3 cross-country flight suggestions of 100km each for pilots with cross-country flight experience
For the beginning of the cross-country flight season, we have put together three suggestions for flights in the range of 100 kilometers.
Accurate and thorough preparation is a prerequisite for recognizing dangers and avoiding airspace violations. Here are the most important links for your flight preparation:
DESCRIPTION Fiesch - Flims. The high alpine classic par excellence. Flight past huge glaciers, steep mountains and over 2 alpine passes. From Valais via Uri to Graubünden. Definitely one of the most impressive routes in the Swiss Alps. It is 100km to Flims. Optionally, the route can be extended by 20km to Chur.
BEST TIME Summer. If the Furka and Oberalp passes have little snow left, you can cross them earlier.
DIRECTIONS Train to Fiesch, from there take the gondola to Fiescheralp. If the cable car is not available, you can also start from Riederalp.
TO KNOW The wind systems in Upper Valais (keyword Grimselschlange) and around Andermatt are complex and require vigilance and preparation. The flight takes you through the highest mountains, large valleys and passes. Thermals, valley winds and compensating winds between the valleys can be correspondingly strong.
DESCRIPTION Beautiful Bernese Oberland. You can take off very early on the Niesen pyramid. The first 20km to Adelboden are flown along a continuous SE flank. Even with a little updraft you can "dolphin" along this flank. After crossing over Lenk the terrain opens up. The mountains are relatively low, which allows us to fly in any direction without being limited in our choice by the course of the valleys. This is what makes flying in this area so interesting and fun. Therefore, the route marked is just one of many options available to the pilot.
BEST TIME Spring and Summer
DIRECTIONS By train or car to Mülenen. From there take the funicular to the Niesen.
TO KNOW The Niesen is relatively high and exposed, which makes it quite vulnerable. The wind must not have a northerly component, otherwise the takeoff to the south becomes dangerous.
DESCRIPTION The view from the Chasseral over the Mittelland towards the Alps is wonderful. The flight takes us east along the southern foot of the Jura, past Biel, Grenchen and on to Olten. Classic Jura flying over mostly wooded, rounded hills. At the height of Olten we leave the Jura and try to get as far as possible through the flat land to Zurich. It is 100km to Bremgarten AG. Whoever manages to jump over the Üetliberg and lands on the Allmend in Zurich will be the real boss ;-)
BEST TIME Spring and selected days in summer
DIRECTIONS Train to St. Imier, from there by post bus to the Chasseral.
TO KNOW A precise study of the airspace is essential for this flight. In addition to Grenchen and Basel, there is also the smaller Olten airport, which must be respected. Depending on the route, Buttwil and the Holziken heliport may also be an issue.
