Flying in to Le Mans 24 hrs 2008....
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Join Date: May 2004
Location: essex,uk
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Flying in to Le Mans 24 hrs 2008....
Just wondered whether anybody has any knowledge of procedures / restrictions for this event?
Look forward to any comments...
Look forward to any comments...
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Aylesbury,Bucks
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Flew in a couple of years ago. No real hassle - they put a temporary control zone around it to regulate traffic (this is normally notified a couple of months before). The main issue is to book an arrival and departure slot. This can be done by faxing the info to them. I tried email (no chance) and telephone (worked fine - but when I phoned back to check some items they didnt have a clear record). They are very helpful and speak reasonable english, but always confirm by fax.
Parking is easy and there is a bus / from the terminal. BUT make sure any taxis are pre-booked the traffic can be mayhem. A friend picked us up and it took longer to get to our destination than it did to fly there!
You dont need to book a departure unless it is going to be during the racing days.
Have fun we did - but stayed over an extra night to ensure I was fit to fly back.
Parking is easy and there is a bus / from the terminal. BUT make sure any taxis are pre-booked the traffic can be mayhem. A friend picked us up and it took longer to get to our destination than it did to fly there!
You dont need to book a departure unless it is going to be during the racing days.
Have fun we did - but stayed over an extra night to ensure I was fit to fly back.
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I've heard that the UKCAA visit most years and 'ramp check' G-reg pilots and a/c. Apparently in past years they've prosecuted for illegal public transport i.e. PPLs charging or not paying their whack for the flight.
Just make sure you're squeaky-clean and enjoy!
TheOddOne
Just make sure you're squeaky-clean and enjoy!
TheOddOne
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They will normally issue an AIC and Notams regarding the regulations which can be found on this website http://www.sia.aviation-civile.gouv....set_aip_uk.htm .
There will be arrival and departure restrictions but that will all be published. Make sure you send them a fax with aircraft type and passengers nationality for parking and customs (They will also publish the faxnumber in AIC or Notam).
So basically keep an eye out for Notams/AIC and they should give you all the answers. Expect some delays going in and out.
There will be arrival and departure restrictions but that will all be published. Make sure you send them a fax with aircraft type and passengers nationality for parking and customs (They will also publish the faxnumber in AIC or Notam).
So basically keep an eye out for Notams/AIC and they should give you all the answers. Expect some delays going in and out.
Join Date: Nov 2001
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AaaH Nostalgia I used to go in 60s and 70s before elfin safety was invented and before the chicanes on the Mulsanne and before all the development on the Mulsanne Rd.
We used to hurtle round the circuit on Friday while the gendarmes turned a blind eye and have supper at Les Hunaudieres on Sat night after which we used to go out of the front door and enjoy our after dinner drinks sitting on the armco just at the point where the cars reached full chat
We lost a few drivers every year though
We used to hurtle round the circuit on Friday while the gendarmes turned a blind eye and have supper at Les Hunaudieres on Sat night after which we used to go out of the front door and enjoy our after dinner drinks sitting on the armco just at the point where the cars reached full chat
We lost a few drivers every year though
Join Date: May 2001
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AIC published a few weeks beforehand as per Zakka's post will have all the joining details for the temporary control zone (PPR mainly, none too onerous though). Overflying the race circuit (right next to airfield) is prohibited Fri Sat & Sun.... if you turn up Thurs though, ATC will let you fly around it as much as you like !
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I have been flying down every year for the last 10 years. for arrivals Friday pm and all day saturday you will require a slot. This can be arranged by fax or email. Arrival is usually via a reporting point nrth of le mans. All very simple and relaxed as longs as you avoid late lunchtime on race day arrivals.
Departure on race day requires a pre-arranged slot which is organised when you file your flight plan. this should be done when you arrive, you will then be given a departure number. However, IFR heavy traffic take priority and I have waited 45minutes for permission to start engines!
The taxi situation is dire from the airport and advance booking would be a great idea. We usually head for the bar and just relax!!
This year they will have the tram system running from the Town to the circuit this will make access much easier. good luck
Departure on race day requires a pre-arranged slot which is organised when you file your flight plan. this should be done when you arrive, you will then be given a departure number. However, IFR heavy traffic take priority and I have waited 45minutes for permission to start engines!
The taxi situation is dire from the airport and advance booking would be a great idea. We usually head for the bar and just relax!!
This year they will have the tram system running from the Town to the circuit this will make access much easier. good luck
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Thanks for all the feedback....will keep an eye on the Notams...
Stick and Rudderman said: "I'd like to do this but I hate camping, and from what I hear there's little alternative!"
There is an alternative....I went about 20 years ago and slept under the car....however with a little more maturity I have fancied the idea of it but couldn't face the basic environment.....this year we have had an invite from "Aston Martin" who set up a temporary hotel in the circuit (portacabins I think) but more comfortable than the alternatives....so now just need to organise the best way to get there......!
Stick and Rudderman said: "I'd like to do this but I hate camping, and from what I hear there's little alternative!"
There is an alternative....I went about 20 years ago and slept under the car....however with a little more maturity I have fancied the idea of it but couldn't face the basic environment.....this year we have had an invite from "Aston Martin" who set up a temporary hotel in the circuit (portacabins I think) but more comfortable than the alternatives....so now just need to organise the best way to get there......!