Civil Airfield Ambri (LSPM)

LSPM sits in a narrow Alpine valley with surrounding terrain up to 9000 ft, at an elevation of about 3240 ft AMSL. Published arrival and departure procedures are important and should be reviewed in advance; circuit entry and blind radio calls are standard, with no flight information service. PPR is required, typically handled by the local administration, but the process is straightforward and sometimes informal. The airfield may be closed for non-aviation events, including when used as parking during Ambri hockey games or other large gatherings; closure dates are published on the official website. Only a limited number of parking spaces are available.

Two public roads cross the runway; pilots must close barriers before landing or takeoff by pressing the radio transmit button (typically five times) on final approach, which lowers the barriers for about three minutes. The PCB (pilot controlled barriers) system functions reliably, but activation timing is important. Always land after the displaced threshold. The runway remains over 1000 meters long despite threshold displacement.

Mountain flying experience is strongly recommended due to terrain constraints, variable wind systems (notably strong northerly Föhn causing turbulence and tailwinds), and high density altitude in summer. Departures to the north require climbing in the circuit to reach safe altitude over mountain passes; southern departures from runway 10 are less demanding. A windsock is present but may not always be visible from all points.

Landing fees are paid via envelope at the unmanned C-office; payment is self-service and based on trust. Example: landing fee about 15 CHF. Facilities include a PC for weather briefing and toilets; no WiFi is available. A bus stop, train station, restaurant, and supermarket are within a few minutes' walk in Ambri village.

For official information and closure notices see www.ambri-airport.ch.