View Full Version : VFR @ Zurich, Geneva & Bern airports
egld0624
11th Jul 2005, 07:45
Hi All,
Not having much luck with the Private Flying forum so here we go...
Just planning some VFR around Switzerland and would like to read any views or comments flying in and out of either/all the airports above. I have flown in Switzerland with canyon/mountain flying training before and of course am reading up using the Swiss VFR manual and AIP on procedures. Just grateful for any tips or experiences that are not always obvious just reading the black & white on any aspects with these airports. I will be having a check ride out there at Zurich but any suggestions would be appreciated nonetheless.
Kind regards,
EG:ok:
FLEXJET
11th Jul 2005, 08:11
Following the rejection of the international treaty between Switzerland and Germany in 2003 by the Swiss federal Coucils, a new airspace structure has been introduced around LSZH as from 14 April 2005.
If RWY34 is used for IFR arrivals, VFRs will be allowed to use RWY32 only.
Run-up is to be done in Holding 28.
You can download "TURICUM 3", a PowerPoint special information document on www.aopa.ch
Have fun!
egld0624
11th Jul 2005, 11:25
Hi Flexjet,
Many thanks for the advice & pointers...
Kind regards,
EG:ok:
P.S. Just hope the wx improves by Aug!
CJ Driver
13th Jul 2005, 12:05
If you want to go to Geneva VFR, you should consider Annemasse instead. It's a GA field which, because of the curious border around Geneva, is actually in France, not Switzerland. Ground transport into Geneva is easy (there's the bus, a commuter train, or taxis) because for most people Annemasse is a commuter suburb of Geneva (With apologies to my French friends in Annemasse!). Fuel and fees will be much lower than Geneva itself.
Practically, you will probably still speak to Geneva arrivals, and depending on your direction of arrival you will mix with the arrivals into Geneva so you need to keep awake, but otherwise it's a very friendly destination.
Concur with previous on Annemasse.
LFLI Rwy of 1300m, if no SatNav then these radials may help - PAS 083/11nm and GVA 125/6.8nm.
If the weather is VFR below but you are stuck above then Geneva will take you for an ILS with a visual break off.
Quite a few years ago now and the rules may have changed might now have moved on with a manned radio, if not then the following may be of use:
Required 'blind calls', Call Gva 'Grnd' for start etc and get clearance at the hold.
Have a good one.
airmen
14th Jul 2005, 06:30
If you are coming here with your aircraft you have to go for a custom airport like GVA, ZRH, BSL or BRN. Avoid ZRH, too much trafic!
Then there is a lot more interresting little airfields with no scheduled or on request customs: LSGP, LSGS, LSGL, LSZA, LSGK, LSGN, LSZG, LSZR, LSGT for the next days!
Good trip
N1 and ITT
14th Jul 2005, 21:00
Give ZRH a chance! It's very easy to get there, even with more than usual traffic in and out. Good facilites and easy customs. And the landing taxes are surprisingly low...
Make sure you get a VFR-Slot in and out in advance (48h ETA or EOBT max, I believe). Nr to call published in the AIP.
The main reason people are afraid of ZRH is their lack of R/T skills. A bit sad, but true.
And of course the city of Zurich is much nicer than - let's say - GVA or BSL or... :E