Help for proposed flight – WW to SPA (EBSP)

[nick ritter]

Hello

Weather permitting I am flying to SPA (EBSP) at the end of the month (departing EGLM on a Saturday and returning on a Sunday)

I was hoping that anyone who has made a similar trip recently might give a few suggestions on routing and any other useful advice that they might like to offer

I will be with someone a lot more experienced than myself, but would appreciate any input from those with recent experience

My only flight to Belgium was to Ostend before catching the train into Bruges – and I am relatively inexperienced, 155hrs over 2yrs with IMC

Thank you in advance

Regards, Nick

[peterh337]

It's fairly obvious that you may get some "interesting" weather this weekend, but it is too dynamic to be sure this far ahead.

Otherwise, VFR is VFR

Get the VFR charts and plan a route, initially outside CAS.

Belgium is easy.

[achimha]

Belgium is easy.

Yes, if you like low altitude flying -- Brussels TMA spans the larger part of the country. It is possible to get CAS clearance but you can't assume you will. 2 out of 3 times I got denied.

There are two redundant FIS services, civil and military. In my experience, the military FIS provides the better service.

[Jan Olieslagers]

Are you sure you want to go to Spa? I've never been there myself, but heard rumour it is not an easy runway, with a sharp tree-clad incline immediately after take-off either way.

[stickandrudderman]

Spa is a great destination for a couple of reasons:
1. the museum is excellent.
2. the girl in the tower is gorgeous!

And the runway is about as far from challenging as you can get.

[A and C]

If the wether is good get as high as you can in the London FIR, contact Brussels west and ask for a climb to FL90, the chances are you will go direct to Spa.