Having just landed, here's my report for "part #1". I had Fraps running in "grab every 60 secs" screenshot mode, so I have a bucket-load of screenies to go through... But that's on my big PC and the TdF is now on on EuroSport (so it'll have a wait for a wee while...)
PIREP - LFMH to LSZB
Took my Spitfire up to give my VFR procedures a real test - being a pre-war prototype it hasn't got an AP at all so heading and altitude are down to my ability and not a computer.
METAR in France was absolutely lovely; very little wind or cloud and superb visibilty. I was joined at take-off by Iain Butler (EHM1617). He was planning to go via radio nav, a series of 40nm(ish) VOR/NDB hops; I on the other hand intended to go compass direct, using a couple of VORs just to keep me close to the line.
Come 1205Z, it was clear that it was only going to be the two of us, so I let Iain have first dibs on the rwy. His take-off and circuit looked just about perfect from the ground (I was a little slow getting the Merlin fired up, forgot to prime the carbs) but Iain was still visible as I departed in the circuit. I followed Iain for a bit, but then he vanished: I think he had a PC crash, as he didn't come back for the hour I was in the air.
Leaving the circuit myself, I executed my turn onto cruise heading and began a slow climb (500-700fpm...) to nominal cruise alt - 9,500ft. I ended up using FSNav for moving map as the compass on the Spit model appeared to be ignoring me. I got some great views while over France, hardly a cloud the whole way from St Etienne to the border/Geneva, then the cloud started to build.
Finally, I had Belp in sight and got the benefit of a tower controller. Unfortunately, he was having trouble hearing me, and I was having problems hearing him (I think he was using a desk mic...) so my LH circuit got cut a little short when he vectored me. Landing/taxiing was exciting, as it alway is in a tail dragger, but once the tail was down things got a little easier.
