I dropped into La Rochelle to enter the Schengen area and then slipped into LESO. I just made my way out though the normal exit. The Police Gardia Civile were not interested in me at all.
The same applied on departure. Returning via La Rochelle. Best to file the flight plan through the office as they stamp it and the Guardia Civile is looking for the admin office mark on the flight plan, went through the scanner and made my way to the aircraft. Pulled the aircraft onto the engine start place call for start up and off we went.
Many thanks for the report @cargofeller
What is the situation with mandatory handling on non-Schengen (basically UK) flights?
The AIP states
which looks like a return to the old situation, before they completely blocked non schengen traffic due to – according to a local pilot – some police staffing dispute.
Last August I went to LESO. I flew in from La Rochelle.
Landing and parking for 5 days was less than €100. There was no handling charges.
Fuel was not cheap and there is a cost for calling the bowser out.
It’s best to book in advance and get a parking space assigned. I am going again this year and have my parking space allocated. Thankfully it is much nearer the engine stopping area this time which means it’s less work moving the aircraft into the space.
I was there a few weeks ago and they levy handling (12 euros) if you come from a non-police airfield. Iberia staff will escort you the 100 metres to and from the terminal and take payment by credit card. Landing and parking is paid upstairs at the operations desk. It is best to allow some time as you have to pass through two different locked doors.
[email protected] for Iberia handling
[email protected] reply promptly and will ask you where you are coming from, if no police they request you to contact Iberia.
Simon
Good report, Sam. That’s how it used to be 10+ years ago 
Looking back through this thread, what is the situation with mandatory handling on non-Schengen (basically UK) flights?
Excellent update, thanks.
What vat number did you use? Do they accept a UK Vat number?
Sorry it that’s a dumb question?
So, stopped in here today, awesome.
PA32 with 5 on board, 3 hour stay. 10.89EUR total bill. Yup, less than eleven EUR!
Then, taxi to town (really beautiful), less than 5 minutes, 9EUR. Great lunch and back. Then, fuel, no VAT with just a VAT number – no need for AOC.
So, a complete find.
Cheers, Sam.
boscomantico wrote:
Google “AENA Tarifas 2017”. Here
In English here – > AENA Price guide 2017
Important to notice that in point 5.1 there are the AENA regulated maximum prices for basic handling. Each handling agent has the obligation to provide this basic service at that maximum price, and everything on top of it has to be agreed with the requester. It is useful to make clear that you know this when requesting handling quotation, and that you only want the basic service. Have a look at AOPA Spain web, there is a good post on this. Sorry it is in spanish. I think there is an English version, but cannot find it now.
I don’t know where this safe/unsafe idea comes from. Official info, from AIP, is: “Agreement with handling agent (Ramp Agent) is mandatory for General and Commercial Aviation operations”
Maybe they are not being very strict about this.
Previously they have considered it unsafe (no police) and I have paid the handling. I feel the wind has changed.
Simon
