On the 17th of August 2001, I took an introductory flight in the Aeroclub of Geneva. Six and a half years and a couple of ratings later, I left the club-house for the last time. I’ll certainly come back as a visitor – I promise – but as I’ll move to Germany after Easter, Geneva will no longer be my homebase.

I met many people there, some became true friends – be sure I’ll keep in touch with you, guys. I won’t mention any name, because I don’t want to forget someone, but also to respect these persons privacy. Instructors, fellow pilots, ground staff, thank you all.

Needless to say, I spent passionating, stressful, exhilarating, fun, good, intense, simply wonderful moments in this club. A couple of sad events happened as well, obviously, but the final balance is clearly positive. I learned a lot, about planes, aviation, but also about myself and the life in general.

The operating conditions changed a lot over my time there, unfortunately not to the benefit of general aviation. New security rules, more airline traffic and less room for light aircrafts, massive increase of fuel price, no more tax-free fuel for flights outside Switzerland, and more trouble with neighboors.

New planes joined the fleet, others have been sold. Luckily no one crashed. The fleet is now being renewed, and a new management team is in charge. The club today has not a lot in common with what I knew as a newbie…

Even if I’m no longer involved, I wish long life to the Geneva Aeroclub !