PIREPs by Robbie

I had to PPR this arrival due to airport construction works as per the NOTAM "E) PPR FOR ALL GENERAL AVIATION FLIGHTS, EXC LOCAL BASED ACFT. FOR PERMISSION CTC +49(0)9119371322 72H IN ADVANCE OF ETA." The ramp was empty, and I didn't notice any works. Anyway GAT efficient as ever, taxi ordered for when I had secured the aircraft so a quick departure to Erlangen for the annual Bergkerweich. 72.61 EUR including emission charges, credit fees and VA.

Zurich was full of surprises. Very big and complicated airport and I did make a wrong turn on the complex taxiways towards the GA terminal. Unfortunately, I wasn't sure why the Jeppesen charts didn't show the setup correctly. Anyway, we entered and parked up and cleared customs very efficiently once we had processed our details in the office. A quick tram away to the station but if I am honest it's a nice walk of 15 mins to the terminal via the Circle area. A train is 20 mins into Zurich so it's worth just paying for that vs paying for a taxi which was quoted at 50-60 CHF. Sadly on Sunday we got x2 missed phone calls that our slot had been cancelled and we couldn't depart till 19:15 - this was due to the easterly winds and meant a restriction to aircraft in CAT A aircraft. Zurich is very busy with dual runway ops, so being restricted to one runway means CAT A aircraft are not allowed. This meant an overnight stay into the early hours Monday for a 0625z departure, but I got away at 0625z with a TOBT of 0610z rather than 0625z OBT. A bit pricey, but worth it for the fact Zurich is a beautiful city.

Landed from EDDN to have lunch and break up the journey back to the UK. We landed on a Monday and everything nearby was shut. Ended up getting a taxi to France over the bridge for lunch in the nearby shopping mall. Expensive lunch of 30 EUR + 50 EUR taxi. GAT is automated, so no personal contact and all via the telephone and buzzer system. Cost paid via Aerops app. 19.25 EUR Landing Fee 13.04 EUR Parking Fee £27.73 JetA1 was expensive for an uplift of 32 litres.

Emailed BAC and after a few back-and-forth emails, managed the PPR number which goes in Item 18 of the FPL. Sunday fees made this almost north of 300 EUR. Parking on P2 with Marshaller and a short drive with staff to the BAC where customs/police are either waiting or are called over for you. BAC FEE: 125.00 EUR ADMIN FEE: 18.00 EUR HANDLING SUNDAY: 62.50 EUR PPR FEES: 30.00 EUR LANDING CHARGE: 5.00 EUR PARKING FEE: 5.00 EUR TAKE-OFF CHARGE: 7.00 EUR NOMINAL PAX FEE: 10.25 EUR TERMINAL NAV CHARGE: 33.53 EUR TOTAL 298.28 EUR

Flew into Ibiza for the second year in a row, and now that Iberia has lost the contract, Groundforce is the new agent of choice. Contact was quite simple and was set up in July 2024 via phone, followed by email confirmation, and was far more efficient than Iberia for Servicio De Accompaniento. The payment for x2 Minibus transfers, including VAT, was EUR 22.17. IFR SLOTS were scheduled through AEFCA utilising the GCR SSIM IATA format.This year, fuel was pre-booked through AirBP's website and delivered 10 minutes after landing; a brief call to confirm stand number, and the fuel vehicle arrived moments later.The only drawback was massive thunderstorms that hit the airport 30 minutes after landing, preventing us from being picked up for nearly an hour owing to an AENA groundstop. (lightning). We were dropped off at the baggage reclaim hall with the GENDECs. Parked for 9 nights, and payment to AENA is done via the website, where you may submit the confirmation email to them once it's completed after you have requested the final bill from them. https://www.aena.es/sites/Satellite?Language=en_GB%26pagename=TPV_Pagos_Aeropuertos This year's return via Security H proved troublesome, resulting in 15-minute delays owing to a lack of a stamp. Ensure that this is stamped by Groundforce before returning via security (i.e. when you land), as it is not authorised otherwise and will cause you delays till they turn up. AENA Fees: Landing 14.17 SERVICE AIR TRAFFIC OF AIRPORT 7.11 CR BORDER CONTROL LAW LANDING 0.01 PARKING CHARGES 60.57 CR BORDER CONROL LAW PARKING CHARGES 0.02 METEOROLOGICAL SERVICES 0.23 EUR 99.35 Handling (Transfer minibus): Groundforce 22.17 TOTAL 121.52

Due to severe weather in Luxembourg and Cologne, we rearranged 24 hours before clearing Schengen at Rotterdam and then made a further fuel stop in Germany before the final sector to NUE. We emailed details as per the club website. As stated in the AIP of the Netherlands, confirmed handling is mandatory for all General Aviation traffic arriving at Rotterdam The Hague Airport, for security reasons. Filed IFR, no slot required and posted a GENDEC which was checked on arrival by Dutch Customs/Police. It's not cheap, but it's a reasonable and decent IFR tech stop en route into Europe. The only downside is to give 90 minutes to clear customs/Schengen then taxi to Ramp F where you must contact JetAviation for JetA1. https://www.jetaviation.com/location/rotterdam-the-hague-netherlands/

Revisited Gloucester Airport for some Harvester (Short ish walk - open from 12pm) Nav Charge of £21.50 on top of the landing fee.

Tech stop in France to refuel and clear customs/Schengen back to the UK. Sent an email as per AIP to douane-aeroportletouquet@douane.finances.gouv.fr & CCd - contact@aeroport-letouquet.com the very day before due to EDDR direct to the UK not being a safe bet with TSRA in UK forecast and needing more reserve fuel.IFR flight in, and IFR flight out and no major issues whatsoever. Landed about 40 minutes late into LFAT, but had a SLOT of 40 minutes or so into the London TMA so worked out pretty well.

Very efficient big airport, welcoming GA on it's dedicated runway 22/04. Handled by AviaVIP. Return fuelled, so no idea on pricing. Dedicated Passport/Customs control and lounge access/crew room.

Quote: Basic Handling 130 EUR Admin Fees 15% Landing Fee 60.95 EUR Take-off Fee 60.95 EUR Parking Fee 10.12 EUR Nox Emission 1.20 EUR Actual: Basic handling 130EUR Admin fees 22.15 EUR Admin fees 5.55 EUR Airport Fees 147.69 EUR Crew Transfer (Terminal) - 37 EUR Invoice Incl VAT 409.19 EUR

Flew in on a flight plan, so no issues if delayed as they have your strip. Especially as winter weather can delay your departure in the morning. Took a taxi into the city centre and as it was freezing, found a good Ramen place. Plenty around so have a good look. £34.78 incl an ILS approach.

Very busy airport - you'll be expected to fly as fast as you can inbound. I negotiated that I'd do so if given a CDA onto the ILS, this helps massively. Border Police on arrival along with customs, however sometimes they are at Gate 1, you'll be driven by JetAviation to do so. Uber is half the price into the city center, as I found out on the return journey. On departure, you'll go through security, no issues really, and went to and from the airplane multiple times. Make sure you have both your license and passport as this is checked. Also, you need a noise certificate - don't forget this. Parked 2 nights at a cost of EUR47.60 MIC Charge from JetAviation was EUR24.99 The landing fee was EUR11.90 Noise fees were waived on departure. NOX fees EUR1.78 arrival and EUR1.78 on departure. Grand total including VAT was EUR99.95 It's very pricy but the fact you get to fly into a busy international airport and a very buzzing town with great beer, food, and nightlife is worth it. Was offered a VFR departure as I missed my CTOT, but declined on the basis I filed IFR and didn't want their problem to be mine in the air trying to negotiate an IFR whilst airborne. This meant a 20-minute taxi out from OBT to TOT. Lesson learned, don't miss your CTOT.

Diverted into Southend as we arrived later than planned and Stapleford would have had no light for our arrival. Informed Southend ATC that we would need fuel, this was paid with AirBP card as at that time the OPS office was closed. Also informed ATC to let UKBF that we would be diverting, whom attended the aircraft for our arrival. No issues and they had found our paperwork and diverted us to them which was really easy and no issues with the new system or process. Travelled to London by train as was cheaper to stay at home and come and collect the aircraft the next day. Roughly 54 minutes to London Liverpool Street but last trains are relatively early at about midnight.

Emailed NSAC, no handling is required, just the Belgium GENDEC (https://www.police.be/bordercontrol/en/general-declaration ) Email to NSAC is okay to notify them, no need to though. Parking on Apron 3. Security Fee EUR1,19 + Admin Fee EUR2,78. Total EUR52.89

Visited HAM/EDDH as part of the PPL/IR event. For IFR, slot required via SLOT system with fraztxh@fluko.org or +49 69 257 585 120. Total costs were (Paid by AerOps); Landing - 13.16 EUR Entry - 13.16 EUR Terminal - 16.70 EUR Emissions Landing 0.36 EUR Emissions Entry - 0.36 EUR Parking Fee (Per 15 min) x127 (0.50 EUR) - 63.50 EUR Transport between GAT and Aircraft x2 - 52.60 EUR Total 159.84 (incl 19% VAT)

Aena Airport Fees incl VAT - EUR44.30 Iberia Handling Fees incl VAT - EUR109.00 JetA1 incl (1 million additional fees) - EUR347.87 Without all unnecessary fees and VAT, fuel is £1.40 a litre Would highly recommend Iberia, Angels and her team at Girona were very friendly and helpful. If you are unable to reach them via email, please call and they will email you promptly. You'll need to contact AENA for approval of landing at Girona, no slot was required and you'll also need to contact a fueling company on the airfield. CC Iberia into all emails so they can sort things if needed. We used EXOLUM (SCLA) for our fueling. For transfers to the Santa Susanna area where we stayed, my friend booked with one of the local coach companies From2 who provided the transfers for us with various holidaymakers on board. Private taxis are now easily doubled at 70-90 EUR one way.

Booked via a Friend at Ravenair. Very nice guys and seems very orientated towards GA - all booked in and explained IFR arrival. So they'll arrange that with ATC for you. Be careful with what time you plan to arrive, as ATC seems to close as per NOTAM and will contact you if your arrival time is close or around the time you are due to arrive. JetA1 on the landing so didn't need to do it on the day of departure. Lounge facilities for passengers allow you to concentrate as PIC on the task at hand.

Visited on Friday 13th - PPR over the phone required. JetA1 tanker arrived 10 minutes after I had landed. IFR slot arranged (No issues) - despite being late, was still given an ILS as booked. Probably worth nothing in the Summer, lots of IFR departures (Airliners) go via DAWLY, so expect to be vectored in such a way that you don't conflict with these departures. Which adds track mileage. Visited on the day of Boardmasters, so was very busy and had a long wait for taxis due to it being both Summer and a major event. Pre-book in advance is my best bet.

Flew into Bologna airport during a very busy Friday afternoon. Service from TAG was great, although if you haven't had passports stamped - expect lengthy waiting times as they have to travel from the terminal. Notify them via email that you'll need to be stamped in/out of the EU if transiting (I.e. via MPL) where they don't seem to care to stamp. Service 4.25 LDG+TO 7.40 Government Charge UE 7.40 Parking Fees - 10.56 All-inclusive facilities fee - 20.00 Stamp Tax 2.00 EUROs ^ Taxi to TAG-RELAIS BELLARIA HOTEL - 39.50 EUR 147.80 in total.

Pre-arranged tech stop on the way to the UK from Ibiza. All arranged via pce@montpellier.aeroport.fr Various reports state that fuel can only be paid via TOTAL card and various French cards. But I paid with Visa CREDIT (UK CARD) but best to check with total.aviationmontpellier@gmail.com before flight. A new one is to send GENDEC to BSE-FREJORGUES@DOUANE.FINANCES.GOUV.FR. The fee comes as a FORFAIT JOURNÉE ET JOUR SUPPLÉMENTAIRES/ DAYS PACKAGES and total 14.64 for landing using the VOR for RWY 31R (ILS was U/S). For return to aircraft after using the toilet ensure that you carry your passport and license for access to aircraft.

Basel is an interesting place to fly into, not complex but has some terrain nearby so a good briefing of the charts is required. The airport is also fairly busy and a good brief is probably recommended. It's interesting to note whilst it's a coordinated airport, this is on the basis of using the main terminal, so for small GA I was informed a SLOT is not required. You must submit a GENDEC via the GAC BASEL website before arrival and before departure, but don't expect to be met on arrival. Before departure though you must show your passport and license to the box at the edge of the red line before start-up. The bills for fuel, landing come a long time after the Invoice for Handling/Overnight stay and come separately from the Airport and it means using the intl bank transfer and that comes at an additional cost. It's not cheap, but it's an easy way into Basel.

Quick short stop for roast dinner and no thrills airport.

Due to a short notice cancellation at EDDL, I went to EGKA instead, and then got stranded for an extra 24 hours owing to extremely strong winds. Pricey airport, PPR required, but really efficient. Make sure to wear a high visibility jacket for admission, and payment is made through a little side gate and office to the left of the restaurant.

Initially planned with OCC@scn-airport.de via email sa fuel stop with clearing customs before a flight to the UK. Was informed operations are HOURS AD and this was possible. Changed plans due to severe weather across Europe and TSRA in the London TMA to a further fuel stop in Le Touquet. No issues.I was stuck on the ground for 1hr due to weather and was allowed to use the crew room a short walk from the OCC to replan/DLA flight plan to LFAT. Refuel with Shell, is pretty expensive at 3.15EUR a litre.Landing fee, and the GAT facilities (recreation room and briefing room). The usage fee per person for a stay of up to four hours is EUR 15.00. and a NOX fee of 3EUR.Total for stop 35.70 EUR incl VAT

After a phone call - I emailed ops@airport-pad.com who confirmed no issues with a fuel stop. A friendly operations staff met me on arrival - Refuelling with AirBP, walked across the ramp to use the toilet and was told I could pay via the AerOps app. All in all, it is a very efficient stopping point in Germany.Landing fee, with noise certificate - MTOW up to 1200kg - 13.33 EURDespite stopping for less than 30 minutes, Parking fee per day - MTOW up to 2000kg - 4.17

There is an aero club here, but because of our time of arrival - we would have to use the main GAT which was fairly small. We would land here for a few nights and it was pretty expensive for parking, presumably because they had only two stands and we would use one for 48 hours. I couldn't get to Slovakia any faster than this so this is a problem unless you arrive within the hours of the aeroclub.

Speedy service from Czech Airlines Handling. Handler seemed new and he did explain he'd never handled a GA aircraft like this before, so he was very attentive. Managed to turn the aircraft around in an hour and clear customs. The new terminal building is efficient but very annoying to have to go through security after pointlessly walking out of the building to otherwise just walk back in.

Probably one of the best airports I've ever flown into for GA. EUR 57.10 all in for an exceptional service, which was requested a few hours before for a quick visit. ATC was very well organised and efficient and on top of ATC slots, which when requested was well organised before the flight plan was suspended.