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AYA Tuscany 2005 by Richard North

G-BDNX is now back in its hangar once again gleaming, ready for its next trip, having spent 20 hrs on this years' adventure to Valdera.
Most has already been said about the wonderful time we had. I can only echo everything.

Being the first to arrive, I was fortunate enough to be given a chalet on their lovely field. Originally I had planned to camp. On my way down through France I was held up by bad weather just short of St Yan, so diverted into a lovely little strip at Saulieu whereby I was given the keys to the clubhouse and offered all the facilities whilst the 24hr front blew through. Fortunately I had brought some food and a good book, so was comfortable during my forced stay. Thank goodness, because the programmes on TV were even worse than in UK! In fact my tent never did see the light of day.

After the super weekend, monday dawned bright and I was first away, hoping to beat the forecast thunderstorms later. First stop, Calvi. First mistake… Quick refuel, flight plan and off. Well,…… nearly. 'Non Monsieur, the runway is closed until midday'. Nothing I could do but wait. Danny and Marcel kept me company and wisely Danny later filed a second couple of FPLs in case the controllers got really silly. For thee hours we watched a couple of men leaning on shovels by the runway.

Finally we took off, Danny making far better speed than I. All was well until six miles from STP I was informed my destination (Le Castelet) was weatherbound. 'Suggest Marseilles'. The sky grew darker and lower. After ten miles, 'NX Marseilles is now not available through bad weather'. Nothing else. I called and called. Nothing. I heard Andre changing frequency. Lucky Andre. Down here in the mirk, I don't mind admitting I was concerned.

By this time I was down to 400', making my way back towards Cannes. Marseilles were not receiving me due to my height but fortunately a friendly overflying Dutchman relayed my messages. NRST on my GPS was Cannes, so I obeyed its every indication. As I was six miles to run, the Dutchman gave me some most comforting words and wished me well. Five miles, just in contact with the sea amid thunder and lightning and heavy HEAVY rain, my thoughts ran to something Paul Newton had said, to land at Nice on a call of Nature, the priviledge cost him £230!!! I didn't really want this, I don't deserve it…

The runway lights grimaced at me from 100yards. From hereon-in it was a doddle. I taxied up to the help-yourself pump in piddling rain and waited until the worst passed. I refuelled underneath my umbrella, dreading the forthcoming cost. At that moment Walter arrived in his AA5 with Matt Drahzal (?) aboard. What a welcome sight. Friends in such an alien place.

With both aircraft parked, we made our way amidst countless executive jets to the very smart reception to await better weather. My prayers (again!) had been heard, the landing fee was about 25 Euros.
A couple of hours later we made our way up to St Yan, via Valence to refuel and spent a most convivial evening eating Chateaubriand and drinking a most delectable, though cheap, wine. We all slept well that night.

Next day I followed Walter, listening to his progress and advice on the Grumpy frequency. What a bunch of Controllers did we speak to on the I must, not at all helpful, especially on the low-level route to the east of Paris. At one stage I was shadowed by a massive military helicopter. Fortunately I was not too high, or low and had not overflown any ZIT's, so as each day passes, I pray (again!) I don't receive and formal-looking way.

Richard