Visit to the Angers Air Museum

With the picnic loaded in the cargo hold, the flight log prepared, and the weather briefing printed out, it’s time to head towards Angers airport for a visit to the ‘Espace Air Passion’ museum. More than 180 aircraft and models coexist, forming a rich static or operational aviation heritage collection. Let’s explore!

Upon arriving at the airclub, I double-check the weather forecast to see if VFR conditions will be maintained until evening. The departure will be under the clouds at 1500 feet, with arrival in Angers taking place in sunshine; hopefully, there won’t be any surprises on the return journey. It’s time for the pre-flight check! I quickly wipe the windshield for better visibility, turn on the camera mounted on the left wind strut of the aircraft, and we all settle inside.

Takeoff from runway 28, then direct heading towards Angers. After a minute or two, as I pass Châteaubourg, I realize I’ve incorrectly set the course corrector. After correcting it, I return to my route, which now becomes a straight line towards Angers airport on the horizon. I contact the AFIS agent. Runway 26 is in service; I integrate the circuit by the downwind. A Beechcraft is performing an IFR arrival, so I initiate a 360-degree hold to let it land. Final approach, landing, and taxiing to the parking area. The AFIS agent suggests we park behind a TB20. We bring out the picnic and I take care of the landing fee. Lunch under the museum’s shade while waiting for it to open. Travel really works up an appetite!

The museum houses aircraft from various eras, as well as engines, prototypes, models, and even a propeller-driven car! It’s possible to climb inside two aircraft: a Fouga and a Broussard. The latter had a rather bumpy landing; the propeller is bent! You’ll also find a Piper L4H that participated in D-Day, and the Fauvel AV-22 glider, nicknamed “la godasse” (the shoe) because of its fuselage shape…

After 2 hours of visiting, it’s time to think about heading back. Return to the parking area and pre-flight check. Indeed, the pilot in command must perform this check before each departure. Nothing unusual; we board. I start the engine and transmit a radio message to the AFIS agent requesting taxiing to the holding point. Engine tests are satisfactory, so I advance along the runway until reaching the threshold. I increase power, take off, and set course for Rennes. After about forty minutes, the Rennes runway is in sight. The control tower authorizes me for an extended final approach on runway 28.

Since the Cessna is equipped with an ILS, I enter the VHF frequency into the radio unit to obtain indications on the instrument panel. The principle is simple: a vertical needle indicates whether we are aligned with the runway, and a horizontal needle shows our position relative to the glide path. When both needles form a perfect cross, the aircraft is properly positioned on the glide slope for landing. Slight turbulence in the final approach causes me to climb and descend from the glide path – this is clearly visible on the ILS. Landing and taxiing to the fuel station for refueling. We park the aircraft in the hangar; it’s been a wonderful, fully aviation-focused day!

The museum’s website is available here .