Brno (PG City)

The Flight Experience Brno offers a distinct Central European flying experience that blends historic charm with modern industrial efficiency. Situated at the confluence of the Svitava and Svratka rivers, the city is topographically diverse, featuring wooded hills to the north and open, fertile flatlands to the south.

The primary hub, Brno-Tuřany (LKTB), is a favorite for virtual pilots because of its unique "dual personality." It serves as a modern international gateway with a long concrete runway for airliners, but also maintains an active grass strip parallel to the main runway, making it incredibly welcoming for General Aviation traffic. The approach over the rolling South Moravian countryside is serene, often dotted with yellow rapeseed fields in the spring.

Visual Highlights

• Špilberk Castle: Known historically as the "Dungeon of the Nations," this fortress sits on a prominent hilltop right in the center of the city. It is the primary visual anchor; its star-shaped bastions are clearly visible from the air.

• Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul: Perched on Petrov hill opposite the castle, the twin neo-Gothic spires of this cathedral dominate the skyline. The sharp silhouette of the cathedral against the red-tiled roofs is the signature view of Brno.

• AZ Tower: As the tallest building in the Czech Republic, this modern skyscraper in the southern district stands out with its distinct deconstructivist shape and red-and-white color scheme.

• Masaryk Circuit (Brno Circuit): located in the wooded hills west of the city, this world-famous MotoGP racetrack is a massive landmark. You can easily trace the 5.4km ribbon of asphalt as it winds through the forest, making it a fun "canyon run" for fast jets or stunt planes.

• Villa Tugendhat: For those with high-fidelity scenery, looking for this UNESCO World Heritage site (a masterpiece of modern architecture) nestled in the Černá Pole district is a fun VFR spotting challenge.

Pilot’s Note: For a true local challenge, request a Grass Runway landing (08/26) at Tuřany. While the heavy jets use the main concrete runway (09/27), GA traffic often uses the grass strip located immediately south of it. Landing here requires careful pattern work to avoid the wake turbulence of departing airliners while managing a soft-field touchdown just meters away from international traffic.