EBKT Kortrijk/Wevelgem no longer IFR certified
 

Since the last AIRAC update, EBKT is mentioned in the AIP as VFR only. A pity, especially for UK traffic to/from the continent, for whom it is a good place to clear customs.

Those who need IFR in that part of the world will have to resort to LFAC Calais or EBOS Ostend, I suppose. Or EBCI Charleroi or LFQQ Lesquin.

Any idea why? This is a great shame.

It is not a great shame to me, unlikely as I am to ever acquire IFR privileges. Neither is it a major loss to the (private) aviation scene as such, perhaps the worst impact might be on their business visitors - whom I suppose to bring in most revenue.

As to why: I can only imagine the cost was found too high. Beats me however why they didn't first put in place GPS instrument procedures, BE authorities are getting quite good at that. Perhaps they did, and are still doing, but it took/takes longer than hoped for - as so often happens?

I have used it a few times IFR, can be useful in winter...

As you point out, the main issue is for the private jet people (both clients and operators) - Kortrijk is a busy small jet location...

Thers is a blog entry in flemish language stating the the precision of the navaids was insufficient and therefore the authorities had to shut it down.

(Bestaat vliegveld Kortrijk-Wevelgem (EBKT) nog wel? | Kortrijkwatcher)

The same has happened to many other airfields as well. Some invested some money to get their systems up and running again, others installed an RNP approach instead. I don't know how much traffic they lose by being VFR only but they will certainly do their calculations. One of the problems might be that Lille and Ostende are pretty close by - so the need for another instrument field is limited.

@what_next: thanks, I hadn't seen that, but it looks like only one more nimby's blog. The political connotation is suspect, to say the least.

That said, we seem to agree that there are plenty of alternate IFR fields available, and also that RNP is a viable alternative. I still wonder why they didn't go that way.

It is all about certification. The localizer and DME are still working perfectly but shut off. The equipment is no longer 'supported by the manufacturer' and therefore is no longer safe to use even if all tests come out fine. The airport ownership is also changing with the old ownership becoming difficult to work with (many different local cities and communities).
After a period of transition the airport should come out stronger than before. We asked for a GNSS approach to both runways, they are planning to put a new localizer in place too; suddenly the A/G radio operators are no longer qualified and need new training; they are no longer allowed to read the local QNH but may only give regional QNH. Belgocontrol has been engaged to provide new training and equipment certification.

Hm, few of my gear works when shut off - not even less than perfectly... I take it you mean it could be effective, but do you really mean the LLZ and DME and NDB were deliberately shut down - probably had to, for lack of certification? The AIP mentioned nothing about a shutdown, though - or I should have missed that bit.

All the equipment is still there, just a flick of a switch away from working.

Ah, so the LLZ and DME were really shut down? I didn't find that in the AIP, neither in the NOTAMs. Is the NDB still active?

Thanks for info, anyway!

The NDB is still there physically but switched off.

And since November or so, the aerodrome is again IFR certified, the radio now operated by Belgocontrol. That does not make it a controlled airport, though.

Great news!

We also have improved opening hours, no or minimal charges for runway lights, a nice LPV approach on 24, another one coming on 06, the taxiway will be renovated and the apron enlarged. Last time I ate there, the Biggles restaurant was full and the food was good.
The fuelpump for Avgas now works with creditcard. RMZ and TMZ in force.