🛩️ Monday September 2nd  19:00z

Wing It: The Eurocrash Flight Edition 


                                                 








We continue on our 6-part aerial adventure inspired by the Grand Tour’s journey through Europe. Tonight we take the Ercoupe 415c by BRSIM Design.
Part 4: Low, Slow, and Loving It: The Ercoupe Adventure
Right, we’ve soaked up all the museum and history of what Piešťany has to offer, and now it’s time to putter along in the delightful ERCO Ercoupe 415-C. This isn’t your typical high-powered, fire-breathing monster of the skies. No, the Ercoupe is more like the charming little roadster you take out on a sunny Sunday afternoon. It’s light, it’s nimble, and it’s got a face only a mother could love, but it’s got personality in spades.
 
Bratislava LZIB: Our first stop is Bratislava. Now, here’s a city that’s had more identities than an international spy. It’s been Hungarian, Habsburg, Czechoslovak, and now Slovak. And throughout all that, it’s somehow managed to keep its sense of humour. This is a city where medieval charm meets Cold War-era concrete, and somehow, it works. Bratislava was once known as Pressburg and was the capital of Hungary for over 200 years. The airport is a no-nonsense affair, just the thing for our easy-going Ercoupe.

Győr LHPR: Next, we head to Győr, Hungary’s own little crossroad of Europe. Győr is like that friend who’s quietly been in the background of every major event but never takes the credit. The Romans set up camp here, the Ottomans tried (and failed) to make it their own, and the Austrians threw in a few Baroque buildings for good measure. The city’s old town is a maze of cobblestones and history, with more churches per square mile than you’d think possible. Oh, and Győr was the birthplace of Árpád, the founder of the Hungarian nation.

Budapest LHBP: Finally, we glide into Budapest. Now, if Győr is the quiet type, Budapest is the full-blown rock star of Hungary. This city has been through everything—Romans, Mongols, Ottomans, Habsburgs, Communists—and it’s come out the other side with a swagger that says, “Yeah, I’ve seen it all.” Budapest was actually two cities—Buda and Pest—until they merged in 1873. It’s been the beating heart of Hungary ever since. The airport here, Budapest Ferenc Liszt International, is a bustling gateway to Europe and beyond, a fitting stop as we prepare for the next leg of our grand adventure.

So there you have it, a leisurely cruise through history in our lovable Ercoupe. From the chameleon city of Bratislava to the crossroads of Győr, and finally, to the grandeur of Budapest, this leg of the journey is all about taking it slow and soaking in the stories of these remarkable places. And don’t worry, the adventure is far from over—there’s plenty more sky to cover!

Route: LZPP - LZIB* - LHPR* - LHBP* ( * = full stop landings)
Aircraft: Ercoupe or anything with a cruise speed about about 100kts
Weather: Live if possible