PIREPs by Philipp

For several years there was always something that made getting PPR problematic. First it was COVID, then apparently construction works, then who knows what. For the past 1–2 years it seems to have normalized and PPR mostly works. After my email I had to follow up once, then the OK arrived. If you’re coming IFR from the northeast (NIPEL), Ljubljana will unfortunately keep you at FL120 all the way to RIFEN, i.e., almost until you’re right by the field. If possible, cancel IFR shortly after NIPEL and start the descent. ATC was straightforward. The Avgas pump is still that ancient unit behind a fence near Taxiway Golf. Waiting time for a fueler can be hit or miss. Biggest issue: even after fueling, paying for the fuel takes ages because (at least as a first-time customer with Carboil) you first have to be set up in the system and it’s extremely complicated. The price isn’t attractive either at 3€/l. Otherwise, handling is good; you take a minibus to the terminal and you’re right at the rental car counters. Sixt is highly recommended. LIPQ is very useful if you want to explore Friuli a bit—e.g., Grado (beach and lagoon), Gorizia, Udine, or the surrounding smaller towns. For Trieste, however, Portoroz LJPZ is closer and cheaper. Departure: there’s a General Aviation Office in the terminal where you pay; it’s not always staffed. Fees are a bit high; 70€ for handling alone brings the bill, with 28 hours of parking and 2 PAX, to 135€. Otherwise, departure was again straightforward and quick.

Very good airfield website with all conceivable info. The crosswind runway 12/30 no longer exists. IFR arrival and IFR departure no longer require separate PPR. When flying the SID, strictly observe the maximum altitude of 2000 ft. Often very busy traffic in the circuit. VFR, the approach from the south, west, and east is quite easy; from the north it’s a bit tricky due to the airspace structure, including a nature reserve. Friendly AFISOs. Visitor parking areas are conveniently close to the fuel station. Fuel prices are not particularly attractive. App2Drive is available, as well as airfield-owned rental cars. There is also a shuttle service to/from Trebbin station for €15 each way. You should request it in advance with some lead time. Also try to time your arrival, as trains run only hourly (departures from Trebbin between :20 and :26 past the hour). But then it’s only 20 minutes to Südkreuz and 30 minutes to Hauptbahnhof. By car from the field to Berlin takes just under an hour, as the field is quite remote. A landing voucher booklet saves €30 in landing fees for an SR22 at 1542 kg. Parking fee €15 per night. The IFR approach now costs a hefty €40 extra, which is by now almost standard at German AFIS fields. All fees can be checked here: https://gat.aerops.com/prices/calculator/EDAZ

Frequently used fuel stop for flights into or out of the western Alps. Unfortunately the aerodrome has quite a few operational restrictions; the Sunday midday closure is (especially in summer) simply far too long. The noise abatement procedures are actually easy to comply with, but you’re still proactively reminded of them every time; apparently many pilots struggle with them. I don’t find the runway particularly bumpy, but somehow it feels shorter every time than it actually is. 100LL is well priced; the price for (95) Mogas is unbeatable. Current prices are posted at https://www.loih.at/informationen/. The landing fee for 1542 kg is 26 euros, which is on the high side but still acceptable. Overall: if you don’t attract negative attention, you’ll be treated very courteously.

Up in the tower building (which feels a bit like a fortress) there’s a good, genuine Italian restaurant on the field (tasty carbonara!), which also serves the obligatory schnitzel. As for the view, it’s probably one of the most spectacular airfield restaurants in Europe. Reservations recommended. For in-between, there’s also the small “Fliegerstüble” snack bar by the parking lot, and the club has a less expensive drinks vending machine (requires a special chip).

Especially on departure from Runway 04, you should follow the published traffic pattern as precisely as possible. Don’t start the crosswind turn too early (there’s a noise-sensitive resident there) but not too late either (there’s another one).

As per the AIP, I emailed Aviapartner in advance. However, contrary to the AIP, they replied that if no handling is required, they don’t need a PN. According to the notice posted at the GAT, the PN (apparently for billing purposes only) should in practice be sent to mp.esslinger(at)strasbourg.aeroport.fr. After landing I refueled 100LL (Shell). Best to ask TWR right after landing to call the fuel truck to your parking position. The phone number is also in the AIP. It took a good 15 minutes for the truck to arrive, but the price per liter (as of early 2025) was only €2.41, which is cheaper than in the entire southern third of Germany. Great! Apparently no hi-vis requirement on the apron.

To exit the airfield, go on Apron B through the gap in the jet blast barriers and then through the turnstile in the fence (no staff contact). Walking to the train station at the main terminal realistically takes about 13–14 minutes. It’s best to look it up on Google Maps/Apple Maps beforehand, otherwise it’s easy to get lost (there are no signs). You have to go down into the 'concrete block' and then across the 'bridge' to the platforms. On Sundays the train runs only hourly, otherwise more frequently. Check departure times in Maps to time it. The ticket (€6.30 round trip) is bought right on the platform at a machine; allow a few minutes for that. Alternatively, you can just call an Uber directly to the GAT. It’s about €30 to the old town.

For departure, go into the small GAT building next to the aforementioned turnstile. Press the buzzer and place your license and ID under the camera; the door to the apron opens. Again, no direct contact with staff.

You receive the invoice a few weeks later (to the address provided in your email). Fees up to two tonnes for landing and daytime (or one night) parking are currently about €50.

There is also the email address pc-aires@strasbourg.aeroport.fr. Worth noting in case the one above doesn’t work.

This field on the Isère is straightforward to fly into, but it sits in a quite spectacular setting, framed by high mountains. Sometimes heavy traffic. Great atmosphere, friendly staff. Moderate fees. 100LL, without a BP card, requires assistance from staff to enable dispensing and handle payment (so, where applicable, observe the fuel station staffing hours as per the AIP). UL91 is fully self-serve, including by credit card. The best way into Grenoble is via UBER (public transport involves a lot of walking). There is a simple on-field lunch restaurant ("Take Off"), but it is closed on Sundays and in August.

No PN required for international flights within the Schengen area. From a flying perspective it’s straightforward, but VFR arrivals should be prepared for plenty of traffic. When arriving from the north (NA) with runway 34 in use, expect to be routed overhead the field for a right-hand circuit. They now also offer Aerosuper+ in addition to 100LL and Jet-A1. As for parking, SEPs are often initially assigned to Parking G (grass). Romeo and Sierra are mostly for long-term tenants. On request you can usually get Apron C, which is also the shortest walk to the terminal. Fees are very moderate; payment on site isn’t possible—you’ll receive an invoice by email. There are two on-field restaurants: “Howard House” is a bit more upscale but only open on weekdays. “L’Aero” has a runway view and better hours, but is rather average. GAT staff will call a taxi on request. Be advised: Lyon is a very large city; although the field doesn’t look far from the city center on the map, it’s actually about 10 km, so a taxi will easily run 40–50 EUR each way. Uber is a bit cheaper. You can also get into the city by bus and train; it’s more complicated and takes longer. The relevant bus stop is “Normandie Niemen,” about 500 meters from the terminal. Take bus line 26 toward Lycée Lumière and ride it until you can transfer to a tram or Metro toward the city. Lyon truly has a monumental city center—worth seeing, even if not as breathtakingly beautiful as Paris. Much of the peninsula where the old town sits is UNESCO World Heritage; one day is generally not enough to see it. The cathedral Notre-Dame de Fourvière, located on a hill west of the old town, is one of the city’s landmarks. The view from there is great, though you’ll share it with many other tourists. Next door there’s a miniature version of the Eiffel Tower (“Tour Metallique”), more of a curiosity; it isn’t open to the public. There are, of course, many top-notch museums. You can probably skip the confluence of the Rhône and Saône; it’s well outside the old town and nothing special. There’s a Kyriad hotel within easy walking distance of the field, and others a bit farther away.

Operationally, a very pleasant aerodrome. IFR procedures available. AFIS Wednesday through Sunday; outside those times FR-only (French only on the frequency). Friendly AFISOs. No restaurant on the field. Landing fees very reasonable; parking a bit pricey (EDEIS, after all). There is a bakery/café about 500 m on foot from the field ("Baguettes et Delices"). Public transport to the city is not ideal. I had expected a bit more from the city of Chalon.

Strange things going on here... For some time now, the field has also been usable for Switzerland flights, with PPR of course. Since then, however, even though the field is not a "point de passage frontalier," they insist that flights, e.g. from Germany (D), are also subject to the 24-hour prior-notification requirement, which is frankly silly and a real pain. The field is not FR-only, and usually there’s little or no traffic. Runway 02 is the preferred runway. Where you may or may not park is not entirely clear; if needed, check ahead with Aeroclub Beaunois. TOTAL fuel on the field now also accepts regular credit cards. No fees! Taxi phone numbers are posted at the aeroclub building; there’s also the landing register there. Taxis can be hit-or-miss; same goes for UBER. You should have a Plan B for getting into town. Walking is rather far (4 km) and along the main road. The town is touristy but still nice. The Chateau de Savigny-les-Beaune (a château with an outdoor military aircraft exhibit) is 9 km from the field.

It’s worth reading the VAC carefully. You only need authorization from any Flight Instructor (FI) to land here; no local checkout is required. Holding any instructor rating also suffices. The approach is not particularly difficult. Runway 23 is the preferred runway. Fuel by TOTAL. Park along the taxiway, i.e., opposite the fuel station. There is a "Bureau de Piste" (see yellow C) where you can normally pay the landing fee, but it is often unstaffed. You can also pay via Aerops, though it doesn’t always calculate the correct amount. Landing fee is moderate up to 1.2 tonnes; above that, expensive. Surcharge for landings between 1200 and 1400. Restaurant "Piper Pub" on the field; closed on Sundays.

Inger is getting on in years; I expect the kids will eventually take over the airfield in some form. For now, you coordinate your landing with Inger and can book the Mercedes if required. The runways are no longer in great condition; use caution at the surface transitions. The (small) aircraft collection in the hangar is worth a look if you get the chance. Farö has nice beaches, but in the off-season it’s very quiet and you’ll hardly find anything to eat. Landing and car rental fees are moderate.

Important: There is permanently no 100LL available in Visby (and thus anywhere on Gotland). The former 100LL pump has been replaced with Hjelmco 91/96 (likely at the aeroclub’s initiative, as they no longer need 100LL). Around the club there seems to be very little traffic even in good weather. Otherwise still good; you can usually choose the runway (we landed RWY 21 and could essentially roll the rest of the way to the Aeroclub Apron Bravo; parking on the main apron would require prior notification to the airport). Taxiways, the grass runway, and Apron Bravo are well maintained. Landing fees (incl. 1 night parking) are typical for Swedavia at about €80; the invoice comes later. Remember the door code when exiting (Aeroclub). Getting a taxi to town can be somewhat difficult at times. Visby remains well worth a visit and charming. Great seafood (fantastic mussels) at the restaurant "Bakfickan" (only a few seats). Overall price level in town is fine. Solid, large hotel: Best Western Strand.

No prior notification is required here for intra-Schengen flights, which is welcome. Operationally straightforward. Note there is no parallel taxiway, so backtracks are required. Parking area Golf is acceptable; not billiard-table smooth, but fine. If you insist on parking on asphalt, contact Aviapartner and pay for handling. WFS fuel station (self-service with credit card) next to Apron G; hi-vis is expected. Then follow the marked pedestrian path to the exit (double-door airlock; the first door must be closed for the second to open). For rental car pickup you have about a 600 m walk from there. If you’re only heading into La Rochelle, it’s better to take the bus or Uber. Stayed in La Rochelle at the Ibis Styles—quite affordable and very central. I don’t like the city as much as I used to, as it’s now very touristy and crowded. It’s rather hard to find good food. Tip: take a rental car trip to Île de Ré; you’re there in about 5 min from the airport, but note the hefty bridge toll (16€). La Flotte is a very nice, relaxed place. The fortified town of St. Martin is a bit busier. Nice beaches on the south side of the island, except right at Rivedoux, where you face La Rochelle’s industrial facilities. For departure at LFBH, re-enter through the gate with the code. If it has expired, contact terminal staff. The GA container is often unstaffed; leave your details via the form. Fees are very reasonable.

Largely unused airport, even though Rouen is the capital of Normandy; regional airports in France are practically no longer needed. ATS NIL (NOTAM), so FR-only (French only). Nonetheless, IFR arrivals are still in principle possible. You may not park directly in front of the terminal; use Apron A. 100LL and Jet are available at a WFS self-service pump (credit card). Then walk to the terminal and leave your details there for billing. Terminal is dead; the restaurant has been closed. There is a bus to the city (except Sundays); the stop is on the main road just under 1 km away ("Boos Gendarmerie," line 13). We used UBER; book early, as it usually comes from town and takes about 15 minutes. Costs about €30. The old town is only partially attractive and worth seeing, but there is quite a bit of old half-timbering. And of course the cathedral, which is impressive for its sheer size alone.

GA continues to be handled during the day by the flight school Bliss Aviation; PPR is coordinated there as well. VFR and IFR arrivals are no problem, even with Radar vectors. You should review the taxi chart beforehand and know where Bliss is located. You can refuel 100LL there immediately after landing (just under 2 pounds/l). Bliss’s facilities consist of two portable cabins, nothing more. For that, however, it’s really quite expensive: landing, handling, a few complimentary drinks, and 24-hour parking add up to about 120 pounds up to 1.5 tonnes, and about 160 pounds above 1.5 tonnes. Why go at all? Because the area immediately west of Bournemouth (roughly up to Poole) is beautiful and offers some of England’s best sandy beaches. UBER can be ordered directly to Bliss’s location, which can sometimes be tricky with taxi (car) bookings by phone. Unfortunately there are no longer any rental cars directly at the airport, i.e., you first have to take an UBER, e.g., to Enterprise in Christchurch. Ultimately only 2 stars due to the fees.

Unfortunately, the hours of operation are still not particularly good. Avgas supply is somewhat unreliable (see, for example, the current NOTAM; this is not the first time). Landing fees are inexpensive; parking fees remain too high. Personally, I didn’t find the city of Budweis particularly attractive or worth seeing (apart from the main square). I thought Krumau was great, even though it’s of course very touristy. You can either go by bus from Budweis, or take Bolt directly from the airfield to get there.

Overall, a very scenic area. This aerodrome is the cheaper alternative (compared to LZTT) for getting into the Hohe Tatra region. The current VFR approach plate is in the Slovak VFR Manual (https://gis.lps.sk/). Aerodrome website: https://letisko-jasna.sk/en/home. Contact them by email in advance and specify what you need (parking, fuel, car rental, accommodation, etc.). You can close your flight plan in the air, in good time, with Bratislava Information. The asphalt runway was slightly extended a few years ago and is now just under 700 m long overall. It is not entirely level, has displaced thresholds, and is relatively narrow—so not entirely straightforward. Otherwise, a very well-maintained aerodrome. If you have the chance, it’s worth visiting the hangar. Car rental is available and advisable to explore the region (Liptauer Stausee, Hohe and Niedere Tatra, etc.). Ask about 100LL or Mogas availability. Fees are moderate.

Flew to Westerland/Sylt once again in July for an appointment (fully aware of all the negatives). The opening hours, fees, and especially the PPR fees are, as is well known, a scandal, so you really shouldn’t fly there anymore. TWR was at least cooperative; they were already reachable on frequency at 09:55h and let me make the approach, so I could land at 10:01h. Runway 06/24 and especially the turnoff to Apron 2 are in very poor condition; it’s been like that for years and nothing is being done. Flight was VFR, with 1.5 tonnes, 5 hours parking, and four POB. In the end, including Austrocontrol, it came to €113—so not quite as wild as feared; hence two stars. Still far too much, of course. 100LL at €2.84 is not particularly attractive either. They also insist on hi-vis vests on the apron. Nothing else noteworthy to report. Unfortunately, there has been no App2Drive for quite some time. Taxi to the harbor in List is now just under €50; UBER is apparently a bit cheaper but can mean long wait times. Gosch (has taken over almost all restaurants in List) is now quantity over quality. Still nice (though of course not cheap) in List is the Strandsauna https://www.strandsauna.info/.

Formerly "Toussus Le Noble." Despite certain restrictions, a heavily used IFR field for the city for light GA. But VFR pilots (especially local) also use it a lot. However, no UK or CH flights are possible here anymore. Biggest issue: currently up to 10 days per month (!) with no ATS (see NOTAM), and during those times non-based aircraft are generally not permitted to depart/land. Unfortunately that makes it only of limited use now. Great IFR approach to 25R. IFR departures off 07L usually offer good views over the city as well. VFR arrivals from the east are of course complicated; better use LFPL. If you do go, strictly adhere to the VAC. Many noise opponents. If you enter the blue-marked noise abatement areas on the approach chart without good reason, you’ll get into trouble. Flying at night is categorically prohibited at Toussus; it is not a 24-hour field, unlike many others in France. Another operational limitation: VFR aircraft in the circuit and in LR-35A around the field may fly a maximum of 100 kt or 1.45 x Vs (again for noise abatement). You don’t have to (and can’t) pay landing fees on site. The invoice is—at least in theory—sent by post. Landing costs about €29; parking is another €24 per 24h. Since 2024 you can also pay via aerops. For 100LL/jet fuel there is a TOTAL fuel truck for each; payment by credit card or TOTAL Card is possible. Delays may occur. In addition, since 2023 there has been a fixed fuel station on the field for ethanol-free premium gasoline with 98 octane. Otherwise, you feel a bit “lost” and “alone” on the field. It is hardly set up for visitors, more for home-based traffic. For visiting light aircraft there are only 13 asphalt parking positions in total, which (rarely) can also be full; you then have to switch to grass (or pay a handling agent). The small arrivals building (not the tower building, but the small one next to it) is always deserted. There are two restaurants: in the tower building, “Le Bouchon.” However, it has little charm and a rather poor reputation even among local pilots. Also, about 600 meters further to the southwest, “Air & Cook” (closed Sundays and Mondays). This one is good. If you just want a lunch stop there, you can register with the “Aero Touring Club de France” and then park right at the door. There is also a pilot shop on the field. UBER/Bolt to Paris cost between €40 and €75 (depends, among other things, on the time of day). Many people go only as far as the RER station at Versailles (Chantiers) and then take the train towards Paris-Montparnasse. A taxi straight to the Palace of Versailles is about €30. For departure, including VFR, GND requires a start-up request.

The VFR GA airfield on the east side of the city and likely the busiest aerodrome in France. Tower and RMZ, but no CTR and no IFR procedures. Caution: on certain days of the month (see NOTAMs) there is no ATC here and it is then "FR-only" on frequency. You can have close to ten aircraft in the circuit and the frequency gets very busy. The asphalt runway is only 700 meters long but has overrun areas. Lots of forest and built-up areas nearby; forced-landing options are very scarce. Aircraft with wingspan greater than 15 m (motorgliders) are subject to restrictions (see VAC). Direct flights to and from the British Isles (outside Schengen) are no longer possible. No direct flights to or from Switzerland either. IFR arrivals must be filed on a Y flight plan (not an I-plan). You will not be cleared into the Paris TMA, even IFR; expect an early descent to remain low. When arriving from the east, avoid the Meaux (LFPE) circuit, as its RMZ reaches up to the base of Class A airspace (starting at 1,500 ft MSL). It is best to route a bit to the south, following the motorway. Study the approach chart in advance: strict noise abatement procedures (circuit routing) apply. A maximum of 100 kt is recommended. Also, the edge of the Paris CTR is close. 100LL is self-serve with Total Carnet or credit card. At the pump you must park facing west. Since 2023 there is also an on-field pump for ethanol-free premium gasoline (98 RON).

The landing fee is 22 euros, extremely cheap by Paris standards. Most importantly: there are absolutely no parking/standing fees here! You cannot pay the fee on site (fill out the form; you will then receive the invoice by email at some point—or maybe not). Alternatively, since 2024 you can also pay via aerops. Unfortunately there are only a few (six) paved stands for visiting aircraft. Not sure whether they can be reserved. Otherwise you park on a grass area, which is perfectly fine. The airport restaurant "Le Briefing" is good; unfortunately it is only open on weekdays. If it is closed, the only toilets on the airfield are dirty and landside (you might be allowed to use the toilets in the "Tower"?). Exit from the field is behind the tower building. The RER station can be reached with a short taxi/Uber ride; on foot (per Google Maps) it is 25 minutes. From there the RER runs every 10–15 minutes (Sundays too!) quickly and cheaply to Châtelet, Étoile, etc. An Uber directly into Paris costs between €40 and €75 (depending on time of day) and may take a long time. There is an Ibis hotel within reasonable walking distance of the field. IFR departures are only on a Z plan, with IFR pickup once you are outside the TMA.

Only a few kilometers from the Spanish border (French Basque Country). The airport has some scheduled airline service, charter traffic in summer, and some GA. Unfortunately, it has had a rather poor reputation for years. First, because there is a French Police de l'Air office on the field and there are many "ramp checks" (especially, but not only, N-reg). Therefore you should have your "paperwork" particularly well in order here. Second, because parking is handled in a thoroughly bureaucratic way with a PPR requirement that is enforced quite uncompromisingly; there are only about a handful of official "parking positions" for SEPs. If you cancel a notified flight at short notice, they threaten cancellation fees! Since 2023, small GA aircraft no longer park directly in front of the GA terminal on Apron Alpha (this is now—at least during the summer half of the year—reserved for the "large" GA), but on Apron Kilo, south of the runway. You then have to be bused (mandatory handling!). Otherwise, the service is friendly, quick, and good. The GAT is flawless.

The costs (landing, handling, 24 hours of parking) for up to 2 tonnes come to about €100 in total. On Sundays and public holidays there is an additional noticeable handling surcharge. Extended parking, in particular, is quite expensive. 100LL is available (self-service via BP card or with credit card through handling), as well as Jet-A, rental cars, etc. There is a restaurant (closed Sundays) next to the GAT. Directly opposite there is a hotel with a restaurant (Sure Hotel). A bus (No. 36) runs regularly toward the city. A taxi is not too expensive either, as the distance is short (about €20).

Biarritz remains a very special and fascinating place. In the main holiday season (mid-July to late August) it is of course very crowded and hotels are expensive. But even in the shoulder season Biarritz is pleasant thanks to the relatively mild temperatures. It is nice to walk along the rugged coastline and explore the various viewpoints, including the lighthouse. On the beach and in the water there are practically always hundreds of surfers, who shape the city (in a positive sense). The largest beach is the "Grande Plage" right in front of the town center. You can eat good seafood at "Chez Albert" in the old fishing harbor. Next door there is "Le Corsaire"; I thought it was really good. I found "Casa Juan Pedro" weak, despite the huge crowds. If you want to catch a bit of Spanish vibe, you will also find several tapas bars in the old town. The nicest going-out district is Les Halles, with a great market during the day. Especially interesting for children is the ocean museum (not far from the old fishing harbor). The city of Bayonne, about 10 km away, is also well worth seeing. Above all the coastal town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz; it lies 15 km south of Biarritz, right on the Spanish border. Small and charming, even if in summer there are many tourists. Great weekly market.

Nice aerodrome, but unfortunately 16 km from town. Can be somewhat busy at times. IFR (RNP) procedures and AFIS available; the latter only on weekdays and with a lunch break. Direct flights to/from Switzerland are possible with 24-hour PPR. Hi-vis is officially mandatory on the apron, but enforcement is relaxed. Self-serve fueling (100LL and Jet) with credit card. Low landing fees, but parking fees are somewhat high. The small restaurant "Le Concorde" is unfortunately closed on weekends.

There is no public transport. Conventional taxis are hard to get and, of course, very expensive. However, the spread of UBER in France has made it manageable; about €40 each way. It may involve some waiting time; best to place a request right after landing.

Blois is a very attractive and charming city on the Loire, located between Orléans and Tours. The Château de Blois, a Renaissance château once inhabited by King Louis XII, is in the city center. Another sight is the 18th-century stone bridge over the Loire. Many stairways run through the city, which is built on several hills. The city is well kept and there are many cozy restaurants. Quite a lot of tourism, but the city is simply beautiful.

If you also want to explore the surroundings (châteaux!), it’s best to try to get a car in town via French car-sharing services (Getaround, Turo). Around Blois there are about 50 "Loire châteaux." The most famous are Cheverny and especially Chambord; both are only 16 km from Blois. The moated château Chenoncaeu is also only 44 km away. If you want to visit Chambord on the ground: buses run there regularly from the train station in Blois. You can view the château from outside free of charge from all angles; you only pay €16 if you want to go inside.

At Blois aerodrome, the largest European ultralight aviation fair, the "Mondial de l'ULM," takes place every year (early September).

One of the relatively few GA airfields between Marseille and Nice. LFMQ is not a port of entry for most of the year; nevertheless, PN 24 h in advance is required year-round for all arrivals and departures, including from Schengen countries. Annoying! Flights to/from Switzerland are possible year-round. And: providing personal data by informal email is not sufficient; it has to be a "GenDec." All the more absurd because the original ICAO Annex 9 form doesn’t even have a field for passenger data. Instead, I used this and it worked: https://www.hannover-airport.de/fileadmin/downloads/General_Aviation/General_Declaration_form_052024.pdf Otherwise, good email communication in advance. Parking stands PE1–PE6 have steel tie-down cables. Hi-vis is now mandatory here too. The airfield remains very chic and upmarket. There are also two hotels near the airfield (Hotel & Spa Du Castellet, 5 stars, 100 m away, and Grand Prix Hotel, 3 stars, 600 m away). Both have a restaurant. The essentially medieval hilltop village of Le Castellet is very small but quite nice and authentic; it too is a few kilometers from the airfield. In principle, rental cars can be arranged at the airfield with prior notice. However, they are brought in from a Europcar station well away from the field (Bandol), so costs are quite high. An Uber ordered on the spot arrived at the airfield after 15 minutes, though we may have been lucky. The ride down to St.-Cyr-sur-Mer (or Bandol) took just under 15 minutes and cost €36. We rented a car there via Getaround. There’s Europcar in Bandol. St. Cyr is just a standard seaside resort. By far the nicest place in the area is Cassis; therefore it’s also very touristy. Boat tours to the nearby Calanques are offered, and there are boat rentals as well (e.g., locbateau.fr). Toulon and Marseille are also easy to reach by car. AVGAS at €3.15 is far too expensive. Fees: for 1–2 t, one landing including 24 h parking is €42. But each additional started day is another €42, so it adds up. There is only a small bar right in the terminal building. You can also hangar the aircraft overnight (not cheap). AFIS hours are rather short, and visiting aircraft are not permitted to land or depart outside AFIS hours.

Pretty area and nice approach. At La Vèze you can do customs with PPR (for flights from or to Switzerland; flights to and from the UK are not possible at all). ULs generally require PPR here. Lots of parachute operations (PC-6). The field is a textbook, almost perfect aerodrome: long, first-class asphalt runway, IFR approach, 24-hour operation thanks to PCL. All that even without AFIS on weekends. Avgas and Jet are self-service by credit card, works flawlessly. 100LL is a tad on the pricey side. Parking: if you’re staying longer, don’t park directly at the fence, but either on the grass edge between the fuel station and the hangar or on the grass edge in front of the aerodrome building. Landing fee €13. No one could say what parking actually costs, because the aerodrome administration isn’t there on weekends; it’s reportedly quite expensive, but they apparently waive it on weekends. Drinks are available at the flight school. The restaurant "Le Vézois" (closed on Mondays) is an 18-minute walk according to Google and makes a very good impression—but we didn’t try it. Only downside of the field: no public transport. Uber came after 15 minutes (from town) and costs just under €30 to the old town.

The appealing capital of Franche-Comté, Besançon, lies in the center of the region and is well worth a visit. It has just under 120,000 inhabitants and sits in a loop of the river Doubs. During the Roman Empire it played an important role under the name Vesontio. In particular, you can walk or cycle almost entirely along the Doubs around the old town. The latter is characterized by some splendid townhouses from the 16th and 17th centuries and, of course, numerous churches. There are also several preserved Roman-era structures, notably the Porte Noire and the adjacent Square Castan. The absolute highlight of the city is, of course, the Vauban-designed citadel towering above the city center. This huge structure, almost 150 meters above the city, is its landmark and the most visited site in all of Franche-Comté. The city is also very green; personally, I particularly liked Parc Micaud on the east bank of the Doubs and Square Granvelle in the middle of the old town. Food tip for those who like old-school restaurants as much as I do: "Poker d’As", near the very beautiful Square Saint-Amour. A very decent hotel is the Hotel Best Western Citadelle.

Next morning departed on an IFR flight plan, called Bâle Info (135.850) right after takeoff, and we were picked up immediately.

Get in touch with Rune via SMS in advance, especially regarding bicycle rental. The new club building (aka "Terminal 3"), where you can sleep inside as a guest if needed, has been fully completed for some time. You need (if it isn’t already open) a code to get in, and codes for the bicycle locks as well—these come from Rune. The runway is fine, though not the best. It is still officially published as just under 700 meters, but in reality it’s more like 950 meters long. Landing fee 16 Euro (also for larger aircraft) is very reasonable; you can leave it in Euro. Bicycle 11 Euro. The 3 km path to Langør and the tranquility there are very nice. There’s a fish restaurant (right at the harbor) for food or drinks. There’s a bit more choice in Nordby (about 7 km from the airfield). Great secluded beach near Marup. Strong recommendation for a day on Samsø! Flight plan closure—as always in Denmark—is possible already during the approach with Kopenhagen FIS.

Good, fairly busy VFR airfield. No PPR, no ATS; open to VFR traffic during daylight. Not “French-only”; you can make your radio calls in English (being able to speak and understand French is still better). As a rule, Runway 03 is used for noise abatement. On approach, observe D526 and the noise abatement areas. Although there is no ATS, a landing fee is charged, but it is low; you can now pay via aerops. 100LL is available, but there is no card-operated pump—you depend on the Aeroclub Haguenau office, which you should contact in good time beforehand. You can then pay in cash or by credit card. Prices are not particularly cheap. The UL91 offering was recently replaced by Mogas. For food and drink you’re well catered for: directly adjacent to the apron is the “Saint-Ex” restaurant, located in one of a total of five somewhat quirky “triangle houses.” Ultimately inconspicuous from the outside, but quite refined and pretty inside. It’s relatively small, and especially on weekends it’s often full of locals, so you should definitely reserve by phone in advance. Also be punctual… after 14:00h you won’t get served anymore. The dishes are mostly not the typical rustic Alsatian kind, but rather more French. Proper cookery, hence not exactly cheap (on weekdays you can get a reasonably priced lunch menu). Closed on Wednesdays. If you can’t get a table: 200 m farther on there’s an Italian restaurant (“Il Giardino d’Italia”). However, at lunchtime it’s only open Tuesday to Friday and on Sundays. Nearby there’s also a hotel (“Champ d’Alsace”), but its restaurant only opens for events. Additional restaurant tips in the area: about a good 20-minute walk south of the field is “La Petite Auberge,” a very rustic Alsatian restaurant with regional dishes. Unfortunately, at lunchtime it’s only open on Sundays. Alternatively, north of the field (about a 15-minute walk) there’s “Le Repère des Sorcières” (somewhat more modern); it’s also only open at lunchtime on certain weekdays. Use Google Maps for the route in each case. There’s also a bus connection (Line 1) into town, except on Sundays. To use it you have to walk about 500 m along the airfield road to the main road (the stop right at the field is only served in the mornings and evenings). The town is quite nice for a short day trip; you can stroll and shop particularly on and around Place de la République. Overall, though, in terms of size and atmosphere, Haguenau of course can’t begin to compare with Strasbourg or Colmar. You get back onto the airfield by entering the first four digits of the airfield frequency into the keypad lock on the door.

Located on the east side of the island (right by the sea), it was closed as a small commercial airport in 2012 but finally reopened in mid-2023, initially as a GA-only VFR aerodrome with no ATS. The field is subject to PPR, primarily due to the ongoing issue of the firefighting service. On weekdays the fire service is on duty 0900–1700, so PPR is then essentially a formality. PPR can also be obtained on weekends. The airport website, including the online PPR form, is https://www.aeroportotortoli.eu/. The (still fairly moderate) fees are listed there; you cannot pay on site and must transfer the amount to the specified account after your visit. There is virtually no paved parking; you have to park on the grass area next to the apron, which is fine. A fuel station (including Avgas) and the approval to sell fuel are still in progress and will take time. The local staff are notably helpful, including assistance in obtaining Mogas via taxi from a gas station in town.

The runway borders almost directly on the beach; this is where the resort of Arbatax begins. If you only have a few hours, you can walk 1.2 km along the gravel road right by the airfield fence to the beach, where there is a nice beach restaurant (Basaura Beach) and you can sunbathe right at the threshold of runway 30. Unfortunately there is very little flight activity. Arbatax has many, in part very nice, hotels (I can particularly recommend the small Borgo degli Ulivi) and restaurants. The north side of town is less attractive due to the harbor. Also well known is the beach restaurant Chiosco di Ponente outside of town, which serves oysters cultivated on site. The town does somewhat lack a cozy pedestrian zone for an evening stroll.

The outskirts of Tortolì are within walking distance from the field, including numerous B&Bs (e.g., the modern B&B Agata e gli altri). Also within walking distance or a very short taxi ride (Giorgio, tel. +39 339 5087415; speaks only limited English) is a Europcar office, though it is somewhat pricey—best to reserve in advance. In peak season there is also the car rental company Ichnusarent, which is a bit cheaper. You definitely need a car to explore the area at least a little. About 30 km north of Tortolì is one of Sardinia’s currently very popular beaches, Cala Mariolu. You can also reach it from Tortolì by rented motorboat.

Outside airshow dates you can (with PPR) always land and visit the museum. Even then, historic aircraft are often up on training missions and test flights, adding to the atmosphere. For a relaxed first visit covering all exhibition hangars and the outdoor areas, plan about 4–5 hours. The aerodrome has a wonderful aviation ambiance; you can freely walk from hangar to hangar and view all the aircraft up close (almost everything that flies, or once flew, is here). The mix of museum and active, calm, professional flight operations is fantastic and unique in Europe.

Museum admission at about £25 isn’t exactly cheap; still, it’s worth it. Moreover, admission for up to 2 hours for fly-in pilots and their passengers is included in the landing fee (£25 for all SEPs), and there is no check on how long you actually stay. Very wide-ranging exhibits. Overnight parking is a hefty £24; possibly cheaper on grass. On the field there are a few typically British self-serve restaurants with below-average food—better skipped.

All purely aviation info is here: https://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-duxford/pilots. Unfortunately day VFR only. Telephone PPR is strictly required (and the aerodrome doesn’t open until 10:00 local in the morning, so you should ideally obtain PPR the day before). The local area is, of course, noise-sensitive. Day visitors are usually parked on the eastern portion of the asphalt apron north of the runway. From there you walk through a small red gate into the museum area. You pay the landing fee at the ticket and merchandise shop at the museum entrance. Even when arriving from abroad you do NOT necessarily need to go to the "C," i.e. the tower, after landing; the aerodrome has an agreement with Border Force that the FISOs will simply check during disembarkation that the number of occupants matches the GAR form.

Commercial sightseeing flights on historic aircraft are also offered from Duxford, e.g. on the Tiger Moth and other, even more exotic (and much more expensive) types. The company is called Classic Wings: https://www.classic-wings.co.uk/.

The approach is scenic; the aerodrome is surrounded by plentiful forest and gentle hills. You may need to watch for P681 to the northeast of the field (over the military cemetery and the Douaumont Ossuary). The runway is (still) in decent condition, but that’s where it ends. The rest of the aerodrome really looks rather abandoned, especially—but not only—because of the derelict restaurant building. Only the TOTAL fuel station still makes a good impression. If you don’t have the appropriate card, you must arrange in advance with someone from the club. No ATS, no fees.

The field is 9 km from town, and getting a taxi is—as in most small French towns—difficult, especially for the leg from the aerodrome into town. I had my folding bike with me. However, it’s very hilly with steep climbs and descents; the return from town is tough, albeit scenic. So, in the end, it’s a city that is rather hard to visit by aircraft. Verdun itself is not all that special, but it does have some charm, which is not necessarily the case with all small towns in Lothringen. The recently renovated town center on the River Maas and the cathedral with the World Center for Peace in the episcopal palace are quite nice. There are war memorials here and there in the city. The tourist information office is also open on Sundays in summer. The main war relics and memorials to visit (including the cemetery) are about 5–8 km northeast of the city in the hills. There is a bus route set up specifically for Verdun visitors that serves the main sights in the city and the surrounding area. Those who want to delve even deeper will find, about 10 km northwest of the city, realistic reconstructions of the trenches fought in during WWI (Tranchée de Chattancourt).

Customs (British Isles) requires 24/48 hours prior notice (PNR). There is AFIS (check hours in the AIP and NOTAMs!) and RNAV approaches to both runway ends (the field is prone to sea fog). If you follow the coast westbound toward Le Havre, you should definitely fly past the small town of Êtretat about 15 km to the northeast. The cliffs there are world-famous and make great photo subjects. The coastline west of there all the way to Le Havre is also worth seeing, as is the huge Pont de Normandie spanning the Seine just before its mouth. Pay close attention to LF-P28 on approach and departure. VFR: the northern traffic pattern over the cliffs is great fun, especially the base and final for runway 04. Low landing fee; parking is a bit more expensive. Avgas is available from TOTAL via Carnet self-serve; without a Carnet the airport fire service will assist. For departure, when AFIS is active, a start-up clearance is required for VFR as well. Usually, traffic is light. There is a simple but quite popular restaurant in the terminal. Administrative staff (for payment, opening doors, etc.) are present only on weekdays. For weekend departures and landings, obtain the code in advance for the pedestrian gate in the perimeter fence (by the car park). Le Havre is the most important port city in northern France (the largest city in Normandy, slightly larger than its capital Rouen) and lies on the north side of the Seine estuary. It is, however, not particularly attractive, having been largely destroyed in the war and hastily rebuilt without much sense of aesthetics. Not highly recommended unless you like post-war cities. For example, the striking Eglise Saint-Joseph looks more like a high-rise than a church. That said, LFOH is the most suitable and closest aerodrome for visiting the aforementioned coastal town of Êtretat, about 15 km to the northeast, with its famous coastal formations and a sensational golf course above the cliffs. For a car, you can try Turo or getaround; rentals are often offered right at the field. To get a traditional rental car (Hertz, etc.), you first need to go into town. That’s possible by taxi or Uber, but there is also a tram stop ("Grand Hameau") about a 5-minute walk from the airport, from which you can get both into the city and directly to Êtretat, including on Sundays (Line 13). To reach it, walk straight ahead past the large roundabout at the airport and after about 500 meters, at the next roundabout, take the first right; the stop is there by the tram depot. Honfleur is also not far from LFOH (although LFRG is, of course, significantly closer).

The Aeroclub there provides, during daytime on the A/A frequency, a kind of limited A/G radio service. This allows pilots to learn the runway in use without having to fly the “verticale terrain” (overhead join) procedure otherwise prescribed in FR. This is done to reduce noise and to avoid conflicts with parachute jumping. However, the club operator transmits only in French, and other pilots also make their position reports predominantly in French. And sometimes there is a lot of traffic! So—even though the VAC does not mandate FR-only—this is an aerodrome you should only plan to use if you can make position reports in French and can at least somewhat understand what others are saying on frequency. The Z and Y procedures are described on the VAC. After landing, coordinate your exact parking position with the ground station if necessary. Best to refuel with your own TOTAL card; otherwise it’s expensive.

The (cozy) Aeroclub bar on the field (with a view of the mountains) mainly serves beverages. A few hundred meters east of the airfield exit there is a decent restaurant, “Les Papilles.” In addition, about a five-minute walk west of the field there is a Europcar office (closed Saturday afternoons and Sundays); if arranged in advance, the car may be delivered to the field. This is ideal if you want to visit nearby Geneva, which is worth seeing. You can also get quickly to the center of Geneva from Annemasse station, but it’s quite a long walk from the field to the station (and the return is fairly steep uphill). There are also two Kyriad hotels and an Ibis hotel in the immediate vicinity of the field. The aerodrome is apparently not a customs airport “on paper”; however, flights to or from Switzerland are possible with only 1 h PN (see VAC). Direct flights to and from the British Isles (i.e., outside Schengen), however, have not been possible for several years.

You can always check 100LL prices at https://aiglle.com/fuel-prices/. Obtain PPR from ASG via email. Unfortunately, fees creep up a bit every year; handling, landing, and one overnight parking now run to roughly €100 for a SEP. The service is very good. ASG also has a free crew car. Clarify in advance how to obtain the AOPA discount on fuel. ASG operates in the style of a U.S. FBO: the aircraft is initially just parked, and later ASG will refuel/tow/final-park it (on asphalt) as required. On the day of departure, the aircraft will be staged near the hangar (helpful if it’s raining).

You can indeed get around the island well without a car/taxi, i.e., by bus. In St. Peter-Port, the hotel "Les Cotils" is quite good and affordable; it’s also nicely located slightly above the town center. I recommend the short bus ride to "Fermain"; from there, walk down the very scenic path to Fermain Bay. It’s simply lovely there. The café there is rather expensive, and the food is ultimately just fast food. Then take the coastal path south to St. Martin’s Point. There’s a kiosk there.

PPR via the Aeroclub, which handles GA on the field during the day. Fees are cheaper than in Guernsey (approx. £50 incl. 1 night parking), but parking is grass-only, which isn’t very even and can get soft/boggy in heavy rain. 100LL refueling has been available again directly via the Aeroclub for almost two years. You can always check the (fantastic) prices at https://atf.je/aviation/. Aviator Bar is upstairs in the Aeroclub building.

Attractive nearby destinations in the western part of the island: First, St. Brelade's Bay, 3 km south of the field. About 10 minutes by taxi. A great bay. For food I recommend “Oyster Box” (reserve; online booking available). For that sort of thing (if you’re arriving on FR or similar), remember the time difference. Slightly closer from the Aeroclub is St. Aubin, on the eponymous (huge) bay; for dining, e.g. at Mark Jordan. Alternatively, if the weather is calm you can go to the huge beach on the west side of the island (Le Braye); also not far. In the north, the beach Gréve de Lecq is very nice.

With prior notice you can have a rental car provided directly at the Aeroclub (e.g., via Avis). Otherwise, there’s Europcar at the terminal, about 800 meters away. There’s also a bus from the terminal to the island capital (Route 15). With the “Evie” app you can rent e-cars and e-bikes at the field as well as across the rest of the island, though the setup process is a bit time-consuming.

Structurally quite an ugly but very useful airport in the southeast of Ireland (Cork EICK has become expensive; Kilkenny EIKK has been barely usable for non-based operators for years). Pay close attention to operating hours. PPR by email to operations@waterfordairport.net. They will confirm, but may not advise that for international flights Customs (although always on the field) expects a GAR to be sent in advance to cmadde01@revenue.ie. IFR: only ILS, no RNP. No radar vectors. Everything easy and friendly. 100LL no problem. The terminal is as ugly inside as out; there are no longer scheduled or charter services on the field, everything feels rather dormant. A taxi (called by the OPS staff; no UBER) into Waterford costs about €20. Note: Waterford itself is really not much to look at. Only the golf course east of the city on an island in the River Suir is noteworthy. Otherwise, there’s a nice bathing cove at Dunmore East about 10 km from the city.

However, from the quay in the middle of Waterford (opposite the main bus station) there are buses every few hours to Kilkenny, 40 minutes for €7 (and they also continue to Cork and Dublin). See www.dublincoach.ie/all-timetables/m9-express-service. Works really well. Kilkenny is much prettier than Waterford, though quite touristy. Hotel prices are relatively high.

Charges at Waterford: landing up to 1.5 tonnes €15; above that currently €50! They are aware the jump is too big and kindly charged me €15 even though I’m 1.6 tonnes. The price list is expected to be adjusted soon. 100LL costs €2.60 for departures from Ireland (no VAT), otherwise about €3.

Unfortunately, the asphalt parking areas on the apron are poorly managed. Anyone arriving in a single-engine (no matter what) will usually have to park on the grass if staying more than 15 minutes, even when you explicitly request asphalt from TWR. If you have a twin (with huge wheels and no wheel fairings!), you are allowed to use one of the few asphalt stands. That’s a pity. The only positive is that the grass area has really good drainage—so even after days of rain the surface remains firm and there’s no standing water. So it’s not too bad and you can be at ease. Fuel (BP) is still too expensive. Otherwise, operationally everything is fine. The whole security fuss is typical for small German airports with scheduled service. Directly opposite the airport parking lot is the restaurant Fliegerhorst (formerly "Zum Bruchpiloten"); very old-school, but it serves very good home-style food and a proper currywurst. Unfortunately, opening hours are somewhat limited.

The airport of Northern Ireland’s second-largest city, Derry (officially Londonderry). PPR by email via flight@cityofderryairport.com. Pay close attention to ATC operating hours (they take breaks during which no departures/landings are possible). For noise abatement, arrivals are mostly to Runway 23, departures from Runway 05. IFR: only ILS, no RNP. Friendly, flexible ATC; scenic approach over the water. Nice handling on the apron. Avgas 100LL is delivered by a small truck. When finished, you’re escorted to a revolving gate in the fence and out to landside. From there it’s just under 100 meters to the terminal. There, at the information desk, you pay the fees and the fuel. 100LL is sold VAT-free if you subsequently depart the UK, currently £1.84. You can then claim the duty back afterwards, making it effectively only £1.48, or about €1.75 per litre. Landing and parking fees are moderate. The bus between the airport and the city runs infrequently. Best to order a taxi by phone, +44 28 7126 4466. Derry isn’t a major metropolis or stunningly beautiful, but it’s absolutely worth a day. Lots of culture and history (not only related to the Northern Ireland conflict and Bloody Sunday). Tip: join a walking tour (https://www.derrycitytours.com/our-tours/public-tours/); they run every two hours, no booking required. £6 cash. You get the full story in 1.5 hours; very interesting. Tasty food at http://www.riverinn1684.com/silver-street/

If you will, the “little brother” of Duxford. The airfield is approved for international flights as well, so it can be flown to directly from abroad (with GAR). PPR (outside the few “Event Days” just a formality) via the website; there you may also have to enter your GAR reference number. So, for an international flight, do GAR first, then PPR. Takeoffs and landings are possible outside the exhibition’s opening hours as well. Overhead join is requested; as a rule there is no Radio Service. Keep a good lookout, as some aircraft operate NORDO. Good, long grass runway. Taxiways and apron are a bit uneven. The fuel pump for UL91 and 100LL is credit-card operated; for me only the fourth (and last) card worked. Price 1.90 pounds/Ltr. 100LL is OK; UL91 is more expensive. Unfortunately, the terminal then only prints a small slip and no proper invoice; therefore I don’t know whether a duty drawback is possible with that. Park along the fence next to the “tower.” You are supposed to enter the flight in the logbook in the hut behind the fuel pump. The landing fee (15 pounds) is to be paid at the shop checkout and also grants admission for one person to the Shuttleworth Collection and the Swiss Gardens. Personally, the Collection didn’t impress me as much as the one in Duxford, even considering that practically all aircraft on display there are airworthy. It’s simply smaller and not quite as broad as Duxford. The directly adjacent Swiss Gardens are indeed very beautiful and a good place to recharge. Simple refreshments are available in the exhibition’s café. Staying overnight on the airfield is also possible.

This time, for a change, I used Calais (instead of Le Touquet) for an overnight stop and Schengen exit. There is now an online form on the LFAC airport website to notify Customs. This is required even for flights arriving from, e.g., Germany! Unfortunately, after submission it generates no email confirmation at all. So even if you definitely did it, you have no proof in hand. Really bad. Also, the AFIS and aerodrome operating hours change quite often; you need to check carefully. Friendly AFISO, stayed 15 minutes late in the evening to fit me, as IFR traffic, into the remaining traffic and to close my FPL. On arrival (from Germany) I dutifully stopped by Customs. Yes, they said they had my notification for tomorrow morning to the UK; see you tomorrow. Next morning, at the advised time, of course no Customs showed up. According to other reports, that’s the norm there. I fulfilled all my obligations, waited briefly again, then departed. As an EU citizen you don’t need a passport stamp anyway. Still leaves an uneasy feeling. So: Customs in Calais are absolutely unreliable. The landing fee desk is also only sporadically staffed. In that respect, Le Touquet is clearly much better. Positive: free, regularly scheduled bus directly from the airfield to Calais (except Sundays). The city was largely destroyed during the war, but there are still a few nice monuments (theatre, Hotel de Ville, lighthouse, Tour de Guet). Huge sandy beach, also good for ship-spotting. Otherwise, the city is rather bleak. However, there’s tasty seafood, e.g., at Brasserie de la Mer. Hotels are relatively expensive for what Calais is. Landing fee at LFAC €15 (up to 2 tonnes) is inexpensive; parking, typical of EDEIS, gets a bit pricey the longer you stay, but who stays here more than half a day anyway...

Unfortunately, here too, as per the AIP (just like in Annecy!), 24h PN is required for ALL international flights. It has to be addressed directly to Customs here. See AIP. But an informal (complete) email is of course not sufficient, no, no. You have to use their Word form. If you’re already on a trip this is even more of a hassle than from home. And of course, a separate form has to be completed and sent for arrival and for departure! The biggest annoyance is that by this notification you commit to fixed times (including for departure!) and lose all GA flexibility. The snide note from Customs that you can make changes at any time as long as you again observe the PN (24h!) is galling. This is unfortunately making France less and less attractive. Another aspect is that, out of ignorance, hardly anyone actually files this notification and apparently nothing bad happens...? In any case, a lousy situation. So much for the negatives.

On the positive side: scenery on arrival and departure is really first-rate; in this regard even noticeably nicer than Annecy. The IFR approach is interesting, with a steep angle and variable minima depending on MA performance. Very good ATC. The 100LL fuel station is on Apron Lima (best self-serve with BP card). Unfortunately, the nozzle has no latch. You can park either right on Lima or up north on the "Commercial Apron"; the latter is better, as it’s much closer to the GAT, where you have to go anyway at departure for payment. Great swimming in the clear Lac du Bourget (2.5 km from the field); already warm by mid-June at the latest. See Hotel "Les Pieds dans l'Eau". Best restaurant: "Le Lido". The downtown of Aix Les Bains (slightly away from the lake) has a few nice parks and buildings (thermal baths, hotels, casino, etc.), but is otherwise rather boring. Chambéry (reachable by train from Aix in 10 minutes) is larger and I quite liked it. Unfortunately there’s no public transport to get there (and 11 km distance!) between the airport and Chambéry. If you want to go there, you might consider LFLE instead. Fees for 1.5 tonnes: €36 (with one night of parking). 100LL: €2.35/l. GAT staff friendly. Aside from the entry formalities issue, a top destination in summer!

On weekends, even in perfect weather, there’s almost no traffic (the flight schools aren’t active then, there are very few charter flights, and private flying there is also minimal). In that case those odd published arrival and departure routes are usually not used, and practically everyone can, on request, proceed direct on course inbound and outbound. On weekdays there is sometimes heavy training traffic, including IFR, which means approaches often alternate in opposite directions, etc. The landing fee for an SR22 (1.6 t) is now just over €50, plus a hefty approach fee. App2Drive is still available on the field. If you only need to get into Groningen, it’s much cheaper to take the bus. Google or Apple Maps will help you find the bus stop and the schedules. You can buy the ticket on board (you check in with a debit card when boarding and check out when getting off). A walk around the old town along the water is particularly worthwhile; there are also guided walking tours.

Has become a regular fuel stop for me about halfway between Rhein/Main and the far north. 100LL is currently €2.29/l, so only slightly more expensive than Rendsburg and Borkenberge. Current prices can always be viewed at https://flugplatz-hx.de/index.php/flugplatz/tankstelle. Also very low landing fees (and a landing voucher booklet); therefore possibly overall even the cheapest fuel stop in Germany. Always friendly airfield managers; on weekdays sometimes even without an airfield manager. On approach you can quickly check precise wind info on your smartphone via https://flugplatz-hx.de/index.php/flugplatz/flugplatzwetter (an airfield manager is no longer allowed to state the exact wind). Especially when landing on runway 31 you’ll need to brake appreciably, because it slopes downhill in the second half. Negatives are the trees southeast of the runway and also the fact that an airfield like this has no proper restaurant; that’s pretty weak.

If you have a somewhat heavier aircraft and it has rained a lot beforehand, you should try to reserve one of the limited asphalt parking spots (by phone first thing on the morning of the flight); then it works out fine. The on-field restaurant has unfortunately been closed for several months. No successor is in sight either, which of course detracts from the airfield. The MOOEV ride-sharing service is no longer available on the island, either. Bicycles are, of course, still available. The restaurant “Düne 13” is a quick walk. “Weiße Düne” isn’t that far either; crossing the dunes on foot is doable (2.3 km). It’s a nice restaurant with very good service, a bit pricey. Otherwise, we occasionally go to Cornelius, a fairly good Italian place right on the beach. To get there you definitely need a taxi (about 25€), or you can rent bicycles. Nice beaches in the north. It’s fun to ride around the island by bicycle, especially along the dike in the south of the island.

The very favorable fuel prices can always be checked at https://www.edxr.de/; 100LL has been a notch cheaper before than it is now. You often won’t get radio contact with the operations manager until about 5–10 miles from the field, so be patient. Unfortunately, many people still stupidly shut down and park right at the fuel station… it would be good if people used their heads. Unfortunately, the grass areas directly northeast of the fuel station are a bit soft, especially in the winter months, so many can’t divert onto them. The whole apron layout is somewhat the field’s weak point. Otherwise, everything is excellent.

If you come from the heavily regulated fields in the area, it’s odd at first but also pleasant; everything is simply “no problem.” It’s an aeroclub field. Check NOTAMs for hours of operation, though even that seems flexible in the end. There’s no real PPR requirement, but it’s customary to ping Rajko via WhatsApp in simple English. The VFR Manual is quite detailed regarding arrival and departure procedures; in practice that hardly matters. Approach to 36 is of course very nice. Runway and apron OK. Plenty of space. Otherwise it resembles more of a scrapyard, with derelict airframes, an old broken fuel station, and a dilapidated clubhouse. If that doesn’t bother you, you can feel very comfortable. Tie-down ropes are available. Taxi service into the fairly nearby town as well. For accommodation they still like to refer you to Pension Goran because the boss, Marco (very nice and speaks good German), used to be a UL pilot in the aeroclub. It has old Yugoslav charm; it’s also a few hundred meters outside the old town. If you want something a bit nicer, consider Hotel Vista or Wrungel, right in the cozy old town. Or the Belvedere. Vrsar is indeed nice, even if the clientele is rather on the simple side. Boat rentals everywhere. Nice walking and swimming on both sides of the harbor. The fees for LDPV are basically listed in the VFR Manual, but there’s also a bit of room for negotiation. Now that Portoroz is increasingly scaling back, LDPV is becoming more attractive.

Cost-wise it gets a bit crazier every year. A landing with a C182 including all additional charges—even with the AOPA discount—now runs about €80. Parking at €12.50 per night is still OK. Avgas 100LL (last year in Croatia still around €2.40) now sits at €2.75. Otherwise, there are still many positives. Yes, the airport now has 24h PPR, but the impression is they really try hard to accommodate everyone as best as possible (understandably lucrative at these fees…). Every corner of the apron is used; parked in double rows, etc. All staff were friendly; above all, Ana still has everything calmly under control. However, the NOTAMs with the opening hours for the airport and ATS are now just confusing. If you’re not entirely sure, it’s better to ask for your planned arrival and departure days when you can depart and land and when you cannot. Unfortunately, there are still no on-airport rental cars, so some logistics are needed. A taxi to/from Bol may cost €30–35. Pilots often book Villa Daniela there; it’s OK, not luxury, a bit dated. For food, Taverna Riva (right in town) is good and pleasant. Ribarska Kucica (at the far eastern end of town) also makes a good impression.

One more note, because Brac is often used as a jump-off point with 100LL for onward flights to Montenegro, Bosnia, Albania, Kosovo, Serbia, and North Macedonia: Customs/Border Police are indeed always present during the airport’s opening hours, but regardless of that you must now always complete a General Declaration before such non-Schengen flights (both departure and arrival) and send it to several email addresses. This applies generally to all Croatian airports; see AIP GEN 1.3.2.8.1. You can get the address details from Brac Ops. If you don’t do this, hefty fines are at least threatened.

100LL still well under 2 euros per liter. But in summer there’s no chance of obtaining parking approval. The only way to visit the city and region then is to continue to Stenkovec LWSN, the city’s aeroclub field. See aeroklubskopje.mk. Obtain PPR well in advance via aeroklubsk@gmail.com; confirm that customs/immigration will be handled elsewhere. You will then be sent an approach chart. The grass runway is wide and long, but expect high density altitude. 100LL is also available on the field (and a maintenance facility, etc.), though probably not quite as cheap as at LWSK. From the field, take Uber or similar into the city.

This military field with limited civilian use can, with some paperwork, indeed be used to a certain extent. Ideal for those heading to the La Spezia/Lerici area or to Carrara, Massa, Forte dei Marmi who don’t like the rocky, short runway at Massa LILQ (especially since the fees there have become quite high).

Everything is handled through the small local Aeroclub Lunense. You must submit all aircraft documents as PDFs at least one week in advance and formally join the club. Email: aeroclubsarzana@tiscali.it. Membership costs €100 per calendar year. You then register each flight and pay another €15 per landing.

The biggest limitation: the aeroclub (and thus the fire service/ARFF) is generally only present on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. If you want to fly on other days, you must arrange the corresponding fire service in advance separately and pay significantly for it. It helps with the bureaucratic part if you can communicate in Italian, but the club staff apparently manage in English as well.

The aeroclub apron is northeast of the runway, separated by a gate. As a member you can also get Avgas 100LL (€3/l). The aeroclub has a Warrior and a TB9 but flies only infrequently. However, there is a huge aeroclub restaurant in a pleasant garden setting.

So: if you want to spend a few days vacationing in the area, this field is a good option and ultimately not too expensive, especially if you come several times a year. On request, the club will also help arrange a rental car.

Apart from the fairly high fees, absolutely fine. First, there’s an informative website: https://www.airport.genova.it/en/private-aviation-2/. You’ll find the fees and the web form for PPR there. They respond very quickly. Except for a few weekends, and if you only want to stay a couple of days, there are no issues with parking permission. You currently still have to submit a short Denghe declaration afterwards; that’s it. Strictly speaking, per the AIP you’re also supposed to call BP in advance for fueling; I don’t know whether that’s really necessary or helpful. Approach is completely straightforward, both VFR and VFR. Final for 28 past the city and the harbor is of course quite spectacular. The Avgas pump is on the west side of the northern apron. You can call again on the handling frequency (136.825) to ask for fueling staff. At the fuel station there are warnings everywhere saying “no decal, no fuel,” but in practice not a word was said about those ugly red stickers. Payment by BP card or credit card. Price: €2.37, so at the very low end for Italy and quite okay by European standards as well. Parking for light aircraft is usually on stands 310–313 (all the way to the north), which don’t require pushback. Transfer to the terminal was quick. Very short walking distances there: restrooms, exit, café, rental car counters, bus, etc. The rental cars themselves are also not far away. The airport is close to the motorway on-ramp, so you get to your destination very quickly—in our case the Portofino peninsula, i.e., Santa Margherita Ligure, Rapallo, Camogli. We particularly liked Camogli with its small harbor and its beach.

For departure you again go to the arrivals area (“Meeting Point”) and give handling a quick call. Routine security check, then a quick stop at the OPS office to pay. Fees for a two-ton aircraft are about €210. Add only €5 for each day of parking. About €20 per pax on top (but if there are two of you, you can enter “2x Crew, 0x Pax” already during the PPR process and then you don’t pay that). So: not cheap, but if you make it a proper leg of a trip, it’s not too much. Also, the fairly low Avgas price and the inexpensive rental cars offset it significantly—you end up spending more at other places overall. Then quickly back to the aircraft. Departure was completely straightforward; the ground staff reported our aircraft “ready” right away so we could simply request startup and go. However, on an IFR departure to the north you’re initially vectored in the wrong direction (and out over the sea). If the weather permits, consider filing Zulu instead (pickup at VOG or similar) and initially depart VFR via the Passo dei Giovi.

At €2.21/l for 100LL, the field is now practically on par with Rendsburg EDXR and thus among the absolute cheapest in Germany and Central Europe. You can always check the prices at https://borkenberge.com/gebuehren-preise/. The runway is sufficiently long, but bordered on both sides by fairly tall trees. The fuel pump itself is only so-so: it first has to be enabled by a staff member on site. The flow rate could be a touch higher. More importantly, there are no asphalt areas right next to the pump where you can park for a few minutes, since you have to go up to the tower to pay. The operations manager is very friendly, though. App2Drive is still available. Flying without an operations manager (FoB) is possible here, so it’s usable very early and late. Because of FoB, the friendliness, and the Avgas price: four stars.

The, or one of the, operations managers definitely has a bit of a tendency to throw tantrums… last witnessed while I was paying and a pilot, with heavy traffic, decided to approach the wrong runway. With the typical Zell am See clientele it really isn’t easy at times, but one should still keep calm. In principle, a radio operator shouldn’t be directing traffic the way Zell does (see current developments in Germany), but conditions at LOWZ are indeed very special… essentially Egelsbach in the Alps (except that there it isn’t airspace limits constraining the procedural area, but granite!). €38 for 1.6 tonnes isn’t exactly cheap, but at least a bit less than St. Johann. About an 8-minute walk to the Bruckberg stop, from where you can get by bus (line 660) to Zell and Saalfelden or to Kaprun at any time. Taxis are no problem either and will be called to the field by the staff on request.

Day-to-day operations at the field are handled by the local club, Aeroclub Friulano. You should contact them in advance of any planned flight, even though that’s not explicitly stated in the AIP. You’ll get a prompt, friendly reply and some additional info on the approach, etc. However, the quoted charges are completely out of proportion for a club-operated grass field. The landing fees are still acceptable, but the parking fees are downright crazy. Note that neither goes to the club; both go to the Italian ENAC, which formally operates the field. Unfortunately, that doesn’t change anything. On top of that, the club charges €25 for “handling.” Bottom line: a landing plus 24h parking for a two-ton aircraft at this grass field comes to €100. With passengers it would be even more. So in the end we didn’t fly there. Avgas and Mogas are not sold to external customers. A pity, because Udine is lovely and the field is fairly close to the city.