Italy

[laserpilot]

Since we are relocating near Lucca Italy any Diamond flyers near to us who can comment on the smaller airfields called 'aerosuperficie ' ?

Also interested what people fly out of here in Italy. The bigger airports are awful for GA.

Thanks

[michael.g.miller]

If you're referring to where to home base, LIQL Lucca is a fantastic airport with a friendly aero club on site. It's short by US standards (2986 feet), but no problem for an appropriately trained pilot respecting the W&B.

If you're referring to where to fly... Italy has unfortunately become a bit hostile to GA at many of the large airports. That said, there are more than enough GA friendly airports to keep flying in Italy exciting... a few ideas:

- I love the Emilia Romana region the breadbasket of Italy. The food is A+. LIDE and LIPM (request permission at LIPM and watch the length) are both very GA friendly. LIPE is handler required, but "only" circa €100.

- For Rome, LIRU Roma Urbe is absolutely a must-stop. Very GA friendly. However, the arrival procedures are quite complicated, so dedicate a few hours to study them before your first flight.

- It's grass, but Venice Lido LIPV is supposed to be one of the best airports in Italy. I couldn't land because it was closed when I had my DA42 in Europe, but every pilot raved about it.

- For Palermo/Sicily, I had a wonderful experience at LICP. A great local aeroclub that was giving the equivalent of Young Eagles flights to kids.

There are quite a few other friendly airports in Italy to explore. If you're not already a member, join euroga, and check out their "Trips and Reports" as well as their "Airports Database". If you are considering visiting a particular area, you can post and get recommendations.

As for "aerosuperficie" - that usually refers to exceptionally short grass runways (circa 400 meters) that are not comfortable for much more than an ultralight. Most are probably not well suited for a Diamond.

Enjoy having your plane in Italy + Europe. The fuel and maintenance are more expensive per hour. But, you can fly so much "farther" in an hour of flight.. the countries are so close together.. a 4 hour flight can leave you in a totally different country with a completely different culture and food. It is a joy to fly around Europe. Just make sure you thoroughly research fees and proceedures before any visits!

[laserpilot]

Thanks, only downside to Lucca LIQL is no hangar space availability and closed on Monday and Tuesday. And nights.