From Tõutsi to West Africa: The First Estonians at the Legendary Toulouse–Saint-Louis Aero Rally
2019 — A Bright Mark in the History of Tõutsi Aero Club and Estonian General Aviation
The year 2019 left a vivid mark in the history of Tõutsi Aero Club and Estonian general aviation — for the first time ever, an Estonian team took part in the world's longest and most prestigious aero rally, the Rallye Aéro Toulouse–Saint Louis. This was not merely a flight from point A to point B, but a pilgrimage into the golden age of aviation.
The Idea That Took Root in Carcassonne
Every great adventure has a backstory. Our participation in 2019 did not happen overnight. The seed was planted a few years earlier by Urve Launders, who suggested this audacious endeavour during the opening of an aviation-themed exhibition in Carcassonne, France. The suggestion was left to "ripen" until 2019, when the dream finally became a plan.
What Is the Rallye Aéro Toulouse–Saint Louis?
It is one of the world's longest regularly held aero rallies, organized since 1983. It follows the legendary route of Ligne Latécoère (later known as Aéropostale). In the early 20th century, this air route was revolutionary — it was the very first airmail connection linking France, North Africa, and South America.
The purpose of the rally is to keep alive the memory of those daring pioneers who battled stormy mountains and endless deserts at a time when aircraft were still made of wood and fabric, and navigation relied largely on intuition and ground landmarks.
The Route: From Toulouse to the Heart of Senegal
The rally traditionally starts in Toulouse, the cradle of French aviation. From there, the aircraft head south, cross the Pyrenees, fly along the Spanish coast to Morocco, continue to Mauritania, and finally reach Saint-Louis in Senegal.
Around 25 aircraft typically take part in the rally, forming a tight-knit community both in the skies and on the ground. In 2019, the Estonian flag was waving among them for the first time, sparking great interest from organizers and fellow pilots alike.
A Meeting With the Author of The Little Prince: Tarfaya
One of the rally's most emotional stops is Tarfaya (historically known as Cap Juby) — a place where the waves of the Atlantic Ocean crash against the sands of the Sahara Desert. This is where the legendary writer and pilot Antoine de Saint-Exupéry served as airfield manager for 18 months.
From the solitude of Tarfaya and the silence of the desert, Saint-Exupéry drew inspiration for his masterpieces Southern Mail (Courrier Sud) and, of course, The Little Prince. Standing on those sands with the aircraft lined up in the background, the pilots from Tõutsi Aero Club, too, felt that inexplicable bond between history and literature — this is a place where aviation is far greater than mere machinery.
Why Is This So Important in French Aviation?
For the French, this is not just a rally — it is a royal aviation event. The participants are not only hobby pilots but often former fighter pilots, experienced commercial aviators, and true flying aces. The rally embodies the French spirit of aviation — l'esprit de l'aventure.
It is a matter of honour, a tribute to men like Mermoz, Guillaumet, and Saint-Exupéry. It stands as a living monument to technological progress and human perseverance.
A Milestone for Estonia
Tõutsi Aero Club's participation in the 2019 rally proved that Estonian general aviation has come of age and is capable of taking part in some of the world's greatest adventures. Thanks to Urve Launders' early suggestion and the courage of our pilots, the path is now open — Toulouse–Saint Louis is no longer an unreachable dream, but part of the story of our own club.
The rally team consisted of: Andrus Kõresaar, Lauri Laasik, and Priit Jaagant.
