We departed Sterpenich at first light. The weather forecast warned of unsettled skies later in the morning, so an early departure was essential. At sunrise, the Blackwing was ready, glistening in the golden light, and the first part of the flight promised smooth blue skies.
South of Dijon, however, the horizon began to change. On the Golze Engineering weather radar, a red cell appeared near Bourg-en-Bresse — a clear sign of a possible cumulonimbus (CB), the towering thunderstorm clouds no VFR pilot wants to encounter. Rather than risk it, we diverted for an unplanned landing at Lons-le-Saunier.
On the ground, Bourg-en-Bresse confirmed that a heavy shower had just passed and conditions were improving. Within 15 minutes we were airborne again. The weather remained far from perfect, but still manageable under VFR. Following the corridor east of Lyon, I checked with Lyon Information and learned the ceiling in the Alps was around 10,000 feet — giving us enough clearance to continue via Grenoble Le Versoud.
Shortly after, another cell blocked our direct route. Once again, we adapted: a deviation to the left showed a safe passage on the radar, and soon the skies opened up. Passing north of the military training zone at Canjuers, we descended via the Nice TMA and touched down safely in Fayence.
After tying down the Blackwing, a helicopter passed close overhead, throwing dust onto our freshly cleaned aircraft — a reminder that not all flights end perfectly neat. Still, everything had gone well.
This leg marked the conclusion of our Europe at the Edge tour 2025: thousands of kilometres across the continent, countless encounters, and lessons in both planning and improvisation.
Now, in Fayence-Tourrettes, it’s time to relax — with friends visiting in the days ahead, stories to share, and memories to keep.
Nice flights you made. Keep up the postings