David Kromka

Once again a good number of Speedmachines set off for Picardy in France on June 23. 17 Mooneys had landed at Eu-Tréport-Mers airfield in the early afternoon. On the way there, there were only a few small showers to fly around in the east, because in contrast to the previous day with heavy thunderstorms, it had once again turned out to be a very nice sunny flying day.

The welcome at the well-kept little airfield by the local aero club was uncomplicated and French: you could make yourself comfortable on the terrace in the sunshine and enjoy a small but delicious buffet with local specialties and snacks. Of course, there was no shortage of after-landing beer and wine, so that the landings of the incoming planes could be commented on. In the late afternoon, our coach was ready to take us to the hotel, where we quickly checked in. A short time later, we took the bus directly to the departure point of the Chemin de Fer de Baie de Somme. The small narrow-gauge railroad runs very picturesquely along the coast and in the estuary of the River Somme to Le Crotoy, a very famous seaside resort, especially at the beginning of the 20th century, which still attracts visitors today with its many lovely restaurants. Some Mooniacs were particularly excited when a so-called group exit took place halfway along the route together with another train from the station.

Dinner was very well received by the Mooniacs, as it consisted of a classic French menu with several choices. Seafood also played an important role here. After forgetting a crew at the bus departure and having to turn back after ten minutes, we were all able to enjoy a relaxing night at the hotel.

The next morning we went up to the airfield individually and started the engines. All the crews had to leave via a customs airport, as the local customs authority did not want to get involved in an on-site inspection in Eu-Mers. The aircraft therefore landed in Le Touquet, just ten minutes away, where they cleared customs and refueled. The cloud base was a bit of a challenge at first, but all the crews overcame it without any problems. A wonderful flight then began for everyone in bright sunshine over the Channel to the south coast of England and along it westwards to Cornwall. After just under two hours flying time plus/minus, the Mooniacs reached the Isles of Scilly off Land's End and approached St. Mary's Airport. Sometimes the tower crew was slightly overwhelmed despite the appropriate notification, so that one aircraft had to wait in a holding pattern for almost 40 minutes.

We took a cab or even walked to our very pretty and very posh hotel before meeting up again at the harbor for the Supper Boat to St. Agnes. A short tour of the island was on the program there and we were served classic pub food in the very British pub "Turk's Head": fish and chips or Cumberland sausage with mashed potatoes. This was accompanied by English beer, especially ale. After the trip home, some of us had a nightcap in one of the harbor pubs.

The next morning, after a hearty British breakfast, we boarded a boat again, but this time to the small island of Bryher, where we experienced the only drizzle of the entire trip for just under an hour. But by the time we crossed over to Tresco, it was completely sunny again and we were able to experience the colors of the botanical gardens in all their glory. The tour of this jewel of English garden art was shortened for some pilots, however, as they had been drinking in the island pub. After returning to St. Mary's, we enjoyed a delicious three-course meal at our hotel.

The following morning was then reserved for departures and the speed machines took off one after the other from the turtle-shaped runway, heading east and south. Some flew back over Le Touquet, others made a stopover on the Channel Islands. In the evening, everyone was able to make a safe landing report: a truly special trip with great experiences came to an end.

Report from the Mooney trip Picardy/Scillies - EMPOA