Hi! We are planning a trip to Fatima in a couple of weeks and since Fatima-Giesteira is closed, Leiria seems a possible alternative.
Does anyone have recent experience there that you can tell us about?
In particular, since runway length is only 550m, it would be important to know if both approach/departure ends are free of obstacles.
Both ends seem to be elevated from surrounding terrain and hence reasonably clear, but in my experience the proverbial 50ft vegetation can be right there uncharted and imply a major change to your landing distance required. Google Earth seems to show both ends are clear , but there is vegetation around the thresholds. Some real-life recent feedback would be welcome so we do not have to divert in the last minute.
THanks
I spoke with them on the phone:
Immediate departure and short final (both ends) are reported as clear of obstacles and vegetation. Google Earth does show a road and some trees slightly higher than the runway some 200m from each threshold.
The Aviation Authority has concerns on light aircraft operating at the performance limits and have published a NOTAM restricting operations to aircratf with 2 POB, which effectively bans our planned operation.
Apparently the thresholds will be displaced and landing and t/o published distances reduced accordingly before the NOTAM is cancelled.
AVGAS is available by prior coordination.
