A lovely flying afternoon

In more ways than one. Not only was the weather more or less perfect, being bright, still and calm, but I also got to take Wim’s grandchildren and son for some short local flights in 56NE. It’s amazing that a whole year has flown by since the last time.

Being so busy on other things, I only got to fly once in September and today was the only time I have flown in October, so with this in mind, I was especially careful preparing and checking the aircraft over. The first thing that I noticed was that the reservoir for the oil that lubricates the engine butterfly valves was almost empty, so as a lot of water had entered the cabin and wetted the seats during the recent thunderstorm, I pushed the aircraft over and parked it in the sun before I went to buy some more oil to top it up.

I wasn’t sure what oil I needed and my first thought was that I’d need to return home and do an internet search to find out. Then I remembered my new smartphone, opened up the browser and had my answer in seconds ie 2-stroke, the same oil as for the engine lubrication.

The seats were dry by the time I got back so after topping up the oil, I started the engine and did a couple of brisk taxies up and down the runway plus a take off power check. All was in order so then I did a take off with a quick return and landing before adding a bit more fuel to the tanks.

The kids and I had a great time and all too soon the afternoon was over. One final hiccup was to come, however. Shortly after the family had left by car, I watched Wim take off in the Red Baron and head towards Plazac. He hardly climbed at all and seemed to just skim the next hilltop before continuing on his way towards Plazac. As I watched him heading into the distance it was obvious that he wasn’t going to make the next one and then I saw him turn left and start descending even lower before I lost sight of him.

I had no choice but to conclude that he’d had an engine failure and gone down in the valley between Thonac and St Léon sur Vézère, especially as he’s had one or two minor engine problems in the past couple of months. Imagine if I’d done nothing and he’d been stuck in a field somewhere, or even worse. There was little I could do from Galinat so I phoned Victor and he and Madeleine dropped everything to drive out and see what they cold find.

Suffice to say that Wim was OK and that he’d merely seen the family’s car and dropped down to fly past it, but I just wish that he’d mentioned that he might do something like that beforehand. Or, take note Wim, had his mobile phone with him and switched on so he could be readily contacted! Just wait until I see him this coming Sunday 😉