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Old 11th Jul 2009, 18:19
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jollyrog
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: London
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I flew there recently. This is what I wrote on the Flyer forums:

I found it to be a super friendly airport and no hassle whatsoever. I'd filed DVR-KONAN-KOK on the way in. On approach to the coast, I was told to descend to 2,000 feet and follow the coast for a straight in to 08. Shortly after, another descent to 1,000 and cleared to final, which is almost the same alignment as the coast. Only a slight right turn required. Cleared to land at 2 miles! BIG airport which you can see from far away. Very easy.

Upon arrival, I was given clear and helpful taxi instructions to the GA parking area. Did as told and on the way I met a follow-me vehicle who led me then marshalled me to the spot. He patiently waited while we unloaded (too many) bags and drove us straight to the Navigation Office. There, I was shown where I could get a briefing and use the computers for the return trip. I was given three self complete boarding cards. All you write is name, date and aircraft reg and save them for Security on your return.

The Nav office sorted my taxi for me. Previous comments about the bus noted, but we had bags and small child in tow so went for the easy option. About €18 to town - use the bus if you can.

We were then taken in the car a to the terminal, which was only another 200 metres. A quick passport check and then shown to our waiting taxi by the passport policeman. It was all very quick.

On the way back the next day, we presented ourselves to Security at their one and only gate. Easy to find, there's a Yellow "C" sign which is pretty obvious. Through the "crew" channel. Bags were security scanned and we had to walk the arch, but none of that shoes off nonsense or anything. Passports were checked again and we were shown to the apron and left to walk (unescorted) the 200 metres to the Navigation office.

After checking weather/NOTAM, it was time for the fee. €56 for a PA28. Me plus two passengers and one night's parking. It's €10 landing, €10 take off, €10 per passenger (not crew) and €12 for the parking. All plus Belgian VAT at 21% - except the €10/passenger bit, which is tax free. Steep I think, but not too frightening.

The follow me vehicle was then summoned and we were driven back to the aircraft with no delay.

Departure was as friendly as arrival. ATC made it as easy as possible. A pleasant weekend trip and pretty good for a day trip too I'd say. 90 minutes there against the wind from Biggin and 71 mins back with the tailwind in a Warrior.
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