PIREPs by Adrian

PPR via website or phone. Interesting approach from the north: cross Predil-Pass at 5500 ft, then descend fairly steeply through the narrow Koritnica valley to join downwind for RWY 07 at 2500 ft traffic pattern altitude (TPA). Terminate with Ljubljana Information before entering the valley; expect very late radio reception with Bovec Radio. This approach requires Alpine experience; alternatively there is the straightforward approach from the south along the Soča (minimum 3500 ft; caution: many paragliders in the Soča valley). Fly downwind south of the field due to intense parachute activity to the north.

Well-maintained grass runway; normally RWY 07 for landing and RWY 25 for departure to facilitate exiting the valley basin along the Soča River. The entire area is breathtakingly beautiful! Bovec is a paradise for water and mountain sports. There is also the option of a spontaneous tandem jump from 3000 m, with freefall and up to 20 min in the air.

Saanen village as well as the surrounding mountains and valleys are an extremely picturesque Swiss destination! Very relaxed atmosphere. Great for hiking. Nice trails easily accessible by multiple cable car lines. Easy ground transportation by bus or train with Gstaad Card (included in hotel fees). Recommended accommodation: Hotel Spitzhorn with excellent restaurant (ask for south facing room). Saanen is much more picturesque and quiet as compared to the more glamorous, crowded, and noisy Gstaad (which is just 10 minutes away by train or bus). From the airport you can walk in 15 minutes to Saanen centre.

Interesting approach via Gruyères through the Saane valley; maintain minimum 5000 ft. Watch excellent videos on airport webbsite! Airport people very friendly. 100LL and JET-A1 fuel available. Outdoor parking on concrete (no tie-down) or hangar parking on turntables. Unfortunately, quite steep fees apply: C182 landing plus outdoor parking for 3 nights was ca. 350 EUR (September 2025)!

Juist is the longest of the Frisian Isles in Germany. A big part of the island's attraction is that motor vehicles are banned; just horse drawn carriages and bicycles. Hence, this super relaxed place offers quiet, nature, beaches, sand dunes, wild seals and sea lions, plenty of birds, a startling night sky, and very friendly people.

The only village can be best reached by taking a one hour walk from the airfield along the North Sea beach. Luggage transport can be arranged by phone. There are also rental bikes at the airfield. The airfield has a 700m paved RWY 07/25, paved taxiway, and good grass parking (bring tie-down gear). No fuel. Very reasonable fees. Friendly restaurant with airside facing windows and terrace. And it's only 250 m to the beach! The village is 4 km by beach (alternatively road). You might take a rest half-way at Cafe Wilhelmshohe, with panoramic views.

Recommended accommodation: Strandhotel Kurhaus (ask for north facing room), and Hotel Achterdiek (at south shore) - both welcome dogs. The village has some fine restaurants just inside of the dunes. To get to the western parts of the island you may rent a bike (or cargo bike for the dog). BTW dogs tend to love this island, its beaches and sea surf - so don't forget to bring a very long trailing leash, floatable toys, and avoid the main beach by the village.

100LL: Very inexpensive, even for France. BP or Total available. GA Terminal: Modern, spacious, with a bar and stylish pilot lounges—perfect for waiting for better flying weather. Hotel: Cannes is expensive. We liked the 4-star Hotel Verlaine (May 2025): relatively inexpensive, quiet rooms despite a nearby through road, stylish, colorful, modern design, a 10-minute walk to the Croisette. Restaurants: Below the Croisette there are several restaurants with beach terraces. Hardly more expensive than elsewhere, but with a gorgeous view of the bay, framed by Cap d’Antibes and the castle over the old town lit up at night. Right in front of our table: sand and the sound of the surf. Walks: To the marina at Pointe Croisette, or into the old town in the Le Suquet quarter.

Easy approach, paved TWY parallel to RWY, no backtracking required. Visitor parking on grass. When glider winch launch operations are in progress (flashing beacon), no takeoffs or landings. The Albatros restaurant with a terrace under trees is quite popular; closed on Mondays. Westflug flight school and maintenance facility on the field. To get to Aachen city centre requires a car; 1/2 App2Drive rental cars parked in front of TWR.