Flying to Le Touquet made EESy as our AV-Venturers head to France for the first time this year
Our AV-venturers dug out their passports as it was time to say Bonjour to Le Touquet!
It was an early start at the flying school for planning. They discussed the route, checking for any changes in airspace or any new NOTAMs then down to the helipad to check the helis
With flight plan and GAR forms all filed the night before it was important to leave on time and with rotors turning just before 10am this really was a result! It had been a busy week in the sky due to Royal Ascot and Friday was no exception so pilots we reminded to stay vigilant. After passing through London’s city zone, they made their way over to Folkestone via Brand’s Hatch and across the channel at its most narrow to Cap Gris-Nez and then along the French coast punctuated with ‘Moules de Bouchot’ (Mussel farms) all the way to Le Touquet.
Once landed our AV-venturers refuelled the helis so they could save some time on their return but little did they know that Le Touquet customs had introduced the the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) checks. This digital process requires an eye/facial scan and fingerprint collection upon your initial arrival so that took a little longer than usual but otherwise a very slick border crossing.
Our pilots then swapped skids for pedals as It is customary for most visitors to hire bikes to make the journey into the town centre for a bite to eat at our favourite lunch stop Le Matisse.
After lunch, the warm weather and plenty of daylight made for the perfect opportunity for a wander down to the beach with some going for a paddle in the sea!
The return ride to the airport was a little slower than earlier but our forward planning fuelling earlier meant we were not delayed getting airborne and lifted slightly ahead of schedule.
It was a similar route back home to Elstree, however with some extra time to play with, Capt Baker and Capt White took the opportunity for a quick trip through the heli lanes to complete the day!
