Karel, We have always had to fly into a customs airfield as our first
landing anywhere in Schengen, but it's worse than that as far as Belgium
goes, as pretty much alone in central European countries it still insists on
us seeking prior permission to land a permit aircraft there, which is a real
pain! So although I have several times flown along the whole length of the
Belgian coast I have studiously avoided landing there. Not of course that I
have anything against Belgian pilots!
Regards, David
----- Original Message -----
From: "karelvranken" <karelvranken@hotmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, December 04, 2008 10:01 PM
Subject: 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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