finally landed at Nummela in Finland just as the last light faded. It was a perfect way to end a long day of flying.

The next — and much shorter — leg to Kauhava began very early at 05:00, as he needed to arrive at the show before 10:00. The flight was nothing short of spectacular. Crossing Finland feels like entering a world where nature still reigns supreme. From the cockpit of the Junkers A50 Junior, the view transforms into a breathtaking tapestry of endless forests, shimmering lakes, and scattered islands — a pilot’s dream.

Finland is known as the “Land of a Thousand Lakes,” but from above, it’s clear the number is far greater. The peaceful expanse of wilderness, dotted with red cottages and winding rivers, offers a unique kind of freedom found only in the north. As Claus headed toward Kauhava, the skies remained calm, the air crisp, and the landscape almost untouched. Flying here is more than just traveling — it’s about connecting with nature in its purest form.

The Kauhava Airshow 2025 exceeded all expectations. The hosts treated Claus and the A50 like superstars. He received pole-position on the tarmac, right next to F-35s, F-18s, Typhoons, and other top-tier aircraft — a place well deserved. The A50 even secured a slot in the flying display and performed brilliantly. The people of Finland were amazed by Junkers’ presence, with many approaching Claus to share their personal stories and connections to the A50.

Thanks to all the people, organizers, and new friends at the Kauhava Airshow.

North Cape next…

Pure Beauty

After six days, six countries, and over 3,000 kilometers, pilot Claus Cordes has completed his round trip to the North Cape in the Junkers A50 D-MQUI. He reached Hammerfest, just north of the Arctic Circle, and the flight will remain etched in his memory. Claus is overwhelmed by the pure beauty of the far north.

The journey began early in the morning in Kirkenes, with perfect weather. From there, Claus followed the dramatic coastline all the way to the North Cape. At several airfields along the route, where he dutifully reported in, controllers requested low passes—most couldn’t believe what he was announcing: a small, open-cockpit aircraft in just six degrees Celsius. But the Junkers A50 turned heads wherever it went. Controllers passed the news along to the next airfields, and MQUI was often asked to make a slight detour to be seen from the ground.

After circling the North Cape, Claus continued to Hammerfest with a strong tailwind. Approaching the coastal city, known for its oil and gas industry, he touched down precisely at 1 PM local time after a stunning approach over the sea. On the ground, he was warmly welcomed and handled by the ground crew with the same care and professionalism given to an airliner.

That evening, for the first time in three days, there was a proper meal—and a well-deserved cold beer. Claus, usually cheerful and talkative, was unusually quiet. He explained that he had high expectations for this flight—and they were not only met, but exceeded. The raw, untouched, and rugged beauty of the Arctic landscape had cast a lasting spell on him. It will take a long time for these impressions to fade, even though the next stage of the journey—across the mountains into Sweden—is already on the horizon.

From the North Cape into the World of Astrid Lindgren

After a cold but awe-inspiring stop above the Arctic Circle, Claus Cordes climbed once again into the snug little cockpit of his Junkers A50, D-MQUI, on the early morning of June 18, 2025. The sun was peeking over the horizon, it never went behind this time of the year  — pale and quiet — as if the sky itself were wishing him well for the journey ahead: into a land of forests, lakes, red wooden houses, and stories that seem to drift on the wind.

More than 3,000 kilometers now lie behind pilot and plane, a brave pair on a grand voyage of 14,000 kilometers in total. One of the most magical chapters so far: the circle around the mighty North Cape, ending in the coastal town of Hammerfest — a place where the the weather is ruff and the the sea whispers in the nights which never fully darkens in the summer. Now, their path turns southward.

From this small town nestled near the edge of the world, Cordes flew over rugged mountains and glimmering fjords to the Swedish town of Arvidsjaur. Then, early the next morning, he rose again into a sky of soft summer light, gliding south toward Stockholm — over a landscape that seemed lifted straight from the pages of an Astrid Lindgren book.

Down below: glistening lakes, deep-green forests, wooden barns leaning gently with age, and winding paths where Pippi might ride her horse or the Children of Noisy Village could be chasing butterflies. The flying conditions were perfect. At just 1,000 to 1,500 feet above the earth, Cordes followed Sweden’s fairytale coastline, each mile bringing him closer to his next dreamlike stop: Skå-Edeby.

And what a place it is — this small, peaceful airfield west of Stockholm. A patch of velvety green grass, buildings painted in warm Swedish red, and a silence so soft it could belong to a summer morning in Bullerbü. As the A50 touched down as gently as a leaf falling on water, Claus Cordes did what he always does: he pulled out a small Swedish flag, raised it above his head, and smiled.

About 50 visitors — along with the Junkers team — had gathered to greet him. And in that moment, it felt less like an arrival and more like the next page of a storybook being turned. The third “Meet the Pilot” event unfolded with laughter, warmth, and wide-eyed curiosity.

The next morning, the journey continued toward Haugesund in southern Norway — where a 50-hour inspection and a few restful days await. For both man and machine, it’s time to pause, breathe, and gather strength for the chapters still to come.

From Skå-Edeby to Haugesund – Landscapes in Rhythm

After a peaceful night in a cozy holiday cottage near Skå-Edeby airfield, Claus Cordes launched into the next leg of his long journey aboard the Junkers A50 on the morning of June 20, 2025. The previous evening had followed a familiar routine: backing up photos, recording impressions, reading weather reports, completing flight planning. At 8:00 a.m., Michael Blomqvist from the local flying club brought him back to the field, where the aircraft had spent the night safely tucked away in a hangar.

Following his preflight checks, Cordes taxied the aircraft just after 9:00 a.m. to Runway 29 — via a grassy strip that looked more like a trail than a taxiway. Moments later, the A50 lifted gently into the calm morning air, soaring over the idyllic southern Swedish landscape.

His westward course took him past Eskilstuna, Örebro, and Karlstad. With control zones still closed at that early hour, the skies were clear and uncomplicated. After two and a half hours, Cordes touched down in Arvika (ESKV), where he was warmly welcomed with coffee and conversation. Among those at the airfield: a German Mooney pilot, a vacationing TUI B737 captain, and the airfield manager — himself an A320 pilot. A lively exchange among aviators quickly followed.

Though the atmosphere was relaxed and inviting, the journey continued. The flight to Haugesund would prove to be one of the most visually striking so far. The Oslofjord gave way to hilly terrain, then suddenly to alpine drama: Telemark’s rugged peaks forced a climb to nearly 6,000 feet. Snowfields, reservoirs, lenticular clouds — and very few signs of habitation.

Descending toward Norway’s west coast, the landscape softened again. The final approach to Runway 13 in Haugesund was smooth, despite crosswinds. Cordes was welcomed by the local flying club, who cleared space in a hangar. Andreas Hoffmann, who had arrived from Germany, immediately began the 50-hour inspection — right on time, after 47 hours of flight.

Fuelling from jerry cans left Cordes smelling of gasoline, but a ride to the hotel and a well-earned meal followed. Even the elusive beer was secured — no small task after 8 p.m. in Norway. The next day brought low clouds, gusty winds, and drizzle: a sign that the North Sea crossing would have to wait. On Saturday, Cordes took a quiet boat trip to the island of Røvær — and met, by chance, a German expat whose sister lives less than a kilometer from his own home. A small world, indeed.

Change of route 

Flight plans may be drawn with care, but in the end, it is the weather that holds the pen—restless, untamed, and seldom swayed by human intent. So Claus Cordes has to change his route.

Shortly after arriving in Haugesund, the weather began to deteriorate noticeably. By Friday evening, the cloud base had dropped significantly, visibility had diminished, and a fine drizzle began to fall.

The following days remained marked by rapidly changing weather. For a flight across the North Sea, conditions must be suitable not just at the departure point in Norway, but also along the entire overwater leg—and, of course, at the destination. That means, at the very least, a cloud ceiling of around 2,000 feet, visibility clear enough to make out the horizon line between sea and sky, and only a minimal headwind—since a refueling stop mid-ocean is obviously out of the question.

Of course, Claus Cordes knows how to fly by instruments, trained and practiced thoroughly in using the artificial horizon. But that’s a skill for escaping bad weather—not for intentionally flying into it. And certainly not without system redundancy. After all, this is only an ultralight aircraft—albeit a truly marvelous one—and not an A380.

But the right weather simply wouldn’t come. Sunday and Monday were quickly ruled out. Hopes were pinned on Tuesday, but by Monday morning it was clear: that wouldn’t work either. The day began in Haugesund with a low cloud cover at just 600 feet and powerful gusts driving the rain sideways through the air.

But Wednesday, it seems, will be the day. The high-pressure system is gaining strength, the headwind is expected to ease significantly, and from time to time the sun might even offer a bit of warmth. The planned stopover on the Shetlands had to be scrapped—unfortunate but securing fuel there would have been complicated anyway.

Now the route is set: from Haugesund to Aberdeen for passport and customs clearance, then on to Fife (EGPJ) to refuel, and finally to Old Warden. It sounds like nine to ten hours in the air. No matter—he can manage that. The time in Haugesund wasn’t wasted. There were outings, photo archives sorted, and duties in various honorary posts fulfilled. Now, he’s looking forward to Great Britain and the Festival of flight at Old Warden.