I had to admit, I knew nothing of these weird bits of France in India. More bloody research!
Danny - Now we come to an awkward moment, representing an erk's recollection and a pilot's recollection!
My dad always swore that he was dragged into planes he had repaired/overhauled/put togther/refitted etc by a pilot (Aussies normally I believe) saying, "If this plane is crook, you're coming down with me when the wings fold up."
You present your trips as a cordial invite to a comrade!
Dad loved it of course (somewhere I've got how many types he flew in, there were loads) but he would never let the pilot know how much he enjoyed the flights, especially as he knew his planes wouldn't fall apart!!
Keep up the posts my friend!