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 Post subject: Flying with Breitling
PostPosted: Sun Jun 17, 2012 5:00 am 
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When I bought my TOC in March, I was presented with two bits of swag. First was a hat -- I had wanted one so I was very happy with that. Next was a certificate. It was in French so it took me a moment to understand -- the saleswoman helped explain: the owner of the store is a pilot and takes Breitling customers for a flight in his 1939 bi-plane. :wowzers I certainly wasn't expecting that.

Because we've had a wet Spring, it took a while to find a good day to fly but yesterday was perfect. We met at the "airport" in Bex, at the foot of the Dents de Morcles, around 6:00 PM. After introductions and some conversation about the plane, it was time to go. Monsieur Meylan made sure to explain that though the plane is from 1939, the engine is new. That did, in fact, make me feel a little better. :D

He asked where I wanted to go. Because I've climbed many of the mountains in that area -- Grand Muveran, Grand Dent de Morcles, Dents du Midi (Haute Cime), Grand Chavalard -- I asked if we could make a tour of them so that I could see them from a different perspective. And make a tour we did. It was amazing how close we flew and, at times, how close to the ground we were. I'm more accustomed to a 767 than a two-seater...

So here are a few photos from my adventure. I even managed a couple of wrist shots. I hope you enjoy them.

My sons and me before the flight.
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Wrist shot one. It was very cramped and difficult to get a good shot.
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Wrist shot two - a bit more interesting. I think that's Tour de Mayen in the background (I didn't take notice as I shot).
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The Grand Muveran (left) and the Grand and Petite Dents de Morcles (between the struts).
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Les Dents du Midi - a truly majestic sequence of seven peaks all about 3200-3250m.
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Approaching Lake Geneva from the east. Geneva is at the West end of the lake.
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Sailboats on Lake Geneva.
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Lake Geneva and Le Grammont -- this was shot just about over the spot where we live.
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PostPosted: Sun Jun 17, 2012 5:02 am 
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Very nice indeed - that's a pretty good AD!!!


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PostPosted: Sun Jun 17, 2012 5:24 am 
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:bow: :lingsrock:

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PostPosted: Sun Jun 17, 2012 6:14 am 
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Absolutely awesome !!!
I would be flipping my watches like crazy if I had an AD like this :-)

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PostPosted: Sun Jun 17, 2012 6:44 am 
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Simply amazing!

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PostPosted: Sun Jun 17, 2012 8:04 am 
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I meant to mention that Lionel (the pilot and AD owner) was wearing a Navitimer 50th anniversary LE.

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 Post subject: Flying with Breitling
PostPosted: Sun Jun 17, 2012 8:17 am 
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Wow!!! I'd buy another Breitling right now for that!

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PostPosted: Sun Jun 17, 2012 8:28 am 
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David, that's just awesome. Your scenic photos continue to amaze me, it looks absolutely beautiful out there. That must have been a wonderful experience!

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PostPosted: Sun Jun 17, 2012 9:52 am 
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CH-dmath wrote:
I meant to mention that Lionel (the pilot and AD owner) was wearing a Navitimer 50th anniversary LE.

Awesome, great time for sure!

Navitimer 50th anniversary is one I've been keeping my eye out for :) .

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PostPosted: Sun Jun 17, 2012 11:39 am 
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That is very special indeed! Looks like you had a great flight. What a fantastic aircraft! 8)


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PostPosted: Sun Jun 17, 2012 12:13 pm 
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You have quite the AD for doing that!

Did he let you get any stick time in? Cause those are a real treat to fly. I have flown one, a member of my aerobatic club competes in one.

https://plus.google.com/photos/11112360 ... banner=pwa

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PostPosted: Sun Jun 17, 2012 12:42 pm 
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Breathless scenery. Awesome.

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PostPosted: Sun Jun 17, 2012 12:44 pm 
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Thanks all for the enthusiastic comments.

mfserge wrote:
David, that's just awesome. Your scenic photos continue to amaze me, it looks absolutely beautiful out there. That must have been a wonderful experience!

Thanks Sergio. This is a special place and I'll really miss it when we have to leave. Fortunately, that doesn't appear to be impending.

burtonl1 wrote:
You have quite the AD for doing that!

Did he let you get any stick time in? Cause those are a real treat to fly. I have flown one, a member of my aerobatic club competes in one.

He did actually let me take control for a while. I'm not ashamed to admit that it made me a little nervous. Flying straight was easy enough but when he told me to turn and the wing started dipping down I just knew that we'd end up upside down.

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PostPosted: Sun Jun 17, 2012 1:05 pm 
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David, just saw that thread, what a great experience this must have been, wonderful pics too,
probably the best setup for the perfect TOC shot - great to read how much you enjoyed it !


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PostPosted: Sun Jun 17, 2012 6:38 pm 
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From my wife and me, "Incredible!" What a fantastic day.

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