Jim Roberts submitted this photo and note: “While doing some research on first flights of the Globe Swift, I received this wonderful photo from Swift owner and pilot Dominique Etourneau, based in Toussus le Noble (LFPN) near Paris. Intrigued by the parking surface, I asked Dominique if it perhaps dated to World War II. The answer is below:
“Hello Jim, You’re right, this type of ground reinforcement was already there during World War II. It is concrete molded plate. The plates have small pins at the top of them. Land is put on top and then grass grows on it. It is a very efficient system to stabilized soil during rainy seasons at a very competitive price! The picture was taken in Picardie, at Albert-Picardie Airport (LFAQ) on Dec. 30, 2020. This area is also well known by Americans since some of your compatriots spent hard times there 75 years ago.”
Would you like to have your photo featured as Picture of the Day? You can submit it via this form.
All photos sent in for Picture of the Day are also considered for our new Page 4 photo feature in the print issue of General Aviation News, as well as A Year in Pictures in the December issues.