Alverca

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ICAO Code LPAR/AVR
Last Validated 7-2008
City Alverca do Ribatejo
Position 38°53'00"N 009°01'49"W
Runway(s) 04/22, HEL
Elevation 11 ft

General

The airport of Alverca is located close to Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. It is a Portuguese Air Force base without any operational units but it houses the General Storage Complex of the Air Force (DGMFA). A fair amount of stored aircraft can be seen. Next to that, OGMA has its main base here and maintains all FAP aircraft and similar aircraft of other countries. OGMA occupies a site with a total area of 400,000 sqm of which 140,000 sqm are covered area; comprising 10 maintenance hangars(2 of them sized 130 x 70 x 18m), modern manufacturing facilities, a large well equipped engine overhaul division along with extensive back shops.

Layout

The airport has a north-south orientated runway with all the buildings and taxiways to the west. The eastside is located next to the river Tagus. All hangars to the north of the large parking spot are OGMA property, except for the small hangar housing the Museu do Ar. All hangars to the south belong to the DGMFA.

Getting There

The airport of Alverca is conveniently located close to a highway, a railroad and next to the Rio Tejo ( river Tagus ). The highway A1 from Lisbon to Porto is located west of the field. From Lisbon you have to take the exit towards Alverca, just before the toll booths, as signed. Coming from the north, also take the Alverca exit. At the first roundabout, take the first right towards another roundabout. At this one, take the second right which is straight on towards another roundabout while driving over the N10. At the third roundabout take the third to the right towards a bridge over the railroad. After passing the railroad and after making a right turn, you are on a road on military property towards the main gates of the Museu do Ar, OGMA and DGMFA. The route towards the airbase is properly signposted.
Coming by train you will have to take the Azambuja Line departing also from the Lisbon Main Station Entrecampos and exit at the train station of Alverca.

Around the Airport

1Former Museum

After following the directions depicted in the Getting There section, you will see the former Museu do Ar right in front of you.

2DGMFA parking

Instead of driving towards the former Museu do Ar, take the turn to the right and continue past the gates towards the large parking. Stay on the right and drive towards the A-7 storage for a proper look. Do mind that this is military property. Continue along the gate to have a proper look onto the apron and the storage area behind it.

3On The Bridge

While driving back you will pass the bridge. Stop here, or park your car under the bridge and walk onto the bridge if needed, to have a view onto the airport slightly from above.

4Along The Taxiway

Just before you make the turn onto the bridge away from the airport, there is a small dirtroad along the railroad. Follow it untill it makes a left turn. Park your car when the road continues to the right over a small stream. There is another dirtroad towards the fence. Follow it to the end. You will be standing next to the taxiway and runway. Some aircraft perform engine runups here.

5View onto the Museum Storage

To note down and see some of the aircraft of the long term storage of the Museu do Ar it is best to do from public terrain. So, instead of driving onto the bridge crossing the railroad toward sthe airport, take a left to drive towards the train station. Stop at the entrance of a small factory an walk towards the fence between the road and the railroad. From here you will see the stored aircraft between the buildings.

6Preserved T-37

There is a T-37 preserved at a school nearby the airport. To see this one, at the last roundabout, do not go towards the airport but continue and the take the next right. Almost halfway you will note the T-37 at your right. You can park your car at the road entrance just behind it and walk back.

7View Onto OGMA Apron

To see aircraft at the OGMA aprons you will have to make a detour and prepare yourself for a nice stroll. The road N10 is the one to follow. The N10 is the road below the bridge you will cross towards the museum. Take the exit and follow the signs away from Lisbon. You will drive thru Alverca and into an industrial area. At one point, there is a roundabout with only a straight thru exit. After this one, and after passing some industrial complexes, you have to take the next right along some more industrial complexes. Drive straight on, along some houses as well, untill you cross the railroad. Now park your car to the right and walk along the dirt track towards the airport until you reach the small stream. Walk towards the sea along this stream for the best advantage point. Climb into a tree could be helpful as well.

8Landing on the North side

For some landing shots, just leave the car like in spot 7 and now walk towards the sea. There is a small concrete platform to stand on. You will have backlight till late in the afternoon.

OGMA does maintenance Hercules aircraft for many states, as shown by this Libyan one. The picture was shot from the OGMA parking spot at spot 2 by Cristian Schrik.

At the entrance of the Museu do Ar, this F-86 has been preserved. Photo by Piet Luijken, taken at spot 1.

Frequencies

119.225 / 122.100Tower
257.800 / 234.925Tower
138.800 / 234.125Approach

More Info

Portuguese Air ForceOfficial site about the FAP.
Azambuja LineInfo on the railroad towards Alverca, click on Urban Services of Lisbon if needed.

Order of Battle Portugal

Portuguese Air Force
Portuguese Navy

Other Airfields

Alverca  
Beja (BA11)  
Cascais (Tires)  
Faro
Monte Real (BA5)  
Sintra (BA1)  

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