Lyon Bron    LFLY

Date of Visit = August 99.

Pilot: = Howard Gold

e-mail = pilot-h@higher.flyer.co.uk

Field Report = Lyon is both a superb destination in it's own right, and makes a good staging post en-route to and from the South, as well as a natural destination for onward transfer by road to the Ski-resorts of the Haute Savoie, being placed in the Rhone Valley in relatively low terrain (but beware the nearby high ground when approaching from the North West)

Lyon Bron is an immaculate dedicated GA facility, with many corporate jets - but, on the day of my visit, the only other light aircraft seen were from abroad. This may be because, by French standards, LFLY is an expensive destination. Nevertheless, it is certainly recommended on the basis of convenience and service. A fuel bowser met us on the (deserted) tarmac on arrival. Customs are available and the reception organised a taxi for us and booked a hotel, in all they were helpful and efficient.

Landing fee and overnight parking FF508 for a Cessna 310.

Fuel FF7.69 per litre.

We Stayed overnight at the Sofitel Bellecour,(00 33 4 72 41 20 20) a smart modern hotel which is well placed to explore the city centre on foot. The old town "Vieux Lyon" is the place to make for when you are hungry. Try a traditional tavern "bouchon" for a taste of the famous Lyon cuisine at a reasonable price.

For a really special stay, I recommend the hotel "La Cour des Loges", (00 33 4 78 42 75 75) One of Lyon's most stylish hotels right in the heart of the old town. It has been created from four Renaissance mansions and is quite charming.

On returning to the airport, and needing some charts for Italy, I asked where the Pilot Shop was. The staff organised a driver who took me to the pilot shop some distance away, and waited for me whilst I made my purchases.

Flight planning on the way out is straightforward, Met is available at a computer in the reception, and flightplans were easily filed by telephone from the same spot.

Lyon Bron - Smooth and helpful service and one of the great cities of Europe.