We started our journey later in the day on Friday so as to arrive at Beauvechain after most of the fast jets had arrived and parked themselves. The weather was hot and sunny with good visibility for a change! Claire and myself made our way down to Lydd in G-BXSI to top up the fuel and file our flight plan. Kevin Pearce and Colin Stern were in G-VJAB and were flying non-stop over head Dover-Calais.
Crossing out over the sea the air was dead smooth and soon we were contacting Lille Approach for a radar service.
Cap Gris Nez
After about an hour there seemed to be a lot of towns were appearing on the ground that were not showing on my new map. Lille were able to confirm that my track was good - phew!
We then called up Belgar radar, then Beauvechain Radar who vectored us to a holding area 10nm south of the field while some other traffic came in, including two Military Puma helicopters from the UK.
Brussells North west of Beauvechain
On the stand generating much interest!
The runway was very long and the turn off was at the far end, so we spent the next five minutes taxying along it!
We were directed to the parking area allocated to 'Limair Ind' where owners Robert and Gerda Crets had already parked their Murphy Rebbel, Jabiru powered Maverick and part built Renegade. Gerda does most of the building work on thier aircraft.
Robert and Gerda (Murphy and Jabiru dealers) looked after all our needs including running us back and forwards to a hotel in Tienen and we were very grateful for this, they were excellent hosts.
Robert, Gerda and Jabiru powered Maverick
Part built Renegade
Murphy Rebbel
Murphy Rebbel interior
The 'Black Devils' drop in!
The 'RAF Red Arrows' from the UK
Gerda,Vic, Claire, Kevin and Colin
On the Sunday after the airshow had finished, Robert pulled a few strings and got the traffic held back so we could taxi off the stand and to the runway.
Bell-X Hotel
On route from Beauvechain to Wevelgem
We flew to Wevelgem, approx. 50mins flying, and were on the ground 15 mins before the thunder and lightening started exactly as forecast. Kevin, Colin, Claire and myself found a very nice hotel 100yrds form the airfield and we were soon tucking into another tasty Belgian meal in a resturant next door, while we talked of what had been an excellent weekend.
View of the Jabs from control tower at Wevelgem
Kevin, Claire and Colin
Kevin and Colin flew direct back to their strip in Norfolk, while Claire and myself went home via Lydd.
UK coast at Lydd
I must say that Lydd gives the warmest welcome of any airfield I know, like you're a long lost friend back from your travels.