Airport Merville Calonne (LFQT) IFR

Merville Calonne [LFQT] is a mixed blessing and a sad site/sight (please forgive the pun!) – it even has a Mary Celeste feel to it. There is a newly refreshed 1840 metres paved runway with ILS and RNP for R22 at one end and RNP for R04 at the other; lighting; but NO Customs; full ATC (but for how long?); Avgas & JetA; a wonderful brand new 'state-of-the-art' club house - one of the best I have ever seen – together with a wonderful new restaurant and ample GA parking. All at very reasonable fees. But there is no one around! [On the two days I was there, French ATC were on strike and even the firemen had gone – although there was a hot kettle on the stove!] A couple of years ago the field was the height of activity: The Chinese government and Air France were training their pilots there. All have gone: the Chinese now doing their training 'in house' and Air France has moved to Oxford. The result is what looks, and feels, like a brand new airport, but deserted. It is though still, an ideal perfect place for IR training & renewals: just 15 minutes flying time south of Calais. (without the complication of the nuclear power station zone).

IFR: As well as ILS and RNP, + NDB procedures for both runways, there are STARS & SIDS. I transited via IBERU both in and out.

Fees and Fuel: For my Piper Arrow I paid €9 for landing and €6 per 24H parking (this was after three days when a sole fireman decided to turn up). He implied that the landing fee covers one's initial Instrument approach and seemed unconcerned as to how many other approaches one had done after that.

Fuel: There is the ubiquitous TOTAL 24H self-service but the fireman operates it during day hours.

The Aeroclub: l'aéroclub de la Lys et de L'Artois https://aeroclublys.org/ has a wonderful brand new modern designed club house with ample GA parking. It is on the south side (opposite the main terminal). There is a warm welcome, not least by the Président, André Jonghmans – the man who managed to pursuade the french authorities to spend thousands of euros on the club! There is a bar/coffee room, spacious planning rooms with ability to submit flight plans etc. As you can see from the web page, it would make any flying club jealous. Although usually manned throughout the day, if you need to 'go through' the club house to exit/enter the parking area, the code # to the doors is: the ATIS + * i.e. 1279* Upstairs, either via the club or from outside with its own entrance is a new and very attractive restaurant: L’Helice. https://www.helice-restaurant.fr/?lang=en it is open every day (except Monday).

Town & Hotels: Regretfully, Merville (2km away) has nothing to attract, having been totally destroyed some 11 times in its history, including during both World Wars! Likewise, the choice of hotels is very limited. On the terminal side, right by the tower is the basic Hotel Mervill Airport. It has a convenient location (if you are that side of the field) but is very basic.