Together, let us act against the abusive application of the 3DS Law through an essential mobilisation led jointly by the PNVM (Pole National Vol Montagne) of FFPLUM and FFPLUM (the French Microlight Federation)
What is it about? Law 2022-217, known as 3DS: “Differentiation, Decentralisation, Deconcentration” and containing various measures of “Simplification of local public action”, was published on 22 February 2022. (271 articles) and has dealt a fatal blow to mountain flying!
Indeed, in sections 1 and 2 of article 363 of this 3DS law, passed “on the quiet” on the initiative of a few parliamentarians and without any prior information or consultation with any body competent on this aeronautical subject, the provisions of the Environmental Code on so-called “leisure” landings in the mountains were significantly amended as follows:
Ban on landings for leisure purposes.
See (articles L363-1 to L363-4)
· Let us remember that these provisions apply to all French mountain ranges and, more precisely for mainland France, to: the Northern and Southern Alps, the Pyrenees, the Massif Central, the Jura and the Vosges, i.e. roughly 30% of the territory, 44 départements and more than 5600 municipalities. Note that many areas of plains and valleys without direct relief are thus classified as mountain area.
In summary, the 3DS Law:
· Condemns, in mountain areas, all use of leisure aircraft on occasional airfields and helipads in these ranges (Article L363-1, I)
· Prohibits the embarking or disembarking of passengers for leisure purposes in mountain areas outside an approved aerodrome. (Article L363-, II)
· Prohibits direct or indirect advertising of these activities, with criminal penalties of 6 months to one year’s imprisonment and a fine of €75 000 to €150 000. (Articles L363-3 and 4)
Passed without consultation with the federations or the DGAC, this law, originally intended to regulate extreme cases (Mont Blanc, dropping off skiers, etc.), was drafted too broadly and diverted from its original purpose, in disregard of realities on the ground.
In practical terms, it means the announced disappearance of many microlight activities: closures of permanent or occasional airfields, clubs and flying schools put at risk, introductory flights, sporting events, but also a blow to a whole local ecosystem — tourism, the economy, the appeal of areas and access to leisure.
Wide-ranging action of all kinds is already under way, but we need you.
The PNVM and FFPLUM have launched an offensive strategy with the help of a specialist lawyer in order to:
· Take the legal and administrative action needed to defend those of our pilots already affected by this law, those who will be, and those who are forced, for reasons of economic survival, to breach this law.
· Try to paralyse this text by demonstrating that it is inappropriate, and propose an acceptable alternative or an implementing decree adapted for microlight pilots, who are penalised over nearly a third of the national territory, have our rights respected and have the specific nature of microlighting in the mountains recognised. Not to mention unequal treatment at European level.
This fight is being conducted with rigour, determination, professionalism and openness to dialogue.
To see this process through, we need to fund:
· In-depth legal analyses, including at European level.
· Administrative appeals to the competent authorities,
· Legal action, in particular criminal defence, some of which has already borne fruit,
· National, targeted communication to raise awareness among public opinion and decision-makers and keep our members informed l
· Lobbying of elected officials and administrations.
We are defending a fundamental right: to fly microlights in the mountains in a way that is legal, regulated and respectful of the areas concerned, without turning these areas into sanctuaries closed to all controlled human activity.
By contributing to this fund, you directly help finance communication, lobbying and legal action, and join a collective fight led by the PNVM and FFPLUM in the service of the whole microlight community.
Donations made to FFPLUM qualify for a tax reduction:
- 66% of the amount for individuals, up to 20% of your taxable income
- 60% of the amount for companies, up to 0,5% of turnover
A donation of €30 actually costs you only €10 after tax relief. (A donation receipt will be provided)
Share this link widely, mobilise your networks, alert your elected officials. This fight belongs to everyone: pilots, clubs, enthusiasts, local officials, citizens.
Together, let us make the voice of a living, open, accessible, free and respectful mountain heard.
Join the fight led by the PNVM and FFPLUM.
Thank you in advance for your contribution in the general interest of mountain flying.
