Lausanne Blécherette Airport - Spotting Guide

Lausanne Blécherette Airport – Spotting Guide

September 1, 2020 - last modified on November 21, 2023

Lausanne Blécherette Airport (IATA: none / ICAO: LSGL) is a small civilian airport located in the north of Lausanne. First the airport served only as a General Aviation airfield with a grass runway. In May 2000, it was replaced by a concrete runway which allows years after years a huge development of the airport.

Since a few years Lausanne is the home of Fly 7 Executive Aviation SA PC12’s fleet as well as a few private owners PC12’s and even the only engine aircraft based the Cessna Mustang HB-VWZ.

These are the most common PC12 to be seen: OH-DEN, OH-DOG, OH-JEM, OH-JRD, OH-JRJ, OH-TRG, OH-SSS, HB-FWC, HB-FVO, OM-AAK, T7-PBL etc. As well you can expect a few from Jetfly Aviation and of course some other PC12 airlines/private owners are often seen here.

Written by Jeremy Denton (local spotter). Last update March 2022.

Rating
Movements
Airline Variety
Photo Locations
Weather
Airport Information
Runway
18/36	775m (2,542ft) – Asphalt
Terminal	All domestic & intentional flights.
Spotting Information
Ladder	Spot 2 + 3 recommended (required).
Car/Public Transport	Car is needed to move from a spot to another one.
Restrooms	Available at the Terminal building.
Drinks/Food	Available at the Terminal building.
Hotels	The airport is located in the city of Lausanne therefore you’ll find a lot of hotels just nearby.
Season	All year, pick time traffic increase during summer seasons.
Runway Usage
General Info
18/36	Used in all direction depending on the wind.

	Spot #1 – Ramp tour (max 2 people)
WHERE	Meet at the right hand side of the terminal, see on the map.

WHAT	Ramp tour around the airport as long as we can possibly do it. Close-up touched down etc.

TIME	All day but best times are from sunrise until 13:00.

MISC.	Please email us in order to fix a date/time. We do not guarantee you the ramp tour as our member must be available that day/time. Also, it is strictly not necessary to be on the ramp to make great pictures. The tour will also consist of a few shots therefore we go get the stuff and leave. Please read carefully the following rules: No pictures of employees, pilots, cabin crews or clients (only planes); If possible, please bring with you a yellow/orange jacket to be visible, Please always follow the rules of the spotter guide.

FOCAL LENGTH	Ramp: PC12 = 70mm & Piper = 100mm Runway: Extra 400 = 190mm

	Spot #2 – Airport Restaurant
WHERE	Follow the signs Lausanne Aéroport until you reached the terminal. A lot of parking spaces are available. Then follow the path until you see the restaurant at the top.

WHAT	Runway36 actions as well as rwy18 PC12 arrivals. You can also make some pictures of the general aviation ramp a bit 3/4 back side.

TIME	In summer from sunrise until 13:00 are the best times.

MISC.	A ladder is required unless you wish to take pictures through the glass. You also have the possibility to go back on the parking place from where you can take through the fence.

FOCAL LENGTH	PC12 taxiing = 70mm & PC12 arrival = 110mm

	Spot #3 – Runway 36 threshold
WHERE	From the airport restaurant exit the parking place by taking on the right on “Avenue du Grey” until you reached the roundabout take the first exit on the right hand side. Then park your car on the left side where there’s a public parking. Then walk by following the road until you reached the line of trees along the airport fences. You can weather stand along the trees/fences with your ladder to have the departures/approach or stay a bit further down the road to have the approach.

WHAT	Arrivals & departures rwy36 & PC12 arrivals rwy18.

TIME	Best from 1500 to sunset.

MISC.	A ladder is mandatory in order to have a clean view on the runway departures. Also while you park your car, you have to pay if you come between 0800-1200 or 1300-1900 during the week. Saturday until 18h and Sunday free.

FOCAL LENGTH	PC12 = 110mm & Piper = 200mm

	Spot #4 – Rega Helicopter – rwy18 actions & rwy36 PC12 departures
WHERE	From the terminal, exit the parking place and take the left turn on the “Avenue du Grey”. Then take the left lane at the traffic lights. You’ll drive on “Route de Romanel” you will pass in front of the hangars and the Rega helicopter. You’ll have to continue straight until you reached another traffic lights take the left lane on “Route du Mont”. Drive a few hundreds meters and take on your right (spot 5) but now turn around the car to cross the road to go in the other direction until the traffic lights turn right. You’ll again be on “Route de Romanel” and exit it at the first entrance on the right. Drive slowly until the Rega visitor car park.

WHAT	Runway 18 actions as well as rwy36 PC12 departures.

TIME	In summer from sunrise until 13:00 are the best times.

MISC.	Nothing nearby so bring with you what you need. You are at an emergency rescue team which use an Eurocopter. Please don’t block the road at all cost if an ambulance has to drive around. If you wish to get close up shots you will need to stay along the trees. In order to stay please kindly ask the maintenance facility “Airbase SA”. Very important you must wear a yellow jacket.

FOCAL LENGTH	Runway: PC12 = 200mm & Chipmunk = 112mm Taxiway: PC12 = 18mm

	Spot #5 – Field – Arrivals rwy18
WHERE	From the terminal, exit the parking place and take the left turn on the “Avenue du Grey”. Then take the left lane at the traffic lights. You’ll drive on “Route de Romanel” you will pass in front of the hangars and the Rega helicopter. You’ll have to continue straight until you reached another traffic lights take the left lane on “Route du Mont”. Drive a few hundreds meters and take on your right. You arrived at spot5. Park your car in order to avoid to block the road.

WHAT	Arrivals runway18.

TIME	Best from 1500 to sunset.

MISC.	Nothing nearby so bring with you what you need.

FOCAL LENGTH	300mm at least is recommended.

++WE DO NOT HAVE ANY SAMPLES, HOWEVER IF YOU DO, PLEASE EMAIL US, THANK YOU++

	Spot #6 – The Farm – Arrivals & departures both runways
WHERE	From spot 5 it’s just at the opposite. You need to cross the road and drive carefuly until you reached the sign “Propriété Privée Interdiction”. From here I’d suggest you to stop the car and politely ask the owner of the house is that’s ok (they don’t speak english only french) therefore we suggest you to contact spotterguide before coming at this spot so we can possibly arrange a visit.

WHAT	Both runways action.

TIME	Best from 1500 to sunset.

MISC.	Nothing nearby so bring with you what you need. Bear in mind that’s a private property and you are tolerated by the owners therefore we would be very happy that you keep a low profile and stay polite.

FOCAL LENGTH	70mm = PC12 up to 300 depending on the angle.