Aeronautics class in Alsace - Episode 5: A first microlight flying experience for Justine

Federation news15 February 20232 min read

News item of 15 February 2023. Last updated on 11 April 2023: some information may have changed. Latest news

The new year means something new for Aviatik CAP 68 and for the ISAS Year 10 students: the entry into service of a new Savannah S microlight of 2019. The group that won the comic-strip competition were able to take the introductory flight they had been offered.

Savannah S microlight

It was Justine, one of the three members of the team that won first place in the aerospace comic-strip competition, who opened the ball on the new aircraft. We met at the hangar at the end of the morning, once the morning mist had cleared and given way to a beautiful sun. Having never flown before, this was a big first for her!

During the briefing, in which I explain how Habsheim aerodrome works and which runways are in use, with the VAC chart in hand, we agreed to depart from microlight runway 16, a rather technical runway but one that highlights the specifics of microlighting and keeps us away from the very busy aeroplane circuit on this sunny Sunday. I then present the route of the local flight we will make, whose high point is flying over Justine’s home, where her father is waiting resolutely in the garden.

After a pre-flight inspection that we carry out together, it is time to taxi, line up and take off: exit via Sierra Hotel; while we pass through the Basel SIV, we fly over Altkirch and the good old Lycée Jean-Jacques Henner, which takes on another dimension seen from the sky. In a few minutes we reach the home of our budding pilot, above which we draw a few circles.

The return leg is a chance for a little manoeuvring so she can discover the aircraft’s capabilities, and a first introduction to flying by suggesting we fly it together: holding an attitude while keeping a heading, an exercise Justine takes to with enthusiasm and a definite gift, a promising sign for an aeronautical future.

Over the airfield, approach, full throttle reduced, a gentle landing, and a smiling student steps out of the aircraft. A first flying experience that, I am sure, will stay in her memory.