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Welcome to the Aircraft Owners and Pilots association of Greece

This page has been designed especially for you, our international friends, in order to provide some helpful information about General Aviation operations in our country. Greece is full of airports and airfields, with an 85% of them being mostly available in winter time. There are few international public airports with hard surface runways, but only 5 of them utilise a 24 hours customs availability. Air Clubs, mostly operate with Cessnas 150-172-182, Piper Cherokees and TB's. If you plan to fly to our country, you are more than welcome. You will have no problems with communication in English, and we are pretty sure that you/ll love our sun and blue skies...

Frequently asked questions:

1. Do I need to file a flight plan?

On any international VFR flight to/from Greece you are required to file a flight plan. You may plan to cross the boundary at any point you wish, or do as ATC tells you . For domestic VFR flights, a flight plan is required. Flight planning is also required for all IFR and night VFR flights. If you are departing from an airport without AIS office, you may file your flight plan to Athens central AIS by fax: +302103532635 or by phone: +302103533691. These numbers are attended 24 hours a day. A General Declaration also need to be submitted at this time.

2. What frequency should I be calling once I cross the boundary and where I can land?

All around the country you will be within the reach of "Athens Information" (if you fly VFR), on frequency 130.925 Mhz (North Sector) / 119.75 (South Sector). This station will provide you with (non radar) Flight Information Service and will give you all information about activated military and restricted airspaces. While flying VFR at low altitude, you may lose contact with FIS station. In that case, continue to fly according to your flight plan, on VFR, and wait for a contact later on. A contact must be made at least every 30 minutes. It is however advisable to contact the Approach or Tower frequency of any military unit whose airspace you will be transiting. Military airports usually have associated TMA's and you should contact the published frequency. You can also contact TUGRIT military radar on 129.80 for advisories.

3. At what altitude should I fly?

VFR altitude on an easterly course (0°-179°) is odd thousands plus 500 ft (3500, 5500, 7500). On a westerly course (180°-359°) even thousands plus 500 feet (4500, 6500, 8500). This rule applies above 3000 feet AGL. On IFR flights same semicircular rule applies wihout the +500. Transition Altitude is specified in each airport's approach plate. If you plan to fly above the usual airway's base (6~7,000ft) inform FIS so that they coordinate with Athens Control in case they have any low flying IFR traffic in the airways.

4. What is the VFR transponder code?

At any chosen VFR altitude your transponder should squawk 7000 unless you are assigned an individual code. Transponder is mandatory for all flights, and mode C is mandatory within/below controlled airspace (TMA's CTR's Airways etc) even if VFR. Flights entering ATHINAI FIR should squawk 7000 unless otherwise advised by ATC.

5. Can I fly a Greek registered airplane with a foreign license?

Since March 2006, with a) a non JAR license or b) a non European National License, you cannot fly SX- registered aircraft any nore without a validation by Hellenic CAA. With a JAR license not issued from Greece (Hellenic CAA) you can fly one but only within the boundaries of Hellenic Airspace. The only way to fly SX- registered aircraft with foreign license is to get a JAR validation on it from HCAA.

Regarding b) : some National Licenses from European countries (e.g. UK) are still accepted for flight with SX-reg. aircraft in Greece but it may not be for long. FAA Licenses cannot be used any more for SX-reg. aircraft flying but only with N registered aircraft as everywhere. For more information contact Mr. Desilas of HCAA FCL department at: +30210 9973037 (altn. 9973976 & 040) or Mrs Menagia at mmenagia(at)hcaa.gr

6. How can I obtain a Greek validation?

According to HCAA Technical Directive 10/2007 of 05-Dec-2007, if you need a JAR validation on your foreign license (must be ICAO contracting state) by the Hellenic CAA (HCAA) it can be done but involves few administrative steps. HCAA issues the validation and it is valid for a maximum of 12 months. With this validation on your ICAO license you can fly to all licensed airports & airfields in Greece with SX-reg aircraft a) in Day, VFR, VMC only b) under private flying priviledges (i.e. not commercial)

In brief for a basic PPL validation, a pilot along with the application, needs to submit to HCAA

a) a photocopy of the ICAO license
b) a photocopy of the Medical certificate
c) a photocopy of the R/T certificate
d) a photocopy of recent logbook entries proving flying currency status
e) a fee of 6 Euro for PPL

For more information contact Mr. Desilas of HCAA FCL department at: +30210 9973037 (altn. 9973976 & 040) or Mrs Menagia at mmenagia(at)hcaa.gr

For residents of more than 180 days in Greece who hold a JAR license from another JAA country (without Greek Validation) you can fly Greek registered aircraft but only within the boundaries of Hellenic Airspace. For extra ratings on the PPL (e.g. Instrument Rating) again a 6 month validation can be issued with the necessary JAR Medical, Theory exams passed and a flight test with an FTO (not RF)
- Approved Flight Schools (RF & FTO's) in Greece:Download HCAA list (from this page of HCAA)
- Aeromedical Examiners in Greece
- HCAA website http://www.hcaa.gr/ , JAA website http://www.jaa.nl/ .

For permanent residents in Greece with JAR license from other JAA coutries it is adivsed that a transfer of their JAR FCL records is made to HCAA in order to avoid temporary validation requirements. For more information contact Mr. Desilas of HCAA FCL department at: +30210 9973037 (altn. 9973976 & 040) or Mrs Menagia at mmenagia(at)hcaa.gr

7. Are JARs already in effect?

Yes, JARs are already in force in our country. Greece is full JAA member. Greek JAR-FCL licesnes are fully recognized by all countries (since March 2004).  In any case, it is advised to become familiar with Greek national regulations before engaging in any aviation related business,because some of the traditional regulations may be different from western-European or ICAO standards. The RF or FTO (see para. 6) will be in charge of informing you regarding local regulations.

8. Can I rent an airplane in Greece?

Airclubs are not "rent a plane" facilities. There are nor such facilities in Greece. Nevertheless a foreign pilot may enroll as a fully qualified club member, as any other Greek pilot, and afterwards, may rent a plane from the club, as a club member. Air Clubs usually require a check-out with their instructor before renting the plane. Private schools mostly have Cessna 152, 172 or Piper 28 series. Prices range from 140 to 200 euros per flight hour, depending on type and equipment of the aircraft.

9. Emergency situations

When a flying aircraft is in an emergency situation, then it may land at, besides the airports, any suitable aerodrome without prior permission (as referred to AGA 0-1 par 3.1.2.). The Emergency Frequency is the international 121.50

10. Controlled fire areas LGC

 Greece has introduced this definition which is: An airspace of defined dimensions within which firing of projectiles and missiles takes place and is coordinated in such manner that air traffic operating through that area is not endangered. Please ask ATC or FIS if any are active in low levels.

11. How do I obtain Weather briefings and NOTAMS?

You can call the LGAV reporting office for NOTAMS at 210 3533691-2 or Fax 210 3532635. Call 210 3533689 for a MET briefing, or at larger airfields go to to the local MET office. You can also go online for official weather at: http://www.hnms.gr/hnms/english/aviation/aviation_html

12. Ground Handling

According to Greece AIP you must accept and pay for handling at major airports “If it is offered to you”. i.e. if it’s not offered don’t bother.

·         The price for GA Handling (aircraft up to 2000 kgs MTOW) by "Olympic Handling" as of June 2009 is 32 euro per airport visit. Read the new Price List here. Read also the last agreement (15th July 2009) btw the new company Olympic Handling and AOPA Hellas. Special handling charges for the members of IAOPA here

·         The price for GA Handling by "Goldair Handling S.A". Read the agreement btw Goldair and AOPA here

13. Must I takeoff or land at an “International Airport” if I’m flying Internationally?

Yes. Even if you are flying within the EU you must take off or land at a designated International Airport. It is not a customs check but rather a police check that you are bound to/from EU and they just check passports and destination/origin to confirm that you do not need Customs.

14. Do I have to fly airways or designated air routes?

VFR flights need to fly a track below or inside controlled airspace (at +500ft ALT). VFR through non controlled airspace is not allowed. Airways, TMA's & CTR's are controlled airspace and most of Greece is covered by one of them. Inside TMA's there are Greece AIP published "VFR routes" with specific altitudes that can be flown without the need of entry clearance. Diversions in route & altitude are given (coordination by FIS) en route for "weather/wind turbulence avoidance" but not during the initial Flight Plan submition phase on ground. All VFR routes charts are available at airports where CAA office has the Greece AIP.

15. Can I fly IFR?

Yes!

16. Can I fly at night?

Only on an IFR flight plan.

17. How do I find out airport opening hours?

That information is published by NOTAM and in the HCAA website www.ypa.gr but in Greek language document. Check PPO, PPR and PNR airports below and do contact them as early as possible for parking permission.

In English check here, but parallel always check the latest NOTAM and advice your National Reporting Office.

18. Will I find aviation fuel at my destination?

Not all airports have fuel. It should be published in the AIP or by NOTAM. A list of airports providing AVGAS can be found below.

19. Which airports can I fly to / Do I need prior permission to ?

The following Greek airports have access restrictions for GA aircraft according to Greece AIP. 

For Military Air Bases that have no HCAA presence (first column) access is not allowed.

For Military Air Bases that have HCAA presence (second column) access is allowed but with prior permission by HAF via HCAA.

At least one week (5 working days) before the flight send an email or FAX to the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) with the following details :

To: HCAA/D1/A
Fax: +30 210 8947101 & 8916338
Tel.: +30 210 8916247

From : (your full contact details incl. FAX number)

Subject : Private flight to Kalamata LGKL (ammend destination accordingly)

I request permission to visit Araxos airport with the following flight details :

Pilot Name xxx xxxx, Nationality, xxxxxxx
Passenger(s) Name(s) xxxx xxxx, Nationality xxxxxxx

Aircraft Registration: xxxx
Aircraft Owner: xxxx
Aircraft Type : xxxxx
Aircraft MTOW : xxxxx

Arrival Date & Time (UTC) : xxxx xxxx
Flight Origin : From XXXX  (if outside EU you need to request customs presence)
Departure Date & Time (UTC) : xxxx xxxx
Purpose of flight : Private / Recreational

After the email/fax they will take care of the coordination with Hellenic Air Force and they will reply you by Email/FAX within 2~4 days with the approval.

20. Which charts can I use for VFR flying in Greece ?

For en route VFR charts for Greece we use the 1:500,000  TPC charts which are the only available right now. The Navaids data is old and there is no GPS data on them. The topography is correct though. For NAV, COM, GPS and AIRSPACE data. We use the Jeppesen low level IFR chart E(LO)13-14 which include the latest data.

In Greece you can find the above charts at www.pilotshop.gr along with Jeppesen VFR Bottlang trip kits (airport charts & directory).

NOTE: CHECK ALWAYS THE AIP GREECE AND LATEST NOTAMS BEFORE YOUR FLIGHT IN GREEECE!!!

21. How do I obtain Weather briefings and NOTAMS?

You can call the LGAV reporting office for NOTAMS at 210 3533691-2 or Fax 210 3532635. Call 210 3533689 for a MET briefing, or at larger airfields go to to the local MET office. You can also go online for official weather at: http://www.hnms.gr/hnms/english/aviation/aviation_html

Some usefull links on the Internet that we use for WX outlooks in Greece:

http://euro.wx.propilots.net/

http://ows.public.sembach.af.mil/

http://forecast.uoa.gr/ramsindx.html

http://www.poseidon.ncmr.gr/weather_forecast.html

http://weather.unisys.com/mrf/9panel/mrf_pres_9panel_eur.html

http://imkhp2.physik.uni-karlsruhe.de/~muehr/satpicsf/noaa/Greece/greece.html

22. Will I find aviation fuel at my destination?

The airports that currently provide AVGAS in Greece are :

1. LGAV
2. LGTS
3. LGRP
4. LGIR (min. quantity limit imposed)
5. LGKR
6. LGKO
7. LGST
8. Ikaros filed, Kopaida

In summer months only:

1. LGMK
2. LGSM

The price varies from 2,2 to 2,5 Euro per Lt.

23. General Aviation Charges in Greece

Landing/ Parking Fees AIP GREECE VOLUME I FACILITATION (FAL) pgs.3-1, 3-2, 3-3 Chapter I 

1,63 euro : Greek Register & European Union Register

7,34 : Non EU Register

One charge per aircraft per day that counts for all Greek airports for one calendar day (no surcharge)

Passengers Service Charges AIP GREECE VOLUME I FACILITATION (FAL) pgs.3-4 Chapter I (Airport Development Charge per passenger -not for crew- per departure). Departing passengers over 5 years old with final destination Greece, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and E U. airports 12 EURO. For passengers with final destination outside E.U. airports 22 EURO. Transfer passengers continuing their trip with the same or another airline within 24 hrs pay the charge at the starting airport. Passengers continuing their trip with the same aircraft (transit) are totally excluded from the payment of the charge. .

Provision of Ground Handling Services

For further information please check the above paragraph No 12 - Ground Handling

AVGAS Fuel prices in Greece :

2,2 Euro in most airports

2,4 LGIR

2,7 LGMK

24. Athens GA Airport

The dedicated General Aviation facility for Athens is Megara LGMG airport 40km west of the city. It is a "VFR only" airport and has operational hours a bit shorter than aviation day to night time period. Visit our Megara LGMG page for further information. Megara is a Hellenic Army Aviation helicopter base which has a civil apron on the Eastern side.

Alternatively one can go VFR day, or IFR day & night at Athens International LGAV airport which is a 24 hr. international large size airport. Airport duty officer must be informed for landing permission 3 hours in advance and a handling agent must be assigned. Total charges at LGAV for a light aircraft should be about 230 Euro's for first day and then another 70~80 Euro's per consecutive day.

Tatoi Dekelia LGTT, Hellenic Air Force cadets base is open only for local based (civilian) Aeroclubs and is not accessible to private individual visitors.

Elefsis LGEL, Hellenic Air Force Military Air Transport Command base, is closed to all civilian Aviation.

Kotroni LGKN, is a Hellenic Navy heliport closed to all civilian Aviation.

Ikaros private field is an excellent G.A. facility 105 km NW of Athens. Visit AOPA's Ikaros page for more information.

25. Airport Directory

You can visit this site: http://www.hcaa-eleng.gr/greekair.htm and we also recommend you download the complete list of airports (telephones) from here : http://www.aer.gr/aerotel.pdf , (courtesy of Chania Aeroclub). Also this map, in Greek language, http://www.airliners.gr/el/air_index.php has all the airports in display separated per category. 

26. Crete Airports - Transit to Africa & Middle East etc

Many pilots contact us regarding flight via Crete island as an intermediate stop for flights destined to Africa & Middle East.

For Crete there are three options :

- Chania LGSA Air Base to the west.
A mixed use airport, Civilian, busy Hellenic Air Force & NATO base.
To fly there you need to send a PPR fax (check para. #19) at least 5 working days in advance.
Only Greek register aircraft are allowed to operate without PPR there and thatonly on SAT & SUN.
They do have AVGAS but it has to be arranged (purchased) via the local aeroclub if avaialble
http://www.aer.gr/.
Usually there is no handling charge but Olympic Airways may charge ~40 Euro's depending on service provided.

- Iraklion LGIR in the center
The capital airport of Crete with lots of commercial traffic.
You can visit Iraklion freely with just a PNR but you should expect some considerable delays in refuelling (same driver for JET-A1 bowser) and may get flight delays in arrivals & departures due to traffic. Also the handling may not be the cheapest; there are cases where Olympic Airways has charged 80~90 Euro's for a simple marshalling and a drive to the terminal. Expect paperwork & refuelling to take at least 1.5 hour. LGIR VFR routes can be found in http://hellasga.com/downloads/ (bottom) and http://www.aer.gr/

- Sitia LGST on the Eastern edge
A relaxed calm airport very friendly to GA. No handling, plenty of AVGAS.
Only thing you should be carefull with over there are the operating hours.
Check the LGST NOTAMs for the operation hours https://www.notams.faa.gov/
John Georgantakis (email: i.georgantakis(at)gmail.com) a local AOPA Hellas member, PPL &
based Cessna owner can always help you with anything you may need.
LGST pictures: http://hellasga.com/gallery/v/kyp/lgst/

At all 3 airports you can make a Schengen entry/exit (check para. #13) but it's recommended you let them know in advance in case they need to notify customs officers.

You can visit this site: http://www.hcaa-eleng.gr/greekair.htm or download the complete list of airports HERE (airport_directory.pdf)

Happy Flying!!!

For more information email to: info@aopa.gr