On October 21, 2011, Laurent took me for a ride in a Cirrus SR32. This light, single-engine, four-seater aircraft was originally produced by the American aircraft manufacturer Cirrus Design from 2001 onwards. Based on the Cirrus SR20, it has a more powerful 310 hp engine, a longer wingspan and a higher fuel capacity.
Notable features include doors on the left and right that open like an elytra, and a parachute that deploys with the aid of a rocket. This parachute, designed to support the aircraft and its occupants, has helped save many lives.
Manufacturer’s website: https: //cirrusaircraft.com/
Discovery flight with Laurent aboard this Cirrus SR32 in autumn 2011.
Take-off from Ancenis airfield, then a short tour of the Nantes conurbation in IFR (instrument flight rules) visual flight rules. Flying by map, terrain, water towers, roads…
Radio procedure and instrument approach at Nantes Atlantique airport (LFRS). A “touch and go” then return to Ancenis.
Note: A “touch & go” is when you follow a standard landing procedure, then go around and take off again as soon as the aircraft’s wheels touch the runway. Anecdotally, we were lectured by the air traffic controller in the Nantes control tower because we hadn’t announced this “touch & go” beforehand. As far as he was concerned, we had to land at Nantes Atlantique and join the parking lot reserved for tourist aircraft (and pay the tax?).
Sorry, controller, we won’t do it again, I promise!
