Flying to Annecy from Biggin via Troyes

[john ball]

Hi Everyone, In july I am going on the above flight, but would like to know if anyone has experience of flying directly through the Geneva zone on its west end, as I would like to fly direct rather than all round via the east of Lyon and the Chambery VOR. i.e. on a loop to the south. Also for anyones interest, i have just bought the new NE and SE french maps and notice some of the zones have changed around Paris.

[gasax]

Twice I've tried to transit the western end of Geneva going into Annecy - been refused both times! The VFR routing keeps you at around ridge height tracking down to Annecy, it is no hardship in reasonable weather. The Swiss approach to Class D seems very British!

[A and C]

The Swiss approach to class D airspace in Geneva has a lot to do with the fact that they have to funnel IFR traffic into a ditch between the hills and keep the VFR traffic clear of safety critical areas.

If an airliner has an engine failure when using RWY 23 the emergency turn takes the aircraft in a turn left towards the SPR VOR, this turn is critical as if it is not carried out correctly the aircraft will hit the hills south of the airfield, I would think that putting VFR trafic in this area any more than 500 ft above the surface is likely to not be a good idea as the options for a single engined 737 at MTOW being in a position to avoid a light aircraft are limited to say the least.

I would not like to say that this is the whole reason for VFR transit being hard to obtain but I think it is part of the picture.

[vanHorck]

It will be a fab trip, glide is more than 3 degrees for the NDB and after you've seen the city go eat at the "La Pricaz" on the Col de la Forclaz, book a table outside, you will have a meal to remember with a view too spectacular to ever forget .

Restaurant Lac d'Annecy La Pricaz COL FORCLAZ

You ll need a car, it's up the mountain just after Menthon St Bernard (easily googled) but sooooooo niceeeeeeeeee

Enjoy!

[PierreP]

theres is a published VFR transit, but to go to Annecy it's not very practical (even worse when you go to Annemasse)

Transit is at FL 100 over R23 threshold on 150 / 330 heading
You can see it here (click on "Cartes" sorry translation is not yet available apparently)

Navigeo - Consultation du terrain LSGG - Genève Cointrin

[john ball]

Thanks to all for the advice. Now decided to take the southern route via the reporting points WV and WB just south of CBY VOR. I am only a VFR Pilot with only a GPS no VOR/DME?ADF ---- In my older age I should be able to cope as 30 years ago I flew all round France non radio with no nav aids. Thanks also for the very interesting info on resturants etc