Heading for Dinard!

The weather had removed its cloak of wind, coldness and rain to dress itself in a shining, clear and beautiful sun. A light northwesterly breeze of 10 knots brought some freshness to the atmosphere. So we set off our navigation log towards Dinard instead of Orléans for a family lunch at the airport restaurant.

After ensuring that weather conditions would remain correct during our return trip, I decided to take the keys to the Cessna 172 aircraft. The computer system alerted me that the engine had reached its maximum time before inspection and refused to unlock the keys. I spoke with Yves-Noël, the mechanic of the aeroclub, who advised taking another Cessna 172 if it wasn’t too low on fuel. Manual check revealed a total of 50 liters were distributed in both tanks. The resulting range was somewhat limited, so we had to stop for refueling.

After refueling, it’s time to leave. Takeoff at 12H05 from Rennes and landing about thirty minutes later at Dinard. I parked the Cessna in the Alpha parking lot and headed towards the restaurant, Bar à Caf’. Aeronautical ambiance guaranteed with a view of the runways and planes. The meal finished, we returned to the plane (with some hesitation, see below) after checking our papers by customs.

Start-up and taxi to holding point J35. A CASA CN-235 taxis up the runway while I carry out engine tests. I announce my readiness for departure to the control tower, which asks if I can take off immediately. Answering in the affirmative, I line up and take off on runway 35 ahead of the CASA. Back to Rennes with some turbulence under the cumulus clouds. The trip took two minutes less than the outward journey, thanks to the tailwind.