Stockholm Bromma   ESSB

Date of Visit = 11/99

Pilot: = Henrik Vaero

e-mail = huv@cowi.dk

Field Report = An hour after departure from Roskilde, Denmark, it became very dark on the moonless night in the '67 Mooney Executive on my way across Sweden. At FL110 the tailwind boosted my groundspeed to 180 KT initially, gradually reducing to 160 KT as I approached the Stockholm area. I had made the mistake of putting an "R" in the equipment box of the ATS flightplan, (mis-)leading Swedish ATC to believe I have updated RNAV equipment onboard. Carrying 3 (!) GPS's, a panel-mount and two handheld, I had counted on beeing able to identify and navigate all waypoints, but I was not, well, not without first locating the waypoint on the en-route map and then dialing in the position coordinates, then correcting my dialing error and finally pressing GOTO. Without a good autopilot I'd given up and asked for vectors, or VOR navigation. Sweden restructured ATS structure completely in October 1998, and ATS routes now ignore the (remaining few) VOR beacons completely.

Approaching the Stockholm Area, I guessed right about which STAR I would be cleared to fly. It was a clear night, or late afternoon really, and the approach took me above Stockholm City at 2500FT - an impressive sight. Well established on the ILS for rwy 30, I was still unable to locate the runway - it looked as if the ILS would take me straight into the densely built-up city, it was that bright with city lightning. 3-4 miles out I finally spotted the runway, and despite crosswind, aggressive turbulence on short final and a very dark runway (no CL), I made a reasonable landing. Knowing about some WIP on the area between the runway and the apron I was relieved to see a flashing Follow Me sign in front of me.

An important item to remember whenever visiting Sweden in a small airplane: always ask for a Weekly Season Card, and check the price. Even if I wasn't going to land anywhere else in Sweden, the WSC at 350 SEK (about £30) was cheaper than the single landing at Bromma plus parking fee. The WSC is good for all the big, expensive airports in Sweden (even Arlanda, it says on the card?!?) and includes parking, and it works for aircraft up tp 2000 kgs.

Fuel is rather cheap at about £0,40/liter, and if you have a BP carnet there is a self service station - otherwise, you have to wait for the Shell or Statoil truck.

I never quite figured out the custom rules. I asked before arrival and before departure, but never actually met any custom officials.

Briefing is helpful and professional. Departure flightplan is faxed or telephoned to Arlanda, and oddly enough weather and notams are also requested from Arlanda, who (fairly quickly) will fax it all to Bromma. Departure is via one of the SID's if you fly IFR - and also VMC flights have to follow narrow routes and altitude restrictions for reasons of noise. It pays to study both the airport map and the vicinity map in advance.

Bromma is GA-friendly and exceptionally situated so close to the center of the largest city in Scandinavia.

Internet Site = http://www.algonet.se/~pomarja/SvenskaFlygp