Most GA friendly country in Europe?
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I do believe the beer can be of exceptional quality.
We got extra chips in a restaurant in Brussels because my son had devoured them so quickly. I blame the Tintin museum which was pretty dire for a youngster.
We spent a week in Bruges and I cannot find fault with it. One of the most beautiful cities in the world. The food was excellent, the hotel very pleasant and the people were as nice or nicer than you would expect in a tourist area.
I've never flown in Belgium but I did fly over on the way to Germany and they were very helpful.
We got extra chips in a restaurant in Brussels because my son had devoured them so quickly. I blame the Tintin museum which was pretty dire for a youngster.
We spent a week in Bruges and I cannot find fault with it. One of the most beautiful cities in the world. The food was excellent, the hotel very pleasant and the people were as nice or nicer than you would expect in a tourist area.
I've never flown in Belgium but I did fly over on the way to Germany and they were very helpful.
Join Date: Jul 2001
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Sorry guys, the comments re Belgium are way wide of the mark. True, the airspace looks intimidating (as does the NE corner of France) but ATC (both civil and military) provide a superb service. Unfortunately, due to a master political stroke, the country has lost one of its' aviation gems; SPA airfield closed without notice last month.
Having said that, France gets my vote; plenty of fantastic destinations and always a helping / welcoming hand close by.
Spain is fine as long as you avoid the madness that is AENA. There are plenty of small club alternatives but, for some reason, their existence is not widey advertised.
It's been almost 10 years since I've ventured east but at that time Poland, Lithuania and Estonia were a real pleasure.
Having said that, France gets my vote; plenty of fantastic destinations and always a helping / welcoming hand close by.
Spain is fine as long as you avoid the madness that is AENA. There are plenty of small club alternatives but, for some reason, their existence is not widey advertised.
It's been almost 10 years since I've ventured east but at that time Poland, Lithuania and Estonia were a real pleasure.
I think what sets France, Germany and other mainland European countries from the UK is that GA and airfields are regarded as a resource rather than a nuisance. The local strip is where people go for lunch at the weekend and to watch the aeroplanes with their families.
Also, the DGAC, LBA, etc. seem to treat GA pilots and aircraft with a much lighter touch than our beloved CAA.
Also, the DGAC, LBA, etc. seem to treat GA pilots and aircraft with a much lighter touch than our beloved CAA.
Join Date: Jan 2008
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The FIS is friendly, but ATC is often clunky, and it is not as wide open and free as one might think, just take a look at the Highland Restricted Area which takes up a huge portion of the country.
I flew a lot in Norway 12-13 years ago and found it to be extremely aviation friendly....and cheap...and stunningly beautiful of course....in those days a Warrior or 172 rented for ca. £50 per hour cf £110+ in the UK...
Last edited by awqward; 23rd Mar 2013 at 11:41.
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Steve6443: not all MIL areas are active on any given day. In order to check which ones are, the DGAC produces AZBA (Activité des Zones Basse Altitude) charts daily. You can find them on their website here:
https://www.sia.aviation-civile.gouv.fr/default_uk.htm
Also, if you want to double-check in flight, looking up the nearest air base's APP frequency on the half-mil chart and giving them a call works fine.
GA airfields are generally viewed as a local asset in France - that's also why local councils sometimes own them and why there are often no landing fees (running costs being partly shouldered by the local taxpayer...)
That said, GA flying in the Czech Rep looks awesome!
Cheers
https://www.sia.aviation-civile.gouv.fr/default_uk.htm
Also, if you want to double-check in flight, looking up the nearest air base's APP frequency on the half-mil chart and giving them a call works fine.
GA airfields are generally viewed as a local asset in France - that's also why local councils sometimes own them and why there are often no landing fees (running costs being partly shouldered by the local taxpayer...)
That said, GA flying in the Czech Rep looks awesome!
Cheers
