Day trip to Le Touquet: Advice/recommendations requested

[rmdr2]

Hi fellow pilots

I'm planning a VFR daytrip to Le Touquet. I was wondering if anyone out there had some top tips on procedures (both in the air and on the ground) with regard to the approach into the airfield. I have heard that ATC can be a bit harsh...

I have flown accross the channel a number of times, so am happy with that part of the flying. But are there any idiosyncracies i should know about the approach - reporting points - expected local knowledge, etc.

And once on the ground, are there choices of places to park/refuel - good clubs/ bad clubs? Landing fees etc?

And finally, we will have 3-4hrs to kill, any top tips on places to get lunch, things to do in the local area?

Advice gratefully received!

[scoobysnack]

Hi,

LFATs atc are fine, just keep to alt caps and keep an eye on the houses to the left whilst on d/w as they are on a hill and quite close. Theres an airfield restaurant which is good, just turn left out of the main enterance, also there are bikes for hire (the beach is only about 5mins away). Also remember to not take photos or videos on the apron as thats the quickest way to get a stern telling off:}

[S-Works]

ATC are pussycats, it just sounds harsh when things all get a bit fraught with 30 brits all arriving on a summers day.

The arrival seems to be a mix of people who fly direct over Lydd and straight out and those that prefer the slightly shorter crossing over Dover and down the coast over Boulogne. The choice is yours on that. generally a downwind join on the prevailing north westerly runway.

Parking you will be directed by ATC to in somewhere on the pan in front of the tower, don't worry it is a big open space and you won't get lost. In the summer when it is busy they send the fireman out on his bike to marshall.

Eating wise there is the Le Escalier on the airfield which is average. In town a 5 minute taxi or if you rent a bike 10 minute bike ride the options are wide. My favourite is Perard which also has a fish and lobster etc shop attached to it for bringing goodies home. You will no doubt get a wide response on the other places to eat.

The beach is worth a look, but in the winter it tends to be a bit desolate!!

A great place to visit and nothing to worry about. Enjoy!!!

[C172 Hawk XP]

Also remember to not take photos or videos on the apron as thats the quickest way to get a stern telling off

Why on earth is that ? No major military secrets there, surely ?

Last time we were "au Touquet" I took plenty of photos, mainly our own plane and passengers, and nobody bothered at all.

Agree about the restaurant - great lunch ! But no wine for the pilots if flying back !

[strake]

Le Touq is a lovely place to fly into. Not sure where you are coming from but once you arrive at the Cap (normally shortest crossing point)having been dismissed by Lille who insist you talk to them but then don't answer..., turn right, follow the coast to Bolougne, give Touq a shout and probably, turn left at the estuary for downwind over Etaples. Other directions/runways may apply but that's the normal direction but obviously listen out carefully.
Once you're there, park nicely in the rows as advised or, on busy days marshalled. I have never been stopped taking photos. Go through customs..if he's there..and then pay/check in just inside the building.
Our normal procedeure is a 30-40 min walk into town through the avenue lined with Maison tres cher, lunch in any number of perfect restaurants, walk to the beach then taxi back to l'Aeroport.
Low hassle destination and lovely on a cold, clear Autumn day.

[PompeyPaul]

LFAT had a thing about holding constant speed when I approached. I tend to let altitude wander a few hundred feet whilst flying (unless expressely told not to by ATC). LFAT didn't seem to mind that but if the speed wandered they asked me about it.

Speed wasn't varying by very much, maybe 10% max but it appeared they wanted me to hold it bang on.

Maybe there was something else going on ? Not sure, but it was the only thing I found a little odd..

[strake]

Possibly you were flying in during summer when they can easily have five in the circuit and more to join so they want to keep spacing. I can't ever recall a radar approach to Le Touq...

[hatzflyer]

I hope you have a good trip,when are you thinking of going? Out of curiosity why Le Touquet? It is just like being in Southend on a sunny weekend!
France has so much more to offer!

[strake]

Out of curiosity why Le Touquet? It is just like being in Southend on a sunny weekend!

Now that IS funny........:D:D

[Zulu Alpha]

Take a taxi into town and book the return pickup when they drop you off. Saves all the messing about.

Also file your return flight plan before going into town, then all you need to do when you get back is hop in and go.

We haven't been for a while but last time we went to
Cafe des Arts
80 rue de Paris
phone 03 21 05 21 55.
Very nice meal in the centre of town at a reasonable price.

ZA

[rmdr2]

Reason for Le Touquet...

Never been before and it seems to be one of the rights of passage for "channel hoppers". I normally fly much further inland but just fancied a little jaunt across the water this time.

If anyone can recommend other "day trip" airfields across the channel, very open to suggestions...

[Fuji Abound]

Here are my top tips:

Flying

1. If you are to the east of L2K you will get a radar service from Lille if you want it - no bad thing if it is busy,

2. The ATIS is in English and French so dont worry if you get the French version first, the English version will follow,

3. There is a telephone number which I dont have to hand if you want to check the ATIS before you go, there are no TAFS for L2K (there were many years ago),

4. If it is very windy both approaches are known for a few lumps and bumps, but it does have to be blowing,

5. No problems what so ever with ATC - you will always be asked to join downwind for the 32 and will nearly always get a direct for 14 if you want it.

On the ground

1. Worth watching for the bumps before and after the railway lines - easy to ding a prop,

2. Sadly the resteraunt at the airport is poor these days (it was very good). Dont bother,

3. You can hire bikes at the airport. Unless you have something against cycling you should do so. It is 15 minutes into town on the level and a really pleasant cycle,

4. Taxis can be a pain on busy weekends, be prepared to wait, otherwise very good,

5. If you want wine cheese etc it is well worth walking to the Supermarche. Out the main door and follow the road to the gap in the fence. There is a path that crosses the old east west runway, second left and its on the right - 10 minutes walk. You can take a trolley with you from the airport.

6. As Bose says Perard is probably the best resteraunt in town if you like fish - again not as good as it was,

7. If you want something to do the golf course is very good (18 x 2). Play the links course = its better), fun to book some sand yachting at weekends and once a year they have a wine festival in the Casino - monumental if you like wine.

8. Expect to allow no more than 15 minutes between filing and leaving and expect the French to get shot of you as quick as they can.

Other places to go not too far from Blitey:

1. Calais - for wine, better than L2K - try EastEnders wharehouse, still significantly cheaper than the UK despite the politicians allowing sterling to go to the dogs. A couple of very good resteraunts in town (better than Perard) and help yourself to as many IAs as you want to fill your boots with for not a lot if in need of a bit of practise,

2. Lille - big airport for big boys - no, not at all, helpful and welcoming AT and as to the landing fee - not a lot - cheaper than L2K. Bus into town every 30 minutes or a taxi if you prefer. Can be a bit slow through security but that is the only real issue. Interesting town, some sight seeing, good resteraunts and some shopping,

3. Rouen - said to be one of the very best Cathedrals in Europe - if that is your thing - nothing better than lunch in the square in front of the Cathedral - the resteraunt in the airport is scheduled to reopen amazingly I had one of the best meals in my life in that resteraunt!. Actually the Cathedral's not bad either,

4. Lognes - a gem for trips to Paris, maybe a bit further a field but I can give you some information if you want it.

[flyingman-of-kent]

Watch out for sea fog! It can occur very quickly and you can get stuck there.

We walked back from town in sunny clear weather (great walk 25 mins, recommend this instead of taxi!) walked into terminal, went to toilet, waved at immigration/customs and walked out and almost couldn't see the plane! Great big pea souper had rolled in in about 5 minutes!!!

We were the only single there, there was a twin who called IFR and had to wait for their flight plan bu eventually got a SVFR clearance. . We just waited around, knowing that it was clear as a bell at 200', and it got a bit better. Listened to the ATIS for a while, talked to the tower to see if we they would clear us for departure we waited, waited, and just as we thought the airport was going to close it improved enough for us to get a French SVFR clearance and took off into delightful sunshine (wondering exactly what a French SVFR clearance meant legally but were happy to get out of there!).

Apart from that, Le Touquet is a great place to fly, I can see why loads of Brits go there, and this is not a bad thing. Westminster Hotel is best hotel, but there are lots of very pleasant B&Bs. The beach is also great.

Other thoughts for nearby French airfields - Deaville, Calais, Cherbourg...

Deaville can be hard to spot first time as it is tucked away in a forest but worth a visit - careful in August unless you have already booked a hotel as it gets fully booked. Stay in Honfleur, it is very pretty bustling historic port, loads of places to eat and drink.

Calais, bit far out of town so cabs are a bit pricey, especially if you go via a hypermarket! Used to be a very good restaurant on airport, also has very cheap ILS if you fancy doing some IMC/IR work

[Fright Level]

ATIS telephone number

It's in Pooleys - 0033 321 05 5126.

They had a notam where you had to email customs prior to arrival. Send a simple message to [email protected] in the format:

REG G-ABCD
ETA 30/0900z
CDR FRIGHT-LEVEL
PAX 2 (SMITH & JONES)

I second the Deauville recommendation, either for the beach or trip to Honfleur.

Also second Lille, a good December trip to visit the Christmas Market (google it), supposedly one of the best in Europe if they are your thing. Huge airport, excellent handling (minibus to/from aircraft), big airport security (took bottle of water off me) and very low fees considering. It's a very easy route and not much further inland (suggested routing to DVR dct TRACA dct LFQQ).

[steveking]

Agree with everyone L2K is a great place and one of my favorite day trips. I go there several times each year.

Not long after passing my PPL I to had to get a SVFR to leave L2K. The first I got told of this was I think at the hold but may have been with the taxi instructions. Odd SVFR for us means an increase in minimums. Does anyone know what the difference is for France.

Also L2K know require a transponder to enter their zone.

On occasion although probally not this time of year if you arrive in the rush hour sometimes they get all aircraft to orbit over Boulogne and call you off from there.

Have fun

Steve

[Fright Level]

I to had to get a SVFR to leave L2K

As it's class D then this would be required when the cloudbase was below 1500' or the visibility fell below 5km (with an absolute minimum of 2000m - LFAT local rules, vs 1500m minimum normally in French Class D).

Although ATC can offer a SVFR clearance, it is up to the commander to ensure that (s)he is also operating within the restrictions on their licence.

There's more info in the French VFR Guide available here (http://www.sia.aviation-civile.gouv.fr/asp/frameset_uk.asp?m=26).

[Tall_guy_in_a_152]

Le2K ATC get shirty if you enter their Class D without permission or have not got the ATIS and rightly so. Lille Info can be a little late to hand you over which creates a problem if you cannot then get a word in on the approach frequency. Better to go direct from London Info (or whoever) to Le Touquet approach (via Le Touquet ATIS).

Le Touquet is nothing like Southend. There's no pier, for a start! I normally get a cab into town and then walk back to the airport later.

I second the above recomendation for Cafe des Arts. Interesting menu and very well prepared.

[Jodelman]

If you want a good fish meal and have done Perard, walk the other way from L2K airport into Etaples and eat at Aux Pêcheurs d’Etaples above the fish market.

[C172 Hawk XP]

Has anyone else noticed that the "time-stamps" on this thread have gone absolutely haywire today ? Seems to be a regular problem !

As I type this it is 15.22 BST - what does it say above and to left ?

[hatzflyer]

There's probably more essex boys (and girls) in "L2K" on yer average sunny Sunday than there is on the pier at Southend!

[steveking]

Fright Level

Thanks for the info on the SVFR from L2K. Now that I think about it most of my special VFR has been with the CI which is class A. Are the minimums any different for our class D SVFR?

[Fright Level]

Are the minimums any different for our class D SVFR?

Yes, 5km and clear of cloud below 3,000 feet for our Class D. Any less and it's a SVFR or IFR clearance.

More info here: http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/64/ATS%20Airspace%20Classification.pdf

[steveking]

Thanks FL. You said that the minimum for class D was 5k and 1500m, any less and it's a SVFR clearance, that's what I meant do these limits go lower for SVFR in class D.

I was aware of the chart but thanks anyway. Strange the chart doesn't show SVFR in class A which is what happens in the CI.

Just trying to make sure of my minimums.

Thanks for the help.

[bookworm]

You said that the minimum for class D was 5k and 1500m, any less and it's a SVFR clearance, that's what I meant do these limits go lower for SVFR in class D.

Special VFR as such does not require a particular minimum in-flight visibility, just clear of clouds and in sight of the surface. However:

* ATC will have reported weather minima below which SVFR clearances for arrival and departure cannot be issued. By default these are met visibility 1800 m and cloud ceiling 600 ft, though local regulations may require higher

* Licence privilege limitations require that an IMC rated pilot maintain an in-flight vis of at least 3 km, and pilots without an instrument qualification 10 km (hence, for the latter group, SVFR tends to be used only in class A, because in class D a VFR clearance would be available).

In most places outside the UK where class A CTRs are unknown, SVFR is used only in sub-VMC weather by pilots unable or unwilling to fly IFR.

[steveking]

OK I think I'm getting there now,

Class A SVFR IMC rated 3k vis, non IMC rated then 10K vis.

Class D SVFR IMC rated 1800m vis, non IMC rated 5K vis.

So when L2K offered me a SVFR departure it was probally because the VFR minimum of 5k had lowered to something less than that, but that seems odd as I thought they didn't recognise the IMC.

Just to add a bit more confusion, recently I visited Southampton in great weather but my clearance into and out of was SVFR. On the other hand when I have transited Gatwick zone no mention of SVFR and usually I get put on a radar control service.

Thanks for the help as I quite like the SVFR flights it adds a little extra challenge for a VFR pilot.

[bookworm]

No, that's not what I said. In your words:

Class A SVFR Instrument-rated no restriction, IMC rated 3k vis, non IMC rated then 10k vis.
Class D SVFR Instrument-rated no restriction, IMC rated 3k vis, non IMC rated then 10k vis.

The airspace class makes no difference.

Le Touquet has no idea what your ratings are. Below 5 km reported met vis, they cannot offer you VFR, only SVFR. It's up to you to refuse a clearance that you cannot legally accept.

[IO540]

Top tip for LTQ is to get there before 10am, if it's a nice weekend.

After that, the Brits take the place over.

Otherwise, go on a weekday.

And, no, I have never understood SVFR :)

[steveking]

Sorry I think it was FL that said it was 5K vis. The chart he posted up does seem to show 5K for VFR in class D.

IO i'm glad it's not just me. I must sound like a complete beginner but I've had my license 3 years now done almost 500hrs plenty of SVFR but I still seem to be a bit muddy on the rules with SVFR. If I keep asking hopefully I'll get there in the end.:)

[HARRY0]

Hi,

Another good tip is that you can check the ATIS by phone before you leave to get the latest weather and runway info. Phone 0033321066284.