Kenley Aerodrome Airspace Class.

[Milton1995]

Had this conversation with a friend who recently did gliding at Kenley, I had also done gliding there before and we were having a quick chat about it.

He was told that kenley was Class D airspace, while i think it is Class F/G (Although my points could say E also)

Reason for this is kenley has no ATZ, the radio's are not required in our twin acro's and i have never had them turned on in my life. Also class D requires ATC clearance, and we dont have an ATSU, or any other air traffic control unit.

Could someone clear this up for me, many thanks!

[ATCO Two]

I confirm that Kenley is in Class G airspace with the London TMA Class A above it with a base of 2500ft. There is no ATZ, and no ATC clearance is required to transit. However, I always warn any aircraft ion the vicinity that gliding is taking place up to the base of CAS, and that avoiding the area would be prudent. The nearest Class D airspace is at Gatwick and London City; even Biggin Hill is in Class G, but it does have an ATZ of course.

[Milton1995]

thanks for your reply, if biggin is then also a class G on the CAA airspace classification document it says that it requires no radio for VFR traffic? Is this correct ?

[spekesoftly]

The UK AIP entry for Biggin Hill states:-

"Not available to aircraft unable to communicate by radio with ATC"

So although you can fly non-radio (IFR or VFR) in the surrounding Class G airspace, the Biggin Airport Regulations require aircraft using the airport to be radio equipped.