Flying to CAEN... Any tips?
 

Hello,

I am planing to fly to CAEN (France) this weekend from Essex and wondered if any one had any tips.

I did the route before but there was an ATC strike and we had to turn back as soon as we landed. No NOTAMS!

Just after any tips regarding routing and any 'gotcha's' to be aware of?

Thanks.
Scoobster.

Book customs

Caen sometime takes longer to reach than planned 😀

Do you need customs even for a day trip? Any recommended routes?

I have planned to go DCT SFD (Seaford) DCT DVL (VOR) DCT CAEN..? This gives me a 45 minute water crossing. instead of going via Lydd which is a short crossing but longer inland routing.

Warrior 90kts :(

Scoobster

Yes. You'd need them even if you only stayed for 1 minute.

It's 24 hours notice; the email address for that is in the VAC.

weather looks nice - fairly strong easterlies on Sat

If going on a weekend you'll need PPR and you'll need to fill in the customs form at least 24 hours ahead

The customs form is on the airport website http://caen-airport.com/customs

PPR from email [email protected] the helpful folk there will also supply customs form as excel spreadsheet.

Hope that helps

One "gotcha" to be aware of:
Last summer I missed the notam stating that the airfield would be without ATC for periods between the occasional commercial flights.
When I came to depart I was told by the desk staff that I could only leave if I made blind calls in French - make sure you have a crib sheet of useful phrases!

Thanks. I am going to do all the form filling today in line with other commitments.

I normally fly south through Kent and the South East and direct across the channel but thinking if I should go inland via Le Havre and route around the shoreline till CAEN?

Scenic route?


I've got a complete document prepared by a French Pilot - regarding the 'useful' French phrases etc.

Thanks for that, very useful indeed! Hopefully it won't happen but you never know!

Scoobster

Scoobster, are you flying to Caen because it is there, perhaps to meet a friend or relative, or are you going for a flight that just happens to end up at Caen?

There is a difference ,which could be just getting there, or it could be flying along the Normandy D-Day beaches, passing the locations of the Mulberry harbors, and other venerable sights along the way). and metaphorically saluting those who died there. And enjoying the scenery and tha Calvados upon arrival!

The joy is in the journey. Have a good flight whatever your reason.Russ

Hi Russell,

I am going to meet a friend and sample the seafood in the region as it is known for its Seafood. I am open to the route and it would be awesome to fly along the Normandy D-Day beaches etc.. I am still 'widening my flying experience' and would appreciate input on good places to fly along etc..

I tend to as a habit (take the most direct route) due to cost prohibitions of hiring aircraft etc :(

In fact my route takes me straight to Coursuille sur mer - which is the beach.. I could track via DVL and fly along the coast..!

I may now adjust the route to see some of the beauty!

Scoobster