For those flying down from England to Interlaken for the EAA...
I've followed this route a number of times.
A classic Europa 912 (and, I'll hazard a guess,.. any other Europa
variant
!) will fly an approximately straight line routeing from Calais/ Le
Touquet
to Interlaken, in nil wind, in just over 3hrs, and use about 55 litres
of
fuel at a fast, steady cruise. (110 - 115 kts on the flight plan). I
dare
say that those with a variable prop. will probably reduce their fuel
draw somewhat. I've found that flying at lower RPM (4700), and high
altitude (circa 9000ft) reduces my fuel burn to around 14 -15 litres/hr.
If your UK airfield is on the 'customs permitted list' (our local
farmstrip is), then its possible to fly straight there, and cut out
France altogether. With my large tank (over 70 litres main), I've found
that the alternative customs airfield of Lausanne is both friendly, and
relatively cheap and is reachable in 3 1/2 hrs from South Essex. The
staff speak English.
Refuelling on 100LL from Lausanne costs around 1/litre. Customs,
landing
charge, overnight parking, and passenger tax cost around a fiver each.
Overnight accommodation in Lausanne is generally expensive, though I've
found en-suite hotel rooms for less than 40/night and the campsite on
Lake Leman is 8. Write me for details. A regular bus service (No 1)
runs from the airfield, right through the town in less than 1/2 hr.
The views of this Swiss Alps in this region are unforgettable. FX
spiralled
upwards to 13000ft beside the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau, three weeks
ago. The Matterhorn (Mt Cervin) and Mt Blanc are all within easy reach.
Watch out
for local hazards, like flying parachutes near popular mountain launch
sites.
Enjoy...
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