I think that is fairly clear that the interpretation of the same SERA rules across Europe differs substantially between states.
Attitudes towards IFR operations in class G and in ATZs of airfields without instrument approaches are the most obvious differences.
Some of us may have provided Timothy with a response on another channel :-)
I look forward to read his conclusion on how the rules are perceived compared to what Part-SERA and Part-NCO actually says about this.
Those EASA regs hardly say anything – only “except for take-off and landing” …
I know for certain that my country’s CAA has not realized that.
I reckon not many people here are doing VFR-IFR transitions airborne, hence the lack of feedback.
Airborne_Again wrote:
impossible by definition
No it isn’t. It is illegal by definition, but far from impossible.
Peter wrote:
However, I would argue that calling Class E “CAS” is playing with with words
You can argue any way you want, but if you look at how the concept “controlled airspace” is defined – both in SERA, in the International Rules of the Air and in the FARs – it’s clear that class E is controlled airspace.
Using homemade definitions because you don’t like the official ones will only cause confusion. Just as talking about “VFR in IMC”. Except for Special VFR (which is not what you refer to) that is impossible by definition.
However, I would argue that calling Class E “CAS” is playing with with words 
The “CAS” which is used to protect airports etc is Class D or higher.
On a departure without a clearance to enter CAS this just means you need to remain “officially” VMC.
Of course that is better than facing Class D after departure and trying to get somebody on the radio…
Peter wrote:
Obviously you need a clearance to enter CAS
Suggest to add “in IMC”. Clearance is not required in Class E per se. You just need CAS VMC. Some countries require radio contact, some not. I think per ICAO rules, radio contact is not necessary.
While there is a lot of valuable information here, what will be really useful is more postings like Snoopy’s and Ultranomad’s, ie postings of quite full descriptions how it works in territory very familiar to the poster.
The list is now:
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bulgaria
Croatia
Estonia
Finland
Hungary
Iceland
Kosovo
Latvia
Lithuania
Moldova
Montenegro
Portugal
Romania
Serbia
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Turkey
Ukraine
Peter wrote:
Or by having Class E in the “right” place – that is prohibited for IMC without an IFR clearance. Much of France has that.Class E is controlled airspace.
That’s a fundamental property of controlled airspace (for IFR flights).No. Class E is controlled airspace, but you don’t need a clearance for VFR.
And VFR flights too
