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Aviation History
1951
1951 - 2111.PDF
512 PLIGHT, 19 October 1 ^ The unique and remarkable fortified town known os the City of Carcassonne is a rewarding destination—ana a fine landmark—for air tourists. It is some 550 miles south ofLympne and almost equi-distant from imiSpanish border, Toulouse (50 miles to the north-west), and the Mediterranean coast. CONTINENTAL RALLIES —WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO CARCASSONNE RECREATIONAL flying has virtuallycome to an end in Britain until nextspring, and nearly all the air rallies "at homes " and competitions are over for another season. In recent years, during each summer, a number of invitations have been received—almost invariably through the Royal Aero Club— for British pilots to spend a week-end at this or that resort or town as the guests of either a flying club, an influential individual or, perhaps, the local wine producers. The words "air rally" have come to mean a get-together of people who arrive by air; otherwise there is usually very little to do with flying except for the "shop" talk and the convivial fellowship and common enthusiasm which undoubtedly link flying people of all nationalities together in a unique manner. When left to themselves, pilots of different nationalities are the very first to strike up a friendship. Frequently the first stop in France, Le Touquet is a lively little airport offering all normal facilities, but in particular a welcome. Customs and steaks at almost any hour. Our Gemini, seen in the foreground, was carrying a partially dismantled B.S.A. motor cycle and required a mani- fest similar to that used by the Silver City Bristol Freighters, for which the two Rover cars beside the terminal buildings are waiting. by The Editor The best-known and largest Continentalrally is that organized at Deauville each year through the generous hospitality of those good friends of all British aviators, M. and Mme. Andr£. Every year since the war, large parlies of club pilots and private owners, with wives and friends, have descended in ever increasing num- bers at St. Gatien airfield on a Friday or Saturday at the beginning of July. Having signed in they say goodbye to their aircraft until the Monday morning, enjoying in the meantime the truly royal hospitality accorded to all M. Andre's guests. A similar, though rather smaller tally is organized at La Baule—usually on the following week-end and with the same host. All through the summer months other smaller rallies are organized with the intention of introducing the British pilots to the pleasures and entertainments peculiar to the different areas of France. By comparison with the expense of paying such visits as private individuals, the cost is very little and representative amounts might be £2 to enter for the rally and arrival competition; £1 or £2 organization fee, payable to the R.Ae.C; £1 per head as the agreed figure to cover all gratuities of the hotels; and the cost of the petrol to fly there and back. Because of the regulations in force in this country, one must be careful about making arrangements to hire an air- craft and share the flying expenses, but that is one obvious way to keep individual travelling costs down. It should not be forgotten, moreover, that a duty-free refuel is permitted when taking-off for another country. In France, the Customs official simply signs copies of the purchase form on the spot, but in England a refund must be claimed on the appropriate forms. Whichever way it is done a very considerable saving can result. Landing fees are normally waived at the destina- tion airfield, and if one puts down at an en route field such as
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