The Tour ULM 2018 Blog

Registrations for the Youth Microlight Tour 2026 are open! Click here!

To see the rules: click here!

Registrations for the Youth Microlight Tour 2025 are open! Click here!

YOUTH MICROLIGHT TOUR 2025: a breathtaking edition!

✨ Happy 2025 to all our microlight enthusiasts! ✨

As we begin this new year, we send you our best wishes for health, happiness and success. May 2025 bring ambitious projects, dreams of altitude and a passion for flying. 🛫

And to start the year well, we have an announcement that will make you soar with joy: the YOUTH MICROLIGHT TOUR 2025 is back for its third edition, from 12 to 19 July 2025, with an even more incredible adventure, under the theme "From land to ocean". 🌍🌊

The highlights in store:

Themed aviation moments: share your love of light aviation in inspiring discussions, visits to aviation museums and workshops on microlight building, among other things.
Mont-Saint-Michel: discover this iconic treasure from the air, a breathtaking view that will stay with you.
The D-Day beaches: experience a moment full of emotion and history, with a special flight planned for the rest day.
Ocean delights: between the magic of the Dune du Pilat, the Gironde estuary and the charm of the Arcachon basin, get ready for a unique journey!

Ready to come aboard?

👉 Registration opens in March 2025, so stay tuned for all the information. Further details will soon be shared through the FFPLUM's communication channels.

Together, let's make this edition an unforgettable event! 🌟

We look forward to seeing you in the air to share this extraordinary adventure of discovery, sharing and excitement.

The Youth Microlight Tour 2025 team

Youth Microlight Tour (Tour ULM Jeunes) 2024 is under way!

The FFPLUM is delighted to announce that registration is open for the eagerly awaited Youth Microlight Tour 2024! After the success of its first edition, the Youth Microlight Tour is back in force to offer an unforgettable experience to young light aviation enthusiasts.

From 22 February to 15 April, pre-registration is open in the Member area to young pilots who want to take part in this unique air adventure. The Youth Microlight Tour 2024 promises to be an enriching experience, an opportunity for discoveries and unforgettable encounters in the skies of France.

Crews will be selected under specific rules that take into account the diversity of classes and crews. We will value inclusion and the representation of all types of crew, whether independent crews or young pilots accompanied by instructors.

The maximum number of crews is set at 20.

Possible crews:

• 2 young solo pilots
• 1 young pilot + 1 instructor
• 1 young pilot + 1 accompanying pilot

The Youth Microlight Tour 2024 is a unique opportunity to discover the picturesque landscapes of France and form lasting friendships within the microlight community. Don't miss this exceptional chance to take part in an extraordinary aerial adventure!

The Tour ULM consists of 7 legs separated by a rest day. The choice of stopover towns is the organiser's responsibility.

For 2024, the 2^th Youth Microlight Tour will run to the following schedule (*):

• Thursday 11 July > arrival of the FFPLUM STAFF and setting up at the departure base
• Friday 12 July > Welcome of crews & general briefing
• Saturday 13 July > La Tour du PIN (LFKP) - Roanne Mably (LF4225)
• Sunday 14 July > Roanne Mably (LF4225)- Aubenas (LFHO)
• Monday 15 July > Aubenas (LFHO)- Villefranche-sur-Rouergue (LFCV)
• Tuesday 16 July > Rest day Villefranche-sur-Rouergue (LFCV)
• Wednesday 17 July > Villefranche-sur-Rouergue (LFCV) - Pierrelatte (LFHD)
• Thursday 18 July > Pierrelatte (LFHD) – GAP (LFNA)- (Arrival between 10:15 and 11:15 compulsory).
• Friday 19 July > GAP (LFNA) - La Tour du Pin (LFKP)-
• Saturday 20 July > Buffer day / End of the tour, dismantling and crews' departure
• Sunday 21 July > Day 2 for crews' departure

(*) Schedule and legs subject to change depending on weather conditions and/or particular circumstances, at the organisers' discretion.

Day 1:

Youth Microlight Tour (Tour ULM Jeunes) 2024 is under way!

Some of the 20 crews went to La Tour-du-Pin aerodrome on Friday for the gathering ahead of the big departure. Because of the weather, some crews joined us directly at Roanne.

All 20 crews have therefore arrived safely at the Roanne-Mably microlight airfield, welcomed by a superb team of volunteers.

On the programme today: a stroll along the banks of the Loire, general briefing, TEM workshop and collection of pilot flight suits

Many thanks to the club ULM Les ailes du merlin 42 Mably Roanne, its volunteers and the Town of Mably

The journey continues tomorrow

Day 2:

Stage Roanne Mably > Aubenas

After a cool night, the camp wakes up to head for Aubenas. Everyone carries on navigating to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Ardèche. On the programme on arrival: well-earned rest, canoeing, swimming and a visit to the town of Balazuc.

No doubt about it, summer is here!

This was followed by the navigation and weather briefing at 8 pm and the debrief with our 3 trainees of the day, who talked about the day's negatives and positives.

Tomorrow's departure for Villefranche de Rouergue is planned for early on Monday 15 July.

We take this stage as an opportunity to thank our partner for this event, Air Création, who welcomed us at their premises.

Thanks also to Ardèche ULM for their help throughout this wonderful day.

See you tomorrow for more adventures ✈️

Day 3:

After visiting the Air Création workshop, we flew off to Villefranche de Rouergue over the lovely hills of the Cévennes

Day 4:

"Cooking" with Angie, a sports nutrition specialist and civic service volunteer at the federation

Discovering the different microlight classes in flight.

Presentation of the gyroplane by Alexandre Deldon

Advanced workshop on the SDVFR app by Alain Marianne

We also thank the Rouergue flying club for their wonderful welcome.

Day 5:

Stage Villefranche-de-Rouergue > Pierrelatte

After flying over the Larzac and getting a front-row view of the Millau viaduct, the arrival was windy in the Rhône valley. We all landed without incident around midday, and the wind was the subject of one of the day's TEMs.

The Club ULM du Tricastin welcomed us warmly. We thank all its volunteers.

Early in the afternoon, the company SurveyCopter presented its drones and its business to us. The young people were able to talk with Michel Marti, a former Transall captain, and Henrik Le Donne, an air traffic controller at Grenoble.

After a busy day, we shared a convivial moment with local elected officials, notably the president of the Drôme departmental council, MP Mouton.

Day 6:

Stage Pierrelatte > Gap Tallard

The second-to-last and one of the most impressive stages of this Youth Microlight Tour 2024.

We arrived in the magnificent mountains of the Hautes-Alpes with the thermometer reading hot!

On the programme: well-earned rest and swimming pool. At 2 pm, many activities and visits were planned:

Visit to G1 Aviation, Hélicoptères De France, Base Levage Gap-Tallard and the Cerps Gap-Tallard.

The AFIS officers also opened the doors of their tower to present their work to us.

The young people were also able to talk at the PNVM with Pierre Sibilia, a former Air France captain.

Thanks to the Gap-Tallard ULM flying club for their wonderful welcome.

Day 7:

Youth Microlight Tour 2024: full circle!

We reached the last stage of the Youth Microlight Tour 2024 with a spectacular flight from Gap to La Tour du Pin. The participants were lucky enough to fly over breathtaking scenery, notably the beautiful Lac de Serre-Ponçon and the majestic Alpine massifs.

In the afternoon, we held a debriefing session (RETEX) with all the participants. It was an enriching moment in which everyone could share their impressions. The young people also benefited from a presentation on microlight competition, opening up new prospects for participants

The day ended in style with a closing ceremony coinciding with the celebrations of La Tour du Pin aerodrome's 100 years. Two birds with one stone! A festive atmosphere and unforgettable memories for everyone.

We warmly thank all our sponsors and partners for their unfailing support. Many thanks to all the volunteers, the host clubs, the instructors and, above all, the young participants for their enthusiasm and passion.

See you next year for new air adventures!

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Find a look back at the event HERE

Download the Youth Microlight Tour MANEX HERE

INFO:
The Youth Microlight Tour 2023 is well under way!

All the crews have arrived safely at the superb Albi Castelvert airfield, LF8156. On the programme for the first day: collecting documentation, the young people discovering the different machines, and the traditional evening briefing.

So 13 crews will take off tomorrow for Sabonnères LF3126, the first stage of this promising tour.

This year the tour makes way for young people. 13 young people will set off on this wonderful adventure. We will share their experiences as their journey unfolds.

Many thanks to the Albi Castelvert microlight club for their warm welcome and to our partners (Safesky, Boutique.aero, DGAC, Raimondi).

Stay tuned!

A look back in pictures at the first flying day of the Youth Microlight Tour!

Our young people set course for the Sabonnères airfield, where the local microlight club Sabonnères Aéro was eagerly waiting for them.

The main aim of the Youth Microlight Tour is to let our young pilots open up to a number of fields and learn. The club's volunteers therefore cooked up educational activities rich in experience.

On the programme: a presentation of the work of a test parachutist, a demonstration of making a composite part, and a presentation by the BGTA Toulouse of their role and field of action.

It was a day full of discoveries that ended in joy and good spirits. A huge thank-you to Sabonnères Aéro for their welcome.

See you tomorrow for new adventures!

After Sabonnères, it's off to the Gers for the crews of the Youth Microlight Tour 2023!

A fine flight let our young pilots reach Nogaro airfield in ideal conditions. Some of them even had the luck to see the Pic du Midi.

On arrival, aviation solidarity kicked in to shelter the tour's machines ahead of a possible thunderstorm. We warmly thank the volunteers of (tag Aéro-Club du Bas Armagnac - Nogaro) for this magnificent display of mutual help.

This wonderful day was full of surprises for the young people, who enjoyed a glider introductory flight. It was an enriching experience for our pilots, who were able to chat with young glider pilots and share some pleasant, friendly moments.

FFPLUM, like the FFVP, is committed to developing our activities for young people. Through the CNFAS, we work with all the aeronautical federations to defend the interests of recreational aviation.

Another fine day comes to an end; next stage: Marmande.

Already the fourth day of the adventure for our young people!

The aim for the day was to reach the long runway at Marmande aerodrome. The departure, originally planned for the morning, was put back to the afternoon because of the weather conditions. Our young people were finally able to take off for a short flight towards Lot-et-Garonne. While waiting for the big take-off, they enjoyed a presentation on competition and on medical issues in microlighting.

All the crews arrived safely at the magnificent Marmande airfield, where they were welcomed by the Fourques microlight club and the Gascogne flying club. On site, they were able to discover the airfield's legendary aircraft.

The evening began with a reception by the Mayor of Marmande, Joël Hocquelet, who did not fail to recall the aviation history of his town. Another day thus ended in a sporting spirit, with a little improvised football match between our pilots. Microlighting is a sport!

Fourth stage for our young people, and probably one of the finest of this tour!

The microlights were able to navigate along the Gironde estuary and discover the magnificent scenery between river and ocean. This stage took our budding pilots to the long runway at Pons aerodrome, where the wind challenged the pilots.

Once there, a presentation on using a parachute followed by a quiz awaited our pilots. While waiting for the evening meal, our young people went into the town of Pons to discover the historic centre and share a friendly moment.

This fourth stage also means a rest for the crews, who will not need to prepare a flight plan for the next day. So it was over a magnificent typical south-western meal, prepared by the wonderful V.S.R évolution team, that our young people celebrated the success of this fine stage.

See you tomorrow for more surprises!

Rest day at Pons for the 5^th day of this Youth Microlight Tour 2023.

This day gave our young people the chance to fly as many different aircraft as possible and to discover three microlight classes.

So it was in weight-shift microlights, gyroplanes and three-axis microlights that our young people flew all morning. For a few hours, the magnificent Pons aerodrome turned into an international airport with a take-off or landing every 45 seconds. This fine air show was orchestrated by our wonderful team of air traffic controllers, whom we are lucky to have with us so that we can fly safely. We warmly thank the DGAC, a partner of this Youth Microlight Tour.

In the afternoon, our young people enjoyed a superb talk, full of anecdotes, from a former army and SAMU helicopter pilot. Meanwhile, the organisers marked out an "aircraft carrier" strip on the aerodrome runway for practical short-landing exercises. Flying therefore resumed in the afternoon so that the young people could hone their piloting and get a first taste of landing on a very short runway.

Thanks to our wonderful instructors and pilots for this wonderful day.

Second-to-last stage of this 2023 edition of the Youth Microlight Tour.

Our crews set course for Haute-Vienne to settle in for a night at Saint-Junien aerodrome.

On site, many activities awaited our young people. First they heard talks from a former Concorde pilot, an Air France pilot and a general of the Air Force, who looked back on their careers and on recruitment processes.

The Youth Microlight Tour aims to enable the sharing of experience but also to help the young people progress as pilots. That is why they are an integral part of the daily briefings. Each day, a pair is tasked with presenting an analysis of the day's flights and identifying potential threats for the next day's flights. Supervised by the flight safety manager, they are made aware of TEM (Threat Error Management) and are therefore fully integrated into the tour's flight safety.

In the afternoon, the young people had the incredible opportunity to fly in formation with the aircraft based there and experienced instructors. A huge thank-you to the Saint-Junien flying club and to all the volunteers who made this day great.

Curtain down on this first edition of the Youth Microlight Tour.

Our pilots all met up at the Saint-Lieux-lès-Lavaur airfield to celebrate the success of this magnificent edition. In the interest of continuous improvement, this last day began with a debrief of this first edition to identify areas for progress. The crews then took off for one last flight towards the south-west. They were able to admire, among other sights, the wonderful village of Rocamadour.

In the afternoon, the young people enjoyed one last refreshing activity with a little pedalo trip full of joy, laughter and good humour. The next day, all the crews also flew back to their home bases, bringing this 2023 edition of the Youth Microlight Tour to a close.

We sincerely thank all our partners and the clubs that went to great lengths to welcome us in the best possible conditions. We also thank the instructors who played their part by offering superb experiences to our young people. Finally, we thank our young pilots, without whom this tour would not exist. They are the future of our movement.

See you next year!

Update on the 2022 edition

In 2019, the TOUR ULM was in its twenty-fourth edition. Originally, microlighting in France meant 400 machines; today it means thousands of aircraft and more than 16 000 members. The TOUR ULM has grown in the same proportions, and last year it had more than 350 participants, 120 machines and an impressive logistics operation, with more than 20 vehicles including four large trucks, refrigerated lorries and about ten light vehicles and vans. On the human side, around fifty volunteers were needed to make it run smoothly, not forgetting the assistance of the DGAC with staff and equipment and the help of sponsors.

As a reminder, the aim of the TOUR is to show that microlighting reflects an aviation that is dynamic, varied and accessible to all. For our pilots, the TOUR ULM is also a chance to improve their flying and safety skills while discovering our beautiful regions.

The Mondial de l'ULM, the MULM, lets us keep introducing our kind of aviation to a wider public that even extends beyond our borders. At the same time, sightseeing flight circuits organised by regional committees or clubs are emerging. They bring together several dozen crews over one or more days and so let them discover a region.

Today we want to continue the TOUR ULM, but in a new format, more environmentally friendly and with new objectives. We would like this TOUR ULM to be aimed at young people and made for them. They are the future of microlighting. In recent years we have seen that the TOUR ULM was a wonderful breeding ground for young people who are now very active within our federation. But for this new TOUR ULM we need time and people, which are sorely lacking this year, 2022. So we invite you to join us in 2023 for this new Youth TOUR ULM.

We are counting on your ideas and your support to make this new youth TOUR ULM a success.

Long live the TOUR ULM.

Francis Berthelet

2021 edition cancelled

At this moment, the Covid-19 crisis means we cannot know what will or will not be possible at the end of July. Given that a health risk during the Tour would have complex technical and economic consequences for the organisation, all the participants and the federation, the Board of Directors judged that it would not be reasonable to hold the 2021 edition of the Tour ULM and therefore decided to cancel it.

However, to allow pilot gatherings on a smaller scale, several events will be organised in the regions by the regional committees with the support of FFPLUM.

In any case, we will all have the pleasure of meeting you in a friendly, festive way at the Mondial de l'ULM in Blois on 3, 4 and 5 September 2021.

The Tour ULM organising team

TOUR ULM 2020: WHERE THINGS STAND

This year 2020 will be deeply marked by the Covid-19 crisis that we are living through and that affects us all. We assume that, like us, you listened carefully to the Prime Minister's statements this Tuesday 28 April and to the conditions for easing lockdown that will apply to everyone. All our federation's actions are geared towards safety, and this goal remains more relevant than ever, particularly in organising an event like the TOUR ULM. Most large events have been cancelled and the tour is affected too.

We have not been able to carry out the reconnaissance visits and it will not be possible to do so during May. We have to admit that it would be difficult in our hangars to keep to the recommended safety distances during meals or briefings.

For the first time in 24 years, and with great regret, we have to cancel TOUR ULM 2020 for its 25^th edition. Barring the unforeseen, it will be repeated in the same form in 2021.

Regarding payment of your registration, there are several options:

• Fill in your bank details with a refund request on the form you received in your mailbox, and the refund will be made in full, very quickly, by the federation's accounts department.
• If you wish to keep your registration for 2021, that is possible: simply let us know on the form you received by email.
• You have not yet paid for your registration, so you are not registered for 2021.

Let's stay optimistic: Brittany will be just as beautiful in 2021.

Warmest regards.

Pierre-Henri Lopez

Chief Commissioner of the TOUR ULM

INFO:

The Tour ULM 2019 is over! Thank you all for following us!

From Couhé Vérac to Saint Pierre d'Oléron: it's over!

Saturday 27 July

The Tour comes to an end!

Despite gloomy weather that deprived the air caravan of its intermediate stage at La Tranche sur Mer on Friday 26 July, the TOUR ULM 2019 (held up one more day at Couhé) ended in joy and happiness with a lovely ceremony and a delicious platter of oysters offered by FFPLUM to every crew. Relive the end of this great adventure in our latest video. Thank you for following us!

Watch the video

Video of the day: An all-female crew for Auxane

The TOUR ULM is drawing to a close, and for this last interview we go to meet a 100% female crew flying for little Auxane...

From Guéret to Couhé Vérac

Thursday 25 July > Evening stage

Going with the flow: the 5 photos of the day

Crew M21

Crew M5

Crew M70

Crew M89

Crew M90

The day's stage on video

The day's stage is online! The Massif Central and the Auvergne volcanoes, among other things... were on today's menu! Click below to watch the video!

Watch the video

Video of the day: IT on the Tour ULM

Meet Julien in today's capsule. The federation's IT specialist, elected to the Board of Directors at the last General Assembly, Julien has been taking part in the Tour ULM for 4 years and has made many improvements to it.

Watch the video

From Issoire to Guéret: the Puy road

Thursday 25 July > Intermediate stage

The day looks set to be a little hotter than yesterday, and as the day before, we decided to leave quite early. The flight along the Puy road, well known from the various editions of the Tour, is as beautiful as ever. Going round Clermont-Ferrand to the south, Puy de Sancy, Puy de Dôme, Puy de Côme and superb conditions on the way to Guéret airfield, where we are now. We will be setting off again quite early, as yesterday.

Le Puy de Sancy

Le Puy de Dome

Le Puy de Côme

Gueret airfield

From Mende to Issoire: getting hotter and hotter!

Wednesday 24 July > Evening stage

The machines took off again from Mende early in the afternoon to avoid the thunderstorm formations forecast for late afternoon. It is really very hot and the bumps in flight were quite sharp. The route went back up towards Issoire with a dog-leg over the Monts du Cantal. Landings were made in crosswinds with thunderstorm threats around. The airfield gives off stifling heat. Tomorrow is likely to be the same, with an early take-off to make the most of the "cool".

Departure from Mende

Garabit Viaduct

The Cantal mountains

Plomb du Cantal

Going with the flow: the 5 photos of the day

Crew M53

Crew M18

Crew M87

Crew M89

Crew M39

Stage no. 4 on video

Summary of stage 4 of the Tour ULM! Regional specialities, heat, a swimming pool and a historic film are all on offer! Click and share the video!

Watch the video

Video of the day: "I fly for Guillaume"

In today's capsule, we are delighted to meet again Pascal and Laura, who "fly for Guillaume", and l'Isle aux biscuits! Discover their story on video

Watch the video

From Romans sur Isère to Mende: La belle vadrouille!

Wednesday 24 July > Intermediate stage

The Tour stops at Mende in the heart of the Lozère, at the famous airfield used for the final scene of "La Grande Vadrouille", filmed in 1966. The facilities are splendid and the local team went all out: entertainment, aligot, good cheer. ULM-Lozere (www.ulm-lozere.com), recently based at the airfield, is a friendly showcase for microlighting! To escape the constraints of the heatwave by making the most of the relative cool of the morning and the altitude, we brought take-offs forward (departure 8 am). The flight consisted essentially of flying over the Monts d'Ardèche Regional Park with the famous Gerbier de Jonc, a mount of very distinctive shape and the source of the Loire.

We plan not to take off for Issoire too late, to avoid the risk of thunderstorms.

Le Gerbier des Joncs

Lake Issarlès, a natural crater lake

The Naussac reservoir

Mende airfield, the last scene of La Grande Vadrouille

Mende airfield

The film

The film and the photos

Swimming pool outing

From Montélimar to Romans sur Isère: last flight before the rest day

Monday 22 July > Evening stage

An afternoon touching the summits! Leaving Montélimar, two options were open to us: direct to Romans sur Isère, or go and see the sumptuous Vercors massif. By all the participants' accounts, it was a magnificent flight, fairly calm at altitude. Romans sur Isère, our destination for the evening, welcomed us with open arms. In the evening, a short briefing, because today is a rest day! A vital day for the participants, as well as for the organisers.

Going with the flow: the 5 photos of the day

Crew M45 Crew M14 Crew M21, P40 and M59 Crew M301 Crew A71, M53 and M80

Video of the day: Stage no. 3

Here is the video summary of stage 3 of the Tour ULM! On the programme: superb regions and a few nice surprises!

Watch the video

Video no. 2: Unusual machines

The Tour ULM started with 120 machines from the Île d'Oléron. Let's go and meet the pilots of two of them, rather unusual and out of the ordinary: Denis Dodeman and Daniel Archereau

Watch the video

From Millau to Montélimar: a nice surprise on the Tour!

Monday 22 July > Intermediate stage

From the Aveyron to the Drôme, via the foothills of the Cévennes, a morning's flight offering sublime landscapes. In the background, the forests of the Cévennes, the River Ardèche and its legendary kayaks! On arrival, welcoming people delighted to have us. All the microlight classes except the balloon are present at Montélimar. The European Museum of Fighter Aviation opened its doors to us. A surprise flew over Montélimar: part of the Patrouille de France came to say hello. A delight for the eyes of the whole tour caravan, the locals and visitors.

Photos coming soon!

From Saint Girons to Millau: heatwave ahead

Sunday 21 July Evening stage

This is the third time the Tour has visited Millau aerodrome. The town is a communications hub on the ground and in the air. Two years ago, the Tour was grounded not far away at Saint-Affrique. The region is distinctive: the dry Larzac plateau is a complete change from the green foothills of the Pyrenees. The Canal du Midi and the Millau viaduct are classics of the route. It is starting to get really hot, the ground is arid, with grasshoppers, flies and mosquitoes, and tent pegs are a little harder to drive in. Departures have been shifted during the day, which forces the logistics to adapt.

As every evening, find the "au fil de l'eau" photos and the day's two videos.

Canal du Midi

A lock on the canal

The canal near Castelnaudary

The Millau Viaduct

Going with the flow: the 5 photos of the day

Crew M90

Crew M35

Crew M89

Crew M48

Crew M5

Video of the day no. 1: Charlotte, 22 years old and instructor on the Tour ULM

Discover the portrait of Charlotte, a young instructor who flew this Sunday with Valentine, a young pilot on this Tour ULM 2019

Watch the video

Video no. 2: The day's stage!

Watch this video for a condensed version of the images of the Sunday 21 July stage in 2 minutes!

Watch the video

From Condom to Saint Girons: a slight change of programme!

Sunday 21 July > Intermediate stage

The weather slightly changed the day's programme. The cloud base was relatively low and we had to cancel the possible option of flying towards the Pic du Midi in favour of a direct flight to St-Girons airfield at the foot of the Pyrenees. Take-offs were delayed and we enjoyed the beautiful, welcoming airfield at Condom until late morning. Departures were fairly staggered to allow smoother integration on arrival. We flew south over Mirande, with the Pyrenees hidden by low cloud and birds of prey roaming. The Tour had never come to St-Girons; we had to cancel the stage two years ago. The airfield is beautiful, the welcome extraordinary, and we eat under the trees. Take-off for Millau is planned for late afternoon.

Waiting at Condom

Waiting at Condom

Waiting at Condom

The cloud layer clears

"Going with the flow" near Castelnau

Saint Girons airfield

The controllers at work

Lunch under the trees

From Biscarosse to Condom

Saturday 20 July > Evening stage

All the machines have landed at Condom. The welcome and the airfield are magnificent. The heat is beginning to make itself felt and we felt the turbulence, pushed by a light westerly tailwind. Tomorrow will consist of two long stages, and a heatwave is expected from Monday.

Every evening you will now have two films to sum up the day: one film that sums up the day and one themed film. As always, the "au fil de l'eau" photo contest is on ( phototourulm@ffplum.org).

Briefing under the oak tree at Biscarosse

Charlotte, 22-year-old instructor, and Valentine from the Microlight Cadets youth team

Castillon château

A magnificent welcome at Condom aerodrome

Au fil de l'eau: the 5 photos of the day!

Photo of crew M26

Photo of crew M89

Photo of crew M18

Photo of crew A400

Photo of crew M70

Video of the day no. 1: The President's words before departure

Each day we offer two videos on the TOUR ULM 2019: one themed piece / interview plus the day's stage in pictures.

To start with, here is the interview with Sébastien Perrot, President of FFPLUM, at the departure from St Pierre d'Oléron.

Watch the video

Video no. 2: The day's stage!

Watch this video for a condensed version of the images of the Saturday 20 July stage in 2 minutes!

Watch the video

From Oléron to Biscarosse: au fil de l'eau!

Saturday 20 July > Intermediate stage

The 24th edition of the Tour ULM took off from the Île d'Oléron, where it is due to return next Friday. The weather looks excellent but scorching for the whole week. The night was rainy, however, with thundery spells and the arrival of a small front, which forced us to take off fairly early under a sky slightly obscured by stratus.

The route was simple: follow the coastline, crossing the Gironde, the Bassin d'Arcachon, the Dune du Pilat and the Biscarosse lake, the capital of seaplane flying. Two machines dropped out on this first stage, a hard landing and an engine failure in a field.

The Tour organisers have arranged a shuttle service to the Biscarosse seaplane museum, which traces the whole history of this blend so close to the culture of sea and air.

This year, to follow the Tour ULM you have a report on each stage, with text and photos, about ten trackers on the machines and, new for 2019, a video report on each stage. We are also running a photo contest on the theme "au fil de l'eau"; photos should be sent to: phototourulm@ffplum.org. The tour caravan sets off again around 4 pm.

We leave the island of Oléron

The coast near Montalivet les Bains

The Dune du Pilat

Visit to the seaplane museum

Friday 19 July

The pilots arrived throughout the day! After collecting the federation's welcome packs, the club ULM Oléronnais had arranged an oyster tasting. After this relaxing moment, Pierre Henri Lopez led the first general briefing with all the pilots and various speakers: Sébastien Perrot (FFPLUM President), Louis Collardeau (Vice-President), Francis Berthelet (Logistics Director), Jean Christophe Gibert (Flight Safety Manager), Henrik Le Donne (DGAC Controller) and Catherine Van de Velde (Weather).

The crews collect their fuel vouchers

First general briefing with the pilots

Thursday 18 July

First briefing of this Tour ULM 2019! Together with about fifty volunteers and the microlight cadets (young people with instructors), Pierre Henri Lopez, the Tour's General Director, and Sébastien Perrot, President of FFPLUM, each took the floor to explain to all the volunteers their roles and missions and to recall the golden rule of the Tour: enjoy yourselves safely!

The 17:30 briefing

a foretaste…

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Tour ULM 2018 - On the ground

We often talk about the Tour ULM from the flying side, and two years ago we had a very fine film, “La belle vadrouille” (watch it here). This year we wanted a shorter film showing the Tour's caravan from the “ground” side, with our main partners. It is indeed the overall organisation of the Tour, with its volunteers, contractors and partners, that makes this tour, unique in Europe, possible. Our aim is also to show the diversity and accessibility of our activity. This 2018 edition passed through Belgium, where we received an extraordinary welcome. The idea is also to show our movement's balance and success at European level. Above all, the Tour depends on the quality of the clubs that host us and set the general atmosphere. If you have taken part, remember it. If you are discovering it, join us!

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Back to Mâcon: the tour is over

Friday 27 July, evening

The 2018 Tour ULM is over. It was a success. There were no accidents or serious incidents, every leg was completed, and the very hot weather was no obstacle to flying. > Read more

Lurcy-Lévis, heading east, bright and early

Friday 27 July

The aircraft parking at Amboise was sparkling last night. The night was peaceful and relatively cool. We decided to leave a little earlier, given the temperatures expected during the day and the risk of isolated thunderstorms late in the afternoon. > Read more

Amboise, via the Loire châteaux

Thursday 26 July, evening

It was so hot at La Flèche, 35 degrees on average, that the club had the excellent idea of inflating an above-ground pool so that we could cool off. The Tour used up the entire stock of cold drinks and the coffee machine gave up the ghost in the heat. > Read more

La Flèche, a transition stage

Thursday 26 July, midday

The welcome at Saint-André de l’Eure was masterfully prepared with the club team and the Normandy regional committee. Saint-André, close to the Paris region, is impressive for the number of aircraft. Many guests took the opportunity to greet us on the Tour. > Read more

Saint-André de l’Eure, following the Seine upstream

Wednesday 25 July, end of the day

We took off from Le Havre at 15:30 for a navigation leg that involved following the Seine upstream, passing south of Rouen and north of Evreux: Tancarville Bridge, meanders winding from north to south as we headed west, forests and river ports. > Read more

Le Havre Saint-Romain: from Picardy to Normandy

Wednesday 25 July, midday

The rest day at Abbeville was particularly full. Most participants took the opportunity to fly over the Baie de Somme and surrounding area in weather conditions that are always ideal. The young people with us, who fly half the day with instructors and spend the other half on the ground, had a lesson on rotary-wing aircraft followed by a surprise helicopter flight for everyone. > Read more

Towards Abbeville, a summer coastline

Monday 23 July, evening

Flying resumed around 16:00 after a long break in the heat. We quickly reached the sea, with England in sight, and followed the Opal Coast route that we know well from the Tour ULM: Dunkirk, Calais, Cap Blanc-Nez, Cap Gris-Nez, Boulogne, then around the Le Touquet zone before heading on to Abbeville. > Read more

Dunkirk, flying in Belgium, landing in France

Monday 23 July

The weather conditions are not a problem, apart from the heat, which is becoming ever more oppressive. We left the little paradise of Maillen with regret. The evening forged some fine friendships and renewed some fine memories. > Read more

Maillen, Franco-Belgian friendship and microlight regulations!

Sunday 22 July

We left Chambley this morning in perfectly comfortable and clear weather conditions. The general mood is good, and we set off for Belgium around 09:30 on a collective flight plan to cross the border. > Read more

Chambley, the capital of air sports!

Saturday 21 July

The day stretched out a bit, a little too much for the organisation, because everything is then pushed back in the well-oiled workings of the event: tent, fuel, showers, catering, briefing.

But the essential is assured for the participants: it was a fine day for flying. > Read more

We saw Vesoul

Saturday 21 July, midday

The title is an easy one, but that really was the aim, and we are very happy to be able to keep to the planned pace.

The year 2017 had been marked by major weather difficulties, with a delayed departure from Châtellerault. The departure from Mâcon went without a hitch, and it seems the conditions will be mild, but hot, over the coming days. > Read more

Mâcon: everyone airborne!

Friday 20 July

The 23th edition of the Tour set up base in Mâcon, with the traditional gathering of the organisation on Thursday and of the pilots on Friday, for a Saturday departure.

137 aircraft are expected, for a total of about 270 people in the air and on the ground. As for many weeks now, it is very hot, and a strong storm deterioration is forecast for late on Friday. > Read more

The 2018 Tour ULM will be full of colour!

After two editions in the south of France, this year the north takes centre stage.

We will leave from Mâcon, on the banks of the Saône, and head north to Belgium, where the local microlight pilots are eagerly waiting for us. Along the way you will enjoy the foothills of the Vosges, and as we arrive in Lorraine, near Verdun, you may spare a thought for the glorious aviators of the First World War. > Read more

Jaca, viva España!

Wednesday 26 July, evening

Every Tour has its favourite stage, the one that gives it its personality, such as Germany or England. Spain was undoubtedly the goal of this edition, and we reached it in ideal and unexpected conditions, because the weather in the previous days had been hard going…> Read more

Aire-sur-l'Adour, as planned!

Tuesday 25 July, evening

Given the day's many weather constraints, the departure from Castelsarrasin was late. The last stage of the day was short, in mild summery weather, still with a headwind. The last machines arrived around 9 pm at Aire-sur-l'Adour, and the good news is that we leave tomorrow for Spain, taking off around 9 am and returning the next day.> Read more

Castelsarrasin, the Tour finally gets going again!

Tuesday 25 July, midday

The strong winds in the night and the low cloud base in the morning were not very encouraging. But we had to get out of this persistent weather "glue pot", at the risk of compromising the rest of the Tour entirely, while of course respecting the safety imperative that is our absolute priority.> Read more

Saint-Affrique, still stuck!

Monday 24 July

The weather was bad across the whole of France. At Saint Affrique too: rain in the night, strong wind, low cloud base. We were ready to leave but had to give up around 2 pm. So we spent another night, forecast to be rainy too, and we will decide early tomorrow morning how to continue the route. We have less and less room for manoeuvre. It is rather tiring to do nothing.> Read more

Saint-Affrique, an excellent day!

Sunday 23 July, evening

The report on this half-stage will be fairly short because we need to stick to the essentials and it is late. In a word: excellent! In the flying, the atmosphere, the logistics, a long and memorable day with two welcoming airfields. All of this is largely possible thanks to the ground logistics team, who covered long, often winding and tiring distances, especially after yesterday's false start.> Read more

Condat-sur-Vézère, the tour begins!

Sunday 23 July, morning

After two nights under canvas at Châtellerault aerodrome, and three for the organisers, the Tour has finally set off, a day behind the originally planned itinerary. Stratus, no rain and a reasonable wind: that is the weather, which is leaving us in peace today.>Read more

Still Châtellerault, but on the ground.

Saturday 22 July

It was a strange day and tonight we are still at Châtellerault with the superb Silvair team who are hosting us. As last year, the first departure day, although summery and south of the Loire, was disrupted by a rain front that began to wake us around 6 am. This front, which was supposed to pass quickly, in fact stayed for a good part of the day.>Read more

Châtellerault, the 22^th !

Friday 21 July

The 22th edition of the Tour ULM sets off from Châtellerault this Saturday morning. It is centred on the South-West for this week of ultralight aviation holidays. Tomorrow we head for the Massif Central and the Vézère. We will follow the Pyrenees on Sunday and Monday. We will make an incursion into Spain with a rest day on Tuesday. On Wednesday and Thursday we will head back up the coast to return to Châtellerault next Friday after an intermediate stop at the Angers Museum. We are expecting 135 machines, with a well-oiled organising team.> Read more

Back to Saint-Rambert, last flight over the Vercors

Friday 29 July, evening

The Tour ULM 2016 is over! Mild weather, except at the start, no accidents, superb scenery and varied flights, and a good atmosphere on the Tour: serene and relaxed! What more could you ask for? This last flight over the Vercors was superb. > Read more

Aubenas: the ideal flight

Friday 29 July, midday

Flying conditions this Friday are almost perfect: a big blue sky, no wind and magnificent visibility over the Ardèche and the Cévennes. The machines left the big airfield at Le Puy fairly quickly. Le Puy is a superb area for activity, of every kind. A big thank-you to the Aerocopter Club du Puy team, who went to great lengths to host us. It should be stressed that the work of the Tour and of the host teams is essentially done by volunteers; without them the Tour would not work. > Read more

The big playground of Le Puy-en-Velay

Thursday 28 July, evening

As on the previous day, departures were late because of the weather, and the relatively long stages mean we arrive quite late. Add the tiredness that is starting to be felt, and the pace is a little languid. Our flight consisted essentially of following the Loire upstream. > Read more

Paray-le-Monial, an ecumenical stage

Thursday 28 July, midday

The night at Ussel was fairly cold. We put the fleeces back on, which is ideal for getting to sleep quickly. In the morning the tents were soaked and, like yesterday, we waited for the stratus to clear before heading to the Puy de Sancy and the Puy de Dôme. The crews are thus free to play perfectly with the terrain over sites the Tour has often crossed. > Read more

Ussel, facing the Puy

Wednesday 27 July, evening

This stage summary will be short because this morning's delayed take-offs knocked the whole day back, and the last machines landed around 8 pm. We are at Ussel facing the Puy-de-Sancy in ideal conditions, perhaps a little cool but with superb light. The runway opens onto an absolutely fabulous flying area. Auvergne in all its splendour. Some machines took the time to fly over the Monts du Cantal and play with the terrain. We will hold a catch-up session tomorrow morning. > Read more

Sarlat and the Dordogne keep us waiting

Wednesday 27 July, midday

Contrary to the forecast, the weather was a little capricious. A slight depression moved further south. The high cloud prevented warming and the rapid clearing of the stratus. We had to wait until late morning to begin take-offs. In addition, the control at Muret-Lherm, which was not under our responsibility, ran at a slightly slower pace than ours, which is quite normal when you are not used to the Tour's organisation. It took us nearly 2 hours to get everyone off. > Read more

Toulouse, aeronautical capital

Tuesday 26 July

The stage linking Villefranche-de-Rouergue to Muret Lherm aerodrome, south-west of Toulouse, was relatively short and the participants took their time to leave. The route involved heading south and following the Gorges de l'Aveyron, with villages perched in very dense green settings: the château de Courbières, the château Saint-Jean at Najac. Leaving the gorges, still heading south, we come across a Cathar stronghold: Cordes-sur-Ciel, which has a perfect name for flying enthusiasts, all length and all height. > Read more

Villefranche-de-Rouergue, a rest in the Aveyron

Monday 25 July, midday

On the weather front, the battle is almost won for this edition of the Tour ULM. Our weather engineer is forecasting clear blue skies for the whole week. The downside will be the heat, which tires the body a little and makes flights more turbulent in the middle of the day. But we won't complain. Complaining is generally not very productive. After all, we are here for the pleasure of it. On the organisation side, we have had no incident or breakage since the start of this Tour. > Read more

Montpellier via the Durance and the Camargue

Sunday 24 July

The take-offs from the charming Meyrargues microlight airfield gave rise to some discussion about the direction of take-off. The dilemma was this: should we take off into wind but through the gap in the trees, or with the wind behind us while avoiding the trees? The strengthening wind and aeronautical common sense eventually prevailed, and all the machines left through the famous gap, always more impressive from afar than in situ. So it was back to classic take-off technique, with good speed built up in level flight. The ballet lasted almost 1 hr 45 because the taxiing area on the runway is cramped. Once again everything went well. Come to Meyrargues! > Read more

Meyrargues, big blue sky over Provence!

Sunday 24 July, midday

First of all we must warmly thank the Carpentras microlight club (www.ulmcarpentras.com) and the aerodrome manager, who did an extraordinary job enabling us to stay the night when we were only expected for lunch! This is also possible thanks to the Tour's fully self-sufficient logistics. The formula is tried and tested, but it needs accomplices on the spot. If you want to discover the Ventoux, do drop in on our friends at Carpentras. > Read more

Carpentras, sporty and stormy

Saturday 23 July, midday

The stormy weather did indeed turn up. We were woken early by a fine, rather uninviting rain. The situation forced us to wait for the low cloud base to lift, while preventing instability over the terrain from building too much during the day. The morning organisation briefing very quickly decided to cancel the evening stage to Fayence, in an area under orange alert. We would also have had great difficulty leaving Fayence tomorrow, Sunday. > Read more

Saint-Rambert d'Albon, on the holiday route!

Friday 22 July

The 21th edition of the Tour ULM has set up camp on the holiday route, beside the N7, halfway between Lyon and Valence, at the Saint-Rambert d'Albon airfield. We are hosted by the microlight club La Thine Air ULM and the aeroplane club of the Aéroclub d'Annonay. > Read more