Sue's Diary—Brive Encounter

At last it is raining so I can find the time to write my piece for the diary— I now have a new computer which should speed things up considerably.

I must thank Les King (Francoflyers Site Administrator) for coming over to France, solely to get me and the new PC running perfectly.

He spent most of his time over here setting up a 'foolproof' system to keep me from getting my messages into a mess.

I hope to now stay on the 'straight and narrow' and not even think of doing anything to encounter his wrath.

On his last day, Les managed to fly the DA40 for the first time is several months, prior to catching his flight back to the UK.

The cloud base was particularly low that morning so we left Limoges under 'Special VFR' rules.

Our route alongside the beautiful Vienne river led us to the very pretty town of Confolons, which is a particular favourite of mine.

We then circled and photographed a nearby grass strip before heading back to Limoges for some intensive circuit training.

Les enjoyed the variety of landings (flapless, EFATO, glide approach, low-level circuit, etc) which I threw at him—At Limoges, we can generally cope with an engine failure after take-off by landing straight-ahead on the 2500 metre runway and the glide approach is usually begun (with ATC permission) by flying a crosswind leg over the middle of the runway and then closing the throttle. 

All of this intense activity worked up a good appetite which enabled him to once again sample the excellent food in the new Airport restaurant, before flying back to Stanstead.

My flying week has consisted of a lot of basic training in and around the airport together with some long distance flights to interesting destinations.

The most popular destination for long flights is the wonderful Millau Viaduct which is about one and a half hours flight from my home base.

This flight was piloted by Tony who normally flies microlights in England and relishes his time in the left hand seat of the Robin DR400/180.

He also keeps me amused with his very dry sense of humour.

After the usual photograph session, we were gasping for a cup of tea and hopefully a sticky bun to go with it. We therefore landed at the excellent Millau airfield and strolled the few hundred yards to the large hotel/cafeteria which is adjacent to the runway.

Alex now took the left hand seat and we headed for home by a different route, enabling Tony to photograph some of the spectacular scenery in the region.

The following day, I again attempted the flight to Millau in the DA40 with Matt. Unfortunately, we had to turn back at Rodez owing to low cloud.

On the return flight, we went to investigate the new International Airport at Brive. This airport was scheduled to open in January 2007 but, thusfar, has an excellent runway in place without any of the ancillary buildings ...watch this space!!

When the new Brive Airport opens, the original airport will close permanently.

On the return journey to Limoges, we flew over the town of Pompadour which is a fascinating place to visit if you are in the area.

The chateau and the National Stud is open for guided tours each afternoon.

The racecourse is delightful and is a place to go armed with a picnic and a bottle of champagne.

For the equestrian lover, there is a calendar of events throughout the summer months—more information on Pompadour.

Each time I see the racecourse, I reminisce about my days as a jockey. At Christmas parties, we always used to play 'Jockey's Knock' which is a bit like 'Postman's Knock' but with more Horseplay.

I have replaced that passion with flying and I certainly cannot regret it as I have a wonderful life here.

It is a privilege for me to fly in France.

On Sunday, I headed for the International Dog Show at Limoges, taking 'Visions of Success' and the young English import 'Meg'.

I was delighted to win 'Best of Breed' with Visions and 'Best Young Dog' with Meg.

We were pounded with storms for all of Sunday so I could relax knowing that I was not missing any flying.

The puppies are growing quickly and are turning into individuals who never cease to amuse me with their antics.

Best wishes

Sue

 

I am always happy to receive your questions and comments, as follows:

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