Main entrance to the
airfield of Cerfontaine (EBCN,) situated between the picturesque villages
of Froidchapelle and Cerfontaine. According to André Antoine, now
Ministre du Logement, des Transports et du Dévelopement territorial, 12,5
million euros are invested in the infrastructure of this general aviation
airfield. The airfield operator Sociéte de Gestion de l’Aérodrome de
Cerfontaine (Sogelac) filed for bankruptcy in July 2005. Minister André
Antoine who is in charge of local airport policy has asked the Société
Walonne des Aéroports (Sowaer) to put Cerfontaine airfield for sale.
Main building of
Cerfontaine, landside. The first stone was laid on June 1st 1999 by
Minister Robert Collignon (Ministre Président de la Région Walonne) and
Minister Michel Lebrun (Ministre de l’Aménagement du Territoire, de
l’Equipement et des Transports de la Région Walonne.)
Landside, main
building. There is a large parking area, including parking for taxis.
Inside the building near the entrance hall is room for a restaurant and
shops.
Airside view of the
very nice control tower. According to NOTAM B1616/2005 Cerfontaine and
its grass runway 12/30 is “temporary closed.”
The large hangar for the fire brigade is used by Limair Industry. Limair
is a Flemish company established in 1995 by Robert Crets and Gerda
Pschygoda. Robert was well known as a Belgian Air Force pilot
(instructor F-16) and is now the manager of Limair. This hangar is mainly
used for the assembly and maintenance of ULM’s (Esqual, Jaribu, and
Murphy.) It is uncertain that Limair will extend its activities on
Cerfontaine airfield, there are two many unanswered questions about the
future of this airfield.
One of the two very modern airfield hangars. The Centre Aéronautique
Carolorégien of the nearby Froidchapelle airfield is using these hangars
for the winter storage of their gliders and towing aircraft. There is
still a slight possibility to reopen Cerfontaine if an investor can be
found and an operator who can manage this airfield successfully. The
closure of Froidchapelle is imminent once Cerfontaine is reopened for
general aviation.
Airfield hangar with fuel pump. The Belgian and Dutch general aviation
side is showing some interest to invest in this airfield. But also
farmers are looking anxious to this field; it is a perfect place for a
sheep farm.
Close to the main hangars is a large and modern metal shed; several
gliders are parked under this roof.
Gliders parked
under the half open hangar of Cerfontaine. Many Flemish and Walloon
aeroclubs can only dream of this beautiful infrastructure. Let’s hope it
will reopen very soon.
© Frans Van Humbeek
(January 2006)
Last updated
21/11/11 16:59
Daniel Brackx
brackda@gmail.com
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