Use of runway in Çatalköy for Flight Training

[bigOz]

Around 6-7 months ago There was some concern and discussions over the possible use of the old Barış runway, in the middle of many villas along the Çatalköy coastline.

We had since formed our Cyprus Aviation Association and are fast progressing towards using one of the two main airfields in Lefkoşa for flight training and a school building.

I am pleased to inform all those concerned, after numerous meetings with the TRNC CAA over the past 4 months, we are about to print first ever North Cyprus VFR air charts for use by private pilots. AND we have convincingly persuaded the concerned authorities that the current runway along Çatalköy coastline is not only too short and unsafe for use by any light aircraft, but would not be within the legal ICAO limits where the runway centre line has to be a minimum of 150 metres from any residential built up areas. The villas South of the runmay are between 80-90 metres. There are also buildings both on the final approach and take off paths that are also between 80 and 100 metres from both ends of the runway.

The CAA have agreed that, the use of this runway for aviation purposed cannot and would not be allowed under the circumstances. So, all residents of the area can relax and stop worrying about any such plans.

[Ragged Robin]

Thank You bigOz for setting our minds at rest. I do not live that near to the Bariş runway, but it is a lovely facility for locals and expats for walking, with an without dogs, children etc., and hobbies and I am glad for once common sense has prevailed. Long may they contınue to enjoy one of the few remaınıng free facilties for the general public

Congratulations on your achievements and I trust you will continue to progress towards enjoyment of your aerial activities responsibly and with due regard to the public and local residents.

[bigOz]

My pleasure RR

We are trying our best to enlighten the CAA here, because hey never catered for private flying in TRNC. Having all my flight training in UK (as well as another friend who is also a flight instructor) we are putting our knowledge at their disposal. I have actually been working on a VFR North Cyprus aviation map for private pilot training for the past 3 months (that never existed before). Hopefully we shall have that one printed next week. We want everything to be at European standards (EASA).

Currently we are not allowed to take on foreign nationals as our members(!), but a recent legislation change regarding TRNC clubs and associations activities we supported, came into effect as from last week. I think we shall be able to register foreign residents here as our members. That would mean, they will be able to benefit from huge discounts for many private hospitals and hotels in Turkey, for a membership fee that is currently 8-9 pounds a year! (Currently, visitors from UK and Europe are paying 3 times as much for the same operations)

Everyone, watch this space