Achim, thanks for the post-event feedback. The discussion here was a bit unfortunate and harsh and it’s nice to know the actual event was a success. Would love to have something like this in the DUS/CGN region, too.
It was a very nice gathering with excellent barbecue and a lot of interesting people. DFS was an excellent host and there premises in Stuttgart are very nice and party-compatible. Maybe 15% of the participants had a GA background. I hope it will continue in the next years like they do in Frankfurt and Munich. Thanks to the organizers.
Not a problem, we can lend you ours! (Assuming we have one that’s airworthy, that is)
I would think they would intercept first…assuming defence cuts mean the RAF s have at least one working aircraft.
Actually the last NATS ATC meeting (I have been to 2 or 3) was informal (to the extent anything at NATS can be 
) but they did tell us that anybody squawking 7600 and flying the ICAO lost comms procedure will be “shot down”, which (I asked the guy to clarify the outrageous statement and he repeated it) I thought reduced the value slightly…
Also, don’t forget the compulsory British 50 meter exclusion zone around the BBQ due to open flames, designated with approximately 200 luminous orange traffic cones. All in the name of “… ‘Elf ’n’ Safe-tea…”
I don’t think anyone criticised DFS or the Stuttgart ATC. I just think someone got a little übereifrig (in the UK they would have mandated hi-vis jackets for all BBQ attendees….).
I’ve always had a blast with Stuttgart tower and approach. Closest thing to the banter you get from UK controllers.
I once had an offer from EDDS to do a full length low approach/go around, and the ATCO slotted me neatly between two A320s, one departing and one on approach. Was perfectly executed by the ATCO, perfectly safe, great fun and I have the gopro video somewhere.
I hope it continues! Love the banter!
Ah nothing out of the ordinary, but the guy manning the tower that day was in an excellent mood and was having a blast on the microphone. Excellent service as always in Stuttgart, plus funny bantering with anyone who was up for it (“… we are currently in a competition for the title ‘friendliest tower in Germany’”).
I would love to fly from EDDS more often, but take a pax and do one landing and you’re down 100€, not funny for a little GA pilot.
Dooga wrote:
If that party is even half as entertaining as the EDDS TWR frequency on 30th May then we’re missing out!
Pray do tell us more… what happened……
