Oolite Bulletins

It may be that I need to try it some more, but I can't seem to get planetfall to work.

It gives me the message "approach and wait for docking clearance" (approx)
and I push shift L like mad and nothing happens. Do I need to get closer to the planet ?
or within the Aegis of the station first ?

Just keep slowly approaching the planet, and permission will be automatically granted.. it's more an 'atmosphere' thing than something actually required..

Oh, you DID buy the landing-gear, didn't you? otherwise, you'll just have a 'spacebar' moment when you reach the ground!