2019 was a rich flying year for me, in many ways: I crossed new borders, met many inspiring people, and overcame a number of challenges. My flying trips expanded geographically, from Åland islands in Finland to the west coast of France and Transylvanian region of Romania. I want to begin this blogpost from thanking all the nice people I met on my way, and with a photo of those I shared a pleasure of a flight with:
Last winter, we had snow in Copenhagen, even in the time of Christmas, which is quite unusual. I love flying during cold winter time – the air is clear, the snow is crispy, and the familiar landscapes look unrecognisable…
In April, my friend Vagn and I went on a 3-week flying trip, where we visited Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania (map below; the blue stippled lines are non-flying tours). We spent time in many good places, saw aviation and military museums, and enjoyed the nature and meeting local people in all of those countries.
Whilst staying in Konstanz, south-west Germany, I also visited Switzerland and Liechtenstein. I wanted to go hiking in the mountains of Liechtenstein, but due to heavy snowfalls all trails were closed. I did some hiking anyway, at lower altitudes, and adored the panoramic views of the country, and its Royal Castle:
When I came up with the proposal to have Romania on our destination list, Vagn agreed, but he didn’t believe we would make it. But we reached Romania, and landed in Timisoara International. It was probably the first time, a Danish ultralight was parked there between the passenger airliners:
In Romania, we went on several exciting guided tours. One thing that impressed me most was a unique church in Transylvania – Densus Church, built in the 7th century. It was very special, both outside and inside, like no other churches in the world, with two sphinxes and Roman columns, and with the remains of ancient paintings on the walls and ceiling.
In May, Klaus Degner from EKGL organised a tour to the Danish Vintage Gliding Club in Arnborg for Albatros, my primary flying club. With my club mates, we had a great day in Arnborg. It was very interesting to learn about the process of restoration, and to see how some of the work is done:
We flew vintage gliders, and did aerobatics in a modern one:
Later in 2019, I went on a flying trip to Belgium together with Roskilde flying club. We stayed in Ostend, where we among other things saw these Rock Strangers by the sea I liked so much:
Our group was relatively small this year, but it gave us a good chance to be closer to each other:
Among other things, we visited Brugge, a picturesque medieval town, where we spent whole day walking around and admiring its fairy-tale atmosphere:
It has also become a tradition for me to go on a flying trip together with Värnamo flying club from Sweden. We were supposed to fly to Scotland, and all participants looked so much forward to it, but our group had to divert due to bad weather. We had some good days in Germany and Czech Republic instead of. Our group in Heringsdorf, Germany:
My pilot-in-command on this tour was Peter; briefing under the wing in Letnany, Czech Republic:
We worked very well together in the cockpit, and agreed to go on a tour together later this year again.
Another 3-week flying trip with Vagn was in July, where we visited Germany, The Netherlands, France, and Channel Islands:
We’ve made new friends in all of the aerodromes we landed at, and hope very much to meet all those nice people again.
The highlight of the tour for me was definitely the two German islands of Helgoland in the North Sea:
Those two tiny islands were so different, so beautiful, and so special – it was a pity we had to leave after a couple of days due to the strong winds approaching.
After spending some time in the Netherlands and France, we headed for the Channel Islands. Our flight plan to Alderney island was lost somewhere in the systems, we were handed over from one ATC to another, and reached our destination as was planned:
One of the biking tours where Vagn and I visited almost all of the Alderney’s 18(!) castles:
We were camping on the island of Alderney for several days, and really explored all the corners of this beautiful place:
On the west coast of France, we visited Vannes, an amazing town where we were lucky to stay in an apartment right in its historic centre:
The delicious galettes de sarrasin Bretonne were mouthwatering and we wandered through the charming streets of Vannes day and night…
Then there were other good places in France, and we finally turned back to our way home. A sunny break on Texel, a Dutch island:
Another exciting tours waited for me after returning home from the 3-week tour in July. With my Swedish friend Peter we flew to Åland islands in Finland in August:
We rented a car, and drove several islands of the archipelago around. The nature was simply stunning!
I’ve always admired Peter for his excellent preparation for a flight, every time. And I’ve learned a couple of new things from him that I practice – it helps me to be a better pilot.
During 2019, there were air shows in different countries in Europe, and I loved our Danish air show in Roskilde! This year, we had a very special guest that flew in from the UK: B-17 The Flying Fortress, nicknamed Sally B:
On Friday night, Roskilde air show did spectacular fireworks:
One of those flying trips that made an impression, was to Varberg, Sweden, together with Vagn. We stayed in a former prison of the Varberg Fortress:
The cultural and historic heritage of Varberg made a huge impression, and the raw beauty of Getterön was overwhelming; I’d like to return next year.
Danske Flyvere (English: The Danish Aviators) association had its annual gala in November. With some of our beautiful female pilots at the event:
Ängelholm flygmuseum is also worth mentioning – it was very interesting to visit, and to try a simulator together with Peter, a friend from Danske Flyvere:
In the end of the year, there were a number of Christmas lunches in all flying clubs I’m a member of. On the photo below, I’m together with my dear friends from the Zonen Flylaug, where we look after and fly a very special museum aircraft in Denmark, KZ-III OY-DYZ:
2019 was a great year, and I tried to point out the places I visited, on a map:
Every single trip was special, but it is impossible to describe everything, so I just picked up some of them. Many thanks to all who made this year so memorable for me!
