Aubenas: the ideal flight

Tour ULM14 July 20182 min read

Friday 29 July, midday

Flying conditions this Friday are almost perfect: a big blue sky, no wind and magnificent visibility over the Ardèche and the Cévennes. The machines left the big Le Puy airfield fairly quickly. Le Puy is a superb area for activity, all disciplines combined. A big thank-you to the team of the Aerocopter Club du Puy, who went to great lengths to host us. It should be stressed that the work of the Tour and of the host teams is essentially done by volunteers; without them the Tour would not function.

This morning's flight was ideal and everyone enjoyed themselves. At 2000 metres we took the time to try a few little stalls with the Tetras. With one notch of flap, the machine stalls gently at 60 km/h, with two notches at 55 km/h with two on board and plenty of fuel. It is proof that high-performance, modern microlights that are not heavy and are safe, and moreover made in France, exist.

Strolling around the Ardèche Gorges, we returned to Aubenas airfield, the capital of weight-shift microlights, home to Air Création, the world's leading manufacturer. It is an extraordinary factory, a mixture of cutting-edge technology and small business. All the machines are designed on computer and the parts to be welded are pre-cut by laser. The factory has its own sail loft, and the whole secret of a machine still lies in its wing. Boat technology is very similar to that of weight-shift wings, and the visit to the sail loft is fascinating. Airbus and the big names are fine, but we must also talk about small companies with a worldwide reputation.

It is very hot at Aubenas and we spend part of the afternoon looking for shade while visiting the factory, which was opened for us. Michel Drucker, patron of Volandi, joined us. He is an aviation enthusiast, approachable and down to earth.

The last stage is coming soon.

Sébastien Perrot

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