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Alderney Alderney is a British protectorate, and is officially outside the European Economic Community. It is the one remaining place in Europe where you can get genuine duty free spirits and tobacco!
The island of Alderney is described by Bill Bryson as "2000 alcoholics clinging to a rock" and it is quite possible to walk around it in a day. Routing via ORTAC (50N 2W) will provide a neat entry to the Channel Islands zone with no need to talk to the French. The approach gives the distinct impression that approaching slightly too fast will end up over the cliff in the sea. Beware however there are downdrafts on the approach, and be ready for a go around.
Above: Approach to Alderney runway 26
Above: The Alderney Tower is distinctive
Above: it is best to fill up with fuel on arrival. A trick is to tell the tower you will require fuel on arrival so that they can get the fueller out of the pub.
Above: Book in at the cubby hole next to the fire station.
Above: Book in with the fireman. The booking in form is a standard GENDEC. On booking in you will be required to pay the landing fee which is reduced if you upload fuel, another reason to get fuel first. You will also be required to complete the "General Declaration". Don't forget the receipt you will need it to claim the duty frees!
Above: the fax for filing flight plans, The met and the fax for filing flight plans is at the end of the booking in hut. It is said that the fax machine is connected to the tower just 50ft above your head, and that it is positioned here because too many pilots got vertigo climbing to the top of the tower to file flight plans. File for Ortac at 2000ft, but don't be surprised to be given a departure via the Northern Zone Boundary not above 500ft!
Above: Way out to the rest of Alderney To get to town walk to the bottom of the car park, turn right and keep going. It is a 10 minute walk or a 15 minute taxi ride!
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