Welcome to the Aircraft
Owners and Pilots association of Greece
This page has been designed especially for you, our international
friends, in order to provide some helpful information about General
Aviation operations in our country. Greece is full of airports and
airfields, with an 85% of them being mostly available in winter
time. There are few international public airports with hard surface
runways, but only 5 of them utilise a 24 hours customs availability.
Air Clubs, mostly operate with Cessnas 150-172-182, Piper Cherokees
and TB's. If you plan to fly to our country, you are more than welcome.
You will have no problems with communication in English, and we
are pretty sure that you/ll love our sun and blue skies...
Frequently asked questions:
1. Do I need to file a flight plan?
On any international VFR flight to/from or within Greece (Athens
LGGG FIR) you are required to file a flight plan. You may plan to
cross the FIR boundary at any point you wish as long as it is an
identified reporting point (i.e. Airway Fix at FIR border). Even
for domestic & local (airport area) VFR flights, a flight plan
is required. If you are departing from an airport without AIS office,
you may file your flight plan to Athens central AIS by fax: +302103532635
or by phone: +302103533691. These numbers are attended 24 hours
a day. A passenger manifest General Declaration may be requested
to be submitted at this time. Alternatively you can try internet
flight planning portals such as www.eurofpl.eu
or www.rocketroute.com or www.homebriefing.com but for ZZZZ destination
or departure airfields make sure you copy the appropriate AFTN codes
of airports & airport zones affected.
2. What frequency should I be calling
once I cross the boundary and where I can land?
All around the country you will be within the reach of "Athens
Information" (if you fly VFR), on frequency 130.925 Mhz (North Sector)
/ 119.75 (South Sector). This station will provide you with (non
radar) Flight Information Service and will give you all information
about activated military and restricted airspaces. While flying
VFR at low altitude, you may lose contact with FIS
station. In that case, continue to fly according to your flight
plan, on VFR, and wait for a contact later on. A contact must be
made at least every 30 minutes. It is however advisable to contact
the Approach or Tower frequency of any military unit whose airspace
you will be transiting. Military airports usually have associated
TMA's and you should contact the published frequency. You can also
contact TUGRIT military radar on 129.80 for advisories.There is
a new (from spring 2010) FIS service specifically for Athens TMA
area while above FIS frequencies remain in effect for the rest of
Greece. Athens Approach now offers FIS service dedicated to Athens
TMA area on frequency 124,025. Refer to LGGG FIR NOTAM A0319/10
for details.
3. At what altitude should I fly?
VFR altitude on an easterly course (0°-179°) is odd thousands plus
500 ft (3500, 5500, 7500). On a westerly course (180°-359°) even
thousands plus 500 feet (4500, 6500, 8500). This rule applies above
3000 feet AGL. On IFR flights same semicircular rule applies wihout
the +500. Transition Altitude is specified in each airport's approach
plate. If you plan to fly above the usual airway's base (6~7,000ft)
inform FIS so that they coordinate with Athens Control in case they
have any low flying IFR traffic in the airways.
4. What is the VFR transponder code?
At any chosen VFR altitude your transponder should squawk 7000
unless you are assigned an individual code. Transponder is mandatory
for all flights, and mode C is mandatory within/below controlled
airspace (TMA's CTR's Airways etc) even if VFR. Flights entering
ATHINAI FIR should squawk 7000 unless otherwise advised by ATC.
5. Can I fly a Greek registered airplane
with a foreign license?
Since March 2006, with a) a non JAR license or b) a non European
National License, you cannot fly SX- registered aircraft any nore
without a validation by Hellenic CAA. With a JAR license not issued
from Greece (Hellenic CAA) you can fly one but only within the boundaries
of Hellenic Airspace. The only way to fly SX- registered aircraft
with foreign license is to get a JAR validation on it from HCAA.
Regarding b) : some National Licenses from European countries (e.g.
UK) are still accepted for flight with SX-reg. aircraft in Greece
but it may not be for long. FAA Licenses cannot be used any more
for SX-reg. aircraft flying but only with N registered aircraft
as everywhere. For more information contact Mr. Desilas of HCAA
FCL department at: +30210 9973037 (altn. 9973976 & 040) or Mrs
Menagia at mmenagia(at)hcaa.gr
6. How can I obtain a Greek validation?
According to HCAA Technical Directive 10/2007 of 05-Dec-2007, if you need a JAR validation on your foreign license (must
be ICAO contracting state) by the Hellenic CAA (HCAA) it can be
done but involves few administrative steps. HCAA issues the validation
and it is valid for a maximum of 12 months. With this validation
on your ICAO license you can fly to all licensed airports &
airfields in Greece with SX-reg aircraft a) in Day, VFR, VMC only
b) under private flying priviledges (i.e. not commercial)
In
brief for a basic PPL validation, a pilot along with the application,
needs to submit to HCAA
a)
a photocopy of the ICAO license
b) a photocopy of the Medical certificate
c) a photocopy of the R/T certificate
d) a photocopy of recent logbook entries proving flying currency
status
e) a fee of 6 Euro for PPL
For
more information contact Mr. Desilas of HCAA FCL department at:
+30210 9973037 (altn. 9973976 & 040) or Mrs Menagia at mmenagia(at)hcaa.gr
For
residents of more than 180 days in Greece who hold a JAR license
from another JAA country (without Greek Validation) you can fly
Greek registered aircraft but only within the boundaries of Hellenic
Airspace. For extra ratings on the PPL (e.g. Instrument Rating)
again a 6 month validation can be issued with the necessary JAR
Medical, Theory exams passed and a flight test with an FTO (not
RF)
- Approved Flight Schools (RF & FTO's) in Greece:Download HCAA list (from this page of HCAA)
- Aeromedical Examiners in Greece
- HCAA website http://www.hcaa.gr/
, JAA website http://www.jaa.nl/ .
For
permanent residents in Greece with JAR license from other JAA coutries
it is adivsed that a transfer of their JAR FCL records is made to
HCAA in order to avoid temporary validation requirements. For more
information contact Mr. Desilas of HCAA FCL department at: +30210
9973037 (altn. 9973976 & 040) or Mrs Menagia at mmenagia(at)hcaa.gr
7. Are JARs already in effect?
Yes, JARs are already in force in our country. Greece is full JAA
member. Greek JAR-FCL licesnes are fully recognized by all countries
(since March 2004). In any case, it is advised to become familiar
with Greek national regulations before engaging in any aviation
related business,because some of the traditional regulations may
be different from western-European or ICAO standards. The RF or
FTO (see para. 6) will be in charge of informing you regarding local
regulations.
8. Can I rent an airplane in Greece?
Airclubs are not "rent a plane" facilities. There are nor such
facilities in Greece. Nevertheless a foreign pilot may enroll as
a fully qualified club member, as any other Greek pilot, and afterwards,
may rent a plane from the club, as a club member. Air Clubs
usually require a check-out with their instructor before renting
the plane. Private schools mostly have Cessna 152, 172 or Piper
28 series. Prices range from 140 to 200 euros per flight hour, depending
on type and equipment of the aircraft.
9. Emergency situations
When a flying aircraft is in an emergency situation, then it may
land at, besides the airports, any suitable aerodrome without prior
permission (as referred to AGA 0-1 par 3.1.2.). The Emergency Frequency
is the international 121.50
10. Controlled fire areas LGC
Greece has introduced this definition which is: An airspace
of defined dimensions within which firing of projectiles and missiles
takes place and is coordinated in such manner that air traffic operating
through that area is not endangered. Please ask ATC or FIS if any
are active in low levels.
11. How do I obtain Weather briefings
and NOTAMS?
You can call the LGAV reporting office for NOTAMS at 210 3533691-2
or Fax 210 3532635. Call 210 3533689 for a MET briefing, or at larger
airfields go to to the local MET office. You can also go online
for official weather at: http://www.hnms.gr/hnms/english/aviation/aviation_html
12. Ground Handling
According to Greece AIP you must accept and pay for handling
at major airports if it is offered to you. i.e. if it’s not offered
don’t bother. The official wording in the AIP is "where available".
AOPA Hellas has established agreements with ground handling agents
in Greece for better price towards AOPA members. The agreements
include only Marshalling and Transport/Escort to/from airport terminal
and they are available only for valid AOPA AIR CREW CARD holders
and only GENERAL AVIATION private flights (incl. training). Commercial
light aircraft flights are excluded.
Current Prices & terms offered
Pilot should inform the handling agent 24 hours
in advance so that they also schedule their services. Read here
the Swissport Contact
list.
Swissport Hellas:
AOPA Hellas Air Crew cards : 18 Euro +VAT
Other IAOPA (AOPA International) cards : 24 Euro +VAT
Up to 3,000kg MTOW
For more info read here http://www.aopa.gr/docs/web_swissport_handling_agreement.pdf
Goldair Handling SA
IAOPA Air Crew cards 20 Euro+VAT for up to 3,500 kg MTOW
For more info read here http://www.aopa.gr/docs/web_goldair_handling_agreement.pdf
Note: Starting from September 9th, 2010, there is no agreement
between AOPA Hellas and Olympic Handling about special handling
services charges.
For SWISSPORT Hellas contact:
http://www.swissport.com/index.php?id=4&level=country&continentId=4&countryId=83
For GOLDAIR HANDLING SA contact:
http://www.goldair-handling.gr/GH_Home.aspx?sid=15
13. Must I takeoff or land at an “International
Airport” if I’m coming from abroad ?
Yes, even if you are flying to/from SCHENGEN treaty countries (European
Union) , according to Greece AIP you must take off / land at a designated
"airport of entry". It is not a customs check but customs and/or
police personnel have to check passports for nationality and whether
indeed you are coming from/leaving for a Schengen country.
A little airfield in western Greece recently (5/2011) started providing
a handy facilitation. Messologi Aeroclub people at ZZZZ Messologi
field, with 24hrs prior notice, are able to arange customs service
for entry - exit from Greece and other SCHENGEN states in the same
status as in airports of entry. Follow the relevant link with contact
information:
http://www.greekhelicopters.gr/helos/?p=3704
Local Aeroclub's blog:http://www.mesolonghiairclub.blogspot.com/
ZZZZ Messologi is a good alternative solution for those who may
not want to visit Kerkyra LGKR in NW Greece for entry/exit.
14. Do I have to fly airways or designated
air routes?
VFR flights need to fly a track below or inside controlled
airspace (at +500ft ALT). VFR through non controlled airspace is
not allowed. Airways, TMA's & CTR's are controlled airspace
and most of Greece is covered by one of them. Inside TMA's there
are Greece AIP published "VFR routes" with specific altitudes that
can be flown without the need of entry clearance. Diversions in
route & altitude are given (coordination by FIS) en route for
"weather/wind turbulence avoidance" but not during the initial
Flight Plan submition phase on ground. All VFR routes charts
are available at airports where CAA office has the Greece AIP.
15. Can I fly IFR?
Yes!
16. Can I fly at night?
Only on an IFR flight plan.
17. How do I find out airport opening
hours?
That information is published by NOTAM and in the HCAA website www.hcaa.gr. Check PPO, PPR and PNR airports (pa.
19 below) and do contact them (par. 25 below) as early as possible
for parking permission.
For the English version of the AIRPORTS OPERATING
SCHEDULE click here, but always remember to
also check for the latest NOTAM's.
18. Will I find aviation fuel at my
destination?
Not all airports have fuel. It should be published in the AIP or
by NOTAM.
A list of airports providing AVGAS can be found below.
19. Which airports
can I fly to / Do I need prior permission to ?
The following Greek airports have access restrictions for GA aircraft
according to Greece AIP.
|
PPO (Prior Permission Only)
They do not accept GA except for exceptional cases by permission
via HAF
|
PPR (Prior Permission Required)
GA only with prior permission (via HAF for military AB's)
|
PNR (Prior Notice Required)
GA approved only by prior notice (just a fax or phone call)
|
- Elefsina AB LGEL (20 days)
|
- Athens Venizelos LGAV (3 hr)
- Kalamata AB LGKL (20 days)
|
- Rodos Maritsa LGRD (by LGRP TWR)
|
For Military Air Bases that have no HCAA presence
(first column) access is not allowed.
For Military Air Bases that have HCAA presence
(second column) access is allowed but with prior permission by HAF
via HCAA.
At least one week (5 working days) before the flight
send an email or FAX to the Hellenic
Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) with the following details :
To: HCAA/D1/A
Fax: +30 210 8947101 & 8916338
Tel.: +30 210 8916247
From : (your full contact details incl. FAX number)
Subject : Private flight to Kalamata LGKL
(ammend destination accordingly)
I request permission to visit Araxos airport with the following
flight details :
Pilot Name xxx xxxx, Nationality, xxxxxxx
Passenger(s) Name(s) xxxx xxxx, Nationality xxxxxxx
Aircraft Registration: xxxx
Aircraft Owner: xxxx
Aircraft Type : xxxxx
Aircraft MTOW : xxxxx
Arrival Date & Time (UTC) : xxxx xxxx
Flight Origin : From XXXX (if outside EU you need to request
customs presence)
Departure Date & Time (UTC) : xxxx xxxx
Purpose of flight : Private / Recreational
After the email/fax they will take care of the coordination with
Hellenic Air Force and they will reply you by Email/FAX within 2~4
days with the approval.
20. Which charts can I use for VFR flying
in Greece ?
For en route VFR charts for Greece we use the 1:500,000
TPC charts which are the only available right now. The Navaids data
is old and there is no GPS data on them. The topography is correct
though. For NAV, COM, GPS and AIRSPACE data.
We use the Jeppesen low level IFR chart E(LO)13-14 which include
the latest data.
In Greece you can find the above charts at www.pilotshop.gr along with Jeppesen VFR Bottlang
trip kits (airport charts & directory).
Here you can find the latest initiative by a group
of Greek helicopter pilots of the ONLY actual VFR Chart existing
for Athens FIR. It includes data which are considered by pilots
to be correct and is fully usable for navigation on VFR flights
in Greece. Follow the link for details, ordering process and users' comments.
NOTE: CHECK ALWAYS THE AIP GREECE
AND LATEST NOTAMS BEFORE YOUR FLIGHT IN GREEECE!!!
21. How do I obtain Weather briefings
and NOTAMS?
You can call the LGAV reporting office for NOTAMS at 210 3533691-2
or Fax 210 3532635. Call 210 3533689 for a MET briefing, or at larger
airfields go to to the local MET office. You can also go online
for official weather at: http://www.hnms.gr/hnms/english/aviation/aviation_html
Some usefull links on the Internet that we use for WX outlooks
in Greece:
http://euro.wx.propilots.net/
http://ows.public.sembach.af.mil/
http://forecast.uoa.gr/
http://www.poseidon.ncmr.gr/weather_forecast.html
http://weather.unisys.com/mrf/9panel/mrf_pres_9panel_eur.html
http://imkhp2.physik.uni-karlsruhe.de/~muehr/satpicsf/noaa/Greece/greece.html
22. Will I find aviation fuel at
my destination?
The airports that currently provide AVGAS in Greece are :
- LGAV
- LGTS - Only via coordination with local aeroclub www.aeroclub-tsl.gr
- LGRP
- LGIR (min. quantity limit may be imposed)
- LGKR
- LGKO
- LGMG
- LGMT - only via coordination with local aeroclub www.mitiliniairclub.gr, mitiliniairclub(at)khy.gr
- LGST
- LGSA - Only via coordination with local aeroclub http://www.aer.gr/
- Ikaros ZZZZ (Moschonis) field in Kopaida, www.airsafety.com (Usually SAT & SUN only -
airfield is PNR)
- ZZZZ Messologi field Information - Only via coordination (PNR)
with local aeroclub www.mesolonghiairclub.blogspot.com
Usually during summer months:
1. LGSM
The price varies from 2,5 to 2,7 Euro per Lt. (May 2011)
CHECK above airport NOTAMs to make sure there are no changes since this page
was last updated.
23. What are the airport charges ?
Landing/ Parking Fees AIP GREECE VOLUME I
FACILITATION (FAL) pgs.3-1, 3-2, 3-3 Chapter I
1,63 euro : Greek Register & European Union Register
7,34 : Non EU Register
One charge per aircraft per day that counts for all Greek airports for
one calendar day (no surcharge)
Passengers Service Charges AIP
GREECE VOLUME I FACILITATION (FAL) pgs.3-4 Chapter I
(Airport Development Charge per passenger -not for crew- per
departure). Departing
passengers over 5 years old with final destination Greece, Norway,
Iceland, Liechtenstein and E U. airports 12 EURO. For passengers
with final destination outside E.U. airports 22 EURO. Transfer passengers
continuing their trip with the same or another airline within 24
hrs pay the charge at the starting airport. Passengers continuing
their trip with the same aircraft (transit) are totally excluded
from the payment of the charge. .
Provision of Ground Handling Services
For further information please check the above paragraph No
12 - Ground Handling
The landing/parking fee charges got a government wave off since summer
2010 until further notice. Athens International LGAV is excluded from
the wave off.
24. Athens GA Airport
The dedicated General Aviation facility for Athens is Megara LGMG
airport 40km west of the city. It is a "VFR only" airport and has
operational hours a bit shorter than aviation day to night
time period. Visit our Megara LGMG page for further information. Megara is a
Hellenic Army Aviation helicopter base which has a civil apron on
the Eastern side.
Alternatively one can go VFR day, or IFR day & night at
Athens International LGAV airport
which is a 24 hr. international large size airport. Airport duty
officer must be informed for landing permission 3 hours in advance
and a handling agent must be assigned. Total charges at LGAV for
a light aircraft should be about 230 Euro's for first day and then
another 70~80 Euro's per consecutive day.
Tatoi Dekelia LGTT, Hellenic Air Force cadets base is open
only for local based (civilian) Aeroclubs and is not accessible
to private individual visitors.
Elefsis LGEL, Hellenic Air Force Military Air Transport Command
base, is closed to all civilian Aviation.
Kotroni LGKN, is a Hellenic Navy heliport closed to all civilian
Aviation.
Ikaros private field is an excellent G.A. facility 105 km NW of
Athens. Visit AOPA's Ikaros page for more information.
25. Airport Details and Contact Directory
Hellenic CAA engineers’ directory: http://www.hcaa-eleng.gr/greekair.htm
Airport phone & fax directory courtesy of Chania Aeroclub: http://www.aer.gr/aerotel.pdf
Airport Directory with pilots' feedback: http://www.you-fly.com/airport/country/Greece
26. Crete Airports - Transit to
Africa & Middle East etc
Many pilots contact us regarding flight via Crete island as an
intermediate stop for flights destined to Africa & Middle East.
For Crete there are three options :
- Chania LGSA Air Base to the west.
A mixed use airport, Civilian, busy Hellenic Air Force
& NATO base.
To fly there you need to send a PPR fax (check para. #19) at least
5 working days in advance.
Only Greek register aircraft are allowed to operate without PPR
there and thatonly on SAT & SUN.
They do have AVGAS but it has to be arranged (purchased) via the
local aeroclub if avaialble
http://www.aer.gr/.
Usually there is no handling charge but Olympic Airways may charge
~40 Euro's depending on service provided.
- Iraklion LGIR in the center
The capital airport of Crete with lots of commercial traffic.
You can visit Iraklion freely with just a PNR but you should expect
some considerable delays in refuelling (same driver for JET-A1 bowser)
and may get flight delays in arrivals & departures due to traffic.
Also the handling may not be the cheapest; there are cases where
Olympic Airways has charged 80~90 Euro's for a simple marshalling
and a drive to the terminal. Expect paperwork & refuelling to
take at least 1.5 hour. LGIR VFR routes can be found in http://hellasga.com/downloads/ (bottom)
and http://www.aer.gr/
- Sitia LGST on the Eastern edge
A relaxed calm airport very friendly to GA. No handling, plenty
of AVGAS.
Only thing you should be carefull with over there are the operating
hours.
Check the LGST NOTAMs for the operation hours https://www.notams.faa.gov/
John Georgantakis (email: i.georgantakis(at)gmail.com) a local AOPA
Hellas member, PPL &
based Cessna owner can always help you with anything you may need.
LGST pictures: http://hellasga.com/gallery/v/kyp/lgst/
At all 3 airports you can make a Schengen entry/exit (check para.
#13) but it's recommended you let them know in advance in case they
need to notify customs officers.
27. Where can I find Greece AIP on line?
Unfortunately Greece AIP has not been published yet on line on
the Internet. It is only available at CAA airport AIS offices. There
is an ongoing project by Hellenic
CAA to digitize and publist it on line with unknown
completion date.
You can visit this site: http://www.hcaa-eleng.gr/greekair.htm or download
the complete list of airports HERE (airport_directory.pdf)
Happy Flying!!!
For more information email to: info@aopa.gr
