From Lelystad to Hausen am Albis via Birrfeld
On Thursday, March 8 2007, Carsten and René departed from Lelystad with end destination Hausen am Albis, Switzerland. For Thursday evening a dinner with colleague's from Zug was scheduled, and for Friday maybe a side trip over the Alps, pending the weather. Birrfeld, close to Hausen am Albis, could be used to clear customs. After clearing customs in Birrfeld and paying the landing fee, another 15 minutes of flying time remained to Hausen am Albis. In the evening we had dinner with the colleague's from Zug.
René getting ready for departure
Final RWY 26 Birrfeld
Carsten in Birrfeld
Final RWY 09 Hausen am Albis
Round trip to Locarno
The next day, Friday March 9 2007, Carsten – who is currently in training for his PPL in Switzerland – took the afternoon off from office so we could make a round trip to Locarno, over the Gotthard. While running on autogas the engine performed well, and we climbed easily to 10,000 feet, with a better performance than the charts indicated (the charts are based on an engine running on AVGAS 100LL).
After clearing the Gotthard we descended slowly to Locarno (650 feet ASL). The weather forecast stopped us from going into town. The restaurant at the airport had not much to offer. After a simple salad and a drink we departed again for our return flight. After take-off from RWY 26R we climbed in a left turn over Lake Maggiore to reporting point Arbedo.
Climbing to 10,000 feet
Pulling the plane to the pump
South of the Gotthard
PH-EAH in Locarno
Clouds moving in over the alps.
Lago Maggiore
From Hausen am Albis to Lelystad via Birrfeld and Mainz
On Saturday, March 10 2007, I made the return flight to Lelystad, with a stop in Birrfeld to clear customs, and in Mainz to drop Carsten and Maria.
Leaving Hausen am Albis
Approaching Birrfeld
Reporting office and restaurant in Mainz
Radio telescope Effelsberg