The forecast was not great, towering cumulus and strong gusting winds for the afternoon. I took the opportunity to depart early ahead of the weather climbing to just under 6000 feet and leaning the engine mixture back to give 25 litres per hour fuel consumption which was sure to help if I needed to turn back at any point. Half way through the flight Seine information called me on the radio and asked if I was transmitting the distress signal 121.5 as someone in the vicinity was and I was asked if I could see any other aircraft. The visibility was not great and unfortunately I was unable to see anyone else, I hope it was a false alarm ! The wind on arrival at Troyes was 17kts gusting 25kts across the runway. I knew there was a grass cross runway that would suit better. On arrival overhead ATC informed me in their words “the cross runway was a bit waterlogged”. I asked if they could clarify if it was serviceable, 5 mins later they came back and said it was. Finals runway 23 and I was safely on the ground before the bad weather rocked in ! A testing 90 minute flight, looking forward to some blue skies to appear at some point !!
