There is an article in the latest (February 2014) issue of the magazine about flying to France and literally a day or two after it went to press the DGAC (French CAA) published a very helpful information leaflet in English about The Defence Very Low Altitude Network (RTBA). RBTA is based on a number of sites around France where several areas of Restricted airspace are linked and used for very low level (500 – 1500ft) fast jet training exercises where see and avoid is often considered impractical.

Operational times for RTBA areas are available on the internet and via NOTAM, and the leaflet provides links to the appropriate sites and charts showing the areas in question.

Fast jet traffic also operates in the open FIR and pilots are recommended to operate above 1500ft where weather and airspace permits. And if you have a transponder, use it.