Flying to Belgium
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2009
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From: New York
Flying to Belgium
I would like to fly from London to Belgium for a quick Saturday trip.
I was thinking about Brussels initially so I contacted Brussels International: they quoted me landing and handling fees of >€500 for a Cessna 182... The only reasonable way would be to land at Grimbergen - a grass airstrip very close to the city - but that would require me to stop at a customs airport first.
So I could consider Antwerpen or Oostend (are these the only two customs airports in Belgium?), but Oostend seems far from the local tourist attraction I am aware of (i.e. Bruges) and I am not sure whether Antwerp is worth the trip.
Any suggestions on attractions/ alternatives destinations/ practical flying tips in Belgium?
I was thinking about Brussels initially so I contacted Brussels International: they quoted me landing and handling fees of >€500 for a Cessna 182... The only reasonable way would be to land at Grimbergen - a grass airstrip very close to the city - but that would require me to stop at a customs airport first.
So I could consider Antwerpen or Oostend (are these the only two customs airports in Belgium?), but Oostend seems far from the local tourist attraction I am aware of (i.e. Bruges) and I am not sure whether Antwerp is worth the trip.
Any suggestions on attractions/ alternatives destinations/ practical flying tips in Belgium?
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 44
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From: Warsaw
Belgium
Hi, I was a few weeks ago in Ostende - EBOS for a weekend in Brugge,
had a very good experience with Airport and Brugge,
i paid for 3 days parking, operations etc. ca. eur 50,
service was great and fast,
there is a city bus from apt every 15-20 mins to the train station and then 3 trains/hour to Brugge (20 hours by train),
Greg
had a very good experience with Airport and Brugge,
i paid for 3 days parking, operations etc. ca. eur 50,
service was great and fast,
there is a city bus from apt every 15-20 mins to the train station and then 3 trains/hour to Brugge (20 hours by train),
Greg
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 376
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From: The Front of Beyond
there is a city bus from apt every 15-20 mins to the train station and then 3 trains/hour to Brugge (20 hours by train),
Brooklands
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,648
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From: UK
IMO, Antwerp is worth the trip. Nice town centre with classic Flemish architecture.
I also use Antwerp for Brussels. Take a taxi (or walk) to Antwerp Berchem station and there are frequent trains to Brussels Central that take 35 mins. A bit much for a day trip, but still quite convenient.
I'd also confirm that getting to Brugge from Ostend is straightforward.
I also use Antwerp for Brussels. Take a taxi (or walk) to Antwerp Berchem station and there are frequent trains to Brussels Central that take 35 mins. A bit much for a day trip, but still quite convenient.
I'd also confirm that getting to Brugge from Ostend is straightforward.
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: EuroGA.org
Antwerp is fine. I went there in 2009. A really nice city too.
It wasn't a £10 airport but it was OK for the occassional visit.
Belgium has very good helpful ATC, IME. I have even flown through Belgium, VFR (VMC on top), FL085 or so, with Brussels Departures giving me vectors
Unheard of in the UK.
It wasn't a £10 airport but it was OK for the occassional visit.
Belgium has very good helpful ATC, IME. I have even flown through Belgium, VFR (VMC on top), FL085 or so, with Brussels Departures giving me vectors
Unheard of in the UK.
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Amsterdam
Do note that Antwerp now has compulsory handling. It's not that expensive compared to other controlled fields, but it's still something like 10 euros for a 100-meter bus trip.
At least, this is what I've heard at the club. I might be wrong. It might be more expensive for a shorter distance.
At least, this is what I've heard at the club. I might be wrong. It might be more expensive for a shorter distance.
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: EuroGA.org
I think you are right.
Lucky it isn't £400 - like Gatwick, Luton etc
BTW I heard the other day that mandatory handling is illegal in the EU unless there is a choice of at least 2 handling agents. Of course, in practice, they will run a cartel on this (which is also illegal but only if you get caught).
Lucky it isn't £400 - like Gatwick, Luton etc
BTW I heard the other day that mandatory handling is illegal in the EU unless there is a choice of at least 2 handling agents. Of course, in practice, they will run a cartel on this (which is also illegal but only if you get caught).
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 3,832
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From: UK
If you want to be a bit more adventurous, why don't you try Spa (EBSP)?
I have done it a couple of times and it is a great and friendly place to go (it is even better if you enjoy a nightstop). It takes about 2 hours in a PA-28.
Spa also has full facilities so you don't have to worry about the "non-Schengen" racket.
I have done it a couple of times and it is a great and friendly place to go (it is even better if you enjoy a nightstop). It takes about 2 hours in a PA-28.
Spa also has full facilities so you don't have to worry about the "non-Schengen" racket.
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Brussels - Twin Comanche PA39 - KA C90B
compulsory handling.
I would avoid Grimbergen, they really don't want to have any visitors and are not friendly at all, it will take you more time to wait for the taxi and drive to Brussels than if you take a train from Antwerp to Brussels center.
EBAW is the best GA choice IMHO.
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,648
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From: UK
Spa also has full facilities so you don't have to worry about the "non-Schengen" racket.
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,113
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From: Iraq and other places
I would avoid Grimbergen, they really don't want to have any visitors and are not friendly at all
