PIREPs by Georg

The AI summary is accurate except for one error: there is no JET-A1 at a pump; it is only available via RAS (Rheinland Air Service) by fuel truck. That usually works reliably, and the tower will readily call the truck. RAS invoices JET-A1 in 10 L increments and is priced in the lower-middle range. There is someone in the tower staff who is very active in pilot training and recurrent training (or “upbringing”?), which has earned the airport some unflattering comments. Otherwise, the usual friendliness and relaxed attitude prevail. The field restaurant is unfortunately still closed (since COVID). App2drive is still operating; otherwise, during normal hours a bus departs every 20–30 minutes directly in front of the terminal. If you want to go to Düsseldorf, EDLN is likely the right choice. It used to be relatively straightforward to go VFR into Düsseldorf in the SEP-100€ class; since the “cone rental” regime took hold there, I would also prefer EDLN for VFR. Warning: PPR is charged for any deviation from the precisely to-the-second published opening hours, is prohibitively expensive, and must be requested well in advance.

For straight facts, see the AI summary. Meschede is the airfield from the film "Liebesluder" by Detlev Buck. It’s the film that got me into flying. Yes, the café/restaurant still exists—as of 2025—but Mavie Hörbiger is not currently working there. If you fly in for hiking, you can put together a pleasant route around the field. Otherwise, it’s a standard airfield with standard fees where you can just land without special preparation or phone calls and have a coffee.

Unfortunately, EDQM is no longer available for IFR approaches at all times, but they continue to make an effort to attract every arrival with attractive landing fees and fuel prices. When coming from Czechia, I now prefer to make a (JET-A1) fuel stop there rather than in Czechia. Tower and staff very helpful—I haven’t explored the area itself yet.

LKLT is increasingly aware of its advantages: the only Prague airfield with a Metro station within walking distance (and no, these days you no longer need coins for the ticket machine). Fees are now firmly in the solid two-digit range for a landing with 1–2 days of parking—despite a notoriously bumpy grass runway. And in rainy weather you can find yourself “stuck” in Lethnany and end up extending your Prague stay. I could never confirm the reports of hefty fines for deviating from the not-easily-identifiable taxiways: Tower and staff were always friendly and accommodating. By the way: English gets you through easily on Tower and Ground. I also know the two alternatives in Prague: the main airport, LKPR, and Vodochody (LKVO). LKPR is affordable (upper €100 bracket for a SEP, good service, taxi is largely the only option). Vodochody is often closed, with very limited opening hours and poor access; moreover, my JET-A1 fuel stop a few years ago took 30 minutes just for invoicing. In Lethnany, all of that is simpler and faster. My VFR arrivals were always via Mike and Kbely Tower; on IFR I was essentially vectored straight onto final (obviously with no published IFR approach).

The AI summary is accurate. I have landed at Brno-Turany both planned and unplanned, VFR and IFR: always without issues. The figures cited in the AI summary might suggest very high parking charges; that is not the case. See the price list: https://www.brno-airport.cz/download/pricelist_valid_from_04-07-2024.pdf An email in advance to handling@brno-airport.cz is, in my opinion, optional. A typical <2t SEP will come in under €100. The staff at GA check-in are exceptionally friendly: their saintly patience in driving me back to the aircraft twice to look for (a) the aircraft key and (b) my license was impressive. If a bus is departing soon, there is hardly any time advantage compared to Uber/taxi into the city center. Budget-conscious pilots can land at Medlanky, but on my last visit that required prior coordination; you may need to shoo dog-walkers off the runway and correctly assess the rising terrain. Therefore, the 'proper airport' is much more relaxed.

Kamenz is a former military airfield, but it’s quite active thanks to various aviation operators. Straightforward approach, except for minding the corners of Dresden Class D airspace; friendly tower. The AI summary is basically correct: I’ve been to "Villa Weiße" several times; otherwise, for simple food my favorite is "Papagei Kebab Haus." If you’re hoping for diesel: it used to be sold, somewhat awkwardly, by the glider pilots, but to my knowledge that’s no longer possible. Aerops is accepted for the landing fee, but in May 2025 I had trouble paying the parking fees through it and had to wait for "the tower." The nearest JET-A1 fueling option is in Bautzen.

The AI description is accurate and helpful. Visited EDCB twice in 2025: The courtesy car is an older VW Passat diesel; it’s advisable to reserve it in advance. I didn’t try the bus stop. All-around friendly aerodrome; on approach from the west over the Harz there is often stronger turbulence during a continuous descent—consider maintaining altitude and approaching from the east instead.

As for the area: A day trip is certainly feasible, but a long weekend is also worthwhile. In addition to the World Heritage site Quedlinburg (city tour and leisure), Thale is worth a visit. For those who like hiking: From Thale, up the Bodetal to the inn “Königsruhe” / Jungfernbrücke, then up to Hexentanzplatz.