Pau, July 25th
- July 25, 2018
Last night at the hotel was quiet as I am staying in a single room. This morning, looking out the window reveals there’s no ceiling – just 600 feet. The planned rally flying has been cancelled, and instead, we have a theoretical test in the form of PPL-style questions. I think I managed to pass it… at least, I hope so!
This afternoon, we toured the ALAT facilities with the 5th Combat Helicopter Regiment. We were able to get close to various aircraft stationed here: Tigre, Puma, and Gazelle. Next, we saw the simulator for the Tigre. The room is air-conditioned to 18°C; it would feel quite cold compared to the outside temperatures. Photography of equipment and facilities is not permitted, so today there will only be text!
On the tarmac, a TBM 700 from the ALAT is open for viewing; I believe I recognize it. In fact, it’s an aircraft from Rennes. I chatted with the pilot, who invited me to sit in the cockpit, which features a “glass cockpit.” It’s a very comfortable aircraft designed for VIP transport of the military and government.
At 5:00 PM, we had a briefing for tomorrow’s flight to Albi. It will be a 190 nautical mile flight, without major difficulties, except that we’ll need to avoid flying over the Tour de France cycling race…
We were then invited to a buffet by our military colleagues, followed by a rock concert. We returned to the Ibis hotel in Pau with the bus for a well-deserved night’s sleep.
