Zurich Day One

After a very pleasant breakfast in the Hotel Allegra we were picked up by René Huddlestone the Elite Sales Manager for a visit to the Elite factory at Dubendorf, formerly the main Zurich airfield but now used by a couple of small flying school and Ju-Air, a company operating four of the last 5 JU-52 WWII German transport aircraft still flying. The JU-52 was the Luftwaffe equivalent of the DC3 but now is much rarer. When we got to the airfield all four were preparing to take a large group for a flight over the Swiss alps. Unfortunately it was raining so I hope they got to see the mountains!!

The Elite factory was not very busy but they’re building three simulators for Australian customers. They’re also developing new models including a small corporate jet simulator. Of particular interest they’re building, in conjunction with the Pilatus Company a PC-9 military training aircraft simulator, using a real PC-9 forward fuselage and control system. Elite are developing the software and instrument/switch panels. The RAAF has made an initial inquiry, but nothing heard since. I was given the opportunity to fly one of their latest Kingair simulators which has been given JAA approval to be used for training airline cadets to ATPL co-pilot status. Very impressive (particularly the visual display) and I was delighted to find I could still fly an aircraft with reasonable precision, even with Joan looking over my shoulder!!!

We then toured the adjacent aircraft museum which was two huge building filled with the most impressive collection of aircraft and associated equipment, from a real 1910 Bleriot monoplane to late model jets, including Hawker Hunters, De Havilland Vampires and Venoms, and several Mirage fighters. Of real interest were a number of prototype jet fighters developed by the Swiss aircraft industry, but never put into production.

We then went to the only major shopping complex in Zurich, where I was looking for a jacket I could wear to dinners on the cruise and Joan wanted a pair of comfortable shoes. Unfortunately the only jackets available were very heavy winter gear, and no suitable shoes - what we did see was very expensive. If I can’t find a jacket before next Friday the semi-formal dinner on board will miss my presence.

After a couple of hours back at the hotel we were picked up by René’s father and step mother (Peter and Jeanette) to join René and his wife Pat for dinner at their apartment. René’s father is a 72 year old Englishman, ex- RAF Engine Fitter so we had lot’s in common. Peter moved to Switzerland 41 years ago to work as an aircraft engineer with Swissair. He has an apartment in Zurich and another in Florida USA near Tampa which is his winter residence. Not a bad retirement life style!!!

Dinner (prepared by Pat) was magnificent!! Apart from being a great cook, she is a bank executive and also a brilliant photographer. René has an amazing collection of airline Safety on Board cards (15,000+) and some other fascinating aviation artifacts - like original Pilots Notes for Spitfire, Lancaster, Mitchell, etc. His collection must be worth a fortune.

Home by midnight with the remains of jet lag setting in. Today and tomorrow will be “lay days” with real tourist stuff starting Monday.

Take care and probably will continue the chronicles tomorrow.

Chesty and Joan

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