Flying in Sicily

[Vansin]

Off to Sicily soon, a short vacation.
Do you have any info on GA on the island?
Any Flying Clubs to visit?
Anything at all?
Thanks..

[Snakecharmer]

Try visiting Eremo della Giubiliana at Ragusa. Hand-crafted tarmac runway (with lights) and delightful converted monastery at the end of the runway as the accommodation / restaurant, which is v.good to the extent that people on the ground at Catania give you a jealous look when you say you're eating at the Eremo. Tel: Italy + 0932 669119 / Fax 0932 623891 and ask for Salvatore Mancini.

Otherwise, e-mail me and I'll send you one of the brochures Salvatore left me during his last visit to the UK.

Article also in Flyer (Jan 2002?):D

[Gertrude the Wombat]

The real problem with Sicily is the noise. Wherever you go the discos don't finish until around 4am, and the banging and crashing around of delivery vehicles etc starts around 6am.

So as long as you know you can fly safely on two hours sleep ...

[I'm not joking here. We got much of the cost of our holiday back, one way and another, but it was a wasted summer holiday.]

[IFollowRoads]

Agree with any recommendation for the Eremo - more at this place (http://www.eremodellagiubiliana.it/)
Fantastic place, the food, hotel & hospitality are superb. Don't rush your visit like I did - its worth as many days as you can afford!

PS - don't forget 'hot & high' - especially if you're normally a UK pilot, maybe time to practice your short field before you go :uhoh:

[MLS-12D]

Thanks Snakecharmer & IFollowRoads.

Do you know if it is possible to rent airplanes at The Eremo? Also, any feedback on Gertrude's advice (I must say the thought of that noise is very off-putting)?

[Snakecharmer]

Salvatore has a Partenavia P64 in which he 'tours' Malta, Pantelleria, Lampedusa, Monastir etc. Dunno re hire, but he took my partner in aerial crime to Pantelleria for nothing while I followed in another aeroplane with the ladies. He's an enthusiast, so I'm sure something could be worked out - just don't press to test on the legalities of 'hire'!

He'll also use the Partenavia to pick you up if you've arrived at Catania by big silver bird.

Other aeroplanes - he had a Piaggio P19 (side by side low wing taildragger) for sale and was looking to buy an Aztec last time I saw him (Nov).

Forgot to mention - the Eremo is silent and therefore idyllic.