Cardiff Handling

[julian_storey]

Has anyone been to Cardiff recently in anything small? What's the handling situation these days?

The flying club used to provide handling for small aircraft - but I'm not sure they're still trading.

[denhamflyer]

Was last there is June for Landing/Handling and overnight parking it was £113.85 for < 1.5t SEP.

Edited: It was mandatory handling at the time - the flying school had closed (so I was told). It was all very friendly and helpful. I believe the situation has not changed.

[julian_storey]

Who is the mandatory handler? Does handling need to be booked in advance?

[Black Prince]

Handling agent is Signature on 01446 712637.

Phoning ahead is always a good idea to avoid unwanted delays. Let them know if you'll need fuel as well for the same reason.

[scooter boy]

Why not go to RAF St Athan instead?
Total cost for landing and 1 night parking was £55 only 2 months ago.
It's a bit further out and doesn't have the same transport links but half the price.

SB

[swp53]

Or fly into Upfield farm Newport. Closer to Cardiff than Cardiff International or StAthan.

[gsjefferies]

.....and very friendly to.

[julian_storey]

Thanks for the info folks :ok:

[Gav28]

I was wondering if anyone knows if Upfield Farm is still in use? I was reading somewhere that it's no longer. Couldn't get through to anyone on the contact number I found.

If not I guess I'll have to try Cardiff Int, anyone flown in there recently in a single? I just need to pick a passenger up from the area, so any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks very much.

[Black Prince]

Your information is unfortunately correct. Upfield farm has been forced to stop operating.
The good news is that there is now an active training school based 'Southside' of the airport (Aeros). This means you can fly in and ask to park Southside. You pay your landing fee to Aeros and there is no mandatory handling. I think you'll be looking in the region of £25 +vat for landing, depending on aircraft weight. Get your passenger to meet you in the 'Flying Club' which is a cafe upstairs in the same building as the flying school. There's a balcony which overlooks the airfield and they'll be able to watch you arriving.
Access to 'Southside' is via the village of Rhoose and you don't need to go anywhere near the main terminal.

[Gav28]

That’s a great shame I was looking forward to landing there, looks like a nice little strip. Out of interest why did it have to stop operating?

Anyway ~£25 at Cardiff is fine, it's actually more convenient anyway.

I'm planning on picking a passenger up, flying somewhere locally to get some lunch, returning them to Cardiff and then heading home. I was thinking Shobdon as I've been before and know it's a nice place but any other suggestions on a lunch destination?

Thanks very much for the advice.
Cheers

[Black Prince]

I don't know the full details regarding the closure of Upfield Farm but I understand that there was an issue regarding planning for the hard runway backed up by a NIMBY campaign.
As regard getting some lunch from Cardiff. You could always go for a local flight and eat at the Flying Club. Shobdon, as you mentioned, Swansea is ok or Pembrey (weekends only). Cotswold (Kemble) has an excellent restaurant. If you want to go a bit further afield then Haverfordwest is a nice destination or cross the water to Dunkeswell.
There's some stunning coastal and mountain scenery down this way and it's well worth making the most of it wherever you decide.