There is nothing that warms the heart like a fabulous cheese, and it is in the search for the best cheese we find ourselves flying high in the French Alps.

Rumours are rife that the very best makers of cheese can be found in 10 towns in the French Alps. Sadly, ice and snow has put paid to a planned road-trip. Fortuitously (and inexplicably!) all the towns seem to have airfields although some of them could best be described as "challenging".

February 2024.

You can fly any time during February, make it a solo mission or fly with other club members. Ordinarily, an EASA-issued mountain rating, along with additional training, to land at altiports like Courchevel is required. But, hey(!), there is always YouTube 😀. I have found the "FlightChops" videos on mountain flying particularly helpful. You should plan a VFR route between the airfields that complies with requirements set out in the French eAIS.

You may use any aircraft (including helicopters) classified as GA (within the EASA "light" category), see club rules for details.

Before starting, check the weather. In accordance with VATSIM rules the wind direction should be the same as real-world. This event is strictly VFR, so all other aspects of the weather should be adjusted to avoid the disappointment of being rained or fogged in.

Remember to ANC (Aviate, Navigate, Communicate.) This event should be fun for all, both pilots and controllers. Bear in mind that other (non CIX VFR CLUB) traffic may also use the same airspace/airfields but everyone has equal priority (VFR).

Should your enjoyment become impaired due to "unsportsmanlike" ATC, let someone know so that senior club members can pass on your concerns.

Similarly, If you get something wrong, such as entering controlled airspace without authority, learn from the experience and follow instructions - even if requested to 'Disconnect'.

However, if you have a problem, ask ATC for help, a lot easier than flying on regardless causing confusion and mayhem! And don't forget your first call for help is other club members, that is how we all learnt to do it.

Not expected enroute, so make good use of Unicom.

Take care not to let our TeamSpeak Chat cut across ATC. Stop any conversation immediately the R/T comes alive, and then continue if "he wasn't talking to us". This is difficult because when talking on TeamSpeak you cannot hear the R/T. So be aware that ATC might be trying to contact a member. If anyone hears R/T which appears to be ignored and it is a club member being called, on TS, say "ATC is calling XXXX/one of us". Then everyone stop talking until ATC calls again and makes contact. Remember that if ATC tells you "stand bye" It means "Wait, don't call me, I will come back to you as soon as I can." - Busy with a more urgent problem.

Flights need to start at Meribel Robert Merloz and finish at Courchevel. Enroute you must perform a full stop landing at L'Alpe D'Huez. Otherwise, land where you like and sample the cheese. For the star you will need 2 PIREPS. PIREP 1: LFKX - LFHU for 1/2 Star; PIREP 2: LFHU - LFLJ for 1/2 Star.

French eAIS home page.

Event Idea: Colin Parker
Event planning: Colin Parker
Briefing: Colin Parker