PIREPs by Joachim

Parked at EDFM for two days for a business appointment. Parking on grass; Tower asked if that was acceptable for a Mooney. It was dry, so no issue. Tie-down chains available on the ground. The fuel pump is activated by staff and can then be paid via AeroPS or credit card. On departure, landing and parking were also paid via AeroPS. Parking up to 2t EUR 12/night; landing up to 1600kg and enhanced noise protection EUR 23,40 (both plus VAT). Fuel prices are on the website. Rental cars on site via App2Drive. Overall everything straightforward, quick, and inexpensive, with good opening hours.

For a business appointment to Leipzig, out in the morning, back in the evening. Filled out the handling form beforehand and got the OK by phone. That made the paperwork on site a 30 s job. Connection into the city by S-Bahn, runs every 30 minutes. On return, do not go to the GAT; go into the terminal to the crew screening checkpoint. There you first have to endure an interrogation about what you want and why you exist, but then security is quick and a Follow-Me escorts you to the aircraft. Maybe security there is annoyed by lost airline pax and has therefore lost some customer orientation. Back with the friendly GAT staff via Follow-Me: My assumption that I could hang out at the GAT until the ATC-Slot was unfortunately wrong; it was straight to the aircraft and I had to wait on the apron in nice weather. All in all, though, fast and straightforward. Landing for 1527 kg 25 EUR (enhanced noise abatement), parking for one day 7 EUR, GAT fee (shuttle etc.) 40 EUR, all plus VAT.

Flew into Linz today for IR training. As always, from Radar to Tower to the GAT crew, everyone was very friendly and helpful. Multiple training approaches possible without prior notification. Since most procedures are on the RWY centerline, ATC appreciates flexibility and willingness to accept vectors so the centerline isn’t blocked for too long. Avgas self-service on the apron (Mastercard/Visa). Pulling the aircraft by hand 20 m to the fuel station is not permitted; a FollowMe must lead in front, even with the engine off. Overall, great service, normal fees, just as you’d expect.

Did IR training in Salzburg today. Multiple training approaches must be coordinated with ATC in advance; details in the AIP. For short stops you can park in front of the tower, so no Follow-Me shuttle is required. There is a small lounge with coffee and water for crews. Chocolate bars and soft drinks are available for purchase from a vending machine. The practice common in Germany of starting before the startup request (to preserve the battery) is not appreciated; better to request with the handheld here. The handling fee has been removed again, so a small turnaround is about 60 EUR again.

Was at EDME twice last week for training (PPL + IR). Everything nice and uncomplicated. Large apron with marked parking positions. Surprisingly much movement guidance by AFISO; sometimes feels a bit “tower-like.” Fees (landing + approach) for an IFR approach with a C172 about 50 EUR—fine. The restaurant was closed each time, but I hadn’t checked the opening hours beforehand. One star off because there’s no AeroPS; as a visiting pilot on a training tour you have to shut down and get out to handle payment. Airports like Hof or Friedrichshafen are a bit more customer-oriented in that respect.

Nice airfield with ILS and RNP. I’m there from time to time for IR training. Everything is very friendly and straightforward. Payment via AeroPS. Large apron with plenty of parking. IFR releases on departure can be slightly delayed when the Stuttgart flight schools are practicing approaches.

Nice airfield with very inexpensive fuel (Avgas end of June 2.52). Parking only on grass. Maintenance facility on site. The café has a self-service mode with an honesty box outside peak times. Landing and refueling payable via AeroPS, very good.

Beautiful, relaxed grass strip. The Aero Café is a highlight. Lovingly decorated terrace, small but excellent menu, friendly staff. Bad Wörishofen is worth a visit for the café alone. Anyone who has Ground Transportation sorted out can also get to the well-known thermal spa or the Skyline amusement park.

Went to Tannheim on a training flight, midweek. Everything relaxed as usual. Matthias was on the radio for the essentials, but in practice it was basically flying without AFIS. Paid via AeroPS. Restaurant is OK, but not a particular culinary highlight.

Was in Aachen on business. Everything straightforward. Parking 8 euros per night. Avgas at airport-level pricing (2,92). App2Drive available. No restaurant on the field.

Nice airport, unfortunately with too little scheduled traffic. Self-serve fuel (AirBP) with a restroom on Apron 3. Follow-me shuttle to the terminal to get to the landside. From there to the LSC restaurant or take the BOB train to the harbor. IFR approaches are handled by the Swiss, making IR training possible by prior arrangement, and actual missed approaches can be practiced (in contrast to München Radar, where in the morning you have to show up as a supplicant to the shift supervisor and get SIDs instead of missed approaches, which don’t help the student). Plus: AeroPS available for quick turnarounds.

Flew into Köln Leverkusen for a business appointment. One of the first airfields to have consistently implemented flying without an operations manager. Request PPR via AeroPS, read the briefing regarding parking and run-up areas, fly in and coordinate with other traffic, and in the evening at the latest fill out the aerodrome main logbook form on the website and pay the landing fee via AeroPS. Perfect!

Large, beautiful airfield. Fuel station with MOGAS, JET, and AVGAS. Most of the tower controllers are friendly and have by now also dropped the previously familiar “tower-controller traffic directing.” Everything is straightforward now. Landing fees are OK, but not a bargain. For such a nice field, though, that fits. A bit odd: there seem to regularly be two employees on site (tower and cashier). However, there is no AeroPS (seems to be a Niederbayern problem), which unnecessarily creates costs for the shareholders and unnecessarily deprives pilots of service. No AeroPS, no 5-star rating. The restaurant is open every day in summer and the value for money is good.

Was at Leutkirch as FI on a training flight. Everything easy, relaxed, and friendly. Be aware of parachute operations and the jump aircraft. Parking and taxiing on grass. For Jetprop and jet, there is asphalt parking and backtracking on the runway. Good restaurant with good opening hours.

Nice aerodrome with a control zone (no security-restricted area). ILS/RNP to runway 25; in the reciprocal direction RNP only. ATC very relaxed and flexible. Always great how the controllers pack mixed VFR traffic tightly and without fuss. Fueling with AirBP card; landing fee within the usual range. App2Drive on site; bus/taxi rather difficult. High-visibility vests are mandatory—observe the requirement even if others don’t. ;)

Friendly, straightforward regional airport with good operating hours and the usual IFR procedures. Parking on the south side (prior notice for overnight is appreciated). There you can leave the premises unescorted; for pick-ups there is free parking (Gate 3). App2Drive is available there as well. Security on the south side is not always staffed; it can be requested by phone at no charge. If you want coffee, public transport, or the major car rental companies, the Follow-Me will shuttle you to the north side to the terminal. Security on the north side has a dedicated crew entrance and is always staffed. Fueling: self-service with AirBP, otherwise request a fuel attendant. Landing fees with enhanced noise abatement are partly below aerodrome level; however, with loud aircraft it can get expensive. The price list is on the homepage.