Terrain clearance rules in France follow the same general principles of those in the UK though some of the specifics are different.
Other than for the purposes of taking-off or landing or with the authorisation of the competent authorities, aircraft must fly in accordance with the rules set out below.
General Rule
Aircraft shall not fly at a height of less than 500 feet above surface level (ground or water)—with some exceptions for gliders and balloons where there is no risk to persons or property.
This height may be reduced to 150 feet for the purpose of practising forced landings on training flights.
Aircraft shall maintain a distance of 150 metres from people, vehicles, surface ships and artificial obstacles (buildings, bridges, masts, etc).
Urban Areas
When flying over high-density areas (towns and cities), aircraft must fly at a height which will enable an emergency landing to be carried out without risk to persons or property.
Aircraft shall maintain a height of at least 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle located within a 600-metre radius of the aircraft.
Minimum heights are also specified for aircraft (including helicopters), depending on the number of engines and average width of the urban area:
| Average area width | Aircraft type | Minimum height |
| < 1200 metres | single-engined | |
| all helicopters | 1650 feet | |
| multi-engined | 3300 feet | |
| 1200-3600 metres | all aircraft | 3300 feet |
| >3600 metres | all aircraft | 5000 feet |
Overflying of Paris is prohibited without specific authority.
National parks and nature reserves
All aircraft—minimum height 1000 feet, unless otherwise stated on map.
Sites with special markings
This would include things like hospitals and industrial plants.
Single-engined aircraft and all helicopters—minimum height 1000 feet, unless otherwise stated on map
Multi-engined aircraft—minimum height 3300 feet
Assemblies of persons or animals
This would include beaches, stadiums, public meetings and cattle enclosures.
Single-engined aircraft and all helicopters—minimum height 1650 feet
Multi-engined aircraft—minimum height 3300 feet
Aircraft shall maintain a height of at least 1,000ft above the highest obstacle located within a 600-metre radius of the aircraft.
Flying over Forest Fires
Forest fires, which are particularly frequent in the Marseille FIR during the summer, represent a hazard from smoke and strong turbulence as well as the risk of collision with fire-fighting aircraft.
In the presence of smoke indicating a forest fire, pilots should move away from the area and alert the authorities, as necessary.
It is prohibited to fly over zones of fire-fighting activity at a height of less than 1500 metres (5000 feet), within a radius of 5 nautical miles.
French Map Legend (1:5,000,000 aeronautical chart)
Flights above 3000 feet (Surface Level)
VFR flights above 3000 feet (ASFC) should use an en-route altitude or flight level in accordance with the French semi-circular rule which is:
Track 0°—179° FL* 35, 55, 75, etc
Track 180°—359° FL* 45, 65, 85, etc
* below transition altitude, same principle but using feet (3500, etc)
Transition altitude is normally obtained from the recorded ATIS or direct from an Air Traffic Controller—where no transition altitude is published, 3000' (ASFC) should be used.
Please note that most high-speed, low-altitude, military flights are carried out below 1500 feet (above surface) during daylight hours, Monday-Friday (excluding public holidays).
As these flights are not confined to notified danger and restricted areas, VFR pilots are advised to cruise above 1500' ASFC.
Note also that the standard French half-million (1:500000) charts only show airspace up to 5000' AMSL or 2000' ASFC, whichever is the higher.
They should not be used for flight above that limit.
Airways are not shown on these charts, whatever their lower limit.
In the interests of accuracy, please check here for up-to-date information on French air traffic rules and services.
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