Civil Airfield Lognes Emerainville (LFPL)

The VFR-GA field on the east side of the city and probably the busiest aerodrome in France. With a tower and an RMZ, but no CTR and no IFR procedures. Note: on certain days of the month (see NOTAMs), there is no ATC here either and "FR-only" applies. There can be up to nearly ten aircraft in the circuit and the frequency can be very congested. The asphalt runway is only 700 m long, but has overrun areas. Lots of forest and built-up area around; suitable forced-landing areas are very scarce. Aircraft with a wingspan greater than 15 m (motor gliders) are subject to restrictions (see VAC). Direct flights to/from the British Isles (outside Schengen) are generally no longer possible. No direct flights to/from Switzerland either. IFR arrivals must be filed as a Y flight plan (not an I plan). You will not be allowed into the Paris TMA (even IFR), so you must descend early to a low altitude. On approach from the east, avoid the Meaux (LFPE) circuit, as its RMZ extends vertically up to Class A airspace (1500 ft MSL). Best to route a bit to the south, following the motorway. Study the approach chart in advance, as strict noise abatement procedures (circuit routing) apply. A maximum of 100 kt is recommended. The edge of the Paris CTR is also not far away. 100LL self-serve with a Total Carnet or credit card. At the fuel pump you must always park facing west. Since 2023 there has also been a fuel station on the field for ethanol-free premium mogas (98 octane). The landing fee is €22, extremely cheap by Paris standards. Above all: there are absolutely no parking fees here! The fee cannot be paid on site (fill out a form; you will receive the invoice by email at some point). Alternatively, since 2024 you can also pay via aerops. Unfortunately there are only a few (six) paved stands for visiting aircraft. They can apparently be reserved in advance, but they are almost never full. Otherwise you park on grass, which is perfectly fine. The airfield restaurant "Le Briefing" is good; unfortunately it is only open on weekdays. If it is closed, you will find dirty toilets only landside (you may be allowed to use the toilets in the "Tower"?). Exit the aerodrome behind the tower building. The RER station can be reached with a short taxi/Uber ride. On foot (Google Maps) it is 25 minutes. The RER runs from there every 10–15 minutes (Sundays too) quickly and cheaply to Châtelet, Étoile, etc. An Uber directly to Paris costs between €35 and €70 (depending on time of day), sometimes on weekends only €26! You really don’t need to bother with the train. There is an Ibis hotel within reasonable walking distance of the field (2 km). Fast food halfway (threshold 08). IFR departures again only with a Z plan; IFR pickup only once you are outside the TMA.

Great way to visit Paris. Great AtC. AEROPS to pay so simple. I requested PPR and got a response and confirmation of parking. Not sure PPR strictly required. Simply be <1500’ before TMA and then follow the motorway to Echo and beyond. Uber to 20th Arondisement for €30. 7 min wait. Train and bus options too.

Airfield is easy to spot.

V built up / forestry all around and to the north of field so v few place to go should the worst happen. Departure. Struggled to figure a suitable Z FPL departure. ATC in the tower were super helpful. Suggested CTL or EGOZE( east of Beauvais) which was what I used: LFPL UTELA INRUN EGOZE and north unsurprisingly still had to remain below TMA until EGOZE €21.6 for landing and overnight parking included. Excellent lunch at the restaurant.