Flying at La Môle (St Tropez)

Flying over the blue azur of the Meditterean Sea and picturesque coastline has been an ambition of mine since first holidaying in the region several years ago but I had never thought it likely to become a reality.

However, having regained my class II medical (of which more later), thoroughly and ably administered by Jollydoc, I achieved my dream last year. Every time the wheels have come off since, I get a huge buzz and if I had the time or inclination, a selfie would expose a cheesy grin.

La Môle airport is 11 miles from St Tropez on the French Riveira, mostly serving the private jet fraternity. Taking off from 1200m of billiard smooth tarmac shared by pocket rockets and uber expensive helicopters into the most gloriously clear blue sky and stunning views is above any expectation I may have had of life as a teenager in the early 70’s, hang gliding off Dunstable Downs in Bedfordshire. Long may it last.

La Môle is located on the edge of the Massif des Maures, surrounded on three sides by 900′ hills. Because of this, a reconnaissance flight with an approved instructor or a mountain qualification (unique to France) is required by all pilots, from exotic private jet jockeys to humble GA aficionados. The reconnaissance check in my case consisted of 3 one hour flights. Doing my bit for entente cordial and keeping the instructor in beer money peut-être!

The 1st hour was a type check (Socata TB9) and general handling. The 2nd hour was airfield familiarisation. As the photo shows, the airfield is nestled in hillside with low ground to the N/E only. Take off is usually on 06 and landing on 24, regardless of wind direction unless there is a large tailwind component. In which case you can request a takeoff on runway 24, aiming straight at the hill! A very last moment right turn is necessary to avoid over flying the village or an expensive housing development. Quite exciting for passengers. Not quite as exciting as landing over the hill though because unless you are very close, a go around is the likely result!

The 3rd hour was a short flight to Cuers, an ex-military airfield used by many GA pilots and several flying schools. French is obligatory at this airfield. Interpreting the AFIS whilst flying low over the mountain terrain to avoid restricted airspace above before emerging on to a flat plain and establishing whether the tower is manned (often not) and then trying to work out how many aircraft are on frequency and where they are was towards the limit of my available grey matter the first time I did it.

Back to La Môle. Some readers, assuming you are still reading, will have thought that departing and arriving in different directions with a narrow final approach (offset due to the hills) is somewhat tricky. Add to the mix the speed of approaching jets; numerous helicopter taxis ferrying their wealthy clients to and from their villas or yachts (often flying above you due to noise abatement requirements) and the occasional air ambulance coming and going from the local hospital makes the whole thing a very wide awake experience during the “season”.

To complicate the situation further, the airport has an automatic and recorded wind measuring facility. Due to the surrounding hills and possible turbulence, flights are not permitted in wind speeds above 15/16knots, depending on direction. Rather awkward if flying near the wind speed limit as landing may be refused on return if the wind has picked up.

Altogether a rather daunting challenge, given my relatively low hours but a hugely rewarding experience given the scenery available and the knowledge that I am the only British GA pilot flying a club aircraft there this year.

To conclude…..back to the middle aged saga of health issues and boys toys. And maybe a tale to encourage others. It started when I managed to give myself a hernia, pulling my motorcycle on to its’ centre stand. Whilst having an assessment prior to a hernia repair, I was diagnosed with Paroxysmal (occasional) Atrial Fibrillation. I was initially unaware of the condition but over time, it became more acute. To cut a long story short, it turns out that the AF was likely caused by an overactive Thyroid (now partially removed) and after Catheter Ablational at St Barts in London, the AF is completely cured, I am drug free and able to continue my second childhood.

What next? A flight over the Med to Corsica perhaps, or maybe go for it and fly down from the UK. Some serious pennies need to be put by, methinks.

Thanks again to Philip for his help in communication with the CAA and sorting my medical. Thanks also to the team at St Barts who do a miraculous job. Finally, thanks to all at La Môle Airport who have been so friendly and helpful.