Oskar Bider

[mypyrex]

I've taken the liberty of re-doing this thread in case it was missed:

Hi All,

I was interested to read the comment in POTD about Oskar Bider's flight across the Pyrenees.

After a bit of "Googling" I found that he flew from Pau in France to Madrid, a distance of about 260-270 miles. That he did so within about two months of qualifying at Louis Bleriot's flying school at Pau is quite remarkable.

I have visited the Pyrenees almost regularly since 1981 on walking and climbing trips. Assuming his flight was approximately a straight line(circa 220 degrees True) He would not have passed over any particularly high summits - the highest along that line being in the region of 6500 feet. Nonetheless, in those early days of aviation and given his limited experience it is something I certainly wouldn't belittle of demean.

If anyone is interested the airport at Pau is(or was) a delightful airport. I've not been there since about 2005 and I always remember its pleasant terminal building. Certainly in those days there was none of the oppressive overcrowding, queues and "in your face" retail outlets associated with bigger airports. I hope it hasn't changed.

For what its worth, very much further east is a lovely airfield at Bagneres de Luchon. It's not a commercial airfield and is only available for light aircraft and gliding. I'm sure if anyone from Blackbushe felt so inclined it would make a nice destination and is no more than about a twenty minute walk from the town centre where there is plenty of accommodation. Luchon, as it is generally known as, is about 70 miles south west of Toulouse.

www.aeroluchon.fr/