Le Touquet

[john ball]

Had the usual fab time in L2K, with great flight there and back in our RV6 from Biggin, but very crowded apron and had to hold at NA for ten minutes --- should have got out of bed earlier ! see notam below about flight plans, which you now have to file electronically either before you go or you can use their computer in the reception. The FPL is filed on the Olivia website.
LFFA-B2901/14
Q)LFFF/QFAXX/IV/NBO/ A/000/999/5031N00138E005
A) LFAT LE TOUQUET PARIS PLAGE
B) 201406201340 C) 201409302359
E) FPL FILING : FOR OUTGOING FLIGHTS, FPL SHOULD COMPULSORY BE FILED
VIA ELECTRONIC WAY (INTERNET POSITION OR SMARTPHONE APPLICATION).
DUE TO SATURATION REASONS, FPL TRANSMITTED BY FAX WILL NOT BE
PROCESSED.

Sorry, but I meant to say this is for the return flight only.

[piperarcher]

I just hook the iPad up to the WiFi at L2K and submit a return FPL through SkyDemon. Saves having to fill out the paper form. But a FPL has always been required for as long as I can remember.

[john ball]

Yes, sorry my intial post was not too clear --- FPL's have always been mandatory, but up until two days ago you filled out the form on paper and they faxed it --- now it can only be done electronically --- I agree if you have Skydemon good idea and easy. Interestingly, the nice lady behind the desk thought this process may not last long as two FPL's went missing on saturday, so maybe they will reverse and accept the easy faxed FPL's.

[piperarcher]

Interestingly, the nice lady behind the desk thought this process may not last long as two FPL's went missing on saturday, so maybe they will reverse and accept the easy faxed FPL's.

As much as I detest the common fax machine, the system where you did fill in a bit of paper at any airport (doesnt have to be a foreign one) with a flight plan or other departure request, always seemed to work very well.

To be honest if it didnt work it wasnt really my concern as the error was between the person at the desk and the recipient in ATC, whereas if you have to do it online yourself with whatever method, any internet communication issue or software tool issue is your problem.