BA123 Orléans – Bricy Air Base (IATA: none / ICAO: LFOJ) is the biggest logistic “airlift” base of the Air Force. The spotting locations are very nice however as you know air base can be tricky for us  so remain calm and discrete while spotting (check Security box below).

You will certainly enjoy your time here by seeing some of the dozen A400M based here as well as a dozen of Hercules and Transall. It also host some Twin Otters all white used for paratroopers. If you are lucky you can also see some fighters or touch and go from other military aircraft including presidential 332.

On top of that, each year around same period of August, it host the Russian “Open Skies” mission which you will generally see the T154 or AN30.

Written by Jeremy Denton. Spot 2 (T154 + KC130 by Ludovic Bechler) & spot 1+3 (AN30 + KC130 & A400M by Maxime Thibert). Last Update: September 2020

Rating
Movements
Photo Locations
Weather
Airport Information
Runway
07/25	2,400m (7,874ft); Asphalt
Spotting Information
Ladder	Not allowed and not needed anyway.
Car/Public Transport	Car needed for all spots no public transport.
Restrooms	Not available.
Drinks/Food	Nearest petrol station or supermarket is at 15 minutes drive from the BA 123.
Hotels	Most hotels are in Orléans, which is right next to the airport approx 15 minutes drive.
Season	Spring and summer can present some heat haze and lighting issues. Fall has some awkward lighting. Winter is usually fine. Weather, especially in summer, can be unpredictable.
Security	++PLEASE READ CAREFULLY THE FOLLOWING NOTES++ Do not take pictures of any buildings especially the area mentioned in red in the map, military personal, houses, cars etc. just the plane with the sky as a background. Also keep a low profile try not to attract attention and take your camera out only once the planes arrive. On top of that, please be aware that the “Gendarmerie”, police, patrol regularly. Therefore just explain them what you do and be nice. They are fully aware and tolerate our presence if we respect the rules.
Runway Usage
General Info	Nothing special as usual it depends on the wind direction.
07/25	Runway 25 is mostly in use.

	Spot #1 – Morning Parking lot rwy25 arrivals & departures rwy07
WHERE	Once you exit the highway A10 drive direction BA123 or Boulay-les-Barres. It’s approximately 15 minutes drive. Pass the village Boulay-les-Barres then there’s a railroad crossing turn left directly after it you’ll see a big parking lot. Park your car and stay next to it with the camera in the bag.
WHAT	Arrivals rwy 25 as well as take-off rwy 07 which can be too high from here.
TIME	Summer: 0830-1600 Winter: All day
MISC.	Park the car as per the below overview picture. Stay inside and just get out from the car once a plane arrives. Otherwise, please refer to the “Security” info previously mentioned on top of the guide as well as the map to avoid any issues with the local authorities.
FOCAL LENGTH	T154 = 150mm / A400M = 200mm / 270mm = KC130 / 490mm = Rafale

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	Spot #2 –  Morning Barn arrivals rwy07 & departures rwy25
WHERE	Once you exit the highway A10 drive direction BA123 or Boulay-les-Barres. It’s approximately 15 minutes drive. Pass the village “Les Barres” and continue straight stay on D955. Take a right turn once you notice some property on your right side and take that small path towards the barn. Park your car inside.
WHAT	Arrivals rwy 07 as well as take-off rwy 25.
TIME	Summer: 0830-1600 Winter: All day
MISC.	Park the car in that square hidden by the trees. Here you have a bit more privacy so you can stay in or out of your car without too much problems but remain careful. Otherwise, please refer to the “Security” info previously mentioned on top of the guide as well as the map to avoid any issues with the local authorities.
FOCAL LENGTH	Transall = 440mm

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	Spot #3 – Summer end of day Parking lot rwy25 arrivals & departures rwy07
WHERE	Once you exit the highway A10 drive direction BA123 or Boulay-les-Barres. It’s approximately 15 minutes drive. Pass the village Boulay-les-Barres then there’s a railroad crossing continue straight. You’ll pass next to spot 1 as well as on the light pods rwy25. Continue for a few meters and turn left on that small parking lot. Park your car and stay next to it with the camera in the bag.
WHAT	Arrivals rwy 25 as well as take-off rwy 07.
TIME	Summer: Sunrise-0700 & 1730-sunset (depending on the month you come) Winter: no go
MISC.	Park the car as per the below overview picture. Stay inside and just get out from the car once a plane arrives. Otherwise, please refer to the “Security” info previously mentioned on top of the guide as well as the map to avoid any issues with the local authorities.
FOCAL LENGTH	300-500mm

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