One of the most popular European destinations for the British GA pilot is Le Touquet-Paris-Plage Aeroport, with many flying schools and clubs organising fly-outs in the UK. It was built in the 1930s to accommodate the British clientele who came in large numbers to take advantage of the attractions of the resort. It was announced on 16th Sep 2022, by Emmanuel Macron, that Aéroport International Le Touquet-Côte d'Opale (Opel Coast) in northern France will be renamed from 14 October 2022 in honour, and to pay tribute to, Queen Elizabeth II.

A year on from this kind gesture, and utilising the last of good VFR flying conditions in the area, the club is arranging a fly-in for lunch / dinner on the anniversary of the announcement. It can be conducted any time during the month of September. This can be either a solo flight, or as part of a group, but must be planned and flown in accordance with VFR procedures. (See Flight Planning below and Datasheets.)

Start Time and Place To add value to individual planning and allow arranged group participation, the departing airfield will be from Popham (EGHP) and arrival airfield is Le Touquet Cô;te d'Opale (LFAT).

There are specific entry procedures for LFAT and a data sheet has been populated with the key entry / exit points and associated VRP's, rules and procedures. LFAT is in Class D airspace. Fuel is available on the apron via a bowser. LFAT website: https://www.aeroport-letouquet.com/

You may use any aircraft (including helicopters) classified as GA (within the EASA "light" category), see club rules for details.

Before starting we will check the weather for VFR conditions. If it is unsuitable for our trip as planned, then we will fix it. Something we can do in the simulator - wouldn't it be nice if we could do it in real life! You will need to turn off any on-line weather updates and select calm in the simulator weather options.

Remember to ANC (Aviate, Navigate, Communicate.) This event should be fun for all, both pilots and controllers. Bear in mind that other (non CIX VFR CLUB) traffic may also use the same airspace/airfields but everyone has equal priority (VFR). Should your enjoyment become impaired due to "unsportsmanlike" ATC, let someone know so that senior club members can pass on your concerns. Similarly, If you get something wrong, such as entering controlled airspace without authority, learn from the experience and follow instructions - even if requested to 'Disconnect'. However, if you have a problem, ask ATC for help, a lot easier that flying on regardless causing "confusion and mayhem"! And don't forget your first call for help is other club members, that is how we all learnt to do it.

Currently there is no planned ATC from EGHP Radio, FIS / London or on arrival at LFAT. Class A starts at 5500ft crossing the Channel. Le Touquet is a full ATC service if manned, therefore practices such as calling for engine start-up on departure should be observed. For UK arrivals and departures, the RT service should be provided in English.

Take care not to let our Teamspeak chat cut across ATC. Stop any conversation immediately the R/T comes alive, then continue if "he wasn't talking to us". This is difficult because when transmitting on Teamspeak you can't hear the R/T. So be brief on Teamspeak, and be aware that ATC might be trying to get through. If anyone hears an R/T message which seems to be being ignored, just say "ATC is calling G-CIXN" if you have identified the callsign, or "ATC is calling us" which is a cue for everyone to be quiet on Teamspeak until ATC call again (which they will). Remember too that if asked to "Stand By" by ATC, you do not reply - not even "Roger", but simply wait until you are called again.

The Club Star award will be awarded to all those departing EGHP and arriving at LFAT any time during September. CIX/VFR/V/DAY/GENERAL/SEPTEMBER STAR

EGHP and LFAT Data sheets

Event Idea: Dan Cooper.
Event planning: Dan Cooper.
Briefing: Dan Cooper