Easily done, the under run area for 24 is a noticeable slope up onto the flat of the main runway, which combined with the comedy-short nature of the marked length makes it all to easy to drop below the 300+ft you need to safely clear the pylons.
Hope all survive unscathed, truth be known 24/06 makes Sibson a tricky little airfield.
Warns of power lines on approach to runway 24 but I've no idea if these are the same ones.
Aside: The energy companies are looking at sites for wind farms in this general area, in particular where power lines are close to main roads such as the A14 or A1. Have heard a microlight club has lost it's field recently in this area.
Warns of power lines on approach to runway 24 but I've no idea if these are the same ones.
Almost certainly, the lines cross the A1 directly along the centreline of 24, they are a very prominent feature of the approach and when the website says "The airfield is PPR as it is essential that visitors are briefed to the airfield characteristics and activity. " the first thing that will be highlighted are the power lines. (The trees off the end of 24 and the lack of overhead due to meat bombing will also get a mention)
Yes they are the same ones. The approach is tricky and I'm really enjoying the challenge of learning on it, other airfields should seem easy in comparison.
300ft is really the minimum over the pylons, I tend to stay more around 400ft but it does make for a steep descent. That, along with the upwards slope at the start of the runway and the trees at the other end make it interest.
Not looking good, it's being reported now that the pilot is feared dead
A pilot is feared dead after a light aircraft clipped overhead power lines and crashed to the ground as shocked diners watched in horror. The aircraft lost a wing before it nose-dived in a hedge near Sibson Airfield, in Peterborough, Cambs, at 2.15 pm today(Fri).
That is sad news but it was only a matter of time. I flew into there when I was doing my hour building around the Uk, I remember thinking to myself I would not want a low sun in the sky on final approach.
A very sad incident and as you say Fenland Flyer a disgusting comment below. Keeping 100ft over the cables would give a nice stable decent. It could be intimidating to the new visitor. But a great little airfield to operate into. Where I learnt to fly many many years ago.
Sorry why is it only a matter of time? The cables are about a mile away from the field and on lower ground.
The cables are about 0.7 from the actual threshold, where the two runways cross. You don't land until after the numbers on 24. And you should be off the ground by the tower if taking off on 06 Sibson is a fine field, particularly for training. After that you can get into and out of most places.
3 deg is CAT stuff not GA.
Last edited by cotterpot; 2nd Sep 2011 at 18:43.
Reason: Adding a bit
Whilst being a slightly tricky approach it's still perfectly safe and managable. Anyone that knows Sibson is aware of the pylons and anyone visiting should have had full instructions when requesting PPR.
It'll be interesting to know if this was simply pilot error, or if some form of mechanical failure preventing him maintaining proper altitude....
Edit: Just measured up on google maps, I reckon the power lines are approx 0.3m from the start of the runway, and about 0.5m from the number 24 where you aim to touch down.
I've tried to comment on that disgusting Cambridge news page - but my comment hasn't appeared. Perhaps it has to be moderated first - if so, how the hell did that one get through?
I have "and a few others have tried as well" to post a reply to that comment but nothing seems to appear ! He probably had someone else post that comment for him as he doesn't sound like the shiniest spanner in the tool box
I've tried to comment on that disgusting Cambridge news page - but my comment hasn't appeared. Perhaps it has to be moderated first - if so, how the hell did that one get through?
If it's moderated, perhaps they've all gone home. Or they've sensed a strong reaction to the first post and decided not to put any more on until the boss has seen it.
Sincerely hope there are no injuries but that doesn't sound good....
