Foreign Nationals flying GA in Greece
After living and flying a Piper Warrior in Greece for 6 years as part of an aeroclub I have now been refused permission to fly by the Hellenic CAA because I am NOT a Greek National. Apparently further security checks are needed - I am a UK citizen. 5 years ago I underwent security screening to be allowed on the ramp - no problem. The day I was refused permission to fly there were 10 GA - (SEP) planes on the ramp as part of a tour. None were Greek and none were flown by Greek Nationals. They were all cleared to fly. BUT all the foreign students and instructors at this Greek airport have also been refused permission to fly pending new security checks. However, if you say you are a private passenger and pay 12 euros then you can enter the ramp (ostensibly as a passenger) - and then take your flying lesson or whatever - presumably illegally and presumably uninsured.
Anybody know if this is just Greek bureaucracy? Is it a way to get more money? Or is there some new security regulation applicable to the EU that I don't know about? It doesn't seem to have been thought through at all or make any sense. Do foreign nationals bringing their own or club planes to Greece this summer know about this? Will they be allowed to land and then not be allowed to leave? Do English Citizens in France, Germany or Spain face the same problems?
Anyway, it won't encourage General Aviation Pilots or students to come to Greece and bring their money, which is sad since the weather is great and the people at the airports are helpful, generous and friendly. And I wonder how long I will wait for the new security clearance?