Suitable airport in the London area

[JoeCo]

Hey gang,

Have a trip into London for the day and looking into which is the most appropriate airport to go to. The boss says the meeting is in Central London, Westend. Someone had suggested London City, but then another said that we needed to be specially approved to go in there because of the 5.5 degree GS. Looked in the Jepps and did a bit of research on the subject but didn't really get any solid answers as to whether or not we are legal to go in there. Any help on this would be greatly appreciated.

The other option if London City is def. out was Biggin Hill. Anyone got any heads-up as to what to expect at Biggin?

Of course if someone has a better idea, please feel free to pass it on.

Cheers,

Joe

[JoeCo]

Thanks leonbrumsack, (hope I spelt that right)

Heathrow of course was a thought, but word was that if you don't have 2 engines then they won't let you in. Besides, with all the other options in the area, isn't there something a bit more convienient than Heathrow??? Something that caters to Biz Av better than one of the largest/busiest airport in Europe if not the Globe?

Still looking for an answer on the London City airport and what exactly the restriction is. Can anyone confirm it is due to the Glide Slope angle?? And if it is, how do we get the approval?Regardless, it's still looking to be the best.

Looking forward to some info.

Thanks,

Joe

[AlanM]

If it is a single (as you hinted) - forget LCY. More at: LCY Cttee website (http://www.lcacc.org/) look under About the Airport and then Aircraft. (phone number and email contact there)

Depends on where you are going - would suggest Farnborough or Biggin Hill. There are always quick heli transfers to Battersea which take about 4 mins from BIG and 8 from FAB.

[KitKatPacificuk]

What is the aircraft size? Why use a Big field. There's always Elstree, Denham, North Weald ( good for Central London 15 mins by car to Docklands), Biggin is a great field but a pain to get anywhere once you've got on the ground.

[Buzzy]

Have you thought of using RAF Northolt. The location is pretty central although the landing/handling fee is quite steep (£200). About 25mins taxi into central london (depending on traffic of course).

[activewaypoint]

I vote Farnborough!

[Spangly]

Me too. Phone TAG Aviation on +441252 524440.

[andymac]

as prev stated without knowing what acft your intending to fly in, there's always Stapleford - prob the cheapest option, v near the M11/Loughton underground line.:ok:

[JoeCo]

Hey Gang,

Sorry I haven't been able to reply quicker but I have been on the road. Fantastic bunch of information. I really have appreciated all of your responses.

To clarify, the aircarft type is a PC-12.

AlanM (I hope you are the right person) thanks for the link to the London City web site. Excellent bunch of information there. Although the PC-12 is not on the list of accepted aircraft and it states single a/c are prohibitted, for my own interest I will contact to Airport Supervision and see what is required to get into the airport, if it is even possible.

As for an exceptable alternate to London City, I have been in touch with our other pilots and they have strongly suggested Luton for various reasons. To be honest, I have heard lots about Luton and was surprised i no ne had mentioned it yet. Anyhow, as some of our other aircaft have been in there before, handling has been said to be very good and the commute into town is 1-1.5 hours depending on time of day. How many of you out there would agree with this what I have heard?

Speaking with one pilot inparticular who has been in and out of just about all the airports in the London area. From his experience, he refuses to go to some of the other "major" airports in the area due to their lack of something or other (each one he mentioned had it's own weakness) but has no objections with Luton.

As for our Ops, ultimately it's my call, but it looks like they're gearing up to have me go into Luton unless I hear differently for any one of you out there and can present a more suptable option.

Regardless, I'm looking forward to the trip and to reading your replies.

Thanks Again,

Joe