Discover the cockpits and sit at the controls of legendary aircraft

The Association des Ailes Anciennes Toulouse is organizing a “wings weekend” to introduce people to mythical planes, civil or military. The association of 300 volunteers has been preserving aeronautical heritage for 42 years and enriches its aircraft collection from year to year, restoring gear. The opportunity to meet enthusiasts, former pilots, mechanics, who are familiar with the history of these legendary models.

Jean-Claude Cathala, vice-president of Ailes Anciennes Toulouse explains the purpose of the association :”we save planes from scrapping, so that we remember their technicality. We perpetuate the memory of the planes and of those who built, piloted and maintained them.”

Visitors are numerous, delighted to be able to climb into aircraft cockpits.

Legendary planes on display

Among the planes there areAlpha Jet military aircraft and aircraft of the Patrouille de France, a two-seater, twin-engine aircraft with ejection seats. His ancestor is there too, the fouga : first jet military training aircraft for the Air Force (just over 800 units sold), the first flight dates from 1952. The aircraft trains the Mirage 2000 who is ending his career is there too.

Among the emblematic pieces, the McDonnell Vodoo : an American army fighter plane, entrusted to the association by the US Air Force in 1990 for restoration. Its first flight took place in 1954. Three versions of the device existed. In its hold, it housed nuclear missiles.

We will also mention the Noratlas, a French military transport aircraft, great-grandfather of the A400M Atlas, the current Air Force transport aircraft. It was built after World War II. The floor is flat to facilitate the loading of vehicles, disassembled helicopters, parcels. It is used for air force logistics. He served in Indochina. It transported paratroopers during the Algerian war and passengers during the strikes of May 68.

In the hangar it is possible to enter the cockpit of an A310 which preceded the civil aviation A320, it flew in the 1980s, with two pilots and a flight engineer.

Among other curiosities, a Pou-du-ciel, a single-propeller plane, a Breguet Deux-Ponts, 25 ton cargo and passenger aircraft which was operated between 1953 and 1972. Its name comes from the fact that it can accommodate passengers on two decks. Jean-Baptiste is a volunteer:

You can enjoy this “wings weekend” also organized with the Aérothèque, Cap avenir concorde, the Friends of Heritage Turbomeca and Spotair again this Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5.30 p.m., Allée André Turcat, in Blagnac. The entrance costs between 5 and 10€. It is possible to eat on site.