This is already for years. I remember a couple of years ago flying in France
that I had to make a stop at Le Touget because I could not make the
Netherlands anymore before sun set. It was 19.50 and the airport close at
20.00. I got approval to divert and to land. Airtraffic controler gave me 5
extra minutes so I made it. There was nobody anymore on the airport only one
the firer figther who helpo by parking and closed the gate.
Next morning I was surprised to meet the police and I had to follow him to
his office. Together with an English pilot I was his guest and he informd us
that we got a ticket for a landing without customs declaration.
I could prove that I came from a airport in France so I was lucky but the
English pilot got a penalty of euro 700. Direct to pay and cash. So I can
tell yuo he was not to happy.
There was no customs open that night before, there was no police and their
was no airport authorities available. No excuse, he had to pay.
Be carefull
Hans
-----Oorspronkelijk bericht-----
Van: owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com]Namens karelvranken
Verzonden: donderdag 4 december 2008 23:01
Aan: Europa List
Onderwerp: Europa-List: Warning.
Dear Europaphiles,
During the month of october I received a lettre from the Belgian Federal
Police notifying me that for the exit or entrance in the Shengen Countries
we need to use one of the six recognised aerports in Belgium: Brussels,
Antwerp, Lige, Charleroi, Ostend and Kortrijk. Offenders shall be
fined....etc.
Last time I was in England I coasted in at Lydd. There was nobody in the
office nor police nor customs. The other times before I never saw the
customs in Popham, Dunkeswell or Welshpool even when I asked for, several
hours in advance with the adequate form.
I never refuse a control from whatever authority, if they ask me. But why
have I to pay and tell them what I will do with my small aircraft? Is this
European freedom? Why were we upset in Arad (Roumania) or Forli (Italia)
with this officialdom?
To avoid the cost for 4 extra landings (Lydd 15 and Kortrijk 23 Euro) or
approximately 92 Euro for a one day trip to England, I suggested that they
could attach an electronic stamp to my ankle like is done for prisonners in
conditional liberty. They said that is only for light criminals! (Joke)
Best regards,
Karel Vranken, #447 F-PKRL
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