Miscellaneous observations re: procedure changes. Not for navigation, please refer to official publications before flight.
LSGG north apron taxiway naming changes and more
Taxiway taxiway Z has been renamed Q, taxiway Y has been renamed P and holding bay Y1 has been renamed R.
Also note there is now a single CAT I/II/III stop bar both at Q and P.
Finally, the taxi clearances now indicate which yellow line is to be followed until the stop bar, the default one being in the holding bay and the other one straight (P1 or Q1, usually for larger aircraft).
LFLB RNP 18Z missed approach
The missed approach for the LFLB RNP 18Z has been completely redesigned. Insted of proceeding straight ahead then turning right at LB600 above the ridge and climb “out of the way” of the final approach, the new chart calls for a left procedure turn, not to be confused with the ILS’s 80º/260º clockwise re-intercept of CH NDB/
LSGG RNP RWY 04
The approach procedure design was updated to enhance alignment with the runway centerline, improving safety margins.
LSGG ILS or LOC RWY 22
The missed approach holding pattern was revised to accommodate changes in nearby airspace structures.
LSGC RNAV (GNSS) 24
The RNAV (GNSS) approach for runway 24 at Les Eplatures Airport (LSGC) was revised to reflect changes in waypoint coordinates and approach minima.
LFFF PBN Approach Chart renaming
On line with ICAO's initiative to standardize Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) approach chart identifications, France completed the renaming its instrument approach charts from "RNAV(GNSS) RWY xx" to "RNP RWY xx." This transition aimed to reduce ambiguity and align with international standards.
LFLB new VPT 36 circling
On reaching minimum for the ILS/LOC or RNP 18Z approach in LFLB, the former procedure called for a breakout to the right, to join a left-hand downwind for runway 36. This was an MVL (Manoeuvre à Vue Libre), meaning that the final turn was at pilot’s discretion.
The new procedure is now named VPT circling 36, for Visual Prescribed Tracks (MVI or Manoeuvre à Vue Imposée) and now calls for a breakout to the left, to join a right-hand downwind.
Note: the circling minimas are now lower than the 2100’ AMSL VFR circuit, making it particularily tricky, especially at the end of downwind as well as in category C aircraft (where the tracks are even closer to the mountain).
Finally, note that the neither the official DSNA chart nor the Jeppesen chart were geo-referenced (unlike LFLP VPT 22), so buyer beware !
LFLK Oyonnax-Arbent airfield closed
The Oyonnax-Arbent airfield (LFLK) has officially ceased operations on August 9th, 2024 and has been removed from current charts after 90 years of existence and 58 years as a public-use facility.
With a single concrete runway (04/22) of 860 meters, the airfield primarily supported general aviation, including private flights and flying clubs. The closure results from declining traffic, rising maintenance costs, and a strategic shift in land use by local authorities.
Despite its utility for VFR operations (especially as an alternate or technical diversion) and uniqueness in the Jura mountains after the closures of St-Claude and Arbois, reduced demand and financial constraints made the airfield's operation unsustainable.
A move of the based operators to LFHS Bourg-en-Bresse with hangar construction was financed by the region. The site is now slated for expansion of the neighboring commercial / industrial zone.