Familiarization Flight in Switzerland
By Scott Clifford / EHM0695
“Zurich Ground, Baron Hotel-Bravo-Echo-Hotel-Mike request taxi to active for southbound VFR departure.” The air was brisk on a cloudy Saturday morning as I keyed the microphone to begin my adventure in Switzerland. This story comes to life as the twin Teledyne Continental piston motors’ roar, echoes across the tarmac at Zurich’s Kloten International Airport. The music of the
wisping propellers is broken by a strong accent on the radio, “Baron Hotel-Bravo-Echo-Hotel-Mike, Zurich Ground. Taxi to hold short Runway 14 pilot’s discretion.”
“Taxi to hold short Runway 14, Baron Echo-Hotel-Mike.”
After a few minutes, I was cleared for a VFR departure south. With a short rumble down the runway, the tiny Baron lifted from the earth and I was on my way. The purpose of this flight was to familiarize myself with the flight operations to and from Ambri Airport south of Zurich. Growing up at the most difficult airport in Canada (Castlegar BC [CYCG]), I was interested in exploring the challenging airports of Europe. Having frequented Madeira Island, Innsbruck, Berlin/Tempelhof and Courchevel to name a few, I had decided to explore
EuroHarmony's challenging destinations further.
The weather was high scattered cloud and moderate turbulence. I could not find IFR procedures for Ambri so I assume it is a ‘VFR only’ airport. Conditions were good enough for the flight. I climbed to a safe altitude and proceeded to maneuver my aircraft through the mountains.
Whether or not the mesh scenery that is available is accurate, is not important when you gaze upon the mystical peaks of various geometric shapes. It is really quite stunning with the sun rising and the vibrant colours of the snow capped mountains.
My first pass over Ambri was at 10,000 feet above sea level (ASL). I can see the strip is nestled in a very tight valley. I am used to mountainous terrain. My home airport has plane killing mountains at both ends of the runway within 2-3 miles and there is no circling east of the field.
So although I am not intimidated by the mountains, they deserve at least as much respect here in Switzerland. It is my
judgment there is no circling for runways at Ambri. You must set up for your approach miles away and descend into the tunnel-like valley. Fortunately, it seems this valley stretches several miles at both ends giving an airplane plenty of time to line up and descend safely; at least, perhaps at a semi-comfortable rate.
The approach although intense was smooth and landing soft. Using the FS2002 default scenery leaves much to be desired (it would be nice to see photos of the real airport). No terminal, no taxiways – just a runway. In any case, the real fun was getting here. After a brief break, I was back in the cockpit warming up the avionics and running up the engines. By the late morning I peeled off the runway and climbed up the valley. Once clear of the mountains I turned north for my return to Zurich. A Dash 8 could easily operate charter flights to this airport (hint, hint).
With plenty of fuel and the high scattered cloud breaking to few, I decided to extend my return journey with a pass over Lake Lucerne.
“Zurich Tower, Baron Hotel-Bravo-Echo-Hotel-Mike is 9 miles southwest inbound to land Zurich.” The tower, again with a strong accent replied, “Baron Hotel-Bravo-Echo-Hotel-Mike, Zurich Tower, Roger. Make right downwind for landing runway 16 QNH 1015.”
“Roger downwind right for Runway 16 and QNH 1015, Echo-Hotel-Mike.” I continued to monitor the tower frequency and peered out of the cockpit for other traffic. My flight was coming to a close and I finished my circuit. I was four miles for the field; the visibility was beginning to drop and I can hear another aircraft calling tower:
“Zurich Tower, Swiss 956 is with you 6 miles on the ILS runway 16 to land.”
Well, needless to say, my nerves were tested on that approach. Putting aside the obvious (communication error somewhere, wake turbulence etc), the Airbus A320 passed by and continued on it’s mindless (FS AI) landing. Although I was “number 2” for landing, I knew a go around was required under the circumstances.
My first approach into Zurich was a miss. However, the second was AI traffic free and I safely taxied to the terminal. I thoroughly enjoyed this flight. I am looking forward to future flight operations into more of Europe’s exotic airports!