Log 19-April-2011 Belem - Gurupi

IFR from Belem to Maraba. Flight planning is very profesional in Brazil, you file in an AIS room, where you are serviced by the air force. ANAC, the civil aviation authority, is subordinated to the Ministry of Defense. You feel like preparing a air force mission, when a sergeant or sometimes lieutenant in uniform gives you weather and enroute briefing. But it works. You get all info on flying in Brazil on http://www.aisweb.aer.mil.br/?i=home oops, I hope this website is no military secret. You get also met info, satellite pictures, approach plates and charts through this site. Well done, Brazil!
But it costs something: at every Infraero airport (like Belem, Maraba), you get charged 200-300 BRL (130-200$) for landing, communication etc. fees. Be ready with cash.

So, here you know why we need good meteorological data, here is the thunderstorm corridor of the intertropical convergence zone. I was told I caught a very good day, it looks like this:

Once you are through it (S of 10-13 degrees S, depends on time of year), the sky clears up, and you have only the occasional buildup like in the Caribbean. Brazilian pilots have recommended Gurupi (SWGI) for a stopover, no Infraero (=no landing fee) and AvGas (PetroBras), and cheap hotels (we stayed at Veneza, central, clean, pool), a (not too tasty) pizzeria, and a ice cream parlor.