Ours never has - thank God!! Or is it that it has and i'm just too out of it to notice?! (I don't fly well and have a drink or ten to get me through it!)
Message posted by Pegasus on 27 April 2006 at 11:39pm - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
Quote: Originally posted by MARK D on 27 April 2006
is it true that when the plane aproaches corfu airport the plane fly's parallel to corfu town then circles back on it,s self almost skimming the sea
Hi Mark D,
The planes always manage to land safely, I do not think it is that bad, I would be more worried about the runway being on a duck pond with the wings floating over the water. Check out about other airport questions previously and TheChef (my husband) gave a particularly apt description in his message about the landings in Corfu. It is really not that bad.
Regards, Pegasus.
Message posted by BoltonLynda on 27 April 2006 at 11:43pm - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
Quote: Originally posted by MARK D on 27 April 2006
is it true that when the plane aproaches corfu airport the plane fly's parallel to corfu town then circles back on it,s self almost skimming the sea
Yep!
Message posted by Bob and Wendy (Uncle Bob) on 27 April 2006 at 11:44pm - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
Bob and Wendy
It depends which direction it is landing from.
The most common is to aproach the island from the north, crossing the island on the western side, so looking out of the windows on the left of the plane you see Sidari, Roda and Acharavi, you then cross the island south of Corfu Town before making a U-turn to approach the runway from the south, from this direction you can see the hotels of Peramathrough the port windows (left side). Inevitably from this direction you are approaching from the sea and are quite low. But no lower than final approach at any normal airport. Gatwick for instance, you seem to be skimming the tops of trees and airport carparks for a life time.
On occasions you land from the north, the approach is normally the same but instead of the sharp u-turn, a gentler turn is made circling round Corfu Town and approaching something like from Gouvia and missing the town on the left as you come in to land. This direction is only used when strong winds are blowing from the south.
Its really no big deal either way, we've made it about 100 times, and never had a problem
Bob.
Message posted by Lind on 28 April 2006 at 12:30am - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
Lind
It's geat - but the first time you suddenly think - oh hell, we're going to land in the sea!!! Just that there is water each side of you as you approach the runway. After the first year I was looking out for it, so excited as it proved we have arrived!!!
Message posted by elizajay (Moderator) on 28 April 2006 at 12:51am - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
Quote: Originally posted by mich&hel on 27 April 2006
Ours never has - thank God!! Or is it that it has and i'm just too out of it to notice?! (I don't fly well and have a drink or ten to get me through it!)
Oh ...you must have been sat in the bar with Mr.eliza....who hates flying and insists he has to have several drinks before he can even think about boarding the plane...and yes Corfu landing is like that...but so is Ibiza and Salou, as far as I remember....no problems anywhere though LOL!
Lizzy xx
Message posted by TheChef on 28 April 2006 at 2:49am - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
Quote: Originally posted by Lind on 28 April 2006
It's geat - but the first time you suddenly think - oh hell, we're going to land in the sea!!! Just that there is water each side of you as you approach the runway. After the first year I was looking out for it, so excited as it proved we have arrived!!!
EXACTLY!
TheChef
Message posted by Alisos on 28 April 2006 at 8:58am - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
But if you do, just remember that the pilots do lots of practise flights before they pick you up Hel, so you'll be OK
Message posted by weststekker on 28 April 2006 at 10:33am - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
weststekker
Hi Mark,
Over the years I have been on flights which have landed in both directions. If you have a window seat you will get some stunning views which you will tell your friends about & make them envious. Once the wheels touch down its YIPEE!!! we are here. Enjoy your holiday.
Yammas, Colin.
Message posted by rhinofan on 28 April 2006 at 11:06am - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
Corfu landings are quite good, if you have flown into Hongkong before the new airport was built, that was an experience, we flew in between sky -s**********er buildings almost near enough to take the washing off the balconies, or watch the people eating breakfast. It was very interesting (for want of a better word) One of the worst things for me is the take off from Leeds/Bradford, but I enjoy flying it's part of my holiday.
Enjoy your holiday
Carol Rhinofan
Message posted by Sailor on 28 April 2006 at 12:12pm - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
Sailor
Now there is a flying experience that brings back memories of many kinds. Flying into the old Kaitak Airport, Hongkong, on a Cathay Pacific 747, as said above, between the high rise buildings, waving at people on balconies. You should also hear the breaks come on as soon as it hits the runway. An experience for sure.
Another airport which is slightly traumatic to land on, is at Gibraltar, both ends lead out into water, so it makes no difference which way you are coming in, or going out. You fly in over water, and take off over water. Again, it is to stop as quick as you can.
So Corfu Airport, minor detail compared to some around the world.
Yeia mas, Chris.
Message posted by Simon on 28 April 2006 at 12:22pm - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
Hey I love landing at Corfu airport - Its no where near as scary as landing at Athens where you might be forgiven for thinkig the pilot was trying to land you on one one of the hotel roofs ! - Sometimes you get fantastic views of mouse island - and before that great views of the island itself - the U turn over the South tip of the island is not too scary and you get views over Parga and Sivota on the mainland - worst bit is when those brakes go on and boy do they go on hard ! but once you are off the plane just take in the rolling hills and wonderful warm air - AHHH you are here at last !!
Message posted by Nissaki Fans! on 28 April 2006 at 1:36pm - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
Skiathos is worse as you hit the run way and they slam on the brakes. Also they can't refuel there as the runway is to short for the plane to take of fully loaded with passengers and fuel.
Corfu ain't that bad realy other than the hole in the runway which if you hit it sends you back up in the air.
Elaine
52 days and counting.
Message posted by MARK D on 01 May 2006 at 4:04pm - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
Thanks for your concern, Alisos, but too late! Anything to do with flying I just have to read (it's the massachistic tendancies in me!)
Linda (Bolton) - Why didn't you just say "No" ? I was beginning to think you were my friend!
I have flown into Corfu now at least 6 times and maybe that is the way they have always done it and I think I will just keep topping up on the poison! What I don't know will not hurt me, I guess! (unless I read it on here from trusted friends!!!)
Message posted by Janw on 02 May 2006 at 1:07am - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
Oh I was quite worried when first read this thread but sounds like the approach to Kefalonia, so managed that ok! The good thing is if you dare to look you do get to see some great views of the island you're staing at, the first time we went to Corfu (1985) it was night flight so I didn't see them the first time! lol
Message posted by MartynG on 02 May 2006 at 11:42am - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
The southern approach to Corfu airport is over the sea - best if you sit on the port (left side) of the plane so that you can see the island, the buildings and the colours in the sea close to the shore. It does feel as if you are going to land on the water - but fear not!
The northern approach is over gouvia marina and then Corfu town. On the approach it feels as if you can touch the buildings!
Either way, the runway is relatively short and bumpy, so be prepared for some heavy braking and reverse thrust once you are down.
Martyn
Message posted by ecotrails on 02 May 2006 at 11:56am - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
What do you call the cafe with the viewpoint over the runway at the top of Kanoni, I love to sit there with a beer and watch all the flights come in and land below me.
Ian
Message posted by Guest on 02 May 2006 at 12:47pm - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
Guest
Quote: Originally posted by Bruce&Maria on 01 May 2006
Hi, Anybody landed at Gibraltar Airport we are going next week..you know how much I like flying...NOT.
Bruce
Hey,
I have flew into gibralta, it was years ago thou, the runway is very small one of the smallest (im not sure if its the smallest in europe or were ever LOL)
But its all good lying is part of your holiday lol!!
Message posted by Mick&shirley on 02 May 2006 at 1:41pm - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
Apparently pilots have to have a certain certification to fly in and out of Corfu, particularly on leaving as the take off involves an early bank to the left if taking off to the north bacause of Pantokrator.
Message posted by Sailor on 02 May 2006 at 1:54pm - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
Sailor
Quote: Originally posted by Sailor on 28 April 2006
Another airport which is slightly traumatic to land on, is at Gibraltar, both ends lead out into water, so it makes no difference which way you are coming in, or going out. You fly in over water, and take off over water. Again, it is to stop as quick as you can.
So Corfu Airport, minor detail compared to some around the world.
Bruce, you wanted to know about Gibraltar Airport, then here you go. Also if you have it, take a look at Google Earth and zoom in on Gibraltar, it gives a wonderful shot of the Rock and its airport.
Yeia mas, Chris.
Message posted by Chipping on 02 May 2006 at 3:03pm - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
Another interesting one was Madiera - prefaced by the pilot announcing "don't worry this is one of the most practised landings in the book!"
Message posted by Sailor on 02 May 2006 at 5:42pm - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
Sailor
Madeira, and it is on stilts, so that they could extend the runway, and the other end has a huge turning pan, which parts of the aircraft swing over the edge as it turns.
Yeia mas, Chris
Message posted by Trace (Profile Location Assistant) on 02 May 2006 at 6:01pm - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
Trace - I sat watching the starboard wing - still banked over when the runway appeared below - I was convinced that if the pilot didn't straighten up soon the first thing down would have been the starboard wing tip.
As it touched down (wheels thankfully first) I looked out of the port side - you see a sheer cliff face rising up, maybe 100 / 150 yards off the port wing tip - heavens knows what that does to up-draughts!
Message posted by Chipping on 02 May 2006 at 6:41pm - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
Message posted by Sailor on 02 May 2006 at 6:53pm - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
Sailor
Brilliant picture Chipping.
Trace, honestly you would love it, it is quite an experience. First time one does not really know the layout of the runway, it was only when I saw the model in the airport at Funchal. Next visit, paid particular attention to the approach, which flying past the airport which you can see the stilted runway, which gets the old chin wagging going by some. Then the sharp right turn, leveling off with the mountains to the left, and the runway ahead.
On taking off, the aircraft as I said goes down the runway to the pan and turns prior to setting off.
You would love it.
As anyone ever been to Yum-tum airport in Gambia.
Yeia mas, Chris.
Message posted by Chipping on 02 May 2006 at 7:43pm - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
The look of the runway does look a bit hairy but I have never heard of any problems. Take a trip to Kanoni when you get there and have a look, it's quite amazing watching planes land and take off there. For a really mad experience take a walk on the Kaiser bridge when planes come in. Did this with my dad when i was about 12. Almost soiled my pants!!!
Message posted by Angie_redshoes on 04 May 2006 at 7:01pm - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
Quote: Originally posted by Blue Chairs on 02 May 2006
Oh I was quite worried when first read this thread but sounds like the approach to Kefalonia, so managed that ok! The good thing is if you dare to look you do get to see some great views of the island you're staing at, the first time we went to Corfu (1985) it was night flight so I didn't see them the first time! lol
Kefallonia isn't as bad as Corfu but there's not much leeway there either. We came down through the cloud once when landing there and found that we were just about to land in the sea. The pilot took it straight back up and tried again, successfully this time. The silence onboard was deafening while he was going back round and was only out done by the cheering and clapping when we did land. There were 2 fire engines waiting for us when the doors opened.
I had a job in a vineyard just above Argostoli airport for a very short while and spent one afternoon watching an Olympic pilot practising his landings. He was quite good by the end of the day.
Message posted by Sailor on 06 May 2006 at 5:48pm - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
Sailor
Hi Angie.
One of my experiences of flying, was out of Yumdum airport, flying to Ghana with Ghana Airways DC10, and seeing an identical aircraft lying in pieces and burnt out at the end of the runway. The remains of an aborted takeoff and overshoot the week before. Too late to get off then.
Did you know that Yumdum is the next on base for Shuttle landings if they cannot land in the States.
Yeia mas, Chris.
Message posted by HOTFM on 06 May 2006 at 7:14pm - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
Hi Dan, Here is the link you refer to. I have just tested it myself, and it still shows the approach to Corfu Airport throught the Flight Deck windows.
Yeia mas, Chris.
Message posted by danboyo on 08 May 2006 at 5:45pm - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
Quote: Originally posted by Trace on 08 May 2006
I've still got it as my pc wallpaper.....wonderful shot, just a shame that only the pilot and first officer get to see it!!
Oh no it's not!!! If I was the pilot, I'd have to keep my eyes shut during that part of the flight.
Stuart
Message posted by Angie_redshoes on 08 May 2006 at 5:57pm - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
Ha ha.... that Corfu runway has got some serious skid-marks on it!!!
Chris, Yumdum sounds horrific! Was there any loss of life?
Message posted by Sailor on 08 May 2006 at 7:37pm - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
Sailor
I am afraid so Angie, how many, I do not know. This was back in 1989 though. On my plane, I am sure there were more than there should be. There was definately live stock in the back of the aircraft. It was horrendous.
Stuart, try visualising through those windows, and aircraft carrier, the type before jump jets. That is one hell of a scary moment, knowing there is only a piece of wire to stop you, and a good pilot who can throttle up quick enough to get back off again. The whole deck length is only about 750 feet. That was hair raising I can tell you.
Yeia mas, Chris.
Message posted by Simon on 08 May 2006 at 8:20pm - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
Dont know if any of you have tried this but if you open the pictures in Adobe CS2 ( photoshop) and then adjust the shadow levels in image adjust - they look even more impresive- all the controls and gauges are clearly shown.
If you dont have CS2 and you would like my 'improved' versions - then just e-mail me and I will return them to you !!
sfphotoatntlworld.com
I dont think I can do within the reply link.
CHeers
SIMON
If you wish to post a reply to this thread you must first Login
If you are not already registered you must first register
All Rights Reserved. No part of the Corfu Travel Guide web site may be reproduced without permission.
Infringement will be pursued.
The Corfu Travel
Guide and Lefkada Travel Guides are brought to you by Agni Travel.
Agni Travel is the sister company of Taverna Agni and also the sponsor of the Agni Animal Welfare Fund
Topic:
.jpg)
.jpg)
)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.
![[xx(]](http://www.agni.gr/message_boards/smileys/smiley11.gif){kind=small}
