Sue's Diary—Nearly Heaven & Nearly Hell

 I write this week’s diary with a mixture of emotions.

In my present job and in my former life as a jockey, I have become used to experiencing diverse changes of mood ranging from Nearly Heaven to Nearly Hell.

Despite the foggy mornings, we have experienced some excellent stable flying weather and 'mill pond' conditions, with a flurry of my students happily negotiating the circuit.

Ryanair have waited, on more than one occasion, until one of my solo students has safely landed on the runway at Bellegarde.

Thankfully, Limoges has enjoyed patches of excellent weather while our neighbouring airports have not been so lucky.

Consequently, qualifying cross country flights have been put temporarily 'on hold' until there is a suitable break in the weather.

Luckily, the fog does not hinder the progress of ground studies so everyone has used the 'downtime' to prepare for exams, with some excellent results—it seems that a 75% pass is not good enough for some of my students who are not entirely happy with a result of  95%.

I had a most wonderful experience this week while doing circuits on Runway 03—I flew alongside thousands of cranes who appeared, in strict formation, at circuit height on the downwind leg.

The cranes, flying from north to south en route to Spain, actually moved over to avoid me and I am convinced that one actually 'winked' at me.

More information on cranes here 

Last night, I was invited to dinner with the President of the Aeroclub de Limoges at his home in Eymoutiers.

This was a lovely evening where I enjoyed true French cooking at its best and shared the dinner table with former airline, aerobatic and balloon pilots from three generations of the same family!

I managed to converse the whole evening in French which is a definite improvement for me, having arrived here six years ago without speaking any French at all. 

Sadly, when I arrived home long past midnight, 'Cassie', the mother of 'Miracle', was again seriously ill but, despite the best veterinary care, did not respond to the treatment and went to 'heaven' early this morning.

Cassie was twenty three years old and had produced nine foals including several who are now top-class international three-day eventers.

In the seventies, I had owned her mother, 'Lady Sunshine', who was the best horse I had ever ridden,

I am sure that her surviving grandsons will carry on the family tradition and excel in the sport horse world.

'Miracle' is now feeling very lonely without his Mum and is presently in the field under the supervision of his uncle.

I hope that he will soon settle down and continue to gladden our hearts with his independence and his antics.

Comments

[André]

HI SUE, I'm very sorry for CASSIE, but life is still life and we have to prepare the last flight when dark ages is coming. She gave you so gladden days, I'm sure only the best moments are staying for ever.
Don't worry about your lolely "French", i'm like you, i'm waiting the lovely day where my Englih will be fluent... I hope it will be soon.
Best regards,André.

[susan Virr]

Hi Andre and everyone who has sent me such lovely messages of support following the loss of "Cassie".
I agree with your sentiments,life goes on and nothing is permanant, "Cassie"has given me 23 years of happiness and a wonderful leaving present in the unexpected foal "Miracle". I am proud to have owned her and to see her offspring doing so well internationally.
Once again many thanks!

[Martin Payne]

Sue, the Cranes were a manificent sight, as far as the eye could see on a hazy afternoon. Although, I don't remember hearing any requests to enter the circuit, or warning of close formation flying.
We are all very sorry to hear and know about your poor "Cassie" although anyone who has visited will testify, she led a very happy and pampered life. I hope Miracle is happier again soon.
Can't wait to get out and do that Solo now.

[Les King]

Did anybody get a good picture of the cranes which we could add to this article?

If so, please send it to les@francoflyers.org and I will 'do the necessary'.

[Reg Hole]

Hi Sue
Love your web page very interesting and informative. My wife and I have been flying down to a small strip in Rabastens 15k north of Tarbes for the last couple of years, this is being developed into a small Airparc. Being very uncertain of our French radio calls we have always used larger airports where we know English will be spoken. However you have encourged us this year to try out the smaller strips / airfields and have been greeted at all very warmly and have received a great amount of help aquiring taxis hotels food etc.
We landed at Limoges last September to clear customs, knowing that larger airports can be very strict on reporting points we approached from the North west and made contact with a very busy air traffic controller who gve us number one if we could be on the ground in two minutes, no problem so 1 minute 57 seconds later we were on the ground looking out for a Ryanair on finals expecting him to be behind us but no there he was heading staight for us. We obviusly exited without problem. From there we were ushered through the arriving passengers with the guard calling out flight crew coming through I can't imagine what they thought looking at us in shorts and tee shirts. "Their pilots" This most certainly wouldn't happen in the UK.
As you say Limoges is a very large modern and friendly airport we will certainly be coming back again. The only downside is that we couldn't pay a landing fee and have now received an invoice for 4.35€ which is proving difficult to pay.
When we next fly in is it possible to get to the flying club bearing in mind we will probably have flown direct from the UK. Clearing Customsetc?
Regards Reg

[susan Virr]

Hi Reg

Thank you for a heartwarming email.
Yes, next time you come, let me know by email and I will make sure that someone is available to greet you.
I agree that it is very difficult to pay landing fees after you have returned to Britain. Unfortunately I now seem to find this situation at most of the airfields which I visit in France, their new policy is to send the bill to the owner of the plane afterwards, I have stood at the desk and offered to pay on several occasions but they refuse to take the money. The bill then arrives months later when my students have returned to the UK.
Life would be easier if we were all using the euro!