Civil Airfield Corte (LFKT)
Corte, Corse, France 🇫🇷
3.0 ∅ rating
Runways
1 RWY, 949m/3113ft 1 Runway, longest: 949m/3113ft (paved)
What other pilots say about LFKT
Most pilots visiting Corsica use the airfields around the coast, but if you want to experience the heart of this beautiful island – both literally, politically and spiritually – then one should visit/stay at granite Corte: historically, the centre of bandit country.
Most pilots will be coming from either Calvi https://airfield.directory/airfield/LFKC- or Bastia LFKB flying VFR up the valley from the centre of the north of the island, overflying route N197. There is something very satisfying in flying in 30 minutes what the lorries, as they grind round the hairpin bends below, are taking 4 hours to do!
Airfield: I have always found the field deserted (and so use the A/A (in French) 123.5), but there is a reasonably paved 950m runway (altitude: 1132’) with free landing/parking but NO FUEL.
Normally I have used straight-in 13; but if using Rwy 31, the circuit is r/h - even then, keep it tight for although the NE of the field is ‘lower’ than the rest, it quickly goes up to 2000’/3800’.
Due to the terrain it is often difficult to close a flight-plan (with Ajaccio BRIA: +33 4 95 22 61 85) on a mobile; but the local campsite (see below) has willingly let me use their landline in the past. If you need a flight plan for departure, I have used the same number and activated it with Bastia on 125.92 once airborne.
Because of the altitude of the field, and the fact that it can get up to 40°C in the summer, do check ‘density altitude’ especially if taking off in the afternoon.
Corte: This eagle-nest town was capital of the independent kingdom created by Pascal Paoli, and his spirit still seems to live on in the old streets, the castle and Citadelle. It is not a pretty place, but the surrounding scenery is stunning and the town is a centre for serious hikers. Even if you are not up to doing a part, let alone all, of the GR20 - this Grande Randonnée is considered, by many, as the most illustrious of Europe. For a ‘taster’ one could do the simpler, but still breathtaking and enchanting Gorges de la Restonica. https://www.hikideas.com/walk-restonica-melo-lake-capitello-lake/
Hotels: I have stayed in La Restonica, http://www.aubergerestonica.com/ 2km SW of the town: full of character and very good food + pool; while if you want to go up-market, there is the Dominique Colonna ****, http://www.dominique-colonna.com/ next door, with the same owner and same pool!
If, though, you are prepared to slum it (as I did once when I needed a 3.00 am departure!) one could stay overnight in a mobile home/caravan right next door to the airfield. From here, you can literally roll out of bed into your plane! Camping Santa Barbara http://www.camping-santa-barbara.com/ has a bar/restaurant and have got me a taxi; closed my flight plan; and served me a refreshing cool beer; as I have relaxed taking in the scenery in this wild and wonderful area and reflected on being one of the few UK pilots to visit/return.
LFKT is a small, quiet airfield in central Corsica, situated in a mountain valley at about 1,100 ft elevation and surrounded by high terrain. The paved runway is approximately 940–950 m long and generally in usable condition, though it may appear rough and can have tufts of grass; a displaced threshold is marked on runway 13. The airfield is typically unmanned with no tower or ground staff present; operations use the A/A frequency 123.5 (French recommended), and pilots should make blind calls. There is no fuel available. Parking space is ample and free, with no regular landing or parking fees; however, on occasion someone may collect a landing fee. Example: landing fee about €25.
Approaches are visual, with challenging terrain and sometimes poor radio coverage between the mountains; Ajaccio and Bastia frequencies are usually reachable near the field. For runway 31, a right-hand circuit is used, keeping tight due to rising ground northeast of the field. Density altitude can be significant in summer heat. Occasional turbulence and rapidly changing weather are possible due to the mountainous location. Schafe (sheep) may be present on the runway; a low pass may be needed to clear them.
Facilities are minimal: there is usually no staff or club presence, no maintenance or fuel services, and little infrastructure beyond the runway itself. Camping Santa Barbara with pool and bar/restaurant sits next to the airfield (about 50 m), offering simple accommodation including mobile homes/caravans; availability may vary seasonally. The camping site has assisted with taxis and flight plan closures for pilots.
Corte town lies about 2 km north of the airfield; walking takes 45–60 minutes, but summer heat can make this challenging. Taxis are sometimes difficult to find or slow to arrive; fares range from €15–€20 each way. Corte features an old town with restaurants and serves as a base for hiking in the surrounding mountains.
No customs or immigration facilities are available at LFKT. The airfield provides a scenic but basic GA experience suitable for VFR flights by self-sufficient pilots comfortable with remote operations in mountainous terrain. Procedures vary; see AIP/NOTAM.
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