Germany - Bremen

[Justiciar]

I am probably flying to the Bremen area in a couple of weeks from Norwich. Any info on airfields in the area suitable to stay for a couple of days would be very helpful as would any general tips on Dutch and German airspace and VRF rules.

Thanks in advance.

[bolkowman]

I take my D-reg aircraft back to Germany for it's annual each year. I have been into Bremen itself which was very friendly but make sure you are familiar with the VFR arrivals and departure procedures including VRPs. The field I go to is Bohmte-Bad-Essen which is grass and to the south of Bremen.

I regularly land at Osnabruck-Atterheide to clear customs and this field is really friendly and well equiped. I have also used Damme.

Points to note are that the controllers english is often limited away from the really major airfields and nobody seems to understand QFE but will give QNH.

Transponder with mode C is mandatory (at least for D-reg aircraft) and the standby squawk is 0021.

Have fun.

[bookworm]

I've always had good experiences with ATC in Germany too, though I've never been into Bremen itself. Muenster-Osnabrueck (EDDG) is, or at least was when I was there two years ago, friendly and reasonable value for an airport equipped like Stansted.

However, the controllers do expect you to be familiar with VFR arrivals and departures, including levels and routes to the marked points on the zone boundaries. The German AIP is available via the EAD (www.ead.eurocontrol.int) PAMS section. Send me a PM if you need help.

Note the airspace structure, similar in principle to the US -- all airspace above 2500 ft agl is class E, and above FL100 is class C.

[Miserlou]

How about Spieka? It's a little grass strip right beside Nordholz and the bar/club is manned by the military ATC folk from there. They were extremely hospitable and friendly when I got stuck there a few years back.

Further south there is Breitscheid which has a great restaurant and hotel on site. Again, a lovely couple who own it and despite my very limited german they were great.

Coming to think of it, I've always had a good reception in germany!

[Aussie Andy]

We had a fabulous trip to Bremen in May of this year - I got some good advice from PPRuNe before I left here: http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=73829&highlight=Bremen

Although we planned to go to Lubeck, we ended up in Bremen due weather at the main airport - very easy approach, and great services and cheap! I totally recommend them.

If you are looking for some interesting flying, consider routing via the Fresian Islands (e.g. Texel) in Holland, and follow the island chain into Germany where it becomes known as the East Fresian islands and I can recommend you consider stopping e.g. at Norderney (or one of the others - we didn't have time for all of them! ;) )

Best,


Andy

[Justiciar]

Thanks all.

I originally thought about stopping on route to clear customs in Holland, but then realised its only about 3 hours from Norwich so decided to do it in one. What I want is an airfield at or near Bremen where I can clear customs and get a taxi into the city. Is Bremen itself the best option? Its a business trip so in and out is what I want, with a one or two night stop-over.

[Aussie Andy]

What I want is an airfield at or near Bremen where I can clear customs and get a taxi into the city. In that case, definitely Bremen itself - the friendly GA terminal will get the taxi, book hotel, etc. no probs.

Andy

[Voidhawk]

I've been to Bremen a couple of times recently, and was very impressed with the friendly service and efficiency. Cheap landing and parking fees too.

I'd say Bremen was your best bet.