Pilot Comments by Timo

All pilot comments by Timo
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Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport (LFKJ)

by Timo • 2026-04-08 16:50:16 UTC

Overall everything was fine. Landing fee and parking for 3 nights for an SEP: 90 Euro. So rather on the expensive side.
IFR arrival and departure were uneventful.

Update April 2026
Still all very straightforward. Price-wise we were at 180 Euro for an IFR approach (shortly before HR*), including lighting, parking for 5 nights and handling.
Rather annoying: one day before departure a NOTAM was published stating that no AVGAS was available. We had received a confirmed BP Fuel release days earlier, but that did not help, so we had to go to Figari (LFKF) to refuel.

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Mannheim City Airport (EDFM)

by Timo • 2026-02-26 15:02:41 UTC

Very efficient processing at the C-Büro. From the aircraft to the C-Büro, strictly follow the marked route and do not cut across the apron. Several food options in the building or a short walk outside. Uber to the city for about 12 EUR. Must-visit: Friebe Shop about 100 m further on.

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Friedrichshafen Airport (EDNY)

by Timo • 2026-02-26 14:58:24 UTC

Other than IFR training flights, traffic is very light. The terminal is mostly empty and the restaurants/food outlets are often closed even during the day. Aside from vending machines, food is often not available. Customs and C‑Office staff are very friendly.

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Bourges Airport (LFLD)

by Timo • 2026-02-26 14:52:41 UTC

Straightforward aerodrome.
IFR approach only possible to RWY 06. Even when there is no traffic and RWY 24 is in use, no IFR approach was cleared (OK, skies were clear).
AVGAS by credit card only (no Total, BP or similar).
C-office was staffed by the fire brigade.
Observe the lunch break.
SEP PA46 MTOW 1968 kg, 1 ldg for 24 Euro

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Samedan Airport (LSZS)

by Timo • 2026-02-26 14:42:42 UTC

Concur with the previous remarks. Additional info:
In the C‑Büro you can buy Bündner Nusstorten in various sizes. Very tasty and a great souvenir to take along.
There is also a good restaurant at the RWY 21 end, by the campground. A short walk, but definitely recommended.

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Lugano Airport (LSZA)

by Timo • 2026-02-26 14:38:24 UTC

Good airfield. Note the lunch break.
ATTENTION: IFR procedures require a specific qualification. Basic qualification available via CBT.
https://www.lugano-qualification.ch
IFR minima are relatively high. If applicable, depart via SVFR and join later.
Friendly email contact at GA handling.

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Bolzano Airport (LIPB)

by Timo • 2026-02-26 14:20:03 UTC

PPR obtained very quickly. Request for a hangar spot (one week in winter) was somehow overlooked. Study the IFR approach carefully; the descent is steep. From the grass parking to the terminal it’s a fairly long walk, especially with skis and baggage.

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Wick Airport (EGPC)

by Timo • 2026-02-26 14:15:38 UTC

Great airfield. We rented survival suits there from Northfield Aviation for our North Atlantic crossing. Very friendly and helpful staff. ATC hours of operation are published via NOTAM. Due to staffing shortages, they take intermittent breaks throughout the day.

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Mallorca/Son Bonet Airport (LESB)

by Timo • 2026-02-17 08:00:33 UTC

The aerodrome for Mallorca.
Review the airspace carefully. The two aerodromes are very close to each other.
Do not forget to close the flight plan with Mallorca Ops.
Very friendly staff on site.
Getting a taxi from the aerodrome can be difficult depending on the season and time of day.
A rental car can be delivered to the aerodrome. boschrentacar.com
Fuel prices are steep.

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Figari Sud Corse Airport (LFKF)

by Timo • 2026-02-17 07:56:01 UTC

Overall a good aerodrome. Efficient handling. Rental cars 200 m from the terminal. The only challenge is PPR. The request apparently isn’t answered until about 3 weeks before the planned flight. No one tells you that—you just don’t get a reply to the email. Calling isn’t possible; there’s no phone number. If you want to book a hotel and rental car, that short notice is very inconvenient. I’ve also not received PPR before (no space on the apron). Therefore only 3 stars.

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Montpellier Mediterranee Airport (LFMT)

by Timo • 2026-02-17 07:53:30 UTC

Friendly and hassle-free. Landing fee and 3 nights of parking for an SEP: EUR 30. Procedures are quick and straightforward. UPDATE 2026 Still everything perfect. In the meantime they require PPR due to limited parking availability; always granted promptly.

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Les Éplatures Airport (LSGC)

by Timo • 2026-02-17 07:51:15 UTC

Great aerodrome that I like to use for IFR training. Uncomplicated and friendly. Be sure to check NOTAMs. Occasionally closed "due to lack of staff". McDonald's a 2-minute walk away.

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Bern Belp Airport (LSZB)

by Timo • 2026-02-17 07:49:04 UTC

Excellent IFR and VFR aerodrome.
Very friendly staff at the C-Büro.
ATC very helpful.
Customs also available for extra-Schengen.
Free coffee or mineral water for crew and Pax.
By public transport to the city of Bern via bus and train.
Landing fee PA46 (1960 kg) with 2 crew 46.- CHF

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Birrfeld Airport (LSZF)

by Timo • 2026-02-17 07:43:56 UTC

Additional notes to Chris's entry:
Good restaurant on site.
Maintenance on the field.
When parking, make sure the nose points toward the hangar.
On nice weekends, the circuit can be extremely busy and you almost have to fight your way in.

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Triengen Airport (LSPN)

by Timo • 2026-02-17 07:17:43 UTC

Nice aerodrome with a short runway. It was my home base for a long time. PPR—just give a quick call. The airfield is family-run and you can tell: friendly and professional. Observe the operating hours (lunch break). Landings permitted, but no departures. The on-field restaurant is closed over the winter. Public transport access requires about a 10-minute walk.

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Avranches Le Val Saint Pere Airport (LFRW)

by Timo • 2026-02-16 13:25:13 UTC

Great airfield. PPR received by email within 4 h. People at the field very friendly. No landing fees. Small bar at the field with drinks. Beautiful location. Runway in good condition, with somewhat tall grass. The grass/asphalt/grass transition is very good and can be used for the takeoff roll.

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Vilar De Luz Airport (LPVL)

by Timo • 2026-02-16 13:25:13 UTC

Perfect airfield for visiting Porto. AVGAS at 3.33 EUR per litre is on the pricey side. By contrast, landing and parking for 3 nights for a PA46 at just under 30 EUR are very good value.

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El Berriel Airport (GCLB)

by Timo • 2026-02-16 13:25:13 UTC

After all the forms were submitted, we received our PPR. On site everything was straightforward and everyone was very friendly. 4 nights parking and landing fee: 140 euros. Holiday Car (Playa Des Ingles) delivers the rental car to the airport.

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Strasbourg Entzheim Airport (LFST)

by Timo • 2026-02-16 13:25:13 UTC

Tip: Europcar has a key drop box. You can leave the rental car at the GA Terminal and don't have to go the long way back to the Main Terminal.

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Basically a straightforward aerodrome. Unfortunately only 4 GA parking positions, which cannot be reserved. So it’s essentially first come, first served. I tried for weeks to obtain an IFR slot. It has to be done via GCR Request. After at least 20 attempts with various corrections/adjustments, I gave up and flew in VFR. Outbound I still went IFR, no issues. I’m convinced this whole slot situation is meant to steer pilots toward handling agents. Pricing: for a PA46 for 3 nights / 2 crew and 2 pax: 52 EUR; AVGAS at 2.82 EUR per liter. Very fair. According to Operations, handling will be mandatory from August 2024. 3 stars because of the slot issue.

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Madeira Chr. Ronaldo Airport (LPMA)

by Timo • 2024-07-21 00:00:00 UTC

Great experience on a great island. If the winds aren’t too strong, the approach is straightforward. Handling is mandatory, but with prior coordination it’s 200 Euro for 4 nights (2 Crew / 2 Pax), which is acceptable. Landing fee and parking 140 Euro (PA46-310). It does cost, but still within reason.

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Biggin Hill Airport (EGKB)

by Timo • 2022-04-24 00:00:00 UTC

Great aerodrome for visiting London.
No PPR required, no handling needed. Everyone very friendly and helpful. Fuel and the ops office are efficient.
Landing fee: 60 pounds (SEP; MTOW 1497 kg)
Customs fee: 14 pounds
Parking: 17 pounds per day

From the aerodrome to central London by Uber/taxi is about 50–60 minutes for about 40 pounds. We also tried the taxi + public transport option; not worth it in terms of cost or time.

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Saarbruecken Airport (EDDR)

by Timo • 2022-04-24 00:00:00 UTC

On Sunday, IFR inbound from the UK. SEP; MTOW 1497 kg. No customs notification required. Everything very efficient and customer-friendly. The marshaller called the fuel truck, which was on site within minutes. Very quick fuel stop. Happy to return.
Fuel: 2.95 Euro plus VAT per liter
Landing fee: 27 Euro plus VAT

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Saint Cyr L’ecole Airport (LFPZ)

by Timo • 2021-08-01 00:00:00 UTC

Great aerodrome. Very well located. All very friendly and expeditious. Runways in good condition. Invoice sent by email. 10 minutes on foot to the RER. Total about 1 h to the Eifel Turm.

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Deauville Normandie Airport (LFRG)

by Timo • 2021-08-01 00:00:00 UTC

Overall, everything OK. Parking on grass and asphalt. For three nights with an SEP, 90 EUR is rather on the expensive side.

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