Spring 2008 france spain portugal tour ideas for stop over
 

Hi everyone i will be touring the above in the spring and wondered if anyone can help with airfields and accomadation cheap and cheerful in these counries. I will decide exactly where togo after i have all the info together. Thanks

BigD, there are a number of threads here already covering your topic. A good starting point for specifics might be the "similar threads" section at the bottom, or try Google adding site: .pprune.org at the end of your query.

Generally speaking, landing fees and other costs are much cheaper than in the UK in all three countries. Overnighting at the smaller uncontrolled aerodromes will save you the landing and parking fee. Much cheaper for accommodation and food as well.

Another suggestion, fire up Google Earth and zoom into the aerodromes indicated on your Jepp (or PM me for a layer containing aerodromes). If your Geographic Web -> Panoramio layer is activated, you can see pictures of the aerodromes and/or the areas around by clicking on the small blue dots that will appear. That's stage 1 of my route planning technique anyway :)

Also, if you are planning your stays in advance (rather than on the fly) booking accomodation with an accor hotel is a good idea. (http://www.accorhoutels.com)

They allow you to cancel them up to 4pm on the date of arrival, so are very handy for the VFR tourer! If the weather causes your to change your plans, you don't have to pay for an unused hotel room!

dp

Touring Europe
 

On hotels Dublinpilot has the right idea his policy has worked well for me over the years.

Most airports in southern europe are very good for GA and by UK standards cheap, just stay away from the very big airports.

A propos hotels, reservations are rarely needed in springtime, unless you intend to be away at Easter.

It's so much more fun to add the serendipity of non-planning....IMHO...

I think this link http://www.grumpygang.org/Tours/Tour2002/ to the Grumpy Gang who did this trip back in 2002 will help you out in your planning. If you would like some PM addresses for some of those that took part PM me.:ok:

good stuff and thanks
 

thanks all apreciated

A few brief impressions of various French airfields that I wrote up a couple of years ago here.

Just a quick word for Santander as a point of entry to Spain based on experience 2 wks ago.

Very efficient, fuel delivered to the aircraft on arrival (Cash or fuel card only), customs at the airport (don't know about notice required as I routed from France), met and flight plan filing in flight briefing unit and no delay on departure after filing flight plan. Very good Spanish AIS site with airport info.

Total bill for 2 days parking and landing: 7 Euros.

Car hire and tourist info in the airport. Tourist info very helpful but car hire v. expensive (100 Euro for 1 day!) doubtless better to book on t'internet. Taxis relatively cheap though.

Wonderful scenery and fabulous beach at Somo around the bay.
Just out of range from Wellesbourne (5.5 hrs approx) but very practical with a stop in CI where apparently the fuel is cheaper, or even if you can afford the landing fee direct from Bournemouth.