Pilot reviews of Dinard

We use Dinard a lot. It is a terrific airfield and I would exhort you to try it. It is under threat as fewer and fewer commercial airlines visit. Aurigny have left (you can get to Jersey in 2h by fast catamaran from St Malo). Only Ryanair use the airfield. The airfield is run by Rennes which is also nice to visit. However, you get the feeling that they would like to unload. There is a major large aircraft servicing outfit on the West side of Dinard so fingers crossed. Another nice local airfield is at Dinan. However, this is not particularly safe as your aircraft will be accessible to anyone all night long.

New changes are a requirement to submit a GAR 24h before arrival. It is difficult to understand this but we have noticed that douaniers are not present permanently as they used to be. They will accept an e-mail notification on bse-saint-malo@douane.finances.gouv.fr. (Nothing to do with mad cow disease!). They will send a pleasant reply.

Alternatively, Deauville always seems to have customs as does Cherbourg.

Uplifting fuel is a bit of a pain. The firemen have to be present but you have to walk up to the fire station to fetch one. And then go back to pay! That takes a while.

Please visit!

Flew in from Bournemouth in PA28 on a beautiful summer's afternoon. Stunning scenery on arrival including the famous Bay du Mont St Michel (beware restricted zone above the Mont itself to 3000') and the old Town of St Malo. Rennes Information very helpful until handed over to Dinard Tower who directed us to join base leg via NED (make sure youre familiar with the visual approach chart and its VRPs). Airport completely deserted on a saturday afternoon (which is also when the cafe/restaurant closes) but nonetheless very pleasant. Dont forget to take both your pilot license and passport to get back airside (bit of a kerfuffle as I had only had passport). Only 7 euros landing fee!