A country that fascinates me is Georgia. Once a frontier of the Roman Empire, Christianity took root here in the earliest centuries, leaving behind a legacy of ancient monasteries, remote churches, and a deeply layered cultural heritage.
Beyond the history, Georgia is gaining a reputation for having one of the finest kitchens in the world. Their wines—produced using traditional methods for millennia—are equally celebrated. The climate, which provides reliably warm summers, makes it an inviting destination for any traveller.
The nation is currently navigating a period of vibrant, albeit complex, change. While they have opted for a Western-style democracy, they continue to face significant geopolitical friction with their Russian neighbours, particularly regarding breakaway provinces that do not recognise the authorities in the capital, Tbilisi. Poverty remains a challenge, yet the country possesses a raw, natural beauty that feels almost entirely unspoiled. It has sat high on my personal wish list for years.
The “Vanilla Sky” Discovery
My interest was piqued further today when I came across a feature in the latest AOPA Poland magazine. It highlighted a flying club and air taxi operator based just outside the capital with the evocative name “Vanilla Sky”.
Operating primarily out of Natakhtari Airfield, they have developed an impressive infrastructure tailored for visiting pilots. The facility includes a high-quality hotel with an outdoor pool—perfect for a post-flight debrief. The AOPA article was remarkably positive about their professionalism and the unique access they provide to the Georgian highlands.
Flight Operations and Fleet
Vanilla Sky operates its own private airdrome and offers a diverse fleet for both air taxi services and local rentals. For those looking to explore the mountains or the wine regions from above, their fleet typically includes:
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Cessna 172 & 182: The workhorses for local excursions and pilot rentals.
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Let L-410: Used for their scheduled domestic hops to remote areas like Mestia.
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Helicopters: Including the Alouette III and Agusta 109 for more specialised mountain access.
The prospect of renting a Cessna for a local excursion over the Caucasus is incredibly tempting. I have already established contact with the team at Natakhtari to find out more about licence validation and rental requirements.
To be continued…my story with Georgia is starting soon
