Next to the hobby as radio amat_eur, I am since a couple of years as well an enthusiastic private pilot.
After having passed the pilot training at KOKSYDE (Belgium) / EBFN airfield, which is a military airfield, with 2 nice long runways, and accessible to the public after office hours only. Koksyde is located along the North-Sea shore, in the west of Belgium, and is the home base of the Belgian Air Force 40th Squadron, operating the "SEAKING" Rescue Helicopters.
The airplanes available at KOKSYDE "West Aviation Club" are Cessna C-150 and C-172, and in addition now as well ULM's.
I passed first the Belgian PPL certificate for Private Pilot, for VFR (Visual Flight Rules), with International qualification.
As this certificate is recognized almost world-wide, I had the opportunity to fly as well in Australia and USA (Florida).
After some years of interruption, I decided to re-activate my license again, but no longer in Belgium.
How it all began ? (1960's) ....
Since some time, I have been attracted by the
possibilities in France, and this for several reasons:
- The flexibility regarding the renewal of the PPL-licence
- The potential travel possibilities (there are numerous airstrips)
- The friendly atmosphere in the clubs !
- The variety of airplanes available
In order to re-activate my Belgian license, it was however necessary to pass again all theoretical and practical examinations according French rules & regulations ... which are now as well valid in Europe under JAR-FCL rules.
After a flight with the kids...
Actually, I am based at DUNKIRK LFAK aero-club, located just over the border. The club owns a small grass-airstrip of 800m length and four very nice planes (Robin HR-200, 2x PA-28, PA28 turbo).
This small airfield is well located as a departure base for trips to UK, France (incl. the Channel Islands), etc.
Flight on simulator of
A-320 and A-340
During april 2007 holidays in Toulouse I had the opportunity to fly on the AIRBUS full-flight simulator of A-320 and A-340 .... a great experience !
M e r c i B r u n o ;o)
'Kiss landing' with an A-340... or how to put a bird of 380T smoothly back
to earth !
