Tue May 22, 2018 8:59 am
#1612948
I'm planning a three day trip to Bergerac in June in my shareoplane (a TB20). It will be the first time I’ve taken an aircraft away on a multi-day trip.
My concern is securing it for the two days and nights it will be parked there. Bergerac airport tell me they have no available hangar space, and there are no tie-down points on the apron. I’ve asked if I can park on the grass and use my own tie-down kit, but I’m told I'll need to ask the tower after I arrive, so the answer could well end up being 'non'. I get the impression that it’s the first time they’ve ever been asked the question
Am I worrying about nothing? Do most of you only start thinking about tie-downs when strong winds are forecast (in which case I probably won't be making the trip), or for longer stays or lighter aircraft types? Or would lack of tie-downs be a no-go for you when planning to leave your aircraft overnight, regardless of the conditions?
Being the cautious sort, I'm leaning towards finding another airport where grass parking is available, and buying myself a tie-down kit. Perhaps Angouleme, though it's further away from where I'll be staying. The Breighton twister thread has given me some food for thought... But maybe I'm being over-cautious.
Any practical advice from those with more experience of touring than me would be appreciated.
My concern is securing it for the two days and nights it will be parked there. Bergerac airport tell me they have no available hangar space, and there are no tie-down points on the apron. I’ve asked if I can park on the grass and use my own tie-down kit, but I’m told I'll need to ask the tower after I arrive, so the answer could well end up being 'non'. I get the impression that it’s the first time they’ve ever been asked the question
Am I worrying about nothing? Do most of you only start thinking about tie-downs when strong winds are forecast (in which case I probably won't be making the trip), or for longer stays or lighter aircraft types? Or would lack of tie-downs be a no-go for you when planning to leave your aircraft overnight, regardless of the conditions?
Being the cautious sort, I'm leaning towards finding another airport where grass parking is available, and buying myself a tie-down kit. Perhaps Angouleme, though it's further away from where I'll be staying. The Breighton twister thread has given me some food for thought... But maybe I'm being over-cautious.
Any practical advice from those with more experience of touring than me would be appreciated.