Sue's Diary 2009 Oh what a wonderful year!

Things have been so hectic this year that I have hardly had time to write my weekly diary.

Amazingly, despite the credit crunch I have had the best year ever!

Congratulations to  the students who came from all over Europe and as far away as New Zealand and Norway to gain their PPL's (some in record time).I will write more on that subject towards the end of the year.

We have flown to many exotic places and dined in some excellent restaurants, all of this during the PPL training.I know that many of you know of my motto which is: "Flying should be Fun"

The weather in France this year has been remarkably  stable with  excellent flying conditions.I have been busy since January (March normally wet and windy proved to be a remarkable month for weather).

The effects of this dry weather took it's toll on the grass at Nearly heaven, my horses were eating hay from early June and the green grass was a distant memory until this last month.

Of course finally this month  we went from drought  to floods  in a remarkably short time, luckily we are situated on a hill so we did not experience the worst of the flooding.These last two weeks have been pretty grim as far as flying lessons go.

Sadly ,Martin Rangeley ran out of time, he waited for several days to take his PPL skill test but the weather remained un-flyable, therefore he reluctantly returned home to England with the dream of completing the PPL next year here in France.

  Martin Payne(" big martin") had to go home for a few weeks after completing his training. However he then returned to pass his skill test on one of the best days of the year.Congratulations Martin !

I am hoping that Gwen Jenner will gain her licence in 2009,she is patiently waiting for a good day to take her skill test prior to the christmas break.

This year Gwen has studied and trained with great determination.She has also spent countless hours helping other students with ground school and she is something of an expert with the dreaded whizz wheel.

She has also taken over the role of resident  photographer now that Matt Galvin is unavailable owing to the pressure of course work for his baccalaureate.Many thanks Gwen, your infectious laughter is so welcomed by everyone at the club.

Yesterday afternoon we had a gap in the weather, so Gwen and I set off on a navigation exercise to the delightful little grass airport Chauvigny ( LFDW).The purpose was two fold, Gwen was itching to get back in a plane  to keep her skills up to date. I had been asked to fly "an hour with an instructor" for SEP revalidation purposes with  Barbara Reed an English pilot who is based at Chauvigny.The initial flight took us about 35 minutes, Gwen neatly landed on the grass and taxied onto the hard standing at the club.We had been warned not to use the taxiways as they were very wet.

Barbara had her cub aircraft ready so we set off to do the hour of general handling.We went through a variety of landings and I was impressed with the capabilities of both the pilot and this wonderful plane.We continued to the local area to perform PFL's steep turns etc.

On the way back owing to the excellent visibility in the back of the cub. I was treated to some of the local history of the area including following  miles of a roman road ,viewing some delightful chateaux, and interesting old churches.

We headed for home in the trusty Robin and remarked upon the sensational evening sunset.

Upon  entering Limoges CTR we opted for the quick route by joining right base for runway 21.Just prior to turning final the controller switched on the runway lights and kindly asked us " Foxtrot Delta Delta are the lights ok for you" What a nice welcome home.

Finally a message to Peter Cazalet ,sadly he is at present in hospital, hopefully he will be released mid December.

From all your pilot friends at Nearly Heaven

 "Get Well Soon Peter"!

Comments

[John Stevens]

My goodness, there are people camping at that airstrip! Surely that's not a recent photograph or are they just incredibly hardy in that part of France? Brrrrrrrrrr .... shivering just thinking about it.

Lots of good news in one big post, great to hear that everyone is getting on so well.

Get well soon Peter.

[sue virr]

Hi John

Yes, you are right, it is not a recent photograph.
Chauvigny receives many pilots from Europe who come for gliding holidays. I imagine the photograph was taken during one of their summer camps.

I am looking forward to flying with you in the new year.

[William Barriga]

To: Sue Virr
Subject: latest news
Many thanks, Sue. Keeping myself regularly informed on the goings-on in NearlyHeaven by visiting your website almost daily. Never missed a blog including their comments. Just waiting for the best weather to set in, and I will jump immediately on Air France to Limoges. I might join Little Martyn next year. My aim is still to get PPL before leaving Europe in July 2010. Meantime, I will continue flying here in Geneva. Wishing you well. William

[gwen]

William, I just read your note. It'll a welcome treat for us in the Limousin to be able to see another friendly pilot here next year. I hope the weather at Geneva accommodates your winter flying practice until you return ici ,
Best wishes
Gwen and Bernard

[William Barriga]

Hi Gwen and Bernard. Thank you for the kind words. If there is something I really missed from Limoges, it's the friendly and supportive pilots. I shall return. Cheers. William