Club of the month: Opale R Formation ULM, a dynamic club in the north of France

ABOUT OUR AERODROME

Opale R is a small organisation at the Le Portel airfield, facing the English coast. We use almost the same runway that was used in the last century before 1939. Unfortunately, nothing remains today of the Boulogne Alprech terminal that stood at the end of the runway. According to the chamber of commerce of the time, it was meant to be a promising future for the area. Some very fine documentaries can be found on YouTube:

We currently fly every microlight class at this base except class 6 helicopters. Our friend Serge, from the Club ULM Les Godasses Volantes in Arras, happily visits us regularly during lessons and the many events, so that the whole big microlight family is represented. Another special feature of our site is an extraordinary advantage at the end of the runway, on the cliff side: when the wind blows hard enough, we can let our paramotor go and enjoy some free flying.

Our hangar is home to several associations: Opale'R; Apba; Opale autogyre; Coa; Les ballons de Wimereux, and a few businesses.

Historic photo of Boulogne - Alprech airport

TRAINING AT THE SERVICE OF YOUNG PEOPLE

The first condition for being allowed to build our 1 200 m² building was to bring added value to the Boulonnais area. The aerodrome was used by only one association, the APBA, and only three-axis flying was offered to the public. Thanks to the support of the then Minister of Transport and of all the surrounding communes, Opale'R formation ULM can now offer its services to the people of Boulogne, in addition to being at Marck airport and Nielles-lès-Calais.

2018 was when work on our building began. We currently train in paramotor, three-axis and weight-shift, but what we enjoy most is sharing our passion with young people through the BIA. It is a joy shared by all the instructors and the whole supervising team. Our students have received their diplomas from dignitaries in the presence of the air force, the navy, representatives of the prefecture, and so on.

2022 was marked by a 100% pass rate in the BIA, with English as the option required by our internal rules. We are partners through the Programme de Réussite Educative. We have a lead teacher in almost every secondary school and college in the surrounding area. Hot-air balloon introductions are held regularly on our premises, as well as prevention courses on drone regulations and use.

The club trains in particular for weight-shift flying

A DIVERSITY OF PILOTS

What is wonderful in this small world of aviation is that on our airfield we can rub shoulders with a multitude of people, from Cyril Féraud of the Carte aux trésors to Camille Cotin and many others... Lots of foreign pilots visit us regularly. It is a real pleasure to talk about all sorts of subjects and to see magnificent aircraft. The Opal Coast is a place that interests many enthusiasts. On long weekends, many aircraft stop by to visit us. That is why, for some years now, we have taken particular care in maintaining the airfield. A considerable amount of work goes into the mowing and the mole hunting organised by our veterans.

For the well-being of visiting pilots, we have provided outdoor electric points and running water. Nature lovers can enjoy the comfort of marvelling at the sunset while in a sleeping bag under the wing of their aircraft. The morning coffee is, of course, free. A fuel pump is accessible 24/24 a few hundred metres away on foot. Transport, restaurants and security are available. See information on BASULM.

Microlight pilots come from all over France and Europe to enjoy the Opal Coast

A DIARY FULL OF PROJECTS

For 2023,

- From mid-March until August, a very rare event will take place at the airfield. A pop-up restaurant, cool k'cahuete, will serve excellent meals to pilots, to be enjoyed facing the sea.

- Drone course from 17 to 21 April, funded by the PRE for 10 candidates.

- A gathering of Piper Cub aeroplanes on 27 and 28 May.

- A training and awareness course will take place in May, run by our Patricia Bé.

- A first competition in July, organised in part by the Federation.

- Paramotor gathering.

- A first aviation swap meet will be held at the airfield with all the resident aviation associations and will be open to the general public.

Many other projects in partnership with the air force are being drafted and require somewhat more complex authorisations.

THE FUTURE OF THE RUNWAY

Despite our efforts to bring added value to the area through our activities, the Communauté d'Agglomération du Boulonnais still plans to build an enormous housing estate close to the runway. According to those in charge, there would be no incompatibility... Thanks to the mobilisation of microlight pilots in 2022, the careers forums organised, the various activities held, the BIA, and so on, we were surprised to receive the support of the DSAC Nord, the sub-prefecture of Boulogne-sur-Mer and the prefecture of Arras, who gave negative opinions on this large property project. BFM, France 3, the ARTE channel and the local press covered the story superbly throughout the year.

That is why we must all, as pilots and club managers, keep in mind that this sword of Damocles hangs permanently over our activity, and over any airfield! Never let your guard down! We absolutely must comply with the regulations and make others comply, respect local residents in the face of nuisance, never take risks and, above all... keep enjoying ourselves as much as possible.

To everyone, we look forward to meeting you at Boulogne Alprech.

Gaetan Ruet

Opale'R Formation ULM

www.opalerformationulm.fr

Photo credit: Opale R Formation