10.07.2007
We have just been informed that VFR penetration into the D airspaces Paris TMA 15, 15.1 and 15.2 (green areas in the map and vertical airspace cut)has been temporarily banned because of alleged range problems in radio transmissions in this area. Certain is that the French CAA has been trying for quite some time to kick out all VFR's from this airspace without having the guts of changing it into A airspace for whatever reason. So we will follow up what the word "temporary" really means ...
04.07.2007
Most glider pilots nowadays are using PDA's with software like WinPilot, Strepla or See You. We higly recommend them to install also the French Airspace Database available on following Internet website :
http://download.planeur.net.free.fr/winpilot/france_airspace.txt
It is in OpenAir format (Text file) and can be read by above softwares without problem.
Needless to say, but we say it nevertheless, that this database is available free of charge, therefore you are using at your own risk and under your own resposability : It does not replace the official flight documentation ...
... but is of great help, nevertheless.
01.07.2007
Just a couple of news items before the season really starts :
We have improved the W-LAN wireless network equipment of the camping site, especially to obtain a better connection when staying in the farmhouse. Now 2 networks are available :
SSID :
AAVLL on channel 11
AAVLL2 on channel 6
Therefore, all possessors of notebook computers with Centrino technology or with additional W-LAN PCMCIA card will be able to surf on the web, recover e-mails, collect newest weather information and upload files to the OLC website.
The connection will be charged 20,00 Euro per stay
01.07.2007
New map material recently issued
The newest issues of the 1/500.000 ICAO map as well as the DGAC 1/1.000.000 VFR Information package have been released in April. The numerous S-CTA areas around Orléans-Bricy have now been changed into D-Class TMA areas, so have been also the former glider sectors, with some shape changes. The TMA sectors 1.2, 5.2, 6.2 and 8 are basically D airspaces which can be downgraded to G upon request to Bricy APP (122,70) to allow gliders to fly in. TMA sector 1.2 is new and essentially related to the glider activity of Orléans-Saint Denis. TMA sector 5.2 is somewhat wider as before. TMA sectors 6.2 and 8 have not changed at all.
A new burden however, the Paris TMA 15 airspace, which was E airspace has been changed to D Airspace and penetration is subject to a clearance from Seine APP, to be contacted on 121,65.
See the overlaid map hereunder :
The rules are followings :
D-Airspaces : Penetration is allowed only after permission has been obtained from Orléans-Bricy Approach (122.70). Normally, such a clearance will only be issued if the aircraft is equipped with an ATC transponder. Experience collected in 2006 shows, however, that this contingency is handled in a quite flexible way, when circumstances allow. Hopefully this will remain.
TMA sectors 1.2, 5.2, 6.2 and 8 : Here a contact with Bricy approach is also mandatory, which will result in the area being downgraded from D to G. The sector will then retain its G character as long as gliders are staying inside. Collective declaration is not allowed, as the controllers need to know at all time how many gliders are still in the sector.
Both in D-airspaces and downgradable TMA sectors, it is of the utmost importance to call and close your contact when leaving. Otherwise a costly search and rescue operation may be initiated by the military controllers... Costly for you when the invoice lands into your mail.
Just in order to make things clearer, hereunder a sketch of the complete Bricy TMA without the mapo background :
This sketch also shows the 2 transit itineraries towards Chartres (North) which are open to gliders after request to Bricy APP (122.70).
Moreover, we put to your disposal in our download area the VFR approach chart (Carte VAC) of the airfield of Blois Le Breuil, in order to improve information and safety.
17.01.2004
As previously announced, the Flight Simulator scene of the Blois Le Breuil airfield is now completely finished. On the pictures we show you hereunder, those of our visitors who know the place already will be able to appreciate the precision of this work piece.
We would like to address our gratitude to Mathieu Bruandet, who realized this Sysiphus work in a matter of almost 2 years of patient labour.
You can download this scene as a ZIP file with installation instructions by clicking on the following hyperlink or by visiting our download area in the website.
The file size is approx. 7 MB
Here is our first photo gallery (7 pictures) of this impressive work piece :
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