Karlovy Vary  LKKV

Date of Visit = July 2000

Pilot: = Geraint Pinches

e-mail = geraintpinches@genie.co.uk

Field Report = We flew to Karlovy Vary, in the western Czech Republic, in July 2000 in a Piper Warrior.

The approach to the airfield is very scenic, being perched high on a flat hill above the town with pine trees sloping up to the runway.

The runway itself is concrete and about 2000 metres long - more than adequate.At some times of the day, Karlovy Vary has radar available but sometimes it's just the Tower that is operating.

Fees were reasonable (£16.36 for landing, £7.63 for overnight parking and £4.55 for handling).Fuel at time of visit was approx 67p per litre.

Customs are present during airfield ops hours and require no prior notice.

Apart from that, there is little at the airport apart from a small duty free counter and a bar which was shut. The people were fairly pleasant but did not seem geared up to light aircraft arriving from the West. The field does however have a met briefing officer who will give you a neat folder of information free of charge.

The town itself is small, but beautiful being surrounded by pine forests and hills. It is also very cheap. Duck and dumplings in a smart restaurant came to about £4 excluding beer (80p a pint)! Recommended is the Hotel Thermal above the town for an open air swim and great views, followed by a sauna and massage (massages should be pre-booked!)

Call Karlovy Vary Approach on 119.95 or Tower on 122.90. ATIS for Karlovy Vary available in English on Prague VOLMET.