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cptcollins
28th Dec 2013, 10:22
Morning All!

I fly from a wee airfield just north of Paris (Creil LFPC). I'd like to do a few hops across the channel this spring/summer and was wondering what airfield to pop into to clear customs. Years ago I would fly into Le Touquet (LFAT) which was always pretty painless. Alas from Creil, it makes sense to make a 10 minute trip into either Beauvais-Tille (LFOB) or Pontoise (LFPT) before continuing to God's country.

So my question is, has anyone had any success clearing customs at Beauvais? Does everyone crossing the channel pop into Le Touquet and be done with it?

If you can throw in a cost for said options that would be greatly appreciated.

Blue skies all!
ak7274
28th Dec 2013, 11:07
If you just want to clear and file a plan, then Abbeville gets my vote. I seem to remember 8 euros landing fee. Calais was about 10 euros and quite fast and painless. Restaurant on site too.


As you are travelling to God's country, don't forget to fill up. We are a couple of hundred miles north of Calais.
Jan Olieslagers
28th Dec 2013, 11:30
8,- euro is confirmed by LFOI - Abbeville (http://navigeo.org/LFOI) but customs require 4 hours prior notice?!
cptcollins
28th Dec 2013, 12:46
I think most airports need about 4 hours notice. Not a problem really. I'll file a flightplan using 'Sky Deamon' and fill up at homebase so really just need a commercially viable customs airport before getting back up into the air 'tout de suite'! Abbeville is not a bad option actually, better than Calais for me (bit too far north). I'd cross the channel to SFD VOR before heading inland.
Johnm
28th Dec 2013, 18:24
Cherbourg and Caen might be suitable options in that area
Piper.Classique
28th Dec 2013, 19:26
Any of the above, really. Good food at Abbeville and Cherbourg.
Grass runways available at Abbeville and Caen. Haven't been to Beauvais recently. Le Touquet is a bit pricey. I suppose it depends on the weather and how long you are prepared to fly over the water.
Jan Olieslagers
28th Dec 2013, 19:38
Good food at Abbeville and Cherbourg.

Will remember that, thanks! Especially as Le Touquet has indeed become rather expensive and the resto at Calais seems to lack a sufficient customer base for stable operation.