🇵🇹 Braga Municipal Aerodrome

Braga Municipal Aerodrome (LPBR) is located 3 km (1.6 NM) NNW of Braga, Portugal, at an elevation of 74 meters (243 feet). It is owned by the Municipality of Braga.

Type of facility and operations: LPBR is a VFR-only aerodrome primarily used for light and transport aviation, sports, and leisure activities, with a maximum takeoff mass (MTOM) limit of 5700 KG. Ultralight operations are also permitted. It supports emergency medical services and Civil Protection, hosts the Air Means Center during fire season, and is used by the Portuguese Air Force for training flights. Parachute jumping is a notable activity at the aerodrome.

Notable features and history: The aerodrome's origins trace back to June 22, 1929, with the landing of a Junker F-13 aircraft. Prominent local figures acquired the land to create the "Campo de Aviação" (Airfield), leading to the formation of the "Sociedade do Campo de Aviação Bracarense" in 1930, the precursor to Aero Club Braga. In 1937, the society transferred the area to the Municipality of Braga for maintenance funding.

The aerodrome has a single asphalt runway, 07/25, with dimensions of 939x23 meters. It features a permanent daytime surveillance and includes a motor racing speed track (Vasco Sameiro Circuit), a Kart track to the North, and a Golf Course to the South within its perimeter. Several aeronautical entities are based here, including Aero Club de Braga, Céu listrado – Clube Aeronáutico (focused on ultralight aviation), and Associação de Paraquedistas do Minho (APM).

Current status: LPBR is a national aeronautical infrastructure certified by the National Civil Aviation Authority. The aerodrome is currently studying the implementation of a unit for developing ultralight aircraft and motor glider prototypes. Operational hours vary seasonally: April 1st to September 30th from 08:30 to 20:00, and October 1st to March 31st from 08:00 to sunset. Operations outside these hours require 48 hours prior permission (PPR) to the AD Director, except for civil protection, medevac, and search and rescue flights with prior coordination.

*Sources researched: ais.nav.pt, cm-braga.pt, en.wikipedia.org, skyvector.com, metar-taf.com*