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Not Taylorcraft so hence in the off-topic forum
After attending a wedding reception in Rome, myself and flying buddy Martin (lurker of this parish) met up with Italian pal Riccardo at Latina, a little south-east of Rome.
Above: The touristy bits in Rome. Actually Rome was quite nice, reasonably compact for walking, and not too many tourists at this time of year.
On Sunday we jumped on the efficient Trenitalia to Latina station, where Riccardo collected us and took us to the very friendly Aeroclub Latina, situated on the military training airfield.
The club has a sort of polite arrangement with the military that unfortunately restricts private flying to weekends when, like the RAF, the Italian Air Force don't believe an invasion will occur. In short order, and after the military had opened the taxyway gate, we found ourselves airborne in the somewhat hazy sunshine over the pleasant Italian coastal countryside.
Above: Ruin-spotting over the rocky headlands. Riccardo did a stunning job of showing us the scenery & sights, from the marshy wetlands of the inshore bird sanctuaries to the inland mountains; from the Mussolini-inspired town buildings to the showy beach villas.
Above: Inland to the mountains, we take an eagle's eye view of the hilltop villages. We are told that there are strict restrictions on changes to the outside of the buildings, so as to preserve the charm, and a sensible rule it is.
Above: There was more haze and cloud over the mountains, but Riccardo is familiar with every landmark.
Above: The trusty club 172
After lunch at the Aero Club, the three of us whizz off to Aprilia International Spaceport to meet up with Riccardo's missus to take a look at her new 172.
Above: Walking the strip, the new hanga...I mean Greenhouse shows up bright and zinc in the sun.
There is not too much light aircraft flying in Italy, compared with the UK, but there is a huge microlight fraternity. Several flew over the strip while we were there, and one, a Technam P92 Echo, flown by Riccardo's friend Andrea, dropped in.
Ever the scroungers, Martin & I hitch a ride around the patch.
Above: Pre-flight check with Andrea. It seems strange to fly without headsets, although I used to years ago. But the Echo is reasonably quiet, with its Limbach engine.
Above: Short take-off...
Above: ...and landing over the wires.
Above: A few post flight bevvies adorn the P66C for the obligatory group photo.
Thanks for a great day, Riccardo, Andrea & Ornella.
After attending a wedding reception in Rome, myself and flying buddy Martin (lurker of this parish) met up with Italian pal Riccardo at Latina, a little south-east of Rome.
Above: The touristy bits in Rome. Actually Rome was quite nice, reasonably compact for walking, and not too many tourists at this time of year.
On Sunday we jumped on the efficient Trenitalia to Latina station, where Riccardo collected us and took us to the very friendly Aeroclub Latina, situated on the military training airfield.
The club has a sort of polite arrangement with the military that unfortunately restricts private flying to weekends when, like the RAF, the Italian Air Force don't believe an invasion will occur. In short order, and after the military had opened the taxyway gate, we found ourselves airborne in the somewhat hazy sunshine over the pleasant Italian coastal countryside.
Above: Ruin-spotting over the rocky headlands. Riccardo did a stunning job of showing us the scenery & sights, from the marshy wetlands of the inshore bird sanctuaries to the inland mountains; from the Mussolini-inspired town buildings to the showy beach villas.
Above: Inland to the mountains, we take an eagle's eye view of the hilltop villages. We are told that there are strict restrictions on changes to the outside of the buildings, so as to preserve the charm, and a sensible rule it is.
Above: There was more haze and cloud over the mountains, but Riccardo is familiar with every landmark.
Above: The trusty club 172
After lunch at the Aero Club, the three of us whizz off to Aprilia International Spaceport to meet up with Riccardo's missus to take a look at her new 172.
Above: Walking the strip, the new hanga...I mean Greenhouse shows up bright and zinc in the sun.
There is not too much light aircraft flying in Italy, compared with the UK, but there is a huge microlight fraternity. Several flew over the strip while we were there, and one, a Technam P92 Echo, flown by Riccardo's friend Andrea, dropped in.
Ever the scroungers, Martin & I hitch a ride around the patch.
Above: Pre-flight check with Andrea. It seems strange to fly without headsets, although I used to years ago. But the Echo is reasonably quiet, with its Limbach engine.
Above: Short take-off...
Above: ...and landing over the wires.
Above: A few post flight bevvies adorn the P66C for the obligatory group photo.
Thanks for a great day, Riccardo, Andrea & Ornella.
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