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, Li=E8ge, 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=A3 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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