Flight of December 24th

The low winter ceilings have made flying under visual flight rules (VFR) difficult these past two months. But on this December 24th, visibility has improved and the cloud layers have risen. Perfect weather for a short flight around Rennes! Is there an unknown reason behind all of this?

Upon arriving at the aero club, I check the latest weather information and NOTAM as usual. Nothing particular appears to be noted. I unlock the keys of the F-HASH and begin the pre-flight checks. I purged the fuel lines since it’s the first flight of the day on this aircraft. I boarded the plane and started the engine. I listened to the ATIS and informed the tower of my intentions. I am authorized to taxi ahead, given the urgency of the mission. Engine tests were successful; the tower authorizes me to take off and turn quickly south towards the designated area. I stabilized at 2000 feet, which is the estimated altitude. Reindeer don’t have oxygen masks!

We had been searching for a while when the TCAS (Traffic for Christmas Agency System) sounded an alarm, indicating traffic within one nautical mile. Our eyes scanned the bright horizon, watching for its trail…

Whew, it was passing within our three o’clock window in the sunlight, that little rascal! We almost missed it, but we managed to capture a few seconds of decent images. Returning to base with unforgettable memories of an unexpected encounter. You had to be there to see it and believe it! Don’t expect to see it again next year in the same location; the elves deposit a new flight plan each Christmas to visit well-behaved children.