Chipmunk in Saint-Emilion?

Hi there FrancoFlyers.

My name is Frank de Munck. I am a retired Dutchman living in Saint-Emilion, east of Bordeaux.

I have been flying as a PPL for some 30 years, including in the UK; owned a Tiger Moth (G-ADIA); still a member of the De Havilland Moth Club. Just very recently, I bought a yellow Husky (G-LTMM) from Bob Pooler; great fun in this part of the world.

Libourne aerodrome (LFDI) is just 15 minutes from home.

If you only have been drinking Saint-Emilion and not actually have seen this middle-ages city, then put it on your list for 2008. Do not wait, it's simply gorgeous.

And that is all thanks to Emilion from French Brittany, who chose to live (and drink) there in the 8th century!

Also, for those who do not know the city of Bordeaux: it's a little Paris, with a completely renovated center and many pedestrian areas. The mile-long quay along the river Garonne is wonderful for walking, jogging, eating and shopping.

Under your King Henry II, the Aquitaine Region including Bordeaux have been English for many decades.

For British Francoflyers, this region is just a must to better understand; you will enjoy it!

Back to flying, here is my idea:

I still own a Chipmunk, G-BXHA, one of the very last to leave the RAF in 1997. Chippy is undergoing its Star inspection and is top 5 in the world (those who have experience, know what I mean).

If there is some interest among you to do some tailwheel flying, I just might keep it and bring it over to Libourne. Not for commercial reasons, but to cover the costs with sufficient hours per year (Rates still to be defined).

The instructor of the LAC (Libourne Aeroclub) would be delighted to check you out, or to start tailwheel training with you.

Chippy is wonderful to fly and easy to land.

So, if you want, just give me your feedback; describe your interest to give me an indication. Don't feel committed.

  In any case, visit Saint-Emilion, dine at "Envers du Decor" a really nice informal winebar/brasserie with good food and great wines (also per glass).

The people over there all speak English...with a french accent!

Have fun and thanks,

Speak soon,

Frank

NB. Click on pictures for larger image

Comments

[David Henderson]

Dag Frank!
What A lovely idea - to bring the Chippy to Libourne. I'd love to pay a visit when I'm in France in July. I have some 200 hrs on type; a check-out would be wonderful, if you trust me with your lovely aeroplane. I'd love a go in LTMM also.
my email is davidhenderson747@hotmail.com
Tel Portable +44 7787 987793.
+44 1483 233918 (Home)

[susan Virr]

Hi Frank

This is most useful news, thank you for sharing it with us.
I shall certainly advise any of my pilots where to go for tailwheel flying or tuition.

I have flown into Libourne in the past and enjoyed the experience.
I shall now revisit especially to enjoy the good food at your recommended restaurant.
Please give me more details of how to find this place is it on or near to the airfield?.

[Reg Hole]

Hi Frank
Thanks for the info Frank, some friends and I plan to fly down the west coast and across to Carcasonne next week so we may well call in now that we know how friendly Libourne is.
This type of info is very useful especially to new pilots who are very apprehensive of flying into the unknown, more of it please.
Does any one know anything about Sainte Foy Le Grande as we would also like to call in there.
Regards Reg

[susan Virr]

Hi Reg
It is good to receive your comments about flying into different airfields in France.

I have visited many different airfields in France large and small,without exception I have had a warm welcome and offers of help when needed.
Carcassonne has such a wonderful old city that you will not fail to love it there.

A little bit of advice ,sometimes when the weather is superb all over the region Carcassonne can be covered in fog, so prepare an alternate airfield in case you need to divert.
We hope to print the reports of your trip on our francoflyers site in the near future.
Have a good flight and lots of happy landings.

[Frank de Munck]

Hi REG,
sorry I am late to react(been abroad); Libourne, LFDI, has a simple but tasty restaurant on the field, for lunch. Aerodrome not very busy, so if you need to refuel better phone aeroclub before. Hard runway and grass (both 04/22)Freq: 120,65 Auto (French compulsory)

St Foye, quiet, grass only (long and large), friendly, gliders and restaurant for lunch.
Be careful with military corridors!

Cheers,Frank.