Flying at Madeira
Joined: Jan 1999
Posts: 6,209
Likes: 2
From: north of barlu
Lpma
I have seen a few localy based light aircraft but don't know if they are for rent, the only near destination is Porto Santo about twenty miles away.
I suspect that you would not want to go to the Canary's that are in the order of 300 miles away.
The airfield at Funchal (LPMA) has been engineerd out of a steep hillside with the runway sitcking out over the sea on a sort of bridge. The wind conditions are a critical factor so much so that if the wind is over about 15kt in some directions landing is prohibited.
For airline opps the airfield is classed as CAT C and it requires the captain to have Funchal airfield training in a simulator, 500 hours in command on type and a check flight into the airfield before landing at Funchal as PIC. First Officers are prohibited to land the aircraft at this airfield.
Add to all this the cloud that ofted covers the 5000ft peak about six miles from the field and you have a challenging enviorment to fly in.
I suspect that you would not want to go to the Canary's that are in the order of 300 miles away.
The airfield at Funchal (LPMA) has been engineerd out of a steep hillside with the runway sitcking out over the sea on a sort of bridge. The wind conditions are a critical factor so much so that if the wind is over about 15kt in some directions landing is prohibited.
For airline opps the airfield is classed as CAT C and it requires the captain to have Funchal airfield training in a simulator, 500 hours in command on type and a check flight into the airfield before landing at Funchal as PIC. First Officers are prohibited to land the aircraft at this airfield.
Add to all this the cloud that ofted covers the 5000ft peak about six miles from the field and you have a challenging enviorment to fly in.
Last edited by A and C; 2nd February 2006 at 10:07.
PPRuNe Co-Pilot
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 931
Likes: 0
From: The Sky
1 TB10 and 1 PA28 is available from Madeira's Aeroclub, i can try and find their contact details shall you require them, i am sure i have them somewhere at home.
Like A and C stated it is a challenging enviroment to fly, but with gorgeous scenary all round.
Lovely place.
Like A and C stated it is a challenging enviroment to fly, but with gorgeous scenary all round.
Lovely place.
Official PPRuNe Chaplain
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,498
Likes: 0
From: Witnesham, Suffolk
It's a beautiful place to visit - we love it. BUT... the airfield is "challenging" and if you had an engine failure in a single, there's nowhere to go other than the sea or the airfield.
Personally, I wouldn't fly myself there. Cowardice Prolongs Active Life, as Rufus often says.
Personally, I wouldn't fly myself there. Cowardice Prolongs Active Life, as Rufus often says.
