G-SPOTs Lost
you arre right on most of the things, back in 1993, Canes AIrport had a 1200m runway and we were landing with the falcon 10/20, sometimes sweating a bit; authorities made the biggest mistake by creating a so-called , IFR procedure, with the only intentions to be able to fine wrongdoings., 8 years later they finally got the switch with coordination and a 7500€ fine available PER FLIGHT !!
Even if the whole story is innaceptable, the authorities would not admit that they arein the wrong, until they decide they are, therefore we ( commissions)are driving them as fast as possible to the wall, for them to change the game.
We need increased capacity, we need better operating times, we need better accessibility, we need cheaper fuel, we need service; we have none of anything. I'm spending hours in the lobby to see how the others companies are dealing with this insane maze; unfortunately, the lack of communication, the inability to speak english is leading to mis interpretation and breakdown of the chain.
FPL Y in Cannes... the rule was made to try to alleviate the peak traffic on fridays evening when 12 to 14 incoming jet were showing up from nearly all quadrants, trying to bypass the regulation LFMDA2. We are planning a long lasting development of the platform; in 2000 the airport was that close to shutdown for Jet/turboprop operations; we kept it open with trade offs; we need to climb back to an acceptable level, a level that would satisfy all parties.
The biggest issue we have is the non-compliance of the tracks and the operating procedure outlined in the Jepps, which is the clean configuration up to PIBON, and the fact that even on a visual approach, the tracks are to be followed. Yes even in the turn
For the time being the compliance rate is less than 50% ( Netjets is 90% compliant); most of the private operators do not have a part C; and the overseas pilots ( US and the likes) generally,do not have a clue about PANOps4 and other limitations.
The consequence of all this is a mere statu-quo ; which is not acceptable for the future.
Nice fuel; long story, political issues, will be discussed all through the summer and beyond; not a lot of leeway in this.
Nice catering through Avia... cannot comment I was using them when they were Air Azur, and besides Barbara and a couple of guys I do know anyone in there. We are using swissport, works ok, but Nice is a nightmare in itself; we expect a lot when the actual DGAC director will retire ( September) and when Nice Airport will go private ( This summer); until then we will have to suffer.
Toulon is a good alternative as Albenga then helo..
As an overall picture, even if there is a 'promenade des anglais' in Nice, and that 'la croisette' speaks english in summer; street people are not familiar with the english langage, and are ripping off tourists ( ie non southEastern french people) when they can.
Now it is sunny again ..LoL