This Thursday, June 29th, pilot Seb takes his passenger JB on a flight above Chamonix that turns out to be exceptional, as JB chose a “Prestige/XXL” flight. Here is the pilot's account.
Take-off at 12:30 PM from the intermediate station of Planpraz, at 2000m. Conditions are dynamic, and thermal updrafts are very present.
After a few minutes, we are already above Brévent at nearly 3000 meters altitude. JB is perfectly at ease, which allows me to fly a bit more aggressively to optimize our flight.
We then head out for a first leg above the Aiguillette des Houches.
Then we turn back: heading towards the Aiguilles Rouges, more than 1000 meters above the summits.
At the end of the Aiguilles Rouges, I check in with JB. It's been 40 minutes since we took off. He's thrilled and wants the journey to continue. I then suggest we cross the Chamonix valley towards Les Grands-Montets.
Arriving on the other side of the valley, around 2000m, conditions are more comfortable, thermals are present but timid, the sun just beginning to warm the Southwest slopes.
After a few minutes of struggle, we manage to find a large and powerful thermal that takes us back up to over 3000m: we can now continue towards the Drus ridge, below the Aiguille Verte. We are the only ones in this area.
We climb to 100m below the summit of the Drus, at nearly 4000m. Conditions like today are rare! Magnificent view of the Mont-Blanc mountains and of the Vallée Blanche and the Mer de Glace.
We cross above the Mer de Glace towards the Aiguille de l'M with the goal of making a final crossing under the Aiguilles de Chamonix and the Aiguille du Midi, before flying over the Bossons glacier.
A magical moment over the Bossons glacier where we take the opportunity to do some waggas (aerial maneuvers) a few meters from the seracs.
It's now 2 PM, and it's time to return to solid ground. Target: the Bois du Bouchet landing site. We arrive 1000 meters above, it's time to conclude this flight with an "acrobatic" session: after the emotion, adventure, and contemplation, it's time for sensations!
We land after two hours of flight, smiles on our faces, impossible to remove. JB is thrilled. I am thrilled. Thank you, JB, for your kindness, your curiosity, and your trust for this unique flight, even for me!
