ICAO Code | LFSO/ |
Last Validated | Apr 2014 |
City | Nancy |
Position | 48°34'59"N 005°57'18"E |
Runway(s) | 02/20 |
Elevation | 1106 ft |
This airfield is located in the north of France, 20 km south of the city of Nancy and close to the very small village of Ochey. At the moment, it houses three squadrons with the Mirage 2000D. It is close to the E21/A31 and onto the D974. The neighbours are very proud of the military status of this airfield and are willing to call the local Gendarmerie. Also, when arriving by car, do find a permitted parking spot and walk to the applicable spots.
The taxiways and shelters are situated around the south-north orientated runway, with the tower at the east side. There are plenty of roads giving access to all spots around this - very open - airfield. It is also quite easy to look into any open shelter.
The air base is actually south of Toul, quite a bit southwest of Nancy itself. Using the N4 St.Dizier - Nancy and then taking the A31 southbound from Toul, is the most likely route.
1North side approach
When you leave the E21/A31 onto the D974, you have to take a left turn onto the D904 just before the village of Thuilley-sur-Groseilles. Just follow the D904 until you see the landing lights through a gap in the forest. Park your car slightly further down the road into the forest and walk back to the gap in the forest. As you are surrounded by forest, you can not be seen. However you can also not see the departing aircraft but you are perfectly positioned for the landing aircraft.
2Near the Orchard
One of the less well-known spots, but we are happy to tell this secret, is this spot in an orchard. Just climb into the last trees and you have a good view into some shelters. They are open on both sides, so you should be able to read off some numbers on nose-gears or codes on airframes.
3Village of Ochey
When arriving in the village of Ochey, via the D78, proceed to the local bakery. Having arrived here, take a turn towards the airfield and drive to the fence near a house. Take a look over the fence and have a look into another shelter.
4South side approach
When driving along the airfield, you will have a good view of the activities of the squadrons. All taxiing aircraft can be read. Spot 4 is the place to be with northerly winds. As with spot 1, find your place at the edge of the forest with the landing lights. Again, you are slightly lower than the runway, so you will not have a good view of the departing aircraft, but the landing aircraft can be nicely spotted and photographed with about 200mm.
5Eastside
The main gate is located on the east side of the airfield. As the field is somewhat higher, any activities on the field can not be seen from here.
At spot 1 the aircraft will pass nicely in front of you, as shown here on this picture by Bart Stringa.
373.975 | Tower |
257.800 / 122.100 | Tower |
275.675 / 371.975 | Approach |
EC01.003 'Navarre' | Mirage 2000D |
EC02.003 'Champagne' | Mirage 2000D |
EC03.003 'Ardennes' | Mirage 2000D |
ETD02.007 'Argonne' | Mirage 2000D |
(A26) | Jaguar A in EC03.003 area, as 'A100/3-XO' |
(333) | Mirage 3R in north-west corner, as '469/3-II' |
498/'3-EC' | Mirage 3E on pole |
185 | Mystère 4A at gate |
EC02.003 | website of EC02.003 "Champagne" |
Airport Chart | PDF of the airport chart and the approach chart |
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